Forest Green Rovers are looking to bounce back this weekend as they face an in-form Exeter City at St James Park.
Rovers have lost their last four games in League One since a 1-0 win in the ‘El Glosico’ derby against Cheltenham Town.
Forest Green currently sit at the foot of the table four points away from safety and with a tough test against Exeter it could prove to be an uphill battle.
Rovers’ midfielder Regan Hendry has looked towards the game this weekend. Now in his second season with the Gloucestershire side, the Scotsman has been a consistent performer in the heart of the midfield.
Following the break from the league due to the FA Cup, Rovers were due to play but their third round tie versus Birmingham City was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Forest Green are set to play Birmingham on the 17th of January just three days after the Exeter tie.
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Hendry found his difficulties with the break but also saw the positives.
“It’s been frustrating having the break, but we’re looking forward to the game on the weekend.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s a negative thing (the break), it’s more time on the training field. There are a few new boys so it’s probably good for them to get used to the way we play.”
Speaking on new signings, Rovers have been busy as we come up to the midway point in the transfer window.
They’ve announced six new arrivals already this transfer window, Brandon Cooper on loan from Swansea City, youth goalkeeper Fiachra Pagel from Drogheda United, another Swansea singing in the form of Jordan Garrick, Lincoln City defender Jamie Robson, Scottish goalkeeper Ross Doohan and 6’4 Bolton striker Amadou Bakayoko.
Hendry gave his thoughts on the new additions.
“It’s given the gaffer more options, it’s good players we’ve brought in, a few Scottish boys which is always good.
“New signings add to training sessions, and it keeps it competitive so it’s very positive.”
Doohan who arrived from Tranmere Rovers is a close friend of Hendry as he explains their upbringing through football.
“We go a bit far back he was at Celtic, and we were in the youth team, I had 5 or 6 years with him, he’s a top keeper, we played against him last year, scored against him as well, so always a bit of banter about that!
“He’s a top guy he’ll play a vital role in our team.”
The Scotsman is quick to admit that League One has been a different sort of challenge.
“There’s been a few boys including myself who haven’t played at the League One level.
“It’s different but it’s a challenge, and we’re going to make it our challenge to stay in the league, ideally, we don’t want to be in this situation, but we find ourselves here.”
The midfielder called back to the reverse fixture between The Grecians where they suffered a 4-0 defeat.
“It hurt a lot, we played them last year and we never lost to them last year, it’s always in the mind after a loss. We need to put it right this weekend, they’ve got a good style of football, so we respect them on that level but on Saturday it’s about who wants it more.”
It was confirmed in January that Connor Wickham’s contract had expired after six months at the club, scoring nine goals in all competitions.
Hendry admits that his departure has been a big loss for the club.
“Yeah especially Connor Wickham, top player, great character. Someone else must step up now and fill the boots, I look around the squad and can see players who can do that.”
