Cheltenham Town’s new signing, Cole Deeming, has been given a clear challenge by manager Steve Cotterill following his loan move from West Bromwich Albion this week. The 19-year-old midfielder could make his English Football League debut against Grimsby Town at Whaddon Road on Saturday.
Cotterill, impressed by Deeming’s earlier performances at National League side Truro City, has identified the young player as a box-to-box number 8 in Cheltenham’s midfield. “Cole is quite tall, so his stride will be important during his time here,” Cotterill noted.
“He’s going to have to cover a lot of ground in that number 8 role, like Youngy (Luke Young) does. He’s normally our top runner, so if Cole can match Youngy’s stats, I’m sure we have a good player on our hands.”
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Deeming, who is versatile enough to play as a deep-lying midfielder or out wide, completed his first training session with Cheltenham on Thursday morning.
Cotterill praised the player’s character, adding, “He’s a lovely young lad who’s had a good upbringing at West Brom, and he’s settled in really well with us. We’re looking forward to having him.”
The Cheltenham manager also highlighted the positive relationship with West Bromwich Albion: “I had a great conversation with West Brom the other night. There are some good people there I’ve known for a long time. When I made the call about him, they jumped at the chance of sending him down the road to us, so that was pleasing as well.”