Gary Johnson's Top Ten EFL Signings

Whilst the reign of promotion winning manager Gary Johnson came to a sour end, there’s no denying the impact that he and his signings made on the club, a solid core of his players led Cheltenham to the League Two title and some still remain for the club’s bid at third tier safety.

The contribution of all players signed for Cheltenham’s National League season can never be understated, so we’re looking at those players who came in from the 2016/17 season and beyond and ranking them in who we think are the best and most important, not by ability, and their impact on the club.

10: Carl Winchester

Look, we don’t like him much either, but he was a good player. Winchester put in solid performances at centre attacking midfield and right back, even when he clearly didn’t want to play, and his goals won us valuable points in our bid for survival. A League One quality player who did eventually make it back to League One, although not via the path he had in mind.

9: George Lloyd

Does it count if the ‘signing’ came from our academy? We’re saying yes. Johnson gave one of our own his chance and helped to turn him into a solid league two striker who went on to force his way into the conversation to start and lift the league title with his boyhood club. Currently on loan at Port Vale, Lloyd will be looking to prove himself to Duff and keep himself at the pride of Gloucestershire.

8: Conor Thomas

Penalty extraordinaire, midfield maestro, and a player idolised by academy talent for his calmness on the pitch, Thomas arrived in 2018 in his return to English football. Thomas had been playing in India with Atletico de Kolkata, whom he was with for less than a full season. The former Swindon Town man has scored nineteen goals for Cheltenham in his three seasons at the club, with memorable strikes against Northampton in the playoffs and Forest Green in League Two. Thomas remains an asset to the club and continues to impress with his calm and level performances.

7: Sean Long

A summer signing in 2018 who remains at the club to this day, Sean Long joined from Lincoln City, rejecting a new contract with the Imps to move to Gloucestershire under Johnson. Long has played seventy-two times for Cheltenham and scored four goals. Long only played six times in a tough season for the player but went on to make thirty-four appearances the following season in 2019/20.

6: Mo Eisa

Possibly a stand out player in turns of ability, Eisa came out of nowhere and took League Two by storm, bagging twenty five times in fifty games in all competitions. Cheltenham didn’t achieve anything during his time at the club and he only stayed one season, explaining his position on the list, but it was a fantastic signing either way.

5: Ryan Broom

On track for two promotions from League One in as many seasons, Broom left Cheltenham following their unsuccessful playoff campaign to prove himself at a higher level, something which he has done with Plymouth Argyle this season. Had he stayed another season, or made a return he was linked with over the summer, Broom could have done so at Cheltenham. The Bristol Rovers talent was released while The Gas were a third tier side, but Broom and Cheltenham now play at a higher level than his former club.

4: Ben Tozer

Captain of Long Throw FC, Tozer was instrumental in leading the club to their first ever Football League Promotion in the 2020/21 season. His defensive ability and unique talent caught the eye of Hollywood’s finest as he made a big money move to National League side Wrexham, funded by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Tozer’s reputation was soured upon his exit, with the former captain unwilling to play for Duff’s side amid the Welsh interest. Despite this transfer, Tozer has still been instrumental in the club’s history, albeit at centre back and not up front...

3: Chris Hussey

Need we say more? Probably...it goes without saying that Hussey played a key part in the club’s promotion, scoring the goal that clinched it against Carlisle with one of League Two’s best left feet. A Johnson signing from Sheffield United, Hussey brought an attacking threat from defence as well as a strong mutual dislike between himself and Swindon Town, which made games between the two all the more interesting. There’s a strong argument that Hussey should be higher, but we’re sure you’ll agree with our top two.

2: Scott Flinders

The answer to our prayers, Flinders was brought in to challenge and take the place of questionable keeper Jon Flatt. Arriving in the same season as Eisa, Flinders has played one-hundred and thirty-two games for Cheltenham in a spell which has seen many highs and lows as well as a double leg break and having to try to force himself into the side on three separate occasions. The likes of Jon Flatt and Owen Evans couldn’t keep Flinders out the side but title winner Josh Griffiths limited the former Crystal Palace man to only one performance last season. Now starting in League One, Flinders continues to show his class in the Cheltenham net.

1: Will Boyle

Our current captain, our longest serving player, our top scorer (going head to head with Alfie May), Boyle joined in January of 2017 and has gone on to play one-hundred and sixty-four games in red and white and scored twenty-two goals. He has seen it all in Gloucestershire, going from a late survival push to a league title with mid table obscurity and play off heartbreak in between. An outstanding defender and important goal scorer, Boyle is without doubt one of Johnson’s best signings and a future legend of Cheltenham Town FC.

And there you have it, our say in Gary Johnson’s top ten signings for Cheltenham during his EFL reign at the helm. There are some honourable mentions that should have their name put forward, the likes of Liam Davis who joined and played a huge part in the club’s original survival during his half season at Whaddon Road, as well as Kevin Dawson who was undoubtedly talented but had a lack of discipline which let him down. Alex Cooper, perhaps, shouldn’t be anywhere near this list. And yes, George Lloyd (to us at least) does count.