DUFF’S GLEE AT MAKING ROBINS RETURN
MICHAEL Duff is relishing the challenge of his first managerial job.
Duff left Burnley after 14 years to take the hotseat at Cheltenham.
The former defender made more than 300 firstteam appearances for the Robins between 1996 and 2004 and was part of the side that progressed from the Southern League to League One in five years.
He then switched to Burnley, spending the remainder of his playing career, turning out 383 times for the Clarets, mainly in the Championship, before turning his hand to coaching two years ago.
Duff was in charge of the Burnley Under-23 side, but will move back to Cheltenham as the permanent successor to Gary Johnson, who was sacked last month.
“I can’t wait to get started back at Cheltenham Town,” Duff revealed.
“It’s a big step for me to leave a job where I was settled, working with a great manager at a Premier League club, but I feel that the time is right now.
“It is a fantastic opportunity and I would like to thank the board for the faith that they have shown in me.
“I know that they have worked very hard to get the deal done and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
“I only played professionally for two clubs so obviously Cheltenham Town is a club that I know well and one that is very close to my heart.
“It is also an opportunity to move my family back home and I’m looking forward to meeting the staff and players on Tuesday.”
Ex-midfielder Russell Milton had been placed in temporary charge of Cheltenham following Johnson’s dismissal.He and won two of his three League Two games at the helm.