Mark Yates believes Cheltenham have made significant strides in the 12 months since he took charge – but the Robins boss stressed that they have achieved nothing yet.

City’s visit tomorrow will be the first game of his second year at the helm since taking over from Martin Allen’s controversial reign.

Having steered the Gloucestershire club away from relegation last term, Yates now has them knocking on the door of the top seven.

“The whole club, from top to bottom, worked extremely hard to stay up last season and then make progress this season,” he said.

“We stayed up by the skin of our teeth and the next part was to make a progression with a squad full of hunger, desire and quality.

“I think we have done that but we are not getting carried away. We have had to tighten our belts and the key is to keep making progress.

“Who knows what we can do this season? We need to hold our nerve and a couple of results now could make all the difference either way.

“We have to keep our focus because we all want success and for the club to keep going forward.”

Cheltenham have not played since a dismal home defeat to Southend on December 14. Their Boxing Day trip to Torquay was another victim of the weather.

Right winger Josh Low is out with a hamstring injury so JJ Melligan, the only bright spot of their last game, is ready to slot straight in.

As the transfer window beckons, Yates admits he needs to strengthen in the wide areas and up front.

He said: “I am happy with my defence and although my goalkeeper (Scott Brown) had a blip earlier in the season, I think he is now proving himself to be one of the best in the division.

“I also think we are strong in the middle of the park but we are a bit light in the wide and forward areas, which is always the case, and that’s certainly not a criticism of the players we have in the slightest.

“Hopefully I can bring things in to strengthen that area, with forward players to complement what we already have. January is going to be a long month with a lot of work to do.”