Cheltenham Town FC squad

ROBINS ON THE RISE

Formed in 1887 by a teacher from Cheltenham, Mr Albert Close White, Cheltenham Football Club spent their first three decades in local football. The club played most of its football in the Southern Leagues, but were interspersed with several successful campaigns which resulted in a Southern League Cup win accompanied by a number of near misses.

It was not until the mid 1990s that Cheltenham`s progress put them on the road to successful entry into the Football League. A 3-2 win over Yeovil Town sent them up as champions into the Football League. Although their start in the first season was fairly inauspicious, they recovered to narrowly miss qualifying for the play offs. Ninth place in 2000-2001, was followed by a much more successful season. Progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup, which included the defeat of second division opponents, Oldham Athletic and first division Burnley, was then topped by a win in the play off final to see Cheltenham Football Club promoted again.

LEAGUE ONE

Unfortunately, the following season proved to be disappointing resulting in relegation back to the newly named Coca Cola League Two for 2003-2004. A period of stabilisation for the club was then followed by another promotion year in 2005-2006. A 1-0 win over Grimsby Town at the Millenium Stadium took the Robins into League One. Playing against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Millwall, Cheltenham produced a successful half to the season to ensure they would be staying put for another year. A double over Leeds United and a final day win over promotion chasing Doncaster Rovers ensured Cheltenham a place for the following season.

Despite a slow start to 2008-2009, the Robins faithful will be hoping that their team can start their regular surge up the table in the second half of the season. The club now makes the most of the opportunities presented to it as a member of the Football League. Corporate sales, including sponsorship suite, hospitality boxes and club shop and Community Development all play a part in the forward thinking of the club. The club has a loyal support base, and on match days in a full to capacity award winning Whaddon Road ground the opposition know they have a game on their hands.

Cheltenham Football Club has a long history as a valued part of the local community and in the last decade has moved into the football big time. You can keep up to date with all the football news by following England football news, and track The Robins as they aim for the top.