Cheltenham Town players are concluding a fortnight’s complete rest, yet manager Steve Cotterill’s phone remains constantly busy. “There hasn’t been a day off,” he reveals, answering one of many calls interrupting our conversation over coffee near his Bristol home. Cotterill is already focused on the upcoming full season of his second tenure with the Robins and eagerly anticipates the upcoming Freedom of the Borough ceremony at Cheltenham Town Hall.
This moment also offers him space to reflect on his work since his return last September to manage his hometown club. Asked if he worried about overshadowing the legacy he left in 2002—after three promotions, an FA Trophy victory, and a memorable FA Cup fifth-round run—Cotterill’s concern was clear: “All I was worried about was Cheltenham Town falling out of the Football League.”
When he took over, the team had just four points from 10 matches and suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat against Grimsby Town. “Another worry,” Cotterill admits, “was leaving the challenge for someone else because the magnitude of the task might be forgotten.”
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Recalling his first home match in charge back in February 1997—a 2-1 defeat to King’s Lynn in front of 704 fans—Cotterill contrasts it with his recent return fixture against Fleetwood Town in October 2025. “I lost my first two games both times,” he says, “but that Fleetwood game was emotional and incredible, right up there with the best moments in my history at Cheltenham.”
Second-half goals from Player of the Year Isaac Hutchinson and Josh Martin secured a 2-0 victory, kickstarting a purple patch yielding seven points from nine. Subsequent results, including a draw with Gillingham and a win over Newport County thanks to Luke Young’s stunning volleys, lifted Cheltenham out of the relegation zone.
Cotterill quickly built connections not just with fans but his backroom staff, bringing in assistant manager Rob Edwards, scouts Russell Milton and Keith Burt, and kit manager Gerry Oldham. “It was a collective effort,” he says. “I was uncertain who to trust initially, but I’m glad I retained all the staff. We found real gems.”
The manager cherishes reconnecting with former players from his earlier tenure, including Neil Grayson, celebrating alongside them after the season finale against Colchester United. “A club that forgets its history has no future,” Cotterill asserts. “We have a good future because of our strong history.”
One of his earliest moves was signing midfielder Ben Stevenson and defender Jonathan Tomkinson. More importantly, Cotterill shifted to a 4-3-3 formation, favoring high pressing and midfield dominance over the traditional two-striker setups common in previous eras. “Teams get picked off in midfield with formations like 3-5-2,” he explains.
Key to this tactical shift was loan forward Jake Bickerstaff from Wrexham, who became the primary striker after January. His relentless pressing energized the team, setting a higher tempo and disrupting opposition defenses. Cotterill stresses the club’s improved use of data to identify players with the right attributes, prioritizing work ethic and style over big names.
An emphasis on detailed training sessions, particularly refining goalkeeper Joe Day’s ability to play under pressure, highlighted the commitment to raising standards throughout the squad. Cotterill deliberately avoids the casual “five-a-side” tag for training drills, insisting every exercise relates specifically to improving matchday performance. “Players have been sponge-like, eager to learn and improve,” he notes.
Despite early successes, January departures—including winger Ethon Archer and temporary contracts ending—left the squad stretched. The resulting five-match losing streak was a challenge, but Cotterill’s experience helped him manage the crisis, maintaining morale and trust.
The team responded with resilient draws against strong opponents Barnet and eventual champions Bromley, followed by notable victories over Shrewsbury Town and Walsall, demonstrating progress in ball retention and tactical maturity.
Financially, Cotterill remains vigilant, working within the budget to ensure sustainability while investing in essentials like player development and facility upgrades. The club is undergoing a broader transition, with renovations planned for the training ground and investments in infrastructure, including a new team coach and improved office facilities.
Looking ahead to pre-season, Cotterill emphasizes its role in building fitness and integrating new tactics without overloading the players with matches. The squad’s summer training will incorporate individual programs closely monitored via the Strava app, preparing them physically and mentally for the rigors of the league.
Regarding player recruitment, Cotterill aims to conclude most business early in the transfer window, reflecting the board’s continued support as the club grows. “When I was here before, it was just a handful of us,” he says. “Now, the club has evolved positively, but we must remain shrewd and focused.”
Reflecting on last season’s achievement—rescuing Cheltenham from rock bottom to 18th—Cotterill acknowledges the unique satisfaction it brought. “It wasn’t the euphoria of winning a league, but it was special because many doubted it was possible. We’ve built a solid foundation of good habits and culture,” he says.
With added staff, improved facilities, and a clear playing philosophy, Cheltenham Town is set to build on this renewed stability. As Cotterill puts it, “Having the right people on the bus and in the right seats is key to taking the club forward.”