FIRST an astonishing holiday in Russia and now the League Division Two clash between Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Town. What could be better?

To those of us who grew up in the South Cotswolds this is a game we thought we would never see.

What’s more, Sky TV recognise the importance of Friday’s occasion and are televising the game live.

The result does not matter; Forest Green Rovers have already triumphed, rising from the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.

Both teams have given us 3-1 wonder wins at Wembley (Rogers scoring twice for Town and Woolery twice for Rovers).

It is a match that encapsulates my soccer watching life. Thanks, Dad for the introduction to both teams, if only you could be there.

I have so many memories and you won’t be surprised to know that this week’s column is dripping with nostalgia.

The story starts in the early 1950s. Football viewing was very different then. TV showed few games and the highlight was the FA Cup Final.

The programme would run all day and for those with a television chairs were filled by 11am at the latest.

The petulance of the Premier League prima donnas that pollutes our screens today was a lifetime away. Then your local team meant something. They were nearly all blokes you knew and could identify with.

Swindon Town were the poor relations of Division Three South, playing part-time and applying for re-election too often.

Forest Green were the aristocrats of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.

The first Swindon team I saw had my first footballing heroes. Sam Burton in goal, George Hunt and Garth Hudson at centre half and gifted Maurice Owen at centre forward.

For half-a-crown (13p) you could get a return train ticket to Swindon, pay one shilling for entrance and still have threepence for a programme.

Changing from the Tetbury Flier at Kemble I could join many other fans from the Stroud area. We were off to see 'the Town'. On cup-tie days, red and white scarves abounded.

Forest Green were consistently high in the Northern Senior League, but the Nailsworth hills were too much for my young legs and old bicycle.

On occasion, though, I did drop down into the Stroud Valley to see them play at Brimscombe.

I remember ‘Raggie’ Bingle and it was an honour to meet him in his later years. To lead their coaching Forest Green paid 25 shillings a week to a coach from Bristol, Fred Ford. Fred later became manager at Swindon.

Swindon Town put their part-time days behind them appointing Bert Head from Bury to be manager. Head revitalised the club, firstly ensuring a place in the new third division and then gaining promotion in 1963. Swindon also reached the FA Youth Cup final, losing to a George Best-inspired Manchester United.

These were great days.

Bert Head gave youngsters a chance, and what great players some of them were. Ernie Hunt, from the heart of the town, Mike Summerbee, Bobby Woodruff, and a pair of 16-year-old backs, Terry Wollen and John Trollope.

A wretched injury ended Terry’s career. Waiting in the wings was someone really special, a quiet, shy boy from Somerset, Don Rogers.

One League Cup victory over Liverpool was especially memorable. Liverpool were the opponents in October 1970 and many will remember their two-giant centre halves Ron Yeats and Larry Lloyd. However, pace was not one of their many assets.

Playing for Swindon was one of a well-known Forest Green family. Former schoolboy international David Dangerfield.

His pass sent the dashing Don Rogers through for Swindon’s second goal. Yeats and Lloyd looked like beached whales. David nearly scored another with an audacious chip.

Forest Green now began their climb through the footballing pyramid, inspired by Frank Gregan as manager and a supporter, Trevor Horsley. Colin Peake did a splendid job holding everything together, then along came Chairman Dale Vince who has led the club to the promised land.

All these memories will come together on Friday. I am sure the game will be memorable but if not my personal recollection of some wonderful years will have me misty-eyed.