In the fifth and final part of our series looking at the new teams arriving in League Two this season, we take a detailed look at Saturday’s opponents, Cheltenham Town.
A Brief History
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.
Key Players
Cheltenham Town have undergone a major transformation both on and off the field following their relegation from League One at the end of last season. Off the field, the Gloucestershire-based side has brought in 15 new faces, including several former Exiles. Notable signings among these are Scot Bennett, who left the club at the end of last season, Ryan Haynes, Joe Day, and Lewis Payne (on loan from Southampton).
Other significant additions to the squad include Ryan Bowman (pictured), Luke Young, and Harry Pell. Bowman, who joined following his release from Shrewsbury, made an immediate impact by scoring twice in his first pre-season match for the Robins.
He brings considerable experience in League Two, having netted 14 goals in 42 games for Exeter before his stint at Shrewsbury. Cheltenham hopes Bowman will effectively replace Rob Street, another former Exile, who transferred to Lincoln City earlier this summer.
In the final days before the new campaign, the club secured the loan signing of Wales U21 international Joel Colwill from Cardiff. Colwill, the younger brother of Rubin Colwill, is highly regarded as a future star for the Bluebirds and will be eager to make an immediate impact in League Two.
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.
Known for his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his squads, Flynn will be eager to turn Cheltenham’s fortunes around and steer them back to a competitive standing in the league. The fans and the club alike are hopeful that his return to management in League Two will mark the beginning of a successful new chapter for Cheltenham Town.
The Stadium
Cheltenham play their home games at Whaddon Road, which is known as the EV Charger Points Stadium for sponsorship purposes. They have played there since it opened in 1927, and the stadium can accommodate 7,066 fans.
Head-to-Head Record
Since returning to the Football League, we have faced Cheltenham Town 18 times in all competitions. The Exiles are narrowly in front of Saturday’s opponents, winning six to their five. Seven of our games have ended in a draw.
Last time out
Our most recent encounter with Cheltenham Town occurred in last season’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy. Nathan Wood opened the scoring in the 26th minute with his first goal for the club, giving us an early advantage.
The lead was doubled early in the second half when Will Evans curled in a spectacular shot from the edge of the area, securing a convincing 2-0 win.