ANDY MANGAN has given a huge indication that he will remain at Forest Green following Dave Brown’s decision to become the club’s new player-assistant manager.
Mangan, 22, is keen to remain at Rovers despite interest at Championship level for the hot-shot striker who finished the season as the Blue Square Premier Golden Boot winner with 26 league goals.
However, the Liverpool-based player is still the subject of an FA investigation after being charged by the FA following an inquiry into a betting scandal.
He is alleged to have placed £3,500 on Bury to win at Accrington Stanley in the last game of the last League Two season when he was with the Gigg Lane club.
Nonetheless, he revealed his delight at the appointment of 30-year-old Brown.
He said: “Brownie is my best mate in football and this is a massive incentive for me to stay at Forest Green and I’d be happy to sign for Rovers again.
“I am pleased for Brownie and he can only make me a better player and I relish the opportunity of having him as my striking partner again.
“I really enjoyed my first season - I love the club and the fans and feel Jim Harvey and Brownie can improve me and help me bag 40 goals next season.” Finances will now play their part with Mangan waiting on an offer from Forest Green.
“My partner is due to have a baby in September, so I will be looking for a bit more than I was on last season,” he added.
Brown, who joined Forest Green in January from Barrow, was a major factor in assisting Mangan to the top of the scoring charts, with most goals coming in the second half of the season.
Brown said: "My priority at Rovers will be to continue playing and hopefully link up again with Andy Mangan to help him continue his blossoming career.
"With regards to the management side at the club, I would only have considered taking such an appointment under Jim Harvey as I love his style.
"I am realistic to appreciate that the Blue Square Premier gets stronger every season and I cannot wait until we assemble our new squad and get working with them on the training pitch"
The confirmation of Brown’s role and Mangan’s desire to remain will hand Forest Green boss Jim Harvey a massive boost as the Ulsterman draws up his list of targets on a shoestring budget.
Harvey said: “It is vital that the choice of number two not only needed to fit the style of play I favour but also ensure that we keep to budget during these difficult times.”
"David will not only bring a wealth of playing experience but his pedigree and strong discipline gained over the years at a number of clubs.”
Brown’s deal will now put an end to the popular Jerry Gill’s spell as assistant manager at the New Lawn.
Right back Gill arrived from Cheltenham Town on a loan deal in October last year.
He helped Rovers reach the third round of the FA Cup, where they were beaten 4-3 in a thrilling tie against Derby County, and steer clear of relegation from the Blue Square Premier.
Meanwhile, the Gazette understands that Terry Burton and Conal Platt have agreed terms for next season and will remain at the New Lawn.
Elsewhere, Lee Fowler has signed a two-year deal for Blue Square Premier rival Kettering Town and Les Afful has agreed a deal with ambitious Cornish club Truro City.
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