THE growl of Dale Vince's Ducati from outside the headquarters of his Stroud-based green energy company Ecotricty heralded the arrival of Forest Green's new eco-warrior turned football saviour.

Vince appeared in his obligatory attire of ripped jeans, t-shirt, scuffed biker jacket and pierced ear.

Lean and lithe, the 48-year-old former new-age traveller turned multi-millionaire is one of the most engaging and affable human beings you could possibly meet.

After last season's threat of winding-up orders and even extinction, Vince's new investment as the club's majority shareholder will 'cover' the £250,000 debt which led to the Keep the Green Alive campaign launch in March.

The softly-spoken green tycoon, with an estimated fortune of 85 million, runs a power company with a difference.

Employing more than 170 people, its generation side makes green electricity from wind turbines and now Forest Green's new major majority shareholder is hoping to harness his success into transforming Rovers' fortunes on and off the pitch.

Vince's passion for Forest Green is already in evidence, but his new allegiance can be best described as a happy accident after a chance conversation on the treatment table with Lansdown Clinic sports therapist Jason Ford.

"I had been reading about Forest Green's financial troubles in the paper, so I was aware of what was going on," said Vince.

"Jason used to work at the club and he knew I had a spark of interest and he kind of kindled it.

"When David Drew became chairman that made it interesting and more accessible to me, so I reached out and met with David, then with Colin Peake, Dave Hockaday and Trevor Horsley."

Despite his wealth, Vince will remain frugal.

"It's not a case of 'blank cheques' at Forest Green - there are a lot of debts to take care of and we need to make the club sustainable and most of what I'm putting in will cover that," said Vince.

Vince met the players at the New Lawn before the game against Wrexham on Tuesday night and insists he is keen to foster a good team spirit.

He said: "I’m all for communication and transparency. I want to be close to the players, directors, shareholders and the fans, which are certainly the greatest asset the club have got.

"I’m keen on the website and fans forum and nearly blogged the other day."

Vince is keen to involve his company in all aspects of his new venture, but insists his role of majority shareholder is far from a takeover.

"This is certainly not a takeover," he said.

"The way I see it I’m joining the club and working with the people there as a team.

"And we have a lot of good people at Ecotricity who could get involved. For example we have a great web and marketing team and there’s plenty they can do to help the club with the off-pitch stuff.

"This is a way to get things done without adding cost and also engages our team at Ecotricity with Forest Green - it will be a lot of fun."

Vince has already bonded with Forest Green's top brass, a move that will prove vital in this new chapter in the Nailsworth club's history.

"It helped to meet Dave Hockaday. He was very open with me, we hit it off and that was really cool. Colin Peake impressed me with his knowledge and everything that he puts in. Trevor Horsley is a great guy and we get on really well and have a shared vision.

"He’s made me feel very welcome and we’re on the same page, which is great."

Vince's ambition burns bright - he would like to see Forest Green end their perennial struggle in the Conference this season."

He added: "This year is all about making us stronger on and off the pitch but give us a season or two and I think we might be in a position to start thinking about League Two. I know that’s Dave Hockaday's ambition and Trevor Horsley's, and I share that.

"Long-term I think there are lots of things we can do to put the green in Forest Green, from renewable energy to catching rainwater.

"We can make this the greenest football club in the UK, and football fans are a different audience for us at Ecotricity."