Cheltenham Town



Odds: 100/1









Last Five Seasons

2005/06 - 5 (League Two, Promoted), 2004/05 - 14 (League Two), 2003/04 - 14 (League Two), 2002/03 - 21 (League One, Relegated), 2001/02 - 4 (League Two, Promoted).



2005/06 Cup Progress

FA Cup Fourth Round vs Newcastle United (h) - lost 1-0.

Carling Cup Second Round vs Sunderland (a) - lost 1-0.

Football League Trophy Southern Section Semi Final vs Colchester United (a) - lost 1-0.



Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Kayode Odejayi (striker) - 13 goals.



Players Out

Michael Taylor (Halifax Town - Free), Gary Bradshaw (North Ferriby United - Free), Scott Musgrove (Stamford - Free).



Cheltenham Town won promotion to League One via the play offs at the expense of Grimsby Town and manager John Ward feels they are better equipped to compete in the division than last time around. The club's only experience at this level was in 2002/03 but they were relegated straight back to the dungeon after one season. However, narrow defeats against Newcastle United and Sunderland in the FA and Carling Cup's last season will fill the club with optimism for next season's challenge.



Ward has been promised transfer funds by Chairman Paul Baker he also warned that a mass influx of players would not occur. At the time of writing, no new players have joined the Whaddon Road outfit, but several players and management have pledged their futures to the newly promoted club.



Assistant manager Keith Downing has agreed a fresh contract extension, believed to be a three year deal, while Ward recently signed a new five year contract. Both have been courted by other clubs but have pledged their foreseeable futures to the Robins.



Striker Steve Guinan has also committed himself to a further season at the club after early negotiations appeared to break down and Guinan himself stated he was "desperately unhappy" at the prospect of only a one year deal.



Defender Jamie Victory has also been offered a short term contract as he steps up his recovery from groin surgery and hopes he can extend his stay with the Robins.



One player who has departed the club is defender Michael Taylor, who has joined Conference play-off losers Halifax Town. The 23 year old, who started his career at Blackburn Rovers, spent two years at Whaddon Road and ended last season with a loan spell at Forest Green Rovers.



Verdict

Arguably one of the weaker teams in League One next season, Cheltenham Town could emulate the 2002/03 campaign which saw them bow out after one season. You can back them at 9/4 to be relegated.

By: David Walker

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David Walker runs UK Betting free bet and UK poker websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.