Forest Green Rovers sack head coach Cotterill

Steve Cotterill took Forest Green to the National League play-offs but they were unable to secure promotion

Forest Green Rovers have confirmed the departure of head coach Steve Cotterill after the side missed out on promotion from the National League.

Cotterill's exit was reported earlier this week, following an 18-month spell at the helm.

The 60-year-old guided the Gloucestershire club to third in the table last season, but they were beaten by Southend United on penalties in the play-offs to miss out on a place in the Wembley final.

"Steve Cotterill and FGR have parted company following the club's decision to terminate Steve's contract. We wish Steve all the best for the future," a statement said.

Cotterill was appointed in January 2024 with Forest Green in the midst of a turbulent period, becoming their third boss in one season following the short tenures of David Horseman and Troy Deeney.

They were rooted to the bottom of the table when he took over and while there was an uptick in form during the spring, it was too late to save them from the drop and they returned to the National League last season.

Cotterill oversaw 22 wins through 2024-25 as they sought an immediate return to the English Football League.

But they fell off the pace behind Barnet during the season and had to face the play-offs, where they fell one match short.

Cotterill said afterwards that he wanted to stay next season to "build" on what the club had done so far.

Former Wales international Mark Bowen was appointed as Forest Green's director of football on 10 June, with the club having been without one for much of Cotterill's time in charge.

Bowen told BBC Radio Gloucestershire following his appointment that he was "looking forward" to working with Cotterill.

Forest Green will now be looking for their seventh manager since June 2022, following the exits of Rob Edwards, Ian Burchnall, Duncan Ferguson, Horseman, Deeney and now Cotterill.