Cheltenham Town boss Steve Cotterill has revealed that Bristol Rovers loanee Isaac Hutchinson has made it clear he does not want to return to the Memorial Stadium
Gloucestershire Live reports that the 25-year-old has told his manager on two separate occasions that he wants to stay at Whaddon Road for the rest of the season.
The midfielder joined Cheltenham on loan earlier in the campaign following a difficult period at Bristol Rovers. Hutchinson was part of the Gas side that suffered relegation last season and endured a strained relationship with sections of the Rovers support at the start of the current campaign.
Positive time in Gloucestershire
Since arriving in Gloucestershire, Hutchinson has rebuilt his form and confidence, contributing nine goals or assists in 14 appearances across all competitions. Despite Cheltenham struggling for consistency in League Two, his individual performances have stood out and made him a key figure in Cotterill’s side.
Bristol Rovers, meanwhile, remain in a precarious position themselves. Sitting 23rd in the table with 17 points from 20 games, they recently dismissed Darrell Clarke and appointed Steve Evans in an attempt to halt a slide towards another relegation. Evans’ arrival has inevitably raised questions over the future of loaned players, including Hutchinson.
Cotterill acknowledged that any decision over Hutchinson’s future ultimately rests elsewhere but confirmed the strength of the player’s feelings. Speaking to Gloucestershire Live, he said:
“I know Isaac wants to stay here and he’s come to see me twice to reiterate that, so I’d imagine he’ll have a certain amount of say.
The Cheltenham boss also admitted that his club has little control should Bristol Rovers choose to recall the midfielder, stressing that contingency plans would need to be made quickly if that happens.
“It’s not necessarily our decision and if they recall him there isn’t a lot we can do about it; it’s out of my hands and we’ll have to go and find somebody else.”
Two goals and an assist for Isaac today. Match sponsors Jaydee Living Ltd chose Hutch as their Player of the Match 🤝#ctfc♦️ pic.twitter.com/GvUu6hDXg5
— Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) December 6, 2025
Cotterill ‘pretty relaxed’
Cotterill added that Hutchinson’s situation is complicated by appearance rules, which could further influence how any decision is made.
“But you can only play for two clubs in one season and Isaac has already played for Bristol Rovers and us.
“If one club doesn’t want him to go back, or the other club wants him to stay, normally it gets left with the player.
“I’m pretty relaxed about it.”
With Bristol Rovers under pressure on and off the pitch, Evans faces major decisions in January as he looks to reshape the squad. Hutchinson’s form at Cheltenham, combined with his clear reluctance to return, adds another layer to a complex situation for a club already fighting to steady itself.
Retain quality
Cheltenham looked down and out at one stage, but Steve Cotterill is a good manager who understands how to haul teams out of trouble. One key element of that is keeping good players in form and happy, as well as keeping them at the club.
Hutchinson, on his day, is League One quality, and with The Gas changing manager, there is every chance they’ll want him back to aid their own relegation battle. He’s at a ‘local’ rival, one embroiled in the same fight, and it might not be up to the player what happens next.