Western Daily Press (Saturday)
‘Bullish’ Elliott excited by Cheltenham’s prospects
CHELTENHAM Town kick off the 2022/23 League One campaign at home to Peterborough United at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium this afternoon (3pm) under new managerment.
Wade Elliott is in charge this season following Michael Duff’s departure over the summer.
Asked if there will be extra butterflies ahead of his first match as head coach, he replied: “Yes, possibly a little bit because you are more in the firing line. Possibly it’ll be a different feeling I’d imagine. When I am tucked away in the stand there is no pressure on me is there, but I am excited.
“I am bullish about it. I know externally there will be certain perceptions of us and what is expected of us and I am absolutely fine with that.
“The only thing I feel at the minute is I wish it was Saturday now because we are prepped and ready so I am really looking forward to the game.” Asked what if felt like to follow such a successful manager as Duff, Elliott said: “Yes, he did a brilliant job and got the offer at Barnsley off the back of it. It’s double edged because you are coming in to replace someone who has had massive success, which you can either be daunted by or embrace the challenge.
“But the flip side is that you come into a club that is not a car crash and there are a lot of good things in place, which I am inheriting. I’ve been in situ myself for two years and we have a decent platform to build from.
With nine new players in the new boss said there may still be more to come with “scope for one or two more” on permanent or loan deals.
He added: “There was a bit of natural churn in the squad because we’ve had two years of success, so clubs come in and want our players, or they reach a ceiling of what we can pay them. There is always a natural cycle in football, but I am pleased with the squad and with the options I have got.
After last season’s 15th place finish in League One. Elliott was keen not to be drawn on targets for this term.
“Genuinely, don’t look too far ahead. We’ve had a meeting with the players about certain targets, which we’ll keep in house, but we park that and generally work on one half at a time, so the only focus now is Peterborough and making sure we are ready for kick-off.
“Our home record last season was really good. Where we are lucky is that the fans are realistic and I can’t get anyone getting blase about us being in League One, or taking it for granted. The excitement that was generated around the place last year will still be here.
“We know where we are in the pecking order and we are not silly. It’s important the crowd and players are up for it and we can make this a really difficult place to come because it’s a tight pitch, a tight ground and it can be noisy. Stay excited, stay vocal and stay with the players.