Steve Cotterill expressed satisfaction following Cheltenham Town’s 3-1 win against Shrewsbury Town, highlighting the importance of the victory despite a challenging match. “It’s always nice to win,” Cotterill said, acknowledging that the team perhaps made the game harder than necessary but was prepared for Shrewsbury’s physical style and aerial threats. He praised his players' defensive resilience, especially after conceding a late goal that injected life into the opposition.
Cotterill was pleased with the attacking combination of Jordan Thomas and Hakeeb Adelakun, who linked up effectively for the first goal, echoing their previous performance at Barrow. Jake Bickerstaff’s well-timed run and clinical finish for the second goal also drew positive remarks, with Cotterill encouraging him to make more intelligent runs behind defenders.
The manager singled out Adelakun for his off-the-ball work and pressing, emphasizing patience in his pre-season to get him up to speed. Cotterill remains cautious about contract talks for Adelakun, stating they will assess his fit within the squad after the upcoming fixtures.
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After seven wins in twelve games since his return, Cotterill keeps a grounded approach, focusing on steady progress rather than lofty expectations. He expressed joy in seeing nearly 5,000 fans at the match, recognizing the support and strong community spirit. He also had kind words for the traveling Shrewsbury supporters and hoped for their club’s ascent up the table.
Looking ahead to the upcoming game against Swindon Town, Cotterill anticipates another strong turnout and friendly relations, mentioning a mutual respect with Swindon’s manager Ollie Holloway.
Reflecting on his time at Shrewsbury, Cotterill appreciated the warm ovation he received, recalling both the tough moments and the profitable player sales during his tenure, which contributed to the club’s stability.
The return of Robbie Cundy to the team has coincided with improved performances at the back, and Cotterill highlighted Cundy’s renewed happiness and confidence on the pitch as key to his recent form. The partnership with James Wilson has been particularly effective.
On January recruitment, Cotterill affirmed his commitment to maintaining the current team’s core and only adding players who clearly enhance the squad. “I’m not going to break up this team,” he stated firmly, focusing on cautious, targeted signings rather than quick fixes. While the departure of Ethon is anticipated, the club is actively exploring suitable replacements to strengthen the squad.