Cheltenham Town FC

Cheltenham Town Media & Communications Manager Jon Palmer has left the club to take up the position of Sports Editor at Gloucestershire Media.

Jon, after nine years as a football writer for the Echo, joined the club 11 months ago and has been a real asset to the club.

He is a popular figure within the club, liked and respected by all of the staff and players alike.

Skipper Aaron Downes reflected on his time working with Jon, " I've only been at the club a few months now but Jon has been nothing but a pleasure to work with. You can tell he has a genuine love for the club and always puts Cheltenham Town's best interest first.

"He works hard and is thought of very fondly by both players and staff. He is a loss to Cheltenham Town but a definite gain for the Echo. All players and staff at the club want to wish Jon all the best in the future and look forward to seeing him back at the World of Smile Stadium soon."

Jon, a lifelong Robins fan is sad to be leaving, but excited for what is to come," I have thoroughly enjoyed my 11 months working for Cheltenham Town, particularly since Gary Johnson and Russell Milton have been in charge. It has also been a pleasure to work for the chairman Paul Baker, who never has anything other than the club's best interests at heart. 

"I was so happy to bow out on a high note, with Monday's excellent televised win over Wrexham, including one of the goals of the season from Amari Morgan-Smith. The current group of players have been a joy to work with and I am confident they are in for an enjoyable and successful season together.

"The opportunity to return to Gloucestershire Media, where I spent nine happy years before leaving to join the Robins, was impossible to turn down, but I am glad to have experienced working for the team I grew up supporting and I wish everyone at the club every success for the future."

Chairman Paul Baker sat down with ctfc.com to discuss Jon's immense impact on the club, "He has been absolutely superb, leaving the echo to join us at a very difficult time. I think he had the job from hell to be honest, trying to put a positive light on what was happening at the football club last season, working under different managers and obviously ending in relegation.

"He didn't have the best of luck in terms of timing but he certainly enjoyed his time with us in the close season and the beginning of this season with Gary. He's got a fantastic career opportunity as the Sports Editor at Gloucestershire Media and I wish him well with that.

"Thank you Jon for everything you have done for the Football Club, the dedication you have shown, the hours you have put in have been fantastic and I'm sorry to see you go."

Jon is also a popular member of the community, with many fans taking to twitter and Facebook to thank him.

Everybody here at Cheltenham Town would like to thank Jon for all of his hard work and look forward to welcoming him back to the World of Smile Stadium in his new role with Gloucestershire Media.

Watch Paul Baker's thank you to Jon here: