Forest Green’s new hybrid pitch is unplayable for the start of the new National League season.
Rovers will be forced to play the opening four games of the season away from the New Lawn, starting with a trip to Aldershot Town on August 10.
The reconstruction of the New Lawn pitch will eventually provide a better playing surface for Steve Cotterill’s players, the academy and women’s team.
CEO Dane Vince said: “ We’ve been in constant communication with the League regarding the progress of the works and liaising with them on the 24/25 fixtures and I currently expect the pitch to be ready by August 24.”
Vince revealed money ploughed into the pitch has been the biggest investment since the ground was built in 2006. Vince added: “This is almost a whole new pitch and I believe it is the biggest investment the club has made since the stadium was originally built. This will have a big positive impact on the first team, as well as the Women’s Team and Academy.”
Meanwhile, Vince confirmed the Candriam Training Centre pitches at Junction 13 are ready for action, he said: “The first team pitches are looking incredible. head groundsman Nick (Johnstone) and his team have done an outstanding job on both pitches, especially given some of the challenges the site has given us.”
However, a request from Ecotricity to Stroud District Council for a relocation of the club’s temporary 600 sqm white marquee at their former Chippenham-based training ground for use at the Eco Park site for three years has been rejected.
Vince said: “In terms of planning permission for the marquee, we’ve appealed the decision from the council and now await the appeals process; which will probably take some time.”
Rovers started their pre-season preparations on a pitch opposite the stadium and have used the former Gym bar as a fitness suite.
Rovers travel to Melksham on Saturday before embarking on a 10-day training camp in Germany.
Forest Green Rovers’ 2024/25 National League fixture list
AUGUST
10/08/2024: Aldershot Town (a)
17/08/2024: Boston United (a)
20/08/2024: Barnet FC (a)
24/08/2024: Rochdale AFC (a)
26/08/2024: Altrincham FC (h)
31/08/2024: Sutton United (a)
SEPTEMBER
07/09/2024: Solihull Moors (a)
10/09/2024: AFC Fylde (h)
14/09/2024: Wealdstone FC (h)
21/09/2024: Gateshead FC (a)
24/09/2024: Oldham Athletic (a)
28/09/2024: Hartlepool United (h)
OCTOBER
05/10/2024: Eastleigh FC (a)
19/10/2024: Braintree Town (h)
22/10/2024: Ebbsfleet United (h)
26/10/2024: Woking FC (a)
NOVEMBER
09/11/2024: Maidenhead United (a)
16/11/2024: York City (h)
23/11/2024: Southend United (a)
26/11/2024: Halifax Town (h)
30/11/2024: Dagenham & Redbridge (h)
DECEMBER
14/12/2024: Boston United (h)
21/12/2024: Aldershot Town (h)
26/12/2024: Tamworth FC (a)
JANUARY
01/01/2025: Yeovil Town (h)
11/01/2025: Dagenham & Redbridge (a)
14/01/2025: Barnet FC (h)
18/01/2025: Rochdale AFC (h)
25/01/2025: Altrincham FC (a)
FEBRUARY
01/02/2025: Sutton United (h)
08/02/2025: Eastleigh FC (h)
15/02/2025: Braintree Town (a)
18/02/2025: Ebbsfleet United (a)
22/02/2025: Woking FC (h)
01/03/2025: Maidenhead United (h)
MARCH
04/03/2025: Halifax Town (a)
08/03/2025: York City (a)
15/03/2025: Southend United (h)
22/03/2025: AFC Fylde (a)
29/03/2025: Solihull Moors (h)
APRIL
05/04/2025: Wealdstone FC (a)
12/04/2025: Gateshead FC (h)
18/04/2025: Yeovil Town (a)
21/04/2025: Tamworth FC (h)
26/04/2025: Oldham Athletic (h)
MAY
05/05/2025: Hartlepool United (a)
