Relegation not end of the world, says Rovers’ Vince

FOLLOWING on from Forest Green Rovers’ end to their Football League tenure after seven seasons, owner Dale Vince has stressed the importance of finding a way back into the fourth tier of English Football.

The Nailsworth club were relegated following Colchester United’s 2-0 win over Grimsby Town on Tuesday.

It would have taken a miracle for the Rovers to escape from relegation after their 6-0 defeat at League One-bound Wrexham.

Vince said: “Relegation is something nobody wants, but it happens in football of course and it’s not the end of the world. It’s a litmus test, against which we can be clear we’ve not been good enough, but we can plan to recover,” he said.

“We’re extremely grateful to our fans for their loyal support through a second difficult season in a row and pledge to move heaven and earth to get back to a better place, in terms of our football and league position.”

Rovers, who have been through three permanent managers since the beginning of the league season, find themselves back in the fifth tier for the first time since 2016-17.

They have also been through two directors of football in Stevie Grieve and Allan Steele since their relegation from League One last season.

A large part of the back-to-back relegations could be put down to poor recruitment over the last two seasons.

However, current Rovers boss Steve Cotterill had made it clear at a recent fans’ forum that he would be overseeing the future recruitment of the club.

On the recruitment of the side going forward, the chairman stated: “Obviously everyone at the club is disappointed with the outcome of this season, which the results have crystallised. Our best efforts have not been good enough, in recruitment primarily it’s not a budget issue.

“On the upside, we now have in place an excellent manager and player recruitment lead in Steve Cotterill.”

Rovers still have two games remaining, with a trip to Morecambe today and they host Notts County on the following weekend.

This summer for Forest Green will certainly be one to keep a very close eye on, with wholesale changes expected.