Cheltenham Town assistant manager Rob Edwards provided his thoughts following their 2-2 draw with Grimsby Town, highlighting a strong first-half performance, a challenging second half, and an update on midfielder Ryan Broom.
Edwards praised the team’s early energy and intensity, noting how the players took the game to Grimsby with high pressing that forced errors leading to their two goals in the first half. “The boys were excellent first half. We showed good energy and really took the game to Grimsby,” he said.
Charlie McCann, who has already netted four goals this season, was singled out for praise. Edwards commented on McCann’s lethal finishing ability and positional play, sometimes operating close alongside striker Andi Weimann. “I’ve worked with Charlie before and we see it in training – he’s doing really well pushing higher up the pitch,” he added.
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The assistant manager stressed the importance of sustaining pressure, explaining the manager’s intention to maintain high energy from the start. “We know the game is never truly won at 2-0,” Edwards noted, reflecting on how Grimsby showed their quality in the second half.
Regarding the penalty awarded for a foul on Jake Evans, Edwards said there were no complaints from Grimsby about the decision. He highlighted Evans’ attacking threat and his ongoing adaptation to playing multiple games in quick succession.
Andi Weimann’s calm penalty finish was also discussed, with Edwards praising his leadership and influence both on and off the pitch. “Weimann has been a breath of fresh air. Despite his experience, his appetite for the game is outstanding,” he remarked.
Edwards acknowledged the disappointment of conceding early in the second half and from a set piece, something the coaching staff had prepared thoroughly for. “We’ll review it to help players avoid it moving forward,” he said.
The assistant manager also recognised the threat posed by Grimsby’s Andy Cook after his introduction, despite the team’s overall solid defensive efforts.
Reflecting on the first three games of the busy opening week, Cheltenham being unbeaten with five points from nine, Edwards described the start as promising but noted some disappointment at not securing victory after leading 2-0. “These moments are learning opportunities if you want to be a team pushing at the top,” he said.
Edwards believes the competition in the league is tight and that Cheltenham has the attitude and ability to compete with the best teams, emphasising the importance of fine details such as defending set pieces.
He addressed a scuffle after the final whistle which led to the opposition manager’s red card. The incident stemmed from a disagreement over a Grimsby player not assisting Cheltenham’s James Sweens, who had gone down with cramp. “It was about sportsmanship, and we were a bit disappointed,” Edwards explained.
Looking back nearly a year since rejoining Cheltenham alongside manager Steve Cotterill, Edwards praised the manager’s leadership during difficult times last season and his continued commitment. “He’s worked incredibly hard, driven by his love for the club and the town,” he said.
On the team’s style of play, Edwards is pleased with the attacking threat the forward players provide under Cotterill’s philosophy of being on the front foot. While acknowledging there is room for improvement defensively, especially for younger players learning their roles off the ball, he said the team is exciting to watch and well supported by the fans.
Finally, Edwards gave a positive update on Ryan Broom’s fitness, revealing that Broom had been involved in light training and is edging closer to a return. “His attitude has been brilliant, like a new player, and we look forward to having him back,” he concluded.