- Forest Green Rovers have had a difficult season and sit 23rd in League Two
- Previous boss David Horseman was fired after just over five months in the role
- West Ham can WIN the League Cup… don't get stuck in the rotation. Crazy it! Go all out at Anfield – It all starts
Troy Deeney has been appointed head coach of Forest Green following the departure of David Horseman.
Deeney joined the Sky Bet League Two club as player-coach in August after making more than 600 appearances for Walsall, Watford – where he spent 11 years from 2010 to 2021 – and Birmingham.
“I am very pleased and honored to have been appointed as the new head coach,” Deeney said on Forest Green's official website.
“I know fans will have many questions, which will be answered as soon as possible.
“We will not hide from the task ahead and will be open and honest along the way.
Forest Green Rovers have appointed Troy Deeney as head coach following the departure of David Horseman
Horseman was sacked after just over five months in the role, with Rovers struggling
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'I can assure everyone one thing: we will do our utmost to make this wonderful club successful again.
“This is an exciting new role with many challenges that I will embrace and there is a lot of work for us to do, which has already begun.”
Horseman was appointed in July after Forest Green made headlines by putting academy manager Hannah Dingley in charge and becoming the first woman to take charge of an English Football League club on a short-term interim basis.
Assistant coach Louis Carey has also left the club with Forest Green one place behind the bottom of League Two in 23rd.
Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said: “I would like to thank David and Louis for everything they have done here and wish them all the best for the future.
'I wish we had more time, but we are halfway through the season and need to act decisively to improve our performance and position in the league.
Deeney joined the club in August as player-coach and will take on his first managerial role
Forest Green are 23rd in League Two and are already five points away from safety
“Troy came to us to start his coaching career and take the next step in his career – this is happening sooner than expected, but he has already built strong relationships with our staff, squad and fans – and is well placed for the challenge.
'We will also strengthen our squad in the coming transfer window, to give ourselves the best chance of securing our place in League Two first before looking back up towards League One and beyond.'
Deeney will take charge for the first time at home against Gillingham on Friday