Steve Cotterill praised his Cheltenham Town squad for their perseverance following a gritty 2-1 win against Gillingham. “We had to keep going because the team never really got going initially,” Cotterill admitted. While the performance lacked the sharpness seen in previous matches, the players showed commendable determination to secure the three points—a result he feels the team deserved.
Goalkeeper Joe Day made several crucial saves in the first half, helping maintain the lead until Cheltenham’s persistent attack paid off late in the match. Cotterill highlighted Mo Faal’s decisive contribution, especially his spectacular finish, which justified the patience and faith shown in him. Despite a recent illness, Faal’s energy made a significant impact off the bench and he was instrumental in Cheltenham’s victory.
Isaac Hutchinson continued his impressive campaign by scoring his 20th goal of the season. Cotterill acknowledged Hutchinson’s relentless running and ability to step up when it matters most, despite appearing a bit fatigued.
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The manager also singled out Luke Young as the standout performer on the pitch. Young’s tireless work ethic and adaptability—stepping into a midfield role in absence of Ben Stevenson—made a tremendous difference. While missing key players like Stevenson has been a challenge, Cotterill is optimistic about the squad’s resilience and flexibility.
On the injury front, Ben Stevenson remains uncertain for the rest of the season due to a cautious approach on his recovery. Cotterill emphasized the importance of ensuring Stevenson’s fitness for the long term rather than rushing his return.
In a lighter moment, Cotterill reflected on the recent honor bestowed upon Phil Parkinson, who received the Freedom of the County Borough of Wrexham. When asked what such recognition would mean to him in Cheltenham, Cotterill joked about the perks and acknowledged the honor’s significance—though he joked he’s “given up hope” of receiving it himself.