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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. Bowen named Forest Green director of football Manager Cotterill expected to leave Forest Green 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. The end of one of football's great full-back duos - where do they rank? How Archer overcame injury heartache to return to England Test squad Ronaldo signs new deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr Cillian Murphy stars in 28 Days Later David Harewood on the impact of his psychosis documentary Who was behind the infamous robbery of Kim Kardashian? Maisie and Suzi's guide to the 2025 Women's Euros The end of one of football's great full-back duos - where do they rank? Every kit for Euro 2025 - pick your favourite The Commonwealth Games swimmer who might not see 40 Sir Gareth joins the greats as football's seventh knighted manager The chase is on - why no team can feel safe against Stokes' England Will 'sport's best dressed officials' be missed at Wimbledon? Euro 2025: How have England evolved? What are Wales' chances? England chase 371 to seal brilliant win against India in first Test Video England chase 371 to seal brilliant win against India in first Test 'Like talking to Andy Murray' - impressionist quizzes tennis stars. Video'Like talking to Andy Murray' - impressionist quizzes tennis stars In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week Who is the most iconic British & Irish Lion of all time? Which drivers are in danger of losing their seat for 2026? How Draper became a genuine Wimbledon contender Fleetwood's stumble gives US Bradley-sized Ryder Cup headache Which young players could light up Euro 2025? What do you remember about the 2013 Lions tour? Have the Club World Cup's innovations been good or bad? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.