SCOUT REPORT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Club News

City travel to Forest Green Rovers to kick off their pre-season fixtures on Saturday. Will Pallot has this report on our nearby opponents.

ROVERS REPORT

Forest Green Rovers are based in the small hamlet of Forest Green, Nailsworth - the population of which would comfortably fit into their ground, the New Lawn, opened in 2006.

 

They are the longest serving club in the Conference National, having competed at this level since 1998. However, they should be challenging at the top of end of the table this season, hoping to put that statistic to bed.

 will be well known to the Bluebirds having played alongside assistant manager David Kerslake at Swindon and coached at Watford during Malky Mackay's stint at the club.Dave HockadayThe club had an encouraging 2011-12 season, finishing tenth - a vast improvement on their previous campaign in which they maintained their Conference status by the skin of their teeth, staying up on goal difference on the final day. Manager 

Dave Hockaday

 KEY PLAYERS

 has also been no stranger to the back of the net. Having turned down Newport County to sign for the Rovers in 2011, his form saw him chosen as back up for the England C team last season.Matty Taylor, who has represented Great Britain at the World University Games, and scored 18 goals from midfield last term. In doing so he broke the Conference National record for the highest goals tally in one season for a midfielder. Jan KlukowskiNotable players include 

, who captained Havant and Waterlooville throughout their famous cup run, has signed a new deal.Jamie Collins, dubbed "one of the hardest working footballers in the UK" as he started all 35 games last time out. The Rovers faithful will also be pleased by the news that defensive midfielder Jared Hodgkiss - famous in the Football League for his fight for asylum while at Watford - as well as captain Al Bangura will likely bring some Brazilian flair. Other important players include Magno Vieira could also threaten the Cardiff goal, while new signing Reece Styche and fans' favourite James Norwood, Phil Marsh

Reece Styche

AND ANOTHER THING...

 clubs in the UK, and possibly the world. The half-time pie, however, won't be on the menu as the club has decided not to sell any red meat products as part of this policy. Nonetheless, they are sure to provide a warm welcome to the travelling Cardiff contingent this Saturday.'Green'Off the pitch, Forest Green Rovers are famous for being one of the most sustainable 

Listen to live and uninterrupted commentary of City v Forest Green with Richard Shepherd and Mark Denham from 2.30pm on Cardiff City Player