FGR chairman Dale Vince has paid tribute to “super guy” Dale Bennett, after accepting his request to leave the club.

Bennett is FGR’s longest-serving player and is a real fans’ favourite, having made 196 appearances and scored five goals since joining the side in January 2013.

Dale Vince, FGR chairman, said: "I popped up to the club on Monday to say goodbye to Dale Bennett and to say thank you. Dale has played a big part in getting us to where we are – our second season in League 2 – having been with us nearly six years.

“I’m gonna miss him, as it feels like he’s always been here. I loved watching him play – real passion, total commitment and a super guy too. All the best Dale."

Dale Bennett said: "I want to thank everyone from the staff, the players and the fans that have backed me and supported me.

"I have spent a large part of my life and my career here. I want to thank the chairman for giving me the opportunity to be here for so long and supporting me in a way that has even affected my life off the pitch with my wife and I becoming vegan.

"I will remember the memories I've shared at Forest Green for the rest of my career and I got to do last season what I came here to do - and that was get promotion to the Football League.

"The club has helped me massively on my journey and I'm looking forward to my next adventure."

An FGR spokesperson said: "Having secured our position in League 2 this week and with Dale's contract coming to an end this summer, he asked us to let him go early and we did.

“Dale is a club legend and we will miss him, but totally appreciate his wish to spend some time with his family in the final weeks of the campaign - something he’s not had the chance to do in his five seasons with us.

“Dale has played a big part in our journey, he leaves with the gratitude of everyone at the club and our best wishes.”

The popular defender joined Rovers in January 2013 having started his career in the Watford youth set-up. He made his debut for the club as a substitute against Luton in the Blue Square Premier on 9th February 2013 and scored his first goal against Lincoln in November 2014, a 94th minute equaliser against Lincoln City to make it 3-3.

Well known for his pace, enthusiasm and determination, Bennett made himself a much-loved character amongst the FGR fans.

He has been a crucial member of the FGR side for a number of years, including playing 90 minutes in both of the club’s National League Promotion Finals at Wembley.

The 28-year-old also bought into the ethos of the club, including becoming vegan on return from his honeymoon to Jamaica last summer.