Forest Green Rovers, the world’s greenest football club, are primed for an exciting 2025-26 National League season after a third-place finish in 2024-25.
Under new manager Robbie Savage, who replaced Steve Cotterill post-playoffs, they’re targeting a top-seven spot, starting with their away opener against Solihull Moors on August 9 at Damson Park, followed by home games against Yeovil Town and Sutton United. With a squad refresh, a new vegan-certified kit, and eco-ambition, FGR are set to shine at The New Lawn.
The 2024-25 Season: A Playoff Heartbreak
Forest Green finished third in 2024-25 with 82 points (22 wins, 17 draws, 7 losses), scoring 64 goals, led by Christian Doidge and Charlie McCann, while conceding 68. Under Cotterill, they dominated the regular season, but a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Southend United in the playoffs ended their promotion bid.
Cotterill departed after, ushering in Savage. The New Lawn faithful averaged under 2,000 home attendees, though over 3,000 turned out for matches against Yeovil Town and Southend United.
Pre-Season 2025-26: Building Momentum
FGR’s pre-season featured four confirmed friendlies, mixing wins and a loss to sharpen their edge:
- July 4: Slimbridge 0-3 Forest Green (A) – A solid start with a clean sheet.
- July 11: Forest Green 4-0 Buxton (H) – A commanding home victory.
- July 26: Forest Green 0-3 Walsall (H) – A tough loss to League Two opposition.
- August 1: Forest Green 1-0 Derby County (H) – A narrow win to close pre-season.
Stats Snapshot:
3W-0D-1L, 8 goals scored (2.0/game), 3 conceded (0.75/game).
The attack is potent, and the defence is solid—Savage must sustain this form.
Squad Changes: A Green Revolution
FGR welcomed nine new players and saw seven departures, reshaping the squad under Savage’s vision post-Cotterill.
Arrivals
- Jayden Clarke (LM, 24, Gillingham, free transfer) – English-Barbadian winger adds pace.
- Kairo Mitchell (CF, 27, Rochdale, free transfer) – Grenadian striker boosts the attack.
- Luke McNicholas (GK, 25, Wrexham, free transfer) – Irish keeper brings Championship experience.
- Laurent Mendy (DM, 28, Macclesfield, free transfer) – French midfielder adds grit.
- Yahya Bamba (CF, 26, Eastbourne Borough, free transfer) – French forward enhances depth.
- Tre Pemberton (RM, 26, Macclesfield, free transfer) – English winger offers versatility.
- Neil Kengni (RW, 25, Macclesfield, free transfer) – English-Cameroonian winger adds flair.
- Abraham Kanu (CB, 20, Reading, loan) – Sierra Leonean defender strengthens the backline.
- Isaac Moore (CM, 19, Coventry U21, loan) – Young English midfielder brings energy.
Departures:
- Emmanuel Osadebe (CM, 28, to Barnet, free transfer) – Irish midfielder moves up.
- Jamie Searle (GK, 24, to Eastbourne Borough, free transfer) – New Zealand keeper departs.
- Tyrese Omotoye (CF, 22, to FC Vysocina Jihlava, free transfer) – Belgian forward seeks new challenge.
- Ben Tozer (CB, 35, retired) – Veteran hangs up his boots.
- Jordon Garrick (LM, 26, without club) – Jamaican winger leaves.
- Teddy Jenks (CM, 23, without club) – English midfielder moves on.
- Brandon Fleming (LB, 25, back to Hull City, end of loan, June 30, 2025) – English defender returns.
The Road Ahead: Climbing Higher
With a revamped defence and attacking threats, FGR aim for the playoffs again. The August 9 away clash with Solihull Moors kicks off the season, followed by home games against Yeovil Town and Sutton United, offering early points opportunities.
Stay Connected
Follow Rovers’ journey on their official website for news, tickets, and eco-updates, or check the National League site for fixtures. Tune into BBC Radio Gloucestershire for local coverage. Stay updated on social media: X, Facebook, and Instagram.
With Savage’s drive, a green squad, and The New Lawn’s support, Rovers are set to rise in 2025-26!
