The coronavirus pandemic took us all by surprise. It came out of nowhere and has brought a halt to nearly every single sporting event possible.
However, it hasn’t stopped sports clubs around the world producing content for their fans, who are missing out on the live action each week.
This is no different for Cheltenham Town FC, who have been producing new media content, day in day out, to keep their fans interacted and entertained while lockdown resumes.
The main man behind that content is the clubs head of media and communications, Richard Joyce. I had the pleasure of speaking to Richard, to figure out exactly how they have gone about their work, and to find out how much of a challenge it has been for not only himself, but everyone involved.
Watch my interview with Richard right here:
So what content have Richard and Cheltenham Town been producing over the last few months?
BOOT ZOOM #1: Tomorrow sees the start of a new series featuring former players talking about our most memorable games. Join our 2006 heroes John Finnigan, Steve Guinan and Craig Armstrong in conversation from 7.30pm #ctfc
More: https://t.co/cMDXyF8AYU pic.twitter.com/rUu5kVmZDw
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) May 12, 2020
Zoom podcasts
One of their newest pieces of content has been the addition of ‘The Boot Zoom’. This is a new online series of video podcasts, where the Cheltenham Town’s media team, including Richard, and Gloucestershire Live reporter John Palmer have an entertaining look back at some of the club’s most memorable games, alongside the players who had a key role in them:
THE BOOT ZOOM: Craig Armstrong, John Finnigan and Steve Guinan join @JonPalmerSport for a special Zoom chat to look back on our 2006 play-off semi-final success over Wycombe Wanderers and our promotion to League One.
Watch it here ➡️ https://t.co/kuR4JlemkV #ctfc
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) May 13, 2020
On the pitch highlights
Cheltenham have had a terrific season so far, clinching the League Two playoffs, that have been announced to be taking place sometime in the near future. So why not show off some of their best highlights so far this season? Well, they’ve done just that:
Going back in time
A common theme Richard pointed out was “going back in time” to make content more relevant than ever. With no football around at the moment, and fans of the club ultimately down about it, what better way to lift their spirits than to show off the clubs greatest historical moments:
CHAMPIONS: On the 35th anniversary of our Southern League championship win, Paul Collicutt looks back on a memorable last few weeks of the season as he battled both injuries and illness to help the team over the line.
Read here ➡️ https://t.co/bd2AoHgSlp #ctfc #ChampionsWeekend
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) May 4, 2020
A similar idea has been produced over on their Instagram account. They’ve been producing a ‘goal of the day’ series, looking back at some of the clubs greatest goals. Here’s one from former striker, Dan Holman, that’s definitely worth watching:
If you’re bored throughout lockdown, and a fan of Cheltenham town, Richard and the team have got you covered. Hopefully football will be back soon, and we can watch Cheltenham on the pitch again. For now however, staying home and staying safe is the priority.
