Ian Weston admits it was an easy choice to remain part of the Cheltenham Town backroom staff.
The summer is always full of transfer news and gossip but undoubtedly one of the most important contract renewals is that of Senior Sports Therapist, Ian Weston.Ian has been a part of the the club's backroom staff for eleven years now and he recently signed a new two year contract which will keep him working at the club until 2015 at least.
'Weso' is part of the furniture here at the Abbey Business Stadium and there have been moments in the past when he could have moved on but he admitted that his love for the club keeps him motivated.
"I love the club and I love working for Cheltenham Town," he said.
"I'm delighted to have signed a new two year deal because I have a great relationship with everyone here at the club. I've been here for a fair few years now and I've seen us evolve into an established league club. Now we are aiming to kick on for promotion and to become an established League One club."
The former Bristol Rovers and Torquay footballer has come into a lot pf praise recently and especially from Robins chief Mark Yates. Carefully planned training patterns have enabled the more experienced players to play maximum games and limited injuries have ensured Cheltenham Town have been a strong force in the division in recent years.
It has been a rare occasion that a long term injury has been dealt with in Weso's physio room and Ian admitted that it was a personal success although he couldn't hide his disappointment that the club had missed out on promotion last season.
"It's pleasing to see that all our players have made a considerable contribution last season," he explained.
"The number of Steve Elliott's appearances was very pleasing but I'm like everyone else around the club and the supporters. There was disappointment not to achieve promotion and I feel that as well. It overshadows the personal achievements a little because ultimately our aim is to always get ourselves into League One.
"Personally it was a good season but it is a team effort."
Eleven years is a long time and Weso has work under numerous managers during that time including Bobby Gould and John Ward. He first came to the club under the guidance of Graham Allner and is role in the backroom staff has continue to evolve.
Ian isn't just a physio but he is a major player in the management team when it comes to tactical decisions and player recruitment.
"The role has developed and evolved over the years," he explained.
"I think I've taken bits from all the managers I have worked with and I think that has helped me to improve over the years. I will always have an opinion on matters if I'm asked and I do have a bigger role in the day to day training these days."
Hard work is underway ahead of the new season but Ian is off to Turkey for a holiday before pre-season kicks off in July.
Two consecutive seasons have seen Cheltenham Town just miss out on promotion into League One and plans are already underway to make it a third time lucky.Â
Weso has experienced promotions and relegations during his time with the club but he believes the club can achieve promotion once again under the leadership of Mark Yates and Neil Howarth.
"Promotion has to be the aim but that is the same for 23 other clubs," said Ian.
"Mark and Neil have done a terrific job considering the state of the club when they first joined. To get into the play-offs two years is running is a good achievement but we have to aim for the top three and we want a place in League One.
"I think the club is in a strong position now thanks to the Chairman and the board of directors so now is the time to really push for promotion."