Cotterill confirmed as Stoke boss

New Guv'nor
By Paul Holmes
May 27 2002

Stoke City have announced that Steve Cotterill is their new manager.

The news comes as no great suprise as the story was one of the worst kept secrets in football.

Cotterill replaces Gudjon Thorardsson as manager at Stoke and will be keen to continue his promtion streak having taken Cheltenham into Division 2.

Cheltenham gave permission for Cotterill to speak to Stoke and will now be looking for a new manager

In a club statement Cheltenham chariman thanked Cotterill for his work and revealed a compensation package had been agreed."The first thing to say is a massive thank you to Steve for five fantastic years that have put Cheltenham Town on the footballing map,"

"On behalf of the board of directors and I am sure everybody else connected with Cheltenham Town, I would like to wish him every success in his new job.

"It is a great challenge for him but I am sure he will do well. Stoke City is a massive club with a great history and great stadium." "A compensation package has been agreed within the terms of Steve's contract with us,"

"We will also be making an announcement regarding the new manager by the end of the week."