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Feast of Football

The Robbie Savage interview

·1 hr 3 min·5 clips
Robbie Savage explains why he made four substitutions in the first minute of a cup match.
The episode begins with hosts Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts, and Sam Vokes introducing the topic of Robbie Savage's unusual four substitutions in the first minute of a National League Cup match. They hastily arrange an interview with Savage, who joins the podcast. Savage explains the substitution was due to competition rules requiring four starters from the previous Saturday, a tactic to manage squad rotation. He discusses his move into management from a successful punditry career, detailing why he chose Forest Green Rovers for its project, training ground, and alignment with owner Dale Vince and sporting director Mark Bowen. Savage describes his management style as inclusive, relying on a head coach for sessions while he focuses on overall strategy and player management. He emphasizes treating players with honesty and never holding Sunday sessions. The conversation covers the personal sacrifice of living away from his family in Cheltenham at age 50. Savage outlines his attacking 4-2-3-1 philosophy, prioritizing pace, power, and creative freedom. He reflects on his ambitions, stating he doesn't believe he'll manage in the Premier League but aims for success with Forest Green. The hosts ask about Wales under Craig Bellamy, with Savage praising the results. Savage also gives advice to Carl Roberts on hosting a football phone-in, stressing the importance of watching incidents to debate callers. The episode concludes with Savage discussing his son Charlie's potential for Wales and his ongoing punditry work with TNT.

As heard by us

A substitutions talking point opens into a candid look at management, distance, and football's domestic costs.

Feast of Football uses an odd matchday detail as its way into Robbie Savage's working week: Forest Green Rovers making four substitutions in the first minute of a National League Cup match.

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Why you'd press play

A four-substitution mystery, plus the loneliness of a manager's week in a Cheltenham apartment.

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