Cheltenham Town have announced the signing of exciting Cardiff City talent Joel Colwill ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
19-year-old Joel Colwill, the younger brother of Rubin Colwill, becomes Cheltenham’s 14th summer signing of the transfer window as the club prepares for life back in the fourth tier. The Wales U21 international has made two Championship appearances for the Bluebirds, making his debut off the bench in a 4-1 loss to Middlesbrough back in April. On top of his two Championship games, the teenager has also appeared in both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
According to journalist Darren Witcoop, Cheltenham Town fended off interest from other clubs, one of which is thought to be Mark Kennedy’s Swindon Town, who were believed to have also submitted an offer for the Welshman.
Jon Palmer of Gloucestershire Live has revealed that Colwill will feature in the Robins’ upcoming friendly against League One side Northampton Town tomorrow afternoon in preparation for the new League Two campaign.
It has been a busy summer at Whaddon Road as a total of 17 players have departed, with manager Darrell Clarke also leaving after an opportunity back up in the third tier with League One Barnsley cropped up.
New head coach and fellow Welshman Michael Flynn has been given the reigns at the club, with himself and Director of Football Gary Johnson bringing in 14 players to shape the new-look squad so far. Colwill becomes the third loanee to come through the doors, joining Southampton prospect Lewis Payne and West Ham United academy player Levi Laing in making the temporary switch to the Robins.
Speaking on the club’s official website after his signing was announced, Colwill said:
“I’m buzzing to be here, Cheltenham’s a big Club and I just can’t wait to get started.
“It’s my first time away from Cardiff but I feel like I’m ready to play first-team football, I’m really confident in my game at the minute and I want to take that into men’s football.”
Writer’s View
Although to some, the turnover at Cheltenham Town may seem unsettling, one cannot deny that beating several clubs to sign such an exciting talent in Colwill will send a message to the rest of the league. It feels like a new beginning for the Robins, with the club completely restructuring both on and off the pitch as they look on to next season.
It’s fair to say that last season was nothing short of a disaster, with the club struggling again both on and off the pitch last season. Though the great escape was almost pulled off on the final day against Stevenage, the drop-down in division may indirectly benefit Flynn’s side by allowing them time to get decisions right, the decisions that they often got wrong last season.
From Colwill’s perspective, Cheltenham are clearly a teams that needs some attacking firepower now with the likes of Liam Sercombe, Will Ferry, Aidan Keena, Rob Street and George Lloyd all leaving for pastures new. If he can impress, there is no doubt that he will get consistent game time under his belt at League Two level.
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