FOREST GREEN have made two significant off the field appointments.

Ahead of an historic first season in the English Football League, Rovers’ chairman Dale Vince has appointed Ecotricity and Forest Green ambassador Helen Taylor to the role of chief executive and retired head teacher Phil Butterworth has been named vice-chairman, replacing David Drew, who stepped down after winning back his Labour seat in Parliament earlier this month.

Taylor follows in the footsteps of current West Ham vice-chairman Karen Brady, who became the first woman chief executive at Birmingham City in 1993.

Taylor said: “This is a fantastic opportunity – I’ve been a passionate believer in the green, sustainable agenda at both Ecotricity and Forest Green Rovers and now I’m responsible for leading a fantastic team of people into our first ever season in the Football League. 

“We’re really looking forward to becoming a greater part of the local community, welcoming people from Gloucestershire and beyond to experience a game at the club.”

And Rovers’ chairman Dale Vince is delighted to bolster his backroom staff ahead of the new season.

He said: “I’m really excited that Helen has taken on the chief executive role – we’ve worked together since 2010 and she’s been passionate about our green agenda and is ideally placed to help us evolve and grow as a football league club. 

“Phil Butterworth was also the perfect candidate to take on the important role of vice chairman following David Drew’s promotion to parliament. Phil has done a great job in building our school’s ambassador program and has contributed greatly to the club over the years. I look forward to working with them both.”

New vice-chairman Butterworth, brings a raft of experience to his new role. An avid supporter of the club for 20 years, he started the ambassador scheme – working with more than 40 schools in the South Gloucestershire region. 

“I feel honoured to follow in the footsteps of David Drew, and look forward to working closely with Helen Taylor and the team at the club,” said Butterworth. “I have watched the transformation of my club in recent years, so it’s an exciting time to become more involved. 

“I applaud Dale’s vision and respect the values on which the club is underpinned. The next steps for the club will be another huge challenge – life in the Football league, and then we have the proposed stadium at Eco Park which will make us unique in so many ways.”