Cheltenham Town sign loan duo
ACTING boss John Schofield added two more players to his squad before yesterday's 5pm deadline for loan signings.
Bristol Rovers' highly-rated right sided player David Pipe and young Blackpool central defender Ashley Eastham will join the Robins for training today and go into the squad for next Tuesday's trip to Torquay United.
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David Pipe has joined Cheltenham Town on loan
Cheltenham are without a match tomorrow due to their early exit in the FA Cup first round at Torquay.
Wales international Pipe is a powerful and direct wide player, who is also comfortable at right-back - a position that has been troublesome for Cheltenham all season.
The 26-year-old has not appeared for Rovers since being arrested after an alleged incident in Bristol city centre and he remains on police bail.
Pipe signed for the Pirates in July 2007 in a £50,000 move from Notts County.
He was suspended indefinitely by Rovers in September, but Schofield says he was given a glowing reference by ex-County boss Steve Thompson.
"I have done my homework on David and people can't speak highly enough of him as a lad and as a hardworking foot soldier of a player," Schofield said.
"He is also versatile enough to play in the centre of midfield as well as on the right so he will be a valuable addition to the squad.
"He has a good pedigree at both League One and League Two level having tasted promotion with Bristol Rovers.
"He will give us some important experience and further competition for places."
Pipe had made 10 appearances this season for Rovers before his arrest.
He has also represented Coventry City, making more than 20 appearances for the Sky Blues.
The up and coming Eastham, 18, will provide defensive cover with Michael Townsend and Lee Ridley both sidelined with calf injuries.
Eastham, 6ft 3ins, is a product of the Blackpool youth system and spent time on loan at Blue Square North club Hyde United earlier this term.
An experienced free agent has also been invited to train with the Robins and a deal could still be struck, due to the player in question not being bound by transfer window regulations.
Schofield has made four additions since taking over from suspended manager Martin Allen and the ex-Lincoln City boss is now odds-on favourite to fill the role on a permanent basis when Allen's departure is confirmed.
He guided the Robins to their first win in 12 matches on Tuesday night when Barnet were defeated 5-1, equalling the club's highest home Football League victory. Schofield led Lincoln City to the League Two play-offs in 2007,
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by michael, glos
Saturday, November 28 2009, 2:05PM
“Crikey Steve - you're another one !! Mind you the 'C&G end' slackjaws have always thought they were the only real fans in the ground - after all they have the best foul language and brainless chants. Tell everyone with an opinion opposite to yours that they should go and support someone else. Brilliant - except, on that logic, there will be about 900 'real fans' there for every home game before long.”
by Steve, C&G Ender Forever
Friday, November 27 2009, 7:19PM
“Jon & Dan
It really is time for you both to move on. The truth is you probably have never been true supporters of CTFC ever,so you really won't be missing too much.
Why don't you just run away together and support some little amateur club where if you don't turn up on Saturday you will be sorely missed as opposed to CTFC where you will never be missed.
Whilst we are desperate for more support, unfortunately we are a little fussy and we don't need the likes of those who are permanently negative.
Yes, I suppose I would like Jose Mourinho or Arsene Wenger or even Steve Cotterell, but that aint going to happen, So if it is JS then we had better like it and get on with supporting the robins.
Oh, sorry that there will not be a blog that you can moan on for the team that you will be supporting unless of course you want to support Gloucester City. In fact that's not a bad idea. Why don't we send all our negative fans over there. Unfortunately I am not too sure where over there is as they don't have a ground.
There you are Jon and Dan there is your first moan. Sack the board of Gloucester City as we don't have a ground.
Goodbye boys have a good time on Saturdays.”
by michael, glos
Friday, November 27 2009, 4:47PM
“Clive - what a burke you sound when your answer is 'we don't want fans like you, go and support someone else.' WHEN WILL THE LIKES OF YOU EVER LEARN THAT THE CLUB DOES NEED FANS 'LIKE HIM' BECAUSE THEY NEED EVERYONE - their job is to give people a product that they will come back to and enjoy and pay their money to watch. According to the likes of you the club only has 122 'real fans' because that;s how many had so little to occupy themselves that they went to the last away game when the team were rubbish, lacklustre and apparently couldn't give a damn. That doesn't make you a real fan that makes you a real sad case”
by intheknow, Glos
Friday, November 27 2009, 4:25PM
“I'm fairly certain that we'll see Schofield given the job, for the next 6 months anyway. With him at the helm we will be safe from the drop. Still probably finish bottom half, but hey - that's not his fault. Schoey is one of the good guys. The dressing room is a happy place again now that the clown has gone (and good riddance). I agree that we should rally around JS to the end of the season and take it from there.”
by ken, pebwoth
Friday, November 27 2009, 3:43PM
“northern robin what a pleasure to read somebody talking sence i agree withevey thing said ken pebworth”