Cheltenham Town FC

Bobby was appointed as Robins manager in 2003 but he could not help survive relegation from League One and he eventually departed the club soon after the 2003-04 campaign was underway. He was also a West Ham striker back in his playing days making over 50 appearances between 1973 and 1975.

Now two of his former sides go head to head in the Capital One Cup and Bobby is expecting a competitive fixture.

"I managed Cheltenham in the year of 2003 and I quite enjoyed my time down there," he said.

"Mark Yates was actually my skipper and he's now the manager but he has gone on to perform some great miracles at a club the size of Cheltenham Town.

"West Ham should expect a very competitive game because Mark won't want his players to go there and freeze. 

"He'll want them to enjoy the experience but then again he will want them to win every game they play and I'm sure Sam Allardyce will be well aware of that situation. It's always nice to have a good cup run early in the season."

It will be the first competitive meeting between both sides and a third major cup match for Cheltenham Town in just three seasons.

Matches against Tottenham and Everton have been a treat for Cheltenham fans over the past two seasons and Bobby admitted that the financial revenue made from Tuesday's cup match at West Ham could prove to be massive for the Robins.

"This game will be colossal for Cheltenham Town," said Bobby.

"I'm also very pleased for the chairman, Mr. Baker because it will be important revenue and that's what smaller clubs benefit from. The players will benefit playing against top Premiership players and playing at a wonderful stadium. 

"The Cheltenham fans will be travelling in their numbers coming out of the Cotswolds, into London and I hope they don't get lost here!"