Cheltenham Town are closing in on the signing of Crystal Palace striker Rob Street, according to journalist Jon Palmer of Gloucestershire Live.
Street spent last season on loan with fellow League One side Shrewsbury Town, making 43 appearances across all competitions. The 21-year-old racked up four goals and one assist in League One last year, which was his first taste of the third tier.
Although the stats may not exactly leap out to you, Street has plenty of potential and will be expected to greatly progress if he is to make a return to League One next season. Having found his best form for the Shrews at the end of the season, where he enjoyed more regular minutes as a result, the striker will be looking to reach new heights next season.
Cheltenham were not the only team interested in the youngster, with reports of various other League One clubs looking to sign the striker. However, a move to the Robins would make sense for Street, especially if talisman Alfie May leaves this summer, which is looking more and more likely. If he is the option to replace May, who has scored 43 goals in League One in the last two seasons, he will no doubt have big shoes to fill but the Crystal Palace player is held in a high regard. Although he may not replicate those numbers, it would be expected for him to add a great number of goals to Cheltenham’s tally.
Who is Rob Street?
Street came through the Palace youth academy and has been a part of their under-21 squad on a number of occasions, although never making an appearance for the senior team. The last three seasons have seen the striker play at three different levels, stepping up each time. A loan with National League side Torquay allowed the youngster to gain some experience in senior football before then gaining more experience with a loan to League Two Newport County the season after. His most successful season to date came at Shrewsbury Town, and he will be expected to improve yet again next season. Street is still fairly raw, and consistent minutes will greatly help to shape the striker and a move to Cheltenham could take him to the next level.
Cheltenham are currently one of the favourites for relegation next season, part of this being down to the transfer speculation surrounding star player Alfie May. The loss of May will be colossal and Cheltenham need strong replacements if they are to survive in League One next season. With the Robins not making any signings so far this summer, supporters will no doubt be slightly worried for the forthcoming season.
Writer’s view
Street is far from the finished product and could flourish at Cheltenham. That being said, the Robins cannot just rely on the youngster for goals, and would want to bring another, more experienced striker in next season which would greatly help Street. With Cheltenham expected to be in the bottom half of the table, they must start bringing some signings in soon if they want to be competitive.
Senior Editor
