Cheltenham Town is set to begin the first pre-season campaign under manager Steve Cotterill in a quarter of a century with a solid lineup of friendly matches. The Robins will start their preparations on Tuesday, July 14, with an away game against Slimbridge AFC, reigning champions of the Hellenic League Premier Division. This match will take place at 7 pm and mark the beginning of an important pre-season phase.
Following this, Cheltenham will travel to face Southern League Premier Division South side Evesham United on Saturday, July 18, with kickoff scheduled for 3 pm. Evesham United, managed by Mike Ford, successfully retained their status in step three of non-league football last season, finishing with a goalless draw at Taunton Town—marking their first campaign at that level since 2012.
Cotterill has expressed a preference for a streamlined pre-season, planning a maximum of four friendly fixtures this summer to focus on intensive preparation. In addition to the away matches, the club is organizing a home friendly against League One opposition, along with an open training session at Whaddon Road to engage supporters.
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Before these fixtures, the squad will undertake a week-long training camp in Spain from July 4 to 11, aiming to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the new season.
The 2024-25 League Two season officially kicks off the weekend of August 15, with the full fixture list to be announced on Thursday, June 25, at noon. Additionally, Cheltenham Town will contest the first round of the Carabao Cup during the weekend of August 7, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season.