FOREST Green’s match against Lincoln City this Friday night (7.45pm) will be the club’s first televised game of the season – and the club will have a new ticket office ready for the big game.

Four counters will open from noon on Friday at the ground where fans will be able to buy or collect their tickets, and a telephone line will be live from Wednesday afternoon – all replacing the current turnstile transactions at The New Lawn.

Improved turnstiles are already being installed – the new ticket office will mean fans will now be able to ring or email the club to order their tickets for all FGR home games.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said: “This is phase one of a bigger modernisation programme at FGR.

“It’s part of what we are doing to improve the matchday experience for fans here. It will mean no more cash at the turnstiles and a much simpler process of buying tickets – you’ll be able to get your tickets in advance for the first time at the club, which is a big step.

“We’ve already made improvements to the turnstiles, but it’s just the start. The end game is paperless tickets – getting your FGR tickets sent to your phone so you can swipe on the turnstiles on your way in. These are exciting changes.”

Fans can phone 01453 837 433 to book tickets and for more information, or can email ticketsales@fgrfc.com An online shop will also launch this year, where tickets and merchandise – including the new home and away kits – will be available for fans to buy.

The club has already made improvements to its facilities from last season, increasing car parking capacity in its main car park by nearly 50% for the new 2012/2013 season.