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Match Previews

Preview: Shrewsbury Town

19 November 2021

Match Previews

Preview: Shrewsbury Town

19 November 2021

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Cheltenham Town welcome a Shrewsbury Town side managed by club legend Steve Cotterill to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm).

Cotterill's achievements in his time as manager of Cheltenham have set the platform for the Robins' historic Football League success over the last two decades.

But on Saturday any memories of what's gone on before for 90 minutes at least will be put to one side as the focus is on the here and now and another crucial three points that are up for grabs.

Unbeaten in five games, Michael Duff's men are in good shape, and Duff lines up for the first time as a manager against the boss who gave him his big break in the game.

Tickets are available to buy online. Buy before midnight on Friday to save £2 on matchday prices.

Team news

Ellis Chapman (pictured) will face a late fitness test to see if he is available after suffering a muscle injury at the start of the week.

Callum Wright, Taylor Perry, Will Boyle and Charlie Raglan remain out due to injury.

Media talk

Michael Duff insists his relationship with Steve Cotterill will be put to one side on Saturday as he does everything he can to lead his team to victory.

"It's just another game. Me and Steve haven't worked together for 13 or 14 years and I've never managed against one of his teams," Duff said.

"The relationship we have was as a player and a manager, not as a manager and a manager.

"I've got a lot of respect for him. I've got a lot to thank him for in terms of my career. Got a lot to thank him for in terms of the first three years in this job - but the game on Saturday is three points - it's us against Shrewsbury, it's nothing else."

Watch Michael Duff's press conference on iFollow where you can also see Lewis Freestone discussing this weekend's fixture.

Opposition

After a slow opening to the campaign, Shrewsbury Town are beginning to pull together the results they need to kick start their season.

As well as a recent televised thrashing of non-league Stratford Town in the FA Cup, the New Meadow side have registered a draw against last season's play-off finalists Lincoln City, and recorded league wins over Cambridge United and MK Dons of late.

They carry experience in their squad with the likes of Shaun Whalley, who has been a Shrews player since 2015, Grenada international Aaron Pierre and ex-Wolves defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell.

Front man Sam Cosgrove is on loan from Birmingham City, while Ryan Bowman has made the step up from League Two after joining in the summer from Exeter City.

One-time Rugby Town product Luke Leahy will have to be watched. He signed in the summer from Bristol Rovers and has an eye for goal despite his traditional position in a deeper role.

The manager: Steve Cotterill

Steve Cotterill is a man who needs no introduction to Cheltenham Town supporters. Much of the football club's legacy for the past 25 years has been built on the incredible success he had as a manager at his hometown club.

He was the man who guided the Robins from the Southern League all the way to the third tier of English football for the first time in the club's history, with a 1998 FA Trophy Wembley win to add to a stunning series of years along the way.

As a player he started his career with the club, coming up through the ranks from the youth and reserve sides, and going onto play professionally with the likes of Burton Albion, Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Wimbledon.

His management career began in Ireland with Sligo Rovers before he moved back to Cheltenham and took charge in 1997 with many successful years to follow.

Seen as one of the brightest English managerial up and coming talents, he later moved to Stoke City before going onto manage at Burnley, Notts County, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City, Birmingham City, and since November 2020, Shrewsbury.

Tickets

Pre-paid tickets for the game are available to pick up from the matchday collection point in the portakabin in the main car park if you have bought for the Autovillage Stand, Paddock, Tunnel or Prestbury Road End. If you have bought for the Colin Farmer Stand they can be picked up from just outside the Parklands turnstiles.

If you are buying on matchday then Colin Farmer Stand tickets are available from near to the Parklands turnstiles. Autovillage Stand tickets can be bought from the ticket office, while tickets for all standing areas will be on sale from the portakabin in the car park.

Whether you're buying or picking up pre-paid tickets, it's recommended you leave plenty of time before kick-off to avoid any queues.

Tickets are available to buy online. Make sure you buy before midnight on Friday to save £2 on matchday prices.

Match programme

Front man Kyle Vassell is the big interview in Saturday's programme as he reflects on his journey from non-league football in the south-east to life in the Football League and as a Northern Ireland international.

There is also an interview with Mattie Pollock reflecting on his match winner on Tuesday in the FA Cup.

As well as that David Bloxham pens his notes from the boardroom, there's a look at the opposition, Michael Duff drafts his pre-game thoughts plus there's much more included.

The programme will be on sale around the stadium and in the club shop and is priced at £3. It's also available to buy online.

Coverage

Social media: Follow @CTFCofficial on Twitter for team news and updates, CTFC on Facebook for score updates and @CTFCofficial on Instagram.

Website: Read the match report post-match and see reaction to the result from inside the camp.

Radio: Tune in to live commentary on BBC Radio Gloucestershire and on iFollow.

Highlights: Watch extended highlights on iFollow, on YouTube, Quest and on Sky Sports.

 


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