Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill has expressed strong support for winger Jordan Shipley as the player seeks to regain his best form. Shipley, a left-footed wide player, joined Cheltenham this summer for the second time under Cotterill, having previously worked with the manager at Shrewsbury Town.
So far this season, Shipley has been substituted around the 70-minute mark in both of Cheltenham’s opening League Two matches. Cotterill feels this is largely due to a lack of confidence affecting the player’s performances.
“Shippers has had two quiet games now, but I know he can do more,” Cotterill remarked. “What’s happened a little bit with him is that he’s probably not been consistent now for maybe a good year or 18 months. I have to try and reach down deep in him to try and drag that back out because I know there is so much more that he can do for us.”
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The manager described Shipley as a “deep kid, a real family guy and a lovely lad,” noting that he currently seems short of confidence but expressing optimism about his future contributions.
Shipley, who will turn 29 next month, has a notable playing history, having helped Coventry City secure two promotions from League Two to the Championship in just three seasons. He also made regular appearances in the Championship with the Sky Blues.
Under Cotterill’s guidance at Shrewsbury Town, Shipley impressed, particularly during a stint at left wing-back covering for George Nurse – who, like Shipley, now plays for Cheltenham following an ACL injury.
Cotterill added insights into managing dips in player confidence, referencing advice from renowned coach Don Howe: “When you lose confidence, you start having one touch rather than getting hold of the ball a bit more. A once famous coach Don Howe, who was England’s number two at the time, said to me once, when you are having a bad game, get hold of the ball and give it to the same coloured shirt. By the time you have done that three times you are back having a good game again.”
He concluded, “We have to break it down a little bit for Ships and let’s see where we go with it. It’s encouragement I have to try and give him at this moment in time because he does look just a little bit short.”
Cheltenham Town travel to Barnet for a 12.30pm kick-off at The Hive this Saturday.