SPOTLIGHT ON : CHELTENHAM TOWN FC SUPPORTER - KAYLENE ISHERWOOD

Each home game, we shine a spotlight on a female fan from the visiting team, giving them a chance to share their story and love for the game.

This week, we spoke to Kaylene– a proud Cheltenham Town FC fan and supporter liaison officer. Kaylene attends both home and away games, following the club. Ahead of her visit to Boundary Park. Here's what she had to say about football, fandom, and sharing her favourite memories.

🔵 Name:

Kaylene Isherwood

🟠 Club:

Cheltenham Town Football Club

📍 Hometown:

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

🗣️ Q&A

Tell us an interesting or unusual fact about your hometown or city.

While Nashville is most known for country music, it’s also strangely home to a full-size replica of the Parthenon but made entirely of concrete... Inside it there is also a 42-foot (nearly 13m?) full-scale recreation of the statue of Athena.

What got you into football – and do you remember your first match?

I played football as a kid, and I went to some university and USA national team matches over the years.

When I moved to the UK in 2018, I fully converted to a football fan and have been attending a mix of EFL and Premier League matches ever since. After moving to Gloucestershire, my first Cheltenham Town match was at home against MK Dons in the 2022/23 season.

Why did you choose to support your club?

I loved how much of a friendly, community club Cheltenham Town is and really enjoyed watching matches on the terraces.

“Barrow Away”

What’s your role as a Supporter Liaison Officer? Are you enjoying this role?

I’ve been the SLO for over two years now. I engage with fans, supporter groups and our newly formed Shadow Board, answering questions, gathering feedback and trying to improve the matchday experience.

I also write and deliver the Club’s Fan Engagement Plan, help organise dedicated fixtures and make arrangements for supporters’ access requirements and special requests. I really enjoy being the SLO. Working matchdays with our incredible volunteers and chatting to supporters is always my favourite part of the job.

“With our incredible SLO volunteers Dave and Chris”

Who was your footballing hero growing up?

Tim Howard

What's your favourite football memory as a fan?

It was really fun having three FA Cup matches at home this season, beating Bradford 1-0 and Buxton 6-2. And it was exciting to have a sold-out crowd for the first time in 13 years for our match against Leicester City last weekend.

Do you travel to away games often? What’s been your favourite league 2 ground to visit?

I go to some away matches – most recently making the long journey to Barrow before Christmas, but my favourite L2 ground so far has been Cambridge United.

What’s the best chant or song your fans sing?

Cheltenhamshire la la la

Have you noticed attitudes toward female fans or the women’s game changing?

Yes, I feel this has definitely improved. It’s been really rewarding working closely with our Her Game Too ambassadors Mary and Taz and meeting more women and girls who support the Club and are passionate about football.

Alongside, HGT we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone at Cheltenham Town, and it’s great to be connecting with female fans of other clubs in League Two as well.

“With Sam, Proud Robins founder, and Jenny, Robins Trust board member, at last season’s Her Game Too dedicated fixture”

Match day traditions – any lucky charms on rituals?

I’m not very superstitious, but as a ritual, I enjoy the walk from the town centre to Whaddon Road.

If your club were a film or song, what would it be and why?

The song “Happiness” is played after a win, so probably that one when we’re doing well. And when things are up and down, it feels more like “Everyday Is a Winding Road” by Sheryl Crow.

How do you feel Cheltenham Town are doing this season?

It was a tough start to the season, but it’s been brilliant how much things have improved since October.

Any particular player for us to watch out for?

The JTs - Jordan Thomas and Jonathan Tomkinson. And it’ll be nice for our supporters to see Tom Pett again this season, who was also our Her Game Too player advocate for the 2023/24 campaign.

Score predictions this afternoon?

1-1

Where do you think you will finish in the league?

14th

How confident are Cheltenham Town fans going into this fixture after their 3 nil defeat at home against Oldham in September?

I’m personally much more confident now than I was back in September. But we have lost a few players so far in this transfer window, so this match will be a good test back in league action.

Have there been improvement to the team’s form since Steve Cotterill has come in as manager?

It’s been a massive difference, and it’s been great to see the much-improved connection between the team and the supporters. It’s also really boosted the atmosphere at home and away matches no matter the result.

⚡ Quick Fire Round

🏟️ Favourite stadium?

Elland Road

🥧 Top matchday snack?

Chocolate bar or cheesy chips

🚌 Home or away days?

Home

📺 VAR – yes or no?

No thank you!

👕 Dream player to sign for your club?

Archie Gray

💬 Final thoughts?

This is a brilliant blog. I’ve enjoyed reading the other posts and stories from female fans of League Two clubs. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute and for the work you do at Oldham. Best of luck the rest of the season!

Thanks to Kaylene for chatting with us! Keep up the amazing work you are doing as a supporter liaison officer and with Her Game Too. Enjoy the game today, make sure you wrap up warm!

Look out for more fan voices every matchday as part of our Her Game Too Series.