FAMILY AFFAIR AS HARRY STAYS AT ROBINS
MUM’S the word for Harry Pell after the midfielder admitted that his mother played a huge role in him signing a new contract with Cheltenham Town.
Despite Cheltenham’s struggles this season, the 25-year-old has managed to shine and headed into this weekend having scored six goals in 32 appearances.
His form had led to interest from several clubs, with one of them being Colchester United which is close to Pell’s family home in Essex.
But after a fortnight of negotiations, Thursday saw Pell put pen to paper on a new two-and-a-half year deal with the Robins.
And Pell, who joined Cheltenham from AFC Wimbledon in May 2015 and helped them win the National League last term, revealed his mother Donna had played her part in his decision.
“I had a conversation with my mum and told her I was stressed out and didn’t know what to do,” Pell said.
“She said the best thing for me was to stay at Cheltenham.
“The gaffer has said she either has her head screwed on, or just doesn’t want me back anywhere near home!
“My missus also said I had to stay, so the gaffer was asking to speak to her on the phone instead of me to make my mind up and I’ve definitely been told what to do by the people who count!”
And Pell, who started his career with Charlton, also insisted that manager Gary Johnson was another reason for him staying at the LCI Rail Stadium.
“I have been honest with the gaffer throughout and while it has been an emotional rollercoaster, he’s been absolutely brilliant,” he added.
“I didn’t want my contract to end, or to leave the club on a bad note and I can’t stress enough how good he has been through a tricky period.”