Football Season Review

Forest Green Rovers enjoyed the best season in their history despite losing out to Tranmere Rovers in the play-offs. The Green Devils are the smallest club in the Football League and found life at the higher level tough last season. They clearly learnt lessons with manager Mark Cooper building a squad capable of challenging for promotion last summer. They made a great start and went a dozen league games before tasting defeat. They could boast a great away record, second to only Champions Lincoln City. Carl Winchester anchored the midfield whilst Reece Brown provided the creativity further forward. Joseph Mills also had an outstanding season at left wing-back and they spent the second half of the season in the play-off places. The unexpected return of striker Christian Doidge from crisis hit Bolton Wanderers in January was a real bonus and he finished as leading scorer with 14 goals. The play-offs were a step too-far however; finishing both legs with just ten men as they were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Tranmere Rovers to miss out on another trip to Wembley. Owner Dale Vince and manager Mark Cooper are both unorthodox in approach and will be looking for automatic promotion next season as plans for a move from Nailsworth to a new eco-stadium on Junction 13 of the M5 draws closer. Despite such obvious ambition, they might not be able to keep hold of player of the season Reece Brown, who has attracted interest from Championship clubs.

Player of the Season: Reece Brown