Cheltenham Town have parted company with director of football Gary Johnson after just 16 months in the role.
The Robins confirmed his departure as the club sit bottom of League Two following a torrid start to the season.
Experienced Figure Departs Whaddon Road
Johnson, 69, had returned to Cheltenham in May 2024, taking up a senior off-field role six years after his managerial stint at Whaddon Road ended. During his previous spell in the dugout between 2015 and 2018, he famously guided the club to the National League title and back into the EFL.
His second tenure began in the wake of relegation from League One, a blow that ended Cheltenham’s three-year stay in the third tier. Johnson was tasked with overseeing recruitment and the broader football strategy, with his brother Pete joining him as chief scout. In total, the duo were responsible for 36 signings across three transfer windows.
Under his guidance, Michael Flynn was appointed as head coach in May 2024, with Aaron Downes named assistant. The Robins secured a mid-table finish in 2024/25, ending the campaign 15th in League Two. However, any hopes of progress this term have quickly evaporated.
League Two 
Poor Start Forces Change
Eight games into the 2025/26 season, Cheltenham find themselves propping up the table with just four points collected. Flynn’s side have struggled to find form at both ends of the pitch, with goals in short supply and a string of injuries compounding matters.
The decision to part ways with Johnson signals a fresh attempt to stabilise the club after another difficult summer. Despite significant turnover in the playing squad, results have failed to improve, leaving supporters increasingly restless. The news comes ahead of Saturday’s crucial fixture against Oldham Athletic at Whaddon Road.
Johnson’s exit closes a long chapter in his association with the Robins, where his earlier work in the dugout remains fondly remembered despite the struggles of recent months behind the scenes.
Writer’s View
Johnson’s departure is a major moment for Cheltenham, who are now seeking stability in a season that has already slipped off course. His influence over recruitment in the past year was always going to be scrutinised, particularly with results failing to follow. Flynn, confirmed as manager in 2024 and still tasked with leading the team out of trouble, must now operate without Johnson’s oversight.
The hope among supporters will be that greater clarity and streamlined decision-making can give the Robins the lift they so desperately need before their League Two status comes under real threat.
