Cheltenham Town’s players are wrapping up a two-week total rest period, but manager Steve Cotterill remains fully engaged. “There hasn’t been a single day off,” he admits, fielding one of many calls that interrupt our conversation at a café near his Bristol home.
Since returning last September to take charge of his hometown club, Cotterill has been busy planning for his first full season back and looking forward to being honored with the Freedom of the Borough at the Town Hall. Yet, this moment also offers a chance to reflect on the challenging journey he’s led.
When asked if he felt pressure living up to his legacy from the first Cheltenham spell—where he achieved three promotions, an FA Trophy win, and a memorable FA Cup run—Cotterill’s focus was crystal clear. “My only worry was Cheltenham Town dropping out of the Football League,” he says.
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When Cotterill took over, Cheltenham had just four points from ten games and had just suffered a 7-1 defeat at Grimsby Town. “I also worried I might leave this task for someone else, but people might forget how immense it was,” he recalls.
Comparing his early days in charge, Cotterill reflects on his first home game in 1997 against King’s Lynn with just 704 fans, and contrasts it with the October 2025 emotional victory over Fleetwood Town. That 2-0 win sparked a run of seven points from nine, including wins against Newport County and a resilient draw at Gillingham, moving the club out of the relegation zone.
Cotterill quickly built rapport not just with fans, but also with his backroom staff—assistant Rob Edwards, scouts Russell Milton and Keith Burt, and kit man Gerry Oldham all joined him. “It’s been a collective effort. I was unsure who to trust initially, but I’m lucky to have real gems on the staff. Dom Wheway has stepped up brilliantly as our analyst, and thankfully, I haven’t had to make any tough calls on staff.”
A reunion with former teammates and players, including Neil Grayson, prior to the season’s final match, reinforced Cotterill’s belief in the club’s enduring spirit. “A club that forgets its history has no future. Cheltenham’s future looks bright because of its rich past.”
Early strategic moves included signing midfielder Ben Stevenson and defender Jonathan Tomkinson on free transfers. Cotterill also shifted the team to a 4-3-3 formation, moving away from the more traditional 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 styles he had used before. He explains, “The common formations don’t work well now because teams get outplayed in midfield. With our lot, wingers Jordan Thomas and Ethon Archer were playing too deep, so switching to a 4-3-3 allowed us to press higher and create more scoring chances.”
Wrexham loanee Jake Bickerstaff emerged as a pivotal figure in this system. Initially struggling for minutes, Jake’s high pressing style injected energy and tempo into the team, earning a permanent contract in January. “His pressing was off the scale and essential. He’s young and learning, but he gave us a new dynamic that helped set our style of play.”
Goalkeeper Joe Day’s growth in handling pressure and distribution was another highlight. Cotterill recounts the meticulous training sessions dedicated to safely playing out from the back under intense pressure. “Joe is constantly learning, and that gives us confidence in building from the back.”
Cotterill also emphasizes the importance of purposeful training sessions. He avoids calling small-sided games ‘five-a-sides’ because that can imply a casual kickabout. Instead, every drill has direct links to matchday tactics. “Players must be open to learning. If they don’t buy in, it’s tough to improve, but this group has been like sponges.”
After a promising start, including a memorable FA Cup win over Bradford City and wins against Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town, injuries and player departures tested the squad’s resilience. When some key players left or were recalled, Cheltenham endured a rough patch with five straight losses. “Losing players like Archer and Hutchinson hurt us, but I had to honor their career moves. It was stressful for those left to carry the burden, but it’s part of the game.”
The team’s fortunes steadied with gritty draws at Barnet and Bromley, and crucial wins followed at Shrewsbury and a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Walsall. “The players began solving problems on the pitch instead of just surviving,” Cotterill explains. “I’d ask them at halftime what they saw, and eventually they took ownership. That team spirit and buy-in was invaluable.”
As the season progressed, some players were paid up while others departed on loan. Cotterill maintained strict control over the budget, balancing resources wisely. “We stayed very close to the board’s budget. A couple of cup games helped balance the books, but I’m always on top of the finances.”
Looking ahead, pre-season training starts July 1, including a trip to Spain and a refreshed training ground with improved facilities at Seasons. Cotterill has instilled a new culture of standards, including tidiness and respect for the environment. “We all share responsibility, from cleaning the office to making sure boots don’t go on the carpet. It’s about professionalism in every detail.”
With the squad gearing up, Cotterill rejects the idea that last season’s survival compares to his previous promotions. “It wasn’t euphoric, but special because it seemed impossible. Now we have solid foundations—a strong culture, good habits, and a professional environment on and off the pitch.”
More new staff, including a full-time analyst and additional groundsman, will join to support ongoing progress. Cotterill stresses the importance of pre-season training over games, focusing on physical and mental readiness without burning out players.
Optimistic about backing from the board, Cotterill praises the club’s growth since his first spell. “It’s no longer just me and a couple of others in the office. The club is evolving, but we’ll continue to be shrewd with our spending and hire the best people.”
His message is clear: with the right people in the right roles and a strong culture in place, Cheltenham Town is well-positioned for a promising future.