FOREST Green Rovers have parted ways with manager David Horseman, the club have confirmed.

The news comes the day after Rovers' 3-0 FA Cup defeat at League One Blackpool, which proved to be Horseman's final act as manager.

Stroud News and Journal: Action shots from Forest Green Rovers' FA Cup defeat at Blackpool

Player-coach Troy Deeney has been confirmed as the new man in charge. The ex-Watford striker joined as a player-coach earlier this season from Birmingham City but will now take the role of head coach with immediate effect. 

Stroud News and Journal: Action shots from Forest green Rovers' 2-0 defeat at MK Dons in League Two

"I am very pleased and honoured to be appointed as the new Head Coach," he said. "I know the fans will have many questions, which will be answered as soon as possible. We will not hide from the task at hand and will be open and honest along the way.

"One thing I can assure everyone is that we will work our very hardest to bring this wonderful club back to success.  

"This is an exciting new role with many challenges that I'll embrace. and there's a lot of work for us to do, which has already started.  I look forward to welcoming fans to our home game this Friday against Gillingham."

The news will come as little surprise to Rovers' supporters, who have seen their side slip to second-bottom in League Two after being relegated last season.

Rovers have won just four of their opening 20 games in the 2023/24 campaign and are without a victory in the league since the end of October.

Stroud News and Journal: Action from Forest Green Rovers' 2-1 victory over Crawley Town in League Two

Forest Green Rovers' chairman, Dale Vince, added: "I'd like to thank David and Louis for all they have done here and wish them the best for the future - I wish we had more time, but we’re at the halfway mark of the season and need to act decisively to improve our performances and league position. 

"Troy came to us to begin his career in coaching and take the next step of his career – this is happening sooner than expected but he’s built strong relationships already with our staff, squad and fans - and is well placed for the challenge.  

"We’ll strengthen our squad in the coming transfer window as well, to give ourselves the best chance of first securing our place in League Two before looking upward once more, toward League One and beyond."