As Newport County prepare to take on Cheltenham Town, we take a closer look at Saturday's opponents.
What’s their story?
Founded in 1887, Cheltenham Town initially played in local leagues before joining the Birmingham Combination in 1932 and the Southern League in 1935. They spent 50 years in the Southern League, winning the Midland Division in 1982–83 and the Premier Division in 1984–85, leading to their promotion to the Alliance Premier League. They were relegated in 1992 but promoted to the Conference in 1997.
Under Steve Cotterill, they won the 1998 FA Trophy and achieved their first Football League promotion by winning the Conference in 1998–99. Cotterill also guided them to the FA Cup fifth round and a 2002 Third Division play-off final victory. Relegated after one season in the Second Division, they were promoted again in 2006 under John Ward.
After three seasons in the third tier, they were relegated, dropping to the National League in 2015. Under Gary Johnson, they won the Conference title in 2015–16 with a record 101 points, returning to the Football League. Later, Michael Duff led them to their first Football League title, winning the 2020–21 League Two championship. They were relegated to League Two after three seasons in the third tier.
Who’s the boss?
Michael Flynn - a man who needs no introduction to Exiles fans is in the dugout for Cheltenham this season.
Flynn took over at Cheltenham following Darrell Clarke's departure to Barnsley at the end of last season. Flynn is an experienced manager in League Two, having guided Newport County to the play-off final twice during his four-and-a-half-year spell at the club.
Since leaving Newport, he has managed Walsall and Swindon in League Two and will look to rediscover the managerial prowess he displayed at Rodney Parade after challenging spells in the West Midlands and Wiltshire.
Flynn’s appointment is seen as a pivotal move for the Robins, as his extensive experience and familiarity with League Two dynamics could be instrumental in the club’s efforts to bounce back from their recent relegation.
Who’s the skipper?
Harry Pell was named Cheltenham Town's captain at the start of the season but has yet to feature in League Two after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament
The 32-year-old came off during a Robin’s pre-season game with Northampton Town and underwent surgery.
Pell re-signed for Cheltenham this summer having previously made more than 130 appearances during 2015-2018.
Since his injury the captaincy has been shared between former Exile, Scot Bennett and Luke Young this season.
Key player
After departing Torquay United at the conclusion of last season, Ethon Archer made an immediate impression during his trial with the Robins, earning a contract that marked him as the club's ninth signing of the summer.
A dynamic and talented midfielder, Archer initially gained recognition at Three Bridges in the Isthmian League South East Division, where his standout technical ability caught the attention of scouts. His performances led to a mid-season move to Torquay, where he joined forces with manager Gary Johnson and coach Aaron Downes.
Over his 26 appearances for the Gulls, Archer scored twice and showcased his potential, helping him secure a move to climb another two divisions with the Robins. With his eyes set on further progress, Archer has already made a significant impact this season, contributing 37 appearances, six goals, and four assists.
Experienced striker Ryan Bowman joined the Robins ahead of the 2024/25 season following a successful three-year stint in League One with Shrewsbury Town.
Born in Cumbria, Bowman began his footballing journey at Carlisle United before being released in 2011. Undeterred, the target man spent the next five years thriving in the National League, earning a move to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.
After two-and-a-half years at Fir Park, Bowman returned to English football, first impressing at Exeter City in League Two before making the jump to Shrewsbury Town. It was at Shrewsbury that Bowman truly hit his stride, notably recording double-digit league goals in the 2021/22 season, further establishing his reputation as a reliable and experienced frontman.
