Cheltenham Town chairman David Bloxham has lauded manager Michael Flynn for bringing the right attitude and stability to the club since taking charge last June. Flynn, a Welshman with prior spells at Newport County, Walsall, and Swindon Town, was handed the reins following Cheltenham’s relegation from League One, a period marked by a major overhaul of the squad and staff.
Under Flynn’s leadership, the Robins secured a respectable 15th place in League Two, finishing 10 points shy of the play-offs. The season also featured a memorable run to the EFL Trophy quarter-finals and a notable FA Cup first-round win over League One side Rotherham United.
“I am very happy with what Michael has done; he fits our club perfectly,” Bloxham commented. “He’s hardworking, enthusiastic, and shares the right personality for Cheltenham. We get along well, and he’s done everything I could have hoped for.”
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The campaign started with promise—a 3-2 victory over Newport—but the team faced struggles early on. Bloxham highlighted a low point with a 3-2 home defeat to Swindon but praised the resilience shown after players and staff regrouped. A subsequent 2-1 away win at Colchester marked the team’s revival.
When Cheltenham hit 50 points by mid-March with nine games remaining, Bloxham allowed himself optimism about a late push for the play-offs. Ultimately, a run of four goal-less defeats halted momentum. Yet, the final tally of 60 points exceeded early expectations, ensuring safety without the stress of a relegation fight.
“Our season’s goal was to avoid a double relegation, stabilize the club, and set ourselves up better for next season,” said Bloxham. “We’ve achieved that.”
Looking ahead to 2025/26, the club faces financial constraints. The playing budget will remain largely unchanged, but player sales are likely necessary. Flynn anticipates losing key wingers Jordan Thomas and Ethon Archer.
“It’s frustrating,” reflected Bloxham. “Progress comes from keeping your best players and building, not selling. But we operate within a football food chain. When players excel, bigger clubs notice, and players want to advance their careers. Sometimes we must sell for financial reasons too.”
Bloxham hopes to retain as many talents as possible and avoid a major squad turnover. Funds from potential transfers will be crucial to balancing the books amid limited investment.
Despite these challenges, the chairman remains optimistic about improvement. “With a year under their belts, the management team knows where we stand and what we need. While I’m not promising play-offs yet, I realistically hope for a top-half finish next season rather than a relegation battle. Last season was about not getting worse; next season is about getting better.”