Troy Deeney Sacked by Forest Green Rovers After Criticism and Touchline Ban

Troy Deeney has been dismissed from his managerial role at Forest Green Rovers after only six matches in charge, a mere 29 days into the position. The former Watford striker, in his first managerial role, faced criticism for publicly berating his players following a home defeat to Harrogate last Saturday.

Deeney initially joined League Two’s Forest Green as a player-coach in the summer and was later elevated to the managerial position after owner Dale Vince terminated David Horseman’s contract. Horseman, the former Southampton assistant coach, had also been in his first senior management role.

The Football Association handed Deeney a four-game touchline ban on Thursday for his use of improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening language during his second game in charge against Swindon Town.

Following the loss to Harrogate, Deeney’s final game in charge as their midweek fixture against Mansfield was postponed, the 35-year-old criticized his players, stating he would “rather watch Antiques Roadshow” than his side. Deeney managed three losses and three draws in his six league matches at the helm.

Deeney accused Forest Green’s players of being “inmates running the jail” and expressed dissatisfaction with specific players’ performances, including Reece Brown and Fankaty Dabo. He questioned Brown’s punctuality and labeled Dabo as not good enough, highlighting a decline in his abilities.

Vince, the club owner since 2010, deemed Deeney’s approach inappropriate, asserting that it was a mistake to address the players in such a manner. The club’s longstanding goalkeeper coach, Dan Connor, is expected to assume interim charge. Forest Green, currently battling against successive relegations, is scheduled to face Gillingham on Saturday.

Explaining the decision to part ways with Deeney, Vince mentioned, “These are decisions nobody likes to make, but we have acted this way to give FGR the best possible chance of improving results and climbing the league table. We wish Troy all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts.”