Ushering in a new era, recently anointed boss David Horseman and assistant Louis Carey took up a watching brief from the stands as interim manager Hannah Dingley and goalkeeping coach Dan Connor grasped the reigns for one more time ahead of tonight’s clash at home to Everton U21s.
Results matter not in pre-season, but Rovers, fresh from a training camp in Ireland were caught cold as the Championship outfit Coventry City eased home thanks to an Ellis Simms brace, whilst Kasey Palmer and Justin Obiwku added goals either side of half-time.
To date, Rovers have made five summer signings, including striker Matty Taylor, defender Jordan Moore-Taylor who return to the club for second spells, they were joined by former Middlesborough goalkeeper Luke Daniels, Hull City loanee midfielder Callum Jones, and ex-Charlton Athletic defender Ryan Inniss.
FULL-TIME: Forest Green Rovers 0-4 Coventry City
Goals: Ellis Simms x2, Kasey Palmer, Justin Obikwu
Forest Green Rovers Xl: Trialist A (GK), Dom Bernard, Ryan Inniss, Kyle McAllister, Charlie McCann, Matty Stevens, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Trialist B, Harvey Bunker, Callum Jones, Reece Brown.
Subs: Dan Blackburn (GK), Trialist C, Teddy Jenks, Jordan Garrick, Trialist D, Zach McKenzie, Murphy Bennett.
Coventry: Ben Wilson (GK); Ryan Howley, Kyle McFadzean, Jake Bidwell; Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Liam Kelly, Ben Sheaf, Jay Dasilva; Kasey Palmer, Ellis Simms, Matty Godden.
Subs: Brad Collins (GK), Cian Tyler (GK), Josh Eccles, Jack Burroughs, Dermi Lusala, Bradley Stretton, Evan Eghosa, Justin Obikwu, Tristen Batanwi, Kai Andrews, Callum Perry, Elliot Betjemann.
GAFFER TAPES – Interim manger Hannah Dingley delivers her post-match synopsis to Laurie Martin
Results matter not in pre-season, but Rovers, fresh from a training camp in Ireland were caught cold as the Championship outfit
