Experience is the key word for Spink (From Stroud News and Journal)

Experience is the key word for Spink

EXPERIENCE was the key word in Nigel Spink's mind this summer when the Forest Green Rovers manager made a number of pre-season signings.

Instead of opting for talented but raw players, Spink has gone for older experience members to blend with the number of youthful players that he has at The Lawn.

The major signing of the summer is the capture of striker Neil Grayson on a free transfer from local rivals Cheltenham Town.

Last season, Rovers did not have as much experience as their opponents and Spink has obviously aimed to correct this by strengthening the main positions in the team.

Of the players that he has added to his squad, three will be playing in the 'spine' of the team.

Steve Perrin will continue as first choice goalkeeper and Lee Russell, 32, will play in central defence.

Spink has also added central midfielder Alan McLoughlin and striker Grayson to the playing staff.

The York born attacker has signed a two year deal and he goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's pre-season friendly against his former team.

Russell was captain at Torquay United last season and he will add strength and steel to Rovers' defence.

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder McLoughlin won 42 caps while playing for his country and Southampton paid £1 million to Swindon Town for his services.

He stayed there for a season before transferring to Portsmouth, where he made 297 league starts.

Spink has also signed midfielder Trevor Tierney on a one year contract. Tierney was on loan at Rovers last season but he has chose to make the move to The Lawn a permanent one.

Spink is currently in talks with two physiotherapists after the departure of Ian Weston to Cheltenham Town.

Striker Nathan Lightbody is making good progress after his long term injury and midfielder Mark Shaw is back in training and will have to prove his fitness in the pre-season games.

Meanwhile, most of last year's youth squad will also be invited to play in the pre-season friendlies to win a contract in Spink's first team.

Tony Daley has left the club after deciding to finish his career as a player. Former England international Daley has joined the academy coaching staff at one of his ex-clubs Aston Villa.

Rovers' marketing and operations manager Colin Peake said: "The club would like to thank Tony for everything he has done at Forest Green Rovers, he has been a credit to the club and his profession."

Forest Green will be holding two fun weeks and places are still available.

The first week will be held from Monday July 29 to Friday August 2 and the second week is running from Tuesday August 27 to Friday August 30.

Boys and girls aged 6-15 years-old can attend and it will cost £75 for the five day week and £60 for the four day fun week.

Training kit and boots and a packed lunch are required. The times for the courses are 9.30am to 3.30pm and coaching will be taken by Rovers players and staff.

Contact Darren Perrin at The Lawn on 01453 834860.

This Thursday (July 18), Rovers will play their first pre-season match at The Lawn when they face local rivals Cheltenham Town, kick-off is 7.45pm.

Then on Saturday (July 20), newly promoted Birmingham City will be the visitors to The Lawn, kick-off 3pm. Steve Bruce's side will use the game as a warm up for their new venture in the Premiership.