Robins appoint Gould

Gould returns to the dugout

Second Division strugglers Cheltenham have named Bobby Gould as their new manager until the end of the season.

Gould replaces Graham Allner, who was sacked following a run which has seen them fall into the bottom two.

Bobby has the qualities needed by Cheltenham at this particular point

Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker

Gould was keen on taking the job when former boss Steve Cotterill left for Stoke last May, only to see Allner handed the opportunity instead.

The former Wales boss said: "I applied last year but it went to Graham, but unfortunately it hasn't worked out for him.

"The opportunity for me arose again and I've accepted and it's a challenge. We've got 20 games to try and accumulate enough points to stay in the division.

"You never get a job at an easy time, that's something I've learned from my time in football, so you accept it and get on with it."

The former Wales, Wimbledon and Cardiff manager's first game in charge will be against Chesterfield at Whaddon Road on Saturday.

Former player Bob Bloomer, who took over as one of three joint caretaker-managers following the departure of Allner, has been named as first-team coach.

Managerial merry-go-round

Steve Parkin, Roy McFarland, Alan Buckley and Luther Blissett were understood to have been four other candidates who had been interviewed for the jpb.

But chairman Paul Baker felt Gould's experience and knowledge shone through.

He said: ""On balance the board felt Bobby has the qualities needed by Cheltenham at this particular point," he told the club's official website.

"His vast experience, knowledge, contacts and motivational abilities will be a huge asset to us as we look to improve our league position and secure Division Two football."

Gould has also enjoyed spells in club management with Coventry twice, West Brom, and Bristol Rovers twice.

Just one point separates Cheltenham from bottom club Huddersfield.

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