I hate pre-season friendlies. The half-paced, haphazard performance against Brimscombe was typical.

I defy anyone to say they enjoyed it. I went because ‘The Meadow’ is such a welcoming place.

Saturday was so different. Against a determined Bristol Rovers side, it was a genuine game – and Forest Green were a revelation.

Everyone, whether first-timers, trialists or academy players were comfortable on the ball. Passing was swift and incisive. No weak link could be spotted. New signings Lee Collins and Scott Laird brought a stability to the defence while Bradley Collins excelled in goal. His distribution was first class. Jordan Simpson gave an excellent cameo performance.

While much progress has been made there is one situation that needs clearing up.

A group of senior players (Rob Sinclair and Rhys Murphy among them) have not been given squad numbers and obviously do not figure in the manager’s plans. This situation needs to be cleared up in the interests of everyone.

Apart from the excellence of the football I took three things away with me. Firstly, there was Shamir Mullings’ goal celebration with arms spread out looking like the Angel of the North.

Secondly, at the end of his interview with SNJ Ash, manager Mark smiled and perhaps even laughed. More of the same please, Mark. We do not see enough of that side of you.

Most memorable of all was chairman Dale Vince. I had a brief conversation with him and he was positively glowing. It was obvious how much the club’s progress means to him and equally obvious he knows how much it means to us. We are all moving forward together.