Cheltenham Town appoint former Yeovil boss Gary Johnson as new manager

Cheltenham Town have appointed former Yeovil boss Gary Johnson as their manager until the end of the season.

Russell Milton - who had been caretaker boss - will work as his assistant, with Steve Elliott first team coach and the rest of the backroom staff remain unchanged.

Johnson, 59, takes over a club that is bottom of League Two with just seven matches left to play.

He told the club’s website: "I was honoured to be asked to take on the manager’s role at Cheltenham Town until the end of the season.

"I am very happy to be working with Russell, Steve and Jamie (Victory). I understand the position the club are in and I will be doing my best along with Russell to keep the club in the Football League.

"I am looking forward to getting started. I know the club, the staff and the players well and I am looking forward to getting into the swing of it and doing everything we can to succeed in our mission.

"It’s all hands on deck for the last seven games. I feel I know a lot about the squad, but it’s also important to have that continuity with Russell and the lads so we’ll be having a good chat regarding all of the players’ abilities.”

Milton had been in charge for nine matches following the departure of Paul Buckle in February.

He said: "I am happy to be working alongside someone of Gary’s knowledge and experience. I’ve been pleased with the way the players have responded since I have been in charge and I don’t feel we are far away from getting things right.

“I feel performances have improved overall, with results hopefully now following.”

Chairman Paul Baker said: "Firstly I want to thank Russ and Steve for stabilising the club and restoring a sense of positivity and spirit among everyone here.

"Both will have a key role to play working with and supporting Gary until the end of the season, when all parties will have a chance to review the situation moving forward.

"I am delighted to welcome Gary to Cheltenham Town. His experience will be critical and importantly he is very keen to work with the existing management team and playing squad.

"We have seven cup finals and we need everyone now to pull together. We thank our fans for their support and we hope that you will continue to back us during this crucial period."

Johnson has managed the Latvia national team, plus Cambridge United, Kettering Town, Peterborough United and Northampton Town. He took Bristol City to the verge of the Premier League in 2008 before losing in the play-off final to Hull City.

He guided Yeovil in the Championship for the first time in their history in 2013, but lost his job in February after a poor run of results.

His first game in charge of Cheltenham will be a vital clash at York City - who are just four places above them in 20th - on Friday.