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The New Lawn
Nailsworth, Gloucestershire
GL6 0ET

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Founded in 1890 as "Nailsworth & Forest Green FC", Forest Green Rovers spent the early years of their existence in the Stroud & District League until 1922, when they became founder members of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League. During their time in this league, Rovers were Champions in 1938, 1950 and 1951.

This was also a period of change for Rovers' recent home "The Lawn". Initially?nothing more than a field surrounded by a Hawthorn Hedge (players had to trek to nearby pub "The Jovial Foresters" to change!) a wooden and tin structure was replaced by the club's first brick changing room block, funded by the Supporters Club and opened in 1950 and more extensive development following in the early '60's.

Upon the formation of the Gloucestershire County League in 1968, Rovers joined with several of their Senior League colleagues and clubs from a wider geographical spread, including several from the Bristol area. In 1974, the club carried on it's move upwards, and joined the Hellenic League. After firmly establishing themselves at this new level, Rovers went from strength to strength under the management of Bob Mersell, their rise culminating in a remarkable double in 1982.

As well as winning the Hellenic League, and promotion into the Southern League for the first time, the club also enjoyed a first ever trip to Wembley, where they defeated Nottinghamshire side Rainsworth Miners Welfare 3-0, to lift the FA Vase in front of 12,500 fans.

Rovers found life in the Southern League Midland Division no picnic, often flirting with relegation during their 13 years there. During this time the club embarked on a short lived change of name to "Stroud FC" in an attempt to appeal to a wider local audience, but disaffection amongst supporters soon prompted the club to revert to it's traditional name. With a new Chairman in Trevor Horsley, a new era was to begin at Rovers, and when Frank Gregan arrived at the club as manager from Andover in June 1994, he would preside over the most successful period in the club's history.

Transferred to the then "Beazer Homes League" Southern Division for the 1995-96 season, after one of the regional reshuffles common to non-league soccer, Rovers finished Champions in their second season. Rovers stormed to the top of their new League with eight wins and one draw in an astonishing start to the season. The title chase became a 2 horse race between Rovers and Merthyr Tydfil and the two met in a titanic battle to decide the title as the season reached it's climax in late April. A club record crowd of 2,891 packed The Lawn to see Merthyr soundly beaten 3-1 on the final Wednesday of the season, with a victory over Bath City on the following Saturday clinching the title.

Their first season in the Conference saw Rovers make it to the final at Wembley in a match that attracted over 20,000 fans. On 15th May 1999 the club entered the record books by becoming the first to play in both an FA Vase and FA Trophy final, although losing 1-0 to Kingstonian.

Next season saw Rovers struggle in the league and survive by courtesy of the right result on the final game, however, they did reach the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history. So it has continued with league form sometimes being a worry and relegation seldom far from Rovers minds but some memorable cup displays. Another trip to the Trophy final aw them lose 1-0 to Canvey Island at Villa park and he following season another 2nd round FA Cup appearance before losing to Macclesfield in an incredible 11-10 penalty shoot out. Over the original tie and replay there were a record 27 penalties!

It has been off the field that Forest Green's latest success has been achieved with the 2006/07 season?seeing them installed in their brand new stadium next door to The Lawn.