Cheltenham Town’s ambitions to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming trip to Oldham Athletic have been dealt a significant blow due to injury.
Manager Steve Cotterill disclosed that the club was on the verge of securing a player’s signature when misfortune struck. The prospective signing, who had just featured for his current club, sustained an injury expected to sideline him for approximately ten weeks.
“We believed we had one in the bag following a very promising Zoom call, so it was disappointing news,” Cotterill said. “It was frustrating because if the deal had gone through, he would likely have been available to play straight away, although that decision wasn’t in our hands. Unfortunately, the player got injured towards the end of the process.”
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He added, “It simply wasn’t meant to be. All we can do now is wish him a speedy and full recovery.”
Despite the setback, Cotterill remains optimistic about securing further signings before the transfer window closes. Cheltenham have already bolstered their squad by signing left-back George Nurse on a deal lasting until the end of the season. Additionally, forward Jake Bickerstaff’s loan from Wrexham was made permanent with an 18-month contract.
In other team news, striker George Miller was named among the substitutes in last Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup third-round loss to Leicester City but didn’t feature due to a calf niggle. The club’s top scorer from last season has returned to training and is expected to be assessed before the trip to Oldham, with hopes he will be available for selection.
Young prospect Sopuruchukwu Obieri is poised to head out on another loan to gain valuable senior experience. The 18-year-old was recalled from Gloucester City recently and was even listed on the bench against Leicester.
Cheltenham face an Oldham side featuring Jamie Robson and Joe Quigley, two players Cotterill has previously coached at Forest Green Rovers. “Robbo and Quigs are great lads,” Cotterill remarked. “I really enjoyed working with them last season. They’ve progressed well at Oldham, where Micky Mellon has done an excellent job. It’s a solid club with a passionate fanbase and a wonderful owner.”