Forest Green Rovers ended a mind numbing 19-year spell in the National League last season to enter the Football League for the first time in their 42-year history, and the club will hope for a long and prosperous spell in the League.

Based in the tiny Gloucestershire village of Nailsworth, Rovers have come under fire from rival fans in recent years, with local businessman and chairman Dale Vince investing heavily into the club as well as opting for an entirely ‘green’ operation at The New Lawn.

Although a pioneer of football environmentalism, Vince’s model has been mocked by opposition fans, but the 55-year-old will have no qualms with any criticisms fired his way having led his side to League Two.

Manager Mark Cooper has already taken steps to improve his squad ahead of the new campaign, and five new faces have been added to the team already this summer.

Scott Laird, Charlie Cooper, Reece Brown, Callum Evans and Lee Collins have already linked up with Cooper’s side, and with further faces sure to walk through the door of Rovers’ new Stanley Park training ground in Chippenham, where the club will train for at least the next two seasons.

Success on the pitch last season in May’s play off final win over Tranmere has been coupled with a smooth business model off the field, and Cooper will be ecstatic with the new facilities available to him this summer.

Surviving the step up to the Football League will be challenging, but with the set up behind the scenes at The New Lawn and further investment in the squad, it will be no surprise to see Rovers confidently secure at least a mid table return.

Forest Green are a pioneering club who may represent the future of football with their green approach to the game, and although not the most popular side in British football, this is certainly a club on the rise.