By Peegs
May 7 2003

It's the end of the season, contracts must be renewed and players will be leaving clubs, today manager Bobby Gould announced his plans for retaining and releasing players along with those already leaving and there was one big surprise in the news today. Here is my view on today's news. PLAYERS LEAVING :

Steve Jones He is one of the fans favourites but I think Bobby has made the correct decision here, we have to other right backs at the club - Dave Bird and Antony Griffin - so there is no need for another right back at the club. Young player of the year Dave Bird will be first choice next season and Griffin will be fit more of the time. Steve who made a handful of appearances this year has been unlucky with injuries but we cant afford to have 3 right backs at the club.

Christian Brutschin Young German midfielder was signed on a short term contract by Gould towards the end of the season. Having never seen him play can't really comment on why he hasn't been offered a deal. Can only think that Yatesie, Finnigan and Forsyth will be competing for the 2 central midfield places and again the German isn't in his plans. We have also been linked with another midfielder Craig Dobson of Palace so again it may be a case of too many eggs not enough baskets?

Richard Kear Young forward, regular in reserve team for last two seasons but never broke into the first team. Watchers of reserve games rated him highly and maybe surprised with the decision. Hopefully he can find himself a side of Conference level, maybe Forest Green?

Russell Milton Has been in and out of the team during are Division 2 campaign, would be competing for a place on left midfield with record signing Grant McCann who undoubtedly will be number one choice for that position. Also thinks he has a couple of years regular first team football left in him so better off he fins himself a new club.

Lee Williams Dislodged in the team by Supporters player of the year Martin Devaney. Had spells on loan with Halesowen Town but we may see him back at Whaddon Road next year as he is undoubtedly a good Division 3 player, again I think Bobby has made the right decision here.

Neil Howarth I think us fans were a bit hard on Neil who always gave his all for the club, unfortunately he just isn't good enough and lacks the important ingredient required in football these days - pace. I wish him well for the future but I again feel this is the correct decision.

PLAYERS OFFERED NEW DEALS

John Brough Who will ever forget Broughie's performance in the 3-1 home win versus Mansfield. He has passion for the club and his versatility as shown in the Mansfield game could be crucial if we are to achieve things in 2003/2004

Luke Corbett Young striker, probably between him and Kear as to who got a new deal and Bobby decided to go for this highly rated youngster who scored 8 goals in one youth match this season. Expect a season of reserve team football and appearances in the LDV Vans matches.

Luke Buttery Young left back who has impressed Bob Bloomer. Will hopefully be knocking on the door to take Jamie Victory's place at left back if his performances don’t improve on this season. This is a good move by Bobby as it creates competition for places.

Richard Walker Has been out since October with an injured knee but will always give his all for the club. Has been offered a short term deal which will probably be extended if he recovers from injury. A very sensible and correct decision made by Gould and Baker.

NOW FOR THE SURPRISE

Having been announced pre the end of the season that Tony Naylor would be leaving it appears Gould has had a re think (mainly due to the fans chanting of 'sign him up'?) that Naylor if he wants could sign a new on year deal with the club. He is available able to speak to other clubs and if he fins a suitable deal will have played his last game for Cheltenham. Please God let him spend another year at Cheltenham.

Also available to speak to other clubs but given an option to stay at Cheltenham is Julian Alsop. The tall striker has been top scorer for the last 2 seasons. I still fell he offers more to the team than Damian Spencer at the moment but something tells me he will move on in the summer.

ON THE TRANSFER LIST

One of the big dissapointments of this season (relegation aside) was Paul Brayson. A lot of Cardiff fans were disappointed when the Bluebirds let him join the Robins. A winning goal against Huddersfield and a brace in an LDV Vans match v Colchester the highlight of his stay at Whaddon Road. A small fee will probably be required for Brayson, a shame as you feel the ex Toon Army striker could have done big things for Cheltenham in the 3rd Division, maybe the decision I disagree with the most.

Also welcome today to a new member of the coaching staff Dave Burnside who has been offered a role as football co-ordinator, I have no idea what that is but good luck in your time at Cheltenham. Dave is responsible for a lot of youngsters currently in the first team at Division 2 high flighers Bristol City.