Cheltenham Town was set to assess Owen Brain, a forward currently playing for Taunton Town, during a trial this week. However, the club has now cancelled the proposed opportunity, according to Gloucestershire Live.
The 21-year-old attacker was expected to take part in Cheltenham Town’s opening summer friendly match against Bishop’s Cleeve on Friday evening, scheduled for a 7pm kick-off. Instead, Brain will remain with his parent club, Southern League side Taunton Town.
Brain is a product of Bristol Rovers' academy and has gained experience with several clubs including Merthyr Town, Keynsham Town, and Yate Town. During the 2023/24 season, he made nine appearances—three starts and six as a substitute—for Gloucester City, scoring twice. Additionally, he played for Bristol Manor Farm on a dual registration deal.
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At Bristol Manor Farm, Brain impressed by netting 14 goals in 27 Southern League Division One South matches, earning recognition with a spot on the division’s Team of the Year.
Since joining Taunton Town, who compete in the Southern League Premier South, last summer, Brain has primarily operated as a number 10 under manager Richard Luffman.
Meanwhile, Gloucester City’s attacking midfielder Harry Pinchard, a Welsh player who has been training with Cheltenham since late last week, is expected to feature at Kayte Lane soon.
Cheltenham Town’s pre-season friendlies continue with an away fixture against Worcester City at Sixways on Saturday at 1.30pm, followed by a game at Evesham United on Friday, July 11. The club also has three home friendlies lined up against Wycombe Wanderers (July 19), Swansea City (July 23), and Bristol City (July 25).
The 2025/26 League Two season will kick off on Saturday, August 2, with Cheltenham Town visiting Cambridge United.