Cheltenham Town’s Cotterill Reflects on Hard-Fought Loss to Notts County

Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill expressed disappointment following a tough 1-0 defeat against Notts County on March 15, 2024. While acknowledging the team’s improved performance in the second half, Cotterill highlighted a lacklustre first half as a key factor in the loss.

In his post-match remarks, Cotterill noted that the team failed to find their rhythm early on. “I don’t think we got going really in the first half, which is probably when we’ve lost the game,” he stated. Despite a stronger showing after the break, he emphasized the importance of consistency, remarking, “You can’t waste 45 minutes at any stage. If we’d have played like that for the 90 minutes, I think we’d have probably won the game.”

The manager also raised concerns about officiating during the match. “I don’t think we got a lot from the referee tonight,” he remarked, referencing specific moments he felt warranted free kicks that were not awarded. Cotterill pointed out a particular incident involving Jake Bickerstaff, who he believed was fouled without the referee’s acknowledgment. “It’s our foul, blatant,” he added, underscoring his frustration with the officiating.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Cotterill acknowledged the need for growth. “Sometimes when you have been on the run you’ve been on, you are down there probably for a reason,” he said. He framed the defeat as part of a learning process for both himself and the players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining morale. “I just said to the guys, there is a learning process in all of this. It’s a learning process for me and one for them.”

The manager’s approach during halftime was notably calm, as he chose not to raise his voice, believing the players needed encouragement rather than criticism. “It was a nice, calm half-time team talk,” he explained. “I thanked them for their efforts because I can tell they are hurting in there tonight.”

In the second half, Cheltenham Town adapted their strategy, shifting to a back three with Ryan Broom pushed forward. Cotterill noted that this tactical change improved their performance, allowing for a better flow of play. “We were the better team,” he stated, highlighting the need for quicker adjustments during matches.

Despite the loss, Cotterill praised Broom’s contributions on the right flank and expressed confidence in the overall progress of the team. “The lads have come a long way and we have a good group all fighting for each other,” he commented. The resilience displayed by the players was evident, with Cotterill noting that “nobody gave up” during the match.

The arrival of new signing Hakeeb Adelakun was another point of interest for Cotterill. He indicated that Adelakun’s integration into the team would take time, as the player had not participated in pre-season training. “We have to make sure we train him and get him up to speed,” Cotterill explained. He also expressed optimism about Adelakun’s potential impact, saying, “I am sure over the period of time, he’ll get points for us.”

When asked about the support from the crowd, Cotterill remarked on the importance of fan engagement in challenging times. “The crowd really stuck with you tonight,” he said, commending their unwavering support despite the result.

Looking ahead, Cotterill expressed determination. “We’ll be ready to go again at the weekend,” he asserted, signaling his commitment to building on the positive aspects of the team’s performance. The manager acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about the team’s trajectory in the season.

In conclusion, while the defeat against Notts County was disappointing, Cotterill’s insights reflect a commitment to learning and improvement as Cheltenham Town continues its campaign.