Continuing the club’s progressive philosophy of working with young, ambitious managers with fresh ideas, Forest Green Rovers hired Ian Burchnall as Head Coach as it prepared for life in League One. It’s a step up for Ian, but one he is relishing, after a successful time managing Notts County in the National League.
Setting his teams up for an attractive style of attacking football, Ian averaged 1.69 points per match managing Notts County. He guided the side to the National League playoffs in his first season in 2021 and to the playoff eliminator in 2022.
Ian has taken charge of Forest Green Rovers at a historic time for the club as it competes in League One for the first time, but also during a rebuild. With several key players of the 2021/22 League Two champions seeking other opportunities, his task is to integrate new talent and build a side that can hold its own in a higher league.
Ian has taken charge of FGR at a historic time for the club as it competes in League One for the first time.
In addition to his experience at Notts County, Ian has managed at Östersunds FK in the Swedish top flight and the Norwegian Eliteserien club Viking FK. Continuing that Nordic theme, he also coached in Denmark at Sarpsborg 08 with Brian Deane. He has been dedicated to coaching throughout his career, starting at the University of Leeds, and continuing his development with the coaching staff at Leeds United and then Bradford City.
Ian joined the club as Head Coach alongside Assistant Head Coach Michael Doyle, whom he worked with previously at Notts County.
