Former Forest Green caretaker manager in the frame

Former Forest Green caretaker manager Scott Bartlett is understood to be among the candidates that Rovers have got on their shortlist for the now-vacant head coach position, sources have told Stroud Times.

Bartlett, who joined Rovers under David Hockaday as a player in 2010 from Bath City before leading Forest Green into the EFL structure, as well as taking the first team to a National League play-off final at Wembley, as caretaker manager following the sacking of Ady Pennock.

During his nine-year stint at the club, Bartlett helped nurture the talent of Aden Baldwin, who was subsequently sold to Bristol City. Other notable achievements saw Gloucester-born Jordan Stevens graduate through the academy and join Marcelo Biesla’s Leeds United. He also discovered Matty Taylor, who was signed from North Leigh before having a stellar career with the likes of Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Oxford United before returning to the New Lawn at the start of the season.

Bartlett is currently manager at National League South outfit Weston-super-Mare manager and guided the Seagulls to promotion last season.