Michael Flynn has admitted he was surprised by Gary Johnson’s sudden resignation as Cheltenham Town’s director of football, insisting the club must remain united in the face of a difficult start to the season.
The Robins sit bottom of League Two with just one win from their opening eight games, and Johnson’s departure has added fresh uncertainty to a side already under pressure.
League Two 
Flynn Surprised By Johnson’s Exit
Johnson, 69, stepped down on 17 September after 16 months in the role, a decision that caught many off guard. Flynn, who was appointed manager last summer under Johnson’s guidance, revealed the news came as a shock.
“It comes as a bit of a surprise to be honest,” he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire. “I wish Gary all the best, I’ve spoken to him and thanked him for bringing me here.”
Flynn stressed that he owed Johnson gratitude for his support but must now focus on guiding his players out of trouble.
“It’s going to go one of two ways,” he explained. “A new beginning, Gary’s left, we move on, somebody new will come in, let’s go forward with positivity. Or it could be just the same old and it could be a negative thing which I really don’t want.”
A Difficult Start To 2025/26
Cheltenham’s season has been marred by poor form in front of goal, with just three strikes registered in eight league outings. At the other end, 14 goals conceded highlight defensive frailties. Last season brought mid-table stability, with the Robins finishing 15th, but momentum has quickly evaporated under the new campaign.
Johnson’s exit only adds to the pressure, leaving Cheltenham without an experienced figure overseeing football operations. Now owned by Mike Garlick, the club faces a key decision on whether to replace Johnson and, if so, with what type of appointment. Flynn, while diplomatic, made clear what is needed: “Someone who needs to know football and has an idea of how it should work. You’ve got to be together, there’s got to be unity and when that happens you get success.”
To underline his point, Flynn referenced the successful partnership between Michael Duff and Micky Moore, who worked closely during Cheltenham’s promotion-winning campaign in 2021. That relationship, he argued, showed the value of a strong alignment between manager and sporting director. “You work closely with the manager, don’t try to undermine, and vice-versa the manager takes on board what the sporting director says,” Flynn said.
Writer’s View
Flynn’s comments underline both his surprise at Johnson’s exit and the wider challenge facing Cheltenham Town. At a time when the Robins are struggling for form, the loss of a key backroom figure only increases the need for unity.
Flynn is right to stress the importance of togetherness—without it, Cheltenham’s fight against the drop could become an uphill battle before the season has truly taken shape. Much now depends on whether Garlick and the board can provide the stability and backing their manager is calling for.
