Rovers set for Conference reprieve (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rovers set for Conference reprieve

FOREST GREEN ROVERS are set for a sensational return to the Conference.

Rovers, who were relegated after finishing third from bottom, look certain to be reprieved after Northwich were kicked out by the Conference.

The Vics have failed to meet Football Association and Conference requirements and have no ground lease for next season and are therefore not eligible to play in the Conference.

Vics have the right to appeal, but the complex situation seems unlikely to be resolved before this weekend's Conference annual meeting which would take the final decision.

Forest Green refused to comment on the situation, which leaves them in limbo until a final decision is reached.

The Conference statement said: "The Nationwide Conference have notified Northwich Victoria FC Ltd (in administration) that they have failed to comply with the requirements to remain in the Conference Premier Division by the agreed deadline.

"The Club should originally have obtained a grading certificate for their new ground by April 1 .

"By concession the Club were given until midnight on May 31 to comply on ground and club ownership status and it is understood that, although the ground was acceptable, the existing club in membership of The Football Conference, Northwich Victoria Ltd (in administration), did not have any security of tenure over the ground and as such could not be accepted into membership.

"The Club had intended to transfer its membership in the Football Conference to a new company, Northwich Victoria (2004) Ltd, formed for that purpose, but the FA have now informed The Football Conference that they have not been able to approve the transfer by May 31 as all their financial pre-conditions had not been met.

"Every possible assistance was given by ourselves and the FA to Northwich to comply with the deadline.

"The Football Conference have had no alternative but to implement their Rules and have advised Northwich Victoria Football Club Ltd (in administration) of their right of appeal to The Football Association pursuant to those Rules."

Meanwhile, Gary Owers has retained the services of captain Jon Richardson for next season with the popular defender signing a new one-year contract at The Lawn.

Owers is hoping that Scott Rogers will also put pen to paper after Rogers told the SNJ last week that he was keen to play under his new manager.

Tom Gould has been transfer-listed after starting just four games before injury struck him last season. He ended the season on loan at Team Bath.

Former Cheltenham Town defender John Brough was due for talks with Owers this week. Brough, 32, is out of contract at Whaddon Road and has already turned down a move to Conference South club Weymouth.

Forest Green currently have seven players on contract- Jon Richardson, Damon Searle, Darren Davies, Matt Gadsby, Mark Beesley and Tom Gould.