FOREST GREEN ROVERS are set to close their gym next month and convert it to a matchday bar.

The move comes after a 60% increase in attendances last season to just under 3,000 per-game following promotion to the Football League, putting new demands on the stadium.

A club spokesman said: “It’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly, realising the impact it will have on our gym members – it’s a choice we’ve had to make, between providing a service outside of football and providing one on a matchday. As a football club first and foremost, we need to prioritise our fans and the matchday experience.

“Our gym will be closing on Friday, July 6. It will remain open as usual until this date, after-which there will be no publicly available gym facilities at The New Lawn.

“Gym members will continue to have full access to the gym until July 6. If you’ve paid by direct debit, no further payments will be taken after your last payment, made on the May 15.

“We know that news of the gym’s closure will be disappointing and we regret the impact this will have.

“Some of the changes being made are to comply with the regulations of League Two, with the West Stand getting a roofed seating area, while others are to adapt to our growing attendances – as well as continually improving the matchday experience for all fans.”

If you have any questions about the gym closure, get in touch - either by calling 01453 834 860 or emailing gym@fgrfc.com.