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.

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.