Cheltenham Town Braced For Player Departure

Tom Bradbury looks set to leave Cheltenham Town this summer as his contract nears expiry, with the experienced defender attracting interest from within League Two.

Bradbury, who featured in 45 matches for Cheltenham during the 2024/25 campaign, has been a key figure for Michael Flynn’s side. His contributions included five goal involvements and close to 3,900 minutes on the pitch, underlining his reliability in the heart of defence.

Originally from Aylesbury, Bradbury joined Cheltenham in 2022 following a successful spell with FC Halifax Town in the National League. Since arriving at the EV Charge Points Stadium, he has clocked up 88 appearances in all competitions.

Despite his consistency and high number of starts—38 in League Two last season—Bradbury has reportedly opted against extending his stay, with a free transfer on the cards once his current deal expires.

Plenty of Interest But Destination Remains Unclear

While it has not yet been confirmed which club Bradbury will join, several fellow League Two outfits are said to be monitoring the situation closely.

Given his pedigree at this level, it’s no surprise there is strong demand. Bradbury came through MK Dons’ youth ranks and has also spent time in the Scottish Premiership with Dundee, giving him a broad range of experience that will appeal to many sides rebuilding for the new season.

The likes of Chesterfield, Gillingham, Notts County and Salford City are all potential destinations. Meanwhile, recently relegated clubs such as Bristol Rovers and Cambridge United could also be in the frame as they look to reinforce their squads for promotion pushes.

Having operated under Flynn, who took the Cheltenham job last summer after leaving Swindon Town, Bradbury became a fixture in a side that eventually finished 15th in League Two on 60 points. Despite the club’s mid-table finish, the defender’s stock remained high due to his individual displays.

With his physical presence, aerial ability, and experience in both the EFL and National League, Bradbury is likely to attract a multi-club battle for his signature in the coming weeks.

Writer’s View

Tom Bradbury’s departure from Cheltenham Town might not dominate headlines, but it’s a move that could significantly strengthen one of their League Two rivals. His consistency, fitness, and know-how at this level make him an ideal addition for clubs with aspirations of a play-off push or more.

Given his roots at MK Dons and his experience across tiers, including time in Scotland, Bradbury brings maturity and adaptability. If a team like Chesterfield or Notts County were to secure him, it would be a shrewd piece of business. Cheltenham, on the other hand, will need to find a reliable replacement to shore up their defence ahead of what could be a tougher season without him.

Gary Hutchinson is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Real EFL, which he launched in 2018 to offer dedicated coverage of the English Football League. A writer for over 20 years, Gary has contributed to Sky Sports and the Lincolnshire Echo, while also authoring Suited and Booted. He also runs The Stacey West and possesses a background in iGaming content strategy and English football betting. Passionate about football journalism, Gary continues to develop The Real EFL into a key authority in the EFL space.

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