Steve Cotterill says a potential new signing has been ruled out by injury as Cheltenham Town prepare for their trip to Oldham Athletic
17:00, 15 Jan 2026
An injury has scuppered Cheltenham Town's hopes of adding to their squad ahead of this weekend's trip to Oldham Athletic.
Robins boss Steve Cotterill revealed they were close to completing the signing of a player who then turned out for his current club, only to suffer an injury expected to rule him out for around 10 weeks.
"We thought we'd have one done after a really good Zoom call, so that didn't go down too well," Cotterill said.
"We were pleased that if we'd got him, he'd have had a game as well, although that wasn't up to us, but the lad has got injured after we were quite a way down the line with it.
"It wasn't meant to be and there is nothing more we can do other than hope the lad gets back fit, well and playing soon."
Cotterill remains confident of completing transfer business during the latter part of the window.
Cheltenham have so far brought in left-back George Nurse on a deal until the end of the season, also making Jake Bickerstaff's loan from Wrexham a permanent move on an 18-month contract.
Meanwhile, striker George Miller was unable to play a part in last Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup third-round defeat to Leicester City despite being named among the nine substitutes, due to a calf niggle.
Last season's leading scorer returned to training on Thursday and is expected to be in contention at Oldham, although Cotterill says he will be assessed before they head north on Friday.
Young forward Sopuruchukwu Obieri is set for another loan move to build his senior experience.
The 18-year-old was recalled from Gloucester City last week and was included on the bench against Leicester.
Oldham will include Jamie Robson and Joe Quigley, who both played under Cotterill at Forest Green Rovers last season.
"Robbo and Quigs are great lads," he said. "I really enjoyed their company and coaching them last season.
"They've gone on and are now playing very well for Oldham, where Micky (Mellon) has done a really good job.
"There is a really good fanbase there and it's a good, solid club with a lovely owner."