Betting Special: Why backing the Robins for the League Two title is worth investing in

After falling at the playoff hurdle in the last two seasons, Hugh Wilson believes the Robins are good value this season for the League Two title

After being relegated from League One in the 2008-09 season, Cheltenham Town struggled in the bottom tier of the football league for two years.

Mark Yates’s men were on the verge of going out of the football league all together in 09-10, finishing in 22nd in League Two, one place above the relegation places. In recent years, however, the Robins have become a real threat in the league, pushing for promotion over the last two seasons.

League Two Outright
Odds from Paddy Power
Portsmouth	9/2
Fleetwood Town	7/1
Chesterfield	15/2
Bristol Rovers	10/1
Cheltenham Town	20/1

In season 11-12 Yates' men reached the playoff final before losing to Crewe at Wembley. Despite this heartbreak, Cheltenham pushed on last season and finished fifth in the league, three points behind third place. Once again they failed in the playoffs, losing to Northampton Town in the semi-finals.

Despite finishing in the playoffs last season, Cheltenham Town had a poor season in front of goal. The Robins only scored 58 goals last season, compared to Port Vale who finished in the third and final automatic promotion place with 87.

Yates has realised goals were an issue last season, and ultimately cost them a place in the top three, and has bolstered his squad with the likes of Jamie Cureton, Ashley Vincent and Terry Gornell.

The price of 20/1 (21.00) for them to win the league seems like a fantastic price with Paddy Power. Backing it each way at this price still provides plenty of value for the Robins to make the top three.

Despite all their financial problems last season, Portsmouth are favourites for the league at 9/2 (5.50) with Paddy Power.

Guy Whittingham has somewhat steadied the ship and managed to hold onto some vital first team members, which will make them a threat in League Two.

Chesterfield are third favourites at 15/2 (8.50) with Paddy Power.

Paul Cook’s men had a strong end to last season, missing out on the playoff positions by two points. Cook had taken over the Spireites in October, but given a full pre-season with his side, they should be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

Despite being outsiders, a busy summer has seen Cheltenham become real contenders for the title in League Two, and their price is certainly worth investing in. Even backing them each way, they would only have to finish in the top three for the bet to win.