Cheltenham Town are close to finalising the loan signing of defender Sam Sherring from Milton Keynes Dons.
The 25-year-old centre-back will become the Robins’ 10th new arrival of the summer and the first addition since new owner Mike Garlick completed his takeover last weekend.
Timely Defensive Boost
Michael Flynn’s side have been stretched by injuries across the back line in recent weeks. James Wilson and Robbie Cundy remain unavailable, captain Scot Bennett is still recovering, and Darragh Power picked up a knock in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Cardiff City. Full-back Arkell Jude-Boyd also limped off in the second half of that match, leaving the Robins short of options ahead of their League One campaign.
Although Sherring will not be eligible to face Salford City on Friday night, his arrival offers welcome reinforcement for Flynn, who has been seeking to add depth before the window closes.
League Two
Sherring’s Career Path
A product of AFC Bournemouth’s academy, Sherring joined the Cherries at the age of seven and progressed through the youth ranks. He gained valuable first-team experience during loan spells with Weymouth, Torquay United, Accrington Stanley, and Cambridge United before sealing a permanent move to Northampton Town in 2022.
During his time with the Cobblers, Sherring played a key role in their 2022–23 promotion from League Two, notably providing the assist for Sam Hoskins’ late winner at Whaddon Road in August 2023. His performances attracted the attention of MK Dons, who secured his signature in the summer of 2024. He made 13 appearances for the Buckinghamshire side last season before now being lined up for a return to Gloucestershire on loan.
New Ownership and Recruitment Drive
Sherring’s signing is set to be the first under new chairman Garlick, who finalised his takeover of Cheltenham last Saturday. The deal signals the continuation of an active summer for the Robins, who have already brought in nine fresh faces in preparation for the 2025–26 campaign.
Flynn has been open about the need to strengthen key areas while balancing the financial realities of League One football. The arrival of an experienced defender who knows the level is a clear step toward stabilising a squad currently tested by injury setbacks.
Writer’s View
This move looks a shrewd piece of business by Cheltenham. Sherring is a defender with a solid League One and League Two pedigree, and crucially, he has experience of winning promotion. At a time when Flynn’s back line has been severely hit, adding a player of his calibre provides both reliability and flexibility.
For Garlick, it represents a positive first move under his ownership, one that underlines the club’s ambition to compete strongly despite a testing start to the season. If Sherring can rediscover his Northampton form, this could prove to be one of the Robins’ most important signings of the window.
