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INDEX OF NEWS ITEMS BELOW
09/05/08 - MANAGER JIM HARVEY TO SIGN 5/6 PLAYERS
02/05/08 - ROVERS ANNOUNCE BOARDROOM CHANGES
30/04/08 - ROVERS ANNOUNCE THE RETAINED AND RELEASED LIST
11/04/08 - TWO GOAL HERO DANNY MAY BE ODD MAN OUT
04/04/08 - FLEETWOOD & TONKIN MAY LEAVE FOREST GREEN ROVERS.
28/03/08 - FLEETWOOD'S APPEAL TURN DOWN
17/03/08 - ISHMAEL WELSH EXTENDS LOAN PERIOD
14/03/08 - NEW OFFICIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHED
06/03/08 - OLLIE JAMES RELEASED
22/02/08 - BEN ASHFORD JOINS 1st TEAM
15/02/08 - ISHMAEL WELSH JOINS ROVERS ON LOAN
08/02/08 - LAWLESS AND FLEETWOOD PLAY FOR WALES
29/01/08 - BEES FLY'S EAST
22/01/08 - FLEETWOOD REJECTS MOVE TO CREWE ALEXANDRA FC
11/01/08 - ROVERS GO FOR A BURTON
03/01/08 - TERRY BURTON & MARK BEESLEY
09/05/08 - MANAGER JIM HARVEY TO SIGN 5/6 PLAYERS
Stroud News & Journal Reports:
FOREST Green manager Jim Harvey is set to sign five or six players this summer, writes Ashley
Loveridge and Rob Iles.
Last week Rovers released Chris Giles, Danny Carey-Bertram, Lee Dodgson, Anthony Tonkin, Mark Preece,
and Lorcan Sheehan. Chris Davis has also expressed his desire to stay with Shortwood United.
Harvey's attention has turned to bringing in a raft of fresh faces, and he is also confident
about finding a replacement for 34-goal striker Stuart Fleetwood.
He told the SNJ: "We're talking to half a dozen boys at the moment. We'll be looking for a squad of 17 or 18."
Harvey has denied national newspaper reports linking Fleetwood with a £250,000 move to Championship
side Charlton Athletic, and insisted that the club has not heard anything from any other clubs. Although Fleetwood's
contract ends this summer, as he is under the age of 24 the club will receive a fee for the prolific forward, but Harvey could not comment on whether that would be anywhere near the quarter of a million pound mark.
He said: "There's been no contact from anyone yet so we don't know what we'll get for him."
Harvey also confirmed he expects all of the other players to have been offered new contracts to sign within the next
few days.
Meanwhile, Harvey could turn to former club Morecambe who released seven players this week.
Defender Simon Grand, midfielders Neil Sorvel and Jamie
Burns and striker Jon Newby are the quartet released by the Shrimps' boss Sammy McIlory.
Said McIlroy: "It is always a difficult time of year for a manager and difficult decisions have to be made. "All four
players have played their part in our success this year and we are all very grateful for their efforts and wish them well.''
Youngsters Paul Jarvis, Andy Langford and Jamie
Davies have also been released.
Harvey previously signed Ryan Robinson, John Hardiker, Jonathan
Smith and Adriano Rigoglioso from his old club.
02/05/08 - ROVERS ANNOUNCE BOARDROOM CHANGES
Forest Green Rovers Football Club Limited has announced the following imminent changes at Board and Company level, which will officially take place at the
AGM.
After 8 years as Directors at the Club, Jenny and Martin Anns are stepping
down from their roles to take a break. They do though wish to assure all those connected with the club that they will continue
to assist Rovers and be regular faces around on match days.
Both have given excellent service in assisting to establish Rovers as a formidable force both on and off the field,
with Jenny and Martin best well known in the Stroud area through their long association with Philip
Ford Funeral Directors.
The club is appreciative of their help and guidance, particularly in relation to the development of the new stadium
complex and are pleased they will still be around the club to give a helping hand, when it is needed.
Meanwhile it is announced that Paul Dowdeswell will
move from being an Associate Director to take up a position on the Executive Board. Paul who operates
locally based Country Quality Meats only joined the Board last year.
Finally, there is to be a change at Company Secretary level, where Tim
Brown of Grosvenor House Accountants based in Tetbury, will take over the role from Doug O’Brien,
who has been undertaking that position since Rovers joined the Football Conference in 1998.
Colin Peake
Football Secretary & Press Officer
30/04/08 - ROVERS ANNOUNCE RETAINED AND RELEASED LIST
Forest Green Rovers FC have confirmed their list of retained and released players for season 2008/09.
The Club would wish to thank all players for their contribution to what has been the best league season in the history
of the club, moving them into the top 100 clubs in the country.
Manager Jim Harvey is committed in taking the club further next season and appreciates that the clubs positional rise
from 14th to 8th has been achieved through a dedication and committment from the current squad but he realises that to
be able to bring in further quality players, there has to be a number moving in the opposite direction.
Apart from the list of players not to be offered terms, (Stuart Fleetwood has been made an offer - although it is unlikely
to materialise) that the remaining members of the squad have accepted terms and will be completing new contracts in the next
few days.
Players Retained: Ryan Robinson, Terry Burton, Simon Clist, Michael Brough, Jamie Pitman
(Player/Asst Manager), John Hardiker, Paul Stonehouse, Alex Lawless, Darren Jones, Jonathan Smith, Les Afful and Adriano Rigoglioso.
Player Offered Terms
but unlikely to accept: Stuart Fleetwood.
Players Released: Anthony Tonkin, Chris Giles, Lorcan Sheehan, Lee Dodgson, Mark Preece and Danny
Carey-Bertram.
Colin
Peake ~ Football Administrator and Press Officer
11/04/08 - TWO-GOAL HERO
DANNY MAY BE ODD MAN OUT
Forest Green striker Danny
Carey-Bertram is bracing himself for more bench duty, despite netting two goals in as many games. The 23-year-old has
enjoyed a rare run of starts in the absence of the suspended Stuart Fleetwood, cashing in with
both Rovers goals in the 1-1 draws at Halifax and Northwich Victoria.
With 35-goal Fleetwood's ban now served, manager Jim Harvey has a selection conundrum to solve before tomorrow's clash with Rushden and Diamonds at the
New Lawn. Leaving out the division's top-scorer with the play-offs still within mathematical reach is surely unthinkable,
while Harvey rarely favours two out-and-out strikers and is never afraid to be ruthless.
All
of which suggests Carey-Bertram will be odd man out again, with a rejuvenated Adriano
Rigoglioso playing off Fleetwood in the usual 4-4-1-1 formation. "It's been good to get
back in the team and I'm really happy with two goals in two games," said Carey-Bertram.
"I've
been in and out of the side and it takes a couple of games to get sharp, and I think that's started to show in my last few
performances. I've been to see the gaffer (Harvey) a couple of times
about not playing and he's just told me to be ready, so that's all I can do.”
"Stuart
has scored more than his fair share of goals, so I would expect him to come back in. I'll just have to wait and see if I keep
my place - the gaffer has got to pick his best team at the end of the day. It's not out of the
question that we could both play, depending on the formation."
Carey-Bertram cut a frustrated
figure at the Victoria Stadium, feeling he and the team could have added to his 53rd minute equaliser. The draw left Harvey's
men eight points behind fifth placed Burton Albion and needing a freak set of results to catch up over the remaining four
matches.
"We're outsiders, but that's not such a bad thing, as we could maybe sneak in on the last
day," said Carey-Bertram.
Report Supplied by "This is Gloucestershire"
The Citizen
04/04/08 - FLEETWOOD & TONKIN MAY LEAVE FOREST GREEN ROVERS
FOREST
GREEN have been rocked by the news that top scorer Stuart Fleetwood and star defender Anthony Tonkin are set to leave the
Blue Square Premier club at the end of the season.
Rovers
signed the former Welsh Under-21 striker on a free from Hereford
last summer. His form flourished under the astute management of Jim Harvey and the 21-year-old was watched by a number of
clubs including Crystal Palace and Charlton. However, he turned down a lucrative £175,000 move to Crewe in January.
Fleetwood
told the SNJ: "To be honest I'm unlikely to sign a new deal."
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However,
the 35-goal striker admitted he may stay if Rovers gain promotion to League Two. He added: "If we go up via the play-offs
then you can never say never.
He
added: "I’ve loved it at Forest Green and I owe a huge debt to Jim Harvey. He brought my confidence back- although I
never doubted my ability."
Fleetwood
is convinced Rovers can improve in his anticipated absence. "We've a good bunch of lads and If they can all stick together
they will achieve a lot of success."
Reported
by The Stroud News & Journal
28/03/08 - FLEETWOOD'S APPEAL TURN DOWN
Stuart Fleetwoods appeal against his red card at Torquay has been turn down. He will therefore
miss three matches starting with Setanta's Televised match against Burton Albion next Monday night. He will also miss the
matches against Halifax Town and Northwich Victoria away.
17/03/08 - Ishmael Welsh Extends Loan Period
Yeovil Town and Forest Green Rovers have today agreed and concluded the paperwork
to extend the loan of Ishmael Welsh at the New Lawn until the end of the season.
Pacy winger joined Rovers on an initial one month loan on 15th February. He made a very good
impression with the Rovers fans on his home debut against Stafford Rangers, earning the man-of-the-match award.
Ishmael, 20, began his career as a Trainee with West Ham United and signed as a professional
in July 2005. He was unable to break into the first team squad with the Hammers and in May 2006 he signed a two year contract
with Yeovil Town, scoring in his league debut against Carlisle on 12 August 2006. In all, Ish has made 18 first team appearances
with the Glovers.
14/03/08 - New Official Website Lauched
FOREST GREEN ROVERS F.C. LAUNCHES NEW OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.forestgreenroversfc.com
Forest Green Rovers F.C. have today unveiled their new official website; and the new
look, 200 page site is set to rival that of any clubs’ in the Barclays Premiership.
06/03/08 - Ollie James Released
Forest Green Rovers FC announce that we have today by mutual consent agreed to
release the following player from his contract and he is now a free agent:
Oliver (Ollie) David James (21yrs) b.30.01.87.
Ollie joined Forest Green Rovers this season having
previously been with Tranmere Rovers. He is a right full back and has played in 7 first team fixtures at the New Lawn but
due to the outstanding form of Darren Jones he has been unable to command a regular place and therefore
wishes to seek a club nearer his home on the Wirral (Cheshire).
22/02/06 - Ben Ashford joins 1st team
Following his excellent performances so far this season for the Reserves and an
outstanding game to keep the Southern Leagues top scorer (Sean Canham - Team Bath) quiet when we loaned him across to Gloucester
City, 18 yr old Ben Ashford as signed forms for the Blue Square Premier.
He will feature in the 1st team squad at Cambridge United and has been allocated
Squad No 15.
Ben has already represented English Colleges in 10
internationals and is considered by the management team to be a very bright prospect and now ready to be involved with the
1st team on a regular basis. He will complete his time at Hartpury College in the next few months and is seeking a full time
professional contract at Rovers for next season. Ben originates from Honiton in Devon.
15/02/08 - ISHMAEL WELSH JOINS ROVERS ON LOAN
PRESS RELEASE
Manager Jim Harvey has completed his first loan signing of the 2007/08
season by recruiting Ishmael WELSH from Division One Yeovil Town. The move has been financed by
the supporters at the New Lawn in the shape of their GRASS Appeal. The club are most grateful to those fans who "Give Regularly
- Assist Squad Sponsorship". This is the first time this season that Harvey has tapped into this
funding stream to help his 1st team squad.
21 yr old Welsh has already tasted Blue Square Premier action,
having been on loan earlier in the season with Torquay United, where he made 20 appearances for the Gulls. Harvey
needs to consider making a couple of signings to bolster his bare squad and following their recent run of matches, Simon Clist needs a weeks break from competitive football to assist recovery from an ankle injury. With
the club having operated all season with 20 players and recently losing Mark Beesley to rivals
Cambridge United, Harvey appreciates his squad is somewhat depleted and needs to strengthen as
the business end of the season approaches. Welsh as already played twice gainst Rovers this season
and therefore Harvey is well aware of the ability of the player. Whilst he may have certain
similar qualities as Clist he also brings blistering pace.
Welsh is allocated Squad Number 16 and trained with his new
colleagues today for the first time, ahead of Rovers fixture against Stafford Rangers tomorrow. The loan is initially for
one month but agreement is open to it being extended if both clubs feel it is in the long term interest of the player.
Colin Peake
Football Secretary & Press Officer
Forest Green Rovers FC
Blue Square
Premier (Football Conference)
| Alex Lawless |
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08/02/08 - LAWLESS AND FLEETWOOD PLAY FOR WALES
Both Alex Lawless and Stuart Fleetwood
have been selected to represent the Welsh U/23 Semi-Professional to played against England C at St. James Park, Exeter
on Wednesday 20th February. KO 7.45 pm.
For tickets ring 01392 - 411243
Adults £5.00 U/16's, OAP's & Students £1.00
29/01/08
- BEES FLY’S EAST
PRESS RELEASE
Forest Green Rovers announce that at 2pm this afternoon (Tuesday 29th January) striker Mark Beesley moved to promotion rivals Cambridge United
for an undisclosed fee allied
to further conditional agreements,
one of which means he is not eligible to play against Rovers for the rest of this season. The transfer, which went through in the space of one
hour, means that he will be available to play against Exeter City this evening, the second time he will have faced the Grecians in 72 hours.
Manager Jim Harvey had thwarted several
attempts from Jimmy
Quinn, to keep the 27 yr old
at the New Lawn but an offer which will see
him tied to the Abbey Stadium until 2010, was destined to go through when
the player made it
known that he wished to take up this opportunity at this stage in his career.
Beesley was part of the country’s most prolific striking
duo, when alongside Stuart Fleeetwood, who himself only last week turned down a £200,000 move to Crewe Alexandra, they had bagged a staggering total
of 43 goals between them this season.
Whilst Forest Green Rovers are never happy to lose
a player of Mark’s capability, the club will never stand in the way of any player
wishing to leave if he feels his future is destined elsewhere. The club thank Mark for his contribution since his arrival in 2004 and wish him and Ruth all the best for
the future.
Colin Peake
22/01/08 - FLEETWOOD REJECTS MOVE TO CREWE ALEXANDRA FC
PRESS RELEASE
It
is announced by Forest Green Rovers FC that Stuart Fleetwood has turned down a move to Crewe Alexandra
FC and in the process committed himself totally to help Rovers reach the play offs in the Blue Square Premier.
The
21 yr old striker, after visiting Gresty
Road; and discussing personal terms with Crewe Alexandra, has made the decision to remain at the
New Lawn, after considering all his options, with his family and his agent.
Rovers
Manager Jim Harvey was delighted to hear the news in a late night call from Stuart,
as the team boss has been instrumental in turning around Stuart’s career. Harvey stated “Whilst neither the Board nor myself, would ever stand in the way of any player progressing up the football
ladder and that on this occasion we may have missed out on a massive windfall, it shows how genuine Stuart
is and knowing the lad as I do, I know his word is his bond”
Stuart wishes it to be known to all those associated with Forest Green Rovers that irrespective of any
other bids, he will now be playing in the famous black and white stripes and trying his hardest to assist his team mates in
achieving a play off position.
He
said “It is a decision I have reached
along with my family. Everyone at Rovers has made us so welcome from the Boardroom to the supporters on the terraces. My mother
in particular has a genuine affection for the club and everyone she meets each match day. The club is now part of my family
as well and I am committed with my team mates to making this the best ever season that the club have experienced in their
history”
“Obviously I have been kept informed by the club
of all the interest shown and I can honestly state that even if any other clubs come in with a late bid before the transfer
window closes, I am not interested. The summer may be a different matter but I owe a debt of gratitude to the gaffer (Jim Harvey). At a time when many thought my career had ended, he had faith in me and I love the way he
has the lads playing and that has helped me tremendously”.
Despite
the fact that the club would have benefited financially from the deal agreed with Crewe Alexandra, they respect Stuart’s
personal decision not to move at this stage and welcome his commitment to join the clubs ambition to reach the Football
League. This announcement will no doubt see Stuart receiving a rapturous reception this coming
Saturday when Rovers entertain Exeter City
at the New Lawn in a vital league fixture.
11/01/08 - ROVERS GO FOR A BURTON
Possible Team Changes
Terry Burton will replace Ryan Robinson
in goal for the FA Trophy second round clash at Blue Square Premier rivals Stafford Rangers tomorrow.
Winger Lee Dodgson is out after twisting
his knee playing for the reserves in the 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth in midweek. Rovers took the lead in this match with Adriano Rigoglioso opening the scoring.
Chris GIles (calf) remains sidelined but Olly James (calf) is available. Michael Brough is suspended after picking up his
fifth booking in the 2-1 defeat against Grays last Saturday.
Forest Green: T. Burton, D. Jones, J. Hardiker,
O. James, M. Preece, A. Tonkin, A. Lawless, J. Pitman, S. Clist, J. Smith, L. Afful, P. Stonehouse, M. Beesley, A. Rigoglioso,
S. Fleetwood, D. Carey-Bertram, R. Robinson.
03/01/08
- BURTON MOVES TO GLOUCESTER
Forest
Green Rovers announce that keeper Terry Burton has moved himself and
his family from their home in Hampshire to Gloucester and due to this committment from
him, he has signed a full time contract which takes him through initially to the end of this season.
The 26 year old is currently
keeping No1 Ryan Robinson on his toes and Terry, who has been in the
1st team on five occasions this season, has yet to appear on the losing side.
03/01/08
- MARK BEESLEY REACHES THE 100 MARK
There is also another 26
year old in the club who this week has an occasion to mark. Mark Beesley will make his 100th league
appearance for Rovers on Saturday, when Grays Athletic visit the New Lawn. Mark joined Forest Green
in July 2004 from Hereford United but following a serious injury in March 2005 he fought a long fitness battle back to 1st
team action and his performances this season has shown that his efforts have been worthwhile, particularly with his partnership
of Stuart Fleetwood.
In all 1st team matches this
season they have accumulated 42 goals and it is only half way through the season. There will be a presentation for Mark
before the Blue Square Premier fixture kicks off.
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