Dave Lewis, the most prolific goalscorer in Cheltenham Town’s history, celebrates his 75th birthday this Saturday. Across three spells with the Robins, Lewis scored an astonishing 290 goals, including a record-breaking 53 during the 1974/75 season.
Only the late Roger Thorndale has made more appearances for Cheltenham Town than Lewis, with 703 to Lewis’s 523. Nicknamed “Notcher” for his bravery, strength and exceptional heading ability, Lewis formed a formidable striking partnership with Pat Casey during his playing days.
In addition to his success at Cheltenham, Lewis also scored 60 goals in 100 appearances for Gloucester City in the early 1980s. He remains best remembered for his time at Whaddon Road, where his versatility was on display; notably, he played in goal during a memorable FA Trophy victory at Altrincham in 1979, earning the affectionate new nickname “The Flying Pig” for a highly unorthodox yet effective performance.
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“That same loyalty extended to Cheltenham Town itself – a club he loved deeply and served with unwavering commitment both on and off the pitch,” said his son Jon.
Following his playing career, Lewis returned to Cheltenham Town to manage the reserve team before stepping up as caretaker manager. During a challenging period after Jim Barron’s departure, he guided the Robins to safety in the Conference.
His dedication to football extended beyond Cheltenham, as he devoted 26 years to Bishop’s Cleeve FC, helping stabilise and develop the club during a time of rapid progress and transition. He also contributed to the growth of walking football at the Smiths clubhouse, fostering a welcoming environment where older players could stay active, social and involved in the game.
Lewis’s commitment to football and community earned him national recognition in 1998 when Carlsberg named him “Best Bloke in Football.” The award came with 365 cans of lager and a trip to a match of his choice; he selected Portsmouth versus Nottingham Forest, reflecting his passion for Pompey, influenced by family visits to the city.
In recent years, Lewis has faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease-a condition former footballers are statistically more likely to develop, possibly linked to repeated sub-concussive impacts during their careers. Despite this, Jon shares that his father’s memories remain vivid.
“He can recall every goal, every ground and every scoreline, each one held with fondness and pride,” said Jon. “His legacy, both statistical and personal, continues to shine brightly across Gloucestershire football.”
As Lewis celebrates his 75th birthday, he is honoured not only as Cheltenham Town’s greatest goalscorer but also as a loyal servant to local football, a cherished community member, and a devoted father – truly a Cheltenham legend.
Cheltenham Town will play Charlton Athletic at home in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, with Lewis in attendance for the 5.30pm kick-off.