New Forest Green Rovers Head Coach preparing for "toughest League 2" test
The ex-Southampton coach, David Horseman, warns of a slow start to The Vegans' campaign
Forest Green Rovers new Head Coach is preparing for the "toughest League Two" yet and says he's looking forward to "big games" against Hollywood affiliated Wrexham AFC and the world's oldest professional football club, Notts County.
Speaking at his first press conference, David Horseman says his late arrival isn't ideal and warns fans of a slow start to the season.
He adds, "Of course it is gonna take time.
"The good thing, because you have to look at the positives, is we are going to get better as the season goes on.
"Now we are trying to win the first game of the season, of course.
"But I think its been really realistic speaking to everybody, I think they understand where the team is and where we want to be.
"It's part of a process."
"It's like you can't win but I don't care" - Owner Dale Vince on Hannah Dingley criticism
Horseman takes over from caretaker Hannah Dingley. Earlier this month, Dingley became the first female to take charge of a men's English professional football club.
Owner Dale Vince confirmed in the press conference at the New Lawn Stadium that Dingley, the current Head of Academy at Forest Green Rovers, had applied for the full time position.
Vince tells Greatest Hits Radio Gloucestershire that 100 people had applied for the role with Hannah Dingley reaching the final six.
The decision not to go with Dingley led to Dale Vince being criticised, with many accusing him of pulling a media stunt.
In response the Ecotricity and Forest Green Rovers boss says, "... that's insulting to Hannah, to the club and women in football, people shouldn't say that."
Dale Vince added, "How many interim coaches in the world of football don't get the top job? I think its fairly common.
"Anybody who criticises that, and calls it a stunt, doesn't understand football."
The new Forest Green Rovers Head Coach, David Horseman, will be joined by his assistant Louis Carey.
Before joining The Vegans, they were in charge of Southampton's B Team, leading the academy to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title in 2023.
Horseman's first League Two game in charge will be Salford City on August 5th (3pm)