Yeovil Town will play pre-season friendlies at Taunton Town and Weston-super-Mare in August.
The Glovers go to Taunton on Tuesday 3rd of August for a 19:45 kick off and will follow that up near the beach* on Saturday 7th at 3pm.
*mud
It’s been a difficult season for everyone at Yeovil Town, here’s our assessment on how the first team squad did.
As per usual Gloverscast rules, the ratings will be 1-7 with seven being the perfect score. We’ll try to combine their performances with their overall influence, and how the season went for them.
We are marking them individually, based on our expectations of them, rather than comparing them with other members of the first team.
Ian: Adam Smith has had a really mixed bag of a season. Has made some incredible saves in games and had the odd shocker which cost us. He’s undoubtedly been hampered by the lack of stability in front of him with an ever-changing defence. After last season’s keeper-carnage, it’s been nice to have someone who’s been available for every game this season. 4
Ben: All keepers are a bit bonkers, I know, I am one. Adam Smith has brought a level of consistency to the team selection, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a little while. During the early part of the season, whilst things were going badly, he stopped it becoming a cricket score at times. He’d probably admit one too many shots were bouncing back at the feet of oncoming strikers and for that reason I can’t go above a 4, but I like his mannerisms, his eccentricities and I wouldn’t be disappointed if he was our longer term keeper. 4
Dave: Statistically (well, according to my spreadsheet) the player who has earned the most points this season, due in no small part to the fact he has played every game. However, I believe we would have conceded more without Adam Smith this season than we have with him. 4
Ian: The highlight of Leadbitter at Yeovil was him running back pretty far to make a sliding tackle to stop a goal against Wealdstone. That pretty much sums the start of our season. Had a lot to follow up after Remeao Hutton’s season in 19/20 and couldn’t match it. 2
Ben: It can be tough to judge someone who played when we were playing at our worst, in a chopping and changing defence, in slightly different tactics at times too, but I never felt like Leadbitter was the outlet at Bradley has been in the latter part. I’m sure he’ll be fine in searching for clubs, but he was a bit… meh 3
Dave: Any player who turned out in the first two months of this season was unlikely to be one to remember, and that was the case with Leadbitter. Having been part of Bristol Rovers’ side which got out of this division, I hoped for much and he didn’t deliver. 2
Ian: The renaissance of Carl Dickinson at Yeovil is a hell of a story. Frozen out by Darren Way and he went on to become a key player in Darren Sarll’s squad. He’ll be disappointed with the season, but the context of his performances amongst everything puts him as a 5 for me.
Ben: I’ve gone on record as saying I would give anything for a team of Dickos and I stand by it, from sleepwalking out of the Football League without this guy to seeing him leave whilst putting him up there alongside Nathan Jones in the club hero ranks. We can be honest and say we’ve conceded too many goals and lacked defensive consistency so this season’s score can only be a 5, but his time at Yeovil overall is easily a 6.
Dave: If you take out Adam Smith and Albi, the spreadsheet shows that Dicko was the player who won more points for us than any other. For his leadership when we needed leaders, for whole-hearted challenges, for his willingness to put himself out there when we needed him and for coming back when he easily could not have done – cheers Dicko. 5.
Ian: Wilko’s season has been disappointing. Injuries totally hampered him and he wasn’t able to build on his stellar first season. Hopefully with the right TLC he can recover properly and be the asset we know he can be next season. 3
Ben: Time for potentially an unpopular opinion. We’ve craved defensive stability, we’ve craved a team full of Dickos and that really should have been Wilko, but too many injuries and a couple of red cards have meant we’ve been without our talisman at the back just a smidgen too often, he was shaky at times especially at the start of the season. For context, I want Wilko here and I want him to lead us next season, he and Hunt are a pairing to hang our hats on, but this season can only be a 3, next season, I know can be a 6.
Dave: It all started so well with our first goal of the season at King’s Lynn on the opening day, but we simply did not see enough of Wilko this season. Injuries, some silly bookings and some even sillier red cards meant we missed an undoubted leader in our backline when we needed him. He’ll want to do better and I have no doubt he will. 3.
Ian: I like Matthew Worthington a lot. But, he can do a lot more. There was that weird spell where he wasn’t involved and we didn’t know why. Seemed to be finding himself last season but really went off the boil and didn’t get anywhere near to the expectations I had of him. 3
Ben: Here’s a strange one, I don’t feel like I can judge this season, until we’ve seen him next season. He’s been in and out the side, a little bit injured, in a few different midfield roles, but I think we all agree he’s got the right character to be a key Darren Sarll player – a key Yeovil player. I know every attribute is there, I just want to see it for longer, be the first name on the team sheet and this 4 will become a 5 or 6 with ease.
Dave: Worthy seemed to pay the price for a disappointing start to the season and, whilst we never quite understood why, I think we missed his energy when he wasn’t there. It is no coincidence his return to the side triggered a good run of form at the start of the year, only to peter off as our season did the same. If he wants to and he stays, he can be a big player for us next season. 3.
Ian: Oh Lawson. Showed us what he was about in the last few games before another injury. A quality player on his day but, sadly, so many injuries. 3
Ben: What can you say? at his best, he is a League One player, but we’ve seen it in such short snippets its hard to judge. I have to go down the middle and give him a 4, at this level he can be a 6, his injury record is probably a 2. Gutted, I feel so bad for the lad who put his own body and future on the line for the team.
Dave: On his day, the man is too good for this level and is a solid 5 bordering on a 6, sadly his body thinks differently. 3.
Ian: It’s a shame that we’re losing our proper poacher. We remember the goals but also need to think about the injuries that meant he missed large chunks of the season. We were much more threatening with him in the side and he matched our expectations, 5.
Ben: A goal getting, poaching, fox in the box, attacking mercenary. Get in, get goals, get paid, get out. We’ve been better for having him, we can be upset he’s leaving, I’ll remember him for what he did in the 6-yard box rather than how he left us. But it does cost him a place in the 6/7 club. 5
Dave: Too good for this division and a shame he hasn’t backed himself to do it in the League, yet still up there with the likes of Jevons and Madden in my books. 13 goals in 31 appearances is some going. 5.
Ian: Yeovil Town’s Andrea Pirlo for that short spell earlier this year. He’s been an asset on the training ground by all accounts and despite injury, rarely underperformed. 4
Ben: The Newham N’golo, reinvented himself for a new role when the team needed him, led off the pitch too, rarely put in a performance under a 4/7, a future manager, maybe of this club, one day. We’ll miss him, maybe we don’t real is by just how much yet. 5
Dave: When he was called upon, he did not let us down and last season’s goal-scoring midfielder, became this season’s quarterback. I have no amusing nickname, so I’ll just say – cheers Jimmy. 4.
Ian: Warby, looked the part. Thought he was going to unlock everything when he was on the pitch but for whatever reason it just didn’t happen. Seemed to fall out of favour after the Torquay defeat and never recovered. 2
Ben: What good is having a Rolls Royce on the driveway if you can’t find the keys? 4
Dave: He promised to be a 6, but unfortunately he was a 2. Sorry, Matty, I think it was us, not you.
Ian: He was magnificent in 19/20. And he followed it on this season. His injury probably couldn’t have come at worse time, and there’s a good chance if he’d not got injured our season may have not gone as badly as it did. I think it was a mistake to sell him. 3
Ben: Reinvigorated by Sarll but potentially shipped out to earn some pennies, scored goals, made defenders lives tough, made a partnership with Murphy and backed it up without him too. It’s not his fault, but with only half a season, can only be a 4.
Dave: After last season, he should have been one of those who led but sadly injury decided otherwise and we didn’t see enough of him. I’d rather have spent the money we spent on replacing him trying to keep him. 3.
Ian: Joined Yeovil during in the January influx of signings and showed promise. Ended up at right back during one of the most difficult periods in the club’s history. 4
Ben: Have you ever taken over a job from someone who was really good? It cannot be easy, his improved as time has gone on and he has settled into the side, doubled up at right back on occasion too, if he stays his challenge is simple, turn this 4 into a 5 or 6 and you’ll do fine by me.
Dave: Wobbly start to his arrival, decent finish. If he’s the guy we get in for Dicko, I’ll be alright with it. 3
Ian: Did nothing other than looking like Jack Grealish a bit. 1
Ben Hair like Jack Grealish, shin pads like him too, just a whiff of ability and excitement, but at a time when we just needed to figure out how to keep clean sheets, he was probably never going to shine, an elaborate bundle off potential, but not a lot more. 2.
Dave: Looked good in pre-season. 1
Ian: I think he sparkled on occasions, plus we’ll always have Bromley. A shame he’s gone and we don’t know why. 3
Ben: We may never know, it’s that simple. When he came in, he was bright, thought with an attacking mind, gave us that moment at Bromley, but how it may have been better we will simply never know. 4
Dave: Not the Ronaldo (Cristiano or otherwise) that some make him out to be, but he brought a bit of something different. He deserved better treatment than he got. 3.
Ian: He did alright in a bit of bleak period. 2
Ben: I fear that I rate this lad more than others, I assumed he’d be closer to the first team squad at Coventry but he’s now available on a free transfer. He has every attribute Omar Sowunmi should have had. His time specific to Yeovil was only short, but didn’t do massive amounts wrong, but hardly set the world alight either. 3.
Dave: Looked comfortable on the ball, but feel he needs someone with experience alongside him. Not too much to judge him on this year. 2
Ian: Showed his versatility when he came back and he looked fairly comfortable. Difficult circumstances to come into as a younger player and will probably thrive in a stable set up as he did the first time round. 3
Ben: A bit like Williams before him, two fairly short, but tidy loan spells so far in green and white, difficult to judge beyond the down-the-middle 4 but there’s a decent EFL defender there.
Dave: I think he will go on to be a good player and looked a very decent one for us. However, like Williams, he needs some experience alongside him. 3
Ian: Oh Albi. 19/20 was a 6 of a season, this one was a 3. We didn’t see anywhere near enough of him when he was further up the pitch, but he looked reasonably solid at centre back when he had to fill in. If he’s staying on, I think he could do with some consistent time in the same position. For me though, he’s not a centre back.
Ben: I’ve had a lot of differing opinions on Albi his season. I’ve felt we have missed his presence at times, I’ve not been able to figure out his best role, I’ve demanded more from him and at times felt like we have played with a Skendi-shaped hole in the team. I’m being bold here, he edges to his score based on some genuinely fantastic games at centre back. It can be better, which makes this surprising – even to me.. 5
Dave: There were times where I genuinely wondered what dirt he had on people to play as many minutes as he did, but he infrequently showed flashes of what the manager sees in him. Like so many, he didn’t do it enough this season. Natural born centre back. 3
Ian: 12 goals totally exceeded my expectations. Showed glimpses of quality as a hold up man, and his hattrick was a highlight of the season. 5
Ben: Head on a stick, my arse. The more I see of him, the more I like, let’s get him a partner he can work with and he is 6 out of 7 potential. For now, very good 5
Dave: Frustrated and delighted in equal measure, but improved as the season went on. If we can find someone Murphy-esque to go alongside him, he could be decent. 12 goals a decent return. 3
Ian: Yellow card. 1
Ben: Should have been a mini Dickinson, a little reckless at times, found out defensively at times, sure he could crunch someone which I don’t mind, left quietly out the back door. 2
Dave: Loved a tackle. 1
Ian: Don’t fall in love with footballers. Except Tom Knowles. 5
Ben: Exciting, when he gets the ball I expect things to happen. Scores worldies. Took him a smidgen of time to get going and that’s all that prevents this being a six. 5.
Dave: In the same way Darren Sarll got his recruitment wrong at the start of the season, he got it right for the second half. I have a feeling this lad will be something special. Hope I’m right. 5
Ian: Charlie Lee was class for us last season. And when he’s been fit, he’s been class for us this. We definitely missed him when he wasn’t in the side but I think age caught up with him a bit this season. 4
Ben: I’m not sure what to say, as I write this I’m trying to think of reasons not to give him a six. I can’t. Vital to the team in every which way. A proper player. A proper character. If that long throw didn’t drive me bonkers I’d have entertained the idea of a perfect score, but I’m not sure I can go there, 6.
Dave: A midfield general who we missed when he wasn’t there and think we’ll miss him next season. Certainly one of the characters of our dressing room. 4
Ian: Watching Neufville pick up the ball and run with it is an absolute joy. The brightest part of our season by far and a genuine shame he didn’t get to finish it off. 5
Ben: This lad has it all, remember when we watched Andros Townsend and thought he was heading heading the top, I get similar vibes here. He’s confident, but humble, exciting, but hard working. Star man.,6.
Dave: For me, the bright spot in a forgettable season. One of those players who got you on the edge of your seat. I would have loved to have seen more of him, but when he’s back to fitness he’ll be a League player, no doubt. 5
Ian: Did okay towards the end of the season but really struggled for fitness when he first joined. 3
Ben: When he arrived and took for an age to get playing I feared It would be a short stint at Huish Park, but after getting fit he’s put in a few eye catching performances, slightly more brash and physical than Neufville but seems to fit a Sarll side well. Potential. 4.
Dave: Shown a few glimpses of what he could bring in the final new matches of the season. Will reserve judgement on him. 3
Ian: I like Max Hunt. I think with a regular partner and stability around him he’s going to be a key player for us going forward. He showed quality when he was regularly partnered with Billy Sass-Davies but seemed to struggle with others. 4
Ben: Tall isn’t he!? Still at the start of his career with plenty to learn. But I like him, I really do. I want more in opposition penalty areas, I want defensive stability from the team as a unit. But this guy can do all of this. For now… 4
Dave: After that ‘performance’ at Torquay he must have wondered what he was doing, but he went on to be a quality performer in my book. Get Wilko alongside him regularly next season and he’ll be a good ‘un. 4
Ian: Grew into it as the season went on. A definite upgrade on Leadbitter and he showed his versatility too. 4
Ben: I’m really happy with how his time has progressed, still more to find in certain areas, but i feel he’ll benefit massively from consistency to his left and in front of him, much more come from this lad. 4 (just couldn’t quite go to 5)
Dave: There’s definitely something there and give him a full season and I think he’ll be a good player. 3
Ian: He was the one we were buzzing about when he signed and seemed to really click with the squad. A shame he got injured so seriously, so early. I think he’ll be massive next season. 3
Ben: The signing I was most excited by last summer. The one we missed the most throughout the season. The one we will benefit from having next season. Get 40 games out of him and he’s nailed on for a 6. For now, can only be a 4.
Dave: He could have been a great player for us and I genuinely believe he will be if he stays fit next season. 3
Ian: I don’t think we should have swapped him for Courtney Duffus. We absolutely need more out of him next season. 2
Ben: I said I wouldn’t judge him on goals, so I won’t. He brought others in to play, linked nicely with Neufville and Knowles at times, Skendi too. We all agree we need more from him go I forward, copy and paste this season into next and it’ll be hugely marked down, but for some attacking stability… 4
Dave: He’s a striker, so you judge him on goals and three (including two penalties) in 27 appearances isn’t enough. He looked a yard off it to start with and a yard off it to finish with, but there was enough in between to stop me marking him a one. 2
Ian: Enjoyed a renaissance in centre midfield towards the end of the season, I think his influence was probably bigger off the pitch than on. 3
Ben: Come the turn of the year if Daggers had been released or left, we may not have noticed, but his resurgence as a engine room midfielder has made him one to possibly keep hold of next season. His attitude is infectious, his running and effort has to have an effect on those around him. 4
Dave: The man literally never stops. For his sheer effort and showing these young ‘uns that us old guys have got plenty left in the tank, he has my ultimate respect. 3
Ian: Performed well when he came in and he’s definitely going to be an EFL player. 4
Ben: Don’t sleep on what BSD does in his career going forward, international caps beckon for Wales over time if he carries on this trajectory of improvement. Had to be the ‘senior’ defender too often and stood up to it. Would have loved a few more goals from him. 4
Dave: Looked like an ‘experienced head’ on a number of occasions despite not being, a real classy player with a bright future. 4
The topic of the 2013 Yeovil Town League One Play-Off team is one that often crops up around these parts, we can all recall Paddy Madden popping one in the top corner, we all know James Hayter never did get a touch on Dan Burn’s header, we all bit our fingernails to the bone and sighed in relief at everyone of Marek Stech’s wonderful saves, but this was more than just a team game – we needed a whol squad.
The image of Jamie McAllister lifting the tropy aloft will live long in the memory – but let’s not forget, he didn’t actually complete the game.
With 77 minutes on the clock, his reoccuring groin problem flared up, his broken nose had become swollen and bruised, he had to be replaced.
Defensive options on the bench that day were Richard Hinds, a wonderful central defender, but not naturally a full back and so the call went to young Latvian full back, Vitalijs Maksimenko.
We pondered on a recent episode of the Gloverscast podcast with Media Officer James Healey, what had happened the the man signed on loan from Brighton, well, I found him, dusted off some Google translate and set to work trying to get him to answer our questions… and he DID!
Vitalijs now plays in Slovenia, with NK Olimpija from the city of Ljubljana, he was part of the team that lifted the Slovenian Cup this season, he played 89 minutes in the final, a 2-1 win over FC Cejle.
We fired over some questions about his short spell at Huish Park, which saw him make just four appearances, one of which came at the home of football.
Vitalijs said; “That was a good time. I spent there three months on loan from Brighton. It was a good team, a good squad. I remember all the guys so yes, I really enjoyed the time there.”
Of course the deal was brokered by Gary Johnson, who is still so fondly remembered in Maksimenko’s home country, Latvia something which the full back said only made the experience better.
“He (Johnson) is a legend in Latvia, yes. Everybody still remembers him because he did a good job with national team. I thank him a lot and I really appreciate that he took me to Yeovil on loan because this was my first experience in England. He is a really good coach. He motivates and trusts his players. I have only positive words for him.”
Vitalijs made his debut against Oldham in April 2013, and would start two other league games vs Crewe and Bury as McAllister continued to recover from his injury.
But of course, his main memory comes from the showpiece final at Wembley. He was on the bench for both semi-finals, but never came on, those 25 minutes at Wembley were his time to shine
“I think that this was on of the best times in my career. Everyone dreams about playing in Wembley, especially to [be] promoted to the Championship. I started the game on the bench and in the last twenty minutes our captain McAllister was injured so I didn’t even have the time to be nervous. Everything happened quickly. I came in and we had to hold the result. We succeeded.”
“It is an honor for me to have a medal from England, from Wembley Stadium. This medal is in my home in Latvia. I am really proud to have it.”
Famously, as pointed out by James Healey on the podcast, Maksimenko couldn’t stay to enjoy the celebrations, he was called up for international duty and would play for his country against Qatar just 72 hours after the play-off final, but despite the quick exit, he said that through the power of social media, he keeps in touch with his former Glovers’ team mates.
“We are following each other on social media, Jamie McAllister, Byron Webster, Paddy Madden … Sometimes I text the guys just happy birthday or when something happens. When Jamie McAllister retired he became a coach and I texted him immediately to congratulate him and wish him all the best in his new career.”
Vitalijs Maksimenko might not be the first name that pops into your mind when you think of that side, but it probably shouldn’t be the last either, four appearances and 25 all important minutes in the final put him in the ‘Cult Hero’ category at Huish Park, he was simply happy that we had remembered him and made contact to see how he was getting on, I asked him if he has any words for the Glovers fans, and to be honest – they’re lovely.
“To Yeovil fans I would like to say in this tough time for the club that I wish that in the next couple of years Yeovil will come back to where we have been. Slowly in League 2, League One and promote as high as possible. Stick together all the time. The team needs supporters.”
A huge “paldies” (Thank you in Latvian) to Vitalijs for taking the time to answer our questions, an extra “hvala vam” (Thank you in Slovenian) to the NK Olimpija Press Officer Kristjan Pahor for all his help for making this happen.
Who would you like to see us track down next? which ‘cult hero’ is worthy of some dodgy translations and a few questions fired over the interweb? Let us know!
The Yeovil axis could soon find its way to Sunderland as Nathan Baxter could join Lee Johnson’s side, according to the website Football Insider.
The shot-stopper made 19 appearances for Accrington Stanley last season, and at 22-years-old has a decision to make.
Reports suggest the move could be a loan or permanent with Baxter’s Chelsea contract set to expire in 2023.
Them lot up the road have announced their released and retained list as the 2020/21 season has drawn to a close and former Yeovil Town midfielder Alefe Santos is one of the five players who will be leaving the Bob Lucas stadium.
The Brazilian played for Yeovil for two seasons from the 2017/18 campaign after joining from Derby County.
He racked up a total of 43 games for the Glovers failing to score.
We wish Alefe all the best in finding a new club.
Well my time at @theterras has come to an end it’s been a pleasure to wear the shirt and at the same time it’s been a difficult year for me but next season I make sure it’s a better one thank you to everyone @theterras and all the best ❤️? pic.twitter.com/KGQwBBTuBo
— Alefe Santos (@alfiesantos7) June 1, 2021
Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll is back in the dugout this Wednesday (2nd June) as he takes part in an academy trial day for Stratford Town.
Advertising on their social media channels, Stratford Town are offering a trial day for players aged 16-19.
This is their third trial day and the second with a guest host, the other being former Bolton striker Dean Holdsworth.
Sarll has been invited to host the event as the two clubs have had a strong link since 2019. Albi Skendi joined the Glovers from Stratford and the two have played pre-season friendlies in the last two years.
Speaking to the club’s official site, Sarll said; “I’m delighted to be invited to Stratford Town to host this next trial. Academy football is where you begin to see players maturing into the game.”
The current Academy manager for the Southern League club Ryan Simmonds said “Having Darren come in to host the trial is great for the Academy. His experience of working with players of this age group and passing on his knowledge of the game will be a real bonus for those who attend and our boys who are already here.”
All the best to the gaffer as his search for young talent continues – just… maybe bring a couple of the good ones back to Huish Park, instead, yeah?
Stratford Town FC Academy, National League & Yeovil Town Manager to host Academy Trial. https://t.co/GaAoBOEajk @herald_sport @BBCCWRSport @strat_observer @wcc_schools @StratSchPE @AAcademy_PE @ShipstonPEDept @HenleyPEDept @SDC_Leisure @KinetonHighSch pic.twitter.com/fanRWHSrmx
— Stratford Town FC (@StratfordTownFC) May 21, 2021
Former Yeovil Town loanee Sam Johnstone has been named in the England squad for this summer’s European Championships.
The goalkeeper, who now plays for West Bromwich Albion, joined on loan at the start of the Championship season in August 2013 and played just once for the Glovers.
He broke his thumb in a 2-0 defeat at Burnley and went back to his parent club, Manchester United, for treatment and was never seen again.
But, we can still claim him as ‘one of our own’, right?
Josh Staunton has challenged his Yeovil Town team-mates to “pick up the torch” handed to them by some of the Glovers’ departing senior players.
The versatile 25-year-old made just seven appearances after joining from FC Halifax Town in the summer, suffering a knee injury in the 3-1 home defeat to Eastleigh in December.
Posting on his Twitter account, Josh described this season as “my worst in football, but strangely also one of my proudest.”
In response, his former (*sob*) team-mate Carl Dickinson, now manager of Hanley Town, replied….