Forest Green Rovers Owner Dale Vince Launches £2 Million Legal Claim Over Robbie Savage Departure
Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince announced on a Friday broadcast that he is suing Peterborough United and manager Robbie Savage for £2 million in compensation, alleging the club bypassed a contractual buyout clause during an October managerial move, the Peterborough Telegraph reported. The legal proceedings began the previous week, escalating an ongoing feud between the two clubs that started when Savage left his position at the New Lawn to take charge of the League One side.
Vince revealed the lawsuit during an appearance on Sky Sports News, where he stated that an abundance of evidence had come to light indicating the Peterborough chairman made a direct approach while publicly denying any such contact. “It’s not all sorted. It’s now gone legal and we are suing Peterborough and Robbie Savage for £2 million which was the buy out clause we were cheated out of,” Vince told Sky Sports News. The Forest Green owner added that the process started the previous week, noting that while some might dismiss the incident as standard football business, the conduct warranted formal action.
Dispute Over Contractual Approach and Alleged Tapping Up
The friction between the two lower-league clubs dates back to early October, when Savage departed Forest Green after 11 matches with the team sitting 13th in the standings. At the time of the appointment, Vince told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that he initially refused Peterborough permission to speak to his manager, only to relent after discovering the club had contacted Savage directly. Vince characterized the initial move as an illegal approach, telling the BBC that Peterborough covered themselves in no glory by going behind the club’s back.
Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony strongly contested those allegations, writing on X that the process to appoint their new manager was entirely correct and followed all the regulations. According to the Peterborough Telegraph, officials at Peterborough United were unaware of the formal legal claims when the announcement was made and declined immediate public comment.
Managerial Records and Precedent at Forest Green and Macclesfield
Before the dispute over his departure, Savage arrived in Gloucestershire in July 2025 following a successful tenure at Macclesfield FC, the phoenix club founded after Macclesfield Town wound up in 2020. During his time with the Silkmen in the seventh tier, Savage guided the club to promotion into National League North while racking up 109 points and scoring 109 goals. In his single full campaign in charge at Forest Green, he led the team to the National League play-offs before suffering a defeat against Boreham Wood.
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Since taking over at Peterborough United, Savage has posted a record of two wins, two draws, and two losses across all competitions. Forest Green publicly confirmed on September 29 that they had given their manager permission to speak to Peterborough, explaining that he wanted to leave for personal reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About the £2 Million Lawsuit
What triggered the legal battle between Forest Green Rovers and Peterborough United?
The legal action stems from Robbie Savage’s departure from Forest Green to Peterborough United in October. Dale Vince claims Peterborough bypassed the club and cheated Forest Green out of a £2 million contractual buyout clause.
How has Peterborough United responded to the allegations?
Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating on X that the managerial appointment process was 100 percent correct and followed all governing rules.
What is Robbie Savage’s managerial record since joining Peterborough?
Since taking over at Peterborough United, Savage has recorded two wins, two draws, and two losses across all competitions.
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