Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
The 2014-15 Forest Green Rovers season was Forest Green Rovers' 17th consecutive season in the Conference Premier.
The team registered a 5th-place finish, its highest ever league placing to date, and subsequently earned a place in the Conference Premier play-offs. However a 3-0 aggregate defeat against Bristol Rovers saw the team led by Adrian Pennock knocked out in the play-off semi-finals.
In the FA Cup the club reached the first round proper, being knocked out by League One side Scunthorpe United. In the FA Trophy a 1-0 away defeat against Ebbsfleet United led to a second round exit.
Jon Parkin ended the season as top goal scorer in his first season with the club after netting 30 goals in all competitions.
Transfers
In
Out
Season diary
May
On 7 May 2014, former Wales international defender David Pipe became Forest Green's first summer signing. Two signings in one day followed on 12 May as Kurtis Guthrie and Sam Wedgbury arrived at the club. A day later on 13 May James Norwood received a call up to the England C squad for an international with Slovakia later in the month. On 23 May, it was announced that Crystal Palace and Birmingham City would be two of the pre-season opponents to visit The New Lawn ahead of the new campaign. Further pre-season friendlies with local sides Shortwood United, Slimbridge and Brimscombe & Thrupp to be played away from The New Lawn were announced later in the month too.
June
On 3 June 2014, left back James Jennings joined the club on a two-year deal having been released by Mansfield Town a month earlier. Three days later on 6 June 2014, goalkeeper Steve Arnold joined the club following his departure from Stevenage. The club revealed on 9 June that PUMA had become the club's official kit supplier, replacing Adidas. On 13 June, Clovis Kamdjo arrived at The New Lawn as the latest summer signing having agreed a two-year deal to join the club. Three days later, on 16 June, Matty Taylor joined Conference National new boys Bristol Rovers on a free transfer having turned down the offer of a contract from Forest Green. On 25 June, England C international Elliott Frear joined the club having departed Salisbury City. The winger signed a two-year contract with the club. On 29 June, another player joined the club from Salisbury as midfielder Rob Sinclair arrived at the club signing a two-year contract.
July
On 1 July 2014, a final pre-season game against an Arsenal XI was confirmed. The game was arranged to be Forest Green's final pre-season warm up on 5 August ahead of the start of the league season. On 3 July the first team squad returned for their first day of pre-season training. Three days later, on 6 July, the squad travelled to Scotland for a week long training camp. Championship side Birmingham City were the visitors to The New Lawn on 15 July for Forest Green's first pre-season friendly. A first half strike from Clayton Donaldson was enough to earn Birmingham a 1-0 win. The following evening, on 16 July, a 4-0 win over Bishop's Cleeve at their Kayte Lane home handed Forest Green their first pre-season win. On 18 July an additional pre-season friendly against Gloucester City was added to the team's schedule. The match was organized for 22 July - the same date Forest Green faced a friendly with Slimbridge. It was confirmed that one half of the squad would travel to take on Gloucester City with the other half set to take on Slimbridge. Also on 18 July, it was confirmed that Kieron Forbes had joined league rivals Aldershot Town on a six-month loan deal. On 19 July, the scheduled pre-season friendly with Shortwood United was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch following torrential rain and thunderstorms. On 21 July, Jon Parkin became the club's latest summer signing. The front man signed a one-year contract.
On 22 July, wins over Slimbridge and Gloucester City on the same evening saw a split squad pick up two wins. A James Norwood strike earned Forest Green a win over local side Slimbridge while Forest Green picked up a 5-3 win against Gloucester City at Whaddon Road. Despite having two years left to run on his contract, Andy Mangan was confirmed as having left the club on 24 July. The striker moved into the Football League, agreeing a one-year contract with Shrewsbury Town. On 29 July, two goals from Lee Hughes plus further strikes from Marcus Kelly and Danny Wright helped Forest Green to a pre-season win over Brimscombe & Thrupp.
August
On 1 August 2014, Magno Vieira joined league rivals Nuneaton Town on a one-month loan deal. The following day, on 2 August, Forest Green suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Premier League side Crystal Palace in the club's penultimate pre-season friendly. A first half hat-trick from England international Fraizer Campbell secured Crystal Palace victory. On 4 August, it was confirmed that club secretary Michelle McDonald was stepping down from her role with the club. On 5 August, Forest Green completed their pre-season schedule with a visit from Arsenal at The New Lawn in front of a crowd of 1748. Arsenal picked up a 6-4 win in an entertaining game as James Norwood and Rob Sinclair both scored twice for Forest Green. The following day, on 6 August, Danny Coles joined the club on a one-year contract from Exeter City.
The club began its Conference National season with a 1-0 away win at Southport on 9 August. Lee Hughes scored with a header to give Forest Green their first ever opening day away win in the division. On 12 August Forest Green's first home game of the season brought another win as goals from Clovis Kamdjo and Jon Parkin sealed a 2-1 win against Chester. A 2-0 win over Alfreton Town at The New Lawn on 16 August made it three wins to start the season. Hughes scored his 300th career goal in the win. On 20 August, the club unveiled its new away kit which saw the return of a black and white stripe shirt to the club. The kit was brought back to celebrate Forest Green's 125th anniversary and featured the traditional red socks previously worn by the club. Also on 20 August, a training ground friendly at Cheltenham Town saw Forest Green lose 6-3. On 22 August, an away game at Aldershot Town brought a 1-1 draw - a result which saw Forest Green go top of the table.
On 25 August, a crowd of 3781, the highest league attendance ever recorded at The New Lawn, watched Forest Green draw 1-1 with Bristol Rovers. The match was shown live on BT Sport. Four days later, on 29 August, two players left the club. Al Bangura and Danny Wright both had their contracts terminated a year early. Wright joined league rivals Gateshead. On 30 August, James Norwood scored his first goal of the season to help Forest Green to a 1-1 draw at Welling United.
September
On 6 September 2014, Forest Green suffered their first defeat of the season suffering a 1-0 loss at The New Lawn against Wrexham. Three days later, on 9 September, they slipped to another 1-0 defeat in an away game with Nuneaton Town. Goals from James Norwood and Jon Parkin on 13 September however helped Forest Green to a 2-0 home win over FC Halifax Town. On 16 September, the club confirmed that goalkeeper Paul White had joined Gloucester City on an initial one-month loan deal. Later that day, Jon Parkin scored a late free kick in a 2-2 away draw at Eastleigh to earn Forest Green a point at the Silverlake Stadium. On 20 September, goals from Marcus Kelly and Lee Hughes handed Forest Green a 2-1 win at Dartford. Forest Green won a friendly 2-0 against Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium on 23 September. Later that day the club's under 18s squad were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at the first qualifying round stage, losing 1-0 away to Cirencester Town under 18s. On 25 September, Christian Jolley joined the club on an initial one-month loan deal from Newport County. A day later, on 26 September, it was confirmed that Forest Green would receive a three-point deduction after it was revealed that the club had fielded an ineligible player in their opening day win against Southport. The club also received a £500 fine. The following day, on 27 September, a stoppage time goal condemned Forest Green to a 2-1 home defeat against Barnet at The New Lawn. On 30 September, Jon Parkin and James Norwood both scored to help Forest Green to a 2-1 home win over Torquay United.
October
On 4 October 2014, Elliott Frear scored his first goal for the club in a 2-2 away draw at Macclesfield Town. Three dsys later, on 7 October, another away game at AFC Telford United saw Lee Hughes scored a second half header to help Forest Green to a 1-0 win. The following day, on 8 October, it was confirmed that Anthony Barry had joined League Two side Accrington Stanley on a three-month loan. On 11 October, Jon Parkin scored his sixth goal of the season as Forest Green drew 1-1 with Gateshead at The New Lawn. On 13 October, the draw for the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup handed Forest Green an away tie against either Staines Town or Gloucester City. On 18 October, Danny Coles scored the only goal of the game against his former club in a 1-0 away win over Bristol Rovers. On 24 October, it was confirmed that Christian Jolley had seen his loan spell with the club extended by a further month. He was also given permission by parent club, Newport County to represent Forest Green in the FA Cup. The following day, on 25 October, a 4-1 win over Gloucester City at Whaddon Road saw over 660 away supporters cheer the team on to victory in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup. The draw for the first round proper of the FA Cup was made two days later, on 27 October, as Forest Green were handed a home draw with League One side Scunthorpe United. On 30 October it was confirmed that Glyn Jones had been appointed as goalkeeper coach.
November
Forest Green came from being 3-0 down at home to Lincoln City on 1 November 2014, to draw 3-3 thanks to a last minute equaliser from Dale Bennett. On the same day the club hosted the world's first ever vegan football match and the FA Cup trophy also visited the ground. On 9 November, League One side Scunthorpe United visited The New Lawn in the first round proper of the FA Cup. Two goals from Gary McSheffrey earned Scunthorpe a place in the second round in the competition as they picked up a 2-0 win. Only two days later Forest Green returned to league action, earning a point in a 1-1 home draw with Eastleigh at home. Elliott Frear was then named in the England C squad for their forthcoming international against the Estonia under 23 squad. Chris Stokes was named in the contingency squad. On 15 November, Kurtis Guthrie scored twice alongside a James Norwood free kick as Forest Green earned a point away at Torquay United in an entertaining 3-3 draw.
On 17 November, Forest Green exited the Gloucestershire Senior Cup at the quarter final stage after losing in a penalty shootout against Southern League team Yate Town. A day later, on 18 November, Elliott Frear played the full 90 minutes for the England C team in an International Challenge Trophy win over Estonia. On 22 November, Dover Athletic held Forest Green to a 0-0 draw. On the same day, it was confirmed that Christian Jolley's loan spell with the club had ended, and he returned to Newport County. On 24 November, a behind closed doors friendly saw Swindon Town pick up an easy win at The New Lawn. On 29 November, goals from James Norwood and Eddie Oshodi earned Forest Green a 2-1 league win over Dartford.
December
On 1 December 2014, the first round draw of the FA Trophy took place and Forest Green were handed a home tie against either Merthyr Town or Didcot Town of the Southern League. On the same day, it was confirmed that Luke Rodgers had come to an agreement to leave the club by mutual consent. The next day, on 2 December, Forest Green's ten match unbeaten run came to an end in a 1-0 away defeat against FC Halifax Town. The match saw James Norwood red carded late on and after a brawl following the full-time whistle both Eddie Oshodi and Dale Bennett were shown red cards. On the same night Didcot Town defeated Merthyr Town in their FA Trophy replay which confirmed that Didcot would travel to face Forest Green at The New Lawn on 13 December. On 4 December, the club won the Environmental Project/Innovation of the Year award at the Institute of Groundsmanship awards with groundsman Stewart Ward awarded with the honour for a second time. On 6 December, Altrincham were the visitors as they held Forest Green to a 1-1 draw. Three days later on 9 December, goals from Jon Parkin and Luke Oliver against his former club helped Forest Green to a 2-1 victory over Woking.
On 12 December, the club's appeal to replay their away fixture with Southport from the opening day of the season after playing an ineligible player was rejected by the Football Association. The club were subsequently deducted three points from their season total. The next day, on 13 December, Didcot Town held Forest Green to a 2-2 draw in the first round of the FA Trophy. A wonder strike from Jon Parkin and Marcus Kelly goal had given Forest Green a 2-0 lead however Didcot hit back to force a replay late on. It was revealed on 15 December that if Forest Green could get past Didcot Town in the replay they would play against either Ebbsfleet United or Welling United away from home in the second round. On 16 December a hat-trick from Jon Parkin confirmed Forest Green's place in the second round of the FA Trophy in a replay win away at Didcot Town. On 19 December, despite Chris Stokes scoring his first goal of the season, Forest Green returned to league action with a 2-1 defeat against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park. On 23 December, a training ground friendly saw Forest Green lose 3-0 against an Exeter City development side. On 26 December, despite holding the lead twice thanks to goals from Lee Hughes and James Norwood, Kidderminster Harriers earned a 3-2 win at The New Lawn. On 28 December, the team's scheduled fixture against Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground was postponed because of a frozen pitch.
January
On 1 January 2015, Jon Parkin scored twice while Kurtis Guthrie and Clovis Kamdjo also scored in a 4-2 away win over Kidderminster Harriers on New Year's Day at Aggborough. On 4 January, Forest Green made their first move following the opening of the transfer window, bringing in former striker Stuart Fleetwood on a loan deal from Eastleigh until the end of the season. Fleetwood made his second debut later that day in a 4-1 win over Welling United at The New Lawn. After the match, it was revealed by manager Ady Pennock that the club would be making two further signings. Charlie Clough joined the club for an undisclosed fee from Sutton United, while Corby Moore signed from American side Indy Eleven. On 6 January Paul White re-joined Gloucester City on loan until the end of the season. On the same day it was confirmed that Anthony Barry had extended his loan spell at Accrington Stanley until the end of the season. On 8 January, Danny Coles signed a contract extension which tied him down till the summer of 2016. Two days later, on 10 January, a first half strike from Daryl McMahon was enough to knock Forest Green out of the FA Trophy away at Ebbsfleet United. Dale Bennett was sent off in the match.
On 17 January, another Jon Parkin brace helped Forest Green to a 2-1 away win over Braintree Town. On 22 January, it was revealed that James Marwood had become the club's fourth signing of the month as the attacker penned an 18-month deal following his departure from St Mirren. Two days later, on 24 January, Forest Green's away fixture at Alfreton Town was postponed because of an unplayable pitch. On 26 January, a goal from Louis McGrory earned Forest Green a 1-0 win over Bath City in a behind closed doors friendly. On 30 January, it was confirmed that Lee Hughes had left the club and joined league rivals Kidderminster Harriers. The following day, on 31 January, a goal from Jon Parkin earned the club a 1-0 win over Nuneaton Town at The New Lawn.
February
On 2 February 2015, it was announced that Eddie Oshodi had ended his stay with the club with it also being revealed that he was stepping away from football. On the same day it was confirmed that Kieron Forbes loan spell at league rivals Aldershot Town had come to an end and he had returned to the club. On 4 February, the England C boss Paul Fairclough named James Norwood and Elliott Frear in the Three Lions squad that would travel to take on the Cyprus under 21 team later in the month. On 6 February, it was announced that Jon Parkin had triggered a clause in his contract that would see him sign on for a second season at The New Lawn. On the same day, he was announced as the Conference National Player of the Month for January after he scored seven times in four league matches during the month. On 7 February, a 2-1 home win over Grimsby Town made it five league wins in a row. James Norwood came off the bench to score the winner, subsequently becoming the club's all-time top Football Conference goal scorer with his 50th league strike for the club. A last minute winner in second half stoppage time denied Forest Green a sixth consecutive win on 10 February in a 2-2 away draw against Alfreton Town. On 14 February, goals from Jon Parkin and Rob Sinclair earned a point in a 2-2 draw with Altrincham at Moss Lane. On 16 February, it was announced that the club's Good Friday fixture with Aldershot Town had been selected for television coverage by BT Sport. A day later, on 17 February, both James Norwood and Elliott Frear featured for the England C team in a friendly against the Cyprus under-21 squad.
On 18 February, it was confirmed that Magno Vieira had left the club. Three days later, on 21 February, Chris Stokes joined League One outfit Coventry City on a one-month loan. On the same day, goals from Jon Parkin, Charlie Clough and Elliott Frear earned Forest Green a 3-0 home victory over AFC Telford United. Three days later a goalless draw at the Racecourse Ground against Wrexham extended the team's unbeaten run. On 26 February, it was announced that Marcus Kelly had agreed a new one-year contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2016. On 27 February, Tom Bender joined on a contract until the end of the season. He made his debut the next day in a 5-3 home win over Southport where a Clovis Kamdjo overhead kick stole the show.
March
On 2 March 2015, it was confirmed that Kieron Forbes had moved to Conference South outfit Sutton United on a one-month loan deal. Three days later, on 5 March, it was announced that Dale Bennett had agreed a new one-year contract extension. A 3-1 away win over Barnet on 7 March saw goals from Dale Bennett, Jon Parkin and Kurtis Guthrie seal victory. A week later a 1-1 draw against Braintree Town at The New Lawn set a new club Football Conference record sequence of 12 unbeaten matches. On 17 March, James Jennings featured for over an hour in a behind closed doors friendly win over Newport County on his return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. On 19 March, it was confirmed that Chris Stokes' loan at Coventry City had been extended until the end of the season. A 1-0 defeat at Woking on 21 March was Forest Green's first defeat of 2015. The team bounced back a week later by securing three points in a 2-1 victory at Sincil Bank against Lincoln City. On 31 March, the club was rocked by the news that assistant manager Dave Kevan had quit the club with five games to go, and with the club locked in the play-off places, to re-join Notts County as first team coach.
April
On 3 April, BT Sport televised Forest Green's 3-1 home loss against Aldershot Town which was attended by a crowd of 2247. Three days later, on Easter Monday, the team bounced back with a 4-1 win over Chester at the Deva Stadium. Jon Parkin scored twice and there were further goals from Elliott Frear and Aarran Racine. Jon Parkin was on the score sheet again on 11 April as he hit the headlines with a strike from the halfway line that helped Forest Green to a 3-1 win over Macclesfield Town. The victory saw Forest Green leapfrog Macclesfield into fourth place. A 4-2 away win at Gateshead on 18 April saw two goals from Jon Parkin and a goal each from Rob Sinclair and Kurtis Guthrie lead to an important three points. The result meant that Forest Green would have to match or better Macclesfield Town's result on the final day of the season to confirm a place in the play-offs. A nervy end to the season saw a crowd of 2674 at The New Lawn to watch a goalless draw with Dover Athletic which confirmed the club's place in the Conference National play-offs for the first time, as well as a record highest finish of 5th. On 29 April, a crowd of 3,336 watched former Forest Green front man Matty Taylor score the only goal in the play-offs first leg at The New Lawn to give opponents Bristol Rovers a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg.
May
On 3 May 2015, already trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Forest Green were denied a play-off final place as Bristol Rovers earned a 2-0 victory to earn an overall 3-0 aggregate win. A crowd of 10583 watched the match at the Memorial Stadium. The following day, on 4 May, the club announced its retained and released list. It was confirmed that Sam Russell, James Norwood, Luke Oliver, Chris Stokes, Stuart Fleetwood and Kieron Forbes had all been released. Paul White and Aarran Racine were confirmed as having been offered new contracts. Tom Bender and Corby Moore meanwhile were offered six-month contracts for the following season.
Matches
Pre-season friendlies
Conference Premier
<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>
Forest Green Rovers v Wrexham
| 6 September 2014 |
Forest Green Rovers |
0 - 1 |
Wrexham |
The New Lawn |
| 15:00 |
|
Report |
Moult |
Attendance: 1401
|
Conference Premier Play-offs
FA Cup
FA Trophy
Gloucestershire Senior Cup
See also
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
|
|
|
|
| League competitions |
| Level 1 |
|
| Levels 2–4 |
|
| Levels 5–6 |
|
| Levels 7–8 |
|
| Levels 9–10 |
- Combined Counties Football League (Premier, First)
- East Midlands Counties Football League (level 10 only)
- Eastern Counties Football League (Premier, First)
- Essex Senior Football League (level 9 only)
- Hellenic Football League (Premier, East, West)
- Kent Invicta League (level 10 only)
- Midland Football League (Premier, First)
- Northern Counties East Football League (Premier, First)
- Northern Football League (First, Second)
- North West Counties Football League (Premier, First)
- Southern Counties East Football League (level 9 only)
- South West Peninsula League Premier Division (level 10 only)
- Spartan South Midlands Football League (Premier, First)
- Sussex County Football League (First, Second)
- United Counties Football League (Premier, First)
- Wessex Football League (Premier, First)
- Western Football League (Premier, First)
- West Midlands (Regional) League (level 10 only)
|
|
| Cup competitions |
| FA cups |
|
| Football League cups |
|
|
| Youth competitions |
|
| Women's competitions |
|
| National teams |
|
|
|
|
|
David Pipe
Kurtis Guthrie
Clovis Kamdjo
Indy Eleven
St Mirren
Reece Styche
Magno Vieira
Al Bangura
Paul White
17' Taylor
