Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill reflected on a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chesterfield, praising his team’s resilience and standout individual performances. “It was a difficult game,” Cotterill admitted. “If the players weren’t fit, couldn’t run or lacked team spirit, we wouldn’t have won today. Chesterfield are a couple of years ahead of us in development and are a really good team. They set a standard we must strive to meet week in, week out because I know we can play better.”
Cotterill acknowledged the nerves his side experienced after taking a two-goal lead, a scenario unfamiliar to the club in recent times. “Sometimes when we’re two up, we get nervous, which is understandable, but overall, it’s a great way to finish the day after a tough period we’ve been through,” he said. To recharge, the squad has been given Monday off to clear their minds.
The manager was effusive in his praise for young goalkeeper Wyll Stanway, who put in an “absolutely superb” performance despite conceding one goal. “Switching goalkeepers after years of Joe Day’s professionalism is always a challenge, but Stanway showed supporters exactly why I signed him and his potential. He’s got great support from Joe and Mama, and there are plenty of positives to take from his display,” Cotterill remarked.
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Highlighting the impressive contributions in attack, Cotterill noted Charlie McCann’s scoring form, stating, “It should be eight goals in eight games, he missed one last week! Our finishing has been better this season, with goals like Andi Weimann’s being top class – he placed the ball perfectly in the top corner.”
The experienced trio of Weimann, James Wilson, and Joe Day provide invaluable guidance to the young squad, according to Cotterill, who encouraged the youth to emulate their professionalism.
Weimann’s consistent performances have not gone unnoticed. “He deserves everything he gets,” Cotterill said. “I heard from trusted sources that I’d love him even before signing him, and while I’m not sure about that, he’s a great lad and has been first-class this season.”
On Chesterfield’s attacking threats, Cotterill commended Stanway’s crucial saves, particularly a remarkable stop from Lee Bonis. “Bonis is a handful as a young striker. They have athletic players like Hutton delivering good crosses, and while we knew their style, sometimes it’s hard to stop. We must improve our ball control to counter this more effectively.”
Cotterill acknowledged Chesterfield’s possession dominance, referring to them as one of the league’s top sides alongside York, Grimsby, and Barnet. Reflecting on maintaining an unbeaten record against these clubs, he emphasised the importance of results over style. “I never want to play well and lose 2-1; I’d rather win and improve our play,” he said.
The manager noted the valuable lessons from a challenging match requiring team spirit, fitness, and athleticism to cope with extended periods without possession. “We had to endure some tough moments and energy-sapping phases, especially when defending a two-goal lead,” he explained. “Despite being under pressure, the players stayed strong, and the supporters' support in the final 15 to 20 minutes lifted the team.” Cotterill likened the resilience shown to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali’s ability to withstand being on the ropes before making a comeback.
Cheltenham currently sit second in the table on goal difference, a significant turnaround a year after Cotterill took charge when the club was bottom of the English Football League. He credited the progress to honesty, hard work, theory, and a substantial squad overhaul, while acknowledging the contributions of players from the previous season.
Addressing his return to the touchline after a suspension, Cotterill expressed relief. “The ban was a nuisance and, frankly, I felt it was harsh compared to others, but I’ll be back.”
On the injury front, midfielder Shaun McWilliams recently underwent surgery for a broken hand sustained last week. “Shaun had to have the bone pinned on Wednesday, and thanks to excellent medical care, he should have a quick rehab. He wore a sling at the match, making things quite obvious,” said Cotterill. Replacement Callum Broom filled in admirably, with the manager noting the balance needed to nurture young players like Freddy Dean by introducing them gradually into competitive matches.