Forest Green Rovers Manager Cotterill Expected to Leave After Failed Promotion Bid

Steve Cotterill is set to leave Forest Green Rovers after guiding the team to a third-place finish in the National League and reaching the play-off semi-finals, where they lost on penalties to Southend United. Appointed in January 2024, Cotterill took over a struggling squad at the bottom of League Two and led a remarkable recovery, but ultimately could not secure promotion back to the Football League. His tenure included a 44% win rate over 71 games, with the club narrowly missing out on a Wembley final appearance. Alongside Cotterill’s departure, chief scout Russell Milton is also reported to be leaving, while Mark Bowen has been appointed as the new director of football, indicating a broader restructuring at the club. Speculation surrounds potential replacements, with figures like Robbie Savage reportedly being considered. Forest Green has remained silent on the managerial changes, but Cotterill’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter following a season of near success.