When Keanu Marsh Brown signed for Forest Green from Barnet for an undisclosed fee, he chose to drop back into the National League in order to kick start his professional career once again. Formally of Fulham, Keanu spent much of last season on the sidelines and quickly fell out of favour with current Rovers boss Mark Cooper.
(From Stroud News and Journal)
Inside The Conference had the pleasure of speaking to Keanu last Friday and I questioned him on his decision to leave the football league and join Forest Green. Keanu praised former boss Ady Pennock stating “To be honest, it was the gaffer Ady pennock. I could tell he was a caring manager and that was what I wanted and that’s what drove me to sign for Forest Green.” Keanu went on to praise Ady saying he was “One of the best coaches I’ve worked with”.
So, after a scintillating first season with Forest Green, what has gone wrong? Well despite technically being one of the best players available in the national league, Keanu only featured 29 times last season, 10 of which were substitute appearances. Even without ample playing time, Keanu managed 9 goals and in his own words “won 3 or 4 games single-handedly.”
Forest Green won promotion from the National League last season and made history by being promoted to the football league for the first time in the club’s history. Keanu, who previously helped Barnet to promotion said the following on the promotion. “It was a great feeling. That’s why I signed for the club so to do it at wembley as well made it even more special.”
Unfortunately, this year hasn’t been so pleasing for Keanu and after a 20 minute cameo on the opening day, Keanu has been left out of the squad and even been asked to train with the under 21’s. This is an all to familiar feeling for Keanu who suffered a similar issue at Barnet. “The club wanted me gone but they were asking for way to much money.” This was Keanu’s understanding of his exclusion at Barnet and it appears to him that a similar theme is occurring at Forest Green.
So, where does this leave Keanu. Clearly a very confident chap who has all the talent to push on up the leagues and has lott’s of ambition. As the interview progressed he went on to talk about his own ability and he argued any other league 2 side would be lucky to have him at their disposal. He stated, “I believe I could do a good job and get into any side in the league.”
The main question will be is any club prepared to take on this hungry and determined player. A fantastic technical ability that is often overshadowed by off-field events.
It was a pleasure talking to Keanu and we wish him all the best in his next stage of his important career.
Joe Ferris, Inside The Conference.
Max
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