Forest Green Rovers Sack Manager Troy Deeney After Just Six Games

Forest Green Rovers have made the decision to sack Troy Deeney as manager, following just six games in charge of the League Two club. Deeney, a former Premier League striker who joined Forest Green in a player-coach role, was promoted to the top job in December after the dismissal of Dave Horseman.

Upon taking over, Deeney inherited a team that was already struggling in the league, with just one win in seven matches. Unfortunately, his tenure did not yield much improvement, as Rovers went on to lose three games and draw the remaining three under his guidance.

Deeney faced criticism throughout his time as manager, particularly after his public outburst following a 2-0 defeat against Harrogate. His comments about the team, including referring to them as ‘babies’, raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

The Football Association also handed Deeney a four-match touchline ban for his improper and abusive language towards officials during his second game in charge against Swindon. These incidents, along with the team’s results, prompted the club’s owner, Dale Vince, to take swift action.

Vince, speaking exclusively to Mail Sport, expressed his disappointment in Deeney’s careless remarks about his players and highlighted the need for a change. He admitted that while the performances under Deeney showed improvement statistically, the manager’s criticism of the team took a toll on the club’s reputation.

Forest Green Rovers’ decision to part ways with Deeney was not solely based on results but rather the overall package of issues. Vince emphasized that the public criticism of players, the touchline ban, and the manager’s harsh comments were all factors that led to the decision.

It was a difficult move, given Deeney’s outspoken nature and potential as a motivator. However, Vince stated that it was clear the partnership was not working, both for the club’s and Deeney’s benefit. The owner expressed his well wishes for Deeney’s future career.

Looking ahead, Forest Green Rovers aim to find an experienced coach who can lead the team and keep them in League Two. With a talented group of players and a budget equivalent to a League One club, they believe they need a strong leader to address their leadership problem. Their initial experiment with female manager Hannah Dingley followed by David Horseman was short-lived, and they are now determined to make the right appointment to achieve their goals.