Cheltenham Town assistant boss Russell Milton believes the speculation around Harry Pell leaving last summer may have “set back” the midfielder.
Pell will be available for The Robins’ match against Chesterfield this weekend after serving a two match ban, as they look to pull clear of the relegation battle.
RM: “We will focus on ourselves and keeping momentum. Chesterfield are a dangerous side and have taken the lead in lots of games. We are aware of their strengths…” #ctfc
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) March 15, 2018
They beat Swindon 3-0 last time out, meaning they’ve now gone three games unbeaten which may make it difficult for Pell to get back into the squad.
Milton said: “It’s one of those, you have to suss it out, and in football you want continuity and keep things the same when you’re going well.
“Pell has obviously come back into after his two game ban so we will just have to see what we need.”
The 26-year-old has a rather indifferent campaign, making only seven appearances in the league, as opposed to last season where he played 42 times, scoring 7 goals.
Milton believes the heavy speculation about him leaving in the summer for Blackpool may have had an adverse effect on him this campaign.
““He’s probably not done as well this season, as he has done in others” he said.
“But I think when you have that speculation about you going, it does set you back, as it does effect the mind.
“It’s just one of those it’s about trying to find the right position for him.”
Despite this, Milton was complementary of the midfielder but does realise it will be difficult for him what back into the first team.
“He did do well in those wide positions last season but he does also slot into the middle. It’s good that he is adaptable. He is very good all-round player defensively and upfront.
“With regards to whether he will be in the team, we’ll just have to see how things go.”
RM: Pelly (Harry Pell) is back, he can play wide and slot in the centre so he will give us an option. #ctfc
— Park Life Sport (@ParkLife_Sport) March 15, 2018
Ahead of the game on Saturday, The Robins also get set to welcome back Jordan Cranston with the left-back returning from a long spell out with injury.
Milton said: “Cranston is doing really well and the physio staff have done really well to get him where he needs to be.
“We are just looking to get him as much time on the pitch now and train as hard as he can to force his way in.”
“I felt I was playing my best football here before I got injured. I want to get back there and contribute this season…” #ctfc
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) March 15, 2018
It will no doubt give the squad a big lift as they look to secure all three points on Saturday and give themselves a straight forward end to the season and build for next year.
CHECK OUT THE MO EISA’S INTERVIEW FOLLOWING THEIR 3-0 VICTORY OVER SWINDON LAST TIME OUT:
