Cotterill won't return – Baker
CHAIRMAN Paul Baker has denied reports linking Steve Cotterill with a sensational return to Cheltenham Town.
Cotterill has been seen at several of the Robins' recent matches and he has been out of football since leaving Burnley by mutual consent in November 2007.
The Cheltenham-born 45-year-old took over as manager of his hometown club in January 1997 and led the Robins to three promotions in six seasons before departing for Stoke City in the summer of 2002.
He went on to work as assistant manager to Howard Wilkinson at Sunderland before a spelling coaching at Leicester City before joining Burnley in 2004.
With manager Martin Allen currently on 'gardening leave' while an investigation into allegations over the racist abuse of a nightclub bouncer continues, there have been rumours that Cotterill could be set to help out the club that he loves.
Baker said he was unwilling to comment on the managerial position until the investigation into the incident involving Martin Allen has been completed.
However, the Gloucestershire Echo understands that Baker does not expect Cotterill to be in the running to vill any possible managerial vacancy.
Acting boss John Schofield watched his side hit back to claim a 1-1 draw at Port Vale on Saturday as life without Allen started on a positive note.
Schofield made three changes to his first starting XI, two of which were tactical as Theo Lewis and Julian Alsop were promoted to the team ahead of Justin Richards and Andy Gallinagh.
He also switched to a 4-3-3 formation and was satisfied with what he saw during his first match in charge.
Vale led through former Cheltenham transfer target Marc Richards' ninth minute goal, but a sweet strike from Michael Pook in the 66th minute earned the Robins a draw against Micky Adams' side.
"It was a good display and we mixed our game up well and adapted to what we wanted them to do," Schofield said
"Port Vale were five unbeaten before today and we had 13 shots at goal, so we've done okay.
"We could have done better as a team with their goal, but the attitude of the lads was fantastic."
Schofield is expected to be in charge for next weekend's home match against Crewe Alexandra and the former Lincoln City boss said he will carry on with his job until he is told otherwise.
"I have told the lads that it's normal time for training on Monday and I will be there doing this job unless I am told otherwise," he said.
"It has been a difficult week for us and it would have been easy for us to buckle, but the players are not that type of people. Everyone has dug in."
23 Comments
View all
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Tuesday, October 27 2009, 9:32AM
“I don't think Cotts will return to Chelt, I still think he has his sights on a top League 1 or Championship club. Although I've also seen Cotts at a couple of Chelt games, he's a local boy + obviously is still welcome by the chairman + board.
Also, as I've said before, and as others have alluded to on previous comments, having Cotts back may harm the legandary status he has acquired at WR. He would probably get us back to League 1 - but where from there? Unless the club has a massive invester + also increases it's average crowd to around 5,500 - 6,000, we will always struggle at League 1 level, no matter who is manager.
if MA is innocent, we will have to keep him on, if not, then we should stick with JS until end of season, see where we are (hopefully mid-table), then decide in the summer.”
by les, malvern
Tuesday, October 27 2009, 8:54AM
“Am i the only one who saw Mr Cotterill at Reading v Leicester yesterday sat with Tony Adams and Harry Redknapp? He may be out of football but he clearly still holds a level of credibility. I don't think he would want to damage his stock by coming to CTFC.”
by Peter, Cheltenham
Tuesday, October 27 2009, 8:14AM
“Steve Cotterill will never return to CTFC (I hope) Why do all you Cotterill fans out there think he has been out of work for 2 years,He has been blackballed by the league managers and owners because he is totally untrustworthy when it comes to honouring contracts. Cotterill has one interest ; Cotterill. He ruined any reputation he had when he walked out of Stoke and became unemployable that day. The biggest mistake Paul Baker could make would be to re-employ Cotterill and he knows it.Baker that is.Cotterill is history and even Sky dont want him, so forget him .”
by tony, cheltenham
Tuesday, October 27 2009, 3:49AM
“Just imagine the situation if it was suddenly announced that Allen was coming back ! There would be a riot, there would be no-one at the next home game, the bad atmosphere around the club would be unbearable. Schofield may not be as charismatic - not always a good thing, for charismatic read loudmouth - but it makes a refreshing change to hear sensible and considered post match comments from our 'manager'. By the way, I haven't forgotten the appalling way that Cotterill humiliated Dale Watkins when he was playing in a reserve match fighting his way back from injury. Cotterill did wonders at Whaddon Road but times have changed and moved on. Ever wondered why he has been out of football for two years and how many managerial vacancies there have been since then ? Just a thought”
by Charlie H, London
Tuesday, October 27 2009, 1:52AM
“It may be slightly early to say that John Schofield should be taking over permanently. He seems like a decent bloke although a bit uninspiring (although in fairness it's a bit difficult to judge from interviews).
It's also a bit difficult to judge from one result. The Port Vale match seemed like an improvement but there's often a bounce when caretaker managers take over.
Maybe give him a few games to prove himself. Since we're near the bottom, we can't afford to be appointing someone who is not up to the job, particularly as his previous managerial record is a bit mediocre.”