Another tough year ahead for Cheltenham?

Cheltenham barely avoided relegation to the Conference last season and outside of the bottom two, no-one won fewer games during the 2009/10 season. Was that due to the off the field issues, or was it Mark Yates struggling to find his feet in the Football League?

Cheltenham Town are one of those sides in the division that are in the middle of a transitional period. Last year was a difficult first year back in League Two for the Robins and just five wins both at home on the road indicates why it was relatively clear to see where Cheltenham's problems lay.

It's hard really to place a finger on exactly what Cheltenham had such poor form throughout the year, but many believe it was the off the field events with Martin Allen. Allen was accused of racially abusing a nightclub bouncer and was placed on gardening leave by the club. Despite being eventually cleared of the charges due to lack of evidence, Allan was relieved of his duties permanently on December 11^th.

The incident had cleared rocked the club as during the period of the investigation, Cheltenham won just one of their eight games during that period. That run included a 4-0 thumping at Crewe, as well as two comprehensive victories for Torquay, 3-1 in the FA Cup and 3-0 in the League.  Infact, the 5-1 win over Barnet on November 24^th was the only win for the club between September 12^th and December 28^th, a run that unsurprisingly saw them fighting relegation.

They appointed their former midfielder Mark Yates as manager, his first role in management following a playing career that included spells at Birmingham, Doncaster, Kidderminster and Lincoln. It took a long time for him to find his feet as a manager, but they weren't losing many games anymore afterall, but just two wins in his first two and a half months of management tells it's own story.

Then came along March 13^th, an away game against Burton Albion. It was a topsy-turvy game that had seen Burton Albion lead 5-3 with six minutes to go. Two quickfire goals from Michael Pook made it 4-5 before Richards levelled it up at 5-5 in the 90^th minute, however, it wasn't over there as Michael Pook completed his first ever professional hat-trick to give Cheltenham and unlikely win. Had they not had that late flurry then they would have been just one point ahead of Grimsby.

That win sparked off a run that would see them lose just three more before the end of the season, however, they failed to win in any of their last six games and they finished 22^nd, just four points ahead of the relegation zone. They ended the season with a record of 10 defeats, 18 draws and 18 defeat, with only Accrington, Crewe and Darlington conceding more goals. No none relegated club won fewer games. Last season was also their League finish since being promoted to the League in 1999.

It's been an interesting summer at Whaddon Road with Michael Pook named as the new captain at the weekend. They have also brought in several interesting signings and their front line will be lead by Jeff Goulding, brought in on a free transfer from Bournemouth. They have also secured the services of Danny Andrew, Daniel Lloyd-Weston, Keith Lowe, Steve Elliott and Martin Riley. Leaving Whaddon Road were Lee Ridley, Shane Duff and Julian Alsop, amongst others.

Much like our own Chris Sutton, Mark Yates has yet to prove himself as a manager and his record after being appointed wasn't exactly great. Their season could go either way really, but given that Cheltenham have generally been a poor side when they've played in League Two (having being promoted in two of their only three good seasons at this level) and Mark Yates' below average record, this could easily turn out to be yet another poor season for the Robins.