Forest Green Rovers are delighted to announce former Premier League defender Richard Dryden as the club's new Assistant Head Coach.

Stroud-born Dryden, 51, is reunited with head coach Mark Cooper after the duo worked together previously at Notts County and also as Rovers’ chief scout during promotion to League Two.

Dryden, who starred for Southampton in the Premier League, expressed his delight at being reunited with Cooper, saying: “I’ve known Mark a long time, I’ve played and worked with him at different clubs, so this is a perfect fit – I’m looking forward to coaching with him again and working with players, who have great ability and potential.”

Dryden had a stellar playing career, which saw him cut his footballing teeth at Bristol Rovers. Subsequent spells at Exeter City and Notts County followed before Mark Cooper’s father Terry ushered him to Birmingham City in 1993. He then switched to Bristol City before a dream move to Premier League Southampton under Graham Souness, where he went on to play 47 times. 

He also represented the likes of Stoke City and Luton Town.

His managerial crusade saw stints at Worcester City, Darlington and York City before teaming up with Cooper at Notts County and latterly a spell at Indian League outfit East Bengal.

Head Coach Mark Cooper championed the appointment and is relishing the chance to work in tandem with Dryden, adding: “I’ve known Richard for a long time and we’ve worked together before so I know what he brings. 

“I can trust him; he’s a really good guy and I’m looking forward to working together again. He’s played at the top level as a centre-back and he can pass that experience on. He’s also going to do some detailed work to make us more effective at set-pieces.”

To give Richard Dryden a warm FGR welcome follow him on Twitter @RDryo.