MATT BULMAN insists he has not moved to Forest Green Rovers simply to warm the bench, writes Danny Hall.

Bulman is joining the Blue Square Bet Conference club after their current keeper and Supporters' Player of the Year, James Bittner, signed a new two-year deal.

But Swindon-based 'Bully' is confident he can cope with the two-level step-up in quality from the Southern Premier, where he enjoyed a fine season for Cirencester Town in his second spell at the club.

"Like any player I want to test myself and play at the highest level possible, but I am not going to Forest Green to make up the numbers," said Bulman.

"It should be a good fight between myself and James Bittner for the first team shirt."

Bully, 25, admits that he will leave the Corinium Stadium with a lot of fond memories.

"I loved my time at Ciren and I will miss all the boys, not just a few of them - and (manager Brian Hughes) Hughesie as well," he said.

"But this is my dream job; the chance to play full-time football and earn more money.

"I am confident I can cope with the step up in level or I would not be going.

"I would have kicked myself for the rest of my life if I hadn't taken this opportunity."

Bully will be rejoining familiar old faces at the New Lawn.

"It will be great to team up with Scott Bartlett and Wayne Turk again, having played with them during my season at Salisbury City," he added.

Away from football, Bully revealed a side of his character this year which does not square with his 'dressing room joker' tag. When Bully began to come along to Cirencester Town training with a Bible sticking out of his kit bag, his fellow players thought it was another wind-up by the prolific shot-stopper.

But he admitted: "My fiancee Sarah and my daughter Felicity are Catholics and I went to meetings every week to learn about the Bible.

"Then I had to miss a match in the spring when I joined the Catholic faith by signing a register at Bristol Cathedral in front of the Bishop of Bristol.

"I have since also been confirmed during the Easter vigil."

Bulman is due to get married in June next year.