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Yates doubts deal for Smith

Image: Phil Smith: Former Swindon goalkeeper is unlikely to be offered a contract by Cheltenham

Cheltenham boss Mark Yates doubts he can afford to sign Phil Smith, but will give Tristan Plummer another chance to earn a contract.

Plummer to get more time to earn a contract at Cheltenham

Cheltenham Town manager Mark Yates doubts he can afford to sign goalkeeper Phil Smith, but will give fellow trialist Tristan Plummer another chance to earn a contract. Smith is available on a free transfer after leaving Swindon Town at the end of last season and he appeared in the second half of Cheltenham's friendly against Evesham United on Saturday. However, with Scott Brown established as the Robins' No.1, Yates admits there is no room in his budget to bring in another experienced keeper. "Phil Smith did well and we'll see where we go with that," Yates told the club's official website. "I'll probably be looking to get a younger goalkeeper and I would expect I couldn't afford Phil."

Talented

Former Bristol City youngster Plummer scored Cheltenham's goal against Evesham and will be staying with Yates' squad for now after playing for Portimonense in Portugal last season. Yates added: "Tristan Plummer has been in Portugal for the past year and has done well but he wants to get back. He is one we'll ask to come down to Wales with is. "He is a talented player and if you can harness that ability then he will do well but he needs fitness. "I probably won't take any other trialists other than Tristan to Wales. I'd like to thank them all for their effort."

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