Chairman Paul Baker hints at new deal for Mark Yates
Last updated on .From the section Football
Cheltenham Town chairman Paul Baker is planning to reward manager Mark Yates with a new deal.
Yates, 41, and his assistant Neil Howarth, 39, are under contract until the end of the current season.
"Mark has done a fantastic job and we will hopefully reward him and Neil with extended contracts in due course," Baker told BBC Points West.
Ex-Robins captain Yates was appointed boss in December 2009 following the departure of Martin Allen.
Cheltenham were languishing at the bottom of League Two when Yates took over but survived relegation and finished four points above the drop zone that season.
The following year they made a strong start to the campaign but only managed five wins in the final four months of the season and finished 17th in the table.
The Whaddon Road club currently sixth in League Two, one point of the automatic play-off spots.
"People were calling for Mark's head last year - we had a dreadful run towards the end of last season - but changing managers doesn't guarantee anything and it doesn't always work," added Baker.
"Mark and I go back a long way. He had a fantastic career here as a player and captain, he's Cheltenham through and through.
"We've made some good signings this year. The strength right through the squad, compared to what we've had in recent years, is very good.
"There has only been 14 games, there's a long way to go but we should be pleased with what we've done."
