Forest Green Rovers

Club History

Who are Forest Green Rovers?

Now heralded as the first-ever vegan and environmentally empowered football club (or something), there’s a chance it’ll surprise you to learn that FGR’s story goes way back to 1889. The brainchild of the Reverend E.J.H. Peach, Rovers does now what it’s always been here to do: to represent the Forest Green area of Nailsworth. If the name didn’t mean much to you before they rocked up in the Conference in 1998, however, that’s probably fair enough. You’d have to delve into their local leagues to find them before the mid-1970s.

In 1974, Forest Green Rovers competed in a national competition (the FA Vase) for the first time; a year later, they stepped up to regional level by joining the Hellenic League Premier Division. In 1982, Rovers completed the league and FA Vase double – and marked this milestone by joining the Southern League Midland Division. After finishing third in their first season at this level, ninth would be as good as it got over the next 12 terms. There was even three years in which they went under the name Stroud. And still the struggles went on.

How to get to Forest Green Rovers

By Car

By Car

Boro’ fans first and foremost must find themselves heading down the A1(M) onto the M25, and then onto the M4. From here, make the 60-mile trek across the country until you come to Junction 15. Here, you are leaving the motorway. Obviously, given how we flagged it up.

This is the A346/A419 exit for Swindon. At the roundabout, take the third exit and join the A419. Continue on here for 15 miles, before using the slip road for the A419 (again) in the direction of Stroud. After just two more miles, take the second exit at the roundabout for the A429.

Take the second exit again at the next roundabout too. With Waitrose on your right after less than a mile, it’s the second exit (again!) you want at the roundabout. But only for half a mile, however. Another roundabout is coming your way at this point, and you’ll need the third exit for the A419.

An aerodrome will be on your left as you approach yet another roundabout in 6.5 miles. Take the first exit for Cirencester Road. And turn left after a mile onto an unnamed road. Keep going onto what becomes The Ladder. This will be a twisting, turning stretch of road that’ll bring you into Nailsworth. Turn left at the bottom of this hill for George Street.

In the town centre is a roundabout; take the second option to go straight ahead. Continue going up here until you reach the ground.

By Rail

By Rail

Station: STROUD
Services to: SWINDON (for LONDON PADDINGTON)

It is approximately 4-5 miles from Stroud to Nailsworth and there are regular bus services to bridge that gap. Alternatively, taxis are available upon arrival at the station and will cost around a tenner at most.

Parking

Parking

No parking is available at the ground itself these days. But you can try the neighbouring school, which is under 100m away and will cost you £5 (by card only). As its first-come, first-serve, you’ll want to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Local street parking might be available too – but check the road or street you choose is not subject to any restrictions.

Most matches see a Park and Ride service operate. Buses leave from the Renishaw site on Stroud Green Road (GL5 5HA). With 200 parking spaces here, this is also first-come, first-sever. It’ll also cost you £3 between the hours of 12.30 (first bus) and 17.45 (last).