Cheltenham Town have rebuffed a bid from a League One club for star winger Ethon Archer.
The 22-year-old joined The Robins on a free transfer from Torquay United, and has been a leading figure for Michael Flynn’s side, who finished midtable in League Two this season. He played 53 times across four competitions, and got eight goals and six assists.
Second Bid Turned Away
According to Jon Palmer and Gloucestershire Live, Cheltenham have rejected a bid from an unnamed League One side for Archer, who signed a new contract at Whaddon Road in March, which is active until 2027. It is the second bid tabled for Archer in the past six months, with MK Dons bidding £250,000 for him in January.
The report states that the bid from the third-tier club is ‘significantly lower’ than the fee tabled by what was Scott Lindsey’s side. He is not the only in-demand man from Town this window, with Flynn stating that he expects both Archer and Jordan Thomas to depart in the coming months. Thomas has a quarter-of-a-million release clause in his deal.
Finances have been a big focus at Cheltenham over the past few months, after reports came that the club was searching for new investment, and a link with former NFL star Malcolm Smith emerged in February. Chairman David Bloxham has stated he feels optimistic about new funding arriving in the near future.
Writers’ View
With Ethon Archer expected to be leaving this window, it is understandable why Cheltenham Town are holding firm on their evaluation. This new bid, combined with a new contract, should have increased his fee from what MK Dons bid back in January, so for a ‘significantly lower’ bid to come in from a League One club no less feels a bit cheeky. It will be interesting to see whether this mystery club emerges or any new players come to the table for Archer.
