Forest Green Rovers have confirmed the arrival of Alex Gorrin from Oxford United and Dominic Thompson from Blackpool, as they look to drag themselves out of the League Two relegation zone.
Gorrin has arrived in Nailsworth on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. The Spanish midfielder has played over 100 times in League One for Oxford over four years, including playing a key role in their play-off pushes in 2019/20 and 2020/21 where he featured over 30 games a season in both campaigns.
The 30-year-old left The U’s this summer before rejoining on a short-term deal in October, and he has since appeared in four matches in all competitions. The Spaniard operates mostly as a defensive midfielder but has also played higher up the pitch in the centre of midfield and out wide during his career.
Via the club website, Head Coach Troy Deeney said:
“Alex will bring us real quality, professionalism and know-how. We’ve had him in on trial this season – and even just in that week, you could see what he could add to the group.
“He’s a physical presence, but also really good technically. He can play one or two touch and he’s got a great range of passing too.
“He will also add serious value to Harvey Bunker and Alfie Bendle. To have Alex as a mentor to two exciting young players will be a great thing.”
Alex is here!🇪🇸#WeAreFGR💚 pic.twitter.com/eEqC8kPhFV
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) January 12, 2024
Thompson has joined Forest Green on loan for the remainder of the season from another side further up the footballing pyramid in Blackpool. The left-sided full-back has previously played at Brentford, Ipswich Town and Swindon Town, having graduated from Arsenal’s Academy.
The 23-year-old picked up 19 appearances for Brentford, including two in the Premier League, before he joined Blackpool in the summer of 2022. The ex-Arsenal left-back played 42 times for his parent club, 28 of those coming in the Championship during the 2022-23 season.
About his arrival, Deeney claimed:
“We are really, really lucky to have Dom. He’s Championship quality. He’s shown a real desire and commitment to come here as he had offers from League One clubs and Scottish Prem sides.
“We’re really excited to have him and a huge thanks to Blackpool for making it happen.”
DT16.⚡️#WeAreFGR💚 pic.twitter.com/VMNRlWWRS8
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) January 12, 2024
Rovers currently find themselves sat 23rd in the fourth division, six points shy of safety. Deeney’s side next host Harrogate Town at The Bolt New Lawn as they look to get their season back on track.
Writer’s View
To sign two players of this quality is a statement of intent from those at Forest Green, and could well be what is required to keep the club in League Two for at least another year. Both players have played at a higher level on a number of occasions and will bring much-needed confidence and assurance to a struggling side.
It is important the club continues to add needed quality to their relatively young squad in order to ensure safety come the end of the 46 games.
