Forest Green finally get hands on League Two trophy

After clinching the League Two title on Saturday, Forest Green Rovers were awarded their crown at the Stroud Museum in the Park on Sunday afternoon.

It really felt like the first day of summer in GL5 as the sun glared down on the media, club officials and council representatives who were in attendance for the momentous occasion.

A round of applause greeted Dom Bernard, Jordan Moore-Taylor and captain Jamille Matt who carried the shining League Two trophy tight in his clutches.

Rob Edwards’ side managed to go back to top spot on the final day of the season battling hard to earn a 2-2 draw against Mansfield Town.

However Rovers were not able to lift the trophy at the One Call Stadium, because it was over 200 miles away with the title favourites Exeter City.

With the EFL deciding that both the league title and second place trophy should be down at St James Park, it was almost poetic that Forest Green would go on to snatch the title from the Grecians.

Centre back Moore-Taylor, formerly on the books of Exeter, has been an integral part of Rovers’ success this term.

The 28-year-old looked back on an incredible afternoon in Nottinghamshire on Saturday and emphasised what it all means for the club.

“It was so nice to finally do it, when we saw the result (Exeter City vs Port Vale) everyone was buzzing,” started Moore-Taylor.

“It was a long time coming and we probably should’ve wrapped it up a bit sooner but the way we did it on the final day I don’t think you can beat.

“To do it and with as many fans we had travel, everyone is so happy.”

Rovers can now look ahead to a first season in League One in their history with some massive clubs awaiting them.

But despite knowing the size of what’s to come, Moore-Taylor isn’t getting too carried away just yet.

“We’ve not looked too far ahead we’re just celebrating and enjoying the moment, but there’s some massive teams in that league,” continued the defender.

“It’s full with teams that have got massive fanbases and for a club like Forest Green to get there and to be competing against them is massive.

“We can only look forward to it.”

Owner Dale Vince was in attendance and was awarded a celebratory plaque by Stroud District Council Leader Doina Cornell and fellow Councillor Steve Robinson.

Vince has transformed Rovers into what they are today and was extremely pleased to see the club's latest achievement.

“It was an amazing day because it was unexpected. We managed to come from behind twice and win it on goal difference. A real Hollywood type ending, you’d script that in a film,” said Vince.

“It felt like the right outcome because we had been top for so long. It would have felt like there was something missing but now we’re champions it just feels right.

“It’s been great fun, it’s great for the fans, it's great for Stroud, it’s great for everybody involved.”

It’s been an incredible season for the Nailsworth outfit and the last couple of weeks has seen a riveting culmination to a fairy tale story.

With a summer of a change likely ahead for Rovers, those closely connected to the club can now take that huge sigh of relief and build the excitement toward next season.