Forest Green Rovers has made two major appointments ahead of its historic first season in the Football League.

Helen Taylor has been appointed as the Nailsworth's club's chief executive and Phil Butterworth has been named as its new vice-chairman, replacing David Drew, who was re-elected as Labour MP for Stroud.

Helen's newly-created position will see her work closely with chairman Dale Vince to further develop the club, beginning with the match-day experience at The New Lawn.

Helen (pictured), who has worked as an ambassador for Stroud-based green energy company Ecotricity and Forest Green since 2010, described her appointment as "a fantastic opportunity".

"I've been a passionate believer in the green, sustainable agenda at both Ecotricity and Forest Green Rovers and now I'm responsible for leading a fantastic team of people into our first ever season in the Football League," she said.

"We're really looking forward to becoming a greater part of the local community, welcoming people from Gloucestershire and beyond to experience a game at the club."

Phil has been an avid supporter of the club for 20 years and created its Ambassador Scheme, working with more than 40 schools in the South Gloucestershire region.

Phil's career in education saw him work as a teacher, headteacher, advisor, assessor and tutor at schools across the county.

"I feel honoured to follow in the footsteps of David Drew, and look forward to working closely with Helen Taylor and the team at the club," he said.

"I have watched the transformation of my club in recent years, so it's an exciting time to become more involved.

"I applaud Dale's vision and respect the values on which the club is underpinned. The next steps for the club will be another huge challenge - life in the Football league, and then we have the proposed stadium at Eco Park, which will make us unique in so many ways."

Dale Vince added: "I'm really excited that Helen has taken on the chief executive role - we've worked together since 2010 and she's been passionate about our green agenda and is ideally placed to help us evolve and grow as a Football League club.

"Phil Butterworth was also the perfect candidate to take on the important role of vice-chairman following David Drew's promotion to parliament.

"Phil has done a great job in building our school's ambassador program and has contributed greatly to the club over the years. I look forward to working with them both."