Steve Cotterill returns to Cheltenham Town: legendary coach takes over the club after 23 years.

Steve Cotterill returns to Cheltenham Town

According to The Sun: Steve Cotterill has become the head coach of Cheltenham Town again, returning to the club after a 23-year absence.

The 61-year-old manager has been appointed until the summer of 2028, which came as a surprise to many fans.

He had refused to return earlier but now believes the time is right Getty

Cotterill previously led Cheltenham from the Southern Premier Division to the Football League between 1997 and 2002, replacing Michael Flynn, who was sacked 10 days ago due to a poor start to the season.

After being dismissed from Forest Green Rovers in June, Cotterill has the task of turning around a team that has won only one of ten matches, scoring just four goals.

Club chairman David Blockham noted:

“I am very pleased to confirm that Steve Cotterill is returning to us as manager. Many did not believe these words, but after discussions, we all feel that the time has come.”

Aaron Downs, who temporarily took charge during the 1-7 defeat to Grimsby, will now leave this position.

Cotterill is a Cheltenham legend, having overseen the most successful period in the club's history, including three promotions and an FA Trophy win in 1998.

In his four seasons as head coach, he lifted the team from obscurity to the Football League.

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In 2009, he refused to return to Cheltenham, saying:

“My heart said yes, but my head said no.”

Now both of his inner voices are in unanimous agreement.

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Cotterill's return also signifies a renewed collaboration with the club's new owner Mick Harford, who took over Cheltenham on August 23.

In the past, they worked together at Burnley, where Cotterill was a coach, and Harford spent 17 years at the club.

Since leaving Cheltenham, Cotterill has worked at various EFL clubs, achieving promotion with Notts County and Bristol City, winning the League One title and the EFL Trophy in 2015 with the latter.

He has also managed Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth, Birmingham City, and Shrewsbury Town.

The start of the season has been disappointing for Cheltenham: the team has only scored four goals in ten matches, leading to growing frustration among fans.

Football director Gary Johnson also resigned three days before Flynn's dismissal.

With a new manager and owner, Cheltenham hopes for improved results in the upcoming matches and a return to competitive play in the leagues.