We Take a look through the sides that we will come up against in League Two next season.
Who Are They?
Founded in 1889, Forest Green Rovers have recently become a lot more well-known in English football. Based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire – Rovers are the only vegan-based football club in the world.
Their pitch at The New Lawn is 100% organic and even has their own solar-powered robot to mow the pitch regularly. Their history consists of a rise through the divisions as they reached the Football League for the first time in their history last season.
Their play-off final victory over Tranmere Rovers was enough to see themselves play in League Two for the 2017/18 campaign.
Owner, Dale Vince, came into power during the 2009/10 season where he introduced the new eco-friendly ways.
This started off by removing all red-meat products from the players’ diets and to stop selling meat products to supporters at the ground, this was to be replaced by vegan foods. Their legacy already continues into the future at Forest Green with plans of a brand-new stadium to be made out of wood.
How Did They Perform Last Season?
After many years at non-leagues highest level, Forest Green finally did their duty and reached the Football League for the first time in their history.
After finishing third in the league, a 3-1 win over Tranmere Rovers at Wembley was enough to end years of frustration for the Rovers’ faithful. For most of the season, FGR looked like serious title contenders; but a late surge from Lincoln City, saw The Imps crowned champions.
In cup competitions, they fell out of the FA Cup to Sutton United, who went on to make national news as well as getting knocked out of the FA Trophy to Macclesfield Town in the third round.
Our Last Meeting
Vale and Forest Green have only ever met once before, and that occurred in the FA Cup during the 2012/13 season. The second-round clash happened at The New Lawn where Ben Williamson’s late strike saw The Valiants reach the second round.
Ashley Vincent and Clayton McDonald scored the other two in an exciting 3-2 win, as Vale went onto the next round where they lost to Sheffield United, 2-1.
How To Get There
The two-hour journey will once again bring you onto the M6 at Stoke-on-Trent and take you towards Birmingham. Once there, get on the M5 and continue on the motorway until the A419 (A38) to Stroud/Dursley and then follow the signs into Nailsworth.
By Train
The nearest train station to the ground is not in Nailsworth, but a three-mile journey from Stroud train station will lead the way. You can either take a taxi or get the 46 & 93 bus into Nailsworth town centre, which will probably be your best bet.
Odds On Promotion
According to Sky Bet, Forest Green are 9/2 odds of reaching a back-to-back promotion into League One with odds at 18/1 to win the division.