Poppies kick-off new campaign at The New Lawn

August 8, 2009—

Forest Green Rovers v

Kettering Town

Kettering Town travel to The New Lawn on Saturday to face Forest Green Rovers as Mark Cooper's men attempt to get the new season off to a winning start.

Rovers are one of many Blue Square clubs having problems as the 2009-10 season gets underway with player-coach David Brown taking over from manager Jim Harvey who is currently involved in a dispute with the club. Adding to Rovers' woes is the five month ban handed to Andrew Mangan and the terrible injury sustained last week by Mike Fowler.

Mike Fowler is the brother of Poppies summer signing and ex-Rover Lee Fowler and the pair were looking forward to facing each other on Saturday at The New Lawn. However, Mike, who only joined Rovers in July, will now undergo surgery on his ankle and could possibly miss the whole of the 2009-10 season.

In contrast to Rovers problems, Mark Cooper looks to have virtually a full squad to choose from for the trip and the Poppies traveling faithful should get their first opportunity to see several of the summer signings in competitive action following a good run of friendlies during the preseason buildup.