On-loan Wrexham forward Jake Bickerstaff is making headlines at Cheltenham Town, with manager Steve Cotterill comparing his relentless style to that of Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres.
The 22-year-old striker, currently enjoying a season-long loan at Whaddon Road, played a key role in Cheltenham’s dramatic 1-0 win over high-flying Walsall, a result that continued their resurgence under Cotterill.
Bickerstaff’s Work Ethic Impresses Cotterill
Bickerstaff’s contribution may not have appeared on the scoresheet, but his tireless running directly led to the decisive moment. Chasing what looked to be a lost cause deep into stoppage time, he forced a cross that sparked chaos in the Walsall box. Tommy Taylor’s initial shot was blocked, only for the ball to rebound off veteran defender Aden Flint and into the net.
Cue those full-time scenes 🤩
Another BIG three points. Thank you for your support today Robins!#ctfc♦️ pic.twitter.com/TPgQOfLX2A
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) October 25, 2025
Speaking after the match, Cotterill was full of praise for the young loanee’s attitude and energy, comparing him to one of the Premier League’s most industrious forwards.
“Jake’s been a bit like Gyökeres for Arsenal because he’s done loads of running and had little reward for it, in terms of goals,” said Cotterill. “The fitter he gets, the longer he runs, the more things will drop for him. If he gives up on that lost cause, none of that happens at the end.”
Cheltenham’s win made it 10 points from a possible 12 since Cotterill’s return to the club, lifting them away from the relegation zone and injecting belief into a side that had struggled for consistency earlier in the season.
Bickerstaff’s role in that turnaround has not gone unnoticed, even if his contributions are more about graft than glamour.
Wrexham Keeping a Close Eye on Progress
For Wrexham, Bickerstaff’s form offers another encouraging sign of their academy’s growing influence. Having developed through the Red Dragons’ youth system, after a brief spell in Liverpool’s academy, the forward has steadily built experience through a string of lower-league and non-league loans.
His journey has included spells with Caernarfon Town, Nantwich Town, Accrington Stanley, and Altrincham before earning his current move to Cheltenham in League Two.
Some day 🏆 Grateful to be part of this club ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rq4WlwF6WW
— Jake Bickerstaff (@jakebick1109) April 24, 2023
Bickerstaff’s senior debut came in 2019 when he scored against Ayr United in the Scottish Challenge Cup, and he netted his first league goal for Wrexham in a 4-2 win over Walsall in August 2023. That performance hinted at his potential, with his sharp movement and pressing intensity aligning with the high-energy system favoured by Phil Parkinson.
His current loan spell is designed to accelerate that development, giving him regular minutes at a competitive level and a chance to refine his finishing — something Cotterill is confident will come with time.
“He’s a fantastic lad who gives absolutely everything,” the Cheltenham boss added. “It’s frightening how hard he works. When you’ve got that attitude, the goals will come.”
Wrexham supporters will be hoping that prediction proves true. With their promotion push continuing in League One, Bickerstaff’s progress could see him return next summer as a more complete forward — one capable of challenging for a place in Parkinson’s first-team squad.
For now, his reputation continues to grow away from the Racecourse Ground, built on the same hunger and commitment that have put him among the EFL’s most respected young loanees.
