Duncan Ferguson has called upon his players to show 'real commitment' and a 'never say die attitude' after he was appointed Forest Green Rovers Head Coach on Thursday.

The former Everton, Rangers and Newcastle United striker was unveiled as Rovers' new boss on Thursday afternoon, following the departure of Ian Burchnall on Wednesday.

It's Ferguson's first permanent managerial role - and the 51-year-old can't wait to get started.

"It's great to be here," said Ferguson. "It's a fantastic club and I'm looking forward to it.

"It's come around quickly. I travelled down on Wednesday to see the owner [Dale Vince], I jumped in the car and drove down, and had a brief chat with him. He was very honest, very straightforward - and we came to a decision quickly.

"I think it's a great club - I really do. Now I've seen the people, I can see it's a lovely, fantastic club. It's a family club with a great owner who gives his managers time."

Ferguson will take charge of Rovers for the first time on Saturday - with FGR making the trip to Shropshire to take on Shrewsbury Town. FGR fans can buy tickets on the day at Montgomery Waters Meadow [cash only] - and the new Rovers boss wants to see as many supporters in the away end as possible.

"It's a big challenge," Ferguson added. "At the end of the day, you can't get away from the fact we're bottom of the league. We're a few points off it having played a few more games, but we believe we can make that up.

"We need to fight for every single point - starting on Saturday. That's all I ask for, real commitment to the shirt and a never say die attitude. We need to stay in this division, which we will.

"They'll give the players a lift. Please come to the game, shout your team along - and hopefully we can get a result."