Football Season Review

It was a season that ended in crushing disappointment for Forest Green Rovers. They missed out on a trip to Wembley after conceding in the last minute of extra time to lose their play-off semi-final to Newport County. It might have been an unprecedented campaign due to the Covid-19 pandemic but there was a sense of déjà vu following another dramatic collapse of form. Five defeats in six saw the side slip not only out of the automatic promotion race but out of the play-off places too. Owner Dale Vince made the brave decision to sack manager Mark Cooper after almost five years in charge. He will point to the January departures of defender Liam Kitching and midfielder Carl Winchester in mitigation but it was clear something had to be done. Jimmy Ball was placed in caretaker charge and one defeat in six sealed a play-off place. A remarkable second leg at a rain-lashed New Lawn saw them quickly wipe out a two-goal first leg deficit and they forced extra time before conceding late on. Striker Jamille Matt played a key role leading the line and finished as leading goalscorer with 17 goals. Defender Udoka Godwin-Malife enjoyed a breakthrough season and could be next to leave for a higher division. Ball will be hoping to have done enough to make his appointment permanent and with a new stadium on the horizon, the Green Devils will be looking up again next season.

Player of the Season: Jamille Matt