New Forest Green manager Dave Hockaday is confident he can win over a 'knowledgeable' home crowd when he takes to the dugout for the first time today.

Rovers host fellow strugglers Ebbsfleet United at the New Lawn (3pm), and former Swindon defender and Watford coach Hockaday acknowledges the importance of ending the long wait for a first Blue Square Premier win of the season.

"Of course it's a massive game for us – we only have two points from eight games," he said.

"People will say it's particularly important because Ebbsfleet are only four points better off, which is understandable, but for me it's particularly important because it's the next game – simple as that.

"We have to approach every match with the same winning mentality, regardless of the opposition."

Hockaday's appointment as Jim Harvey's successor on Wednesday surprised many Rovers fans, given the 51-year-old's lack of experience as a first-team manager.

But the man who established England's first football academy at Cirencester Town in the 1990s, then enjoyed coaching stints alongside the likes of Graham Taylor and Aidy Boothroyd, is ready to make a name for himself.

"I've watched a lot of Forest Green's games this season and I know they have a very knowledgeable group of spectators," said Hockaday.

"That much was clear on Tuesday night against Hayes, when the team were doing everything right except putting the ball in the net, and the crowd got right behind them.

"It's been hard for them this season, but they will stick with us provided they can see the players are maximising their potential. It's my job to make sure that happens."

Hockaday, who took charge of training for the first time yesterday, will be anxious to know the results of a scan on defender Lee Ayres' injured groin. Ayres is a major doubt to face Ebbsfleet, so the new boss could stick with the back four which secured a clean sheet in midweek.

The only definite absentees are goalkeeper Terry Burton, who serves the second of a three-match suspension, and long-term injury victim Mike Fowler.

Today's match is a Kids Go Free fixture, meaning a maximum of two under-16s will be admitted free of charge provided they are accompanied by a full paying adult.