Savage lifts young fan onto pitch after Forest Green Rovers' 2-0 win at Woking

Forest Green Rovers extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 win away at Woking on Saturday, a result that left manager Robbie Savage basking in a moment that quickly became a social-media highlight.

The victory at the Laithwaite Community Stadium kept Forest Green atop the National League table, with seven wins and three draws from ten matches. The win continued a strong early run for Savage’s side, who have shown a willingness to mix bold selection calls with steady results as they push for an immediate return to the Football League.

In the wake of the post-match celebrations, fans highlighted a moment that has defined Savage’s tenure so far: stepping off the touchline to lift a young supporter onto the pitch to share in the joy of a late-season victory. The manager’s gesture was met with widespread praise on social platforms, with figures from across the sport weighing in.

The club’s result arrives on the back of Savage’s high-tempo, front-foot approach, which has already drawn attention for bold decisions under pressure. Notably, last week he drew headlines by making four substitutions in the opening minute of a National League Cup tie against Wolves Under-21s to protect his regulars for a crucial weekend fixture.

Forest Green named Neil Kengni, Abraham Kanu, Tom Knowles, and Kyle McAllister in the starting lineup, only to withdraw them immediately as a precaution to safeguard the squad’s longer-term plans. The move, which followed National League rules requiring a minimum number of players who started the previous league match, was defended by Savage as a strategic decision rather than a gimmick. Speaking on Sky Sports News, he said the decision was “within the rules” and that Forest Green were “respecting the competition.” He added: “The bottom line is we have won both games. We had seven academy players in the squad and we won.”

Forest Green, owned by green-energy entrepreneur Dale Vince, have made no secret of their aim to return to the English Football League after relegation, leaning on a blend of academy players and experienced performers to navigate a demanding early-season schedule. The club’s current form has reinforced Savage’s reputational risk-taking, with supporters broadly responding positively to a manager who combines transparent communication with a willingness to experiment when necessary.

As the season progresses, the club will look to sustain momentum while continuing to meet the challenges that come with balancing cup fixtures, a deep squad, and the aspirations of a fanbase eager to see Forest Green back in the EFL. The social-media reactions to the Woking win, and to Savage’s broader approach, suggest that the manager’s style is resonating with a broad cross-section of supporters and pundits alike, providing a boost to morale at the start of what could be a pivotal campaign.