Who Are Ya? - Forest Green Rovers (Q&A)

The last time The Imps hosted Saturday’s opponents Forest Green Rovers in a league match was on Saturday 3rd November 2018, in front of a crowd of 8,542. City won 2-1 that day, thanks to goals scored by John Akinde (8′) and Kellan Gordon (72′), with Reece Brown scoring for the visitors (12′).

Ahead of Saturday’s match, we have done a Q&A with a Forest Green Rovers supporter, so thank you to Phil for answering our questions!

You can discuss what has been said in this article HERE, as well as get involved with our pre-match threads: You can post your score predictions, discuss the starting XI and post your attendance predictions!

How long have you supported Forest Green Rovers?

Since the mid-1990s, when we were climbing to the summit of non-league football. Prior to this, I supported Bury, the town where I grew up.

Where did you finish last season?

We were champions, a fantastic achievement for our club in the tiny town of Nailsworth. There was a blip, in early 2022, but this made for a very exciting climax winning promotion at Bristol Rovers and the League Two title at Mansfield on the last day of the season.

What do you think of your manager?

Ian Burchnall is our ‘coach’ with Michael Doyle his assistant. They have continued where Rob Edwards left off: the spirit amongst the squad is positive, we are playing attractive football and youth development is key. Moreover, we have recruited well after losing 3 of our most talented players in the summer. Praise here must also go to our Director of football, Richard Hughes.

What are your hopes and expectations for the 2022/23 season?

The expectation is to survive in League One, my hope is that we can finish towards the top of the bottom third in the division. Early signs are very encouraging.

One(s) to watch?

We have an excellent keeper in Luke McGee, JMT is a very reliable central defender and Regan Hendry is at the heart of midfield. I have great faith in Josh March to be our leading goalscorer this season.

Which teams do you think will finish in the top six in League One?

Bolton, Ipswich, Peterborough, Sheffield Wednesday, Wycombe and Derby.

Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom four in League One?

Lincoln City? Morecambe, Burton, Cheltenham & Fleetwood.

What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?

A very competent mid-table side. Your quality of football has improved since The Cowley brothers departed.

What do you think the score will be?

2-2.

Forest Green Rovers (h - 13/08/22): Will The Imps Win, Lose or Draw?

Win

Lose

Draw

Random fact about your Club?

We have only been relegated once in our 133-year history.

If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?

Jamie Robson – versatile, helpful in a small squad.

What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Forest Green Rovers supporter

Proudest – when we took on the cause of ‘sustainability’ reflecting my values – on the field, attaining league football, the 92. Embarrassing – 5-5 at Oldham last season.

Who would you say is your most underrated player?

Dokes (Godwin-Malife).

Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?

A very active SC, fundraising for men, women & academy teams. Regular dialogue with the club.

Which was your favourite match involving Forest Green Rovers?

Beating Tranmere at Wembley & then last January at Prenton Park.

Which was your least favourite match involving Forest Green Rovers?

Losing to Grimsby at Wembley.

Do you have a Former Players Association at Forest Green Rovers?

A low-key one – not very active.

Honest view on what you thought when Rob Edwards left?

He did a great job for us, on and off the field. I wish him well, but the manner of his departure caused us and him grief.

Where DO you stuff your veggie burgers?

In my throat – they’re delicious.

Thoughts on potential relocation to near a motorway junction?

A brilliant move – excellent location, relieving pressure on the small town of Nailsworth. A stunning stadium that will make FGR fans very proud and will give visiting fans a taste of what modern, sustainable stadiums should be like.