Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill is set to face his former club, Notts County, in a highly anticipated League Two clash. The match holds special significance for Cotterill, who orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Notts County back in 2010, leading them to the League Two title.
Cotterill's Magic Touch at Meadow Lane
When Cotterill took the reins in February 2010, Notts County were languishing in seventh place, a distant 14 points from the summit. However, Cotterill's arrival sparked an immediate transformation. In just 18 games, he guided the Magpies to 14 victories, three draws, and a solitary defeat. The team's attacking prowess flourished, scoring an impressive 40 goals while maintaining a stingy defence, conceding only six.
The season was also notable for Sven-Göran Eriksson's brief stint as director of football. Despite the off-field drama, Cotterill kept the team focused, culminating in a title win, a comfortable 10 points ahead of Bournemouth.
Reunion and Reflections
Despite his success, Cotterill opted to leave Notts County at the end of the season, citing concerns about the club's long-term stability. He subsequently took the managerial position at Portsmouth. Now, years later, he prepares to face his former team as the boss of Cheltenham Town.
"The club wasn’t in a particularly good situation when I went in, but we made an unbelievable start and it just snowballed,” Cotterill reflected. “We had some incredible characters in the dressing room and it was an enjoyable time. It’s a great club and the fans were brilliant.”
The Road Ahead
Cotterill has faced Notts County before as manager of Bristol City and Forest Green Rovers, enjoying a positive record of four wins and one draw in five encounters. This upcoming match promises to be a captivating contest, with Cotterill aiming to outwit his former employers. Will his Cheltenham side prevail, or will Notts County prove too strong? All eyes will be on the pitch on Monday night.
- Cheltenham Town vs. Notts County
- Steve Cotterill's return
- League Two title memories