On Monday evening, a packed Town Hall witnessed a deeply emotional moment as Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill was awarded the Freedom of the Borough— the highest civic honour a local council can grant.
Introduced by former Robins chairman Councillor Paul Baker, Cotterill was presented with a medal, scroll, and gown, officially becoming an Honorary Freeman. He expressed heartfelt thanks to Greg Newcombe and the Robins Trust, whose petition, signed by over 1,000 supporters, significantly bolstered his nomination.
Cotterill shared vivid memories of his early days kicking a football around Elmfield Park and practising diligently, even removing his right shoe to strengthen his left foot. From these humble beginnings, he progressed to the pinnacle of English football, playing in the Premier League across iconic stadiums like Old Trafford. He humorously recalled standing among legends such as Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce, and Bryan Robson, feeling he wasn’t getting a touch of the ball.
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Highlighting a landmark moment, Cotterill recalled the FA Trophy triumph exactly 28 years earlier, celebrated with an open-top bus parade and a civic reception at the Town Hall balcony. A year later, under the leadership of Paul Baker and Colin Farmer, Cheltenham Town achieved Football League status—a milestone Cotterill regards with immense pride. This advancement not only elevated professional football locally but also enriched the community by establishing a youth academy, offering homegrown players a pathway to professional contracts.
Reflecting on his education at Elmfield Junior School and Arle Comprehensive, Cotterill joked about his school reports cautioning that he might never make a living from football. Yet, spanning 40 years as player and manager, he acknowledged the unwavering support of his family through the demanding profession.
Returning to manage the Robins last September, Cotterill guided the team from the league’s bottom to an 18th-place finish, reconnecting with both long-standing and new supporters. He extended his gratitude to the 1887 Red Army supporters, especially Tyler Kilmister, for their passionate backing, as well as to club figures like Mike Garlick, David Bloxham, Paul Godfrey, Clive Gowing, and former shareholder Charles Jennings.
Concluding with heartfelt emotion, Cotterill said, “This honour is nothing short of incredible for me and my family. Thank you.”