Joe Tomlinson: Cheltenham Town 'heading in right direction'
New Cheltenham Town signing Joe Tomlinson says he believes the Robins are "heading in the right direction" after completing his move from MK Dons.
The 26-year-old has swapped the newly-promoted League One outfit for a club which has finished 15th and 18th since dropping to League Two in 2024.
The Gloucestershire outfit are hoping to return to the third tier under new owner Mike Garlick, with investment going into the stadium and training facilities.
Tomlinson told BBC Radio Gloucestershire he likes what he sees on his arrival at the club.
"The new owner is doing a fantastic job so far, and I really think he wants to take the club in the right direction," he said. "That was a big pull in wanting to come here.
"Match that along with the manager and the staff, this is the perfect club, and I really think its going to move forward again.
"Its been a tough couple of seasons, but I feel it's going to be moving in the right direction again, getting up - hopefully soon - back in League One again".
One of Garlick's first actions since buying the club was to bring back popular former manager Steve Cotterill, 23 years after he left the club.
Cheltenham-born Cotterill won three promotions and the FA Trophy in his first spell and Tomlinson believes he can thrive under the 61-year-old.
"I like football and I want to enjoy my football again, and coming here is the main reason for that.
"Steve and I spoke about formations and different tactics and things like that, and it aligned perfectly with what I feel comfortable with.
"What he wants from me is exactly what is going to bring the best out of me, and I can't wait for that".
Tomlinson came through the Southampton and Yeovil Town academies, before representing Brighton's Under-23s.
After loans in non-league football, he played in the EFL with Peterborough and Swindon before moving to MK Dons in 2023 and winning promotion past season.
He adds: "Even though I'm only 26, I've already had the armband at a number of clubs, so it's a role I really enjoy. Hopefully I can bring some of that expertise.
"I had a great experience last year, being involved in a promotion-winning team, so hopefully I can come in and drive those standards and we can be really good this year."
Tomlinson is a forward-thinking midfielder who contributed 11 goals in his 83 league matches for MK Dons, and hopes to continue that at Whaddon Road.
"I like to get forward, I like to score goals and make assists. That's definitely the way I want to play. Hopefully I can be exciting for the fans.
"I do like to get on the ball, pass it about, move it, and get in the box. But I do like to defend; a clean sheet is really important as well, don't get me wrong".