Drew is a Rovers shareholder and was a Labour MP for 13 years

Former Stroud MP David Drew believes Forest Green Rovers have been given a future by chairman Dale Vince.

Drew is now co-chairman, having been appointed as executive chairman on a temporary basis before Vince took over.

Drew told BBC Gloucestershire: "We are running the club alongside Ecotricity (Vince's business) and we are using the corporate world to develop our skills.

"It's early days but if we can survive in the Conference National this year Dale is really going to go for it."

Rovers are three places and three points above the relegation zone, and Drew admitted Vince had been surprised by the financial commitment needed to run a club at that level.

If we can build on the squad and keep them into next season then I really think we can go places David Drew

"It's been a bit of an awakening, dare I say a rude awakening," added Drew. "Football is a bit of a black hole and it's always the unexpected that pulls you down.

"We've had two of our most attractive games postponed, and that means the loss of thousands of pounds. Luton and Kidderminster at home mid-week will not be the same as on a Saturday.

"We need some stability on the pitch now. There may be a few moves in and out but within reason we need to hang onto the players we've got.

"If we can build on the squad and keep them into next season then I really think we can go places. There's a lot of optimism that if we could get into the top half of the table, then you never know."

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