April 2022 (Page 9)

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The final of the Somerset Premier Cup appears to have been given a provisional  date, time and venue according to the Somerset FA website.

The match will be between Yeovil and National League South side Bath City is currently listed as being played on;

Tuesday 10th May, 19:45 at Huish Park.

This is scheduled in between the Glovers’ final two league games and just after their last home game against Boreham Wood the Saturday before.

At time of writing, this hasn’t been confirmed by either side or the FA, so maybe don’t book the babysitter just yet, but as soon as the details are set it stone, we will update this page and let you know the appropriate ticket details.

The website also lists the officials who will be overseeing the final, with Scott Jackson declared the man in the middle with some flag waving assistance from Ryan Blackman and Christian Gould with William Payne on subs board duty as well keeping Messrs Lee and Gill apart.

The Glovers made the final on Tuesday night following a 5-0 thrashing of Odd Down.

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Venue: Huish Park
Tuesday, 5th April, 7.45pm kick-off

Conditions: Clear and dry
Pitch: A bit soft

Attendance: 356

Scorers:  Olufela Olomola 4 (1-0), Josh Neufville 51 (2-0), Adi Yussuf 54 (3-0), Josh Neufville 57 (4-0), Corey Andrews (5-0) 80.

Bookings:

Yeovil: None
Odd Down: None

Referee: Richard Hulme

Yeovil Town : (4-4-2)

Max Evans

Jake Graziano, Ollie Haste, Morgan Williams, Jordan Barnett

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (for Korey Andrews, 66), Toby Stephens, Alex Bradley, Josh Neufville (for Fin Skiverton, 58)

Adi Yussuf Olufela Olomola (for Callum Deemer, 71)

Substitutes: Luke Wilkinson, Dale Gorman

Odd Down: Blammon, Humphries, Robinson (for Clark, 68), Watts, Yates, Adepitan, Ellis Ricketts (for Simpson, 61), Dunn, Simpson, Bryan, Waugh (for Best, 68). Substitutes: Pelliccia, Perkins.

Match Report

Caretaker manager Charlie Lee was rewarded with a 5-0 win of Odd Down in his first home game in charge at Huish Park which saw Yeovil Town book their place in the final of the Somerset Premier Cup.

Having taken an early lead through Olufela Olomola, three goals in six second half minutes saw Josh Neufville find the net either side of a goal from Adi Yussuf in his first match since returning from international duty.

Youth teamer Corey Andrews completed the rout with ten minutes remaining to set up a final with Southern League Bath City.

Here is how Ed Turnbull saw the match at Huish Park…..

First half

The Glovers got off to the perfect start as they scored in the fourth minute for the second home game in a row; Sonny-Blu Lo-Everton drifted off his left wing to find a pocket of space on the right hand side of the area and played it across to Olufela OLOMOLA who fired home from the edge of the six yard box.
Two minutes later Jordan Barnett‘s low cross presented Fela with another good chance but this time his shot was blocked.
Captain for the night Alex Bradley went down in the area in the 14th minute after being caught on the follow-through of an Odd Down defender’s clearance, but the referee waved away muted penalty appeals from home side.
With half an hour played there was a bizarre incident where Olomola received the ball on the left wing, but was completely topless and so a free-kick was given against him! It transpired this was because he had been halfway through removing his thermal underlayer.
Yeovil had several further shots as the half drew to a close, with the best chance probably falling to Adi Yussuf who blazed his volley high and wide after being found brilliantly by Josh Neufville after the winger blitzed past two defenders as though they weren’t there.
1-0 it remained at the interval, after a one-sided half which could have seen the hosts take a bigger lead.

Half- time: Yeovil Town 1 Odd Down 0

Second half

However, Yeovil came out for the second half seemingly a lot more clinical, as three goals in six minutes put the tie to bed, with NEUFVILLE playing a key role in all 3 goals.
Josh Neufville. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

On 51 minutes, he picked up the ball on the edge of the box and struck a firm low shot that Odd Down keeper Chris Blammon would’ve been disappointed he didn’t keep out at his near post. 2-0.

Almost straight from the restart, Lo-Everton played in Olomola whose left-footer shot was saved well.
But the Yeovil attacks were now more-or-less constant and just two minutes later Neufville again shot from left of the goal. Blammon could only parry this effort, leaving Adi YUSSUF with a tap-in that couldn’t be missed (even by him!)
Olomola then smashed a spectacular 25-yard strike against the corner of the woodwork.
Moments later, NEUFVILLE found himself perfectly positioned to place an effort into the far corner of the goal with a delicate finish after the ball came back to him in the box. His second and Yeovil’s third goal of the half, which was still only 12 minutes old.
With the tie done and dusted, Neufville was spared (with perhaps a start at King’s Lynn on Saturday in mind?) and on came Fin Skiverton. The game calmed down as further substitutions followed for both teams, and Yeovil’s potent attack was mixed up with Lo-Everton and then Olomola replaced for youngsters Korey ANDREWS and Callum Deemer respectively.
Still Odd Down struggled to get a sniff of a chance, although former Glover Omar Simpson showed a glimpse of real quality to control a long ball at full speed a get a shot away, which was blocked.
With 10 minutes to go, there was a lovely moment as two youth players combined to make it 5-0. Skiverton raced through on goal and, whilst he didn’t manage to get a clean strike off, the ball fell to the oncoming Andrews who fired the ball into the back of the net.
Yeovil remained on the front foot as they comfortably saw the game out to take them into the Somerset Premier Cup final and 90 minutes from glory! It must be a big game if David Coates is going to the travel down from Lancashire for it, right?!

Full time: Yeovil Town 5 Odd Down 0

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Caretaker manager Charlie Lee has named a strong starting XI for Yeovil Town’s Somerset Premier Cup semi-final against Odd Down at Huish Park (7.45pmkick-off).

Olufela Olomola. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Frontmen Olufela Olomola and Josh Neufville, who are on loan from Football League clubs Hartlepool United and Luton Town respectively, are named alongside Adi Yussuf in the Glovers’ forward line against the Bath-based Western League Division One side.

The winner will face Bath City, managed by ex-Glover Jerry Gill, in the final.

Yeovil Town: Max Evans, Jake Graziano, Morgan Williams, Ollie Haste, Jordan Barnett, Toby Stephens, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Olufela Olomola, Josh Neufville, Adi Yussuf. Substitutes: Luke Wilkinson, Dale Gorman, Callum Deemer, Finlay Skiverton, Korey Andrews.

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Yeovil Town have been hit by a third misconduct charge in two months after the FA released their disciplinary charges for March.

Further to two ‘failure to control players’ in February, the Glovers have been hit with third charge in relation to the game against Notts County on March 5th.

A game which Yeovil drew 1-1. The incident in question was just after Alex Bradley’s opening goal.

The charge reads…

11 March 2022

“MASS CONFRONTATION (FAST TRACK 2) – NON-STANDARD CASE
Yeovil Town FC, National League Premier 

Notts County FC v Yeovil Town FC
National League Premier
5 March 2022

Breach of FA Rule E20.1 – It is alleged that in or around the 55th minute of the fixture, Yeovil Town FC failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

Charge admitted – Paper Hearing requested”

It looks like another slap on the wrist is incoming…

Update 6th April.

It seems as though there was a little more to this, in the above incident Notts County’s Elisha Sam has been found guilty of violent conduct and has been banned for 3 games…

INCIDENT ON THE FIELD OF PLAY WHICH FALLS WITHIN LAW 12, WHICH WAS NOT SEEN BY MATCH OFFICIALS, BUT WAS CAUGHT ON VIDEO (FAST TRACK 1)
Elisha Sam, Player, Notts County FC

Notts County FC v Yeovil Town FC
National League Premier
5 March 2022

Breach of FA Rule E1.1 – It is alleged that the Participant’s behaviour in or around the 55th minute during the fixture constitutes violent conduct.

Charge admitted – Automatic Penalty accepted (3-match suspension).

 

 

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The YTFC Legends and South West Legends have learned who will be guiding them in the much looked forward to match to remember Adam Stansfield and those close to Yeovil who have sadly passed.

The Glovers, a team made up of the 2002-05 squads who led Yeovil from a Trophy win at Villa Park, out of Non League and through into League Two will be managed by, who else, but Gary Johnson.

Johnson had two stints in the Huish Park hot seat (the second one wasn’t exactly terrible either ? ) and will of course be assisted by Steve ‘Thommo’ Thompson.

In the away dug out will be none other than Darren Sarll.

Former Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll.
? Mike Kunz.

Sarll, who left for Woking in March, returns to Huish Park for the first time since his departure and will guide the South West Legends XI with a bit of help from Bath City Manager Jerry Gill, who may be donning his boots for a bit and playing too.

Sarll will be given a chance to say thanks to the fans after his sudden exit and conversely, the supporters will get chance to thank the man who guided the Glovers through a Non League Play Off campaign, and the behind closed doors era as well as being an immaculate leader during a time of immense sadness when tragedy fell over Huish Park after the passing of Lee Collins.

Tickets are available now for the Legends game on Saturday May 14th!

 

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The Somerset Premier Cup is down to three teams, Bath City await either Yeovil Town or Odd Down in the final with the latter two playing off at Huish Park this Tuesday.

The Glovers haven’t won the SPC since 2005 and will be hoping that Charlie Lee’s first home game in charge takes them to final.

Yeovil have, due to squad size, have taken this competition fairly seriously this season

The Glovers have already beaten, Bridgwater United 4-1, Larkhall Athletic 0-2 and Cheddar 2-0.

Odd Down received a bye in the first round before progressing past Paulton Rovers and Wells City, both on penalties.

Odd Down currently sit 7th in the Toolstation Western League, Division one.

They’ve played 35, won 15, lost 13 and drawn 7.

Their man attacking threat comes from Luke Bryan, who has 31 goals this season in 32 games, a tally which includes six penalties, although he was absent in their defeat to Sherborne Town.

TEAM NEWS

From a Yeovil point of view, Charlie Lee suggested on Friday that a number of first team players would be included, whilst prior to his departure, Darren Sarll had indicated that young goalkeeper Max Evans would get some game time.

With Grant Smith, Jack Robinson and Max Hunt edging towards fitness after injury, they could play a part alongside others who have been without a huge amount of game time recently.

Whilst, the Down will be able to call upon former Glover Omar Simpson in their squad.

Former Glover, Omar Simpson in action for Odd Down.
? J Healey/JRH Media

 

We’ve met before

This is actually a repeat of the 2004/05 Somerset Premier Cup final, you’ll remember it well.

The Ciderspace report goes as follows;

“In a one sided contest, completely dominated by Yeovil Town Reserves, the Somerset Premier Cup returned to the Huish Park trophy cabinet tonight for the first time since 1998.

Goals from Andy Lindegaard (28 mins), Richard Cullingford (33 mins), Stephen Reed (66 mins), Andrejs Stolcers (68 mins), and an own goal from Tony Quoi (79 mins) wrapped up a comprehensive victory. Odd Down were never in the match, and were fortunate to escape a real thrashing.

The one black spot of the evening from the point of view of the hosts was an absolutely diabolical tackle on Dale Williams by the Odd Down goalkeeper at the nine minute mark. He should have seen two red cards: one for violent conduct and one for the professional foul as last man. Referee Mr Buller opened a poor performance of bizarre decision making that continued all night by merely issuing a yellow. The game was held up for some minutes as Dale was stretchered off and then rushed to hospital. It was feared he had had his leg broken, but the latest update is less pessimistic.

Final score : Yeovil Town Reserves 5-0 Odd Down

Attendance : 2,164″

 

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Mr Priestnall,

What is happening to our football club?

For more than 125 years, Yeovil Town FC has been at the heart of the community. Under your custodianship, our beloved community club is falling apart and dying in front of our eyes.

We deserve answers as to why, under your leadership, the club is on the brink.

What is your plan for the future of the football club? On 5 December, you gave prospective bidders a seven day deadline before you would unveil your vision for the football club. It’s April and we’ve seen no sign of this vision.

This season we have lost Terry Skiverton and Darren Sarll. Two men who carried the club and its players through one of the darkest moments in the history of the football club. How do you plan to replace them?

Heading into next season, we have one contracted player and an interim manager for the ‘foreseeable future’. Have you begun discussions with any of the players, who have performed admirably this season?

You can cite the ongoing takeover situation as a reason for the uncertainty, but you are the owner of Yeovil Town Football Club. 

You are the individual who bears responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the football club. As the Chairman of the club, your neglectful ownership is destroying the only professional football club in Somerset. 

Is that something you really want to be your legacy as a businessman?

As Yeovil Town Supporters, we implore you to tell us what is happening with our football club, please.

Yours faithfully,

The Supporters of Yeovil Town FC

We must unite as supporters if we want to get answers. Please add your signature to this letter here.

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Tom Knowles turns home the second in the 2-0 home win over Southend. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

In perhaps the least surprising news of the week, Tom Knowles has been named in the Vanarama Team of the Week.

Knowles has been performing well for a while now and bagged another goal in the 2-2 vs Barnet.

Don’t fall in love with footballers.

Full team below.

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A football finance expert has said he believes Yeovil Town’s future is secure – if the club’s owners have a long-term interest.

Kieran Maguire, who co-hosts the Price of Football podcast, spoke to us on the latest edition of the Gloverscast podcast after the publication of the accounts of Yeovil Football & Athletic Club, the business which runs the club’s football operations.

It showed that during the 12 months to June 30, 2021, the club lost just under £400,000 which takes the overall losses of £2.22m.

Scott Priestnall, left, alongside now former Glovers’ manager, Darren Sarll. Priestnall and fellow director Glenn Collis are the only directors of the companies against which the club’s loans have been charged.

However, there nine months have passed since the period these accounts cover, and we know that the club has loaned an extra £309,000 from Sport England since then taking the amount it owes up to almost £1m – read more here.

Summarising the accounts he has looked at, Kieran said: “It’s not in a great position, it’s not in a terrible position necessarily, but things have happened since these figures which go up to the end of last June.

“If you look at the accounts, it owes a lot of money to the parent company (Yeovil Town Holdings) and if it asks for that money back, we have a problem because the money is not to pay that back.

“However, reading the small print of the accounts, the directors say that the parent company is not going to ask for the money back until the football club is in a strong enough financial position to do that.”

Of the loans which have been taken out from Sport England, he added: “Presumably Sport England has done its due diligence and is happy to lend, those loan facilities were close to a million pounds one or two weeks ago.

“When you take a look at the details, a lot of the money is owed to Yeovil Town Holdings who say ‘we aren’t in a hurry for that money’, Sport England are the same.

“Worst case scenario, if Yeovil Town were to cease trading today there could be an issue but that’s not going to be the case.”

Kieran also explained what he meant when he described the club as “technically insolvent“, meaning that the money it owes is more than it has. “It’s negative equity to use a term people are more familiar with,” he explained, “we did a recent study and found 52 clubs in the Premier League and EFL are technically insolvent and no-one is saying they are all going to go bust.”

The ‘parent company’ referenced here is Yeovil Town Holdings, the business set up by former owners Norman Hayward and John Fry to own the land around Huish Park back in 2010 – and both companies have the same directors, chairman Scott Priestnall and fellow director Glenn Collis.

So, technically the club is lending to itself and has been for the past 12 years albeit with Messrs Hayward and Fry footing the bill up until 2019 and now Mr Priestnall is doing so.

There are further complexities thrown in by the fact that the money borrowed by CV Leisure, the business Scott Priestnall used to buy the club, being secured against the clubs assets – namely its stadium and the land around it.

But, the bottom line is, as long as there is an owner in charge who has a long-term interest in the club.
Last December, the chairman issued a long statement – read it again here if you are feeling brave – where he said: “Selling this club has never been my desire.”

You can listen to our chat with Kieran in full – here – which starts about 30 minutes.

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On this episode of the Gloverscast, we’re delighted to welcome Kieran Maguire from author of The Price of Football and co-host of The Price of Football Podcast, to tell us what the some of the stuff on Companies House actually means. Kieran give is us a great insight into what could be happening and why, but kind of put our minds at ease too.

Before that though, Ian, Ben and Dave waffle about Charlie Lee’s Green and White Army’s trip to Barnet, and the small matter of a cup semi final this Tuesday.