Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill has offered a positive appraisal following the club’s recent friendly against MK Dons, highlighting both areas for improvement and the squad’s encouraging performance amid a demanding pre-season schedule.
Reflecting on the match, Cotterill described it as a good game of football overall. He acknowledged a couple of sloppy moments around the goals, attributing these lapses to tiredness after an intense four weeks of preparation. Despite these brief setbacks, he praised the team’s display, emphasizing the good football played and the promising signs shown by the squad.
“We’ve had a really tough week, in fact a tough four weeks, but the lads worked hard in pre-season and the sharpness we need will come with more games," Cotterill said.
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The manager expressed satisfaction with the midfield trio of Shaun McWilliams, Charlie McCann, and Ben Stevenson, noting that the recent signings have integrated well and contributed positively. He also commended Freddie Willcox, who impressed when called upon during the fixture.
Cotterill acknowledged that the team remains light in attacking options and is actively seeking reinforcements to increase goal threat. He praised the efforts of George Miller and Joe Tomlinson, the latter providing valuable versatility by playing on the wing with good potential to score.
Defensive performances also drew praise, particularly Jonathan Tomkinson, who has adapted well at right-back this pre-season. Cotterill highlighted the remarkable progress of George Nurse, both in fitness and form, after dedicated work in the off-season.
On the fitness front, James Wilson is expected to rejoin pre-season training soon after recovering from a calf injury sustained in Spain. The manager anticipates that Wilson’s return will strengthen the squad as the season approaches.
Regarding recruitment, Cotterill revealed that talks are progressing well on potential loan signings, with the club having the capacity for up to five loan players. Despite a disappointment involving a League One club retaining a player, positive discussions on other targets are underway, and the manager is hopeful to bring in new faces imminently. He emphasised that any permanent signings would likely be for nominal fees, reflecting the club’s budget considerations.
The manager also discussed adjustments to the pre-season schedule, explaining the decision to reduce friendlies to three matches plus an open training session. Although he would have preferred an additional game, the current arrangement balances preparation needs with preserving pitch quality. He praised the groundsman for maintaining excellent pitch conditions, which contribute to quicker, more enjoyable gameplay.
Cotterill concluded by highlighting the strong squad spirit and cohesion developed during the trip to Spain, where players have engaged in team-building activities that enhance camaraderie.
Overall, Cheltenham Town’s pre-season appears to be on a positive trajectory, with the manager optimistic about the squad’s readiness and the potential additions poised to bolster the team ahead of the competitive season.