Forest Green Rovers, facing the unwanted prospect of a drop straight back down to League Two, which they were crowned champions of last season, have confirmed the sacking of manager Ian Burchnall.
Burchnall took over in May 2022, following previous managerial spells in Norway and Sweden, respectively leading at Viking FK and Östersund, before returning to England where he bowed out of the National League playoffs in two consecutive seasons with Notts County.
Despite achieving a target of a job in the English Football League, it seems to have been a bridge too far for the 39-year-old.
-
A tough tenure for Burchnall
Appointed as Rovers boss back in May last year, Burchnall would be the man to take the helm as they began their first ever season in the third tier, after predecessor Rob Edward's heroics saw them promoted as champions.
An opening day win away at Bristol Rovers gave a first impression of the coach, but he failed to capitalize on the momentum given, falling to defeat to Ipswich.
That set the tone for the continuation of Burchnall's spell, rather than the positive result to start the term, turning out to be a red herring in Rovers' form.
The following two victories were gained across the next six games, both coming outside of League One, and in cup competitions. Greens fans will probably not want to look back at the heavy defeats they suffered in the beginning period.
Rare away wins occurred at lower-league opposition in South Shields (FA Cup) and Newport County (EFL Trophy), though no more in their division, apart from at the Gas in Burchnall's first game in charge.
Overall, he would rack up just five of his 28 matches in the league, one of the lowest of any Forest Green boss in recent times.
That has a clear reflection in the standings, with Rovers sitting bottom of the table, and in prime position for a drop and a 'yoyo' campaign a high possibility, four points from safety.
Set to join the Gloucestershire strugglers shortly was Manchester United youngster Charlie Savage, son of Robbie. The promising 19-year-old was due to move to The Bolt New Lawn Stadium on a loan move until the end of the season, however that could now be postponed, due to obvious circumstances.
The following statement was released by the club at Wednesday lunchtime: "Forest Green Rovers have confirmed the departure of Head Coach Ian Burchnall, with immediate effect. Recruitment for his replacement will begin right away."
-
Thankful for the opportunity
Speaking to club media after the confirmation of his sacking, Burchnall wanted to, "thank Dale (Vince, chairman) for giving me the opportunity to manage in the Football League.
"The challenge was greater than I could have thought coming in. I have learnt a lot though," he added.
"For the fans, I am sorry that I couldn’t make it work and that they didn’t see the best of my team. I hope for them the team turns it around. They deserve a team in League One.
"My extended thanks to the players, staff and everyone at the club for their efforts – I wish you all the best for the future."
Chairman Dale Vince also had some words on the parting of the gaffer: "I’m grateful to Ian for all his hard work this season, it’s definitely not been easy.
"Our first season in League One was always going to be a challenge in itself but it’s been been made more difficult by a number of factors, with their roots in last summer.
"I believe in Ian as a coach, but circumstances have led us to this place, we’ve recruited strongly in the January window, player wise - now we need to recruit a new Head Coach - to give ourselves the best chance of staying in this league."
-
Duncan at the wheel
According to The Sack Race, Ian Burchnall has become the 39th manager in England's top-four leagues to leave their post this season.
His succeeder has been confirmed as Everton legend Duncan Ferguson.
Ferguson began his playing career in 1990 at Scottish club Dundee United, before his time at Rangers, and then three separate spells with Everton, which he made over 200 appearances in. He also holds seven caps for the Scottish National Team and played for Newcastle for a short while too.
The Stirling-born manager took the helm at Goodison Park on an interim basis in 2019 and 2022, but after departing the coaching team there last year, The Bolt New Lawn will be his first port of call as a permanent manager.
Ferguson was in the running for the vacant Toffees job, albeit he was also made clear favourite for the next Forest Green manager on Wednesday.
On joining the club, the 51-year-old expressed his excitement to get started: “I’m really delighted to join FGR for the next step of my career, and I plan to be here for a while. We have a bit of a fight on our hands to stay up in League One and I am ready for the challenge.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to come and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club too. Their world leading green creds are seriously impressive. I want to thank Dale for bringing me in - I’m looking forward to getting started!”