It’s every football fan’s favourite time of year and it’s now only 5 days away.
With Euro 2012, Wimbledon and the London Olympics all having taken place over the last few months, it has been a summer packed full of action for sporting fans across the country, however there’s little time to catch breath!
The 2012-13 Football League season kicks off this weekend and Cheltenham Town fans will know that there’s nothing quite like the excitement of a brand new beginning for their team. Mark Yates’ men begin at home to Dagenham & Redbridge this coming Saturday and expectations are higher than ever in the Robins camp.
After a remarkable campaign in 2011-12 which included an FA Cup trip to White Hart Lane and play-off heartache at Wembley, the team will be looking to go one better this time around.
The 2012-13 Football League season kicks off this weekend and Cheltenham Town fans will know that there’s nothing quite like the excitement of a brand new beginning for their team. Mark Yates’ men begin at home to Dagenham & Redbridge this coming Saturday and expectations are higher than ever in the Robins camp.
After a remarkable campaign in 2011-12 which included an FA Cup trip to White Hart Lane and play-off heartache at Wembley, the team will be looking to go one better this time around.
Supporters will be pleased that the majority of the squad have committed to the club once again for the new season. Luke Summerfield, Josh Low, Brian Smikle, Theo Lewis, David Bird and Andy Gallinagh are the only players to have moved on to pastures new whilst England goalkeeper Jack Butland, Everton defender Luke Garbutt and Huddersfield striker Jimmy Spencer have also returned to their parent clubs following successful loan spells with the Robins.
Having renewed contracts over the summer, the likes of Steve Elliott, Scott Brown, Jeff Goulding and Keith Lowe were key players for the Robins and their presence in the squad will once again be valuable.
It has been a busy transfer window for Mark Yates who has acted confidently to secure the services of several new arrivals.
Dynamic midfielder Sam Deering became Cheltenham’s first signing when he joined after being released by Barnet. Sam was quickly followed by experienced left back Billy Jones who turned down a new contract at Exeter City to join the Robins. A double striker swoop was completed when Bristol Rovers frontman Chris Zebroski signed a 2 year contract before Bury’s Shaun Harrad joined on a season long loan deal. Young goalkeeper Connor Roberts was also offered a contract after impressing on trial during pre-season.
We’ll be counting down to the season every day here on www.ctfc.com where you can find out information on the teams, players and managers to watch out for.
Click here to buy tickets for Saturday’s opening fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge.
Click here for information on 2012-13 season tickets.