Harry Pell will take to the field for the first time in 335 days as Cheltenham Town kick off their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Bishop’s Cleeve on Friday evening at 7pm.
The 33-year-old midfielder endured a torn ACL injury during Cheltenham’s final pre-season match last summer—a devastating setback that occurred just moments before he was due to be substituted. After extensive rehabilitation, Pell is ready to return and resume his key role at the club.
Pell first played for Cheltenham from 2015 to 2018 and rejoined the Robins on a two-year contract last summer. His return marks a major boost for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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Meanwhile, defender Scot Bennett, recovering from knee surgery in April, will likely be rested against Southern League Division One South side Bishop’s Cleeve, managed by former Cheltenham captain Paul Collicutt. The availability of midfielder Luke Young remains uncertain as he awaits the birth of his third child with wife Chloe.
The match will also feature several trialists, including Gloucester City’s Harry Pinchard and a promising young goalkeeper. For Bishop’s Cleeve, new coach John Brough, a former Cheltenham captain himself, is currently on holiday, and midfielder Ben McLean is unavailable. Attacking midfielder Toby Holland continues his recovery from ACL surgery but is expected to return later in pre-season after rejoining the club.