Meet the Players & Manager

Squad No PLAYER Pos Born Nationality DEBUT GAME DATE
1 JAMES BITTNER G/K 1982 England ~ ~
2 JARED HODGKISS D 1986 England MANSFIELD TOWN (A) 03-Oct-09
3 SCOTT BARTLETT D 1979 England ~ ~
4 IAN HERRING M 1984 England ~ ~
5 LUKE JONES D 1987 England ~ ~
6 CRAIG ARMSTRONG D 1975 England YORK CITY (H) 06-Mar-10
7 LEE SMITH M 1983 England ~ ~
8 MIKE FOWLER M 1981 Wales YORK CITY (H) (SUB) 06-Mar-10
9 REECE STYCHE F 1989 England HAYES & YEADING (A) (SUB) 26-Jan-10
10 ROSS DYER F 1988 England ~ ~
11 STEVE DAVIES F 1989 Wales KETTERING TWN (H) (SCORED) 08-Aug-09
12 OLLIE CLEAVER M 1992 England ~ ~
13 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
14 JAMES BALDWIN D 1989 England ALTRINCHAM (A) (SUB) 21-Mar-09
15 CALLUM HENRY D 1991 England ~ ~
16 LEE FOWLER M 1983 Wales KETTERING TOWN (A) 08-Aug-08
17 JONATHAN ELSE M 1989 England WOKING (H) (SUB) 11-Apr-09
18 JAMES NORWOOD F 1990 England ~ ~
19 YAN KLUKOWSKI M 1987 England ~ ~
20 GAVIN CAINES D 1983 England ~ ~
21 ZAK JONES G/K 1988 England ~ ~
22 JAMIE GRIMES D 1991 England ~ ~

1. James Bittner (GK) (D.O.B – 2/2/82) Joined Rovers at the beginning of the current season and has proved to be a superb No. 1 during pre-season matches. Previously with Salisbury City, Woking, Torquay United and Exeter. Born in Devizes, Wiltshire and has already beome a supporters favourite player with his acrobatic displays and defencive organising skills.

2. Jarod Hodgkiss (D) (D.O.B – 15/11/86) Just one of the few players that has been retained from last season where he proved what a good defender he is. Gets forward down the wing when possible and has seen action in the box scoring some good goals. Started his career with West Bromwich Albion and made his league debut away to Leicester City in December 2007. Had a loan spell at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier and also with Northampton Town. Jarod was born in Stafford.

3. Scott Bartlett (D) (D.O.B – 30/05/79) Scott joined Rovers at the start of the current season having played for Bath City and Salisbury City where he was Captain. One of David Hockadays lads from their time at the Cirencester Academy, so therefore well aware of his abilities. Wanted to continue his full time employment working for the Wilts & Glos Standard and put football as part-time. Don't under estimate his commitment, local lad living a few miles away in Tetbury.

4. Ian Herring (M) (D.O.B – 14/02/84) Ian was born in Swindon and joined his home club in 2001. Made his league debut a year later at home against Wycombe Wanderers in a 1-1 draw. During his time with Swindon Ian had loan spells with both Salisbury City and Chippenham Town who he moved permanently after being released. Joined Rovers at the beginning of the season from Northwich Victoria and has proved his strength during pre-season.

5. Mark Preece (D) (D.O.B – 03/06/87) Mark is now one of the clubs longest serving players and was recently awarded for completing 100 league matches for Rovers. Started with his home club Bristol Rovers whist also gaining county honours for Somerset at both U/16’s and U/18’s. Last season has been a turning point in his career as he has proved to be a stalwart in Rovers defence and built up a great partnership with Lee Ayres.

6. Paul Stonehouse (M) (D.O.B – 30/07/87) At just 22 yrs old Paul is the longest serving player with the club making his 1^st team debut in December 2005. Progressed from the clubs Youth Academy and is one of the first players on Manager Jim Harvey’s team sheet. Scored a memorable goal against Derby County in the FA Cup last season and can play in midfield and defence. Born in Wegburg, Germany and was voted The Supporters Player of the Year last season.

7. David Brown (F) & Assist/Manager – (D.O.B – 02/10/78) David was born in Bolton and started his football career with Oldham Athletic but signed as an apprentice with Manchester United. Made a name for himself with Hull City where he made over 100 appearances. Short periods were spent with Torquay, Chester and Telford. His career was more settled with Hereford United where he became a prolific striker before another move saw him join Accrington Stanley where he helped them to promotion to the Football League. Jim Harvey snapped him up from Barrow and he soon became the perfect partner for Andy Mangan.

8. Paul Lloyd (M) (D.O.B – 26/03/87) A young left sided midfielder that Manager Jim Harvey nurtured as an trainee with Morecambe. Born in Preston Paul was put out on loan to Bamber Bridge but on his return to Morecambe broke into the first team. Scored against Rovers whilst playing for Morecambe and was snapped up by Harvey in February 2009. One player for the future

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10. Conal Platt (M) (D.O.B – 14/10/86) Preston born player with Irish decent, and has played for both English Schools and Republic of Ireland U/19’s. Was given a scholarship with Liverpool where he gained experience with both their youth and reserves. He joined Bournemouth but was put loan to Morecambe where Jim Harvey first saw his potential. Further Blue Square experience was gained at Weymouth and Rushden before joining Rovers in May 2008. A tricky player who can score a few exciting goals with either his feet or head.

11. Jonathan Smith (M) (D.O.B – 17/10/86) Another Preston born player in Jim Harvey’s team who came through the Morecambe youth set up. Had loan spells in his early playing career with Fleetwood Town and Bamber Bridge before moving south with Forest Green. Now in his 3^rd season with the club and scored a tremendous FA Cup goal against Derby County last season. Capable of splitting a defence open with the pinpoint pass.

12. Jonathan Else (D) (D.O.B – 08/06/89) A young player that has shown immense potential whilst being a constant member of the reserves last season. As early as 8 yrs he was at Swindon Town and from 12 to 16 signed for Reading FC. He joined Bristol Rovers and played for their youth team. Experience in the Southern League with Cirencester Town and Chippenham Town. Now a product of Rovers connection with Hartpury College and played for the reserves last season. Born in Blackpool he made his 1^st team debut for towards the end of last season.

14. Ross Stearn (F) (D.O.B 17/09/90) An exciting young striker that has impressed during pre-season with his pace and skill. Ross was born in Bristol and signed for Bristol City as a youngster. Worked his way up the ranks but a 1st team place was curtailed by injury. Should work well with his striking partner and has plenty of tricks.

15. Ben Pugh (M) (D.O.B - 03/06/89) Ben is another product of Hartpury College and has also represented English Universities this year. Last season he not only played for Rovers Reserves but crossed over the local valley to Shortwood United. Has shown a true maturity during pre-season matches.

16. James Baldwin (D) (D.O.B - 14/05/89) James has proved to be a very worthy member of the 1^st team having come through the ranks of Hartpury College and Rovers Reserves last season. A top class defender who the fans think has great potential.

17. Tom Pass (G) (D.O.B – 21/12/91) Tom has great promise as a goalkeeper having come up through the ranks of Rovers youth system. Born in Newport, Gwent he has represented England U/18’s against France at Wembley where he received very high praise from the media. The Manager quickly signed him up for the 1^st team with other clubs hovering around for his signature.

18. Steve Davies (F) (D.O.B – 27/04/89) Last season Steve was playing for Cirencester Town where he proved what a speedy and excellent striker he is. Another with connections to Hartpury College who has performed well during pre-season and certainly will be talking about his goal against Leeds United for many years.

19. Marcus Palmer (F) (D.O.B – 06/01/88) Another young striker with true potential, made his debut towards the end of last season, scoring within minutes of coming on as a substitute. Born in Gloucester he started his career with Cheltenham Town before moving on to Hereford United. On his release he played for Gloucester City and Solihull Moors. Joined Rovers last season and went out on load to Chippenham Town.

20. Michael Fowler (M) (D.O.B – 22/08/81) Michael is the older brother of Lee who left Rovers at the end of last season. Born in Barry South Wales, he has had the honour of representing his country up to U/21 level. Started his career at Crystal Palace and had loan spells at Stevenage Borough and Wrexham. Further moves included Woking, Newport, Welling and back to his home country with Cwmbran and Merthyr. He joined Rovers at the beginning of the season from Salisbury City and has already proved what a good professional he is.

21. Callum Henry (D) (D.O.B – 10/06/91) Tall central defender who has learn his trade through the youth system at Forest Green Rovers. A young lad that has shown a great deal of promise during the pre-season. Certainly one for the future.

22. Isaac Shaze (S) (D.O.B. – 25/06/89) He is one of two students in the UK on student visa entry, who have battled the regulations, whilst taking a Football Foundation degree, to allow him the right to play as a non contracted player at the highest level possible in the non league game. Tricky, fast and skilful, he caught the eye of Steve Coppell when he was manager at Reading.

23. Sam Mensah (M) (D.O.B. – 19/05/89) The compatriot of Isaac but in his case a tough tackling midfielder, who racked up numerous appearances for the reserves in the Football Combination last season and saw red on one occasions. Plays with a lot of commitment and bags of enthusiasm, which he will learn to curb with experience.

24. Jon Challinor (M) (D.O.B. - 02.12.80.) Currently on loan from Cambridge United to replace the injured Mike Fowler. A vastly experienced player at this level of football having been signed for £15,000 from Rushden & Diamonds. Previous to that was part of the very successful Exeter City and Aldershot squads. Jon was born and still lives in Peterborough.

Jim Harvey - Manager (Born - 02.05.58)

Jim Harvey has already gained the title of Forest Green Rovers most successful Manager, leading them to a final 8th position in his first full season. This feat is even more incredible as when he joined Rovers in September 06 the team was languishing at the bottom of the league without a win to their name.

Born in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, he went on to signed for Arsenal in 1974, sadly somewhat restricted with only three 1^st team league appearances. In 1980 Jim had a free transfer to Hereford United where he became a favourite with the fans with 278 leagues games.

Bristol City signed him for £25,000 in 1980 but he was soon loaned out to Wrexham. Another £25,000 move found Jim at Tranmere Rovers where he became Club Captain making 121 league appearances, 12 League Cup and 8 F.A. Cup appearances, whilst scoring 15 goals.

Dario Gardi took him to Crewe Alexander as a player/coach before he made his first Conference appearance with Southport in 1993/94. Chester City was the next club to use Jim’s football knowledge, not just as a player but also as Reserve Team Coach and Director of the School of Excellence.

Leighton James, who was Manager of Morecambe FC, brought Jim in as he’s Assistant Manager/Player, particularly for his F.A qualifications and experience. In June 1994 he became the club Manager, the start of a 12 year reign. In his first season he took them from the Northern Premier League into the GM Vauxhall Conference where he has gained so much respect over the years.

During his time with Morecambe he became runners up in 2003 to Dagenham & Redbridge only to lose on penalties for promotion to The League. Jim also served as Assistant Manager to the Northern Ireland National side, then managed by Sammy McIlroy.

Sadly before the Cambridge United game on November 12 2005, Jim suffered a heart attack and was taken to the local hospital at Lancaster. After a long recover period everyone was shocked when Morecambe released their longest serving Manager and replaced him with his best friend McIlroy.

Jim seems to have the ability to get so much more out of his charges, playing quick passing football that brings a smile to all that watch from the terraces. Whatever happens this season, Jim has already carved a name for himself within the history of the club.