April 2016

Montpellier Shops, Cheltenham, 21/4/16.

Matt Bradley has returned to the All Golds from Swinton Lions on a short loan as another option at Half Back, here he is kicking a penalty goal against Newcastle Thunder, where the Gloucestershire outfit would eventually fall to their northern rivals by 21-18. Prince of Wales Stadium, 24/4/16.

Last year saw the tragic loss of Welsh international Danny Jones, whose club Keighley Cougars has remembered by honouring their main stand to his memory. Keighley 42-18 All Golds, Cougar Park, 17/4/16.

Cheltenham Town are crowned National League Champions, Whaddon Road, 16/4/16. Separate Blog Post

Irish international Graham O'Keeffe returns from an lengthy injury as the All Golds CLS side claim a 28-34 win away to Coventry Bears at Westwood Heath, 2/4/16.

All Golds players from L-R, Phil Cowburn, Lamont Bryan, Johnny Leather, Richard Jones, Brendon Newton, Courtney Davies & Morgan Rees celebrate in their home changing room after a resounding 36-28 iPro Cup Quarter Final victory against Newcastle Thunder, Prince of Wales Stadium, 3/4/16.

The Awards are ready to be presented before the UGRL end of season celebration dinner, Cheltenham Holiday Inn, 6/4/16.

New band member Josh Waterfield prepares his drum kit during soundcheck before Mass Spectrum's debut performance, 2 Pigs, 7/4/16. 

Archbishop Paul Gallagher addresses the congregation during his visit to the Menevia Cathedral, Swansea, 8/4/16. 

Valley Cougars reflect on their 28-36 victory against All Golds CLS during a post match team huddle with Gloucester Cathedral in the background, Gordon League RFC, 9/4/16.

Cheltenham Town are Champions!

Two lads enjoy kicking a ball across Clarence Square as the town prepares for it's big day.

Pre match programme purchase.

Walking to the ground through Whaddon Park.

Turnstiles are getting busy as kick off draws near.

The terraces were also packed as the Cheltenham Town & FC Halifax players take to the field.

Fans show their appreciation for their players just before kick off.

A flare is lit after Don Holman doubles the lead from the penalty spot to taking the score to 2-0 at Half Time.

Cheltenham fans really start to believe after news breaks of Woking equalising against Forest Green with a penalty. 

The match hasn't ended yet but some pitch invaders were too eager!

The full time whistle blows and fans flood the pitch after a 2-0 win at Whaddon Road, and with Forest Green unable to beat Woking, Cheltenham Town are crowned National League Champions!

Fans on the Whaddon Road pitch at full time.

Selfie on the Whaddon Road turf!

Fans on the Whaddon Road pitch at full time.

The Cheltenham Town players celebrate in the main stand.

Out comes the champagne as Cheltenham Town captain Aaron Downes celebrate promotion to the Football League.

Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson applauds the fans.

Kyle Storer sings along with the Cheltenham fans.

Walking home along Whaddon Road after winning the National League.

Get behind the Robins!

Since moving to Cheltenham I'd like to think that I have adopted the Robins as my 'lower league' club, backing them on failed accumulators, attempting ambitious campaigns with them on Football Manager & FIFA, staying up until stupid O'Clock until the end of the Football League Show and praying they'd get Leeds at home when a cup draw is being made.

I've only made it to two Cheltenham Town home matches, a bland 0-0 draw against Newport County during their first season back in the Football League, and a lively televised JPT encounter against eventual finalists Bristol City, loosing 3-1. This season started relatively well for the Robins, unbeaten for the first six league encounters, and destroying League 1 Swindon Town 5-0 in the FA Cup. However that form failed to last and they parted ways with manager of 5 years Mark Yates just before being knocked out of the cup by non-league Dover Athletic.

Currently the club is managed by Paul Buckle, laying 21st in League 2 and sporting an patched up squad of loaned players from across the leagues, only attracting an average of 2,717 supporters to Whaddon Road. In a light hearted attempt to boost these figures, Murry Toms created a crowd funding campaign on the internet for a billboard to be placed in the town, and within 11 hours the £650 was raised. Quickly erected on the side of the United Services Club on North Place today, the message implies that Cheltenham are better than Manchester United through 'We beat them' theory after fellow League 2 outfit Cambridge United earned a replay at Old Trafford against the three times champions of Europe following a 0-0 result in the FA Cup fourth round.

The social media hype around this campaign has already resulted in noticeable support for the around the town, namely at the local Sue Ryder charity Shop, where shirts, scarf's and other 'club shop tat' is on display (not for sale). Currently there are plans to place a second edition of the billboard, as the crowd funding page has reached over £1000!

We will know on Saturday at 3pm if this venture has really been a success, when ex-Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink brings his high flying Burton side to Whaddon Road for a league match in front of a newly inspired audience. It is also a test for Buckle's flurry of loan players, including the Welsh u21 forward Wes Burns, to show their worth and avoid the drop to the Conference, and into next seasons League Cup draw at home against the mighty whites.