Forest Green chairman Dale Vince insists the appointment of experienced manager Steve Cotterill will give his side the best chance to escape the drop.
Rooted to the bottom of League Two, Vince has gone against his preference of appointing a rookie manager and opted for a man who boasts managerial acumen over 29 years at clubs including Cheltenham Town, Burnley, Stoke City, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.
The 59-year-old will take charge of training this morning and is expected to be in the dugout for the visit of Accrington this weekend.
Bristol-based Cotterill led Bristol City to a double-winning season of 2014/15 as the club won the League One title and lifted the Johnstones Paint Trophy at Wembley.
Cotterill will be Rovers’ fourth manager in the last 12 months, having sacked Duncan Ferguson, Dave Horseman and Troy Deeney, with the latter lasting just six games.
Cotterill has been out of work since resigning at Shrewsbury Town last June.
Chairman Dale Vince said: “I’m delighted to welcome Steve Cotterill to FGR. His record speaks for itself with 25 years of experience in all leagues of the EFL, spanning nearly 900 games.
“Steve knows what it takes and shares our determination to avoid relegation this season. Then build our way back up to League One and looking upward again. I’m sure our fans will welcome this appointment and Steve to our club.”
