We take a look through the sides that we will come up against in League Two next season.
Who Are They?
Founded in 1877, Cheltenham Town spent the first three decades of their existence in local leagues. Then, in 1930, the club turned professional and it has remained that way since. After working their way up the leagues, the Robins were promoted to the Conference in 1985, but seven years later they suffered relegation. However, they returned to the top tier of non-league football in 1997 and just two years after they reached the Football League.
Two mid-table finishes followed in the fourth tier before they earned promotion to what is now League One, the highest division the club has competed in. Since then, Cheltenham have established themselves as a Football League side despite a one-season absence during 2015/16, a campaign which saw them win the Conference title. Now back in League Two, the Robins are looking to stabilise once more.
How Did They Perform Last Season?
The Robins' first season back in the Football League proved a challenging one, but they managed to avoid relegation back to the Conference by a margin of four points. Under Gary Johnson's guidance, Cheltenham finished in 21st position with a tally of 50 points. With a busy summer expected at Whaddon Road, they will want to better that in the upcoming season.
As well as earning survival, Town made the second round of the EFL Cup before losing 2-0 versus Championship side Newcastle United at St James' Park. After defeating Crewe Alexandra at the second attempt in the FA Cup first round, a shock defeat to Sutton United ended that run at the second round stage. They did go one step further in the Checkatrade Trophy, however, as they narrowly lost to Bradford City in the third round.
Our Last Meeting
The two sides last met on the 29th March 2013 in a League Two fixture at Vale Park. With both teams pushing for promotion to League One, the supporters were treated to an afternoon of excitement as a five-goal thriller went the Valiants' way. Hat-trick hero Tom Pope's goal scoring exploits proved decisive on the day, but Cheltenham ensured it wasn't an easy ride for the hosts.
Pope did pull Vale ahead during the first period and that goal separated the sides at the break. However, Mark Yeates' Cheltenham rallied to equalise and then take the lead to force Vale to come from behind. A second headed goal from Pope levelled things once again before the talismanic striker fired in his 30th goal of the season to secure all three points. The win saw Vale remain second in League Two, whilst Cheltenham stayed fifth.
How To Get There
- Head to the M6 south then join M5.
- Exit the M5 at junction 10 and follow road (A4019 towards Cheltenham).
- Proceed through the traffic Lights, until you come to large a roundabout (There is a PC World and McDonalds).
- Turn left and continue for 500 yards up the road. You will come to double mini-roundabout which you should cross straight over.
- Continue for around 300 yards then turn right into Swindon Lane and then follow this road over a level crossing and two mini roundabouts until you reach a larger roundabout.
- Take the Prestbury exit (Straight across) and continue past the racecourse and turn right onto Albert Road following this until you’re at the roundabout.
- Turn left into Prestbury Road and after around 200 yards turn right onto Whaddon Road.
By Train
You can also get to Whaddon Road via train.
The nearest railway station to the stadium is Cheltenham which is over two miles away and approximately a 35-minute walk to the ground. Getting a taxi to complete your journey is advised.
Odds On Promotion
According to Sky Bet, Cheltenham Town are 9/1 to get promoted from League Two this season. They are also ranked at 40/1 to lift the league title.