Slimbridge boss relives standout moments ahead of Cheltenham Town showdown
Cheltenham Town’s League Two visitors this weekend are preparing for a blockbuster clash after their boss dug out some unforgettable moments from his players’ careers. The Robins, sitting 18th in League Two with 52 points from 46 games last season, face Slimbridge in a non-league clash that’s already buzzing among fans.
Slimbridge manager Lee Mansell opened up about the special memories his squad holds dear. “There are moments that stick with you,” Mansell said. “For our lads, it’s about the pride of pulling on that shirt and stepping out in front of our community.” The Gloucestershire side will bring that local passion when they take on Cheltenham Town, a club with its own proud history in the Football League.
What’s driving the excitement in Gloucestershire?
The tie isn’t just another fixture for Slimbridge. Mansell’s side have lost their last five games, including a heavy 1-4 defeat at Colchester on 2 May 2026, and sit 35 points behind Bromley in the title race. Yet the underdogs are relishing the chance to test themselves against a League Two outfit with a pedigree Cheltenham can’t ignore.
“It’s a massive opportunity for us,” Mansell added. “Playing against a club like Cheltenham Town isn’t just about the result. It’s about the experience, the exposure, and the chance to show what we can do on a bigger stage.” For the Robins, the focus is on building momentum after a difficult end to the 2025 campaign, which saw them concede 79 goals and score 53, leaving them with a -26 goal difference.
Why this match matters for Cheltenham Town
For Cheltenham, the game is a chance to rediscover form ahead of the new season. Their recent run of five straight losses - the most recent ending in a 1-4 hammering at Colchester - has left fans eager for a turnaround. The Robins’ attack, which managed just 53 goals last term, will need to rediscover their cutting edge if they’re to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.
The visit from Slimbridge also offers Cheltenham a chance to blood young talent or test fringe players in a competitive environment. With the 2026-27 campaign looming, every game counts as manager Michael Duff looks to tighten up a defence that leaked too many goals last season. Cheltenham’s defensive frailties were exposed time and again, and a clean sheet against a determined non-league side would be a welcome boost.
What comes next for both sides?
For Slimbridge, the focus is on turning recent struggles into confidence. Mansell’s side have conceded freely in their last five, shipping 14 goals in the process, and a strong showing against Cheltenham could spark a late-season revival. The Gloucestershire FA Trophy side sit 12th in the Southern League Premier Division South, but a result against a Football League club would be a statement.
Cheltenham, meanwhile, will use the fixture as a final warm-up before the new season kicks off. The Robins’ 18th-place finish in 2025 left them 14 wins short of safety, and every extra point will matter when the new campaign begins. The visit from Slimbridge is more than just a pre-season friendly - it’s a chance to start rebuilding momentum and rediscover the winning habit.
With both sides eyeing their next steps, the clash promises drama, local pride, and a glimpse of what’s to come in the new season. For Slimbridge, it’s about proving they belong. For Cheltenham, it’s about rediscovering their identity before the League Two curtain rises again.
