Look ahead to next season's opponents continues with the men from the New Lawn
Who are ya?
After flirting with relegation for much of last season, Rovers eventually finished 21st in their first season in League 2 – a point above the bottom two.
Ins and Outs
Manager Mark Cooper (pictured) is determined to avoid another relegation battle this season and last month let 12 players go: Keanu Marsh-Brown, Omar Bugiel, Callum Evans, Alex Whittle, Mark Roberts, Sam Russell, Harry Pickering, Tom Anderson, Jon Moran, Olly Mehew, Cameron Belford and Jordan Morris.
Three players – Luke James, Fabien Robert and Maddy Monthe – were made available for transfer.
The squad rebuilding is already underway. Cheltenham captain Carl Winchester has signed a two-year contract; striker Tavlon Campbell, who spent last season on loan at the New Lawn, has joined permanently after leaving West Bromwich Albion, while goalkeeper James Montgomery has arrived from National League Gateshead.
Full back Joe Mills is an interesting addition, having joined from Australian outfit Perth Glory, where he spent two years after starting his career at Oldham. Their latest capture is midfielder George Williams, who signed a two-year deal this week after being released by Fulham. Williams has played seven internationals for Wales. He spent part of last season on loan in Scotland at St Johnstone.
Recruiting well
Rovers appointed Richard Hughes as Head of Recruitment earlier this year and, according to Cooper, his hard work has paid off.
“I’ve said all along that it’s about patience and getting the right players in – you don’t always get the players that are top of your list but sometimes you do, and we’ve done that with Williams,” Cooper told the club's website.
“Compared to last year, recruitment-wise we’re in a really good position. We can take our time now - we’ve got the nucleus of a good squad and we’ll continue to be selective and make sure we get the right players in.
“I think when you get players in like George Williams, Carl Winchester and Joseph Mills people can see that we’re serious this year about being competitive. Hopefully those signings are statements and other players are keen to follow.”
Away comforts
Good news for fans travelling to the New Lawn next season. Forest Green are installing seats and covering the West Stand, which accommodates away supporters, to comply with EFL regulations.
Past meetings
Reds did the double over Forest Green in our Conference promotion winning season in 2010-11, defeating them 1-0 at home and 3-0 away.
Last season’s two League meetings ended in a 1-1 draw at home, when Thomas Verheydt scored our goal, and a 2-0 defeat at the New Lawn in February.
