July 2021 (Page 8)

Worthington in action. Pic Courtesy of Mike Kunz

Yeovil Town have announced that Matt Worthington has signed an extension with the club keeping him at Huish Park for the upcoming 2021/22 season.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who joined the Glovers in January 2019 is the longest serving member of the squad and has become a real fans’ favourite during his time at Huish Park.

Confirming the deal on social media, Matt said;
“Delighted to be here again next season” Thank you for all your messages”

Gaffer Darren Sarll was also pleased to get the deal done telling the club’s official website;  “I was delighted when Matthew called and wanted to re-sign… “

“Matt and I have discussed in real depth what he needs to bring to this new team. A player that effects the outcome of games is very much within him but I have challenged him to make this a consistent actual. He can do it, it’s deep down within his capabilities and I believe he will be a big player for us next season.”

This is sure to be a popular announcement, none more so than at Gloverscast HQ!

Former Yeovil Town defender Ryan Burke, who spent the early part of the 2020/21 season on loan at Huish Park from Birmingham City has signed for Mansfield Town.

Burke was released by the Blues at the end of the last campaign and he joins Nigel Clough at the Stags for the one-year deal.

Speaking to the official club website Clough said “we needed cover in the left back position, he’s aggressive, he’s got a lovely left foot”

Strangely adding “He’s not been out on loan before, which is unusual, but physically he’ll be able to cope”

Don’t worry Nige, we’ll keep you informed, he played four games for the Glovers, getting booked twice in October and November whilst being an unused sub on a number of other occasions.

Yeovil Town may well be waiting a little longer before they know the exact fixture list for the upcoming season with schedules released at 1pm on Wednesday 7th July but two dates can be pencilled in nice and early.

The Football Association have confirmed that the Glovers will enter the FA Cup at the 4th qualifying stage – scheduled for the weekend of October 16th.

Whilst the FA Trophy details also being released it is expected that Yeovil will join at the 3rd round stage currently pencilled in for the weekend of December 18th.

There will be no replays in the FA Trophy, instead opting for extra-time and penalties, but drawn ties in the FA Cup up to and including the 4th Round Proper will see a second fixture played if teams cannot be split after 90-minutes.

Last season, Yeovil made the 2nd Round of the FA Cup before losing to Stockport after extra time and were forced to withdraw entirely from the FA Trophy after an enforced Covid Isolation break meant the match with Boreham Wood could not be played in time.

The National League has set up a working group to look at introducing a salary cap of £900,000 for clubs starting in the 2022-23 season.

Member clubs voted in favour of the cap at the league’s Annual General Meeting held on July 3 and set a target of bringing “a full proposal” before the board next year.

The idea of a cap was first floated last summer with a group of clubs suggesting limits of £900,00 for National League clubs and £540,000 for National League North and South sides.

In other votes, the League voted to set up a Standards/Ethics Committee which “will draw up terms of reference for the committee in consultation with all member clubs to be approved at a future general meeting,” according to a statement.

In less surprising news, the league confirmed the promotion of champions Sutton United and play-off winners Hartlepool United and accepted Southend United and Grimsby Town to make up a 23-team top division next season.

There will be only three clubs relegated to restore the division to 24 clubs for the 2022-23 campaign.

Chairman Jack Pearce, who replaced Brian Barwick who resigned at the end of the season, informed the meeting the season would “not begin without spectators or suitable grant funding.”

In his statement, Pearce added: “A contingency is also being discussed, should the season not be completed in its entirety. The League will be meeting with clubs to finalise these arrangements.  

“The League also recognises there is still disquiet from many clubs in a number of areas and the League are committed to meet with all clubs to address these issues in the very near future. “

Three directors were appointed with Richard Simkin, Commercial Director at of Stockport County and Chesterfield director Martin Thacker along with Aldershot Town chairman Shahid Azeem who was appointed for a third term.

Barnet’s Tony Kleanthous departed the board and there was no mention of Yeovil Town chairman Scott Priestnall, so one assumes he remains a board director.

 

 

 

Parkinson celebrates with his Colchester side at Huish Park in 2006

National League side Wrexham have made something of a statement signing today in the dugout announcing that former Bolton and Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson as their new head coach.

Parkinson who has also had spells in charge of Colchester, Charlton, Bradford and Hull put pen to paper on a 12-month rolling contract at the Hollywood-backed Welsh side.

Lancashire-born Parkinson has achieved promotions with Bradford and Colchester in the past as a manager, including securing promotion to the Championship with a 0-0 draw at Huish Park in the 2005/06 season.

In total, the Glovers have faced Parkinson seven times in the opposition dug out, winning two, drawing two and losing three.