Ahead of this weekends game, I caught up with Forest Green Rovers supporter, Chris.
Ahead of this weekends game, I caught up with Forest Green Rovers supporter, Chris.
How Long Have You Supported FGR?
About 17 years or so.
Last Season’s League Finish?
5th. We sneaked into the play-offs after a brilliant run during the last few months of the season and despite a 3 point deduction for fielding an ineligible player at Southport (Luke Oliver). In the end we made it by the width of a post, Torquay’s to be precise as Macclesfield went desperately close to scoring a winner to knock us out of 5th on the last day as we failed to get the win we needed. We didn’t show up in the play-offs though, going down to a convincing 3-0 aggregate defeat to Bristol Rovers, after 2 lacklustre performances.
What Do You Think Of Your Manager?
Off the pitch, Pennock is a good communicator, and is always approachable and happy to chat with supporters. On it, the fact that he was a Pulis disciple and seemed keen to adopt a much more defensive long ball approach initially put me off him a bit, as did his man-management of a few fans favourites from the Hockaday era. Although we made the play-offs, a lot of our football last season was poor to watch and we got a bit lucky in a lot of games, relying very heavily on Jon Parkin, who ended up getting 30 goals.
This season has been a real improvement though, with a new assistant manager, Jamie Day (ex-Welling and Ebbsfleet boss), we seem to have adopted a more attacking easier on the eye approach. This combined with our physicality and defensive solidity and that the squad seem a happier unit, a real change from the fractured squad we had last season with players being frozen out, means that things are looking very positive. On the whole I think he’s learning and improving, which is helping win over the doubters.
Hopes/Expectations This Season?
The hope would be that we continue our current form and style of football, meaning that we can launch a serious title challenge. My expectation is that we wont quite have enough to win it, but will finish in the top 5. It would also be nice to have a cup run for a change.
One(s) To Watch?
Well the whole team has been pretty good so far, what with winning all 4 games without conceding, but a few do standout.
He might not be fit for Saturday (finger crossed he is), but Marcus Kelly is a Rolls Royce of a player, outstanding technically with a great delivery from set pieces and open play. Has won supporters player of the season for the last 2 years, despite spending the majority of last season playing at left back. A lot of us would prefer him in midfield, but he he’s been outstanding in both roles.
Other then that our standout players so far this season have been centre half Aarran Racine, a defensive rock who’s good with the ball at his feet and is a real threat from set-pieces, and forward Kurtis Guthrie, who belies his awkward/rangy stature with superb aerial ability, good footwork, strong running and so far this season much improved hold up play and finishing. Both are real prospects and will be in the league sooner rather then later, whether we go up or not.
You signed Delano Sam-Yorke after his release by us. How has he faired so far?
Has solely been used as a sub up to this point, coming on in every game to offer a different threat as we’ve looked to cement a lead. Has done well in terms of his work rate and ball retention, could do with a goal though.
Is it a case of ‘job complete’ in terms of the squad re-build by Pennock? Hockaday left you with lots of young players, players on expensive 2 and 3 year deals, a big squad, and one that seemed pretty one dimensional with an insistence on being too ‘tippy-tappy’. From the outside, it appears as though Pennock has gone the opposite way – a more experienced, physical side with shorter contracts and a more direct style?
Definitely agree that Hockaday’s squad was unbalanced and bloated, with far to many similar types of player (young, skilful but a bit lightweight) on expensive long term deals. The policy now seems to be very much more incentive based, with shorter contracts which include performance related clauses to trigger an extension, a much more sensible approach.
The type of player has changed too, to an extent, as particularly last season the focus was on having a lot of gnarled old professionals who know how to scrap it out at this level. The balance has shifted somewhat this season though, with a few more exciting pacier players being added in to (hopefully) strike the perfect balance.
What are your thoughts on your Chairman’s new ‘Eco Park’ plans?
Mixed to be honest, on one hand I can understand the argument that if we are to progress much higher in might be difficult logistically given our location, however moving the club away from it’s traditional roots would be a real shame. Vince has at least assured fans that the name will remain unchanged though.
Lots of debate still to be had as the proposals are still very much in their infancy, as things stand I think our current location serves us perfectly well and other routes could still be explored and expanded on with regards to increasing parking/park and ride facilities etc should we go up.
The business park could apparently provide up to 4000 new jobs, so that part of the proposals I’m very much in favour of.
Top Five Predictions?
Tranmere, Grimsby, Eastleigh, Us and you.
Bottom Four Predictions?
Halifax, Bromley, Kiddy (hope not though), Guiseley.
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
Proper old football league club, without the arrogance that some (cough Grimsby cough) have that their too good/big for this league and should by rights be weeing it. Unbelievable you haven’t even challenged for the play-offs since coming down, but I think that will change this season, as you’ve made some shrewd additions. Your front 2 of Hearn (if he stays fit) and Rhead will cause a lot of teams problems. I don’t necessarily see a problem with the fact Moyses has only ever managed at a low level before, there are plenty of so called ‘experienced’ managers on the merry go round who keep getting jobs despite generally being mediocre. Nothing wrong with someone fresh getting a chance to implement their ideas.
Enjoyed our games last season, the first one was a cracker with us coming back from 3 down to draw and the second saw us grab a massively important win helped by a slightly dubious penalty along the way. Enjoy visiting Sincil Bank, good all seater stand for us and generally seem a friendly club, albeit the mood seemed a bit depressed around the place, not surprising given the form you were in at home during the second half of last season. One of your stewards I was chatting to had some pretty amusing things to say about that ‘fat useless overpaid lump’ Parkin, he couldn’t believe it when I told him how many goals he’d got! Liked the fact the club is proud of it’s local heritage and celebrates the Dambusters, shame the mosaic idea has been shelved.
Like the city as well, some great pubs and impressive architecture, plus I found a really decent chippy by the canal near your ground.
Score Prediction?
2-2. You’ll be the first team to score against us this season.
Random Fact About Your Club?
We were the first club in history to have reached the final of both the Vase and Trophy. We won the Vase in 82, but have lost 2 trophy finals (99 and 01). Maybe this year?
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