This weekend the Cheltenham Town Former Players Association has invited back two Robins greats in Keith Knight and Jimmy Smith to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.
Once competitors for the right-wing position in the FA Trophy final victory at Wembley in 1998, both players played a huge part in the run that led to victory over Southport and promotion to the Football League the following season.
Cheltenham-born Knight was Steve Cotterill’s first signing in January 1997 and played an immediate part in the club’s successful push for promotion out of the Southern League Premier Division.
He then helped the Robins finish second in the Conference the following season, coupled with the FA Trophy success, before also contributing heavily as the club won the top tier of non-league in 1999.
Having also turned out for professional side Reading, BV Veendam in the Netherlands and Cheltenham’s rivals Gloucester City – his return to Whaddon Road came after starting in the junior ranks.
During his time with the Robins, Knight achieved three personal aims – to play professional football, to play for England and to play at Wembley.
Knight’s former team-mate Jimmy Smith was another one of Cotterill’s main men in the FA Trophy match, coming off the bench to win the free-kick that resulted in the winner.
He was signed permanently by Lindsay Parsons after impressing on loan from Salisbury City and enjoyed a thoroughly prolific spell at Whaddon Road.
The Scotsman remains Cheltenham Town’s second highest goal-scorer in history behind Dave Lewis with 131 goals, a tally he chalked up after seven successful seasons south of the border in Gloucestershire.
FPA Chairman Simon Goodwin said: “It’s fantastic to have both Keith and Jimmy back at the stadium this weekend.
“It’s also great to have them both with us 20 years after that historic day at Wembley, I’m sure the fans will give them a warm welcome on Saturday.”
Both players will be on the pitch at half-time during the Stevenage game make sure you join us and see two Robins greats back on ‘home’ turf.