FOREST Green boss Dave Hockaday has offered new deals to 11 out-of-contract players.
James Bittner, Jared Hodgkiss, Luke Jones, Curtis McDonald, Calum Henry, Chris Allen, Gavin Caines, Ross Dyer, Jeffrey Imudia and part-time players Scott Bartlett and Wayne Turk all have deals to consider.
Keiron Forbes, Chris Stokes, Reece Styche and Yan Klukowski are already signed up for the 2011/12 Blue Square Premier season.
Hockaday said: “The relevant paperwork is now with operations director Colin Peake and I am hopeful of tying up the new deals this week.”
However, Hockaday has released Steve Guinan, Craig Armstrong, Steve Davies, Jonathan Else, Lee Smith and Zak Jones.
Meanwhile, Hockaday has been trying to contact midfielder on-loan midfielder Matt Somner, who revealed on his Twitter page that he would not be offered a new contract by Forest Green.
“I would like to wish the departing players all the best and thank them for all their efforts during the season,” added Hockaday.
Meanwhile, innovative Forest Green chairman Dale Vince is set to introduce a new club crest for the forthcoming season.
Vince, managing director of Stroud-based green energy company Ecotricity, has come up with a revolutionary design-incorporating two new icons – the lion and unicorn, – which will replace the cross of St George in the current badge.
The eco-warrior has also added the 1889 date to the badge in a move to highlight the Nailsworth club’s deep-rooted history.
“The current badge (pictured) looks a little homemade to be honest, and has a very close resemblance to the Barcelona badge,” said Vince.
He added: “We believe the new badge will enhance our efforts to transform the fortunes of the club both on and off the pitch.”
“The new badge creates a unique identity - it has the essential heritage of FGR - in a modern, strong graphic package, it’s flexible and versatile too - as the three colour versions, to match the three new strips, show.”
Boss Dave Hockaday endorsed the badge switch, he said: “This is our own design and heralds a new beginning for Forest Green.
“The lion signifies power and the unicorn offers a certain magic.”
Vince will offer the fans the chance to express their views on the crest change with an online questionnaire.
He added: “The badge was created by my designer and fan Angus Scott, and I want the fans to give me genuine feedback on the new design.”
The new-look badge will complimented by a fresh shirt design, which is set to be announced next month.
To comment on the re-design visit http://www.slideshare.net/ecotricity/feedback-form-for-the-new-fgr-badge-consultation u Rovers will travel to Nailsworth neighbours Shortwood United on Tuesday, July 19, 7.30pm.
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