Frankie Artus out to prove his worth with Robins in third spell at Cheltenham
FRANKIE Artus is determined to show Cheltenham Town fans his true colours after an injury marred his loan spell last season, writes Jon Palmer.
The creative midfielder signed a one-year deal at Whaddon Road following his release from Bristol City, where he had been since the age of seven.
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Point to prove: Frankie Artus
Artus finished the 2008/09 season on loan with Cheltenham, making a big impact in his nine appearances.
He scored on his debut in a 1-1 home draw with Oldham Athletic and followed that up with a stunning strike at Walsall four days later.
Artus netted his third goal in five games to sink Yeovil Town 1-0, but his second temporary spell a year ago did not live up to expectations due to an ankle problem.
"I couldn't have asked for a better start at Cheltenham, but when I came here last season I struggled and I was playing with an injury," Artus said.
"I tried to keep playing, but I couldn't get away with it any more and the ankle couldn't handle it.
"It swelled up and set me back a bit. Hopefully this season I can be injury free, get as many games under my belt as possible and see what we can do."
It is a source of much frustration that Artus was never given a first-team chance at Bristol City, despite spending four seasons as a professional after progressing through the ranks.
He is out to show his worth for Cheltenham and he is not the only player in the squad with a point to prove.
"I am disappointed with the way things went back at Bristol because I didn't get a chance," he said.
"It wasn't to be and I have to go elsewhere to play first-team football week-in week-out and hopefully I can do that here.
"I was surprised because I am probably average age here and I am only 21.
"So it's a young squad, but we are hungry and determined to prove ourselves. I can see us doing quite well."
Artus is set to complete 45 minutes along with the rest of the squad and a group of trialists at Zamaretto League Premier Division club Leamington in the opening pre-season friendly on Saturday.
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by Craig, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 08 2010, 4:03PM
“God I hope we don't sign Trundle. There's no way I can support a player that I've hated playing against Cheltenham for so many years. And I don't just hate him because of that either. He's a nasty little s***.”
by matt, chelt
Thursday, July 08 2010, 2:56PM
“Who ever mentioned the Lee Trundle rumour might just be onto something! Just been down to the lido for, where a load of CTFC players and staff had just finished a session. I didnt see him, but a car parked up with the reg of L33 TRU was in the car park! Could be a complete coinsidence but you never know!!!”
by Tommy, Chelt
Thursday, July 08 2010, 2:11PM
“EVEN Allen's Robins beat the gas!..... ;)”
by Dan, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 08 2010, 1:00PM
“Our 'average conference side' still managed to beat yours on a few occasions though, eh Gasman?!”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 08 2010, 12:38PM
“Gasman - Are a Rovers fan living in Cheltenham then? Whatever the case, it seems you have an out-of-date football guide for reference. Chelt were last an average conference side back in late 80's / early 90's.
I think you'll find that Chelt are now in League 2 - and we'll be looking for promotion in the next 2/3 seasons.”
by pete, cheltenham
Thursday, July 08 2010, 12:38PM
“i wouldnt say we are an average confernece side you obv dont have any confidence in MY and what he has already brought to the club, yes ok some of the players that went we could still do with we do need a centre back or 2 but still to say we are a confrence side is abit out of order, get behind the team this season i think they need it there is lots of fresh blood in the team which was well needed so i dont think we should be slagging the team off until we see how they do in the league.”
by gasman, chelt
Thursday, July 08 2010, 10:53AM
“It would appear that mr yates is getting together a team of players from a time gone by, My thoughts are with you Mr Yates but i forsee a team that will be lucky to suvive next season, Players are jumping on the bandwagon because nobody else wants them... Lets not kid ourselves Cheltenham town is an average Conference side... It had to be said.”
by Me, Here
Thursday, July 08 2010, 10:48AM
“It is true Hannah. I have spoken to loads of people inside the club. MY said at the fans forum that MT's release was 'not solely for football reasons'. That says it all. Anyway, he has gone, so I don't care about him any more, or what he thinks of the club. He is yesterday's man.”
by Hannah, cheltenham
Thursday, July 08 2010, 10:19AM
“I don't think it's fair to say comments like that unless it is 100% factual. I have heard a different story to this and Towner isn't the one who nessecerily wanted to go. We may never know unless one of them comes out and says. But i know Towner and he was gutted to leave and wants Chelt to do well in the future.”
by Me, Here
Thursday, July 08 2010, 10:10AM
“Townsend was released mainly because his attiude was shocking and everyone around the club got sick and tired of his 'big-time Charlie' attitude. He thought he would leave us and walk into a League One club, but it hasn't happened has it, so he will have to settle for somewhere like Hereford or Crewe, hardly a bif step up. But to be honest he is yesterday's man and I am glad he has gone as it means we can have players at the club who actually want to be there rather than those who think they are better than they are and who go around upsetting the harmony at the club. Yatesy will find us a decent centre back and soon we will forget that Michael 'Big Time' Townsend ever played for us.”