Manager’s Confidence Boost
Cheltenham Town’s new manager, Steve Cotterill, has publicly expressed his belief that former Coventry City winger Jordan Shipley is simply lacking confidence after a quiet start to the campaign. Shipley, who turns 29 next month, was signed by Cotterill for a second spell this summer, following their previous partnership at Shrewsbury Town.
Cotterill noted that Shipley has been substituted around the 70‑minute mark in both of Cheltenham’s League Two matches to date. "Shippers has had two quiet games now, but I know he can do more," Cotterill said. He added that Shipley’s lack of consistency over the past 18‑24 months is a concern, but he is determined to help the player rediscover his form.
A Player With a Proven Track Record
Shipley’s career began at Coventry City, where he helped the Sky Blues win two promotions in three seasons, moving from League Two to the Championship. He later played regularly in the second tier for Coventry before moving on. The former Republic of Ireland Under‑21 international shone under Cotterill at Shrewsbury, especially after an ACL injury to George Nurse, who is now also at Cheltenham.
Cotterill highlighted Shipley’s attributes: "He’s a deep kid, a real family guy and a lovely lad. He looks like he might be short of confidence at the moment, but let’s see how that goes. I am sure he’ll be fine for us." He also referenced a piece of advice from former England coach Don Howe, stressing the importance of maintaining possession and passing to the same coloured shirt to regain rhythm.
Looking Ahead
Cheltenham will travel to Barnet on Saturday for a 12:30 pm kick‑off at The Hive. Shipley will be in the squad for the match, and Cotterill hopes the upcoming fixture will provide a platform for the winger to regain his confidence and showcase the talent that made him a valuable player at Coventry.
The manager’s public support signals that the club is keen to give Shipley a chance to prove himself. If he can break out of his current slump, he could become a key contributor as Cheltenham seeks to climb the League Two table.
