FOREST GREEN ROVERS' top brass have named Alan Lewer as their surprise managerial choice.

Lewer's shock appointment was rubber-stamped on Tuesday morning after chairman Trevor Horsley, vice chairman Colin Gardner and directors John Clapp and Jenny Anns deliberated over a number of high calibre candidates that included former England coach John Gorman, Russell Osman and former Cheltenham Town boss Graham Allner.

Lewer has been handed a deal that will run to the current season with a one-year option.

"It was a tough choice," explained Forest Green vice chairman Colin Gardner on Tuesday morning.

"Alan impressed us immensely and he is the person who will save us going out of the Conference," Gardner added.

Lewer will face a huge task with Rovers rooted at the bottom of the Conference having lost all seven matches so far. They have leaked 25 goals, scored just three and at Halifax Town conceded four for the fourth time this season.

Lewer a former player at Aldershot and Bournemouth, has managed Telford and assisted at both Woking and Chester City.

Lewer will take charge at The Lawn with immediate effect and will work with Alan McLoughlin, who has been operating in a caretaker capacity sine Tim Harris' sacking last week.

At the time of going to press, Lewer, was due to meet his new team as he prepares for Saturday's home clash with Farnborough Town and at home to Exeter City on Tuesday.