League One club Cheltenham Town have revealed their retained and released list of players today, and perhaps notably star striker Alfie May is mentioned alongside the players listed as having contracts next season, raising hopes amongst the club’s fanbase that he might still remain at the Robins for the next campaign.
May has enjoyed a hugely successful stint at the Gloucestershire-based side since signing in 2020, winning the League Two title in his first season at the club before scoring over 20 goals in the following two campaigns. This record, along with memorable goals such as his effort from his own half against Peterborough in March, has lead to the 29-year-old being linked with a move away from the Wham Stadium. Numerous Championship clubs are rumoured to be interested in his services along with big-spending National League winners Wrexham, and it is likely that should May decide to leave the club, Cheltenham will receive a substantial transfer fee.
Who is leaving the club?
Experienced defender Charlie Raglan is one of seven players who have been informed that they will not have their contracts renewed when they expire next month. The 30-year-old centre-back made over 100 league appearances for the Robins during his four-year spell, but has found starts limited recently and last month League Two club Doncaster Rovers were linked with him. In the statement published on the club’s website confirming the released list, it stated that both Cheltenham and the player had ‘mutually agreed’ to part ways on a free transfer.
Goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald, midfielder Dylan Barkers and forwards Charlie Brown, Callum Ebanks, Zac Guinan and Christian Norton have also been let go by the club and will enter the summer transfer market as free agents. Meanwhile, loanees Luke Southwood, Caleb Taylor, Elkan Baggott, Taylor Perry and Glen Rea have all now returned to their parent clubs, whilst Grant Horton and Reece Hutchinson remain out on loan due to the League of Ireland season being played over a calendar year (hence it is still ongoing).
Who is being offered a new contract?
A further five players whose contracts were due to expire this summer have been offered new deals, which include experienced duo Liam Sercombe and Ryan Jackson. Former Exeter and Bristol Rovers man Sercombe has been a regular presence in the Robins midfield since his arrival in 2020 with over 100 league appearances made whilst former Gillingham defender Jackson has made 43 appearances in all competitions this season.
Young goalkeeper Max Harris and midfielders Ryan Broom and Adulai Sambu are also in talks with the club over a new contract.
Writer’s view
Despite Alfie May being listed as contracted to the club for next season, it is still widely expected that he will move on this summer especially with Championship clubs appearing to show keen interest in the striker. If this does happen, a substantial transfer fee could allow the Robins to invest more money in the squad as they aim to further establish themselves in League One and avoid a relegation scrap they were close to getting sucked into at times in the campaign that has just finished.
Charlie Ragnan’s departure means that a defender with recent experience playing regularly in League One and also was part of the League Two title winning team two years ago is now available in the free market and there is sure to be a number of fourth-tier clubs scrambling to secure his signature before they return for pre-season training.
