Forest Green Rovers - Club History

When it comes to the mention of Legends, there are many people who have given their all for the good of the Club and have helped to make it what it is, but there are a few who stand above others and are worthy of legendary status. Without them, it is possible that the Club would not be where it is today.

Owen Davis was the son of Alphonse Davis who set up a furniture making business in Nailsworth in Victorian times. Owen had a liking for the relatively new sport of “Socker” and joined Forest Green Rovers in the late 1890s. He enjoyed his playing days with the Club and was part of the first ever cup winning team in 1903. He suffered a serious leg injury which cut his playing career short but remained close to the Club as a supporter.

In 1936, the committee decided to take the plunge and buy their own field at auction, and this they did, pledging to pay the £120 fee. They then had a meeting to work out how to pay for it, with £50 being raised through a subscription book and Owen Davis stepping in with £70 to secure the Club’s long term future.

He continued to help the club, financing a stand in the late 1930s to further enhance the ground.

Forest Green Rovers 1902-1903,
The First Cup Winning Team
Back Row:  G Smith (Linesman), W Luker, O Davis, A Taylor, W Brinkworth, H Close, T BrinkworthMiddle Row: W Hill, S Marmont, H Blake, G Drysdale, W BrownFront Row: F Grant, A Porter, F Gardiner, W Brown

William and Thomas Binkworth were members of the first reported Forest Green Rovers team in 1892. Owen Davis would go on in later life to be one of the most significant members of the club enabling Forest Green to buy their own ground in 1936. Walter Brown was from one of two separate Brown families is from Forest Green whose members would have a connection with the club until the current day.

He remained a committee member and passionate supporter into the 1950s (he is pictured in the 1951 Club photograph shown on the history gallery), travelling to home and away matches while he was able.

Without Owen’s assistance and commitment to the Club, who knows, we may have stayed a village team.