Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince has accused Peterborough United of making an illegal approach for former manager Robbie Savage. Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has denied the claim.
Forest Green released a statement on September 29 confirming that Savage had been allowed to begin talks with the League One club. The move was completed on October 2.
The disagreement centres on what happened before permission was granted.
Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Vince said Peterborough first asked to speak to Savage and Forest Green refused. He says Savage then came to him saying he had heard Peterborough wanted to talk to him. Vince said he found it hard to refuse because Savage is a friend, and agreed to let the interview go ahead.
Vince believes that contact made after permission had been refused amounts to an illegal approach and repeated the claim on social media, saying the rules had been broken.
MacAnthony disputed that account on X. He said Peterborough’s appointment process was “100% correct and proper following all the rules.” He pointed to his 20 years as an EFL owner and said he respects the process.
MacAnthony said Peterborough director of football Barry Fry had phoned Forest Green counterpart Mark Bowen to ask permission to interview Savage and added that Forest Green sent several emails about compensation before granting permission. The Posh chairman also said nobody at Peterborough offered Savage an interview until official permission had been given.
Forest Green have not confirmed whether they have contacted the Football Association about the alleged approach.
On the pitch, Vince has said there is currently no vacancy at the New Lawn, with the existing coaching staff remaining in charge. Their first game without Savage ended in a 4-2 home defeat to Hartlepool United. Savage has since defended his record, saying he left the club in a strong position and fulfilled the brief he was given. The Welshman recorded a 1-3 win at Leicester in his first League game.
Forest Green were 13th in the National League when Savage left. They travel to National League South side Chesham United in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round today.
Whether the dispute goes any further will depend on whether Forest Green take the matter to the FA. Neither club has indicated that formal action is under way.
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