Football Season Review

It was a wonderful season for Cheltenham Town, who were crowned League 2 Champions. Last summer they suffered the crushing disappointment of losing 3-0 in the second leg at home to Northampton Town and missing out on a trip to Wembley. It took some time to get over but in manager Michael Duff, they have a calm, steady and reliable man, who used their hurt as the basis to go one better this time around and go up automatically. Finances are tight at Whaddon Road and Duff needed a core XI he could rely on. Ben Tozer, Charlie Raglan and Will Boyle formed a mean and miserly central-defensive trio that were responsible for the second best defensive record in the division (behind Salford City). Conor Thomas came of age in midfield whilst Alfie May was a constant menace again in attack. The additions of loan goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, wing-back Matty Blair and midfielder Liam Sercombe completed the picture and they spent all-but the first three weeks of the season in the top six. They impressed in an F.A. Cup defeat to Premier League Champions Manchester City and never lost their focus in the league and deservedly lifted the title. Tozer’s long throw was a handy weapon but it only tells part of the story. He was an ever-present and one of several outstanding performers. The Robins weren’t a big fish in League 2 and the League 1 pond is even bigger. Don’t expect them to be gobbled up though and with Duff in charge, they will certainly make their presence felt.

Player of the Season: Ben Tozer