Midfielder Liam Kinsella is expected to leave Cheltenham Town this week, according to sources at Gloucestershire Live. The 29-year-old featured as a substitute in last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Oldham Athletic, likely marking his final appearance for the Robins.
Manager Steve Cotterill confirmed that several players could depart in pursuit of new opportunities. “We have to try to be fair to them,” Cotterill said. “It will be their future and I have promised the lads. Some won’t get contracts and they have families and livelihoods, so I will be true to my word.”
Ahead of Kinsella’s probable exit, Cheltenham added 19-year-old West Bromwich Albion prospect Cole Deeming on loan until the season’s end. Kinsella joined Cheltenham from Swindon Town in January 2024 and has made 89 appearances across all competitions, including a starting role in the FA Cup third round match against Leicester City on January 10.
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Despite a brief period on the transfer list at the start of the last season, Kinsella returned to make 33 League Two starts and captained the team during that time. He signed a one-year contract extension in the summer and remained a regular starter until Steve Cotterill’s appointment as manager in late September.
Since Cotterill’s arrival, Kinsella has only made one League Two start, a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers, as Ben Stevenson and Luke Young have established themselves in midfield roles.
The son of former Charlton Athletic and Republic of Ireland midfielder Mark Kinsella, Liam began his professional career at Walsall, where he made over 200 appearances and earned the Player of the Year title twice before his move to Swindon in 2023. He has also represented Ireland at the Under-21 level.
Cheltenham Town will face Grimsby Town at home in their next League Two fixture on Saturday afternoon, with the kickoff set for 3 pm.