Troy Deeney wants Forest Green Rovers to become a feared side in League Two as he sets out his plans for the New Year. 

“Currently we’re considered little nice Forest Green across the league, but we are starting to change that perception,” Deeney said. 

“We need to finish our chances, score more goals and once we do that, we can scare teams off. 

“We need to get to a point where people are fearful of us.” 

Since taking charge of Rovers, Deeney has overseen a major improvement in terms of performances - and will be scratching his head as to how his side have only come away with one point from three games over the festive period.

Rovers came away from Swindon Town on Friday night unrewarded after another performance that was a step in the right direction. 

After reflecting on the defeat and 2023 as whole, Deeney knows that 2024 needs to deliver improvements for the club but firmly believes his side will get there.  

“It can’t be a 'could be' it has to be, has to be better than what it was in 2023," he said

“For anyone who has watched the first three games, they will have seen a vast improvement. 

“We aren’t going to sit around and sulk, we are going to look for what we can do better." 

And Rovers have the chance to put Deeney’s vision into action on New Year’s Day as we welcome AFC Wimbledon to The New Lawn. 

It’s a tough task to start the year but Deeney feels ready for the job as he begins to have a full squad at his disposal again. 

He said: “This should be a proper League Two game. It'll be a physical game. They win lots of first and second contacts. We will need to combat that and put our own imprint on the game.

“We should have almost everybody back in for squad selection, which is good."