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Sykes backs Rovers coach Harvey

Former Forest Green Rovers player and crowd favourite, Alex Sykes, has backed Jim Harvey to save Rovers from relegation.

Sykes, who currently plies his trade at Gloucester City, made over 100 appearances for Rovers, and feels that Harvey has what it takes to keep the New Lawn team safe from relegation come the end of the season.

"It has been difficult since the curse of manager of the month," Sykes told the Gazette.

"Everyone knows Forest Green have a limited fan base of 700 or 800 up there. It's difficult to keep the club going so it's a case of survival.

"I think because they were so close to the play-offs last year and they started this season so well the fans expect more but it's always difficult.

"There will probably be a few daggers out for him (Harvey) now but if he left it would be a difficult job to step into.

"If they stay in the Conference it will be a success. I remember our first two seasons in that league when we stayed up on the last day of the season and it felt like we won the cup final.

"Jim likes to concentrate on the youth which is good for local players and as a teacher you know they will get a good chance there. He is one of the best bosses to be in that job at a smaller club."

Sykes has also endorsed the acquisition of former Gloucester team-mate Mike Symons, who he thinks has the ability to score on a regular basis for Rovers.

"I think it was a very good move for him," said Sykes.

"He's big, strong, powerful, good with the ball at his feet and I think he'll do very well for them.

"With the right people around him, he could be up there in the goalscoring charts and push for the top three or four in that league.

"He might not be as good as Stuart Fleetwood and hasn't got the natural pace that Fleets has but because of his size he's a good target."