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Tom

10 Minutes with Knowles

From Paris to Nailsworth, Shrek to Sheldon Cooper and a potential career in real estate, get to know one of Rovers' versatile wide-men, Tom Knowles, ahead of our fixture with Wealdstone.

"I’ve had some memorable moments so far in my career but my best moment would have to be either my Football League debut or my first goal. Port Vale was my debut, and Morecambe was my first goal.

"I played against James Maddison in the FA Cup in which he was very good. I also played with Wes Hoolahan at Cambridge [United], he was very tidy!"

Knowles began his career with Cambridge United before a host of loan spells, Yeovil Town and more recently Walsall.

"I’ve played in some hot atmospheres but the best was probably Southampton in the FA Cup - that atmosphere was right up there.

"November 2, 2013 - I was there to watch Asmir Begovic score from his own box

against Southampton. That’s probably one of the best goals I’ve ever witnessed live.

"Outside of football, I absolutely love my golf and it’s definitely my main hobby and fills a lot of my spare time!

"My favourite place I’ve ever visited is probably Paris - I love going to Portugal, I go there most years, too.

"I’ve loved my time here at FGR so far, everyone has made me feel welcome. I’ve grown closest to Jed [Ward], [Adam] May, [Jacob] Maddox and now Joe Quigley as he’s recently joined.

"If I wasn’t involved in football, I’d would look to work in sport or possibly property because it’s something that interests me.

"My favoutite film must be Shrek! It always has been, and my favourite series would probably be The Big Bang Theory.

"There’s no better time to enjoy a little bit of Oasis, my matchday playlist must include ‘Roll with it’.."

11Knowles

WeAre FGR

FOREST GREEN V AEK BOCO LADIES

THE NEW LAWN - 14 SEPTEMBER 2024

WELCOME TO OUR FIRST HOME FIXTURE OF THE SEASON. KICKOFF WILL BE 5.45PM STRAIGHT AFTER THE MEN'S GAME.

We're absolutely delighted to be returning to The New Lawn for our first home game of the season, and we're keen to put on an entertaining and energetic performance for our fans.

local area. We're already seeing the benefits of having a strong pathway in our senior team, with a number of players in the squad today having progressed through our youth programme, so we're very proud of that.

Days like this are so important for the club, representation on the pitch is imperative, and all of our senior players are role models for girls.

We have some amazing people in our squad and, whether they are working full-time in the emergency services, teaching in local schools or studying in further & higher education, all of our players are helping to inspire the next generation.

It means a lot to the players and staff to be part of a progressive club, playing at TNL and making this game accessible for all. It helps solidify the club's commitment to continue to grow the womens game.

There's been some brilliant progress made with our programme in the last 18 months. And with the catalyst of our Emerging Talent Centre we have quickly become the premium destination for young girls in the

We are also very proud of the fact 71% of our staff in the women's and girl's programme are female. It's really important to show that there are opportunities off the pitch as well, and in that respect our staff are fantastic role models too.

Fans who stay and watch us play (after the Wealdstone game) will see an honest & hard-working team, packed with local players and great personalities

We thank you all kindly for your support.

Joe Manns

FGR Womens Manager

FOREST GREEN ROVERS WOMEN

Manager Joe Manns

Alisha Lowry

Amelie Birchley

Amy Leask

Annie Martin

Bea Norwood

Brooke Ellis

Carys Lowley

Carys Minton

Chantelle Scott

Ella Hitchcock

Estelle Randall

Florence Stiddard

Georgia Vandries

Hattie Jones

Irene Aguado

Isabelle Martin

Jemima Guise

Jennifer Gray

Katie Jones

Katie Thatcher

Kimmi Tanner-Joyce

Leilani Ryder

Louise Hiett

Martha Campbell

Natasha Kerr

Rebecca Panniers

Rhian Robbins

Sally Butterfield

Samantha Morris

Sophia McGrath

Victoria Taylor

L E A W Opposition The

DT O N E S

Another first for Forest Green Rovers today as we welcome Wealdstone for our Vanarama National League fixture.

Wealdstone haven’t enjoyed the best of starts to the season, finding themselves in the bottom four of the league table. Former Shrewsbury Town and Walsall manager Matthew Taylor would have hoped for an easier start as the Stones boss having already faced teams such as Oldham Athletic, Hartlepool United, York City and Sutton United.

Taylor arrived at Grosvenor Vale back in May, following the clubs survival for a fifth successive season in the National League. He replaced Stuart Maynard who made the switch to Notts County midway through the 23/24 season.

Wealdstone ended last season with a 4-2 victory over already relegated Dorking Wanderers, with those three points being important to their survival as they finished four points above the drop zone.

But there was an enjoyable cup run for the club as they reached the FA Trophy Quarter-Finals for the first time in seven seasons, holding Solihull Moors to a 1-1 draw. They were defeated on penalties by the eventual finalists.

FGR's popular shot-stopper Jed Ward began last season on loan at the Stones where he made 19 appearances, keeping three clean sheets before being recalled by his parent club.

One player that forest Green fans may want to watch out for is experienced midfielder, Max Kretzschmar, with the 30-year-old into his third season at Wealdstone, having made over 70 appearances for the club.

Taylor’s first act as Stones manager was improving on last season’s side and he has already acquired some top quality such as ex-Premier League Adrian Mariappa, former Rovers loanee Jahmari Clarke, and experienced midfielder Craig Eastmond.

Established

Founded in 1899, Wealdstone’s first success was in 1905/1906 when they became champions of the Willesden & District League.

Crest

The Wealdstone FC club crest was first produced as a Lapel Badge in 1949, but it didn't appear on the team shirts until the late 1960s. It was designed specifically for the club and incorporates four quarters.

Stadium

In January 2008, the club had the opportunity to take over the Grosvenor Vale site, then the home of Ruislip Manor FC; so from the start of 2008, Wealdstone once again had a ground they could call their own.

Successive seasons at “the Vale” have seen the club prosper and in 2013/14 Wealdstone finally achieved promotion, returning to the Conference after some 25+ years.

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