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FGR 1st Team
Meet the Forest Green Rovers squad who will again be taking their place in the Nationwide
Conference this season. This season Rovers will be looking to improve on finishing in a low
position and under the leadership of new manager Jim Harvey Rovers
look set for a great season. With such soccer giants as ex-football league sides
Oxford United, Cambridge United and Exeter City to contend with
and the numerous
'big spenders' it will be
difficult, but Rovers will be out prove they more than deserve their place at the top of
semi-pro football.
Roll on the new season...next stop the Football League!
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| Squad Number: | 1 |
| Name: | Ryan Robinson |
| Position: | Goalkeeper |
| Born: | Cumbria, 13th October 1982 |
| Height: | 6' 2" |
| Weight: | 13st 3lb |
| Joined Club: | January 2007 from Morecambe |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Nikki |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Bob Savage |
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| Fact: |
When Manager Jim Harvey needed a goalkeeper he moved swiftly to sign Ryan from his previous club Morecambe in January 2007. As soon as he made his debut for Rovers it came apparent why he was so highly rated. A superb shot stopper and defensive organiser which won so many points for Rovers towards the end of last season. Started his career as a trainee with Blackburn Rovers before moving on to Southend United for the 03/04 season. Returned to Morecambe but loaned out to Southport. His work rate has rewarded him with representation for the England Non League team and it is likely he will be called up again.
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| Squad Number: | 2 |
| Name: | Alex Lawless |
| Position: | Defender |
| Born: | 26th March 1985 |
| Height: | 5' 11" |
| Weight: | 10st 8lb |
| Joined Club: | 2nd August 2006 |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Playing For Success |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Stroud & Swindon Building Society |
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| Fact: |
Proved last season to be a very versatile player, can play at the back of defence or in midfield. Born in Llwyn-y-pia in the Rhondda Valley and a Welsh U21 International, earning a cap against N. Ireland in Feb 06. Started his career as a trainee with Fulham and played several games in their reserves before moving on to Torquay United.
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| Squad Number: | 3 |
| Name: | Anthony Tonkin |
| Position: | Defender |
| Born: | Cornwall, 17th January 1980 |
| Height: | 6' 1" |
| Weight: | 14st |
| Joined Club: | 27th July 2007 from Yeovil |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Available |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Cornish born, started his career with Yeovil Town and moved for £50k to Stockport County and one year later to Crewe Alexandra for £150k, where he played in over 100 Championship matches. A gifted left sided player he returned to Yeovil Town again last season before he put pen to paper with Rovers two weeks before this season started.
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| Squad Number: | 4 |
| Name: | Darren Jones |
| Position: | Defender |
| Born: | Newport, 28th August 1983 |
| Height: | 6' 1" |
| Weight: | 14st |
| Joined Club: | 2nd March 2006 from Newport County |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Trevor & Julie Horsley |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Rovers most experienced player with almost 100 games for the club. Strong hard tackling defender with a fiercesome right foot at free-kicks. Newport (Gwent) born player who first came to Rovers whilst a trainee with Bristol City. Cheltenham Town soon took note of his strengths and signed him full time after an initial loan period. Decided to go back to his roots with Newport County before returning to Rovers a couple of seasons ago. Non-League Welsh International.
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| Squad Number: | 5 |
| Name: | Chris Giles |
| Position: | Defender |
| Born: | Milborne Port, 16th April 1982 |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | 1st July 2006 from Crawley |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Premier Surfacing |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Experienced strong central defender born in Milbourne Port, Nr. Yeovil where he started his playing career. Majestic in the air and a player who can move up front when necessary. Spent most of his playing days in the Conference with Gravesend, Woking, Aldershot and Crawley joining Rovers in January 07.
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| Squad Number: | 6 |
| Name: | Jamie Pitman |
| Position: | Midfield |
| Born: | Trowbridge, 6th January 1976 |
| Height: | 5' 9" |
| Weight: | 10st 9lb |
| Joined Club: | 30th May 2006 from Hereford Utd |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Stuart Latham |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Cleve Materials handling |
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| Fact: |
Manager Jim Harvey was pleased to announce that Jamie would be his Assistant this season, a position that he is relishing. With a very young squad he unfortunately picks up the mantle of being the elder statesman at just 31. Born in Trowbridge he started as a trainee with Swindon Town before moving into the League with Hereford United. Conference experience followed with Yeovil and Woking before a very successful period again with Hereford United, culminating in their promotion to the Football League.
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| Squad Number: | 8 |
| Name: | Simon Clist |
| Position: | Midfield |
| Born: | Dorset, 13th June 1981 |
| Height: | 5' 9" |
| Weight: | 11st |
| Joined Club: | 26th May 2006 from Barnet |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | David & Liz Brown |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Awarded the "Supporters Player of the Season" which was true recognition for last season’s hard work, always gives 100%. Born in Dorset and started his playing career as a trainee with Bristol City making 50 first team appearances. After a short loan period with Torquay United moved on to Barnet. Joined Rovers at the beginning of last season.
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| Squad Number: | 9 |
| Name: | Adriano Rigoglioso |
| Position: | Striker |
| Born: | 28th May 1979 |
| Height: | 6' 1" |
| Weight: | 12st 7lb |
| Joined Club: | January 2007 from Morecambe |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Bear Street Garage |
| Away kit Sponsor: | FGR Youth |
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| Fact: |
Another player brought south by the Manager from Morecambe where, he had been highly rated. Scored 6 goals in 11 appearances before a leg injury curtailed his scoring prowess for the rest of the season. Started his playing career at his home club Liverpool where he played in the same youth team as Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher. Moved on to Marine, Morecambe, Doncaster Rovers and a loan spell with Southport.
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| Squad Number: | 10 |
| Name: | Michael Brough |
| Position: | Midfield |
| Born: | Nottingham, 1st August 1981 |
| Height: | 6' |
| Weight: | 12st 5lb |
| Joined Club: | 12th January from Stevenage |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | EESI |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Club Captain and another who leads by example, with full effort and commitment. Born in Nottingham and started his playing career at local club County. Made almost 100 first team appearances before having a short loan spell with Spalding. Made several appearances in the Conference with Stevenage Borough before becoming a New Lawn favourite with the home fans at Forest Green.
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| Squad Number: | 11 |
| Name: | John Hardiker |
| Position: | Defender |
| Born: | Preston, 7th July 1982 |
| Height: | 5' 11" |
| Weight: | 11st 1lb |
| Joined Club: | January 2007 from Fleetwood |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Les Day |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Another product of the Morecambe Academy and Harvey dynasty who made his first full appearance at 16 years of age. In 2002 Carlton Palmer paid £150,000 to take him to Stockport County, a then record fee for a non-league defender. After over 100 games he moved on to Bury, followed by a return to Morecambe, then surprising released to Fleetwood. Has certainly made an impact since joining Rovers and can pop up in the box at the right moment.
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| Squad Number: | 12 |
| Name: | Mark Preece |
| Position: | Defender |
| Born: | 3rd June 1987 |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | Summer of 2006 from Bristol Rovers |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Available |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Mark Joined Rovers at the start of last season after being released by Bristol Rovers, his home club. Soon proved a good young prospect with a strong defensive display during the clubs pre-season matches. Before joining Rovers had a loan spell with Gloucester City. Earned Somerset County honours at both U16’s and U18’s.
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| Squad Number: | 14 |
| Name: | Stuart Fleetwood |
| Position: | Forward |
| Born: | Wales, 23rd April 1986 |
| Height: | 5' 8" |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | 28th June 2007 from Accrington Stanley |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Flagg Family |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Leanne & Liam Horsley |
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| Fact: |
Gloucester born striker with league experience with Cardiff City and Hereford United. Joined Cardiff at the age of 12 and went on to play 5 Welsh U21 Internationals. Joined Hereford in 2006 and soon made his name as a prolific striker, including scoring a Carling Cup hat-trick against Championship side Coventry City. A serious virus illness sidelined him for most of last season but he expects to be amongst the top-scorers in this seasons Blue Square Premier.
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| Squad Number: | 17 |
| Name: | Les Afful |
| Position: | Midfield/Forward |
| Born: | Liverpool, 4th February 1984 |
| Height: | 5' 6" |
| Weight: | 10St |
| Joined Club: | 25th May from Exeter City |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Pearsons |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Ron Oswell |
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| Fact: |
Liverpool born nippy winger who surprised many last year with inspired performances as the lone front striker. Started his career as a trainee with Exeter City, after being spotted playing for Mersey side youth team Toxteth. Had a short loan spell with Torquay United at the end of last season before joining Rovers and becoming an instant supporter’s favourite. Can turn on a sixpence and leave defenders floundering. Was capped twice by England last season at Non League level.
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| Squad Number: | 18 |
| Name: | Lorcan Sheehan |
| Position: | Midfield |
| Born: | - |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | July 31st 2007 from Youth Team |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Available |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Turning just 18 yrs of age before the start of the season, he is a product of the clubs youth policy and has been offered a one year non contract term. With the manager’s reputation for brining on young talent he could not be under better stewardship in his early career.
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| Squad Number: | 19 |
| Name: | Paul Stonehouse |
| Position: | Midfield/Forward |
| Born: | 13th July 1987 |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | - |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Nesslegrove Technologies |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Paul has progressed well from the clubs Youth Development policy, hopefully the first of many. Broke into the first team last season with some memorable performances after loan spells with Yate Town, Cinderford Town & Gloucester City. At just 19, lives in Wiltshire but was born a long way away in Wegburg, Germany.
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| Squad Number: | 20 |
| Name: | Jonathan Smith |
| Position: | Midfield |
| Born: | 17th October 1986 |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | 2nd July 2007 |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Available |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Young central midfielder who came through the youth ranks at Morecambe FC where Jim Harvey kept an eye on his potential. Born in Preston he was restricted to a few cup games with Morecambe’s 1st team but had loan spells at Fleetwood Town and Bamber Bridge.
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| Squad Number: | 21 |
| Name: | Chris Davis |
| Position: | Striker |
| Born: | 25th June 1986 |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | July 2007 from Shortwood United |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Mark Coles |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Another young local lad previously with Shortwood United just across the valley from The New Lawn. Chris is in his last year at Loughborough University where he is studying for a BSc in Sports Science and Exercise. Set the Hellenic league alight with 40 goals in 41 games last season, a club record at Shortwood. An U18’s England International.
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| Squad Number: | 22 |
| Name: | Lee Dodgson |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Born: | 24th March 1984 |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | January 2007 from Fleetwood |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Available |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Yet another player to come through the Morecambe FC youth ranks and played regularly in the reserve team. Born in Lancaster he can play both wide left or right of midfield. Had a loan spell with Leek Town and signed permanently with Unibond Premier Side Fleetwood. Joined Rovers in January 2007 and scored Rovers ‘Goal of the Season’ with his last second strike at home to Stevenage Borough.
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| Squad Number: | 23 |
| Name: | Danny Carey-Bertram |
| Position: | Striker |
| Born: | Birmingham, 14th May 1984 |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | January 2007 from Cambridge United |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | The Rockwool Army |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
Danny has the distinction of scoring a goal against Rovers before joining them later last season. Born in Birmingham he started his career with Hereford United where he became a member of their promotion winning team. Had a short spell with Cambridge United before joining Rovers in January 2007. Shocked Oxford United with both goals in Rovers surprise
2-0 win at The Kassam Stadium last season. Has represented England National Game XI in 2005.
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| Name: | Jim Harvey |
| Position: | The Boss |
| Born: | 2nd May 1958 |
| Height: | - |
| Weight: | - |
| Joined Club: | 7th Sept 2006 |
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| Home kit Sponsor: | Mark Coles |
| Away kit Sponsor: | Available |
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| Fact: |
When Jim Harvey joined Rovers in September 2006 the team was languishing at the bottom of the Conference without a win to their name, by the end of the season the club finished a comfortable 14th and were riding on a crest of euphoria and optimism.
Born in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, he went on to sign for Arsenal in 1974, sadly somewhat restricted with only three 1st team league appearances. In 1980 Jim had a free transfer to Hereford United where he became a favourite with the fans making 278 leagues appearances.
Bristol City signed him for £25,000 in 1980 but he was soon loaned out to Wrexham. Another £25,000 move found Jim at Tranmere Rovers where he became Club Captain making 121 league appearances, 12 League Cup and 8 F.A. Cup appearances, whilst scoring 15 goals.
Dario Gradi took him to Crewe Alexandra as a player/coach before he made his first Conference appearance with Southport in 1993/94. Chester City was the next club to use Jim’s football knowledge, not just as a player but also as Reserve Team Coach and Director of their School of Excellence.
Leighton James, who was Manager of Morecambe FC, then brought Jim in as his Assistant particularly for his F.A qualifications and experience. In June 1994 he became Manager, the start of a 12 year reign. In his first season he took them from the Northern Premier League into the GM Vauxhall Conference where he has gained so much respect over the years and out of all Blue Square Premier managers has accumulated more matches than anyone else at this level. During his time with Morecambe they became runners up in 2003 to Dagenham & Redbridge only to lose out on penalties for promotion to The League. Jim also served as Assistant Manager to the Northern Ireland National side.
Sadly before the Cambridge United game on 12 November 2005, Jim suffered a heart attack and was taken to his local hospital at Lancaster. After a long recovery period everyone was shocked when Morecambe released him. Their loss has already been Rovers gain, where he has been made so welcome by the supporters, players and Directors. Everyone relishes the seasons to come under the guidance of the one and only Jim Harvey.
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