2016-17| #3| (Re)Adjusting to the Football League

Following on from the previous blog post, the highly anticipated Newcastle trip approached, and it was something that couldn't have been anymore perfectly timed after our first domestic loss to Doncaster. Expecting nothing out of the game it was a chance for our players to play without pressure and just be themselves enjoying the occasion.

Two goals falling either side of the half-time whistle saw a rejuvenated Robins side bow out to a 2-0 defeat, a game which saw Town take the plaudits from the not only the travelling away section but also the home fans too. A night all-round of immense pride to be a supporter of this club, and we were probably hard done by in what looked a promising performance, against the recently relegated Premier League side.

Newcastle United Away (2-0)

With the morale back at a reasonable level, it was another relegated side who were to visit Whaddon Road, for the second successive home league game, hopes and expectations were as high as ever to see how the team would respond in what had been a mixed week. One player who had the bar raised even higher was Billy Waters, our only attacking goalscorer so far this season had a blinder of a game, again gaining plaudits from the opposition in whom were his former club. Cheltenham ran out 2-0 winners, the return of Dickie making an instant impact picking up a goal and clean sheet, Dayton working wonders also with a goal and an assist. All in all it was the kick-start we had needed, and something to build on in the coming games.

The small matter of another Tuesday night away game and yes another relegated team, came in the form of Blackpool away in the Checkatrade Trophy. Being an attendee - yes judge all you want - it again proved that the attackers are struggling to get themselves off the mark. A surprise goal coming form the departing loanee James Jennings, lit up what left us asking the same questions, who is going to take lead and be the goalscorer of this team? The departure of Pell was key at half-time and was missed massively, a game in which Kyle Storer should have been playing I don't believe would have seen us concede two in the space of two minutes from substitute Kyle Vassell.

Blackpool Away 2-1

That game in my opinion should have been seen out comfortably, and it brings us on to the last game played in what was my second trip to Home Park away to Plymouth. All in all it was a pretty dull game and in turn had 0-0 written all over it. If it had stayed that way I would've been more than happy with that point and would've come out with a much brighter and relieved response had the events in the 93rd minute not occurred. A poor clearance from the corner by Amari Morgan-Smith allowed a ball to be floated into the back post to see two of our defenders out-jumped by Sonny Bradley at the back post, stealing the three points for Plymouth.

I enjoy not rushing to write my opinions on a blog post straight away as it gives a good chance for me to realistically analyse the situation we're in. Although I'm probably not as happy with the performance as some were, I'm still not overly panicking. So far I've felt our start to the season has felt like that month of March we dread as Robins fans. It always proves to be that defining month for us, especially in our play-off campaigns under Yates. Full of tough fixtures against teams who are up there and some who are picking up that bit of form. Albeit six games into the season (plus three cup games) and no idea where half these teams are going to end up, it might turn out to be a slight blessing we've played the teams we have done so early on.

Plymouth Away (1-0)

Leyton Orient, Carlisle, Doncaster and Plymouth are all teams I've predicted to be within the top 7 this season. While two points out of twelve doesn't sound at all brilliant against these, it's at a time where many of our players are adjusting to life in a league they've not played in before, and for me the adjustment period will begin to wear off and the game should come natural to them. Add to that the anticipated return of Storer - allowing Pell to move higher up the pitch - Dayton, Munns, Downes, and Holman, again needing their adjustment period, it does make me feel more confident going into this opening half of the season. I don't really care where the goals come from at the minute as long as they're coming, however it's also an important factor for out strikers to all get off the mark and get give opposition defences a constant threat which Johnson has echoed we've not done.

Although a complete whitewash on Tuesday at 7-1, and being a much rather younger opposition to our fringe players. I think we can take great confidence from that, and so can the players who played, especially Munnsy, who had a more than impressive start to last seasons campaign. At the moment our only creativity appears to be Harry Pell driving from deep, or a hoof up to Danny Wright. With the addition of Munnsy, biting at players ankles, he'll bring something different to the team we've missed. Each individual offers their unique ability to this team and once we have the squad we want fully fit, then we will be making our most effective performances.

For now the reinforcements are there and plenty to choose from, for many their chance to stake a claim amongst the first team is slowly fading away, with one or two not playing to their full potential they may see themselves soon replaced by returning faces, eager and ready to take their chance. A set-back to Storer again is unfortunate, karma possibly for his ridiculous antics at the end of last season, but he knows what he's done it's how he reacts to it, which will be the bigger statement. We all know what Stoz can offer and I have no doubt he will take his chance in the Football League with both hands.

The other option we have is risk of a "free-agent" not only free in fee, but free of any form of match fitness or form I hope it doesn't resort to that. Although the trialist took his chance Tuesday it could be a matter of weeks until a deal is tied up and he's near the standards needed. By that time we could have two more faces back in amongst the set up. It can't be re-iterated anymore how important it is for the players to really prove their quality on the pitch, the cooling off period is well and truly over and it's time to dig deep and get the points on the board and let their faces be known and feared.

Newport await us on Saturday, and in the familiar words of Mark Yates "we go again, our season starts now".

2016-17 | #2 | First defeat - Cracks appearing?

Almost a year on since the last domestic defeat at Whaddon Road, Cheltenham finally fell to a loss at the hands of Darren Fergusons Doncaster Rovers.

After three straight draws out of the opening three games in the Robins return to the football league, cracks that were identified by Johnson in the final pre-season game at Bristol Rovers, have enlarged over the course of the last few league games. A wonder goal from O'Shaughnessy away to Mansfield lifted the spirits on what was a pretty poor showing, they weren't outclassed by the by the Stags, however on the day they really struggled to get anything going and struggled with the basics. 

Onto the trek towards the the Scottish border we stopped short at Carlisle in what was expected to be another tough battle. Although the squad was looking bare, the travelling 117 fans as well as the ones listening at home were hoping for a rejuvenated performance from the Robins. James Dayton and Asa Hall were welcomed back to the squad, at the expense of Dan Holman and Amari Morgan-Smith to injury. Again the performance wasn't anywhere near what we have come to expect from this group, in another frustrating game it ended 1-1 with an equaliser in the dying minutes of the game. Town were constantly hounded from start to finish with balls being pummelled into the box and the crossbar hit numerous times. Dayton's return sparked the only real excitement, with his run from deep inside our own half to the edge of the 18-yard box, to feed through Harry Pell to finish nicely in the bottom corner.

Carlisle Away (1-1)

For my full thoughts on the Carlisle game  - Carlisle Review

Following the game, Johnson again came out questioning the ability of his squad, with the unknown return date of last seasons top goalscorer Dan Holman, and Amari still feeling not 100% reinforcements were clearly needed. I have to admit I got quite giddy at the news of Koby Arthur returning to the club on loan. Johnson clearly doing his homework on a proven success, and the Ghanaian probably feels he has unfinished business with us after his early recall in our relegation season. He was shortly followed by the arrival another loan signing and winger Jonny Smith from the Johnson affiliate Bristol City. 

Koby came straight into the starting XI in what arguably was going to be the toughest opponent out of our openers, and required the biggest of reactions from the squad to the previous games. However again the Cheltenham squad as a whole were non-existent, nothing was clicking and the basics we're going so horribly wrong. Pell was in a one man midfield as we still are failing to get the best out of Whitehead, we can't expect to play any real football if we can't play anything through our midfield, the return of Storer is long-awaited. Ex-loanee John Marquis got the inevitable breakthrough in a scrappy game, which saw Jordan Cranston end up in midfield and Asa Hall at right-back. 

Heads turned to the out-of-favour Jack Barthram slumped on the bench long gone after the full-time whistle, a disagreement with Johnson perhaps, or just a tantrum and fit of frustration from what has been a quality and consistent player for us. 

It's hard to cast an opinion off four games into the season, when the fixture list splurged up these opening games I wasn't exactly expecting us to run riot, however I also wasn't expecting the lacklustre performances our heroes of last season have mustered up. Before each game so far I have had literally no idea what outcome to expect. Admittedly I've been happy to take a draw from each game, due to strengths of the opposition, although I've expected the characters in this squad to possibly pull of a noble win, even though we've come close we've never really looked like winning any, possibly the season opener against Orient towards the end. However I have been more sided to the expectancy of a loss, especially during the last two games, and it is purely down to the previous performances, not only has it lacked the quality, we've seriously lacked that character of last season. 

As you can tell it's been a complete mixed bag of thoughts and emotions, and there have been some really interesting insights to be seen on social media, which just emphasises the reason for expectancy and non-expectancy. I do feel confidence is low amongst the troops, as well as in numbers, with news of another arrival, and again another winger in free agent Jeffrey Monakana. Questions have been raised at the mind-games of Johnson, should he be battering the players in interviews? Are the cracks appearing in his own head, playing left-backs in centre mid, centre mids at right back?

I feel the most important thing is Johnson has stayed true to us fans, the players and himself. He said he will make or break these players, and if they aren't good enough they will be found out. The other important thing is it's only August, if things aren't going right they will be sorted, but first of all this has to be given time. We're trying to work with what we have got, the new boys need to be 'brainwashed' into the playing style, the more experienced players are now having to adopt a different formation, something out of practice from the long slog of last season, whether it lasts or not we have to have faith and not be hasty on the panic buttons.

Mansfield Away (1-1)

Opinion on booing

Something which always manages to tickle me when it crops up on Twitter is about the 'boo boys' as they were called on Saturday. I myself didn't boo after the game, although that being said even if I wanted to I couldn't be bothered after being so deflated by the showing. 

However it always niggles at me when people do get frowned upon for showing their thoughts on a poor performance, as to be fair none of us are questioned for cheering after a win, or clapping after a solid game with quality throughout. I'm looking at it from the perspective as Johnson has basically been in the same shoes as the booing fans, only expressing his disappointment in the players he has been working so hard with. It's not a sign of giving up, it's more an expression of this isn't good enough, something has to be changed, I'm all for getting behind the players and I do feel it's a method of showing the same emotion Johnson has been showing in his post-match interviews.

Whether I feel it's wrong or right I respect each persons view on the football, and don't feel other fans should be offended by another showing disapproval from a poor performance, and the comment rang true on Saturday of "should we clap them" after that. My opinion is no. Just a penny for your thoughts. 

Whatever happens on Tuesday night and the rest of the season, enjoy it and get behind the lads. Hopefully the weight is lifted off the shoulders in what should be a brilliant occasion at St.James Park, again I don't know what to expect maybe we could pull of the win and regain some of that drive and belief? Who knows? 

2016-17 | #1 | Leyton Orient and the seasons expectations

After a pretty torrid pre-season - which included the loss to hated tenants and rivals Gloucester City, and ended in a 3-0 loss to Bristol Rovers - slight worry was creeping into the fans as we anticipated our first game back in the Football League.

Potential hangover from the dream 'bounceback' campaign led to not only fans, but the vocal gaffer Gary Johnson question whether the team would be capable for the heights of League 2 football. With less than a week before the season opener, many heads would've been scratched at the thought of a manager asking such a question. Knowing it was somewhat a kick up the backside, there was a slight hint of truth, as not only were we without a 'desired' number one goalkeeper, our favoured back three only consisted of two.

Nevertheless in Johnson we trust, and a day or two prior to match. after a saddening week for the club we welcomed goalkeeper Russel Griffiths and centre half Easah Suliman joined from Everton and Aston Villa respectively. 

However the first team sheet released this season threw up a few shocks, as not only did it not match the formation used since last season, it was also missing some important faces. A lot of expectation has been heaped on James Dayton to be the creator this season but an injury set-back for him and Asa Hall kept them out of the opener as the Robins adapted to an attacking 4-3-3 with Barthram dropping to the bench for the newcomer Suliman to slot in at right back.

It couldn't have started much worse for the Robins as Gavin Massey got away from Jennings and latched on from a cross to open the scoring for the O's. It was fair to say we were being made to look like a National League side for the first 45 minutes. Jennings marking was questionable to say the least, and while I'm not one to jump on a new players back,  he's not at all impressed me in the pre-season and I feel a lot more comfortable with Jordan Cranston on the left side, only time will tell. I. I'm sure given time he will bed in well and prove his worth which saw him make the team of the season last year.

Massey opens the scoring for Orient after questionable defending from Jennings - @leytonorientfc

It came to the 65th minute and we werent threatening where we usually do from the wing back positions, off came Jennings and Suliman for Cranston and Barthram, as well as Billy Waters adding a 4th attacker to the game. The intent and domination changed drastically from then on, and Waters managed to find the equaliser in a move he started and finished. We really saw the Billy Waters of last season, although he would hate to be branded a super sub, he has continued to prove it on many occasions.

From then on it was pretty clear there was a statement of intent and we couldn't sit back from the equaliser, probably due to the fact we had such an attacking side proving their dominance, as well as having no subs left. Barthram and Billy carried on the onslaught of attack down the right side which Orient were really struggling to handle.

Alas the winning goal couldn't be found and it ended a stalemate, a tale of last season where Cheltenham struggled to get going until the half time team talk. However it was a very promising result in the end and the second half performance makes you wonder what we can do if we play to our best for 90 minutes.

Robins looking to triumph again this season? - @JonPalmerSport

Season Expectations

In the build up to Saturday's game and all throughout the off season I was finding it hard to work out what exactly should we be expecting this season in our first attempt back in the football league. Baker and Johnson both stated desire to go for promotion again but it hasn't got the same importance nor drive of last seasons championship win. I've seen an array of different predictions and many seem happy for us to just survive but I know we are much better than that. 

Although I can't see us taking the league by storm I think we are a lot more prepared and ahead of many teams with the group we've got. Many teams in this league have completely replaced their playing squad and it's going to take a couple of months to see each player adapt and be at their full playing potential in their new teams. I feel a mid table finish would be respectable for our group, and although we want to make a habit of what Bristol Rovers have done, I'm happy with solidarity this season. A play off spot is reachable in my opinion and the possibility of that will keep the season exciting for the team and us fans.

Next up, we face a tough test in the first round of the league cup - another competition we'll be returning to as a result of promotion. Charlton Athletic is actually turning out to be a fairly ironic team to face, as Dillon Phillips is very likely to face us in his debut for the Addicks. The saga which almost went on as long as Pogba returning to United ended in a somewhat uncalled for meltdown amongst some fans .It'll be great to see Dillon come back to somewhere he had so much success at, albeit playing for the opposition it's a place where he's hopefully kick-started a successful career, and all fans will be wishing him the best of luck.

Hopefully following in his footsteps, along with other keepers previous to Phillips' reign is Russel Griffiths, someone who has set high expectations to surpass Butlands incredible efforts during his loan spell here. Along with him and the whole of the squad let's get behind the boys for what can hopefully be another jubilant season. As always they'll be counting on our loyal support. Come on you Robins!

All the best Dillon! - @GlosEchoLive

CHELTENHAM SPECIAL | Johnson had a dream... (1 year on)

Paul B*ckle, 79 Days. Russ Milton, 45 Days. Gary Johnson, 365 Days...and counting.

1 year on, top of the league and two points clear. In a much better place financially, on the field and getting fans through the turnstiles, Johnson is on his way to creating history, and not for the first time this season. After a whirlwind 12 months it's time to take a look back on his time in charge so far.

The beginning
On this day the club announced Johnson was taking over from club legend and caretaker manager Russell Milton, who did himself proud with the turn around in positivity and togetherness amongst the team and fans. It came as a shock to many the appointment, as it was a near on impossible challenge to retain the clubs football league status and he was thought higher of than a National League manager.

Although it was a pleasing addition amongst the fans it was something which we all knew was too late, and wanted a lot earlier on in the season, uncertainty on whether he would stay after relegation was the main cause for concern.



1 year today - ctfc.com

#BounceBack
Relegated we were, but stay he did, and Johnson wasn't hanging around after Cheltenham's definitive league game. It was clear from the start that Gary and his brother Pete had been putting in the groundwork to start building the foundations for the new challenge. Nine days after the finale at Wimbledon, the first signing was made, instantly gaining a team captain with experienced centre-back Aaron Downes. Within two days another two were added, Spurs academy graduate Jack Munns, and vice-captain Kyle Storer.

Over the coming weeks the core of the squad quickly took shape which has massively benefited the team this season. With the quality and combination of experience and youth, the speed of turnover from old to new, this allowed Johnson to drill his philosophy in early doors. A word used from the very beginning was "character",and judging by our team compared from start of the season to now, he's got it bang on with all of his signings, from the loud and proud Pelly, to the quiet. yet clinical Danny Wright. In a previous season when we saw TWO squad photos taken, it's refreshing to see that week-in, week-out the same faces grace the team sheet, justifying the quality of transfers leading to consistent performances and results.



Thankfully only the one squad photo this season... - ctfc.com

Fist-Pumps
Not only has character been added to the squad, but in the man himself he is full of it. It's not a bold statement to claim that we have the best manager in the league, and many fans around the country wouldn't argue with it either. In a season where the team have so far managed 25 domestic victories, Johnson has inherited a novelty with the fans with his famous fist pump action at the end of matches. The instant chemistry between him and Milton is amazing and the ability to inherit the 'all-in-together' mentality from his predecessor has been phenomenal.

We've truly got a manager who shares the same joy and laughs at a victory, and equally the same frustration and anger after the few losses we've encountered. He's at one with the fans and it's the least the club could ask for after what we had to suffer with in the previous season.



5 more fist pumps this season please gaffer? - ctfc.com

"On the ball"
It has to be handed to Johnson, that he has incredible man-management skills - again another thing lacking after unhappy dressing rooms in the past - admirable honesty from the end of the season he told contracted players they will need to find new clubs, and likewise was reiterated the stagnant remains in January.

With this simple process of professionalism, he's managed to free up many finances, which has been massive in a season where a handful of star players have been injured. We've had players from three leagues up join us and fit right in. Cameron Burgess has played an important role in replacing the ever present and pivotal Aaron Downes whom has been sorely missed, Rob Dickie is back after suffering an injury before an outstanding hat-trick before Christmas in the FA Trophy.

Personally I think the best business done was to pick one of the most prolific strikers in the league on a free in Dan Holman, while Amari Morgan-Smith has been sidelined due to injury. The acquisition of Holman stamped authority down on how serious Johnson is to getting the job done and not risking play offs. 12 in 11 so far and his previous manager Gary Hill claimed he'd be the difference in us going up or finishing second. A goal behind Amond, him and Danny Wright have instantly connected to be a deadly partnership up top.

Not only has the replacements been fantastic but the overall quality of our loan signings. Dillon Phillips said to be the best goalkeeper Johnson has worked with, could he go onto the heights of Jack Butland? Aforementioned Burgess is a player who has already played minutes in the Championship this season for Fulham, somebody who looks like he'd be able to easily handle that league in the future.



Just the four goals against former club Woking for Holman... - Glos Echo

Future of "Johnsons Dream"
Johnson is a manager who can easily become one of the best Cheltenham has ever seen, you only need to see his previous efforts at the likes of Bristol City and Yeovil to know he's the right man for a task like this. If Town manage to bounce-back I don't see why Johnson can't take us on to better things in the League and make another push for promotion - but let's get there first! With his expertise in not only man-management but also the transfer market, there are very few (and I'd question their mentality!) who would not take the opportunity to work under his control.

In his post-match interview at Wrexham, Johnson didn't hold back in saying the fans will be the difference in the final five games, and that we can be the factor that see's the team over the line, seeing our first silverware since promotion to League One. If you can't get to the away games make sure you make the final three home games of the season. Your club needs you and there would be no greater feeling than knowing you were the difference in ensuring the club bounced back into the league first time of asking.


Gary and the club need you! - ctfc.com

I think I speak on behalf of all Cheltenham fans by thanking Gary Johnson for what he has done so far for the club, it's now time to do the business and win the league!
Thanks for reading! #ctfc

GARY JOHNSONS RED & WHITE ARMY!