Cheltenham Town Gear Up for 2026/27 Season with Strong Pre-Season Start

July 24, 2026 – As Cheltenham Town prepare for their third consecutive season in EFL League Two, manager Steve Cotterill has expressed satisfaction with the squad’s early pre-season performances following a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Evesham United last weekend.

The Robins kicked off their summer schedule with an impressive display at the Spiers & Hartwell Stadium, where goals from Charlie McCann (2) and Sopuruchukwu Obieri secured a convincing win. Cotterill, who returned to the club in September 2025 and successfully steered the team to safety last term, highlighted the importance of regaining match sharpness after a demanding training period.

“It’s about the boys getting mobile again with the ball because we’ve had a really tough pre-season so far and they’ve had an incredibly tough week,” Cotterill told the club’s official website. The victory came shortly after the team’s warm-weather training camp in Valencia, Spain, which ran from July 4 to 11 and provided valuable preparation time.

Off the pitch, Cheltenham have been active in the transfer market to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. Recent signings include goalkeeper Wyll Stanway from Barrow and free-agent midfielder Shaun McWilliams, adding depth and experience to key areas of the team. These arrivals build on a busy summer window that has seen significant squad turnover as Cotterill reshapes the side for a more competitive push in 2026/27.

The club’s ownership under Mike Garlick and chairman David Bloxham remains stable following changes in recent years, providing a solid foundation for Cotterill’s ambitions. Fans have welcomed the return of the club legend, who previously enjoyed great success during his first spell in charge between 1997 and 2002.

Pre-season continues with a rearranged friendly against Slimbridge AFC this Saturday, July 25, at Thornhill Park (2pm kick-off). This will be followed by a home fixture against Milton Keynes Dons on August 1. These matches offer important opportunities for squad integration and fitness building before competitive action begins.

Cheltenham’s 2026/27 League Two campaign opens on August 15 with a home match against Rotherham United at Whaddon Road. Prior to that, they face Championship opposition in the Carabao Cup first round against Charlton Athletic on August 8.

With 15 new signings integrated into the squad over the off-season, optimism is growing around Gloucestershire. Cotterill’s experience and tactical acumen were instrumental in avoiding relegation last season, culminating in a strong 4-0 win over Walsall in April 2026 that confirmed their League Two status.

Head Groundsman Paul Gibson has also been working diligently on pitch preparations at Whaddon Road to ensure optimal playing conditions for the new season. The club’s youth development and medical department continue to evolve, with stories emerging of internal progression such as James Redman’s journey from placement student to head of medical.

As the 2026/27 season approaches, Cheltenham Town remain focused on building momentum. Supporters will be eager to see how the new signings settle and whether the Robins can challenge for a higher league position after two seasons of consolidation in the fourth tier.

The loyal fanbase at Whaddon Road has been a driving force through challenging times, and with Cotterill at the helm, there is renewed belief that brighter days lie ahead for the oldest professional football club in Gloucestershire.

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Home of Cheltenham Town FC

Opened 1927

Capacity 7,066

History (from Wikipedia)

The stadium, on the site of what was the Berkeley Hunt kennels, was built by the Cheltenham Original Brewery in 1927 and has been the home of Cheltenham Town since 1932, although it did not host senior football for 67 years. Cheltenham marked their 70th anniversary at the stadium by winning promotion to the Football League Second Division, the third tier of English football, for the first time.
The record attendance is 8,326, at a game versus Reading, FA Cup 1st Round, 17 November 1956. Whaddon Road was the smallest League One stadium in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 season.

Stands[edit]

The ground is made up of 4 stands:

  • Hazlewoods Stand (Whaddon Road) - capacity 1,100. An all-seated stand behind one of the goals, initially named the Carlsberg Stand, it was opened in 2005 and is designated for away fans. For the 2009-10 season it was given to home supporters, but after one season it was returned to away fans.
  • Colin Farmer Stand (Wymans Road) - capacity 2,034. An all-seated stand that runs down one side of the pitch. The stand was opened in November 2001 and is home to the vocal "1887 Red Army" supporters, who are situated in block 7, as well as the Family Section in Block 1. For big games, two sections of the stand are given to away supporters. It was renamed the Colin Farmer Stand at the beginning of the 2016-17 season, in memory of Colin Farmer, a club legend.
  • Speedy Skips Stand (Prestbury Road End) - capacity about 2,100. Given a roof in 2000-01, this is now a covered terrace and is the home standing end.
  • Autovillage Stand (Main Stand) - capacity about 1,800. Built in 1963, it is a mixture of terracing (Tunnel and Paddock enclosures) at the front and seating at the back. The Main Stand runs down one side of the pitch, but is unusual in that it does not stretch the full length of the touchline and does not reach either corner flag. It contains the players dressing rooms, and hospitality, directors' and press boxes.

Things to do in Cheltenham.