Andi Weimann has expressed confidence in his ability to contribute significantly after signing with Cheltenham Town just before the start of the new League Two season.
The 35-year-old forward, who has represented Austria internationally and boasts a wealth of experience including Premier League appearances for Aston Villa and over 400 matches in the Championship, is eager to make his mark at Whaddon Road.
After spending the latter half of last season on loan at Rapid Vienna – the club he supported as a child – Weimann has now returned to England with his wife and three children to begin the 2026/27 campaign.
READ MORE: Police Prepare for Increased Presence Ahead of RAF Fairford Protest
READ MORE: Man Charged After Cocaine and Cannabis Seized in Gloucester Home
“I am delighted to be here and to get it done,” said Weimann. “I can’t wait to get going.
“I still have a lot of football left in me and I am still pretty fit, so hopefully I can give a lot on the pitch, but also off it because I have seen a lot of things in football.
“I have been around it for nearly 20 years, so hopefully I can be someone to learn from if anyone needs help. One of the things the manager said is to be the professional I am and hopefully everyone will follow.”
Weimann’s journey began when he joined Aston Villa from Rapid Vienna as a 16-year-old, progressing through the youth ranks to make his Premier League debut against West Ham in August 2010.
He featured in the Europa League against Rapid Vienna before going on loan to Watford, and later scored his first Premier League goal in a stoppage-time winner against Fulham at Villa Park.
During the 2012/13 season, Weimann netted 12 goals and remained a regular in the top flight until his £2.5 million move to Derby County in 2015.
Following a loan at Wolves, he signed a three-year deal with Bristol City in 2018, where current Cheltenham defenders Robbie Cundy and George Nurse were also part of the squad.
Internationally, Weimann has earned 26 caps for Austria, famously scoring his debut international goal in a Nations League match against France in Vienna in June 2022 – a goal that gave Austria the lead before Kylian Mbappé equalised.
After a stint with Blackburn Rovers and a return to Derby County, Weimann went back on loan to Rapid Vienna earlier this year.
“Rapid Vienna are the team I supported as a kid, so it was nice to play for them,” he reflected. “It was also tough because my wife and kids stayed here, so I was by myself for three months.”
Weimann described his arrival at Cheltenham as a fresh start. “It was like the first day of school on Friday, walking in and you are a bit nervous, but everyone seems really nice so far.
“I will give 100 per cent as I always have done and I’d say all the managers I’ve played for have liked that. The fans will see that I give everything and I have scored goals throughout my career.”
With his extensive experience, professionalism and determination, Weimann aims to be a valuable asset both on and off the pitch as Cheltenham Town look ahead to the season.