News

Youth trials to uncover new talent

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:19:47 +0000

Forest Green Rovers are renewing their focus on developing the future stars of tomorrow.

Youth trials will be held at their training base at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencenter, looking locally for the next generation of talent.

Rovers have already promoted former youth team players – Sol Williams, George Washbourne, and Ashley and Rob Brown – into David Hockaday’s first team squad

Youth coach Scott Bartlett said: “Our trials will be held in a relaxed environment giving young players a great chance to express themselves in front of our coaches.”

“Our coaches are looking for players with the right attributes to develop their skills.”

In addition to holding trials, Forest Green youth teams will be entering new leagues this coming season.

The under 12s – under 16 will feature in the Junior Premier League (South), which is directly sanctioned by The FA and has been conceived by large clubs in the area interested in developing their players through better coaching and better quality matches. While the under 8s through to under 11s will be playing in the North Wiltshire League.

For more information on the trials and the application process please visit the Youth Team section of our website.

Latest Rovers recruit can't wait to get going

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Wed, 30 May 2012 08:16:22 +0000

With manager Dave Hockaday’s summer signings very much completed his latest recruit is looking forward to helping make Forest Green a force to be reckoned with next season.

Gambian international forward Omar Koroma signed a three year contract at The New Lawn last week to become Rovers fourth summer signing.

“I’m very much looking forward to it,” said Koroma on his arrival. “I really cannot tell you how much I can’t wait to just start playing football especially with the manager that has been with me for so many years.

“I just want to repay him for the trust he has had in me and help Forest Green get to the Football League and I know that the fans can’t wait for that to happen.”

Koroma’s addition adds to what promises to be a lethal front line at Rovers next season with seven front men on the books hoping to fire in the goals to help Forest Green towards the Football League.

‘OJ’, as Koroma prefers to be known, is already more than aware of the atmosphere at the club having spent several months training with the first team last season which culminated in him firing two fantastic goals past Crawley Town in the reserves final tie of the season which led them to the Football Combination Southern Division championship.

“It was good to get that game in me because I hadn’t played a game for about two years so it was good to get that reserve game and to get ninety minutes in me as well.

“I’ve had a long break and a tough few years so I just want to start playing football again because that is all that is important to me.”

Koroma originally began his career with home town club Banjul Hawks, based in the Gambian capital, before being picked up as an 18 year old by Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth with a loan spell at then Championship side Norwich City soon to follow, but a serious ankle injury hindered his progress after a bright start.

He has previously worked with Dave Hockaday at both Watford and Southampton as a youngster and it was the link he has with Rovers boss that persuaded him that a long term move to Forest Green would be the ideal next move.

“You always need a manager that trusts you and you need people around you that give you the courage which really helps a lot. Football is a confidence game and if you’ve got someone who trusts you then it makes it easier for you.”

Koroma is thoroughly looking forward to kick starting his career again with competition for places in Rovers front line next season looking very healthy.

“In every team you need competition in the team. If you don’t have competition in the team then I don’t think people will work to their full potential so I think competition is good in every position to get everyone ticking.

“Football is just one game really and with the quality that we have got here we’re looking forward to it. I’ve watched Conference football and its decent football and the standard is very good as well.”

Rovers get home advantage for pre-season test against Cardiff City

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:12:16 +0000

Forest Green Rovers will test out their new squad on home turf against Cardiff City this summer, with the highly anticipated pre-season match against the Championship club now confirmed for the New Lawn on Saturday 28^thJuly.

The 2012 Carling Cup finalists, who narrowly missed out on graduating to the Premiership in last weekend’s play-off final against West Ham, will be visiting a Forest Green side refreshed with four new strikers in the past month, with Omar Koroma, Magno Vieira (Fleetwood), Ben Wright (Braintree Town) and Phil Marsh (Stalybridge Celtic).

The tie will be a tough one for Rovers, but with the club setting its sights on promotion to the Football League, manager David Hockaday is keen to prepare the squad against top quality opposition in the run up to the 2012/13 season:

“We are delighted to be hosting Cardiff at the New Lawn,” said Hockaday. “They are a great club and we hope it attracts some new fans through the gate ahead of what will be an exciting season.

“It will obviously be a big test: Cardiff just missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season and they play at a higher standard to what we are used to each week. But playing against teams like this will allow us to see where we are now and what else we need to do to get to the next level.”

Forest Green Rovers vs. Cardiff City FC

The New Lawn

Kick Off: 15.00

Tickets: availableat the ground on matchday (prices TBC)

Koroma wants to repay the faith

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Stuart Brennan) — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:02:36 +0000

After announcing the arrival of three new strikers in the last fortnight, Forest Green Rovers today added another forward to their ranks with the signing of former Portsmouth and Gambian international forward Omar ‘OJ’ Koroma.

Koroma, 22, has impressed on trial with FGR including some clinical performances in the reserves, persuading manager David Hockaday to sign the striker on a three year contract.

Koroma said: "I want to repay the faith that the manger has placed in me and help the club get promoted. I just can't wait to get next season started."

The Gambian international was previously signed by Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth in 2008 before going out on loan to Norwich City.

This latest signing is further evidence of the club’s ambitions for the coming season, with both Hockaday and Chairman Dale Vince placing promotion to League Two as a priority for the 2012-2013 campaign.

Koroma is the fourth striker to arrive at the New Lawn in the last two weeks, joining Magno Vieira (Fleetwood), Ben Wright (BraintreeTown) and Phil Marsh (Stalybridge Celtic) in what many will see as the one of the most potent forward lines in the league.

Younger fans score at Rovers with cheaper tickets

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:11:13 +0000

Forest Green Rovers is aiming to grow its youth fan-base at The New Lawn next season by introducing two new ticket bands aimed at young adults.

The club has launched a new ticket for young adults between 16 and 21 and is also reviving the Junior Season ticket.

The ‘Young Adult’ ticket will enable 16-21 year olds to watch a match at The New Lawn for just £8 (or £7 in the Rockwool stand), a massive reduction that will provide entry for students and young adults for just half the price of an adult ticket.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for young people to enjoy Forest Green,” said Head of Marketing Chris Wintle. “Football should be affordable for everyone and we’re trying to do our bit.

“We also want to grow and expand our youth fan-base and feel these prices will help to do that.”

The club has also re-introduced the Junior Season ticket – enabling Under 16s to watch FGR for less than £3 per match – a saving on 2011 match day prices.

Forest Green is hoping their new 2012/13 ticketing will satisfy current supporters, as well as attracting some new football fans to what promises to be an exhilarating season.

Fan’s favourites Chris Todd and Reece Styche have returned from injury and Chairman Dale Vince is expecting action in the player transfer market during the closed season, leading to excited speculation about the upcoming season.

“FGR is making great progress, on and off the pitch” said Chairman Dale Vince. “The coming season sees a serious push for promotion and part of that is an increased investment in our team, to achieve strength and depth to sustain a season long push.”

There will be modest price rises for matchday and season tickets this coming season, for example the adult season ticket price in the Western Thermal Stand is increasing from £300 to £325. These price rises are necessary to keep pace with both inflation (this is the first price rise for several years) and the improvements being made - on the pitch. We intend to build on last season's performance on the pitch,and these ticket price increases will help towards that.

“The best thing fans can do to support the club, and be a part of our push for promotion this year, is buy a season ticket,” said Vince

The coming season promises to make for exciting viewing and should be welcomed in by a host of fresh faced fans, ready to see the Rovers go all the way.

Season tickets go on sale today. Fans can call the club on 01453 834860 or email reception@forestgreenroversfc.com to purchase a ticket or request further information.

Hockaday hails Marsh arrival

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:49:53 +0000

FOREST Green manager Dave Hockaday has been busy adding new faces to Rovers squad ahead of an exciting campaign next season.

The current Blue Square Bet Premier season is still just six days away from completion with the promotion final at Wembley Stadium still to take place between York City and Luton but Forest Green have already begun bringing in new faces to boost the ranks.

Following Magno Vieira’s arrival in early May and Ben Wright’s arrival from Braintree Town, Rovers were also delighted to announce the signing of Phil Marsh on a two year contract last week and Hockaday is pleased with the player he has been able to capture.

“We have had him on our radar for a while. He’s got a great pedigree having started at Man United and was there for over seven years.

“He’s had a bad injury and he’s working his way back up so he’s a good player and we are really keen to have him on board.”

25 year old Marsh was among the top scorers at Blue Square North Stalybridge Celtic last season where he played under former Forest Green boss Jim Harvey, but it is Rovers current man in charge who is hoping Marsh will bring his goal scoring form at Stalybridge with him to The New Lawn.

“We had two or three spells where we really struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. The addition of more strikers and more goal scorers can’t do anything but help our cause.

“With all of the planning the chairman has allowed me we’ve really looked long and hard at the type of player we want. We want clever players, he’s very quick and he has got a good footballing brain.

“He’s scored over 20 goals this season so he is ideal for what we want and we think he will fit in for the system we want to play.”

With the majority of players already signed on for the next campaign there will not be too many comings and goings this summer but Hockaday is still hoping to add a few more names to Rovers roster ahead of pre season.

“There will be one or two more names to add to the list. I think 20 or 22 players would be ideal so if we can get to 20 that would be great and anything more than that is a bonus.”

Forest Green fans will be able to see Marsh in action along with his new team mates in Forest Green’s first pre season friendly of the summer when they take on Hellenic League side Brimscombe & Thrupp on 10 July with a 7:30pm kick off.

Two new signings as Rovers add further firepower

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:17:42 +0000

Forest Green Rovers have added two more top strikers to the fold as their bid to strengthen the squad for a promotion push next season continues.

After capturing Magno Vieira from Blue Square Premier champions Fleetwood, manager Dave Hockaday has quickly followed up with the signatures of forwards Ben Wright from Braintree Town and Phil Marsh from Stalybridge Celtic.

Marsh, 25, joins on a 2 year contract from Stalybridge, where he scored 20 league goals in the Conference North this season and impressed throughout.

David Hockaday with new signing Phil Marsh

A player with an excellent pedigree, he started his career at Manchester United, making his debut in the FA Cup against Crewe Alexandra, before stints at clubs such as Blackpool and Leigh Genesis.

Meanwhile, Wright, 23, joins on a 2 year contract from Braintree, where he netted 18 Blue Square Premier goals in a very productive campaign for the Essex side this season.

Rovers fans will be more than familiar with Wright, who scored in Braintree’s two nil win at the New Lawn at the start of the season, and who has experience from clubs such as Peterborough, Luton and Hayes & Yeading.

Despite falling short of the play-offs, Rovers made a big leap this season and manager Dave Hockaday believes that more options up front will give the club the extra edge as they aim for League Two.

Club hero on Stroud FM tonight

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:23:55 +0000

FORMER Forest Green winger Alex Sykes is the special guest on Stroud FM’s local football show The Locker Room with Richard Joyce on Thursday (7pm).

The former England futsal international, who made over 250 appearances in a Rovers jersey, returns to the show to discuss some more of his career highlights in his time at The Lawn as he played a key part in Forest Green’s successful Southern League back to back promotion campaigns as well as the early Conference years.

Itis also almost a year to the day when Sykes was appointed player/manager at Southern League South & West Division side Bishop’s Cleeve and he’ll be discussing his first year in management also on the show.

And it has been a first year in the dugout that has proved incredibly successful for Sykes as he led the ‘Villagers’ to their highest ever league finish in their 107 year history as well as a place in the Gloucestershire Senior Cup final where they eventually lost to Npower Championship giants, Bristol City.

On the way to the Senior Cup final Sykes’ team pulled off the scalps of a number of big clubs including that of Forest Green as well as Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town.

The hour long show on Thursday will also include details of the latest news involving Stroud’s football clubs as well as the latest on the Rovers players who have been involved in the Southern League play offs. There is also an interview with David Hockaday.

To listen to the Rovers hero on Thursday then tune in at 7pm to the Stroud FM website at stroudfm.co.uk, on 107.9 FM or on your mobile.

If you can’t catch the live show or want to listen again then you can do so via the Stroud FM listen again service shortly after the live show has finished where you can listen to the entire programme again.

Forest Green’s Forbes to join England for Moscow trip

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:28:13 +0000

Following sterling performances this season, Forest Green Rovers midfielder Kieron Forbes has been selected for the non-league England squad for the International Challenge Trophy against Russia on Tuesday 5 June.

The creative midfielder, who joined Rovers in December 2010, last played for England ‘C’ in February’s 1-1 draw with Italy, and joins the squad for manager Paul Fairclough’s second game in charge of the non-league national team.

Forbes had a strong season 2011-12 season at the heart of the Forest Green midfield, and has been one of the club’s most exciting players since joining from Isthmian Premier Division side Wealdstone in December 2010.

And at 22, Forbes is also one of the youngest players in the squad, alongside Kidderminster’s Anthony Malbon (20) and Luton Town’s Andre Gray (20), and will relish the chance to gain more experience in an important international fixture.

The match will be played in the Khimky Arena, the home of the legendary Moscow Dynamo FC, with England looking to build on the draw against the Italians in February.

England have won The International Challenge Trophy – an annual international competition, comprising non-league and U-23 players from across the world – seven times.

However, having finished runners-up at the last two tournaments, England will be particularly keen to take that one step further, emulating the team that picked up the trophy in 2008.

FULL SQUAD LIST

Player	Club	Date of Birth
Kenny DAVIS	- Braintree Town FC	17/04/1988
Nathan McDONALD (GK)	- Braintree Town FC	16/05/1991
Rory McAULEY	- Cambridge United FC	16/10/1989
Junior BROWN	- Fleetwood Town FC	07/05/1989
Kieron FORBES	- Forest Green Rovers FC	17/08/1990
Scott GARNER	- Grimsby Town FC	20/09/1989
Michael COULSON	- Grimsby Town FC	04/04/1988
Simon AINGE	- Guiseley FC	18/02/1988
Anthony MALBON	- Kidderminster Harriers FC	14/10/1991
Marvin JOHNSON	- Kidderminster Harriers FC	01/12/1990
James VINCENT	- Kidderminster Harriers FC	27/09/1989
Andre GRAY	- Luton Town FC	26/06/1991
Lindon MEIKLE	- Mansfield Town FC	21/03/1988
Andrew OWENS	- Southport FC	15/10/1989
Stephen BROGAN	- Stalybridge Celtic FC	12/04/1988
Jonathan HEDGE (GK)	- Tamworth FC	19/07/1989
Joshua WILSON	- Vauxhall Motors FC	05/07/1988
Ashley CHAMBERS	- York City FC	01/03/1990

Tickets on sale for two big days out at Wembley

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:29:44 +0000

Don't miss out on two big days of non-league football as Wembley hosts two finals on the same weekend.

Newport County play York City in Saturday's FA Carlsberg Trophy Final and the day after sees Dunston UTS play West Auckland Town in the FA Carlsberg Vase Final.

Tickets can be purchased via the FA website at http://ticketing.thefa.com/ and can also be bought on the day.

Colin Peake departs Forest Green Rovers

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:07:55 +0000

Forest Green Rovers wish to announce the departure of Colin Peake as Football Secretary and Head of Matchday Operations.

Colin has had a long-term association with Forest Green and was one of the driving forces in keeping the club afloat when it came close to collapse prior to Ecotricity taking over at the New Lawn in August 2010.

Chairman Dale Vince said: “Everyone at FGR holds a debt of gratitude to Colin for his significant contribution to the club over a number of years.

“On behalf of FGR, I wish to thank Colin for all of his efforts and hope that he remains to be involved with the club where he will always be welcome.”

Rovers reserves claim title

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:15:02 +0000

COACH Scott Bartlett believes the correct mindset helped Forest Green to the Football Combination Southern Division title.

Bartlett and Gary Seward guided ForestGreen's second string to victory over illustrious Championship side Brighton and a double over League Two Crawley in their title winning campaign.

Bartlett said: "It¹s a great league and to be competitive against the likes of Brighton - shows we are heading in the right direction."

Bartlett and Seward blooded a number of players from the Forest Green U18s alongside the likes of Chris Todd, Al Bangura and Reece Styche, who used the games to build up their match fitness after lengthy injury spells.

And Bartlett revealed it was a pleasure to guide the team alongside Seward.

He added: "James Norwood would play every game if he could, which makes our job easy. Then you have senior pros like Luke Graham, Wayne Turk and Chris Todd, who have lead by example whenever they have been asked to play. The all- round attitude and application has been superb.

"The Football Combination League has certainly served a purpose for us, we respected the competition and treated it properly using a mixture of our young players and senior professionals that needed games."

Supporters Club put on FA Vase celebration night

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:33:35 +0000

The Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club are holding a Sportsman's dinner on Thursday 17th of May to celebrate 30 years since the club was victorious in the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium.

You will be entertained by Ex-England and Manchester United World Cup winner Nobby Stiles and his comedian son John.

Also in attendance will be players and staff from the 1982 squad and a small contingent from Rainworth Miners Welfare, our opponents on the day.

Tickets are priced at £35 or £325 for a table of 10. This will include a sit down three-course meal.

This will be a unforgettable night and a great way to celebrate one of the clubs greatest achievements.

To book your tickets call 01453 834869 (Mon-Fri 9-5) 01666 505519 (evenings and weekends)

Season review on Stroud FM

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:16:35 +0000

WITH the season now over, Stroud FM are rounding up the season with a one off special season review show this Thursday at 7pm.

Rovers have secured their third highest ever league finish in a season that has seen Forest Green develop massively on the pitch with an exciting season ahead next year.

To look back on this season there will be a one hour review show presented by Richard Joyce looking at each month of the season including results on the pitch, major news events of the year and the comings and goings of different members of Rovers squad.

Manager Dave Hockaday, midfielder Al Bangura and defensive rock Jamie Turley also give their reaction to the season on The Locker Room with chairman Dale Vince also discussing progress at the club.

To listen to Thursday’s night show you can tune in online at stroudfm.co.uk, on your mobile or on 107.9 FM.

If you can’t catch the live program then you can listen again to the podcast on the Stroud FM website which will be available shortly after the live show has finished.

Rovers sign Brazilian striker in major coup

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:32:13 +0000

Forest Green Rovers have signed striker Magno Vieira, who has starred for recently crowned Blue Square Bet Premier Champions Fleetwood Town over the past two seasons.

The 27-year-old Brazilian has made over 200 senior appearances and scored more than 70 times in a career that started with Wigan Athletic before taking in spells at Carlisle United, Barnet, Crawley Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Fleetwood Town.

Vieira said he was lured to Forest Green by the aspirations of a club that was fast developing a reputation as one of the most sought after destinations in the Blue Square Premier League.

Vieira said: “What attracted me is the ambition of the chairman and the attitude of the manager, who seems to really rate me as a player.

“I’ve played against Forest Green over the past two years and I think they’ve improved loads. Hopefully I can help them improve further and add to what is already a good strike-force.

When asked what fans at The New Lawn can expect from him next season, Vieira was straight to the point: “They can expect goals. I’ve scored goals at every club I’ve been to.”

It’s a goal-scoring record that netted Vieira 31 goals in 56 starts for Fleetwood Town over the past two seasons.

“I enjoyed my two years with Fleetwood but felt it was the right time to move on and I think Forest Green is the right destination.”

Rovers Manager David Hockaday said Vieira had moved from Fleetwood Town on a free transfer and signed a three year deal at The New Lawn.

“This sends out a big message to the rest of the competition. Vieira’s a top quality proven striker who’s been involved in a promotion winning team this year.

“This is a great bit of business for FGR and we’re really excited.”

Vieira’s arrival will bolster a Forest Green strike force that was hobbled by an injury to top marksman Reece Styche, who spent much of the season on the sideline. That void was filled by influential midfielder Yan Klukowski, who scored 18 goals from 45 appearances in the league, and the hardworking Matt Taylor who hit 10 goals from 26 starts.

Hockaday said the signing of Vieira, coupled with the return from injury by Styche who still managed to find the net 8 times in just 9 starts (with another 7 appearances from the bench), will mean Rovers have a range of goal-scoring threats next season.

“We now have a group of strikers and attacking midfielders that all offer something different, but they also have something in common – they can all score goals.”

Conference announce play-off details

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Tue, 01 May 2012 09:55:49 +0000

The Football Conference confirm the details for the staging and live screening of all Blue Square Bet Premier Play-Off Semi-Final games and the Promotion Final, to conclude the 2011/12 season.

The first game in the Play-Off Semi-Finals will feature York City hosting Mansfield Town on Wednesday 2 May with a 7.30pm kick off. The second game will feature Luton Town hosting Wrexham on Thursday 3 May again with a 7.30pm kick off.

Both second Leg Semi-Final games, with reverse fixtures, will take place on Monday (Bank Holiday) 7 May. The game between Mansfield Town and York City will kick-off at 2.00pm.The game between Wrexham and Luton Town will kick off at 4.30pm.

All Blue Square Bet Premier Play-Off matches will be shown live on Premier Sports Television, (Channel 433) which will include the Promotion Final itself to be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 20th May at 3pm. Don't forget the unique interaction available with commentators Steve Bower and Ian Snodin via twitter @steveandsnods

Captain to reach 100 in Rovers record bid

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:04:20 +0000

FOREST Green captain Jared Hodgkiss will make his 100^th league appearance in Rovers final game of the season tomorrow against York City (1pm).

Only 13 other players have played 100 or more games in the 14 seasons of the “National Conference League”, but as always it will be the team that will be the focus for the skipper, as Hodgkiss bids to lead his men to a record 73 point season haul and the opportunity to either equal or secure Rovers highest ever league finish.

To secure 7^thplace in the Blue Square Bet Premier table Forest Green will have to win at York, who have already earned themselves a place in the play offs, and hope that other teams results go their way, although it will be difficult for Rovers who haven’t won at Bootham Crescent since August 2007.

Gary Mills' York side sealed their place in the play offs with a narrow victory over Braintree Town last time out and the former Football League side possess a squad full of talent including potent front man Jason Walker who has notched 18 goals this season.

The Minstermen will also potentially line up with former loanee Jon Challinor who made seven appearances in a Rovers shirt under David Brown, shortly before current Forest Green boss Dave Hockaday arrived at the club.

Meanwhile, if selected, Saturday will give Luke Graham the opportunity to line up against the club that he had two separate spells with and represented in the Conference play offs.

Liam Henderson will miss Saturday’s game as the on loan striker is unable to play against his parent club whilst Matt Bulman continues to nurse an arm problem that has kept him out of the back end of the season.

Other than that, manager Dave Hockaday has a fully fit squad to pick from with many returning first teamers such as James Rowe and Chris Todd earning valuable game time for the reserves victory over Crawley Town on Monday.

When the two sides met at The New Lawn in November, James Norwood snatched Rovers a dramatic stoppage time equaliser on his return from injury after Jamie Reed had put the Minstermen ahead from the penalty spot, so fans will no doubt be hoping that the entertainment that day extends to Saturday’s match.

For those Rovers fans not making the trip north to Bootham Crescent, you can listen live to FGR Radio and BBC Gloucestershire’s full commentary via a link here on the Forest Green website that will be available on Saturday.

It has been an exciting season for Forest Green as they have pushed on greatly under the stewardship of Dave Hockaday and Rovers will be looking to crown the campaign with a good result and a great day out on Saturday.

Ticket Prices:

Adults £15 Concessions £10 (Transfer to seating is an extra £1)

Matchday Programme: £3

Hunt on Stroud FM tonight

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:53:58 +0000

BBC Radio Gloucestershire commentator Bob Hunt returns to Stroud FM The Locker Room on Thursday evening as a special guest (7pm).

The FGR Radio commentator will be on the show to look back on a season of progression at The New Lawn that sees Forest Green enter the final weekend of the season with a chance of recording their highest ever league finish.

Bob has provided live commentary from each first team game involving Forest Green this season and has commentated on the highs of Rovers last gasp away win at Wrexham to the disappointment of exiting the FA Cup at the first time of asking at Southern League Arlesey Town.

The show will also feature a lengthy interview with Rovers assistant boss and reserve team manager Gary Seward where he discusses the reserves successful campaign this season, Monday’s victory over Crawley Town and Omar Koroma.

There is also an interview with first team manager Dave Hockaday following Rovers fourth consecutive home victory over Darlington on Saturday.

To listen live to Thursday’s show then visit the Stroud FM website at stroudfm.co.uk and choose to listen live. You can also tune in live on 107.9 FM or on your mobile.

If you cannot catch the live program or want to listen again then you can do so through the Stroud FM website a short while after the live show has finished. This podcast can also be downloaded to any portable music device.

Reserves in final bow

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Ryan Harmer) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:50:14 +0000

FOREST Green Reserves are in action for the final time this season when Crawley Town visit The New Lawn tonight (7pm).

It has been a terrifically entertaining campaign of reserve team football once again this season with the soon to be finished campaign certainly standing out.

The reserves still stand a chance of winning the Football Combination Southern Division title if they win against Crawley although Cheltenham Town still have the upperhand with a game more to play than Rovers.

When Rovers and Crawley both met earlier in the season at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium the Red Devils were defeated 3-1 by Gary Seward and Scott Bartlett’s men.

First teamers Chris Allen, Jake Thomson and youth team attacker Charlie Buse fired in the goals that afternoon to secure Forest Green an impressive win against a Crawley team that contained power house striker John Akinde and experienced former Brighton & Hove Albion keeper Michel Kuipers.

Entry for Monday’s match is via main reception at The New Lawn with a £3 charge for adults and a £1 charge for under 16’s and concessions.

Mow-bot gives Rovers a cutting edge

reception@forestgreenroversfc.com (Stuart Brennan) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:24:39 +0000

Forest Green Rovers will have a cutting edge for their final home game of the season tomorrow with a new addition to the team – the UK’s first electric ‘mow-bot’.

The robotic mower puts the Rovers in the same league as Bayern Munich, who also care for pitch and planet using the same revolutionary technology.

The ‘mow-bot’ will use GPS technology to automatically mow the pitch without the need for human intervention – saving groundsmen up to 50% of their working week or over 100 days of labour – and even sends a text if it runs into trouble.

Powered from 100% green electricity from solar panels on The New Lawn stadium roof, the eco-friendly R2D2 will trim the club’s carbon footprint as well as the grass, and can be used for other sporting pitches such as rugby and cricket.

Forest Green is becoming a test-bed for the Sustainability in Sport foundation – established by FGR Chairman Dale Vince and former-Manchester United player Gary Neville – demonstrating the best green tactics to recommend to sports clubs across the UK.

The club has already scored several green goals by installing solar power on the stadium roof, recycling pitch water and launching the first ever meat-free (and low carbon) football menu – leading international company Etesia to choose Forest Green as the UK pioneer for their fleet of emission-free pitch equipment.

Forest Green Groundsman Stuart Ward is no stranger to innovation and is working towards creating Britain’s first organic football pitch at The New Lawn stadium. He also became the first person in the Britain to trial Etesia’s ride-on biodiesel mower, an innovation now being tested by the Houses of Parliament.

Ward said: “It’s really exciting to be trialing these products, the robot saves me time and there’s no more dirty fuel or noise to deal with either.

“The time I used to spend mowing can now be utilised tending to the pitch in other ways to make it the best possible surface for the players.”

The new mow-bot will even help the club reach its target of creating a 100% organic pitch, by creating organic mulch which fertilizes the pitch as it works.

Etesia General Manager Les Malin said: “We feel FGR are setting the best example for other clubs, not just in football but in all sports.

“Forest Green Rovers is the first football club in this country to use electric and robotic mowing for its pitch.”

The game against Darlington on Saturday will celebrate another step forward for ‘game changing’ green innovation in sport, and the potential doesn’t stop there.

Etesia hopes that Forest Green’s pioneering approach will spread across UK industry, leading to some surprising comparisons between the pitches, farms and gardens of Britain and Bayern Munich FC.

The Etesia robot mower is zero emissions and once installed, will spend the first week mapping its territory until it has a complete understanding on the pitch – it will then operate 1.5hours on and 1.5 hours off for 365 days a year.
Electricity consumption - The robot should use just 580 kW per year, or just 1.5% of the output of FGR’s solar panels.
The aim of Sustainability in Sport is to engage governing bodies, players, fans and others across the UK and beyond – to create a movement for change.