Forest Green Rovers have commenced formal legal action against Peterborough United following the contentious departure of former manager Robbie Savage. Forest Green owner Dale Vince confirmed the escalation in a short video posted to social media, announcing that the club has started a legal process over what he claims was the illicit tapping up of the 51-year-old Welsh manager ahead of his appointment by the League One club on 2 October.
The dispute stems from Peterborough's pursuit of Savage earlier this month, which Vince claims initially met with a firm refusal. Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire ten days after the appointment, Vince revealed that after blocking an initial request, Peterborough spoke directly to Savage, which forced the owner to relent once the manager reported the contact. Peterborough United declined to comment on the new legal proceedings when contacted by BBC Sport, but chairman Darren MacAnthony has previously defended his club's actions on X, insisting the hiring process was entirely legitimate, compliant, and adhered to all governing rules.
Savage had originally joined the Gloucestershire club in July 2025 following a notable stint with seventh-tier Macclesfield FC, the phoenix outfit established after the winding up of Macclesfield Town in 2020. During his spell with the Silkmen, Savage guided the team into the National League North by collecting 109 points and scoring 109 goals. In his only full season at Forest Green, he navigated the side into the play-offs, where their promotion bid ultimately concluded with a defeat against Boreham Wood.
The manager's spell with Forest Green ended after 11 matches of the current campaign, leaving the club sitting in 13th place upon his switch to the third tier. Since taking charge at Peterborough United amid the off-field controversy, Savage has recorded two wins, two draws, and two losses across all competitions.