Cheltenham Town have confirmed the return of Steve Cotterill as first-team manager — more than two decades after his first spell in charge of the Robins.
The Cheltenham-born 61-year-old has signed a contract until the summer of 2028, bringing vast experience and a track record of success back to his hometown club.
Cotterill, who also began his playing career at Cheltenham, previously managed the Robins between 1997 and 2002, overseeing one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. During those five years, he guided Cheltenham from the Southern League to EFL League One, claimed three promotions, and lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley in 1998.
Club chairman David Bloxham said Cotterill’s appointment marked “the start of a new era”: “Steve is a manager with vast experience and a record of success. I think it’s fair to say we wouldn’t be able to attract someone of his calibre unless he wanted the opportunity to rejoin his hometown club. We have all been bitterly disappointed by our start to the season, but there is still plenty of time to turn things around.”
As part of the changes, Cotterill will appoint a new assistant manager, with former captain Aaron Downes stepping down from the role. Bloxham praised Downes as “a terrific club man” who has worked hard in difficult circumstances.
Since leaving Cheltenham in 2002, Cotterill has managed nine other clubs including Stoke City, Burnley, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Birmingham City. His honours include leading Notts County to the League Two title in 2010 and winning both the League One title and the EFL Trophy with Bristol City in 2015.
Cotterill will take charge of his first game back at the Robins when Cheltenham host Fleetwood Town at the EV Charger Points Stadium on Saturday, October 4. Kick-off is at 3pm.