STEVE COTTERILL is back in the Cheltenham Town hot seat, 23 years after he first left.
The 61-year-old has been named the new Robins boss on a deal until the summer of 2028, returning to his hometown club in a sensational move few saw coming.
RexFor many Cotterill is the most successful Cheltenham Town manager in history[/caption]
He’d turned down the chance to return in the past but has now decided it’s the right timeGetty
Cotterill, who famously led Cheltenham from the Southern Premier Division to the Football League during a five-year spell between 1997 and 2002, replaces Michael Flynn, who was sacked 10 days ago with the club rock bottom of League Two.
He returns after being dismissed by Forest Green Rovers in June and is tasked with turning around Cheltenham’s nightmare start to the season — one win in 10, just four goals scored, and rock bottom of the EFL.
Club chairman David Bloxham said: “I’m very pleased to confirm that Steve Cotterill is returning to us as manager.
“Those are words many people never thought they’d hear, but after discussions with Steve and his agent, we all believe the time is right.
“We wouldn’t be able to attract someone of his calibre unless he truly wanted to come home.”
Aaron Downes, who stepped in as interim boss and oversaw a 7-1 hammering by Grimsby on Saturday, will now step down from his role.
Cotterill remains a legendary figure at Whaddon Road, having masterminded the most successful era in the club’s history — including three promotions and an FA Trophy win in 1998.
He took the club from non-league obscurity into the Football League in just four seasons, building a reputation as one of the top young managers in the country.
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Back in 2009, he turned down a return to Cheltenham, famously saying: “My heart told me yes, but my head told me no.”
Now, both are clearly in agreement.
Cotterill’s return also sees him reunited with new club owner Mike Garlick, who took control of Cheltenham on August 23.
The pair previously worked together at Burnley, where Cotterill was boss and Garlick served 17 years on the board.
Since leaving Cheltenham, Cotterill has managed across the EFL, winning promotions with both Notts County and Bristol City — lifting both the League One title and the EFL Trophy with the latter in 2015.
He’s also held roles at Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth, Birmingham City, and Shrewsbury Town.
Cheltenham’s current campaign has been a disaster, with just four goals in 10 matches and a fanbase growing increasingly frustrated.
Director of football Gary Johnson also resigned three days before Flynn’s dismissal.
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