Baker is silent on Cotterill rumours
CHAIRMAN Paul Baker refused to comment yesterday on reports of a sensational return to Cheltenham Town for legendary manager Steve Cotterill.
The Daily Mail yesterday reported that Cotterill was "expected to expected to return to Cheltenham as manager if Martin Allen loses his battle to stay with the League Two club."
The Gloucestershire Echo contacted the Robins' chairman yesterday for his response to the report, but all Baker was prepared to say was, "no comment."
The club are expected to conclude their investigation into the incident involving current manager Martin Allen and allegations of verbal abuse directed at a nightclub bouncer early next week.
Last week, Gloucestershire police concluded their own investigation in to the incident and ruled that charges would not be pressed against the former MK Dons and Leicester City boss.
Until Allen's departure is officially confirmed by the club, or he resumes his duties as manager, the club said they were unable to comment on rumours or speculation.
Baker's silence was echoed by a statement released by the club, which said: "We regret that we are unable to comment at this stage.
"Martin Allen has been placed on garden leave but he is still the manager of Cheltenham Town Football Club, so anything in the media regarding his departure or a replacement is speculation."
With the Robins currently flirting with the League Two drop zone, the club will be keen to resolve the situation with the manager as quickly as possible.
Allen's assistant John Schofield has been given the role of acting manager until the future of Allen is officially resolved.
Schofield took on the role in time for the 1-1 draw with Port Vale last month and has also been in charge for the 4-0 defeat by Crewe Alexandra, the 3-1 FA Cup reverse at Torquay and Saturday's 1-1 draw at his former club Lincoln City.
It has been 11 games and more than two months since the Robins last tasted victory with a 1-0 success at Bury on September 12.
Since that win, the Robins have drawn four and lost six games and currently sit just four points above the League Two drop zone.
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by ctfc, chelt
Saturday, November 21 2009, 9:13PM
“Darren Whaddon is a half wit!!!!”
by rockinrobin, b/cleeve
Friday, November 20 2009, 6:06PM
“LOL chelt pete he says .......""Therefore you were wrong. Nothing for you to brag about young man. ""
you sound like brian clough pete ( young man ) `young man `being one of Brian Clough`s favourite expression......... now theres a type of manager we could do with right now :-)”
by Darrem, Whaddon
Friday, November 20 2009, 11:13AM
“When Cotts comes back next week he will soon sort out the shower that want to play for money and those that want to play for the shirt as soon as he does that i think a lot of players will be put straight on the transfer list including barry hayles, he will get rid of the rubbish loan players that get a wage from us and don't even get on the bench because they aint good enough! he will in time probably next season be pushing us for a promotion/ playoff place but lets not expect it as he has a lot to do lets get behind him 1000% and the players as martin allen has left him rubbish to deal with and its a total rebuilding job as i said support that mean when a player gives the ball away encourage and don't get on there backs with moaning and groaning every1 makes mistakes at work and don't get 2000 people shouting at them.
COME ON YOU ROBINS!!!!!!!!”
by Pete, Chelt
Thursday, November 19 2009, 8:49PM
“Darren, it was like 3 weeks ago when you stated Keswick had bought the club and Cotterill had signed a two year deal and it would be anounced a day or two after.
It didnt happen. It still might not happen now. And you were not the first to state that.
Therefore you were wrong. Nothing for you to brag about young man.”
by Robinsman, cheltenham
Thursday, November 19 2009, 8:03PM
“PS, i hope Paul Baker can get some respite after such a torrid couple of seasons.
He deserves it.
STILL THE BEST CHAIRMAN in the football league.
Good luck Paul we are right behind you.”
by Robinsman, cheltenham
Thursday, November 19 2009, 8:01PM
“Cant wait for the Barnet game.
At last there will be something for the fans to look forward to.
Forget your grievances and get back to the terraces on Tuesday.”
by Darren, Whaddon
Thursday, November 19 2009, 6:44PM
“i told you all so weeks ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now you know i aint gonna brag about being right......
Well actually i am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh Ah Stevie Cotterill”
by northway robin, northway robin
Thursday, November 19 2009, 5:59PM
“All steve c has to do to retain his legend status if he joins is keep us in the league and there are definitley 2 worse teams than us in this league (even at the moment). It wouldnt suprise me if an announcement is made after the morecombe game or on monday morning saying he is the new manager and just in time for the home game against barnet im sure that would swell the gate by 1000 at least.”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Thursday, November 19 2009, 5:51PM
“Only problem Steve - he could lose his reputation with the club if he doesn't meet most fans' expectations - if he does come in, let's not expect miracles too soon.
I wonder what the odds are on MA returning? Now that would be the comebacks of comebacks (not a popular 1 thou!).”
by steve, cheltenham
Thursday, November 19 2009, 5:44PM
“i think baker will care more about fans and get rid of him if allen comes back then i cant see many fans coming back and were get average attendance of 1900-2500 at the most. needs to be sorted out by barnet game its gone on to far.
i would love to see steve cotterill back and lets hope he does come back he needs a job and this is a good club for him as he wouldn't have to build up a reputation”