Ex-forest Green Rovers and Newport County defender Jamie Turley has weighed in on the sides play-off semi-final meeting on Tuesday, highlighting the absence of Jamille Matt as a ‘massive loss’.
Turley, who made 98 appearances for the Gloucestershire side when they were in the National League admitted that Jimmy Ball’s side didn’t convince him this season.
“It seems to look like they’ve done enough to get over the line but my head still thinks Newport have the upper hand on them. Jamille Matt will be a massive loss.”
The centre-back is now a free agent after Leyton Orient didn’t offer him a new contract on Monday when the Football League sides confirmed their retained lists.
Although he never played under Mark Cooper’s reign at the innocent New Lawn the 31-year old confessed he wasn’t sure of the struggles at Nympsfield Road.
“It’s hard because they [Forest Green] have had success under Mark Cooper with getting out of the National League and making the play-offs and maybe they thought that it would come back around.
“Without knowing what the mood is in the camp you don’t know, has he lost the changing room? It’s hard to tell without being there.”
Turley also spent two seasons at Newport County but found himself plighted by injury, missing most of his first season due to injury. His spell at the League Two club was only 19 games long, going on loan to Boreham Wood in the National League is the second year of his deal before being let go.
Having played for both of the teams in contention to reach a play-off final place, he reflected constructively on his time for both clubs.
“When I joined Forest Green there was a new owner, they had just gone full time and I wanted to join because I liked how Dale Vince envisaged the club.
“It was the same at Newport County when I joined the chairman was putting money in and there were players being signed that we all liked. Unfortunately, I picked up an injury and we lost some key players to injury like Lenell John-Lewis, Joss Labadie as well.
“They were both exciting clubs to join and there’s no surprise that they are doing well and finishing in the play-offs.”
Despite his career not taking off in the same way it might have after receiving an England C-team call up during his four years at Rovers, Turley reminisced on his good memories in a positive manner.
“There’re still no regrets even during my time at Forest Green. The aim was to get Football League football.
“Newport was different because I had the injury in my first year and in the second year I just needed to play games. It’s good to see those two clubs in their positions, they’re clubs to be proud of.”
Turley will now look to find a new club with the same feel-good atmosphere but before then, it might be time for a summer under the sun. Covid-19 permitting of course.
“It’s been hard mentally so it would be nice to get a few weeks away to clear out the emotions because it’s been ‘you’re wanted, you’re not wanted, you’re staying, not staying’.
“Add that to the disappointment on Monday as well, I’m looking forward to a preseason somewhere and I’m hoping that the club will be exciting.”