Congratulations and Welcome Forest Green Rovers

[Greenacres]

I can understand, to a degree, the attitude of other fans towards Dale Vince and the fact that he has thrown a bit of money at Rovers to get the club into the league. I would counter this by suggesting that we are just going through what has probably happened at every other club in the land, look back at your own history if you disagree, where a local businessman or some other benefactor has backed it financially. This will probably have given it an advantage over its competitors, at whatever level it was playing, and possibly pushed it towards promotion. Clearly we haven't a clue what will happen next, other than the plan our Chairman talks about, and whether we will be a club that prospers in the long run or disintegrates and falls back from whence it came. I will enjoy next season, the opportunity to welcome back a number of teams and fans who have been visitors to our ground in recent years, but also a number who have played at a much higher level. We will go into many games as the underdog, more in hope than anticipation, but frankly I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Indian Dan]

Believe me if the money rolled in they could. Look at rotherham, burton, scunthorpe and yeovil all recently been in championship. I think burnley is similiar size to chesterfield and they have been champiobship and beyond for years. Also take into account chesterfields good transport links. They just need a dale vince style backer

Yeah, let's look at Rotherham, Burton, Scunthorpe and Yeovil. 3 out of the 4 have been spat out sharpish and Burton won't last long. Yeovil flirted with returning to non league last season. So, no they couldn't be sustainable - even in the short term.

 

[Vanni]

Well said Greenacres. I fully believe every club that enjoys success, be it in the Ryman Premier or in the Champions League, has had some sort of financial backing to enable it to even compete in the first place. It doesn't sit well with most of us, only because we all want to believe that fairytales can still happen in this day and age, but facts suggest otherwise. I'm not saying that the clubs with the biggest playing budgets will always triumph over the little ones, as evidenced last year when the PL biggest spenders couldn't stop Leicester winning the PL last year, but then IMO Leicester's success wasn't exactly the miracle story the media wanted us to believe.

I'm not saying there weren't clubs that achieved some sort of success on a tiny budget, because that simply wouldn't be true. However, their success was usually short lived and these sides began to drop down to their natural level once the bigger clubs took all their most promising players. Which once again leads to only one thing - whoever has the money can buy quality hence more chance of success.

Speaking as a U's fan, I can safely say that we had a healthy budget every time we mounted a serious push for promotion from the Conference - 2007/08 and 2008/09 when we got to Wembley twice in a row but lost both games, and in 2013/14 when we finally went up.

 

[genesimmons]

Yeah, let's look at Rotherham, Burton, Scunthorpe and Yeovil. 3 out of the 4 have been spat out sharpish and Burton won't last long. Yeovil flirted with returning to non league last season. So, no they couldn't be sustainable - even in the short term.

Yeah not saying those mentioned were a force in the championship but at least they made it. Looking at chesterfields population and stadium size its possible. Lutons only in league 2 but with a new stadium they could be championship for a bit and not to mention blackburn rovers long stay in the top flight

 

[FGR Stroud]

As a newcomer to this site I'm intrigued why it is named:
"The 'Rob Dunkley' League Two Forum


Who is Rob Dunkley??

 

[Si Robin]

I don't know for certain, but I believe he was a long term poster (and L2 forum mod) who sadly passed away.

 

[Redfox]

FGR sure have a lot of posters on here, it puts clubs like Blackpool to shame!

 

[Imp in Branston]

I can understand, to a degree, the attitude of other fans towards Dale Vince and the fact that he has thrown a bit of money at Rovers to get the club into the league. I would counter this by suggesting that we are just going through what has probably happened at every other club in the land, look back at your own history if you disagree, where a local businessman or some other benefactor has backed it financially

A bit of money? not sure the 10 million debt or whatever you accrued over a few years is considered a bit! I don't think Lincoln have ever been bankrolled to anything like those figures. Our SA investor is supposedly helping us to the tune of about £200k per season over five years.

 

[Meadow]

As a newcomer to this site I'm intrigued why it is named:
"The 'Rob Dunkley' League Two Forum


Who is Rob Dunkley??

http://www.onefootballforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/rip-hertscobbler.8797/#post-302350

 

[FGR Stroud]

FGR sure have a lot of posters on here, it puts clubs like Blackpool to shame!

This site has been mentioned more than a few times on our forum, so that is not unexpected.
Once you get to know us, you'll be engaging in a lot of good natured banter with and about us.
COYR

 

[FGR Stroud]

http://www.onefootballforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/rip-hertscobbler.8797/#post-302350

Thanks Meadow.
RIP Rob.

 

[LongEatonPie]

FGR sure have a lot of posters on here, it puts clubs like Blackpool to shame!

I don't think they have much else to do in their village, well apart from going down the post office and maybe having a ride on the 16 seater mini bus round. I hear they have the best broadband speeds in the country as there are so little using it.

 

[Modernist]

I don't think the dislike of FGR is just because they are beng bankrolled. Lots of clubs are the difference being that a lot of clubs are sustainable at their level without it FGR wouldn't be. Moreover I think its the fact the owner is puts his personnel lifestyle views onto the club...I mean making the club vegan...ridiculous. Add to that the terrible reputation the stewards have and seem to want to crush any kind of enjoyment within the ground doesn't exactly make them popular with football fans, it really is as a dull an experience a fan can have.

 

[FGR Stroud]

Last two posts by LongEatonPie & Modernist offer pre-conceived opinion about FGR.
In actuality the experience at TNL is not different to many other clubs.
We sell good beer and the food offered is good, albeit vegan. And for away supporters it will be a two-hour visit once a year so I doubt they will starve should they need meat in their burgers.

The stewards are no better or worse than at other grounds. Grimsby fans have cause to remember them from a few years ago, but latterly it became known that the guy arrested at TNL was a known trouble maker who continually embarrassed Grimsby with his antics.

And yes I can confirm the whole area is a laid back outpost in a Rugby Union dominated county.
The national newspapers could only find one FGR flag flying in Nailsworth and there was not an open-top bus celebration parade.

 

[dog]

I don't. I used to like FGR and I hate to see clubs going to the wall. That is precisely why I'm so against Vince, Ecotricity and what they have done to FGR.

The money will dry up at some point, it always does, and when it does, it's impossible to see FGR being anything but another Rushden.

Without Vince there probably wouldn't be an FGR anymore. I'm just going along with the ride and seeing where it takes us, albeit hopefully not out of Forest Green.

 

[Chris FGR]

I don't think the dislike of FGR is just because they are beng bankrolled. Lots of clubs are the difference being that a lot of clubs are sustainable at their level without it FGR wouldn't be. Moreover I think its the fact the owner is puts his personnel lifestyle views onto the club...I mean making the club vegan...ridiculous. Add to that the terrible reputation the stewards have and seem to want to crush any kind of enjoyment within the ground doesn't exactly make them popular with football fans, it really is as a dull an experience a fan can have.

Our stewards are no worse then at most clubs tbf, just don't get lippy with them and there shouldn't be a problem.

As for the food, would I prefer we still offered options for everyone? Yes, but at the end of the day our burgers/pies were hardly decent quality before and I normally eat elsewhere when going to football anyway, cos stuff sold at most grounds is overpriced and shite quality. The beers alright and we do sell real ale as well. The chips and curry sauce is decent aswell.

There are a few decent pubs in Nailsworth, some of which do food, plus a couple of decent chippies and Indian, Italian and Chinese. There's also a Morrisons and a Tesco express. If you don't like the stuff at the ground, buy something outside, there are enough options, or bring your own food in, a fair few of our fans do that. I often have a ginsters stashed in me pocket if I get hungry.

 

[The Jovial Forester]

Plus we're in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you bunch of feckless smoggies should be grateful for the chance of a visit

 

[Urban]

I don't think they have much else to do in their village, well apart from going down the post office and maybe having a ride on the 16 seater mini bus round. I hear they have the best broadband speeds in the country as there are so little using it.

There's quite a few of them but you do notice a drop off when the annual Sheep Shearing Championships comes into town. You can't blame them, it's a big hit in the local area over there. Biggest event of the year!

 

[The Jovial Forester]

Just been one of the questions on Have I Got News For You. Cue further frothing on the Cheltenham forum.

 

[AnimoEtFide]

We were featured on HIGNFY when we got promoted to League One due to Gannon refusing to do interviews with Sky because they wouldn't fix his Sky box. And look what happened to us. Let that be a warning.

 

[Greenacres]

We were also mentioned on Fighting Talk this morning on R5.

 

[chrisblor]

The stewards are no better or worse than at other grounds. Grimsby fans have cause to remember them from a few years ago, but latterly it became known that the guy arrested at TNL was a known trouble maker who continually embarrassed Grimsby with his antics.

Utter bollocks to suggest he was a known trouble maker. And even if he was, that still doesn't justify dragging the bloke out in a headlock for the heinous crime of blowing up a beach ball.

I went to the game where we won 1-0 last season and found the stewarding in general to be appalling. As I drove there with my dad we arrived about 2 hours before kickoff and parked at the ground. It was absolutely pissing it down so we tried to go into the bar at the ground, only to be turned away for having tickets in the away end. Neither of us were wearing anything to identify us as away supporters, and simply wanted somewhere to take refuge from the rain as the away turnstiles weren't open. This wouldn't have been a problem if the ground wasn't in the middle of nowhere, but as we'd already paid to park it wasn't possible for us to drive down the hill to find somewhere more welcoming in Nailsworth. The steward manning the door was incredibly rude, and when we asked him what we were meant to do until the away end opened he just shrugged. We ended up spending the next 45 minutes taking shelter from the rain in the car park, which was an absolutely fantastic matchday experience that I have no intention of repeating next season at your horrible unsustainable club.

 

[FGR Stroud]

I went to the game where we won 1-0 last season and found the stewarding in general to be appalling. As I drove there with my dad we arrived about 2 hours before kickoff and parked at the ground. It was absolutely pissing it down so we tried to go into the bar at the ground, only to be turned away for having tickets in the away end. Neither of us were wearing anything to identify us as away supporters, and simply wanted somewhere to take refuge from the rain as the away turnstiles weren't open. This wouldn't have been a problem if the ground wasn't in the middle of nowhere, but as we'd already paid to park it wasn't possible for us to drive down the hill to find somewhere more welcoming in Nailsworth. The steward manning the door was incredibly rude, and when we asked him what we were meant to do until the away end opened he just shrugged. We ended up spending the next 45 minutes taking shelter from the rain in the car park, which was an absolutely fantastic matchday experience that I have no intention of repeating next season at your horrible unsustainable club.

You've made same complaint more than once. I checked it out and found out that the stewards were prepared to allow you and dad into Green Man but you created an unnecessary fuss so it was your own fault they changed their mind.
If you had smiled and been friendly I know everything would have been alright.
And yes it was tipping with rain on day of match.

 

[Ciderup]

Please note, Forest Green play in NailsWORTH, not NailSEA which is a suburb of nearby Bristol. By all accounts, locals of Nailsea have been asked by football supporters where the Forest Green ground is only to be told it's 40 miles up the motorway!
I've been there and, to be fair, it's very pretty and extremely picturesque although the hill on the way to the ground is a killer.
No doubt we will play there again in pre-season? Always an enjoyable evening, especially when the sun's shining, I wouldn't fancy it in January when it's bloody freezing though.

 

[valefan16]

Think FGR is remote try their near neighbour Shortwood! Dark Monday night up there was an experience (all be it pleasant one!) in the Cup.

 

[Aero]

Congratulations and well done Forest Green Rovers.

Great achievement by a village team.

 

[The Jovial Forester]

Think FGR is remote try their near neighbour Shortwood! Dark Monday night up there was an experience (all be it pleasant one!) in the Cup.

I went to that one too, usually go a different local side if we haven't got a game on but couldn't miss out on a glamour tie like that

 

[chrisblor]

You've made same complaint more than once. I checked it out and found out that the stewards were prepared to allow you and dad into Green Man but you created an unnecessary fuss so it was your own fault they changed their mind.
If you had smiled and been friendly I know everything would have been alright.
And yes it was tipping with rain on day of match.

Absolute nonsense. We walked up, the guy on the door asked to see our tickets, we showed them to him and he told us we couldn't come in because they were away tickets. I explained we wouldn't cause any trouble and just wanted to get some food and drink and to get out of the rain. The bloke still wouldn't let us in, at which point I told him sarcastically that he was very welcoming and gave up trying. We were both perfectly polite until the point it became clear he wasn't budging and was happy for us to stay out in the rain, so you can stuff your nonsense findings (similar to when your lot 'investigated' the guy getting dragged out in the headlock and found nobody at the club was in anyway responsible ) and your jobsworth stewards.

 

[Urban]

If the rule is to not let away fans in, why should he risk his job and let you in? Ok he could have maybe suggested somewhere else for shelter, but if he's been told no away fans go in, then he's not in the wrong at all.

 

[FGR Stroud]

Absolute nonsense. We walked up, the guy on the door asked to see our tickets, we showed them to him and he told us we couldn't come in because they were away tickets. I explained we wouldn't cause any trouble and just wanted to get some food and drink and to get out of the rain. The bloke still wouldn't let us in, at which point I told him sarcastically that he was very welcoming and gave up trying. We were both perfectly polite until the point it became clear he wasn't budging and was happy for us to stay out in the rain, so you can stuff your nonsense findings (similar to when your lot 'investigated' the guy getting dragged out in the headlock and found nobody at the club was in anyway responsible ) and your jobsworth stewards.

Okay a difference of opinion although you admit being sarcastic.
What I know from experience of other clubs is that if there is an issue with one steward, who may well be a temporary jobsworthy at that club, is to find another steward who might be a lot more helpful.

I will not defend the stewards involved in the inflatable fish incident.
They were heavy handed and brought the club into disrepute.
But those involved were not our regular stewards and I don't think they've been back.
But it takes two to tango, and that arrested Grimsby fan was also out of order.

Anyway both incidents happened a few years ago and both clubs have been promoted to Football League which gives both sets of fans the opportunity to renew good natured rivalries.
I enjoy away visits to your ground.
Your fans are fantastic partisan but fair and knowledgeable.
They are certainly the team's 12th man.
Good luck to both our teams next season I say.