Rovers return to the conference (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rovers return to the conference

LUCKY Forest Green are back in the Conference National. As expected, the Conference AGM reprieved Rovers from relegation, but have sent Northwich Victoria down to the Nationwide North.

The decision negates the Cheshire club's achievement in avoiding the bottom three last season despite a ten-point penalty for going into administration.

Trevor Horlsey and The Lawn's top brass attended the AGM at the Hilton Hotel Birmingham on Saturday, where Rovers' return was rubber stamped.

Rovers had been allocated to the North section after finishing 20th last season. Northwich Victoria, however, do not have the appropriate lease on the Victoria Stadium. A new company had been formed, and it has the lease. However, the FA did not sanction the transfer of membership from the old company to the new one because it took place after their deadline.

Meanwhile, Forest Green boss Gary Owers is searching for a new goalkeeper after allowing Dean Williams to leave The Lawn. Williams follows Steve Perrin out of the Nailsworth club and leaves Owers without a keeper. The Rovers manager is unlikely to make a move for his former Bath City team-mate Paul Evans - but admits he has spoken to ex-Cheltenham keeper Steve Book.

" I have spoken to Steve Book, but I've also been speaking to other keepers."

Meanwhile, popular midfielder Scott Rogers has committed himself to Forest Green for another season.

Owers is set to name a new assistant, with Shaun Taylor, who missed out on the Rovers job-tipped to come into contention after leaving his coaching role at Bristol City.

Owers confirmed that coach Mike Davis has left the club, and former Cheltenham Town defender John Brough is now set to sign for Aldershot Town despite holding talks with Owers last week.

Forest Green will make the short trip across the Valley to play Hellenic Premier Division Shortwood United.

Gary Owers' side will travel to Meadowbank on Tuesday, July 19. Before that Rovers go to Southern Premier Division Weymouth on July 16.

Rochdale travel to The Lawn on July 23, followed by Swansea on July 26. A mix of League One players and Ashton Gate juniors will make up the Bristol City XI on July 30.

Rovers complete their pre-season with trips to Southern Premier Division Cirencester Town on August 2 and Yate Town August 6.

Forest Green Friendlies: Saturday July 16, 3pm, Chalford (away); Tuesday July 19, 7.30pm, Shortwood United (away); Saturday July 23, 3pm, Rochdale (home); Tuesday July 26, 7.45pm, Swansea City (home); Saturday July 30, 3pm, Bristol City XI (home); Tuesday August 2, 7.30pm, Cirencester Town (away); Saturday August 6, 3pm, Yate Town (away).