Gloucestershire's best team for 34 years v Gloucestershire's 2nd best team for 21 years

[FGR Stroud]

Well, it depends which part of Greater Manchester you go to doesn’t it

Funnily enough there’s a Bury fan on your own messageboard, we do get about. Goes by the name ‘Pitchfork’.

Do you mean FGR's vice chairman who has publicly stated his allegiance is to FGR although he retains a very affectionate spot for Bury and wishes them well.
Actually Pitchfork's former allegiance to Bury is well know in Nailsworth and was brought up in a light hearted manner at a recent social event at TNL.
And I know the background of how he acquired his nickname while supporting Bury. Great story.

 

[FGR Stroud]

The whole of the area is still buzzing from ElGlosico.
I’ve had people with no interest in football or Forest Green Rovers come up to me to talk about the game.

Everybody connected to the club still have the biggest ever smile on their faces. And that is for obvious reasons in that the result virtually guarantees FGR continued membership in the EFL and that this was FGR’s first away victory in 14 away league matches stretching back to 21st October (2-1 win at Stevenage).
The fact that this season defining victory was at Whaddon Road, home of our local rivals, is the icing on the cake.

Now that I’ve come down from the clouds a little I took the opportunity to re-read the posts here starting with that daft thread title.
Si Robin, you won’t be able to use that one again: it has bitten you on the arse.

Projection of low attendance figures were wildly off the mark.
One of the biggest crowds at WR for season with official a near 800 away fans. Si Robin made fun of my remark that there was probably many FGR fans amongst the home fans. Last night I had confirmation that I was right when my mate said that he was at game but watched it from the home stand because his Cheltenham supporting mate had got him a free ticket there. He saw many other familiar faces from TNL in the Cheltenham crowd.

My mate also said that the fans around him accepted that they had been beaten by a better team on the night. After the game some came up to the supporters coach to compliment FGR.

Reports of the ‘troubles’ in the town of Cheltenham have been sensationalised by a local reporter who has been roundly condemned by both sets of fans on their respective forums.

Cheltenham criticised FGR for time wasting. I didn’t see it that way and in fact FGR have been more at the receiving end of blatant time wasting, such as at Barnet when the ball boys refused to collect the balls after they had gone out of play.

Fascinating reading conversation between Si Robin and Greenacres reference past and future attendance figures. I tend to agree that 6,000 fans for the Gloucestershire area is currently about right.
Where I will take issue is that the past numbers was based on Gloucester/Cheltenham attendances while FGR was just a small village club for most of those years.
When FGR move closer to the M5 it creates a new and different catchment area and numbers will increase.
Cheltenham and FGR have their own catchment area and the move will not affect Cheltenham’s core support. The club most at risk of losing it casual support will be Bristol Rovers. For some living in the Yate area it will be quicker to get to the new FGR site than to the Memorial Stadium.

I think Chris and Robin also had a conversation on another forum reference the atmosphere and singing at ElGlosico. The FGR supporters were magnificent and sang the roof off the stand. But I’ve noticed that the acoustics at WR are such that if both sets of fans are in full voice they seem to cancel each other out. At one time on Saturday the Green Army sang: “Is this a library?”
My friend said the Red Army were in good voice. We did faintly hear the drum and laughed out loud at that after being told FGR fans could not bring one into the stadium.

 

[UTS]

The whole of the area is still buzzing from ElGlosico.
I’ve had people with no interest in football or Forest Green Rovers come up to me to talk about the game.

Everybody connected to the club still have the biggest ever smile on their faces. And that is for obvious reasons in that the result virtually guarantees FGR continued membership in the EFL and that this was FGR’s first away victory in 14 away league matches stretching back to 21st October (2-1 win at Stevenage).
The fact that this season defining victory was at Whaddon Road, home of our local rivals, is the icing on the cake.

Now that I’ve come down from the clouds a little I took the opportunity to re-read the posts here starting with that daft thread title.
Si Robin, you won’t be able to use that one again: it has bitten you on the arse.

Projection of low attendance figures were wildly off the mark.
One of the biggest crowds at WR for season with official a near 800 away fans. Si Robin made fun of my remark that there was probably many FGR fans amongst the home fans. Last night I had confirmation that I was right when my mate said that he was at game but watched it from the home stand because his Cheltenham supporting mate had got him a free ticket there. He saw many other familiar faces from TNL in the Cheltenham crowd.

My mate also said that the fans around him accepted that they had been beaten by a better team on the night. After the game some came up to the supporters coach to compliment FGR.

Reports of the ‘troubles’ in the town of Cheltenham have been sensationalised by a local reporter who has been roundly condemned by both sets of fans on their respective forums.

Cheltenham criticised FGR for time wasting. I didn’t see it that way and in fact FGR have been more at the receiving end of blatant time wasting, such as at Barnet when the ball boys refused to collect the balls after they had gone out of play.

Fascinating reading conversation between Si Robin and Greenacres reference past and future attendance figures. I tend to agree that 6,000 fans for the Gloucestershire area is currently about right.
Where I will take issue is that the past numbers was based on Gloucester/Cheltenham attendances while FGR was just a small village club for most of those years.
When FGR move closer to the M5 it creates a new and different catchment area and numbers will increase.
Cheltenham and FGR have their own catchment area and the move will not affect Cheltenham’s core support. The club most at risk of losing it casual support will be Bristol Rovers. For some living in the Yate area it will be quicker to get to the new FGR site than to the Memorial Stadium.

I think Chris and Robin also had a conversation on another forum reference the atmosphere and singing at ElGlosico. The FGR supporters were magnificent and sang the roof off the stand. But I’ve noticed that the acoustics at WR are such that if both sets of fans are in full voice they seem to cancel each other out. At one time on Saturday the Green Army sang: “Is this a library?”
My friend said the Red Army were in good voice. We did faintly hear the drum and laughed out loud at that after being told FGR fans could not bring one into the stadium.

You say attendances will increase but why so? Sustained increase anyway... you’ll be moving further from Nailsworth. The other issue is that FGR don’t actually represent anywhere... Forest Green isn’t a place, and they play in a rural setting, there is no evidence that attendances will increase for FGR. The people of Yate, a Bristol suburb, aren’t going to switch allegiance from a club based in, and representing Bristol, for a club near a motorway named Forest Green.

 

[The Jovial Forester]

Forest Green isn’t a place

It is, it's the bit of Nailsworth where the ground is now (few yards from where the old one always was). More than one team in Nailsworth, you see. MASSIVE!
Anyway, main point about attendances, i reckon if the move goes ahead there might be a net gain from supporters from Stroud town coming along over those from Nailsworth lost, be much easier for the former lot to get to, but can't imagine it would be anything massive.

 

[Chris FGR]

You say attendances will increase but why so? Sustained increase anyway... you’ll be moving further from Nailsworth. The other issue is that FGR don’t actually represent anywhere... Forest Green isn’t a place, and they play in a rural setting, there is no evidence that attendances will increase for FGR. The people of Yate, a Bristol suburb, aren’t going to switch allegiance from a club based in, and representing Bristol, for a club near a motorway named Forest Green.

See, this just proves why you shouldn't talk about things you know fuck all about.

You know nothing of our history, the growth of our fanbase, the amount of new housing going up in the area, the amount of community work the club does including an ambassadors scheme which now involves over 50 local schools.

And to cap it all off, you don't even know that there's a place called Forest Green, why the fuck would we be called Forest Green if we weren't from a place called that? We were founded there and have played in Forest Green for the entirety of our 129 year history.

Learn some facts before talking shite. Uneducated troll

 

[UTS]

See, this just proves why you shouldn't talk about things you know fuck all about.

You know nothing of our history, the growth of our fanbase, the amount of new housing going up in the area, the amount of community work the club does including an ambassadors scheme which now involves over 50 local schools.

And to cap it all off, you don't even know that there's a place called Forest Green, why the fuck would we be called Forest Green if we weren't from a place called that? We were founded there and have played in Forest Green for the entirety of our 129 year history.

Learn some facts before talking shite. Uneducated troll

Oh okay then, Forest Green is a club representing a tiny hamlet which has only seen attendance growth due to being bankrolled like Fylde. Please tell me about Forest Green’s incredible history which includes 1 season in the Football League... have you ever got to round 2 of the FA Cup?

New housing does not mean more fans... people will move into the area with affiliations from elsewhere... and how many new home owners are realistically going to become die hard FGR fans just because they’ve recently moved to the area? I’d say less than 5% of new residents and that’s being generous.

How many did hard fans have Forest Green actually got? About 500?? The rest are just floating fans who probably support another club.

 

[Chris FGR]

Well given we were averaging over 1000 when we were skint and struggling in the Conference I would say our die hard fanbase was probably 7-800 back then.

And yes of course we've been to the FA Cup 2nd round, we've got to the third round twice. Both of those times were pre-Ecotricity as well.

We have a long and proud history, just because we haven't been a Football League club for most of it doesn't mean twats like you can shit on us.

Forest Green FC was originally formed by Rev EJH Peach in 1889 in the hamlet of that name which sits on a hill overlooking the small town of Nailsworth in Gloucestershire, giving rise to one of their nicknames, "The Friendly Club on the Hill." In 1893 press reports describe the team as "Forest Green Rovers."

After five seasons playing friendlies, Forest Green joined the newly formed Mid-Gloucestershire League. Efforts to gather support (and funds) from neighbouring Nailsworth proved fruitless. When, in August 1895, a meeting was held in the town to promote the formation of a new football club there, a member of the Forest Green committee, disarmingly called Mr A Cakebread, spoke in support. As a result, Forest Green Rovers became Nailsworth FC although they still played on Forest Green's field and competed in the same league. The experiment was not a success and in October 1896 the club withdrew from the league and it is assumed they were wound up.

In 1898 Forest Green Rovers was reformed. A photograph shows the players in smart white collared shirts, black knickers and stockings. Unusually for what was still a village club, the players are identically kitted out. The following season Forest Green joined the Gloucestershire FA and registered their colours as red and white. Teams were entered in the Mid-Gloucestershire League (which folded in 1901) and the Dursley & District League. In fact the club generally fielded sides in two league competitions right up until 1937.

Rovers' first silverware was the Dursley & District League title, won in 1903 after a play-off against Stonehouse FC, a match watched by around 1,000 spectators, a considerable number for a minor competition. In 1907 the team playing in the Stroud & District League finished bottom with no points, having had the two they had earned from a solitary win deducted after they fielded an ineligible player.

In 1911, following a merger with Nailsworth FC, the club changed its name to Nailsworth & Forest Green United and the team wore the blue and white colours of the Nailsworth team. Once again the amalgamation of the two rivals ended in acrimony and the club withdrew from the Stroud & District League after incurring heavy fines for failing to fulfil three fixtures. An additional penalty of 10/- (50p) was levied and the players were banned until the fines were paid off ensuring that the club was closed down following which the outbreak of war prevented any thoughts of re-forming.

Forest Green Rovers was reconstituted in 1919 and re-entered the Stroud & District League, registering their colours as black and white. In the inter-war period, Forest Green's teams enjoyed considerable success and in 1926 their playing field was enclosed for the first time and christened, "The Lawn." A decade later the committee bought the freehold at auction for £120.

After the Second World War a Supporters' Club was formed and due to their efforts, The Lawn was improved and played host to County representative matches and cup finals. A social club was opened in 1968, providing a new source of revenue. Having competed in various district leagues since their formation, Forest Green became founder members of the Gloucestershire County League that year.

In 1975 Rovers joined the Hellenic League, the first time that they had competed at regional level. A new crest was introduced bearing a striking resemblance to that of CF Barcelona. The team quickly adapted to the higher standard and in 1982 they won the championship and the FA Vase, beating Rainsworth Miners Welfare at Wembley. The following season, they joined the Midland Section of the Southern League.

In 1989, faced with a financial crisis, the club's name was changed to Stroud FC. This attempt to broaden their appeal served only to alienate long standing supporters. With a new board in charge they reverted to their former name in 1992 and updated their crest into the bargain. After switching to the Southern Section of the Southern League, FGR won two successive promotions (1997 and 1998) to win a place in the National Conference.

In 2002 plans were announced to build a new stadium (still within the hamlet of Forest Green) that would meet Football League standards. Planning permission was granted in 2005 and The New Lawn was completed a year later, funded by the sale of the original ground for housing.

Rovers' career in the Conference was modest and they twice finished in the relegation zone only to be reprieved after Northwich Victoria (2005) and Salisbury City were demoted (2010) for breaches of the rules.

During the 2009-10 season the chairman, Trevor Horsley, revealed that the club was in serious financial difficulty. In August 2010, green energy tycoon, Dale Vince launched a takeover bid. Vince, a former New Age traveller who went on to make a fortune through the generation of green energy, became chairman a few months later and ultimately converted the club into a wholly owned subsidiary of Ecotricity Ltd, the company founded and owned by Vince. Rovers narrowly avoided relegation the following season but then their results improved considerably.

After consultations with supporters, a new crest was introduced for the 2011-12 season and a year later it was announced that the club would drop it's traditional colours in favour of lime green and black (black and white was retained in the change strips).

Meanwhile Vince set about transforming Forest Green Rovers into the world's first sustainable football club. The pitch is entirely organic and 10% of the club's electricity needs are supplied by solar panels. Red meat was banned and national headlines were made when Vegan catering for players and supporters alike was introduced. In November 2016 plans were announced for a new 5,000 seater stadium to be built entirely of wood on the Eco Park complex adjacent to Junction 13 of the M5 in Gloucestershire.

In 2015 FGR reached the play-offs for the first time. The following season they reached the play-off final but lost to Grimsby Town at Wembley. Finally, in 2017, having finished third, they beat Tranmere Rovers 3-1 in the play-off final to win promotion to the English Football League.

 

[UTS]

Well given we were averaging over 1000 when we were skint and struggling in the Conference I would say our die hard fanbase was probably 7-800 back then.

And yes of course we've been to the FA Cup 2nd round, we've got to the third round twice. Both of those times were pre-Ecotricity as well.

We have a long and proud history, just because we haven't been a Football League club for most of it doesn't mean twats like you can shit on us.

Forest Green FC was originally formed by Rev EJH Peach in 1889 in the hamlet of that name which sits on a hill overlooking the small town of Nailsworth in Gloucestershire, giving rise to one of their nicknames, "The Friendly Club on the Hill." In 1893 press reports describe the team as "Forest Green Rovers."

After five seasons playing friendlies, Forest Green joined the newly formed Mid-Gloucestershire League. Efforts to gather support (and funds) from neighbouring Nailsworth proved fruitless. When, in August 1895, a meeting was held in the town to promote the formation of a new football club there, a member of the Forest Green committee, disarmingly called Mr A Cakebread, spoke in support. As a result, Forest Green Rovers became Nailsworth FC although they still played on Forest Green's field and competed in the same league. The experiment was not a success and in October 1896 the club withdrew from the league and it is assumed they were wound up.

In 1898 Forest Green Rovers was reformed. A photograph shows the players in smart white collared shirts, black knickers and stockings. Unusually for what was still a village club, the players are identically kitted out. The following season Forest Green joined the Gloucestershire FA and registered their colours as red and white. Teams were entered in the Mid-Gloucestershire League (which folded in 1901) and the Dursley & District League. In fact the club generally fielded sides in two league competitions right up until 1937.

Rovers' first silverware was the Dursley & District League title, won in 1903 after a play-off against Stonehouse FC, a match watched by around 1,000 spectators, a considerable number for a minor competition. In 1907 the team playing in the Stroud & District League finished bottom with no points, having had the two they had earned from a solitary win deducted after they fielded an ineligible player.

In 1911, following a merger with Nailsworth FC, the club changed its name to Nailsworth & Forest Green United and the team wore the blue and white colours of the Nailsworth team. Once again the amalgamation of the two rivals ended in acrimony and the club withdrew from the Stroud & District League after incurring heavy fines for failing to fulfil three fixtures. An additional penalty of 10/- (50p) was levied and the players were banned until the fines were paid off ensuring that the club was closed down following which the outbreak of war prevented any thoughts of re-forming.

Forest Green Rovers was reconstituted in 1919 and re-entered the Stroud & District League, registering their colours as black and white. In the inter-war period, Forest Green's teams enjoyed considerable success and in 1926 their playing field was enclosed for the first time and christened, "The Lawn." A decade later the committee bought the freehold at auction for £120.

After the Second World War a Supporters' Club was formed and due to their efforts, The Lawn was improved and played host to County representative matches and cup finals. A social club was opened in 1968, providing a new source of revenue. Having competed in various district leagues since their formation, Forest Green became founder members of the Gloucestershire County League that year.

In 1975 Rovers joined the Hellenic League, the first time that they had competed at regional level. A new crest was introduced bearing a striking resemblance to that of CF Barcelona. The team quickly adapted to the higher standard and in 1982 they won the championship and the FA Vase, beating Rainsworth Miners Welfare at Wembley. The following season, they joined the Midland Section of the Southern League.

In 1989, faced with a financial crisis, the club's name was changed to Stroud FC. This attempt to broaden their appeal served only to alienate long standing supporters. With a new board in charge they reverted to their former name in 1992 and updated their crest into the bargain. After switching to the Southern Section of the Southern League, FGR won two successive promotions (1997 and 1998) to win a place in the National Conference.

In 2002 plans were announced to build a new stadium (still within the hamlet of Forest Green) that would meet Football League standards. Planning permission was granted in 2005 and The New Lawn was completed a year later, funded by the sale of the original ground for housing.

Rovers' career in the Conference was modest and they twice finished in the relegation zone only to be reprieved after Northwich Victoria (2005) and Salisbury City were demoted (2010) for breaches of the rules.

During the 2009-10 season the chairman, Trevor Horsley, revealed that the club was in serious financial difficulty. In August 2010, green energy tycoon, Dale Vince launched a takeover bid. Vince, a former New Age traveller who went on to make a fortune through the generation of green energy, became chairman a few months later and ultimately converted the club into a wholly owned subsidiary of Ecotricity Ltd, the company founded and owned by Vince. Rovers narrowly avoided relegation the following season but then their results improved considerably.

After consultations with supporters, a new crest was introduced for the 2011-12 season and a year later it was announced that the club would drop it's traditional colours in favour of lime green and black (black and white was retained in the change strips).

Meanwhile Vince set about transforming Forest Green Rovers into the world's first sustainable football club. The pitch is entirely organic and 10% of the club's electricity needs are supplied by solar panels. Red meat was banned and national headlines were made when Vegan catering for players and supporters alike was introduced. In November 2016 plans were announced for a new 5,000 seater stadium to be built entirely of wood on the Eco Park complex adjacent to Junction 13 of the M5 in Gloucestershire.

In 2015 FGR reached the play-offs for the first time. The following season they reached the play-off final but lost to Grimsby Town at Wembley. Finally, in 2017, having finished third, they beat Tranmere Rovers 3-1 in the play-off final to win promotion to the English Football League.

Wow round 3 of the FA Cup, well done an incredible effort. Until 2006 Forest Green had never averaged over 1,000 fans, and even in 2014 well into the Dale Vince reign you averaged 1,185. Less than Fylde currently average now. 2012 was 1,035.

Last years promotion season saw an average crowd of 1,733.

Your new stadium is going to be tiny at just 5,000 capacity and is out of town... I just don’t see where this increase in attendance is going to come from, especially if you stagnate or decline on the pitch... and what if Dale Vince gets bored?

 

[dog]

That's a wonderfully revisionist history. There was no genuine consultation when it came to the club crest being changed. It was hoisted upon us like this dumb Green Devils thing and the green kit.

Forest Green is very much a place. It's the main residential area in Nailsworth where I lived for 27 years. Then, if you were a kid with an interest in local football, you either supported FGR or the Hellenic League team Shortwood from the other side of the valley.

I'm intrigued by the suggestion a move to the M5 will increase the club's support. I just don't see it as history is littered with the failure of out of town developments in the lower leagues. It will also be in the middle of nowhere. Despite the guff, there are a good number of fans who live in Nailsworth and walk to matches. What's going to happen to those? I just don't see anyone from Gloucester or Bristol suddenly deciding to start watching FGR because of a new ground by the motorway.

It genuinely pains me that so many new fans drink the Vince juice uncritically. He's made mistakes and the new ground may be the biggest of all.

 

[Chris FGR]

and what if Dale Vince gets bored?

Depends when it happens, if it does. I'd imagine it will only happen if he can't get planning permission for a new stadium, as without it we wont achieve his lofty ambitions.

We coped without Dale Vince for 120 years, if we are still at TNL when/if he ever goes then the club should easily be able to cut our cloth and continue, if we've moved though, then it will depend on ground ownership.

I would personally prefer us to stay in Nailsworth, if this is our ceiling then so be it. At least we retain the core of the clubs identity and own our ground.

 

[UTS]

Not wanting to rip into FGR anymore, but another point is the amount of fans taken to Wembley. Wembley support is often indicative of any potential/lapsed fanbase as all those with a loose affiliation with a club jump on the bandwagon for a day out at Wembley...

Forest Green took about 3,000 to a play off final... now I don’t want to take the piss because at the end of the day, FGR are what they are, a village club... but 3,000 for a POF is laughable and suggests there’s very little appetite for Forest Green. For perspective, Rochdale, who get the lowest crowds in L1 took 15,000 to Wembley in 2008.

Take my club Bury, who I’m sure everyone can agree are a small club by any measure... despite being rock bottom on 30 points, we’ve averaged 3,900 this season... and 3,800 for the last 3 seasons before that. These are small crowds... but are still a good % higher than what FGR are currently getting when we are a club in decline whilst FGR have never had it so good. If you can’t even match Bury for attendances when at the peak of the clubs history then what chance have you got?

 

[Chris FGR]

What chance have we got of what?

We aren't looking at becoming a Premier League side. We're trying to establish ourselves as a league 2 club. We aren't the worst supported team at this level by any means.

Comparing us to Bury is pointless. You're a bigger club, well done congraulations. We're doing a lot of work to try and grow our attendances. It's worked to a point. Maybe they'll grow more in the future if we keep working at it, who knows. If not, at least we've given it a go.

 

[UTS]

What chance have we got of what?

We aren't looking at becoming a Premier League side. We're trying to establish ourselves as a league 2 club. We aren't the worst supported team at this level by any means.

Comparing us to Bury is pointless. You're a bigger club, well done congraulations. We're doing a lot of work to try and grow our attendances. It's worked to a point. Maybe they'll grow more in the future if we keep working at it, who knows.

So if the aim is to establish yourselves in L2, then you will inevitably stagnate. Meanwhile unless you cut your cloth accordingly debts will increase and suddenly your stuck in an out of own stadium with a limited support.

To me, FGR is merely a vessel for Dale Vince’s Ecotricity PR.

 

[Chris FGR]

The aim is to progress, sensibly. It took us 19 years to come up from the Conference, so we're in no massive rush to shoot up the leagues.

Btw, our losses decreased by 300k during the financial year April 16- April 17, and according to DV himself we are looking at being in the black for this year. If that is true, you have to say things look good for us to become more sustainable at this level, even without Vince.

 

[UTS]

The aim is to progress, sensibly. It took us 19 years to come up from the Conference, so we're in no massive rush to shoot up the leagues.

Btw, our losses decreased by 300k during the financial year April 16- April 17, and according to DV himself we are looking at being in the black for this year. If that is true, you have to say things look good for us to become more sustainable at this level, even without Vince.

In what world was Forest Green’s progression from the Conference sensible? You consistently had the highest budget despite getting amongst the lowest crowds.

 

[Chris FGR]

The early seasons of DV's reign were not sensible. But in the last 2 or 3 years we've had success on the pitch and Ecotricity has got a lot of publicity/advertising.

We constantly get media crews from around the world coming to cover us, at our open day at the start of the season we had press from 25 different countries turn up. We've been covered in the US, Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Germany, France etc etc all of which is the kind of advertising/publicity Ecotricity could only dream of prior to owning a football club. I would say the investment has been very worthwile.

We're investing in local community schemes and in our academy, plus we're building our own training ground/academy facilities. Our crowds have gone up significantly, and stayed up despite struggling all season.

And on top of all of that we are set to make a profit this year. I would say in many aspects we're now running things pretty well. Just need to get better at dealing with fans, both home and away. Better facilities and better stewarding. And maybe winning a few more games.

 

[FGR-Star]

I couldn't hold off anymore with absolute rubbish that this strange Bury supporter has been saying about my club.

I will go through all of his bullshit in note form;

FGR represents the whole of the Stroud valleys and everywhere you look you see FGR shirts around the area. We are not just a hamlet club.

Our crowds for such a small catchment area are fantastic, and we are now averaging 2,500 home fans every game. It would not surprise me if we actually average more home fans than Bury next season.

Our season has been pretty poor, yet the crowds have been consistently good and have not wavered!

Our 765 away fans at Cheltenham ourtsang the home fans from start to finish showing huge passion and noise. Cheltenham were quiet showing very little passion. It was only 765 as we had to pick up our tickets in person and could not order online, or buy on the day. There were also no trains running. We also had about 150 in the home ends.

We have large numbers of fans around the world in America, Russia Finland etc. For the Bury troll to claim we only have 500 real fans is a joke. Our hardcore is up to about 2,000 now.

Wow, only 4,000 turned up at Wembley, there were reasons, but yes it was a small amount, but it just means we have less glory hunting plastics!!

Lastly Bury!!!! What the hell??? I could take this bills big bollocks from one of the big boys like Swindon or Luton, but Bury!! Sorry not having it!!

We know we are a small club, but for some cretin to slag off everything about us without know shite-all about my club pisses me off!!

Rant over, and Bury will be welcomed to the New Lawn if we stay up.

 

[UTS]

I couldn't hold off anymore with absolute rubbish that this strange Bury supporter has been saying about my club.

I will go through all of his bullshit in note form;

FGR represents the whole of the Stroud valleys and everywhere you look you see FGR shirts around the area. We are not just a hamlet club.

Our crowds for such a small catchment area are fantastic, and we are now averaging 2,500 home fans every game. It would not surprise me if we actually average more home fans than Bury next season.

Our season has been pretty poor, yet the crowds have been consistently good and have not wavered!

Our 765 away fans at Cheltenham ourtsang the home fans from start to finish showing huge passion and noise. Cheltenham were quiet showing very little passion. It was only 765 as we had to pick up our tickets in person and could not order online, or buy on the day. There were also no trains running. We also had about 150 in the home ends.

We have large numbers of fans around the world in America, Russia Finland etc. For the Bury troll to claim we only have 500 real fans is a joke. Our hardcore is up to about 2,000 now.

Wow, only 4,000 turned up at Wembley, there were reasons, but yes it was a small amount, but it just means we have less glory hunting plastics!!

Lastly Bury!!!! What the hell??? I could take this bills big bollocks from one of the big boys like Swindon or Luton, but Bury!! Sorry not having it!!

We know we are a small club, but for some cretin to slag off everything about us without know shite-all about my club pisses me off!!

Rant over, and Bury will be welcomed to the New Lawn if we stay up.

A quick google reveals FGR’s average attendance is 2,682.. this includes away fans.. I imagine with it being a new ground for most supporters the away average is around 350-400... that leaves 2,200 home supporters on your first ever FL season.

Bury are rock bottom, already relegated and have lost 27 times this season and average 3,902.. with approx. 700 visiting away fans on average.

Last time we were in this division we averaged 3,774...

As I’ve already stated, Bury are a small club, limited hugely by location... which is similar to FGR... who still get less fans than Bury.. hence my skepticism of FGR gaining any more fans should they move out of town. No billy big bollocks from me, but unrealistic expectations from some FGR fans I think.

Cute though how you signed up just to reply, it must have really got to you.

 

[FGR-Star]

Well, why not lecture Morecambe who got 800 home fans in their last two home games?

Barnet who barely get 1400, Accrington??

FGR's attendances are pretty strong, seems strange for you to keep banging on about it.

 

[UTS]

Well, why not lecture Morecambe who got 800 home fans in their last two home games?

Barnet who barely get 1400, Accrington??

FGR's attendances are pretty strong, seems strange for you to keep banging on about it.

If you read the thread some FGR fans think they are on the verge of some sort of Gloucester take over once they move into this new stadium... it’s not going to happen. You don’t hear Morecambe fans hairping on about how great they are or Barnet.

Forest Green will always be a small village club used as a PR stunt for Dale Vince, Cheltenham will always be bigger than FGR too.

In what respect are FGR’s crowds strong? In your first ever season at this level (typically higher than following seasons) you rank 19th out of 24 clubs for attendances.

 

[FGR-Star]

I don't think it will be a Gloucester take over at all!! Where have I said that??

You do realise Gloucester as a city is predominantly rugby?? You do realise Gloucester City have not averaged more fans than FGR for 25 years??

You are an idiot, you contradict yourself constantly, you say we are a village club, yet we averaged 2,300 home fans!! Is that not impressive!! We are only averaging about 200 fans less than Cheltenham now, what's to say that at the same rate of change we can better their attendances?

We have had a dreadful season, you are not going to get many glory hunters with us at the moment!!

Also the new stadium will be easily accessible to the big new developments near Stroud. That's what people are saying. We want to establish ourselves as a decent league 2 club and I think that is possible.

Anyway have some respect and stop calling us a PR stunt, that's just rude. I have not insulted Bury in such a way.

 

[UTS]

I don't think it will be a Gloucester take over at all!! Where have I said that??

You do realise Gloucester as a city is predominantly rugby?? You do realise Gloucester City have not averaged more fans than FGR for 25 years??

You are an idiot, you contradict yourself constantly, you say we are a village club, yet we averaged 2,300 home fans!! Is that not impressive!! We are only averaging about 200 fans less than Cheltenham now, what's to say that at the same rate of change we can better their attendances?

We have had a dreadful season, you are not going to get many glory hunters with us at the moment!!

Also the new stadium will be easily accessible to the big new developments near Stroud. That's what people are saying. We want to establish ourselves as a decent league 2 club and I think that is possible.

Anyway have some respect and stop calling us a PR stunt, that's just rude. I have not insulted Bury in such a way.

Have you even bothered to read the thread/properly read what I’ve written. I know it must be hard to see behind those tears but atleast try.

 

[FGR Stroud]

.

If you read the thread some FGR fans think they are on the verge of some sort of Gloucester take over once they move into this new stadium... it’s not going to happen.

WRONG
After move to the new site FGR will become biggest team in Gloucestershire, although attendance will almost certainly be initially smaller than local rivals Bristol Rovers or Swindon.
Cheltenham, who are nearest club to TNL, have maxed out their average attendances and the 'village club in the middle of nowhere' is only a few hundred less than that number.
When FGR do move (and that has been put back for about five years) it is self evident that our attendances will supersede those of Cheltenham which is basically a rock solid Rugby loving town. The Stroud valleys are not quite as obsessed with the egg shaped ball and will gain a lot of hitherto casual football supporters from a more built up part of the community.
And FGR are also blessed with having Dale Vince as chairman. He has spent millions in ensuring the structure/administration of the club is sound. He has stated that should FGR have got relegated he had contingency plans to ensure they returned to the EFL as soon as possible. When Cheltenham were fighting relegation last season, their chairman was distraught saying he would have to sack many of his staff and that a further relegation to the Conference (N) could easily happen.
It will take time but FGR will become Gloucestershire's top team.

 

[UTS]

.

WRONG
After move to the new site FGR will become biggest team in Gloucestershire, although attendance will almost certainly be initially smaller than local rivals Bristol Rovers or Swindon.
Cheltenham, who are nearest club to TNL, have maxed out their average attendances and the 'village club in the middle of nowhere' is only a few hundred less than that number.
When FGR do move (and that has been put back for about five years) it is self evident that our attendances will supersede those of Cheltenham which is basically a rock solid Rugby loving town. The Stroud valleys are not quite as obsessed with the egg shaped ball and will gain a lot of hitherto casual football supporters from a more built up part of the community.
And FGR are also blessed with having Dale Vince as chairman. He has spent millions in ensuring the structure/administration of the club is sound. He has stated that should FGR have got relegated he had contingency plans to ensure they returned to the EFL as soon as possible. When Cheltenham were fighting relegation last season, their chairman was distraught saying he would have to sack many of his staff and that a further relegation to the Conference (N) could easily happen.
It will take time but FGR will become Gloucestershire's top team.

The people of Gloucestershire have never come out to support Cheltenham, for many years the only professional glous club... so why would they suddenly turn out for FGR, a smaller and less successful club than Cheltenham?

They won’t. FGR are a PR stunt for Dale Vince’s company. You will stagnate, in an out of town stadium representing a hamlet, Dale will get bored and you’ll be back down to the Southern Premier or wherever you came from.

 

[Si Robin]

UTS you're wasting your breath on the Stroud one - despite other fans of FGR on here readily agreeing that the desire for lower league football in Gloucestershire has been pretty much maxed out, he will continue to maintain that FGR will be bigger than Cheltenham.

He won't support this with any kind of evidence by the way. Simply that by moving to a stadium by a motorway, casual Bristol Rovers fans and the people of Gloucester and the Stroud valleys (who don't already attend The New Lawn) will be flocking to watch League 2 football. I bet the casual Rovers fans can't wait to turn their backs on the likes of Sunderland at the Mem when they can watch Morecambe (no disrespect) at the new FGR stadium.

I'm pretty sure when we were in the Conference a couple of years ago he was spouting about how fans from Worcester right down to Bristol will be supporting FGR - who knew how big the pull of a stadium next to Junction 13 (not just any junction I suppose) of the M5 could be?

I'm not one for digging at teams about attendances - being a Cheltenham fan that would make me look a bit silly, but the number of excuses I've seen for them not selling out the away end is laughable - it's like the Cheltenham fans who claim the reason we don't have big attendances in August is because people are on holiday (genuine excuse on our forum). Yet we're supposed to believe that by moving they will suddenly become a bigger club and get attendances "closer to those of Gloucester Rugby than Cheltenham Town". Give me a break. We'll ignore the fact that casual followers only follow clubs that remain on an upward trajectory - a few more years stagnating in League 2 and the novelty very quickly wears off, as we have found out at Cheltenham.

Aside from the fact they're an advertising tool, I have nothing against FGR or their traditional fanbase. The delusions of grandeur from a minority of them though is laughable, along with some of the comments from their owner belittling the rest of the League (the infamous quote last season after their playoff win), gives the club a bad name and reputation amongst fans of other clubs. One they won't shake until such time as Vince gets bored, or no longer sees a use for them. Sadly, I don't think that is likely to happen for some time.

 

[CTFCfan99]

FGR Stroud - I would highlight and argue with the majority of points you make in your last two posts but it's late and I have to get up early, so I'll just say this: you don't half talk some shite!

 

[The Jovial Forester]

We're clearly only ever going to be a small club, best of all outcomes to my mind will be if the Vince era ends with us still owning our own ground wherever it is and a support base that can keep the club professional once we cut our cloth to our means again. First half of that very important and not a given is my worry.

 

[Trapdoor]

When will Dale Vince get bored?

I'm guessing as soon as FGR get relegated back to conference. Where the fuck is Forest Green anyway?

 

[Si Robin]

I don't think he will get bored in fairness - my sister used to work for Ecotricity and she maintains that he has become completely enamoured by them.

The only way I see him pulling out any time soon is if Ecotricity start to dramatically lose money.

That being said, I do fear for FGR when he does go.

 

[Chris FGR]

We existed for 120 years before Vince. Why wouldn't we cope if he leaves?

We aren't in debt.