It’s safe to say this season has been plentiful of both ups and downs for fans of Cheltenham Town FC.
With the conclusion of the 25/26 season just on the horizon, we look at realistic targets and expectations for what the Robins should look to achieve next season.
With out of contract Town players such as Jordan Thomas undoubtedly catching the eye of multiple EFL clubs this summer, it is vital that work starts to get underway to replace key positions as the club rebuilds under Steve Cotterill.
Cheltenham currently have six loan players amongst their ranks, who are all due to return to their respective parent clubs at the end of the season.
These include Harry Ashfield and Mo Faal from Wrexham, Isaac Hutchinson from Bristol Rovers, Josh Davison from Tranmere Rovers and Cole Deeming from West Brom.
Deeming, Hutchinson and Ashfield are all midfielders by trade and with all three set to depart in the summer, it leaves a big gap in the middle of the park and will require the biggest overhaul.
As foundations go, building a midfield for next season around the likes of Luke Young and Ben Stevenson is nothing to scoff at, with both players having won league titles in their careers.
Joe Day originally signed with Cheltenham as a player/coach and whilst not officially confirmed, he is rumoured to take a step away from the starting eleven next season and fulfil more of the coaching side of that contract.
So before next season, Cheltenham could be looking to replace their number one-man in-between the sticks, dynamic winger Jordan Thomas, two loan forwards and three key midfielders.
Despite the positive shift in form following Cotterill’s return, Robins fans must not get ahead of themselves and look at the bigger picture rather than fall in love with fantasy.
Tables relating to form at some points this season have had Cheltenham knocking about the play-off spaces and whilst impressive, it is not indicative of how well a team can perform across an entire season.
Cheltenham should instead realistically look to finish amongst the top 12 and use next season as a ‘middleman’ or a platform to put them into a position of challenging for the play-offs in the next few years.
The core of the team is not a bad one and with added quality, could very much shock a few big sides next season if given the funds and more importantly the time.
The last five seasons for Cheltenham have been turbulent to say the least both on and off the pitch, but as this season comes to an end it has progressively grown to be positive.
News of new ownership and manager has certainly breathed life into some dejected fans and the future looks far more streamlined and upbeat.
The return of Cotterill and Mike Garlick’s takeover of the club has brought the fanbase closer together during a truly pivotal and unprecedented time for the club.
Cotterill has the complete backing of the fanbase and already united the Robins faithful. The club and manager must do all the can to continue this relationship into not just next season but for the future; continuing to keep fans walking through the turnstiles and enticing the next generation to support Cheltenham Town Football Club.
