Forest Green took a risk in the summer, appointing Robbie Savage from Macclesfield, despite just a season as Step Three Macclesfield. However, the Welshman has brought life to a club at risk of stagnating and inspired belief that promotion back to the Football League may be on the cards.
The 51-year-old may be a divisive figure in the footballing world, but the Nailsworth faithful have warmed to Savage who demonstrates passion on the touchline and after a victory. With one Welshman making a mark at the New Lawn, January has seen Forest Green add two more to the ranks.
Rico Rees was highly touted for a move up the pyramid, after 33 goals in Step Three last year with Merthyr Town and 25 goals in the early stages of his National League North campaign. The 26-year-old was signed at the start of 2026, despite being linked with some Football League teams – Swindon included.
Swindon explored a move for Ricardo Rees 👀
Ian Holloway on why it didn't happen and how the club's recruitment process is shaping up under analyst Bradley Hardy 🗣️
Listen in full 👉 https://t.co/ZpZexllCeZ#STFC #BBCFootball #BBCEFL pic.twitter.com/wHQi0gONX4
— BBC Wiltshire Sport (@BBCWiltsSport) January 8, 2026
Savage obviously had full trust in Rees, who was thrown in from the start for his debut against FC Halifax. The talisman repaid this faith, scoring a brace to lead his side to a 1-2 victory. Rees was unlucky not to get a hat trick, hitting the post with the first of his six shots.
The former Bristol City youth player excels playing on the shoulder, using his blistering pace to get in behind. On debut, he was deployed off the left – a role that suited him perfectly, with target man Temi Babalola occupying the defenders.
The Cymru Premier Division in Wales is often a path untrodden when it comes from English recruitment. However, Savage and the Forest Green hierarchy have decided to dip into the niche market in signing Gabe Kirkcough from Penybont.
Kirkcough, 21, arrives at Forest Green with a reputation as a versatile and physically impressive talent. Comfortable operating in central midfield or as part of a back three, Kircough offers tactical flexibility and a strong athletic base.
Combative yet composed in his duels, he shows a mature understanding of when to engage and when to hold his position. On the ball, Kircough stands out for his ability to break lines with progressive passing, regularly switching play with raking diagonal balls that stretch opposition shapes. A powerful athlete, he brings both intensity and balance to Forest Green’s midfield and defensive options.
With a seemingly new approach in the transfer market, what other Welshman could Forest Green potentially sign?
With Kirkough signed from Penybont, Savage could be tempted to swoop for his ex-teammate James Crole. The 21-year-old has spent two seasons at the Welsh club, scoring 16 goals last season and adding 11 goals in 17 games this campaign. A product of the Cardiff academy, the youngster is a prolific striker and it is only a matter of time before he is back in England.
Elis Watts, formerly of Newport County, is excelling at Gloucester in Step 3 after a stellar goalscoring spell at Hungerford. At 23, he still has room to develop and grow and his versatility across the front line may make him worth a punt higher up the pyramid.
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