LIKEABLE former Forest Green striker Charlie Griffin should expect a fine reception when he faces his former club in the FA Cup today, Saturday.

The journeyman Gloucester City striker enjoyed three spells at Rovers and his wholehearted approach endeared him to the Rovers’ faithful.

Griffin said:“I’m not one of those players who has a pop at my old clubs and I certainly haven’t got a bad word to say about Forest Green.

“The fans were always great to me there and I get on well with the people there, although that will have to change for 90 minutes!

The 35-year-old was reunited with former Rovers boss Tim Harris at City last January, and the Tigers’ top scorer cannot wait to sample the first competitive derby between the clubs since 1998.

Griffin said: “It was the gaffer (Harris) who first signed me for Forest Green from Chippenham and I had three great spells there.

“I played against them in pre-season but this will obviously be completely different and a brilliant occasion for both clubs and the area.”

Griffin first joined Forest Green in the summer of 2004 and scored 20 goals in the subsequent campaign, earning him a move to Wycombe Wanderers.

He spent one season at Adams Park before coming back to Rovers on loan at the start of 2005/06, a spell which was cut short when Jim Harvey replaced Gary Owers as manager.

His third spell in Nailsworth came in 2011/12, under David Hockaday.

Griffin said: “Myself and Mike Green joined Forest Green at the same time and we played for them during some difficult days.

“Now we’re the two old boys and it’s incredible to think how far that club has come, with fantastic resources and one of the best squads in the Conference.

“I think Sam Russell, Chris Stokes, James Norwood and Academy boss Scott Bartlett are the only players left from when I was there, which shows they really mean business and are serious about getting to the Football League.”