Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill made a heartfelt return to the University of Gloucestershire this week, marking 25 years since he was honoured with an honorary fellowship. The Cheltenham-born football figure was recognised in 2000 after leading Cheltenham Town to the English Football League for the first time — the second of three promotions during his tenure from 1997 to 2002.
Reappointed to Cheltenham Town at the end of September, Cotterill has hit the ground running, amassing 13 points from eight League Two matches. On Monday afternoon, immediately after training, he visited the University’s Park Campus alongside assistant manager Rob Edwards.
Addressing around 80 sports journalism students, Cotterill expressed his excitement: “Being back at the University is fantastic, and what a great place. I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves in Cheltenham. Work hard, pass your exams, and remember this as a positive chapter of your life.” Reflecting on his career, he added, “Receiving my honorary fellowship was a very proud moment, but I’m even prouder of the impact we had on the community — helping young footballers become professionals in their hometown.”
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Cotterill and Edwards engaged in a two-hour Q&A hosted by UoG sports journalism graduate James Williams, alongside final-year students Ben Stevens and Finlay Stubbs. Discussing his recent return to Cheltenham Town and strong start, Cotterill shared, “I couldn’t have asked for a better start since coming back. Winning every game is the goal, but the club is evolving. It’s rewarding to reconnect the team with the pride of Cheltenham’s supporters.”
He emphasised the warmth of the reception from fans and the hard work of staff and players, noting that “the unity between the players and supporters feels restored.” Offering advice to the students, Cotterill urged integrity and dedication: “Do everything right. There are good people and there’s the rest. If you want to succeed, don’t cut corners. Stay focused through challenges and listen to those who support you. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.”
Recalling his own experience, he revealed a junior school report warning, “Stephen must talk less about football in class because he’ll never make a living from it—if only they knew!” Cotterill encouraged students to pursue their passions with hard work.
The discussion moved to highlights such as his Bristol City tenure, where he led the team to the League One title and EFL Trophy in 2014-15. He fondly remembered spotting striker Aaron Wilbraham in a hotel gym in Dubai and signing him, a decision that paid off with 21 goals that season.
Cotterill also reflected on his early managerial days at Sligo Rovers, recalling their memorable 3-3 draw against a star-studded Nantes side in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, contrasting big-money squads with his modest resources.
The conversation touched on Cotterill’s remarkable resilience managing Shrewsbury Town while battling severe Covid-19 in 2021. Confined to a hospital bed, he devised his own fitness programme using an exercise bike, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises — even with a mobile oxygen tank. “It was one of the toughest moments of my life,” he said, “but it changed my outlook profoundly.”
Cotterill emphasized the importance of health and perseverance, sharing the harrowing 80 days spent mostly bedridden and significant weight loss during his recovery.
Offering further guidance, he stressed the value of building relationships and trust for aspiring sports journalists and sparked a thoughtful dialogue on social media’s influence on youth and mental health.
Students left the session inspired by Cotterill’s stories and wisdom, taking away powerful lessons about resilience, dedication, and following their dreams.
Cheltenham Town will face Buxton at home in the FA Cup second round on Saturday, 3pm kickoff.