Scouting report: Cheltenham Town

A closer look at the Robins ahead of their cup clash with Wanderers

Ahead of Wanderers' Checkatrade Trophy meeting with Cheltenham Town, bwfc.co.uk takes a closer look at the Robins…



SEASON SO FAR…
Cheltenham Town won promotion back to Sky Bet League Two last season after winning the National League, accumulating 101 points and scoring 87 goals along the way. The Robins bounced back into the Football League at the first time of asking, after being relegated from Sky Bet League 2 in the 2014/15 season.

Under the management of Gary Johnson, they lost just once at Whaddon Road, conceding 13 goals in front of their own fans. This season however, Cheltenham sit 16th in the fourth tier, having won just three times from their 15 outings.

In cup competitions, however, the Robins have enjoyed more success. They overcame Charlton Athletic in the first round of the EFL Cup, before being knocked out by Newcastle United in the second round. 

Meanwhile, they’ll travel to Crewe Alexandra for an Emirates FA Cup first round replay having drawn 1-1 against The Alex last weekend.

After losing to Blackpool in their first Checkatrade Trophy Group Stage fixture, Cheltenham kept their hopes of qualifying to the knockout stages alive, beating Everton Under-23s 2-1 thanks to late goals from Billy Waters and Daniel Wright.

Having never played Cheltenham Town in their history, the Whites go into this fixture knowing only a win, be it after 90 minutes or on penalities, will guarantee their progression in the competition.

RECENT FORM
  • D 1-1 – Accrington Stanley A - Sky Bet League Two Trophy, 8/10/2016 
  • W 2-1 – Crawley Town H - Sky Bet League Two, 15/10/2016 
  • L 1-0 – Grimsby Town A - Sky Bet League Two, 22/10/2016
  • D 2-2 – Blackpool H - Sky Bet League Two, 29/10/2016 
  • D 1-1 – Crewe Alexandra H - Emirates FA Cup, 05/11/2016 
MANAGER: GARY JOHNSON
The experienced Gary Johnson was appointed as manager of Cheltenham Town in March 2015, and although he was unable to keep the club in Sky Bet League Two in his first months at the club, his contract extended his contract at the end of that season. 

The decision was rewarded immediately as the Robins clinched automatic promotion back to the Football League as he become only the second manager to win multiple National League titles.

Begining his managerial career with Newmarket Town, Johnson enjoyed spells with Cambridge United and Kettering Town before being appointed the manager of Latvia. His spell with the national team lasted just two years as the 61-year-old joined Yeovil Town in 2001.

In his first year at Huish Park, the Glovers beat Stevenage 2-0 in the final of the FA Trophy and recorded a third place finish in the National League. The following season, the Glovers earned promotion into league football having scored over 100 goals.

Johnson would then go onto manager Bristol City to a Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City and would also enjoy spells with Peterborough United and Northampton Town.

He then returned to Yeovil Town in January 2012 and famously led them into the Sky Bet Championship for the first time in the club's history, defeating Brentford in the League One Play-Off final.

However, Johnson failed to keep Yeovil in the division and was relieved of his duties in February 2015, with the side then bottom of the Sky Bet League One table.

KEY PLAYER: BILLY WATERS
The Robins' leading scorer in all competitions with six goals this campaign, Billy Waters signed a one-year deal with Cheltenham in June 2015 following his release from Crewe Alexandra. 

The 22-year-old, who progressed through The Railywaymen’s famous academy, provides versatility for Gary Johnson’s side with the forward able to play upfront, on the wing or in midfield. 

The youngster scored 11 goals in Cheltenham’s promotion from the National League and extended his contract with the club following his promotion. 

LAST CHELTENHAM TOWN XI (v Crewe Alexandra, D 1-1)
Griffiths, Dickie, Downes, Parslow, Barthram, Storer, Dayton, Pell, Cranston, Wright, Waters.

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