Alsop and Andrew commit to Cheltenham Town
BORN again striker Julian Alsop and young defender Danny Andrew will both remain with Cheltenham Town for the rest of the season.
Left-back Andrew has agreed to extend his loan spell from Coca-Cola Championship club Peterborough United until the summer.
Alsop, who was playing for Bishop's Cleeve in the Southern League last season, has been signing month-to-month agreements since his shock return to Cheltenham last summer.
He is expected to return from an Achilles injury to be on the bench against 12th placed Burton Albion at the Abbey Business Stadium this evening.
"Jules has been tremendous this season and hopefully we can get more out of him," Robins boss Mark Yates said.
"When we need him we can call upon him and I thought it was important we kept the bodies we do have in the squad at the moment."
Andrew played under Yates during a spell at Kidderminster Harriers earlier this season and the 19-year-old has made a favourable impression during his first three games for Cheltenham.
"Danny has done well and he will only get better with more games," Yates said.
"He had a good game defensively against one of the better wingers (Liam Feeney) in the division at Bournemouth on Saturday."
Set piece specialist Andrew was called back to Peterborough United last week for a squad meeting with new boss Jim Gannon, but he was told by director of football Barry Fry that he should stay at Cheltenham and continue to gain experience.
"It's been good for me here because I needed games," Andrew said.
"I hope to stay in the team for the rest of the season and I am going to try and thrive on the pressure and competition.
"I will keep my head down and try to better myself."
A similar loan extension is expected to be reached for West Brom midfelder Joss Labadie.
Central defender Ashley Eastham is set to return to Cheltenham's starting line-up tonight after missing the goalless draw at Bournemouth trip due to a family bereavement.
He also missed the previous match, a 4-1 home defeat by leaders Rochdale, due to suspension.
Nottingham Forest loan midfielder Matt Thornhill looks likely to miss out as he recovers from a hamstring injury picked up in training last week.
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by C&G Robin, Cheltenham
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 5:44PM
“Yes Dan, agreed.”
by Craig, Still Here, Cheltenham
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 5:15PM
“Tonights Ref is an Andy Woolmer, who I can't recall ever having seen before...so is either OK or a noob?!”
by Dan, Cheltenham
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 4:41PM
“Well, we've been rebuilding under Yatesy, and week on week (with the exception of Rochdale who are a different class this season thanks largely to O'Grady and Dagnall) we have been steadily improving.
Surely it's just a matter of time before we bang a few goals in and turn the draws into wins.
Our league position flatters to deceive, but when you consider the off-field distractions we've had and the ever changing formations and tactics of Mr Allen, it's not really surprising.
However, like I said, the team looks to be turning the corner so let's all get behind them and help them force their way back up the table... starting with 3 points tonight!”
by STEVE, Prestbury
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 3:58PM
“Who the referee tonight is it Keith Stroud as it is getting a bit cold and we all know he like to call games off if it cold.”
by C&G Robin, Cheltenham
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:51PM
“I'm very pleased by this. Good to have Alsop here for the remainder of the season.
He can defend, wins a hell of a lot in the air, holds the ball up well and never ever stops trying when he on the pitch.
His arrival back has been a tonic for this club and its fans - fans who haven't seen a player truly run himself into the ground for the club for some considerable time. Well done Jules - it is no wonder you consistently get the biggest applause at the end of the game.
He WANTS to be here and wants to play. So, even though he may lack a few attributes, his outright effort is one of the main differences that makes him a 'must-have', for now.
You'll be hard pushed to find another player out there who will work so doggedly for the club.
He doesn't have much to prove and I guess most of those ignorant enough to find easy fault with him were not supporters of the club when he was here first time around.
Alsop clearly has much still to offer Cheltenham. In fact, he's already proved it, being directly responsible for several of our hard-won points this season - and I believe he will win us more points (both directly and indirectly).
Good to see my call last week for 'more shooting' being adopted by those who use this website - if not the squad itself.
The stand-out player at Bournemouth was unquestionably Michael Townsend. A true captains performance - what a turnaround this guy is proving to be. He's coming good big time - just like I anticipated he would all those months ago.
The striking was lackluster... and to be blunt, a let down. Shots were thin on the ground AGAIN. Hammond and Richards, I want to see you absolutely switched on for every second you're on that pitch. You both need to UP the work-rate, in my opinion.
Be positive, and play the game as if it's your last > shoot freely and be a threat.”
by Craig, Still Here, Cheltenham
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:27PM
“I'm looking forward to seeing some of these fabled Danny Andrew crosses being pinged on to Big Jules' head...I don't think I've actually seen the kid play yet, what with postponements and work commitments. I'm looking forward to gettin' a fix tonight, we better flippin' win!”
by Ron, Bristol
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:05PM
“if alsop has been signed to start matches, we are in big trouble!! if used as impact player he can maybe do a job, but i have my doubts... almost agree with vincent
andrews is good news.”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:35PM
“Excellent news for Chelt - Andrew is a quality defender (getting better every game + was my MOM on Sat) + Alsop has been fantasic as well - the hearbeat of CTFC when he's on the field - no-one puts in more than Big Jules.
C'mon u Ronins - let's tear into Burton early on - get a couple of goals clear, then we should be able to control the game from there.”
by Tarquin, Voice of CTFC
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 12:04PM
“Its because of people like Chris FOD that no one whats to comment on here any more, better if he goes away and does his homework, he probabaly won't be at the game tonight as it's a school night.
Northern just ignore Chris as half a season at WR and he thinks he's a regular supporter.”
by northern robin, up north
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 11:19AM
“my sentiments exactly Steve (as I was on that name and shame list as well).
I would like to comment on every article but I too was away all weekend. My negativity of the past, like many others was also directed towards Martin Allen and positivity seems to have returned all round under the new regime.
excellent new regarding Big Jules and Andrew along with the return to the squa of Eastham.
Oh and Chris FOD for the record, I am enjoying a half day today and will soon be commencing the 420 mile round trip to Whaddon Road, so forgive me in advance if I do not post on here tonight within an hour of the final whistle.”