Ward handed Cheltenham reins

Ward helped Wolves achieve promotion to the Premiership

John Ward has taken over as manager of Cheltenham Town, replacing Bobby Gould.

Gould was sacked following a run of six defeats in seven games.

Ward, the former boss of York, Bristol Rovers and Bristol City, will be assisted by Bob Bloomer, who had been acting as caretaker boss.

His first game in charge will be against Torquay on 15 November, while Bloomer will remain in charge for Saturday's first-round FA Cup tie against Hull.

"Having received over 50 applications, we interviewed three high-quality candidates and were unanimous in our choice of John," said Robins chairman Paul Baker.

WARD'S MANAGERIAL CAREER 1982-1987 Watford (assistant to Graham Taylor 1987-1991 Aston Villa (assistant to Taylor) 1991-1993 York 1993-1996 Bristol Rovers 1996-1997 Burnley (assistant to Adrian Heath) 1997-1998 Bristol City 1998-2003 Wolves (assistant to Dave Jones)

"We are determined to give John some time in the job as there is work to be done. He has therefore been given a two-year contract which we intend to honour."

< Cheltenham are currently 19th in Division Three.

Ward's most recent post was as assistant manager to Dave Jones at Wolves, but he left the club when Jones reshuffled his backroom staff at the end of last season.

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