Forest Green Rovers ended their season in 21st place, but can they build on their tough first season in League Two by launching a play-off bid next season? ParkLifeSport reporter Joshua Slack has more.
It is certainly possible, especially given the strong backing they have behind them. But it is absolutely essential they keep hold of their key players – Welsh striker Christian Doidge has been in phenomenal form this season and has netted 20 goals in the 43 league games he has played in during the 2017/2018 season.
Creative midfielder Dayle Grubb also played a key part in helping the Green Devils beat the drop this season. The 26-year old netted in the 4-1 home victory over Chesterfield as they secured their League Two status during mid April.
For large parts of the season, they were battling to stay up. But they have shown they have spirit, and they’re clearly a squad with a lot of determination, who will now look to take enormous strides this summer.
That’s a wrap. Long hard season but delighted to win Players player, supporters player and goal of the season. Thankyou to everyone who voted. #25andout
— Christian Doidge (@Chris_Doidge) May 5, 2018
They’re an ambitious club and they could well have an outside chance of earning a play-off spot next season. They’re also a well run, sustainable club, and with the right manager, Rovers are certainly a side who can ruffle some feathers next season. If they bring in the right players, the fans may start believing that next season could well be a special one.
Forest Green Rovers have been entertaining to watch this season, scoring 54 times, but defensively they have had major issues. Cooper’s side conceded 77 times in their first season in the Football League – only relegated Chesterfield conceded more – with the Spireites letting in a staggering 83 goals as they finished bottom of the League Two table.
So, what do the Green Devils need to improve upon this summer?
The defence is critical, make absolutely no mistake about that. You feel that Forest Green Rovers have enough going forward, with perhaps an addition of an extra experienced midfielder to keep things ticking over in the middle of the park, and a high-quality playmaker to supplement Doidge’s goals.
But the main aspect which the Green Devils need to improve on is their defence – they have let in far too many sloppy goals, and if they want to make a play-off charge next season, then they need to ensure to solidify the defence and build their side around having a reliable backline.
There are certainly players who Rovers could potentially look at. Dover Athletic of the National League have been in superb form this season defensively, conceding on just 44 occasions in 46 games – and defender Josh Passley, who is a former Fulham youth player has been influential for them this season as they finished eighth in England’s fifth tier and he could well be an option for Rovers manager Cooper this summer.
If they can bulk up the defence and ensure to defend in numbers, then the fans may well start dreaming of a play-off charge. But the hard work starts this summer for the Green Devils and building on their admirable first season in the Football League.
