A TEXT message paved the way for Stuart Fleetwood’s second New Lawn homecoming.

The 28-year-old  Gloucester-born striker  has re-joined the club on a loan deal until the end of the season from Vanarama Conference rivals Eastleigh and made his second debut for the club in the 4-1 victory over Welling United on Saturday.

“The manager at Eastleigh (Richard Hill) rang me and said a different club were interested in taking me on loan, but I was a bit sceptical because they were a bit far away and they were a league down as well.

“So I asked if I could make a few phone calls and speak to a few people and he had no problem with that.

“I  texted Ady Pennock and it was all pretty much done in less than 24 hours.

“I’m still living in Gloucester and I was travelling to Eastleigh most days, so this was the ideal situation and luckily Ady was really keen.

“Apart from Gloucester City this is my local club. I had a great season here and they looked after my family really well.

Fleetwood feels Rovers are a different club from the one he left seven years ago.

He said:“Forest Green has changed a lot since then but every time I’ve come back I’ve had a great reception from the fans, even when I put one in the top corner for Luton.

“I am cup-tied for the game at Ebbsfleet this weekend, but I was pleased to get on as a sub on Saturday  and play apart in Nors’ goal (James Norwood).”

And the striking role is a position Fleetwood is determined to make his own having spent a lot of time being used out wide.

He added: “I’ve made no secret – I want to play up front, it’s my natural position. I think it is where I operate best.

“At Luton I played on the left of a three up front and did the same at Eastleigh. I was productive out there.

“I’ve made no secret, it’s probably why the move from Eastleigh came about, they knew I wanted to play up front.

“I was desperate to play up front and when Ady said he wanted me as a striker I was delighted.”

Fleetwood is determined to extend his stay with Rovers to beyond the end of the season.

"On a personal level I want to do well and secure something for next season."

Fleetwood scored 36 goals in all competitions for Rovers in 2007/08, under the management of Jim Harvey and  earned a move to Championship side Charlton Athletic in a deal that netted the Nailsworth side a reported £200,000 transfer fee.

Loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Brighton & Hove Albion and Exeter City followed ahead of a permanent move to Hereford United, where he worked alongside current Forest Green assistant manager Dave Kevan.

After a two-season spell at Luton he moved to Eastleigh in the summer of 2013.

He first made his name at non-League level for Hereford United, helping them to promotion from the Conference in 2006.