Taylor made for replacement? (From Gazette Series)

Taylor made for replacement?

FORMER Cheltenham Town striker Bob Taylor could be the ready-made replacement for Andy 'Rambo' Rammell, who has been forced to hang his boots up eight days after joining the club and penning a one-year contract at The Lawn.

Rammell, 37, broke down with a recurrence of the injury to his right knee which forced the former Manchester United and Bristol Rovers striker out of professional football last season. Rammell, to his credit, agreed to cancel his contract with immediate effect.

Rovers' boss Tim Harris will now be searching to replace Rammell, who was earmarked to partner fellow new signing Mark Beesley in a new look attack.

"It is a blow losing Andy but now I've got to look for someone of the same quality," said Harris.

Harris may now turn to former Cheltenham and Leeds striker Bob Taylor, who fits the criteria Harris is looking for. The midlands-based veteran could also be a travelling companion for Rovers captain Jon Richardson, who is based in Solihull.

Despite this, Harris has added former Portsmouth and Wycombe defender Andy Thomson to his squad. Thomson, a former Portsmouth team-mate of one time Rovers captain Chris Burns, should line-up alongside Richardson following the departures of Denny Ingram and Kevin Langan. Meanwhile, Harris is also targeting Jamie Gosling. The former Yeovil midfielder has spoken to Harris but is considering his options and has been on trial at Chester City.

But it is the forward department that is causing more cause for concern. Having begun last season with only Neil Grayson as a recognised striker, Harris is now left with the kind of pre-season headache that plagued former boss Colin Addison's team plans.

Addison suffered a torrid summer of striker chasing which resulted in a number of quick fix signings, such as Dave Gilory and Jamie Morallee, who departed almost as quickly as they arrived.

However, Harris is left with a number of options with former Swindon Town striker Charlie Griffin leading the way after hitting a hat-trick in Friday night's 6-0 victory at Northern Senior League side Chalford. Fellow striker Mark Beesley was also on target, with former youth team striker Luke Jones and Alex Sykes all finding the net. John Webb's Chalford put up a creditable performance and were only 2-0 down at the break.

Meanwhile, Harris also gave run-outs to new keeper Danny Geaves and defenders Darren Davies and Tom Gould and gave trials to Aberystwyth player Dave Bridgwater, former Bristol Rovers and Tiverton midfielder Simon Bryant and former Cameroon Under-21 player Nyincho Tum.

l Former Leeds and England legend Norman Hunter will be the star attraction at Forest Green's sporting dinner on Thursday, September 30.

For further details call Robin Eaves on 01453 834860.

l A new fitness class will be available at Forest Green every Sunday morning from August. The class will cost £10 a month. For further information call 01453 832268.