December 2022

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Martin Hellier has said he is “extremely concerned” for the future of Yeovil Town with his bid to take over the club seemingly over.

The local businessman, whose company Hellier Group sponsors the Main Stand at Huish Park, issued a statement on his Twitter account shortly before a statement from club chairman Scott Priestnall confirmed he was in exclusive talks with an unnamed preferred bidder.

In his statement, Hellier said: “In our efforts to take over stewardship in what should always be considered an extremely privileged honour, we demonstrated our financial abilities, emotional commitment, and proven track record in being what we consider to be the best option for the club’s future, and above all, from someone who is local and has demonstrated commitment to open dialogue with all supports.

“If, in all of this, the current owners decided this is not satisfactory enough qualifications, then we see no means to ‘qualify’ this position further.”

The statement published on Martin Hellier’s Twitter on New Year’s Eve.

He added that he remained committed to supporting the club having signed on as sponsor of the Main Stand in the summer.

The statement added: “It has been extremely disheartening to witness the complete stonewalling of the fans and we remain extremely concerned for the future of the club.

“However, we will continue to support it to the best of our abilities and resolutely confirm our commitment as ever to a successful future for the Glovers, whomever leads the club forwards in the future.”

The businessman, whose interests include the Yeovil Court Hotel, the Fitness Yeovil gym on the Lynx Trading Estate and a number of Air BnB properties in the town, began expressing an interest in taking over back in October.

In November, he confirmed he was making a bid to buy the club and a month later he said he had ended his interest. However, this latest statement suggests he retains an interest in taking over at Huish Park.

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Yeovil Town have signed a “exclusivity agreement” with an unnamed group to become a majority shareholder of the club.

In a statement issued on New Year’s Eve, chairman Scott Priestnall confirmed that conversations had been taking place with investors in recent months, but added that a “a statement confirming a takeover is premature.”

It follows 24 hours of frenzied takeover talks since national football journalist Jacque Talbot tweeted that a takeover would be announced on Thursday, and just hours after sponsor Martin Hellier declared he was “extremely concerned” for the future of the club.

The chairman said: “It is true that there have been various conversations with potential investors over the last couple of months and whilst a statement confirming a takeover is premature.

“I can confirm to supporters that myself and the Club have entered into a period of exclusivity with a preferred party to become a majority shareholder.”

Yeovil Town chairman Scott Priestnall speaking to supporters at Huish Park in April 2022.

The Gloverscast understands that up to three parties – with one already known as Hellier who has been public about his ambition to take over the club – have been in discussions with Priestnall.

However, BBC Somerset reporter Sheridan Robins tweeted shortly after the statement that any takeover was likely to see Priestnall depart as chairman with his majority shareholding being taken by the unnamed party.

The statement published on the club’s website at 4pm on New Year’s Eve reads…..

 

An update from the Chairman

There has been a lot of speculation over the last couple of days regarding a takeover of the club.

It is true that there have been various conversations with potential investors over the last couple of months and whilst a statement confirming a takeover is premature, I can confirm to supporters that myself and the Club have entered into a period of exclusivity with a preferred party to become a majority shareholder.

These ongoing discussions continue to delay an announcement for the supporters meeting but a time and date will be confirmed as we approach a conclusion.

I will update you as the transaction progresses.

I hope you all have a lovely new year and get behind Mark and the team tomorrow in an important game against our local rivals.

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How was life as Yeovil Town supporter in 2022? Well, here’s a summary ofthe year in just shy of 5600 words. Settle in if you fancy it. It’s been quite an eventful year. Five managers (including Josh Staunton), the departure of Skivo, The Legend Game, Glenn Collis, the SSDC deal, our open letter and as we close out the year, are we on the verge of a takeover? Who said it was boring being a Glover?

January

After Grant Smith’s Boxing Day dismissal at Torquay, the Glovers brought in a goalkeeper with first team experience in Dillon Barnes on New Years Day. As signings go, it wasn’t the best one. In his debut, he conceded direct from a corner in a 2-1 defeat, which also saw Jordan Barnett score our goal of the season (and perhaps the year…)

We had an FA Cup 3rd Round match against Bournemouth with over 7,000 supporters at Huish Park. A youthful – and eventually promoted – Bournemouth won 3-1, with Joe Quigley scoring the Glovers’ goal.

Dan Moss left. Not sure where he is these days. We spoke to him about his time at Yeovil.

Needham Market came to Huish Park looking to cause an upset in the FA Trophy, and they did. On penalties. The day was largely overtaken by the news that club legend Terry Skiverton was departing Huish Park after more than two decades at the club. We are awfully thankful of everything he did for Yeovil Town.

Amidst ongoing takeover rumours, Julian Jenkins of Simul Sports tweeted on January 18th that they were ‘engaged in the final stage of due diligence’ to complete a deal to purchase Yeovil Football and Athletic Club. 

Three days later we sold Joe Quigley to Chesterfield with Scott Priestnall blaming falling gates at Huish Park. Coates did some maths afterwards.

With Max Hunt and Josh Staunton injured, and Mark Little playing through injury, Darren Sarll said he needed ‘a bit of help’ to strengthen his side and brought in Ben Barclay on loan from Stockport County. On the 29th of January we confirmed the re-signing on Lawson D’Ath until the end of the season. D’Ath had been enjoying some time on BBC Somerset swearing at referees.

We wrapped up January with a 1-0 win at Woking through a sublime Charlie Wakefield goal. Woking eh? Who’d leave Yeovil to join a small club like that?

February

We began February at home to our arch rivals W*ymouth. Club legend Nick Crittenden assisted Sarll for the evening. On the night, we could have done with him on the pitch as the sides played out a 1-1 draw.

We spoke to Jamie McAllister. That was nice.

We lost 2-0 on the road at Wealdstone, that wasn’t nice and Darren Sarll described it as indefensible.

In our quest for goals, we brought back Olufela Olomola for a third spell in green and white.

After losing Terry Skiverton in January, Darren Sarll appointed former midfielder Charlie Lee as his assistant. Little did he know what he was getting himself into…

In the aftermath of a 1-0 defeat to Chesterfield, Darren Sarll called for certainty regarding the ongoing takeover situation. 11 weeks prior, Scott Priestnall had issued a seven day deadline for a takeover to be completed.

March

The Glovers Trust put out a statement revealing the backer of Simul Sports consortium. The group included former Glover Marc Bircham.

An SSDC document stated the council had allocated £2.8m in its budget in order to proceed with the deal to purchase Huish Park and the surrounding land from the club. 

Albi Skendi – who never returned for preseason – signed for Orange County Soccer Club in California.

After defeats at home to Dagenham and Redbridge and Grimsby, Yeovil found themselves on a run of nine matches without a win. Darren Sarll said he might need to get ‘experimental’ in order to turn his sides form.

As experiments go, Josh Neufville returning on loan was an exceptional one. After breaking his ankle against Altrincham in May 2021, he returned to close his Yeovil Town chapter the right way.

We won a game!

We won another game!

We won again, on the day we remembered the anniversary of Lee Collins’ tragic passing. Goals from Reuben Reid and Tom Knowles saw the Glovers pick up a 2-0 win against Southend United.

Darren Sarll talking to Sheridan Robins after the 1-0 defeat at Chesterfield.

Less than 48 hours later the club confirmed that Darren Sarll was leaving Yeovil to join National League rivals Woking. Here were our conclusions from his departure. Charlie Lee was announced as Interim Manager “for the foreseeable future”, and he was really excited by the opportunity. 

In one of our favourite Glovers Pasts so far, we spoke to Lee Morris. Definitely add this to your list.

April

On the 1st of April the Glovers increased their debt to Sport England by £197,000, bringing it to almost £1m. Unfortunately this was no April Fools Joke.

Charlie Lee, who said he was ‘up for the challenge’, took charge of his first match at Barnet, where a late Reuben Reid goal earned Yeovil a point.

We spoke to Football Finance Expert Kieran Maguire on the Podcast about some of the filings from Companies House. 

We wrote an open letter to Scott Priestnall on change.org, which over 1500 people signed. On the 6th of April he committed to coming on the Gloverscast to answer some questions.

On the pitch there was another Desmond as another late goal, this time from Charlie Wakefield, salvaged a point at King’s Lynn Town.

A lack of killer instinct led to a 2-0 defeat at home to Aldershot (it wouldn’t be the only time we lost to Aldershot at home in 2022). In a theme of 2022, it was events off the pitch which made the headlines with a Yeovil Town member of the staff being accused of discrimination.

1300 Yeovil supporters made the trip to the seaside to watch a stalemate with W*ymouth.

We found out that SSDC were working on completing the deal to purchase Huish Park, after hearing nothing for months and assuming a takeover was on the verge of completion.

Suddenly, things started happening. Glenn Collis departed the club, with a club statement confirming the assembly of a new board including prominent local business people. Collis told his LinkedIn followers he quit after “months of soul searching and questions on the club’s direction.”

Closer to the pitch, Charlie Lee brought in Jody Brown as his assistant manager.

Scott Priestnall addressed a group of supporters in the Alec Stock Lounge ahead of the Stockport County match, while the Glovers Trust called for supporters to protest at the game.

Josh Neufville wheels away after scoring Yeovil’s second.

Tom Knowles and Josh Neufville goals helped us to a 2-1 win against the Hatters – and completing the double over the eventual Champions.

We asked the readers if they supported the deal with SSDC.

W*ymouth were relegated.

The address to supporters was recorded for the club’s official channels which Coates summarised in The Priestnall Tapes.

Here’s a summary of the summary:

  • There had been 40-50 applications for the manager job
  • The club were targeting a playoff finish in the National League next season…
  • The financial situation was ‘pretty healthy’
  • He hoped the long term vision would be place over the summer
  • The club was put up for sale without his knowledge by The Glovers Trust
  • Improvements to matchday experience were “in the pipeline”

Charlie Lee didn’t rule himself out of the running for the manager job.

May

In the penultimate home game of the season, we played out a 0-0 against Wealdstone, in a game we billed: “the no one gives a monkey’s derby”.

We hosted our 2nd annual Glovies before the final home game of the season.

Ahead of that match, the Glovers Trust called for further protest.

In what ended up being quite a feel good afternoon, Yeovil drew their final game of the season 2-2, with Luke Wilkinson scoring a free kick after 43509845 attempts through the season. The game also marked the return of the Get Pedalling 2022 cyclists, with Lee Collins partner, Rachel, and Terry Skiverton joining for the final stretch. You can listen to daily podcasts Elliot Watts recorded here.

SSDC confirmed that “legal and due diligence work” to complete the purchase of Huish Park and the surrounding land was underway, ready to proceed to sale.

Jordan Barnett was charged by the FA in relation to betting misconduct.

We won the Somerset Premier Cup with a 3-0 win over Bath City. Goals from Morgan Williams, Tom Knowles and Ben Barclay ensured the Glovers finished with some silverware.

Somerset Premier Cup Winners 2022 ? SomersetFA

After the match, Charlie Lee confirmed that Ollie Haste was signing professional terms with the club.

On the 13th May, two days before the final game of the season, the club confirmed Charlie Lee was leaving the club after being overlooked for the permanent managerial role. Josh Staunton was going to manage the team for the final game of the season, with Luke Wilkinson and Scott Wickens as assistants.

On Saturday 14th May, Kevin Gall and Abby Carter hosted the Legends Game at Huish Park. We spoke to some of the legends who took part in the day. You can watch the highlights here.

Luton recalled Josh Neufville before the game.

Thanks to a goal from Tom Knowles, Staunton became the only Yeovil Town manager with a 100% win record.

BristolLive reported that Chris Hargreaves was set to be appointed the manager of Yeovil Town. Two days later, Chris Hargreaves was officially confirmed as the new manager.

Chris Hargreaves was announced as Yeovil Town’s new manager on 18th May.

Club captain Luke Wilkinson left the club, and joined Darren Sarll at Woking.

SSDC confirmed the purchase of Huish Park. Scott Priestnall said the deal had released restrictive covenants enabling it to deliver “a viable plan to grow our infrastructure off the pitch” including putting together plans to develop the land around Huish Park, carry out maintenance work and invest in the playing squad.

Josh Staunton signed a new two-year-deal with the club.

The Glovers Trust, who activated an Asset of Community Value to prevent the SSDC deal in 2020 issued a statement following the confirmation of the deal saying: We continue to be concerned that the crucial assets of the club have been stripped away from the fabric of our club. For the first time since the 1930s we no longer own our home. We are worried, that this deal has placed the long term future of our club at risk.

Toby Stephen’s extended his contract.

As did Shagger Hips himself, Grant Smith.

We polled supporters on who you thought would benefit the most from the SSDC deal. You won’t believe the results.

A filing on companies house confirmed that CV Leisure, the company which owns Yeovil Town Holdings Ltd and Yeovil Football & Athletic Club Ltd, paid back the £1.35m it borrowed from MSP Capital to complete the purchase.

It was confirmed that Max Hunt was remaining a Glover.

Much to the relief of the entire supporter base, it was confirmed that Tom Knowles was also remaining at Yeovil after the club triggered an extension. Thank the lord.

SSDC sent us some answers to the questions put to them by the Glovers Trust.

Stuart Robins was appointed a shareholder and board member of the club.

Stuart Robins.

Damien Singh, the CFO at Canva, confirmed that attempts to purchase the club from Scott Priestnall had fallen through, putting an end to the Simul Sports takeover saga. Singh said: “We unfortunately could not conclude our negotiations despite a series of recent offers with funds placed on our solicitors account.” 

Founding member Brendon Owen stepped down as the Chairman of The Glovers Trust.

June

We did our player review of the season.

Lawson D’Ath signed a new contact and the club issued the released and retained list with Dale Gorman, Reuben Reid, Adi Yussuf, Mark Little, Jordan Barnett and Alex Bradley all departing the club. Matty Worthington and Max Evans both extended their contracts for a season.

Chris Hargreaves began building his backroom staff with Chris Todd joining as assistant and Marcus Stewart arriving as Head of Player Development. We thought things were going pretty well.

The club announced that season ticket prices would be frozen for the forthcoming season.

Chris Hargreaves joined us for an episode of the Gloverscast, where he told us he’d spoke with Ed Upson and Josh Neufville.

It was confirmed that Charlie Wakefield was staying at Huish Park, committing to the club for the next season.

Charlie Wakefield. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Ollie Hulbert became the first signing for Chris Hargreaves, joining from Bristol Rovers. The 19-year-old had worked with Hargreaves in Rovers’ academy set up.

After teasing us with a potential Ed Upson reunion, the midfielder signed for Stowmarket Town, close to his home.

The club bolstered their attacking line with the arrival of Malachi Linton.

The stripes returned – what a kit!

New director Stuart Robins told the club’s channels that a return to the Football League was his top priority.

July

Jamie Reckord joined the club on a one year deal with an option for an extra year. The 30-year-old added experience and more than 200 first team appearances to the squad.

We tried to deduce what the Holding Company accounts showed.

There was shock amongst supporters as Dale Gorman joined Barnet rather than Woking.

We shared our five conclusions and the results of our first ever end of season survey which 499 of you took part in.

Chris Hargreaves said he had some ‘really positive’ discussions and was looking to bring in players who were ‘right for the club’.

Nathan Smith tussles with Manchester United’s Ander Herrera in the FA Cup third round tie in January 2015. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Nathan Smith joined us for one of our favourite chats on the Glovers Past.

Stuart Robins joined us on the Gloverscast and told us the discussions were ongoing with investors.

We picked up a 4-0 win in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sherborne. 

Scott Priestnall set up an eight company, this one called ‘SP Trading Ltd’ using Huish Park as its registered address.

Sam Perry joined the club from Walsall on a season long loan.

Yeovil drew 0-0 against Taunton in a pre-season friendly. Always nice to get a visit to Taunton in.

Chris Hargreaves said he was hoping to have “a couple of bodies” in before the next match against Exeter. And he confirmed, exclusively to the Gloverscast, that Josh Staunton was going to be the captain for the season.

Former Glover Alex Fisher returned to the club, signing a two-year deal. Fish said it was a no-brainer to come back to Huish Park.

Tom Knowles scored as Yeovil drew 1-1 with League One Exeter at Huish Park.

Guess the Trialist came around again…

One of those trialists, Chiori Johnson signed on the dotted line.

It was officially confirmed that Stuart Robins was a director of Yeovil Football & Athletic Club Ltd.

We lost 2-0 to Plymouth in a pretty feisty friendly that saw red cards for Matt Worthington and Bali Mumba.

Speaking after the match Chris Hargreaves said this side needed to improve in the final third…

Phil Osborn was confirmed as the club’s new goalkeeper coach.

Yeovil drew 0-0 at Dorchester and Chris Hargreave said his side needed more belief in front of goal.

Later that week the club confirmed the signing of Sam Pearson on a one-month loan from Bristol City.

We welcomed Scott Wickens to the podcast to talk about what pre-season was looking like at Huish Park.

Centre back Ben Richards-Everton joined the club on a one-year deal following his departure from Barnet.

We picked up a 1-0 against Weston-super-mare in our final pre-season friendly and Chris Hargreaves said he was pleased with his side’s pre-season preparation.

August

Finley Craske joined from Plymouth on a Youth loan.

Joe Edwards joined us for an episode of the Glovers Past.

Chris Hargreaves said he was looking to add more attacking options to the squad as the first game of the season at Scunthorpe was around the corner.

Tom Knowles.

Tom Knowles left. No, I’m still not over it. #DFILWF

Charlie Wakefield spent much of pre-season playing at right wing back, but Chris Hargreaves reassured supporters that he would be an attacking threat in whatever position he played.

Max Evans joined Larkhall Athletic on loan. Ollie Haste and Toby Stephens both joined Truro on loan.

Will Buse, who had a blinder against the Glovers for Taunton in pre-season, joined Yeovil on loan.

Matty Grivosti, an ‘exciting addition to our group’ who had ‘shown a real maturity in front of goal at such a young age’ joined a Youth loan from Bolton.

The world got to witness the Glovers opening match of the season on BT Sport and it was not pretty. A poor performance and horrendous defending for the second goal saw Scunthorpe pick up a 2-1 win over Yeovil. Chris Hargreaves was disappointed but determined to add to his squad. He also added that Tom Knowles departure 48 hours before the first game of the season was ‘not ideal’ and that Knowles had wanted to go.

Yeovil Town announced the signing of Gime Toure who had been released by Carlisle United over the summer. 

Alfie Pond joined the club on loan from Exeter, in a deal that would last until January.

In a hugely improved performance, Yeovil drew 1-1 with Wrexham thanks to a worldy from Malachi Linton. The Glovers probably should have won, such was the quality of the football played.

Malachi Linton, left, celebrates with team-mates Jamie Reckord and Alex Fisher. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

A few days later, Barnet came to Huish Park and executed the perfect smash and grab 2-1 win, including some poophousery from former Glover Dale Gorman. After the match Chris Hargreaves said he was frustrated at the soft goals.

Malachi Linton and Gime Toure scored on the road at Altrincham, but the latest of late goals from Egli Kaga saw Yeovil leave Moss Lane with only one point. Chris Hargreaves said it was almost the perfect away performance and Lawson D’Ath said the team would start picking up wins soon.

SSDC confirmed to the Gloverscast that initial discussions were underway around the development of the land at Huish Park.

After a string of impressive performances, Sam Pearson’s one month loan was extended to January.

Chris Hargreaves promised two new signings ahead of Dagenham and Redbridge’s visit and he delivered Callum Rowe on a short term deal and Jake Scrimshaw – a striker from Bournemouth – on a two-year contract.

On the 27th August we picked up our first win of the season with a backs-to-the-wall 1-0 against Dagenham. Jamie Reckord’s 34th minute goal was enough for the Glovers who defended impressively, particularly Alfie Pond.

Two days later, after playing against 10 mean for 81 minutes, Yeovil conspired to draw 0-0 against Wealdstone. A notable moment of the game came when Malachi Linton took the ball from Alex Fisher for a game-winning penalty and missed. Chris Hargreaves said he was frustrated at the lack of creativity his side showed against the 10 men.

September

We kicked off September with a new signing, or at least Stratford Town told us we had. A statement on their website by their chairman Jed McCrory confirmed that Will Dawes would be joining the club.

A filing on Companies House showed that the club’s new director, Stuart Robins, owned a 20% stake in the club.

Alfie Pond’s loan was cut short after he sealed a deadline day move to Wolves from Exeter City. No matter though, Owen Bevan, the youth captain at AFC Bournemouth quickly arrived to bolster the defence.

In an atrocious afternoon of football saw Yeovil fall to a 1-0 defeat at Huish Park against York City. Grant Smith saved a penalty from Lenell John-Lewis, who later scored the winner. The game was marred by a racist incident though, with the club’s highlights package revealing discriminatory chanting from a supporter in the stands. An investigation was launched into the incident.

Ed Upson was our guest on the Glovers Past.

On September 8th, it was announced that Marcus Stewart had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, but that he intended to continue his work in football. There is a fundraising page for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation here. 

Later that day Buckingham Palace announced the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, bringing a halt to events up and down the country – including Woking vs Yeovil Town.

Chris Hargreaves compared Will Dawes to Tom Knowles saying: “There will be a bedding in process of two or three weeks to bed him in to that intensity of training every day with this group. But he has huge potential, very similar to Tom Knowles when he came to the club, with that untapped potential that we need to focus on when we bring players to the club.”

Ollie Hulbert went out on loan to Gloucester City to gain fitness after returning from injury.

In midweek action, an early goal from Sam Pearson set Yeovil on their way against Eastleigh, but at 77th minute equaliser saw Yeovil draw again. Hargreaves said his side “didn’t play enough.”

Having had Ryan Reynolds force their hand, the National League confirmed there would be streaming in place by the end of the season.

Yeovil gave it a bloody good go against Chesterfield and took the lead twice, but sloppy defending saw the Spireites peg the Glovers back to salvage a 2-2 draw. Josh Staunton was frustrated and Chris Hargreaves was furious.

In the build up to Boreham Wood’s visit, the manager said he felt the Glovers were in a false position in 19th.

Dave reviewed The Priestnall Tapes five months on.

I think the Ikea joke started around now, as Yeovil managed yet another draw against Boreham Wood. After six draws in the opening 10 fixtures, Chris Hargreaves said he wasn’t feeling the pressure.

Speaking to Three Valleys Radio, Stuart Robins said the deal with SSDC had to take place for the club to survive. He also said that there were plans for a new ‘fan zone’ at Huish Park.

Chris Hargreaves said he had ‘the support’ to get the right player and the right deal for Yeovil Town should he need to make signings.

October

Gime Toure was sent off for kicking out at a Southend United player as the Glovers fell to a 1-0 defeat at Root’s Hall. Chris Hargreaves described it as unacceptable and unforgivable. Both he and Josh Staunton described the upcoming Dorking fixture as must-win.

We reached out to Sport England regarding the loans taken out during the pandemic and they told us there were no plans for them to be written off.

Yeovil Town drew 1-1 in the ‘must-win’ match at Dorking and dropped into the relegation zone. Hargreaves pointed to inexperience and said he understood the supporters’ frustrations.

Jake Gallagher reached out to us to share a defence of Chris Hargreaves amongst the growing unrest.

The club ended its investigation into the ‘alleged racist chanting’ at the York City match without conclusion.

Chris Hargreaves called for patience ahead of the visit of Solihull Moors.

We celebrated our 200th episode by welcoming Tony Pennock to the Gloverscast.

Tony Pennock celebrates the ICIS League title win in 1997. Picture courtesy of Tim Lancaster.

Ollie Hulbert returned from his loan at Gloucester.

We won our 2nd game of the session thanks to a Chiori Johnson winner against Solihull, a win that the manager hoped would be a ‘springboard.’

Luckily we had the welcome distraction of the FA Cup to build on that win. Before the visit of Taunton, Chris Hargreaves said he was hoping to harness the club’s FA Cup spirit.

In an update posted on the club’s website, Scott Priestnall revealed that Martyn Starnes would soon be appointed the new CEO of the Club. The statement also said that he hoped to have development plans and next steps out later this year. He also revealed that the club had written off £600,000 of shareholder loans.

Finley Craske was recalled by Plymouth.

Toby Stephens signed for Plymouth Parkway on loan.

Taunton took Yeovil back to the Cygnet Healthcare Stadium after a dismal 0-0 at Huish Park which saw boos from supporters at the final whistle. Hargreaves said his side ‘were nowhere good enough’.

Yeovil U18s striker Benjani Jr signed professional terms.

The winner of the replay between Yeovil and Taunton would face MK Dons in the FA Cup 1st Round.

A first half penalty was all Taunton Town needed to see off Yeovil in the replay and there were ugly scenes after the final whistle. Chris Hargreaves apologise and Josh Staunton said it had to be a wake up call for the team.

After a period of reflection following the collapse of Simul Sport’s takeover, The Glovers Trust board announced that it was ready to ‘go again’.

Chris Hargreaves had a couple of trialists at the club that he was hoping to get registered to turn his sides fortunes around.

They didn’t get done in time for Oldham Athletic at the weekend as the Glovers whimpered to a 2-0 defeat. 

Sam Pearson temporarily returned to Bristol City suffering with ‘fatigue’ with 19-year-old Ewan Clark signing for Yeovil instead.

Two late Aldershot goals consigned Yeovil to another defeat at Huish Park. The final was met with a level of toxicity rarely seen at Huish Park, leaving the manager in a totally untenable position. 

Local businessman and sponsor of the Main Stand at Huish Park, Martin Hellier, said he was ‘exploring available options’ amid speculation he was mounting a takeover bid for the club.

Mark Cooper in the stands for Yeovil Town’s 2-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic last weekend.

Two days after the Aldershot defeat, Chris Hargreaves was sacked as manager of the club. Reports suggested Mark Cooper was in the frame for the managers job, and that he would be in place before the weekend. Coates wrote a Gloversblog.

Speaking to BBC Somerset, Stuart Robins said that Hargreaves record had cost him, and that the club were looking to bring in someone with experience.

Mark Cooper was officially appointed as manager the following day. He said: “If you look historically, this can be a big club. We need to unite; the players, the supporters. Everybody needs to come together and that can play such a big part.”

Martin Hellier spoke to the BBC about his intentions.

Martin Hellier

Mark Cooper, who definitely wasn’t serving a touchline ban, watched from the stands as Yeovil Town conceded a soft stoppage time penalty and drew 1-1 with Maidstone United. Speaking after the match he said: “we’ve got to get the balance right between playing too much football and being effective.”

Jamie Andrews became Mark Cooper’s first signing, joining on loan from West Brom.

November

Yeovil travelled to Woking on the 1st of November and fell to a 1-0 defeat. Grant Smith’s heroics were not enough to keep out Darren Sarll’s side as Padraig Amond scored an 84th minute winner.

Martin Hellier tweeted that he would be making “a full offer” for the club following the 1-0 defeat.

Leroy Whale joined us for November’s Gloverspast.

Callum Rowe departed and Anthony Georgiou joined on loan from Leyton Orient.

Andrew ‘the right winger’ Oluwabori followed shortly after, making it onto the bench for Yeovil’s match with Maidenhead at Huish Park – which ended 0-0 – shock!

Andrew Oluwabori. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Chris Hargreaves released a statement saying he would learn from his experience at Yeovil.

Season long loanee, Sam Perry, returned to Walsall and Mark Cooper confirmed the club were waiting on international clearance for striker Louis Britton. The 21-year-old signed on and in true footballer fashion said: “I can’t wait to get going now.”

A brace from Alex Fisher (it should have been a hattrick) and a Malachi Linton goal earned Yeovil a 3-1 win over bottom of the table Gateshead! Hurrah.

Several supporters group issued a list of questions to the club, prompting a back and forth on social media between the club and the Glovers Trust.

Unagreed minutes from the October Supporters Alliance Group meeting were released, which we published.

Within them, the owner and chairman said the plans for development would be available before Christmas.

Matt Worthington said he was enjoying his new role under Mark Cooper.

In a 0-0 for the ages, Yeovil Town drew on the road at Notts County. Somehow.

Mark Cooper said Yeovil were miles away from the playoffs – not that anyone was thinking we were close. Ahem.

Elite Sports Group, the UK Distributor for Hummel, collapsed leaving many disappointed supporters kitless.

Ollie Hulbert joined Plymouth Parkway – and Toby Stephens – on loan.

A planning application to move the marquee to a new location behind the Thatchers Stand was submitted.

In an ugly ugly game of football, Yeovil managed to scrape a 1-0 win against Halifax Town at Huish Park. Matt Worthington broke Yeovil’s penalty duck for the season before a card-happy referee sent him in dubious circumstances.

Plans produced by SSDC showing the ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ land it owns at Huish Park.

SSDC confirmed to us that changes to the core and non-core land would open up the possibility of further development of the Huish Park site. It was thought previously that the 3G pitch was part of the core land and thus undevelopable. However, this was confirmed to not be the case, from the outset of the deal. Transparency all round.

Plymouth Parkway’s manager suggested that Ollie Hulbert’s agent would be looking to move him from Yeovil in January. Hulbert was Chris Hargreaves first signing as manager.

December

Jamie Andrews loan was extended to the 2nd of January.

Martin Hellier ended his month-long takeover bid – or did he?

The National League confirmed streaming would be available from the 10th of December.

Yeovil’s match with Bromley was abandoned 11 minutes in after the tragic passing of a supporter at the match.

Will Dawes – the future Tom Knowles – returned to Stratford on loan three months after being signed for an undisclosed five-figure fee.

Louis Britton got off the mark for Yeovil as the Glovers overcame the Pride of Somerset, Taunton Town, in the Somerset Mens Premier Cup.

Benjani Jr joined Sherborne Town on a one-month loan.

It was confirmed that Yeovil’s match with Scunthorpe would be available on the National League streaming service.

Gime Toure. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Gime Toure left the club by mutual consent.

Yeovil couln’t get revenge on Scunthorpe for the opening day defeat. The match finished 0-0, with Yeovil naming just three subs on the bench due to illness. Mark Cooper described it as a ‘brilliant point’ given the situation at the club.

He also revealed that Anthony Georgiou had returned to Leyton Orient as the club had to “balance the books.”

James Purefoy said he didn’t have time for a Yeovil takeover.

Snowy conditions meant that Yeovil’s midweek match at Barnet was cancelled, with everyone breathing a huge sigh of relief.

Mark Cooper said he was aiming to bring in a “real quality addition” ahead of the visit of Dorking Wanderers in the FA Trophy.

And he did, in Jordan Maguire-Drew from Grimsby. The club announced it as an initial one-month loan that would then become a permanent deal. Grimsby said otherwise – the proof will be in the pudding.

Yeovil unveiled a shiny new scoreboard ahead of the Dorking Wanderers match. 926 supporters got a good view of it as the Glovers lost a penalty shootout in front of it after failing to break down Dorking in 90 minutes.

The club got permission from SSDC to relocate the marquee.

Max Evans joined Bedford Town on loan.

The full launch of National League TV meant that Glovers fans would be able to watch the Torquay double header from the comfort of their home for just £9.50.

Ahead of the Boxing Day visit to the English Riviera, Mark Cooper said he was hoping for a scoring solution to solve Yeovil’s woes in front of goal.

On Boxing Day, Martin Hellier tweeted that he’d written a formal complaint to the FA and National League. He said: “I have, today, formally written to the FA and the NL over my treatment during my agreed takeover bid, and the lack of investment and interaction with the fans and supporter groups by the current club chairman, as I have deep concerns over the future viability of the club.”

Yeovil finished 2022 with a 1-1 draw in the Boxing Day fixture with Torquay. A second half goal from Malachi Linton salvaged a point.

Over the course of 2022, in the League, Yeovil averages 0.92 points per game, scoring just 41 goals, although they only conceded 50.

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2022 wasn’t going to go away quietly though was it.

On Thursday 29th December, Jacque Talbot, a blue-tick journalist, tweeted that Yeovil Town had been taken over and an announcement would be made on the 30th.

As of 11AM on the 31st of December, an announcement is yet to be made. Is 2023 going to be a different year for YTFC?

We can only hope…

So, later on New Year’s Eve, a statement from the chairman confirmed that a group had entered a period of exclusivity to complete a takeover of the club, but that it was premature to say the takeover was completed.

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Mark Cooper says the players feel the discontent amongst supporters and called for a united club amidst takeover rumours at Huish Park.

The BBC’s Sheridan Robins asked him about the last 24 hours after it was reported a takeover was to be announced today.

He said: “It’s exciting isn’t it? Listen, at the minute, I can’t say too much. Expect me to say that until there’s a statement. If there is exciting news this afternoon, then hopefully everyone gets behind it and we get a big crowd in for New Years Day.”

The manager added that certainty would provide a boost for the club: “While there’s discontent and people are not together, the players feel that. What we want is to have a club that’s united and going in the right direction.”

Ahead of the visit of Torquay on New Year’s Day, the manager said he was puzzled with his side’s first half performance at Plainmoor.

“The first half puzzled me because we’d worked all week on it and how we were going to play and we didn’t follow instructions. We didn’t stick to what we’d done and it looked a mess and I had to change it quickly. I probably should have changed it quicker, but I wanted to give people the chance to change it on the pitch. I could have brought anyone off but I had to pick two that helped us with the system.

“In the second half we just got the ball forward and played on the front foot and that caused them problems, so more of the same [on Sunday].”

Chiori Johnson and Charlie Wakefield were the two players who were replaced at half and Cooper admitted that he has a fine balance to strike with the squad in order to get results.

“It’s a delicate situation. It’s a fine balance between trying to give them too much information about how I want to play, what they can deal with at the moment and what gives them the best chance of getting a result. So I have to find a formula that gives them comfort and that they’re happy with and gives them a platform to really get on the front foot because that’s when we’re best.”

“The commitment, the effort, which I always speak about, has been top drawer. But you start to see a pattern – we don’t look like we’re ever going to be out of a game or lose a game. But, crossing that bridge to actually keep consistently winning is the hardest thing to doo. You’ve either got to go and buy and the best players like Wrexham, Chesterfield, Notts County do, which we cant do at the minute. Or we have to hope that we get one or two right and our coaching is really good and we give the players loads of confidence and they’re the ones that fire us on and take the chances that we create.”

Owen Bevan, who missed the Boxing Day match, has recovered from an ankle injury and took part in training this week. Other loanees, Jamie Andrews, Ewan Clarke and Andrew Oluwabori see their deals end in January and Cooper wasn’t able to commit on their futures just yet.

“There’s a lot of things moving at the moment, so we’re in a bit of limbo at the minute so we can’t really decide what we’re going to to do,” he said.

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On the final Gloverscast of 2022, Ian, Ben and Dave talk about the sudden takeover rumour posted on social media hours earlier, the Boxing Day match at Torquay and we talk about the highlights (who’s laughing in the back!) of 2022.

Thanks for your support through 2022. Here’s hoping this podcast dates horribly and we’re able to look forward to a brighter 2023.

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Football journalist Jacque Talbot has reported that an announcement will be made about a takeover at Yeovil Town on Friday.

The football365.com reporter posted on his Twitter feed on Thursday: “Hear that National League side Yeovil Town have been taken over and an announcement could be made by the club tomorrow.”

He then added: “Nothing like Salford or Wrexham but move is considered a positive step.”

Club director Stuart Robins replied to say: “That’s interesting.”

The post offers no further details about who the takeover is from, although the reporter does clarify in a reply to say he understand it is “not an overseas investor.”

Local businessman Martin Hellier, whose company Hellier Group sponsors the Main Stand at Huish Park, confirmed he was not part of the takeover on his Twitter channel.

Hellier has been public in his interest to buy the club in recent weeks despite declaring himself out of the running at the start of December.

 

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The Boxing Day curse (can two defeats be a curse?) at Torquay has been broken with a draw – it had to be a draw, didn’t it?

A 1-1 draw against Gary Johnson’s men was the final result of Yeovil Town’s 2022, and here is how Dave saw it from his vantage point squinting in to the sun in the first half at Plainmoor…

 

A game of two halves: A total cliche, I know, but rarely have I seen a case where it was so true. I got a fear in my stomach when I saw the starting line-up and saw all our recognised strikers either on the bench or missing completely. And, in the first half, I found out why I was nervous, whatever the tactic was from the off it just did not work. Given our opponent’s issues in defence, we needed to attack them from the off and instead we let them attack us. When Fisher and Linton came on at half-time you saw exactly what we were missing up front and we looked a side transformed. Given Mark Cooper’s ability to change tactics mid-match, it was surprising he stuck with it as long as he did.

Where was Grant Smith’s cap?: When I walked on to the away end, the first thing I thought was “I wish I had got a baseball cap for Christmas!” Grant Smith, who was defending that end must have thought the same, he spent the whole first half shielding his eyes from the sun and I swear he saw the Torquay opener late as a result. I’ll get him one as a late Secret Santa.

Grant Smith shielding his eyes from the sun.

Get Maguire-Drew on the ball: This was my first look at Jordan Maguire-Drew and he personified the game of two halves. First half, he looked like he didn’t know where he was as one of a collection of forward players not sure if they were playing out wide, through the middle or what, but playing in behind Fisher and Linton in the second half he showed his class. His incisive passes caused and clever runs Torquay all sorts of problems and showed exactly what he can bring. If we can keep him, he will be a real asset.

Jordan Maguire-Drew. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Another one for the draw-ing board: That is our 26th National League draw in 2022 (12 this season!) and that tells you exactly what our problem is. An obvious conclusion, but we need to be winning more if we are to get anywhere. When we showed a little attacking intent at Torquay we looked like the only team likely to get the win. Do more of that and we might lose a few but we’ll win more.

New Year’s Day must be a must win: The first opportunity to achieve the aim outlined above comes at is quickly – against the same opposition on New Year’s Day. With Dylan Crowe suspended and Gary Johnson in the stands after their red cards, there’s even more incentive to get on the front foot. Let’s start 2023 as we mean to carry on – with intent to score.

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It was a busy boxing day for the six Glovers loanees out and about.

Starting at the Bolitho Ground where ground-sharers Truro City and Plymouth Parkway faced each other in a game that ended 3-3 thanks to a 92nd minute Truro equaliser.

For Plymouth Parkway, Toby Stephens started and clocked up 68 minutes. Ollie Hulbert was used from the bench with just 5 minutes left, also.

Truro, have their own Glovers loanee in the shape of Ollie Haste, but he was left as an unused sub.

Next up a debut victory for Max Evans.

His Bedford side were 6-1 winners over AFC Rushden and Diamonds… and the eagles missed a penalty!

Up at our “close friends”, Stratford Town, Will Dawes started and played the full 90 in a 4-0 loss to Tamworth.

He may not have scored, but was awarded the sponsor’s Man of the Match award.

Benjani Jnr scores for Sherborne
? John Taylor / Sherborne Town FC

….but we’ve saved the best until last with our actual close friends Sherborne Town where Benjani Jnr scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw against Street.

Well done to Benjani and all the Glovers loanees for a busy Boxing Day of action.

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Venue: Plainmoor
Saturday 26th December, 3pm kick-off 

Conditions: Cold but dry
Pitch: was green, looked fine to be honest (David Coates 2022)

Attendance: 3805 (486) 

Scorers: Mark Ellis 20, Malachi Linton 64

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: Josh Staunton 28, Morgan Williams 58

Torquay United: De Silva 51, Evans 60, Crowe 67, Wyatt 74

Sending offs: Crowe 90+6

Referee: James Durkin 

Yeovil Town  

Substitutes: Fisher (for Wakefield 46), Linton (for Johnson 46) Not Used: Buse, D’Ath, Oluwabori

Torquay United: Halstead, Crowe, Jarvis, Evans, Wearne, McGavin, Wyatt (Omar 83), Donnellan, Goodwin (Andrews 84), Da Silva (Lapslie 75), Ellis
Substitutes not used: Hanson, Lovett

Match Report

Yeovil Town finished off 2022 with a draw at Plainmoor against Torquay United. A first half goal from Mark Ellis was cancelled out by  substitute Malachi Linton’s second half strike.

Here’s how Coatesie saw it from the away end in the English Riviera…

First half

Without a recognised striker in the starting XI, it is perhaps no surprise that efforts going forwards were limited for Yeovil whilst Torquay attacks seemed to run out of steam for the opening quarter of an hour.

On 15 minutes, an overhit free-kick by Jordan Maguire-Drew seemed to be going nowhere before it broke to Matt Worthington inside the box, but his effort went harmlessly wide.

Moments later, good link up play between Charlie Wakefield and Worthington saw the ball drop to Josh Staunton on the edge of the box. Torquay keeper Mark Halstead needed two chances to stop it going over the line. Any goal line technology on that stream?

But, on 20 minutes, the first meaningful opportunity for the home side led to their opening goal. A free kick in from the right was not cleared and then all dropped in the box to the head of Mark ELLIS – who played under Yeovil boss Mark Cooper at Barrow – and despite Grant Smith getting a fingertip to the ball it crept in at the far post. 1-0

That gave Torquay some impetus and as they continued to press a Yeovil defence looking far from its usual impregnable self. Just after 30 minutes, on loan Cardiff City midfielder Kieron Evans dragged a shot just wide of Smith’s goal.

At the other end, a series of long balls forward seemed to be the only thing Yeovil had to offer going the other way. Despite a forward line filled with wide players, getting the ball wide was the one thing that did not occur.

Five minutes from the interval, the home side and a great chance to make it two when Max Hunt tumbled under a weak challenge, Evans broke through and it took a fantastic last ditch interception from Ben Richards-Everton to deny him.

On 42 minutes, Aaron Jarvis dragged a shot wide and it two minutes in to first half injury time, Yeovil forced Halstead in to action. A scramble inside the box ended with Maguire-Drew trying an acrobatic overhead kick which the keeper clawed around the post. 

Half time: Torquay United 1 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

Unsurprisingly, half-time saw recognised strikers enter the fray with Alex Fisher and Malachi Linton replacing Wakefield and Johnson.

Within a minute of the restart, the change paid dividends as Jamie Andrews got in on the near post and laid it back to Linton whose effort deflected wide. From the resulting corner, Maguire-Drew corner clipped the crossbar but no-one was on hand to turn it home.

Shortly after, Jarvis got clear of his man at the other end and Smith did well to smother the effort.

On 64 minutes, Maguire-Drew broke forward and perfect pass through to LINTON, who had been everywhere since coming on, and the striker coolly slotted home the equaliser. 1-1

The pair almost found almost found another as they combined but Linton was denied by Halstead.

The difference from the first half was night and day with a Maguire-Drew’s guile backing up Linton and Fisher to put pressure on Torquay’s defence which looked as shaky as their goals against tally suggests.

With 15 minutes gone, Maguire-Drew had a free-kick deflected wide and Josh Staunton’s header from the corner that followed came off the top of the crossbar.

On 77 minutes, Linton had an effort and well saved by Halstead as the pressure continued from the visitors, but it was Fisher who has a golden chance to get the winner in the 89th minute.

The striker found himself clean through on goal but seemed to think too much on the chance and his effort was turned away by a fine stop from Halstead.

In injury time, a quick clearance from Smith out to Maguire Drew saw the play-maker pulled to the floor by Dylan Crowe who saw red, but there was not enough time for the advantage to be put to full effect.

Full time: Torquay United 1 Yeovil Town 1

Several readers are saying Gary Johnson was sent off after the final whistle.