Following the turbulent and ultimately disappointing 2008-09 campaign manager Martin Allen wanted to embark upon a fresh start in the summer of 2009.
Striker Justin Richards and winger David Hutton arrived early in the summer and there was another surprise addition to the squad following the opening pre-season friendly with Bishop's Cleeve. Former Robins legend Julian Alsop impressed enough when playing for Cleeve to be offered the chance to train with the club. This led to a monthly contract and once Alsop had proved his fitness and hunger for the game he went on to stay for the entire season, breaking the club's Football League goal-scoring record previously held by Martin Devaney and winning the supporters player of the year award along the way.
Former Swindon midfielder Michael Pook and veteran striker Barry Hayles also signed, along with player-goalkeeping coach Barry Richardson and the first of several loan signings in striker Tom Denton and Australian Under-20 international Oliver Bozanic.
Allen took the players to an Army camp for pre-season training and early results suggested that the summer planning and preparation would pay off with three wins and four draws from the opening eight games, although first round exits were suffered in both the Carling Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Things began to go wrong with a heavy defeat at Aldershot Town at the end of September and a home reverse against Shrewsbury Town a week later. By then Bozanic and influential defender Shane Duff had both succumbed to long-term injuries and although a 1-1 draw at home to eventual champions Notts County provided some encouragement, the following week's 4-0 thumping at Accrington Stanley allied with further injury setbacks left the manager and team facing considerable pressure.
Allen's last game in charge was a 2-1 home defeat by Macclesfield Town and following allegations in the local newspaper regarding an incident in the town centre he was placed on garden leave by the club. Although cleared of any wrongdoing by both the club and the police after a lengthy investigation, a settlement was agreed over the remainder of his contract and Allen parted company with Cheltenham Town after 13 months in charge.
Assistant manager John Schofield was given the reins and although the team produced some promising performances during nine matches under the former Lincoln City boss only one victory was achieved - a 5-1 win over Barnet that featured two goals from young Stoke City loanee Ben Marshall. The team also suffered some terrible luck in the FA Cup. Leading 1-0 at Torquay thanks to a debut first team goal from Theo Lewis, the referee awarded a harsh penalty and dismissed Lee Ridley for handball. The red card was subsequently overturned by the FA but Torquay went on to win the match 3-1 and another potentially money-spinning cup run was over at the first hurdle.
During Schofield's time in charge some useful players were recruited on loan including Marshall, midfielder Joss Labadie and defenders David Pipe and Ashley Eastham. Further improvements were made shortly after Christmas when another new management team was put in place. Schofield returned to be assistant manager with former Robins midfield legend Mark Yates recruited from Kidderminster Harriers to manage the team. He brought with him his Kidderminster coach and another former Cheltenham player, Neil Howarth.
A change of leadership and playing style brought about a notable win at Dagenham & Redbridge and the squad was further strengthened with the arrival of Matt Thornhill from Nottingham Forest and Danny Andrew from Peterborough United. Performances improved but positive results remained difficult to achieve and the team was held to a series of draws or suffered narrow defeats with home form proving a particular concern.
The turning point arrived on March 13 with a remarkable game at Burton Albion. Trailing 5-3 with only three minutes left on the clock, Cheltenham somehow came up with three goals to win 6-5 and earn themselves not only three points but also a large injection of confidence that they could pull clear of the relegation zone.
Two wins over the Easter weekend and a 5-2 win over Bury at the Abbey Business Stadium virtually assured Football League survival, although this was not a mathematical certainty until a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley on the final day of the season.
2009-10 may have been a deeply disappointing campaign in which Cheltenham Town sailed far too close to relegation for anyone's liking. However, the club ended the season in better shape off the field than for some time and with manager Mark Yates keen to re-shape his team over the summer, there was finally cause for some cautious optimism.
Player of the Year: Julian Alsop
Top goalscorer(s): (15) Justin Richards
Most appearances (all comps): (46) Scott Brown
Coca-Cola League Two: 22nd - 48pts
Average home league attendance: 3,186
League Cup: R1 - Southend United
FA Cup: R1 - Torquay United
Johnstone's Paint Trophy: R1 - Torquay United
