Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill provided a detailed assessment following his team’s 1-3 defeat to Charlton Athletic. Despite the loss, Cotterill expressed a measure of satisfaction with his squad’s overall performance and determination, particularly during the second half.
“We played some better football in parts of the first half than in the second, but globally we showed more determination in the latter stages,” Cotterill observed. He noted the game was competitive for around 20 minutes in the second half, with Cheltenham arguably the better side during that spell.
However, he highlighted how Charlton’s opening goal-resulting from a mistake by defender Robbie Cundy-put Cheltenham on the back foot. “Robbie has been excellent since I’ve been here but made two errors in the past two games. On that occasion, he tried to speed up the ball across the back, but it wasn’t the right decision,” said Cotterill.
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Cotterill praised the quality of Charlton’s finishing, recognising the high calibre of their players, some of whom have already attracted transfer bids. “Their goals were incredible finishes worth a few million pounds. We always knew we’d be facing strong opposition at this end of the pitch,” he said.
Despite going 3-0 down, Cotterill was pleased with his team’s effort and resilience. The goal scored by George Miller, assisted by a precise corner from Joe Tomlinson, provided a morale boost. However, Cotterill acknowledged the difficulty of overcoming such a deficit against a talented side.
The Cheltenham boss also spoke positively of his younger players who featured, including Kirsten Otchere and Favour Onukwuli, highlighting the importance of providing match experience. He was similarly encouraged by the performance of goalkeeper Wyll Stanway, noting his promising attributes and potential to be a significant asset to the club.
Looking ahead, Cotterill admitted the challenge of selecting the goalkeeper for the next game, recognising the tough decisions involved in squad management over a long season. He also hinted at potential further additions to strengthen the squad but emphasised the need to be selective.
Discussing key players, Cotterill praised Joe Tomlinson’s versatility and commitment, as well as George Nurse’s return to fitness and form. He confirmed midfielder James Wilson had suffered a slight setback in his recovery from a calf injury, necessitating a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
Reflecting on the team’s objectives, Cotterill modestly suggested aiming to finish higher than last season’s 18th place, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
In summary, while Cheltenham Town faced a tough opponent in Charlton Athletic, Cotterill was encouraged by his players' effort, the experience gained during pre-season, and the squad’s ongoing development as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.