Robbie Savage and his side will return to Woodside in just over a fortnight’s time to provide the Reds’ inaugural fifth-tier test in front of home support.
Despite competing in different divisions last season, the two sides crossed paths just nine months ago in the fourth qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The tie marked Adam Hinshelwood’s homecoming, as the manager returned after 18 months away for a third spell in charge of the Rebels. However, it was the team hailing from Gloucestershire that ran riot and stole the spotlight, triumphing with a 4-1 victory in front of the TNT Sport cameras.
Domestically, Rovers enjoyed a positive array of results in the National League, which culminated in a seventh place play-off finish. Unfortunately, for the globally-renowned Vegan outfit, their hopes of a return to the Football League were dashed by eventual finalists Boreham Wood, who needed extra-time to produce a slender victory in the capital.
Defeat would have only motivated Forest Green Rovers to improve in the upcoming season, with the Greens harbouring aspirations of a title charge in the coming months.
History
Forest Green Rovers were competing as high as League One just three years ago, with the Club now looking to rebuild and stabilise following a freefall through the pyramid.
Up until 2010, the Green Army were a modest Non-League side nestled in the lower end of Gloucestershire. While they tasted success in the form of regional league titles during their 121-year existence, nothing would compare with what was to come.
Green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince decided to take control of the business 16 years ago and since then Forest Green have become internationally known for their commitment to sustainability, introducing vegan food throughout the stadium, using renewable energy, maintaining an organic pitch and earning recognition as the world’s first carbon-neutral and fully vegan football club.
On the pitch, Rovers reached the Football League for the first time in their history in 2017, courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers in the National League Play-off final. That achievement was trumped five years later as they claimed the League Two title earning promotion to League One in the process – dizzying heights for the club.
A combination of a lack of stability in the dugout, misfortune with injuries and poor recruitment led to FGR’s demise as they suffered consecutive relegations in 2024.
After two top seven finishes, the Greens will be hoping a comeback to the Football League is on the horizon.
Manager – Robbie Savage
Following Jermain Defoe’s recent departure from Woking FC, Robbie Savage is now one of only four current National League manager’s to have played in the Premier League – grouped with Southend United’s Kieron Dyer, Hartlepool United’s Lee Clark and Carlisle United’s Rob Elliot.
However, it’s his career post-football that has cemented his name a household one in English football. Renowned for his polarising football punditry, Savage is a long-serving presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live’s 606 and also regularly commentates on TNT Sports matches, contributing in various roles for over a decade with the major broadcaster.
Then in 2021, the Welshman opted for a career change following a unique set of circumstances.
When Macclesfield Town was expelled from the National League and wound up in 2020 because of financial problems, local businessman Robert Smethurst bought the assets and created a phoenix club, Macclesfield FC. Savage, a close friend of Smethurst, became a shareholder and the Director of Football, helping build the new outfit from scratch.
Following two promotions in three years, Savage took over as manager in June 2024—his first ever managerial job. In his debut season, he guided Macclesfield to the Northern Premier League title, securing promotion to the National League North with six games to spare and breaking the 100-point mark.
Only weeks after winning promotion, Savage accepted an offer to become head coach of Forest Green Rovers, where he has remained ever since.
Previous Meeting
Worthing have played Forest Green Rovers just once, losing at home to them in the FA Cup fourth Qualifying Round in the 2025/26 season. Current Worthing player Teddy Jenks has played for Forest Green Rovers, as have three recent ones: Omar Bugiel, Aarran Racine and Temi Babalola.
They are one of two of this season’s opponents that have played in the Welsh Cup.
Stadium
Overlooking the Cotswolds, the New Lawn is the home of Forest Green Rovers. With a capacity of approximately 5,000,the stadium is best known for reflecting the club’s environmental ethos. Under owner Dale Vince, it now features an organically maintained pitch, solar-powered facilities, rainwater harvesting and an entirely vegan matchday food offering, helping Forest Green Rovers earn a reputation as one of the world’s most sustainable football clubs.
In line with their ongoing commitment to sustainability, there are plans to eventually to leave The New Lawn for the proposed Eco Park, a new environmentally focused stadium and sports complex. The project, designed to include a stadium built largely from wood, has received planning approval but there is no official confirmation when the club will relocate.
Distance from the Sussex Transport Community Stadium: 130 Miles
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗