The Club
Although Brackley Town were founded in 1890, much of their early history remains obscure. The club proudly note that they once hosted Tottenham Hotspur, who travelled to Brackley via the now-defunct Great Central Main Line. For most of their existence, however, they played in local Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire leagues, and for a time operated out of The Plough pub on Brackley’s High Street.
The move to St James Park in 1974 marked a turning point, with promotion to the Hellenic League arriving three years later. A switch to the United Counties League Division One in 1983 brought immediate promotion to the UCL Premier Division, but by the early 1990s they were struggling badly — recording “the worst playing record of any senior side in the country” in 1992/93. A brief resurgence saw them promoted to the Southern League Midland Division in 1997, transferring to the Southern Division the following season, only to be relegated back to the Hellenic League amid financial turmoil.
The turnaround began in earnest in the 2000s. By 2007, Brackley had reached the Southern League Premier Division, and in 2012 they earned promotion to the Conference North. What followed was over a decade of drama — either pushing for promotion or narrowly avoiding the drop — until they finally broke through in 2025, securing their first-ever season in the National League.
Another recent highlight came in 2017/18, when the Saints lifted the FA Trophy, beating Bromley on penalties at Wembley.
That 1993/94 United Counties League Premier Division end-of-season in full: a reminder of how far the Saints have come since then
The Gaffer
Andy Whing joined the Saints in mid-February, replacing Gavin Cowan following the latter’s appointment as manager of Shrewsbury Town. Whing’s most recent managerial role was in League Two, for Barrow, where he was in charge from January to December 2025. He’d previously managed Solihull Moors, and prior to that had led Banbury Town to promotion to the National League North. A right back, his playing career included more than 100 appearances for both Coventry City and Oxford Utd, with another prolonged spell at Brighton and Hove Albion, and shorter spells at Chesterfield and Leyton Orient.
How are they doing?
Not quite as well as they would like or had hoped for, is probably the answer to this question. After years of challenging for promotion to the fifth tier – and finally making it – one might have thought that the Saints would be well-prepared to face the greater challenges that the higher level would bring. Yet results on the pitch have been patchy. The early part of the season went pretty well for them – with August seeing a 2-1 defeat of high-flying Rochdale and a draw with Scunthorpe. FA Cup defeats of Woking (6-2 in a replay) and Notts County (on penalties) have been highlights of the Saints’ season so far, while a home league match against York City, which ended in a 3-2 defeat, was hard-fought and memorable. A defeat of Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy, again on penalties, is another triumph, while Brackley would have been pleased with their 1-0 defeat of Rovers on Boxing Day, too. The 5-3 defeat by Boreham Wood in March was another thrilling game that only just led to being beaten by a team tipped for promotion. None the less, defiant losses don’t gain any points, and as things stand Brackley do face the risk of potential relegation after their first season in the National League. Gavin Cowan upping sticks as manager to move to the club his heart had long evidently been with – Shrewsbury Town – clearly hasn’t helped matters; Andy Whing brought no new manager bounce, and the club now find themselves in the relegation zone. With their remaining matches including clashes with Carlisle Utd, Scunthorpe Utd and a resurgent Boston Utd, Northants’ finest are far from guaranteed a second season in the National League.
The Only Previous Clash With Rovers
Brackley Town’s only previous competitive match against FGR was the game played at St James Park on Boxing Day, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Rovers. Brackley defended sternly and capably, and Rovers proved unable to break them down; arguably, they could even have been several goals ahead. A game to forget for Rovers fans, all in all.
Consequently, this will be Brackley Town’s first-ever visit to The New Lawn.
Match Day Information
Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG
Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can use the Park and Ride service from Renishaw (Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL5 5EY). It opens at 12:30pm on matchdays and costs £5 per car (card only).
If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.
Return of the Rovers Raffle
Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Women’s, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club
Fan Zone – Fan Zone to the right of the ground entrance, behind the North Stand. Open to home & away supporters. The Fan Zone has a food truck, bar, toilets and a large marquee with picnic benches and live music from about 1:30pm.
The Green Man – Normally home fans only, serves food and drink. Opens 12:00pm.
Gym Bar – Open again in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.
Club Shop – Opens 12:00pm. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.
