July 2022

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

With Yeovil Town’s pre-season campaign now at an end, there is one final chance to have a game of guess the trialist following the 1-0 win at Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.

The substitutes’ bench featured three trialists – A, B and C (we’ll not do the Trialist family joke again, promise!) – with one coming on three minutes in to the second half in place of left wing-back Jamie Reckord and another coming on in place of Malachi Linton up front.

Stanley Anaebonam, ahead of the draw with Exeter City earlier in pre-season.

Starting with the one we know more about, striker Stanley Anaebonam was the man who replaced Linton and has been around since the goalless draw at Taunton Town which launched the pre-season campaign a few weeks ago.

A Norwegian striker who was most recent at League of Ireland side Shelbourne from where he was release at the end of last season, he previously seems to have spent much of his playing career in the Midlands with Solihull Moors and Redditch United among his other clubs.

One assumes the fact he is still about and still getting game time at this late stage of pre-season suggests that he is someone who interests boss Chris Hargreaves, and he has shown flashes of “something a bit different” to quote our own Ian Perkins – but is that enough to earn him any kind of deal?

The other who made an appearance coming on for Reckord at left-back was Tyler Garratt who has been training up at Huish Park during the week.

Tyler Garratt during a loan spell at AFC Wimbledon in 2018-19.

The 25-year-old defender was playing at League of Wales side Cefn Druids having started the season at Bangor City.

His CV includes a three-game spell at Wrexham in the 2019-20 season which was cut short before they got the money and his final appearances for the Welsh side came in a 3-0 defeat against Yeovil at Huish Park in February 2020.

That season he played a further 11 games at Stockport County (when they did have money) and before that he lists Doncaster Rovers and his first club Bolton Wanderers.

Which leaves Trialist C who we know (/can Google search) the least about which we believe to be Finley Craske, a 19-year-old defender from Plymouth Argyle.

However, he has played at Huish Park in pre-season, coming on for the final eight minutes of his parent club’s 2-0 friendly win there a week ago.

He signed his first professional contract last month having graduated from the club’s academy and had a loan spell at Southern League side Plymouth Parkway.

The Plymouth website describes him as: “A versatile player, who can play in midfield or in defence, and has incredible energy.”

He made his League debut in May 2021 as a final day substitute at Gillingham having played in the Pizza Pot Trophy (or whatever they call it these days) earlier in that same season.

One player who was noticeable by his absence at Weston-super-Mare was Yeovil-born midfielder Matt Buse who had featured in all the club’s other friendlies.

His absence would suggest he has been told he can investigate other options and the rumour mill suggests that his other options could be bothering seagulls at W*ymouth where he finished last season……getting relegated back to National League South. Sorry, not sorry, Matt.

Full-back Lesley Duru was another player who did not re-appear at the weekend having featured against both Plymouth and Dorchester Town. One assumes he has been told he can look elsewhere.

By:
On:
In: Five Conclusions, Gloversblog, Latest Yeovil Town News
With pre-season now at an end, Chris Hargreaves’ next match day squad will be for the National League opener at Scunthorpe United. BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins was at the last friendly in Weston-super-Mare where the Glovers sealed a 1-0 victory. Here are her five conclusions…
We look to be enjoying playing a back three, but it can be fluid. This was the first time I have seen the Glovers play three centre backs and as was so clear last season, that area of the pitch looks very good indeed. Charlie Wakefield at wing back is an interesting prospect and, as ever, if you give him the ball, he is so dangerous. Jamie Reckord won the penalty getting high up the pitch on the left side and we looked dangerous – particularly in the first half. I am looking forward to seeing the system develop as we switched back to a four in the second period.
Ben Richards-Everton could be the experienced head we need. He was my man of the match against a stubborn Weston side who offered a lot going forward. He put his body on the line, had good positioning and was commanding. I also noticed Morgan Williams was much more vocal than I have seen before, and our new signing could really guide him through after what was a brilliant campaign last season for the centre back/right back/left back!
Striker Alex Fisher 
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
We may need goals, but we have one ridiculously hard-working striker. The manager was honest about the lack of goals in the side currently, and we need not only more bodies but our midfielders and defenders to ensure they are chipping in too. However, Alex Fisher never stops running – and now I remember his first spell at Huish Park was very much about that tenacity. I try to forget about the 2017/18 season as much as possible, but he always played for the shirt. I hope his goal is the first of many because his attitude and endeavour is second to none and he had some nice layoffs too. Feed the fish etc…we all want to see that GIF again.
Lawson D’Ath. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
We need a relatively injury free season. This may seem obvious, but for real success this season, management of players will be crucial. With Lawson D’Ath having his minutes managed, and a few niggles for our key creative players yesterday, it is apparent how much we need those star players. Any team which does well often has luck on their side injury wise. I think we are definitely due some!
Chris Hargreaves is so excited to be back in management. It was almost written in the stars that Chris Hargreaves’ first match would be on BT Sport after his punditry work for them. But it is infectious to see just how excited he is to be in the dugout for the opening competitive match. I am so pleased we got him in early, so he had time to get to know the players he inherited and add his own characters. Speaking to fans yesterday, there is no doubt they are supporting him, and I am sure he will get a fantastic reception at Glanford Park. Here we go again – let’s hope for a good start!

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Chris Hargreaves
? Aaron McLean

With BT Sport showing the opening game of the Glovers’ 2022/23 season live on TV, the club have confirmed that the game will shown in the Alec Stock lounge for Yeovil fans to enjoy.

The tea-time game from Glanford Park will be the first competitive game under the watchful eye of former BT Sport pundit Chris Hargreaves.

Scunthorpe dropped out of the EFL last season and host the Glovers for the first time since 2015.

The Alec Stock lounge will be available from 3pm on Saturday for fans to filter in and have a pre match beverage, there’s no need to book, just turn up and support the team from Huish Park.

The 5:20 kick off will also be covered on BBC Radio Somerset with Sheridan Robins and our very own Ben Barrett providing the audio… so however you’re watching, pop the TV on mute and dial in the radio as well…

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

 

Chris Hargreaves talks to the club’s YouTube channel.

Yeovil Town manager Chris Hargreaves has said he’s been pleased with the side’s pre-season preparation after signing off the friendly schedule with a 1-0 win over Weston Supert Mare. Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins after the game, he spoke of how he was happy with the tests the side had come up against.

“A lot of the teams we’ve played, we’ve done it on purpose because we wanted them to be a test. We played Sherborne and scored a fair few goals in that game, and the games we’ve had have been League One, teams that have been promoted and teams that have recruited a lot of good players”

“That’s what we wanted, we wanted a decent test as a last game and it was. We came out relatively unscathed, a few little injury worries but we’ve worked them hard this last week and I wanted that”

“In the main, application spot on”

Hargreaves spoke of his delight at Alex Fisher getting on the scoresheet his second ‘first’ goal in Green and White after signing on for another spell at Huish Park

“He’s a fantastic lad,really good for the changing room, I’m pleased he’s got on scoresheet so that’s a positive”

There was still an admittance that there’s a bit more to do, with goals at a premium during pre-season, a desire for his side to me more ruthless still exists.

“During that first 15-20 minutes, when we are having a lot of the ball, you have got to score again and it dampens the spirit of the opposition and we didn’t do that, so that’s something to focus on, when you’re in the ascendency, you’ve gotta take your chances.”

“We’ve had chances, don’t get me wrong and as a striker you want to score, but… save it to the first game”

That first game comes up against Scunthorpe, live on BT Sport (and BBC Somerset *ahem*) on Saturday 6th August (5:20pm)

Hargreaves was hoping that a couple more bodies will be availble sooner rather than later.

“I am hoping, I am. Just to add more quality to the group, that’s all we’re trying to do… so are all the other manager’s in the league. We are close, we just need a couple more.”

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Toby Stephens claps the Yeovil fans

Yeovil Town midfielder Toby Stephens represented Truro City as a trialist on Saturday ahead of a potential loan move.

Stephens, who was not named among the Glovers’ substitutes for the 1-0 win at Weston-super-Mare, was listed as ‘Trialist C’ for Truro in their warm up match against Gary Johnson’s Torquay United.

The young midfielder signed a contract extension at Huish Park this summer and after a couple of loan spells away last season could be in line for another temporary switch.

A picture showing Stephens in the white shirt of Truro appeared on Torquay’s Twitter feed at the final whistle.

There are obviously restrictions for us sharing imagery from PPA, who photographed the match, but if you want to see for yourself… click HERE

Truro are managed by former Yeovil Town midfielder Paul Wotton.

There have been a couple reports that he and Ollie Haste could be heading out on loan deals and this would suggest things are starting to happen in that regard.

No deals have been announced, so details like length of contract are still very much to be confirmed, but we wish Toby all the best at Truro for however long he’s there.

If a deal is confirmed, keep an eye out for Loan Watch articles here on the Gloverscast.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Sam Pearson in action for Wales – FAW

Chris Hargreaves has made a couple of changes for the final pre-season game ahead of the new campaign.

New signings Ben Richards-Everton and Sam Pearson are both named in the squad.

The former starts in the backline alongside Morgan Williams and Max Hunt with the welsh midfielder having to wait to make his impact from the bench.

Skipper Josh Staunton returns to midfield alongside Matt Worthington. Lawson D’ath misses out altogether presumably with more ‘minute managing’ on the cards for the midfielder.

There are three trialists listed – if we figure out who they might be, we will let you know.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Reuben Reid scores
Pic: Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town’s pre-season campaign comes to a conclusion with a game against Weston Super Mare. A match dubbed “El Ruebenico” by absolutley no-one other than Gloverscast Ben as Reuben Reid makes his first appearance against the Glovers since leaving at the end of last season.

The Glovers’ will head to the seaside with a near full strength side to choose from and not one, but TWO new signings to get some all important minutes into.

Central defender Ben Richards-Everton and young loanee Sam Pearson are in the mix, as is Matt Worthington – he was sent off in the pre-season game against Exeter and YTFC.net is reporting that he has served his sole one-match ban.

The game kicks off at 3pm

Team News

Weston have added Max Harris in on loan from Cheltenham, the goalkeeper will spent his second spell on loan.

Their most recent friendly saw them fall 2-1 at Slimbridge, a match in which a certain Reuben Reid hit the post…

Their squad is largely based of players with plenty of local experience at the likes of Plymouth Argyle, Exeter and Bristol City, they are lead by former Bournemouth and Forest Green Rovers coach Scott Bartlett.

From the manager

Here’s a strange one – I couldn’t find anything at all, from anyone at WSM about the game… so…. urm…. let’s pretend he said it would be good for the side to test themselves against National League opposition and that he’s sure Reuben Reid will be desperate to play well in the game, but only for himself and his new side rather than anything else…

That do? Why not.

Tickets

Gates will open on the day at 1:30pm. Tickets will be available to purchase on the turnstiles.

Ticket prices:

Adult – £9.00
Concession – £6.00
Under 16 – £2.50
Family (2x Adult & up to 2x U16) – £17.00
Under 8 – FREE

To purchase your tickets, click HERE.

Match Day Programme

Match Day Programmes will be available on the day – costing just £1 and can also be purchased online HERE

Directions

Weston super Mare AFC
The Optima Stadium
Winterstoke Road
Weston-super-Mare
Somerset
BS24 9AA

By Car:
Leave the M5 at Junction 21 and take the A370 towards Weston town centre. Continue across three roundabouts and at the 4th (where there is a McDonalds) turn left into Winterstoke Road. Go straight across the mini roundabout, over a railway bridge and you will see the ground on your right hand side. There is a fair sized car park at the stadium.

Please note:
CAR PARK:

Our supporters’ car park charges £2.00 to park on a match day.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept card payment for this. Please ensure you have £2.00 available to pay on arrival.

By Train:
Weston-super-Mare Railway Station is situated around a mile and a half away from the stadium, which is a 25-30 minute walk away.

As you come out of the station entrance turn right and then follow the station approach road around to the left. At the bottom of this road you will reach a T-junction where you turn left. You will then reach another T-junction with the A370 dual carriageway, where you turn right. Continue along the A370 passing by two roundabouts and an Asda store on your left. At the third roundabout that you reach (with a McDonalds outlet on one side) take the third exit onto Winterstoke Road (signposted Weston Industrial Estate). The stadium is further down this road on the right.

 

We will do our best to bring you team news, goal updates and any post-match analysis here at the Gloverscast – if you’re going to the game and have any thoughts, opinions or whatnot, reach out to us on Twitter @gloverscast or via email gloverscast@gmail.com

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Richards-Everton in action for Walsall

Yeovil Town are delighted to announce the signing of Ben Richards-Everton on a one-year deal following his departure from Barnet.

The 30 year old had been on trial at Walsall during pre season but now joins the Glovers to bolster the defensive options.

He brings a wealth of experience with spells in Scotland supplementing vast array of EFL games on his CV.

Speaking to YTFC.net after his contract was signed, Ben said; “I’m delighted to get the deal over the line and have it sorted. I’m really looking forward to the season.

“It’s been amazing (so far), the gaffer’s assembled a good team here. We’ve got a good group of lads who I’m really looking forward to working with.”

Commenting on Ben’s arrival, Hargreaves said; “Ben arrives with a vast amount of League and National League experience. He has been part of promotion winning sides and wanted to join the club.

“He is a real physical presence and becomes another valuable asset within our changing room.

“He’s been working hard to keep fit all summer and will be amongst the squad tomorrow afternoon.”

Welcome to Huish Park, Ben.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Podcasts

On today’s episode of the Gloverscast, Ian and Ben are joined by YTFC’s Strength and Conditioning coach Scott Wickens!

Scott takes us through what pre-season looks like at Huish Park, how his role has developed and gives us a fascinating insight into the level of detail that the club are going into with the squad’s preparation for the season ahead.

Plus, we talk Dorchester, Sam Pearson, Weston-super-Mare and take your GCQs.

By:
On:
In: Green and White Goals, Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town 1 Newcastle Utd 2 – Saturday 4th August 1990

Yeovil finally completed their long proposed move to a new stadium at Houndstone in 1990, after discussions had begun as early as 1985.

As we all know the old Huish ground was sold to Tesco, land was purchased from the army and the new stadium became one of the first to open after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, with no pens or fences in sight.

At the time, the Glovers were experiencing a relatively prosperous time on the pitch under the old school management of Brian Hall, having won the Isthmian League in 1988 and finishing 7th in the Conference in 1990. They finished that season winning the Bob Lord Trophy and signed off their time at the historic old ground with a 1-0 win against Telford, with the last goal at the ground being scored on a scorching hot day by Neil Cordice.

The opening match at Huish Park took place on Saturday 4th August against Newcastle United. The Glovers lost 2-1, but did at least score their first goal at their new home on that day, thanks to a smart finish from Andy Wallace. At that time Newcastle were in the second tier, experiencing a few years in the doldrums before their revitalisation in the mid-90’s under Kevin Keegan. Keegan arrived in 1992, leading them to promotion to the Premier League the following season where they would soon challenge Man Utd for the title in 1996 and 1997. However a team slightly less illustrious than the one that would contain the likes of Alan Shearer, David Ginola and Faustino Asprilla were the visitors to Huish Park, with veterans Mark McGhee and John Anderson scoring the Magpies’ goals, before Wallace reduced the arrears in the second half.

The first competitive game took place on 18th August 1990, a Conference fixture against recently relegated Colchester. The Glovers won 2-0, with goals from Mickey Spencer and Peter Conning. Colchester’s stay in the Conference was a short one, finishing 2nd in 1991 and winners in 1992 – with 94 points, but only goal difference ahead of Wycombe. The Glovers were mid-table in their first few years at Huish Park, peaking at 4th in 1992/93.

The attendance for the Newcastle game was 5,093, which stood as a record until the visit of Hereford in the second round of the FA Cup in 1992 brought in over 8,000. This was beaten when the marginally more attractive fixture of Arsenal in the following round set a new record of 8,612 which stood until the home terrace was expanded and covered, attracting 8,868 against Rushden in 2001.