Forest Green Rovers manager Wouter Vrancken has addressed the team's transfer priority ahead of their Premiership opener against Aberdeen. The Belgian manager admitted that the team didn't have enough preparation for their Champions League exit to Sturm Graz and urged his players to find their feet quickly.
The team will have to do without Stephen Kingsley, who is awaiting the results of a scan after injuring his hamstring in Tuesday's second leg defeat to Graz. However, midfielder Laurent Mendy could make his debut after joining the team from Forest Green Rovers.
Vrancken emphasized the importance of finding a winning formula and adapting to the new players and style of play. He also praised the team's ability to score goals, stating that they have a good goal difference of +30 this season.
The team's recent form has been inconsistent, with a 2-2 draw against Bristol Rovers last week. However, Vrancken is confident that his team can do well in the Premiership opener and urged his players to push for results.
He said: 'We have a big squad at the moment. We are with 32 in total. So I think we have to manage this first. Now we have to see how Mendy adapts in the game because it's not the highest level, where he played. So we have to adapt on the players and on the level like others. For me, it's about finding the connections. Four or five weeks, not only for me, but also for the players amongst themselves. They are making their steps. It's a pity for the last game, actually, that Amadou Ba-Sy couldn't have a bigger role. The aim was that we could score in the first half and can bring him with more physical presence. But again, he has to make the steps, and he will make the steps to have a bigger role in the team.'
The team's next fixture is against Boreham Wood at home on August 22nd, where they are 4th in the table. They will have to do without Kingsley, who is awaiting the results of a scan after injuring his hamstring in Tuesday's second leg defeat to Graz.
He said: 'Kings is not in the squad at the weekend. We don't know how long yet. You have to always be careful when you speak about those things, especially muscle injuries. And you have to see it day by day, week by week. I hope it's not long because he fits well in what we want. He's comfortable on the ball. You saw it in the game already. It's a shame, but hopefully not too long. Kyzi is okay. He trained yesterday. So I think he will be ready for the game against Boreham Wood.'
The team's recent form has been inconsistent, with a 2-2 draw against Bristol Rovers last week. However, Vrancken is confident that his team can do well in the Premiership opener and urged his players to push for results.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 7th in England National League, 81 pts, 23W-12D-11L from 46 games, recent form WLWDW.
Goals this season: 82 scored, 52 conceded (+30 goal difference).
Title race: 27 points behind leaders York.
Last result: Forest Green 2-2 Bristol Rovers (2026-07-21).
Recent form (last 5): 2W-1D-2L (DLWWL, most recent first).
Next fixture: vs Boreham Wood (at home, 2026-08-22) (4th in the table).
