Football was supposed to enter a new era at the start of season 2001-2002. The ITV Digital and new Sky TV deals lifted the wealth within the game to previously unimagined levels. Football could do no wrong and people were falling over themselves to throw money at it...

Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill took advantage of the extra cash by expanding the size of his squad and adding experienced new players in the shape of goalkeeper Carl Muggleton, defenders Steve Jones and Keith Hill, midfielder Lee Williams and striker Tony Naylor.The latter player arrived on the eve of the season following a lengthy transfer saga amid much excitement. The former Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale player was among the highest profile players to have joined the club in recent years and he certainly did not disappoint.

After a shaky start to the season of three draws and three defeats - cue much wailing and nashing of teeth among supporters - the team embarked upon a remarkable run of only three defeats in their next 30 League games.The run co-incided with some subtle adjustments to the team including the switch of Michael Duff to the centre of defence and introduction of Lee Williams on the right-hand side of midfield.The trickery and crossing of Williams combined with the skills of Russell Milton on the left and the brilliance of Naylor all helped to bring the best out of target man Julian Alsop.
The 'little and large' partnership of Alsop and Naylor went on to claim 44 goals in all competitions and was probably the biggest single factor in the team's success.

Allied to a steady improvement in League form was an FA Cup run that surpassed anything the club had previously known. Although fortunate to be drawn against Dr Martens League opposition in the first two rounds, the ties were both away from home and potentially more difficult than may have seemed. Both Kettering Town and Hinckley United were despatched with relative efficiency but it was the third round 2-1 defeat of Oldham Athletic that made history and propelled the team into the fourth round for the first time ever.

In round four a crowd of 7,400 - the second biggest in the history of Whaddon Road - witnessed a momentous 2-1 win over first division Burnley. The only disappointment was a fifth round draw that avoided either a Premiership giant or the possibility of a big television payday. The trip to West Bromwich Albion was nevertheless one to be enjoyed, and 5,500 Robins fans made the short journey to witness a gallant 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Premiership-bound Baggies.With the cup run finally over the focus returned to League action and the race for the third automatic promotion spot.

Both Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town had pulled away from the rest of the pack and in the end it was a straight fight between the Robins and Mansfield Town for the third slot. The decisive game took place on a warm Tuesday night at Field Mill when a raucous crowd watched The Stags win a thrilling game 2-1. Cheltenham could still have gone up automatically had they won at Carlisle United in the penultimate game but a stalwart performance from the home goalkeeper kept them at bay.

A 2-0 defeat at Plymouth on the final day consigned them to the play-offs and a two legged semi-final against Hartlepool United.

There was very little to choose between the sides over both legs, although Cheltenham were indebted to the legend Neil Grayson - who had not been a regular during the main body of the season - for a late equaliser at Victoria Park that set up a tense return game at Whaddon Road. This match also finished 1-1 and went to a penalty shoot-out. The decisive moment came when Hartlepool midfielder Paul Stephenson smashed his kick against the bar and Cheltenham were through to the final.

There were only six days to prepare for the Millennium Stadium but after a spell of frantic but ultimately rewarding activity, the Robins overcame their old foes Rushden & Diamonds 3-1. Goals from Martin Devaney, Julian Alsop and John Finnigan set the seal on a truly remarkable season and elevated the team to yet another level.

Other notable events of the season included a first full international call-up to the Northern Ireland squad for Michael Duff - making him the first Cheltenham player to win a full cap while at the club - although there was a less happy experience for long-serving midfielder Lee Howells. He suffered a broken leg during the 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers and Steve Cotterill was forced to move into the transfer market to sign John Finnigan as an immediate replacement.

November also saw the opening of the brand new 2000-seater In2Print Stand along the Wymans Road side of the ground. The facility was built at a cost of £1.25million and brought the ground to within Football League requirements.

Player of the Year: Julian Alsop

Top goalscorer(s):  (26) Julian Alsop

Most appearances (all comps): (57) Jamie Victory

Nationwide Division 3: 4th - 78pts Promoted via play-offs.

Average home league attendance: 4,074

League Cup: R1 - Bristol City

FA Cup: R5 - West Brom

LDV Vans Trophy: R2 - Cambridge United