PREVIEW: Forest Green

It’s FA Cup time again as well as a local derby.

Swindon Town welcome high flying Blue Square Premier side Forest Green Rovers to the County Ground Saturday.

Vital Quotes:

I am loud and abrupt and if one of the pros need to be b******* then that’s what they will get.

‘I don’t care about confronting anybody face-to-face. If something has got to be said then I will say it.

‘But the players have been magnificent so far. I’ve got a group of players here that are as good as any I have played in and coached, so I’ve got absolutely no worries about the pros.’

Swindon Town Caretaker Boss David Byre

‘Going to Swindon will be another great experience. We want to win but win, lose or draw it will be a good learning experience for them.

‘For Forest Green to be playing our neighbours Swindon is a big day for the village. It’s something to look forward to. It’s the magic of the FA Cup and everyone is excited about it,’

Forest Green Rovers Manager Jim Harvey

Swindon Town Team News:

Swindon Town were reeling this week when manager Paul Sturrock left the club to Plymouth Argyle. Sofiene Zaaboub and Jerel Ifil are both serving suspensions after being sent off against Bristol Rovers on the weekend. Ady Williams could return to the bench for Town after playing in Town’s reserve match against Cheltenham earlier in the week.

Player to watch: The Whole Team

How will the team react to Paul Sturrock’s departure. Will they come out all guns blazing or be down in the dumps?

Forest Green Rovers Team News:

Forest Green are used to relegation battles in the Conference however under the guidance of Jim Harvey, Forest Green sit 7th in the Blue Square Premier table and only out of the playoffs on goal difference. Forest Green beat League 2 side Rotherham 3-0 at Millmoor to set up the match against Swindon Town. Forest Green have done fantastically well to stay in the Blue Square Premier with average home attendances at the New Lawn just over 1,000. Forest Green have already sold over 1,200 tickets whilst another 500 are available to their fans. It is expected that these will sell out as well. Forest Green lost 5-3 to lowly Droylsden on the weekend.

Player to watch: Stuart Fleetwood

Fleetwood is Forest Green Rovers most valuable player. He has scored over 23 goals so far this season and is out of contract at the end of the season. Fleetwood has had a £250,000 price tag slapped on him as league clubs start cicling around the former Hereford striker.

Match Facts & Stats

Swindon Town have never played Forest Green Rovers in a meaningful match.

Town have played friendlies against Forets Green over the last two seasons winning them both.

Match Prediction:

2-2 Draw. Forest Green will come out all guns blazing. They will have every bit of confidence after beating Rotherham away at their place as well as the departure of Paul Sturrock, Forest Green could not be playing Swindon at a better time.

Next Fixtures:

Coca Cola League One: Carlisle United V Swindon Town, Tuesday 4 December 2007, 7:45pm kick off.

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