Cheltenham build up; a fan’s view

A Cheltenham fan answers our questions:

1. Cheltenham. We remember you. What’s happened since you left us in the non league?

In the 10 years since we got promoted it’s been a mixed bag. 3 more years of overachievement with Steve Cotterill led us into the 3rd tier, but we were straight back down again. Bobby Gould turned out to be a disaster, before John Ward steadied the ship and got us promoted again. He left for Carlisle and Keith Downing somehow kept us up in 2008. Downing was soon dispensed with following a poor start to the 08/09 season and Martin Allen took the reigns. ‘Mad Dog’ single handedly undid all the good work done by previous regimes and we nearly dropped out of the league in May. Mark Yates is now in the hotseat and is the best man for the job in my opinion. An eventful decade!



2. What are your hopes for the season?

A top half finish would be nice, we’ve had a fairly good start. Defence looks seriously ropey though and we need to tighten up. If we improve and consolidate this year that would be great. Yates needs a few years yet, before we can challenge at the top.



3. Who are your key players that we should be wary of on Saturday?

Wes Thomas has had a cracking start and last weekend was the first time he hasn’t scored in a league game for us. With Frankie Artus injured, JJ Melligan could start having not featured much so far and has the ability to undo a defence.



4. How do you expect Stevenage to get on in our first Football League season?

Promoted sides always fair well first time round. A top half finish with a play off challenge?



5. Where should our travelling fans go for a pre-match pint/meal on Sturday?

The Sudeley Arms and the Kemble are decent bets for a pre-match drink. Good pubs near the town centre are a dying breed, but these 2 would serve you well. Apparently the fish and chip shop near the ground is decent, but I’ve never used it!



6. Prediction for the game?

Hopefully we’ll have a response to last weekend. 2-1 to the Robins (can’t see us keeping a clean sheet!)



With thanks to Joe from Vital Cheltenham.