LEGENDARY Forest Green press officer Richard Joyce is leaving his post at the New Lawn.

'Joycie', as he is affectionately known, will relinquish the reins at Rovers at the end of the week to pursue new opportunities.

A lifelong fan, he joined the club in a voluntary capacity in 2011 and was handed a full-time post three years ago.

He cut his media teeth on community radio station Stroud FM, where he presented his own sports show The Locker Room.

Wearing many sporting hats at the club, including a match analysis role, summariser for BBC Radio Gloucestershire, he was also the voice of Rovers, with his rousing 'Come on you Rovers' playing a key part in the pre-match atmosphere.

A club spokesman said: "We’re saying goodbye to a club legend at the end of the week as Richard Joyce leaves Forest Green Rovers for pastures new.

"Following our promotion to the Football League and increased interest from press around the world we needed to reorganise our communications team and created a more senior position. His current press officer role was made redundant and Rich did not want to apply for the new job.

"On behalf of everybody at FGR, thanks for your tireless support and help over many years, Joycie. You’ll always be welcome at the New Lawn."