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It was a success as Cheltenham were clear favourites for relegation from the start of the season and for most of it we were in the bottom four. To finish 17th, the highest place in the club's history, the season has to be seen as a success.
You have lost some key players since the end of last season, notably Odejayi, Melligan and Armstrong. Do you feel that they have been adequately replaces and what new acquisitions are you looking forward to seeing?
Personally I am unsure whether they are been replaced as on top of those you mentioned, Brian Wilson and Grant McCann left during the season, so that is five of last season's starting eleven gone. It is difficult to judge on friendlies alone whether those players have been adequately replaced or not. My gut feeling is that we will struggle more this season without those players, but there are new players that have been brought in notably Scott Ridley from Scunthorpe at left back, Ben Gill from Watford who has been impressing people and also Andy Lindegaard from Yeovil who I feel is a good signing.
How has pre season been going?
We have beaten the teams we should have beaten, with the exception of Bishops Cleeve in the first match, and lost to Wolves and Leicester in games moved from Whaddon Road due to the weather. We also drew with Kidderminster. So I suppose that pre season has been going as much as expected bearing in mind that they have not been able to train at home as there has been no water at the club or training ground.
(The Robins subsequently lost 2-0 at Hereford this weekend).
What are your hopes for the coming season?
The main hope is that we maintain our League One status. We are everyone's favourites to be relegated this season, which is not a surprise given the players that we lost, but if we manage to stay up then that will be another successful season.
Who do you feel will be challenging for promotion and who do you feel will struggle this season in League One?
The obvious favourites are Notts Forest as they were up there last season and I cannot see them not being in the mix. I also feel that Millwall will surprise a few people given how strongly they finished last season and if they can maintain that momentum they should be up there. I know that Leeds are a big club but I do not know that they are going to do particularly well this season. As for the strugglers, other than Cheltenham (and Gillingham of course!) I would have thought that the teams who came up - Swindon, Hartlepool, Bristol Rovers and Walsall - will be looking to maintain their status in the League whilst I understand that Bournemouth have been struggling in pre season.
Seriously, what about the Gills?
I already mentioned them as a struggler! Looking at their squad, it does seem reasonably strong for this Division so they shouldn't struggle. Mid table mediocrity! We all strive for that!
With the big game rapidly approaching, what Gills players do you feel the Robins will need to watch out for?
All of them! The obvious name that stands out is Steve Lomas with his experience he will probably dominate the midfield. Nicky Southall has always done well against us. Added to that ex Robins Craig Armstrong and Craig Brown are bound to score on Saturday! However I feel that the loss of Jarvis and in particular Bas Savage will have an impact on the offensive side of the team!
Can I have a prediction?
I will go for a draw, 1-1 like last year which I am sure both sides will be happy with.
If the unthinkable does happen and the Robins win, what will the level of stick be in the office towards me?
Unbearable! It is unfortunate that we are playing you first up so you will have some months of hell but I am sure you will get your own back once you hammer us at Priestfield.