This week we talk to Chris, a Forest Green Rovers supporter
Many thanks to FGR fan, Chris.
Who Do You Support?
Forest Green
How Long Have You Supported Them?
15 years or so.
Last Season’s League Finish?
10th
What Do You Think Of Your (New) Manager? Do you know anything about him?
Adrian ‘Ady’ Pennock is certainly a surprise choice and is a bit of an unknown quantity to be honest. Looking at his his managerial and coaching record his 6 years as a coach at Stoke working under his ex-Gillingham manager and mentor Tony Pulis stand out, with a 2 year stint at Welling in the Conference South 8 years ago being his only managerial post.
Going by his early interviews when questioned about his potential style of football, given his stint at Stoke, his answers seem to indicate a more direct approach is likely to be preferred.
Does it seem a bit of a Plan D after failing with Mills, Mellon and Burr?
It does a bit yes. From a fans perspective, Pennock wouldn’t even have been on the radar even after we’d failed with Mills, Mellon and Burr. With our chairman, Dale Vince, apparently seeking advice from his close friend Gary Neville on the appointment, initial thoughts were we might end up with a big name ex-player, with the likes of Robbie Fowler and Tony Adams being linked. It was therefore comforting to see us go after the likes of Burr, Mellon and Mills, as it indicated that Vince might have realised that an experienced campaigner at this level was what was required. Even though we subsequently missed out on them, the likes of Paul Sturrock, Steve Cotterill and Terry Brown were all reportedly still in the running with Brown being at the Dartford game where he was also interviewed. With managers with proven track records of promotions still in the running expectations were we’d go for one of them, so for us to go with another unproven candidate does seem a bit underwhelming. Obviously I hope he does well though, and he deserves our support.
How has this season gone compared to your pre-season hopes/expectations?
Over the last couple of seasons, there’s been a lot of hype around the club about our ambition with a lot of money being thrown at it.
This season having further strengthened our expensive squad which includes a who’s who of top conference strikers, amassed a large coaching staff including a sports psychologist, strength and conditioning coach etc, had access to top class medical facilities as well as being the only club at this level to use prozone, expectations were higher than ever.
Given that we’re currently in the bottom half with the third worst defence in the league, one of the worst disciplinary records, had a host of injuries, had 4 different managers take charge and been knocked out of the FA Cup by a lower division side at home despite our goalkeeper getting motm, it has to be said things haven’t quite gone to plan.
Was it the correct decision to get rid of Hockaday?
Yes, to say his sacking has been overdue would be a massive understatement.
What are your views on the Chairman and the eco drive he’s instilled at the Club?
I admire his green ethos, although the way in which he has implemented some of the changes at the club have upset some. I personally feel that some of the changes that have been made with regards to the clubs image, ie changing the badge and kit to mirror the Ecotricity brand ,are not so good, however it’s hard to argue with the environmentally friendly initiatives, even if I do now have to go without meat at games!
Top Five Predictions?
Kidderminster, Luton, Cambridge, Grimsby, Barnet. In that order.
Bottom Four Predictions?
Hereford, Dartford, Aldershot, Hyde
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
I enjoyed my visit to Sincil Bank, a proper football league ground and the chicken balti pie, which came highly recommended, was pretty decent. You lot are undoubtedly a big club at this level who probably shouldn’t be here, but seem to be refreshingly less deluded or big headed then the likes of Luton, Grimsby or Cambridge when it comes to acceptance of your current status. This should help you in terms of getting back up, and having now got what seems like a decent manager in Gary Simpson in charge, unlike your previous incumbent (another inept manager with the initials DH), you stand a good chance of challenging, if not this season then definitely next.
Score Prediction?
0-0. Our recent performances have been very defensive, so I expect it to be tight and scrappy.
Random Fact About Your Club?
Ossie Ardiles once turned out for us in a benefit match away at Gloucester City.
