Forest Green Rovers will pay tribute to former director Martin Anns at the club’s match against Gateshead on Saturday 12 September, following his death aged 67.
Mr Anns died on 21 August 2026. His wife, Jenny, is due to attend the fixture, where Forest Green will mark his life with a minute’s applause in the 67th minute.
Ten years on the Rovers board
Martin Anns served on Forest Green Rovers’ board for ten years alongside Jenny during the chairmanship of the late Trevor Horsley. During his time with the club, he held the position of Director of Football and was particularly committed to making football accessible to everyone.
He also played an active role in promoting the club’s Kids Go Free matches, helping to support an approach that made attending games more accessible to younger supporters and their families.
Martin and Jenny were awarded Life Membership of Forest Green Rovers in 2015. The honour recognised their dedication and service to the club.
Although the family moved to Warwickshire in 2010, Mr Anns continued to hold Forest Green close to his heart. He maintained a keen interest in the club until his death, despite no longer living locally.
Club tribute to former director
FGR Vice Chairman Phil Butterworth described Mr Anns as a “highly respected director” during the Trevor Horsley era.
“Martin was a very popular figure, well known locally as a director of Stroud-based Philip Ford and Son, undertakers,”
Mr Butterworth said Martin and Jenny had served on the board at a pivotal time in Forest Green’s history. The club established itself in the top division of non-league football during that period, a level now known as the National League.
The club was also undergoing constitutional changes and planning for the New Lawn stadium while Mr Anns and Jenny were involved with its board.
“He was very passionate about his association with the club and kept up his keen interest after the family moved to Warwickshire in 2010.”
Mr Butterworth also credited Mr Anns’ contribution to Forest Green’s development and growing profile beyond the local area.
“FGR appreciates Martin’s years of service for Rovers, which helped put the ‘little club on the hill’ on the national football map.”
He added:
“All at the club send deepest condolences to all the family at this very sad time.”
Forest Green Rovers said Mr Anns would be remembered with “great affection” by everyone who knew him. The club extended its deepest condolences to Jenny and the wider Anns family.
The planned applause at the Gateshead fixture will provide the club and supporters with an opportunity to recognise Mr Anns’ decade of service, his work as Director of Football and his continuing connection with Forest Green after the family’s move to Warwickshire.