Cheltenham Town manager Michael Flynn is preparing to face his former club Bradford City with mixed emotions. While he has a deep love for Bradford and wishes to see them succeed, he understands that his current priority is to secure a win for Cheltenham. Flynn spent three seasons playing for Bradford between 2009 and 2012, where he made a significant impact as a player and captain.
Despite his sentimental attachment to Bradford, Flynn is focused on the task at hand. Cheltenham Town is currently sitting in 17th place in League Two, six points away from the play-off positions. Inconsistency has been a challenge for the team, with four wins, one draw, and seven losses so far this season. However, they did manage to secure their first away win against Colchester United over the weekend, giving them a much-needed confidence boost.
Bradford City, on the other hand, is in a more favorable position, sitting in fifth place and just three points behind the league leaders, Port Vale. They are on a four-game unbeaten streak, including a recent victory over promotion contenders Gillingham. Flynn acknowledges the strength of Bradford’s current form but remains optimistic about Cheltenham’s chances.
Unfortunately, Cheltenham will be without the services of on-loan centre-back Sam Stubbs for the upcoming match against Bradford. Stubbs, who has been a key player for the team, is ineligible to play against his parent club. This absence adds to the list of squad selection challenges that Flynn has faced this season, with injuries and other factors disrupting team consistency.
Flynn expressed his frustration over the lack of a stable squad due to various reasons like injuries, illnesses, and international call-ups. He emphasized the importance of having a consistent group of players who can work together towards their common goal. Despite the obstacles, Flynn remains determined to build momentum from their recent victory and carry that positive energy into the match against Bradford.
As the game approaches, Flynn is aware of the unpredictable nature of football, especially in a competitive league like League Two. He understands that any team can emerge victorious on any given day, and he is focused on ensuring that Cheltenham maintains a strong performance to secure a positive result. While his heart may be with Bradford, his loyalty lies with Cheltenham, and he is committed to leading his team to success in the upcoming clash.
