Schofield is the man to lead Cheltenham Town revival
SHOULD the departure of Cheltenham Town manager Martin Allen be confirmed early next week, the best candidate to succeed him is already in place, writes Jon Palmer.
Whoever takes charge of the Robins between now and next May must undertake the critical task of safeguarding the club's Football League status.
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Relegation to League Two was disappointing, but to drop out of the League altogether would be disastrous.
Acting boss John Schofield has the respect of the players and he is a genuine workaholic.
He is not someone who spends his time talking about what he plans to do rather than fulfilling those promises.
Schofield may not be a household name, but on the last two occasions Cheltenham have opted to appoint a 'personality', they have been forced to take a massive step back, leaving someone else to pick up the pieces.
John Ward rescued the Robins from an alarming slide after Bobby Gould's erratic tenure and if Allen departs, it is going to take a monumental effort to repair the damage done to the squad as well as the club's reputation off the pitch.
Schofield knows how to conduct himself respectfully, what to say and what to keep to himself, and his early additions have captured the imagination far more than many of the nondescript and unnecessary signings made by Allen.
Sceptics may point to the fact that the past two appointments of former number twos, Graham Allner and Keith Downing, have been unsuccessful.
But Schofield has greater experience of first-team management at League level, having guided Lincoln to the play-offs.
Like Ward and Downing, Schofield understands the ethos of the club as well as its limitations. He has conducted himself impeccably in difficult circumstances.
With little money on offer for another clear-out, Schofield should be handed the reins.
He has the knowledge and contacts to lead the Robins' resurgence.
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by Plank, Planksville
Monday, November 30 2009, 5:18PM
“I think it's true about the presents- top of the list was 'Guess Who', followed by (I haven't a) Cluedo.....”
by tony, cheltenham
Monday, November 30 2009, 3:46PM
“But has Darren REALLY been buying presents for his kids ? Nothing else he has told us has had the slightest ring of truth to it so how can we be sure ?”
by Pete, Chelt
Monday, November 30 2009, 12:42PM
“Im not convinced by Schofield yet, however its only going to be either him or Allen as manager and I think Id rather Schofield!
And can we please have a journo that isnt a boring bias idiot? Russell Milton will do!”
by Clive, Evesham
Monday, November 30 2009, 11:11AM
“Forget SK & SC no point getting excited about possibilities lets keep our feet on the ground and accept what we have and make the best of it.
JS is trying without getting up peoples noses, the team are reasonably happy with him Tuesday it's Torquay we have been stuffed by them a couple of times lets see how we do this time, its a good way to judge JS and Team Spirit.
I know there will be three of us there watching.
3 Points Please Robins.”
by Edwards45, Texas
Monday, November 30 2009, 9:09AM
“Darren, that is the lamest excuse I have ever heard. For weeks and weeks you have been trying to hammer down peoples throats about the SK and SC dream team cavalry coming over the hill to save us. You said, "trust me, this IS going to happen" and now you've come up with your theory about why Keswick left in the first place and how its not going to happen now!!!!? The reason Simon Keswick left, is when the media caught hold of how much SK's family business and Simon himself was worth. I was guilty of it myself, telling people at work, when I had to take the **** taking after we had a bad result, I would come back and say, "dont worry lads CTFC are the 9th richest club in the country because of Keswick". Then on this very site you had near enough everyone calling for him to put his hand in his pocket and rescue us. All he ever wanted to do was just come and watch his football, but he was denied that because he wasnt left alone, all because he a few quid in his back burner.
DARREN, time to get your coat.”
by Darren, Whaddon
Sunday, November 29 2009, 10:22PM
“If Paul Baker really wanted to sell he wouldn't get much from it at the moment as its a business in free fall i think he'd be lucky to get £1mil for the club. Myself personally i think he has taken the club as far as he can. How about David Gold or David Sullivan as new money men they are looking for a new club and they have billions. Why doesn't he try and get them in or someone like them if he is interested in saving our great club?”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Sunday, November 29 2009, 10:15PM
“Brilliant stuff Jon - MA totally slammed!! The final nails in MA's reign as CTFC manager hammered down tightly - 1 of the best articles I've ever read!
As for JS - we don't really have any choice but to give hin the job 'til the end of the season. I think he will steer us to mid-table safety.From there, it's up to the board - who do they want to take us back to League 1? Or more importantly, who we will be able to afford come next summer?”
by Darren, Whaddon
Sunday, November 29 2009, 10:13PM
“The reason i've not said anything on here for a few days is because i have been busy buying christmas presents for my kids. Not that i need to explain myself to anybody.
The deal with Keswick fell through as he refused to pay for Paul Bakers mistakes. That is why he left in the 1st place. He was fed up of bailing the board out all the time. So now its no for Keswick no for Cotterill and no new big name players. If schofield gets the job time will tell how good he really is. 1 result doesn't make a relegation worry go away but it helps All the wembley fans and mill stadium and newcastle game so called supporters are like a broken pair of stockings. They fall when things are broken. I'm still going to go to the games home and away and put as much money into the club as i can afford and support the team as i do every week.”
by michael, glos
Sunday, November 29 2009, 8:21PM
“There's an old saying which, hard as I try, I cannot quite bring to mind. Something about 'if you can only afford to pay peanuts, all you get is .......' No, I just can't remember the end. Anyone finish it off ?”
by Edwards45, Texas
Sunday, November 29 2009, 7:21PM
“Yes Nesty, funny how Darren has gone awfully quiet lately. I think some like to think they're important or have loads of friends if they are spouting BS. It might still happen you know, but I very much doubt it.”