As announced earlier this week, former manager Steve Cotterill will return to Whaddon Road after 23 years in hopes to turn the fortunes of the Robins around.
Cheltenham born and bred, Cotterill remains Cheltenham Town’s most successful manager to date. He secured promotion to the Football League in 1999 for the first time in the Robins history while also taking home a FA trophy during his tenure.
We look at three key things that Cotterill could bring to Cheltenham upon his return.
Togetherness
Something Cotterill has always been praised for is bringing a team and its fanbase closer together. His ability to galvanise a team in order to unlock their potential is fascinating and a real quality to have, especially when you consider where Cheltenham currently find themselves in the league table.
Managers at any club will always prove divisive amongst the fanbase, with some fans favouring the current manager and others wanting change. Cheltenham has been no different to the status quo however given the circumstances both on and off the pitch this season, the majority of fans agreed that change was needed and fast – arise King Cotterill.
One element that Cotterill will bring is the ‘feel-good’ factor, bringing Cheltenham fans of all ages together and united ahead of what will now be a challenging season. The man is responsible for the many stories that families will have regarding going to the games with their parents, memories that will last a lifetime. If anyone knows what it means to play for the badge on the front and not the name on the back, it’s Cotterill and he will no doubt reinvigorate the players to fight for the Town and its league status.
Formation Familiarity
Until the January transfer window opens in three months’ time, Cotterill will have to work with what players he currently has at his disposal and utilise a formation and system that best suits those players.
The former Forest, Bristol City and Burnley manager to name but a few, is no stranger to experimenting with a variety of formations. However, if we specifically scope in on his two most recent jobs at Forest Green Rovers and Shrewbury Town, we start to see some continuity as to how he might set Cheltenham up.
During his time at Shrewsbury, one formation he particularly favoured was the 3-5-2 which heavily relies on full backs to run the channels, essentially acting as wingers. Not only that, but they also have a duty to track back and help the back three out when needed.
This is a formation that has been used a couple of times already by Cheltenham this season, with the likes of Ethon Archer and Arkell Jude-Boyd playing in those previously mentioned wing-back roles.
If we look at his time at Forest Green Rovers, while Cotterill did experiment with a 4-1-4-1 and 4-3-3 to varying success, but one formation worth pointing out here is the 4-2-3-1.
4-2-3-1 makes use of two central defensive midfielders working on a double pivot to cover the centre backs if they move out of position or take a slightly more attacking role. This allows the three players in front of them, the freedom to move up towards the opponents attacking third without the need to track back to help the defence as much.
4-2-3-1 is a formation that the previous manager used consistently and one that will not be unfamiliar to the players. Players like Liam Kinsella and Luke Young often played the double pivot role with players like Jordan Thomas, Archer and Backwell having creative choice.
With creative players such as Isaac Hutchinson, Josh Martin and Ryan Broom added to the ranks this summer, the chances of Cotterill selecting this formation again are seemingly likely and Cheltenham evidently have the players to execute this formation should the manager chose it.
Extensive Knowledge
Knowledge within the game of football is priceless and an integral part of any well-established football manager. With over 30 years of experience in management, Steve Cotterill will not only have a catalogue of football knowledge and tactics but also coaching staff and players to bring in come next summer.
Cotterill has already brought in his team and has praised one of his new backroom staff in a Gloucestershire Live article stating “I’d trust him with my life” which is a good indication to not only the contacts he has made across his career but the calibre of staff joining the club.
With how the clubs’ operations have been run over the last couple of years, this needed intelligence of the game and how it functions will be paramount in lifting the spirits of both fans and players.
Looking Ahead
The feeling around Cheltenham Town FC is currently one of optimism, the feeling that the man who got Cheltenham into the Football League for the first time just might also be the hero to help them stay in it too. One thing is certain, if there is one man in the entire EFL who can save the Robins and help them compete, it’s Steve Cotterill.
