Forest Green Rovers are set to beat a plethora of sides including League Two outfit Crawley Town to secure their second signing of the summer.
Robbie Savage’s side have already completed the signing of Hemel Hempstead defender Kyle Ajayi earlier this week, but a second addition is on the way.
The National League side finished seventh during the 2025/26 season, but fell to defeat in the play-off quarter-finals against Boreham Wood via an extra time strike from Zak Brunt.
Now, the club can turn their attention on to the summer transfer window as they target a return to the EFL at the third time of asking.
Forest Green set to clinch second signing
Ajayi became the first through the door for Forest Green this summer, but he is the 29th addition under Robbie Savage since he joined the club almost a year ago.
Earlier this week, the club did confirm an unfortunate administrative error which saw forward Tom Knowles leaving Forest Green after a one-year option wasn’t correctly added into his contract, causing him to depart on a free transfer.
However, despite one player departing – one is set to join the club, which will be seen as a key addition given the number of offers they’ve had to beat.
As reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke, Forest Green are set to secure the signing of left-back Darion Dowrich on a two-year contract from National League South side Hemel Hempstead.
The 22-year-old was the subject of offers from Dagenham & Redbridge, Yeovil Town, Woking, Chelmsford City, Barnet, Boreham Wood and Crawley Town – but has opted to sign for Savage’s side, reuniting with former teammate Ajayi.
Dowrich was integral to Hemel Hempstead’s 2025/26 season as they reached the play-off places before falling to defeat. He made 45 league appearances for the club, contributing to six goals as well as featuring in their play-off campaign.
A sense of encouragement
Forest Green look to clinch their second addition of the summer, with both coming from the division below – suggesting again a possible shift in their transfer strategy.
This is especially apparent when you consider the number of experienced players that have left the football club in recent weeks, rather than having their deals extended.
However, supporters and staff should be left with a feeling of encouragement with their latest recruit – beating plenty of sides including two League Two sides to bring Dowrich to the club.
To beat sides around you is one thing, but to also overcome offers from the league above will give their recruitment team the belief and confidence that they can continue to get their main targets through the door.
Whilst the deal hasn’t been confirmed yet, Forest Green appear close to improving their defensive line even further, ahead of next season.
