Former Newport County and Swindon Town manager: Michael Flynn, was appointed Cheltenham Town boss in late May 2024, tasked with difficult job of steadying the Robins’ sinking ship, following relegation from Sky Bet League One.
However, things looked bright for Flynn and Town after a positive pre-season campaign in which they won four out of their six friendly fixtures, only losing to Championship sides: Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City.
As a result, they came into the opening day of the season on Saturday 10th August, full of confidence and with 19 new signings raring to go.
One of those summer signings was the loan signing of Cardiff City and Wales U-21 attacking midfielder: Joel Colwill, who netted twice on the opening day against Newport County. That brace included a dramatic 95th minute winner, to seal Flynn’s side victory in a 3-2 thriller at the EV Charger Points Stadium.
Enjoy everyone 🍿🎯#ctfc♦️ pic.twitter.com/3o5TpE5iqS
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) August 10, 2024
A week later, the Robins travelled to Cleethorpes to take on Grimsby Town and they looked set for a positive point on the road after Matty Taylor’s goal in the 82nd minute levelled the score at 2-2, only for that goal to be cancelled out by Jordan Davies’ second goal of the day in the 93rd minute.
That defeat was the start of a three-game losing streak for Flynn’s side, as morale began to fall around the club – not only because of results, but also due to continued rumours circulating around the club surrounding a potential change in ownership, that has led to uncertainty and unrest amongst the club and an angry fan base.
In recent weeks, the atmosphere at the EV Charger Points Stadium has shifted drastically from one of optimism to a sour, unpleasant place to be, where supporters are no longer “supporting” their manager, but instead chanting against him and booing at every opportunity.
Consequently, Flynn was in a very low state following Cheltenham’s 2-3 defeat at home to local rivals and his former side: Swindon Town, last Saturday afternoon.
“Angry?! (About the goals that Cheltenham conceded) You have watched it, I’m absolutely fuming!
“I thought we were the better team at the start, but as soon as the first goal went in, which Swindon didn’t have to do anything to get, heads dropped and a few players went into their shells.
“Look, there’s a lot of negativity around, from last season as well. We have been brought in to try and stop that and it’s tough, it is tough… Even when they got the third we tried our best to give them a fourth!
“It’s a derby. It was a full house here, and it’s gotta hurt them. It’s gotta hurt them a lot more than what I think it does.
“How many of them (players) just get in their car, go home and not look at themselves in the mirror and say (sighs) ‘we could’ve done better today?’
“I don’t think it’s just us by the way, I think it’s a society thing where people don’t look in the mirror and take accountability for their poor performances or mistakes… You know, I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I’ve owned up to every single one of them. I know I’m not perfect, but I’ll tell you what I wouldn’t let anybody have a free header, or a tap in, or get the better of me without giving a fight!”
We are delighted to announce that Michael Flynn has agreed to become the new first-team manager of Cheltenham Town Football Club!
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) May 31, 2024
We look forward to formally welcoming our new boss to you all next week ❤️#ctfc♦️ pic.twitter.com/IRkGu5rrs1
So, what is next for Flynn?
Firstly, the fans need to get on side and support both Flynn and his players, because he isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon – especially not now while the Robins are above the relegation zone and there is enough instability at the club already.
But how can Flynn get the fans on side?
A more expansive style of play with more prominent passing patterns is certainly a place to start. Cheltenham average 204.7 accurate passes per match, the third fewest in Sky Bet League Two.
Instead of passing out from the back, Flynn’s side often opt to go long with their passes but they don’t have a real target man to aim for, who can retain possession with big defenders on their back and this is reflected in only 29.9% of their long balls per match being accurate.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the Robins have only registered 169 touches in the opposition box so far this season, the second worst in the league, despite scoring 14 goals – the 11th most in England’s fourth tier.
It is correct that Town have scored 14 goals, massively over performing their expected goals which sits at 10.1. This highlights that they have got capable attacking talent who are doing really well with the chances they are being given.
Therefore, if Flynn can adapt and move away from his long-ball style of play, which is not working and instead, look to get the ball down and into the box more often… It is extremely likely that even more goals will come and in tandem Town will begin to move up the table.
Another way that Flynn can get the fans on side is by showing more passion and in some ways acting more like a fan on the touch-line himself.
Flynn is a reserved character, a contrast to popular former Chelteham manager’s Darrell Clarke and Michael Duff, who would have a presence in their technical area and in the words of Cheltenham Town fan, Charlie Grace: “kick every ball from the sideline”, something that supporters like Charlie are desperate to see from Flynn!
The Welshman has not had it easy at Whaddon Road, but at the same time he has at times made things harder for himself, even in the good times.
In his post-match interview following the thrilling 3-2 win over his former side Newport, Flynn was asked how it felt to manage Cheltenham for the first time and this is how he answered…
“I didn’t like it. I never enjoy playing against Newport because their my team, it was a difficult day for my son too”.
Admirable honesty, but not what Robins fans would have wanted to hear from their boss following such an important and such a dramatic victory.
It is no secret that the 43-year-old’s mountain to popularity amongst the Town faithful is a steep one, but little things like showing more passion and being more at one with the supporters will go a long way.
✍️ Must read match report from @CTFCofficial’s disappointing 2-1 defeat away at @BarrowAFC 😕
— Paddy Gladman (@paddyg18_) October 5, 2024
The Robins played really well and their fans who weren’t able to make the 4️⃣3️⃣6️⃣ mile round trip shouldn’t lose faith! 🙌
How things unfolded ⬇️ https://t.co/nuIQmKjPTl#ctfc♦️
Check out my Twitter: @paddyg18_
