Cheltenham manager Darrell Clarke reflects on “gut-wrenching” relegation to League Two

Cheltenham Town manager Darrell Clarke has expressed his disappointment after the club’s relegation to League Two on the final day of the season. The Robins fell to a 2-1 defeat at Stevenage, leaving them two points from safety and ultimately sealing their fate.

Clarke, who was appointed in September with the goal of keeping Cheltenham in League One, described the relegation as “gut-wrenching” for the club. Despite a valiant effort to secure a great escape, the team had been in the bottom four since August and ultimately fell short.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Clarke expressed his sorrow for the supporters and everyone involved with the club. He praised his players for giving their all throughout the season but acknowledged that they had come up just short.

The manager was unable to confirm whether he would be staying at the club next season, stating that “now was not the time” to discuss his future. Clarke emphasized the need to reflect on the season and have discussions with the chairman and stakeholders before making any decisions.

Despite the disappointment, Clarke remained optimistic about the club’s future, highlighting the resilience and determination shown by the players. He expressed confidence that Cheltenham would bounce back from this setback and continue to strive for success in the future.

Clarke’s tenure at Cheltenham saw him win 12 out of 35 games, with an average of 1.22 points per game. While he acknowledged the team’s lack of quality on a consistent basis, he commended their heart, desire, and application on the pitch. As the club looks ahead to the next season, Clarke remains hopeful for a brighter future for Cheltenham Town.