Alsop eyeing Robins record
Julian Alsop wants to reclaim his status as Cheltenham Town's highest Football League goalscorer after agreeing a month-to-month contract with the Robins.
Alsop soared to the top of the charts after his prolific 2001-02 campaign and by the time he left the club in 2003 he had netted 35 league goals in three seasons.
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Julian Alsop has returned to Cheltenham Town
Martin Devaney surpassed him during the 2004-05 season, moving to 38 goals, and he has remained top of the pile since.
After earning a shock return to full-time football five years after his last appearance as a professional, Alsop has his eye on deposing Devaney, who is now plying his trade in the Coca-Cola Championship with Barnsley.
"I want to start games, but I am realistic as to why the gaffer (Martin Allen) has got me here," Alsop said.
"It is to come off the bench and score a few goals, so my next target, from a selfish point of view, is to get that record.
"Four goals are needed to get it back and I know I can do that."
As he makes his second rapid climb up the footballing ladder, 36-year-old Alsop is set to face the club that originally launched his professional career, Bristol Rovers, at the Abbey Business Stadium tonight (7.45pm).
He was plucked from non-League Halesowen Town by the then Pirates boss Ian Holloway in February 1997 and spent a year with Rovers before moving to Swansea City for £30,000.
His final appearance for Halesowen was against Cheltenham at Whaddon Road.
"It was mad. One minute I was playing non-League and we were at Cheltenham," Alsop recalled.
"Me and another lad commented that we wouldn't want to do that journey down the M5 every day and the next minute I was signing for Bristol Rovers.
"It's a special club to me because Ollie (Holloway) gave me my chance, but I progressed more when I went to Swansea.
"When I was at Rovers I was young, naïve and raw, but they gave me my chance, so I always look out for their results and I hope they do well this year."
Defender Michael Townsend is set to return tonight after being rested for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bristol City.
Drissa Diallo will not be risked until after Cheltenham return from their five-day visit to Blandford Army Camp on Sunday.
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by Tarquin, Las Vegas
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 4:58PM
“I'm in the gambling city of the world but no one here will give me odds on Alsop scoring. People want him here on sentiment but sentiment won't win us games!”
by Derek, Gloucester
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 3:12PM
“I don't think I was being harsh in my thinking that J.A on his brief fifteen minutes against Bristol City would not cut it at league two. I thought I read in earlier articles in the press, that he was fitter than he has been for some time, however unless he was under the weather or going down with Swine Flu, what I saw was someone who would never be able to play a full competitive league two game. Even if he is mainly used as a substitute, that player still has to be able to give ninety minutes of effort and I cannot see that being the case. It would be a shame for someone who did so well for us in the past, and gets mentioned as being part of one of the best attacking partnerships in many a year for Cheltenham, to loose some of the high regard he has with the Robins fans by trying to make a come back. However if M.A selects him, then I will support the player as I would every other one playing for my team.”
by diesledog, paddock
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 2:32PM
“I'm a bit gutted that I cant keep up with the boys progress, espesially with Bozanic in the squad, but under the thumb tonight(big mark appearing on my forehead!!!!), so can I ask you lot for match reports please.
I try to defend MA as much as I can, but I'm struggling with the Alsop saga. The last time out, his total contribution was one knock down and one smack on the nose, he looked tired after 5 minutes. When we are desperately trying to get Pook in(because everyone wants him), why is he being chased. If I was Denton, I'd be pretty fed up after watching JA's (non)performance. If Pook came in then it would make it a bit easier to take, but I cant see any other reason.”
by Alec JP, Gateshead
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 12:15PM
“If we could only sign one more player, I'd choose Pook, and I think many others will agree...
I donated some money for the bike ride escapade, but if it's only going towards getting Alsop signed (not someone of the calibre of Pook, who is local, younger and a better long-term prospect with more ability in an area where we need more players), then I think the whole thing has been a bit of an insult!”
by Frank, Cheltenham
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 11:28AM
“Alec we dont need him. We have Denton on loan, Hayles, Hammond and Richards. Whats the point in signing him?
I would rather play Theo Lewis or Jake Lee, who will both be fit eenough and egar to show what they got. Alsop may try, but he wont get anywhere with little ability.”