It was confirmed on Tuesday that Charlie Raglan had become a permanent member of the Cheltenham Town squad after impressing in his half-season loan at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium from Oxford United.
The defender, who can name Chesterfield, Port Vale and FC United of Manchester among his former clubs, has agreed a two-year deal to continue his stay with the Robins.
Michael Duff was very happy to get his man and Raglan himself is delighted to have the opportunity to make a name for himself in a Cheltenham shirt as a full-time part of the club moving forward.
Was Cheltenham Town always going to be the place where you wanted to sign?
I think having come in during January my stock wasn’t very high if you like. I hadn’t played many games; I was desperate to play and was grateful for the opportunity. I suppose I was fortunate to play the amount of games I have done. I’ve learnt so much – I’ve enjoyed it with the manager, I enjoyed it with the players, enjoy the club, so I was delighted when they came to me and said they wanted me to stay as a permanent player. I was happy to do it.
Would you say that your time at Cheltenham almost made your season?
Yes – my season started on January 19 at Carlisle. I can’t take away the few games I did play for Oxford but I was desperate to play more games and I just wanted that opportunity to play. I knew that I needed to play elsewhere and to come to a place like Cheltenham I couldn’t have asked for anymore. I said that after a few games, I knew that I was at the right place.
What is it about this Cheltenham squad that appeals to you about being part of it again?
I think the group of blokes in the dressing room is the first thing. Most people would say it but it’s genuinely a good group of lads. There are no idiots to use a nicer word, and they’re all honest players. We’re all going to make mistakes – we are where we are – but we work hard every day. I’ve never seen anyone cut a corner and I know that’s a big belief of the manager as it should be. I knew I was with a good group at a good club – I couldn’t ask for anymore for me to sign permanently for two years. I’m delighted.
The manager wants to keep the group together, you’re an important part of that, would it be nice to walk back into a similar looking dressing room when it comes to late June?
The group I’ve been a part of they welcomed me with open arms. We did quite well over that period and I loved being with those lads. It’s always the case at this level or I suppose any level that the changeover is big when players come and go. It’s happened to me in my short career. I know that there will be players added to the dressing room and team but I’m sure the manager and staff will be looking towards quality and improving the squad and keeping that group and culture that’s been created in the last six months to a year.
In terms of your age, would you say that you’re coming into a really good time to be playing regularly?
I’ve been saying for a while that you’re desperate to play regularly and people say you should be patient, but in the grand scheme of it it’s been ten years since I first signed a full-time contract. You are desperate to play and to make the most of the time you’ve got as soon as possible. I’m desperate to play regularly.
Having committed yourself to the next two seasons it’s a good opportunity for you now to enjoy the summer and get ready for the new season?
It’s a positive and if you ask any player it is nice to have your immediate future sorted in terms of knowing where you’re going to be and you can plan the little things that go on in any persons life. As a player it’s a chance to reflect on the season just gone and look forward to the next one – looking after the body and also enjoying your time off with your family and friends. It’s a good period when you know what’s happening. I’ll go on holiday and then come back fresh and raring to go.
- Player sponsorship for Raglan and other members of the first team squad is now available for the 2019/20 season. Email luke.saunders@ctfc.com to find out more.
- Season tickets are also now on sale for the 2019/20 League Two season. The early bird deadline ends on 31 May and adult prices have been cut, under-16s receive a free shirt and there’s a new age category for 16 to 22-year olds. To find out more and to get your season ticket click here.