September 2024

On Saturday, the football club announced the death of former manager Barry Lloyd who was in charge at Huish for three seasons between the late 1970s and early 1980s. We are grateful to Mike West from the Yeovil Town Heritage Society who has written this tribute to Barry. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.

It is with great sadness that we hear today of the passing of Barry Lloyd, the former Yeovil Town manager, at the age of 74. Barry passed away peacefully after a lifetime dedicated to the game.

Barry Lloyd’s managerial career began when he assumed control of Yeovil Town on August 29, 1978. At just 29 years old, Lloyd’s decision to join Yeovil was a significant one, as he had turned down tempting opportunities to coach in the United States in favour of leading the team at Huish. His arrival was met with considerable anticipation, as he was already a well-known figure among Yeovil supporters. As a player, Barry had made over 250 appearances in league football, starting his career at Chelsea before making his name with Fulham, where he became a regular fixture in the midfield. His footballing pedigree was further elevated just three years prior to joining Yeovil, when he was part of the Fulham side that reached the 1975 FA Cup final, an iconic achievement under the guidance of Alec Stock, a manager fondly remembered by Yeovil fans for his own contributions to the club’s history.

Barry’s task was far from simple. He was entrusted with guiding Yeovil Town through a pivotal transition, moving from regional football to the national stage. The goal was clear but daunting: meet the on-field requirements necessary to secure a place in the newly-formed Alliance Premier League, the precursor to today’s National League. For Yeovil fans, this shift was more than just a logistical challenge—it was an on field revolution. Under Stan Harland’s leadership, they had become accustomed to a more cautious, defence-oriented approach. Barry, however, favored a more aggressive, attacking and exciting style of play. His bold tactics quickly won over the faithful supporters at Huish, who were eager to see the club take a step forward.

One of his defining traits was his willingness to nurture and promote local talent. Players like Malcolm Gold, Andy Bell, and Ritchie Horton were prime examples. Barry recognised their potential early on and wasn’t afraid to give them significant game time. These players soon became integral parts of his team, cementing their roles as near-permanent fixtures in his squad. Barry’s faith in homegrown talent not only strengthened the team’s identity but also deepened the connection between the club and its local community.

Despite the pressures of his inaugural season, Barry delivered. Finishing ninth in the league was no small feat, especially as it meant Yeovil had met the criteria to join the new league—an accomplishment that was celebrated both on the terraces and in the boardroom. The club’s future looked brighter than ever, and Barry had succeeded in ensuring that Yeovil Town would be competing on a national level, much to the delight of the board and fans alike.

Off the field, Barry was a calm and contemplative presence, a manager who let his work speak for itself. He’ shied away from controversy and avoided the spotlight, never using the local media to deflect criticism on him or his team or stir up distractions. Instead, he placed trust in his players, allowing their performances on the pitch to be the true reflection of his leadership. Barry’s measured approach made him a steadying influence, focused solely on the game and the long-term success of the club.

In Barry’s second season at the helm, Yeovil Town embarked on their inaugural journey in national football, culminating in a respectable mid-table finish. The team’s play style garnished acclaim from local media, with many praising it as some of the most exhilarating football seen at Huish in years. Unfortunately, a series of mid-season injuries hampered the squad’s momentum, preventing them from climbing higher in the standings. It was the FA Cup that proved to be the highlight of the campaign for Barry’s side, who fought valiantly to reach the 3rd Round. There, Huish became the backdrop for a highly anticipated clash against the formidable Division One side, Norwich City, managed by John Bond. Ultimately, the professionalism of the visiting side shone through, resulting in a 3-0 defeat for Yeovil. While Barry was understandably disappointed with the outcome, the Yeovil board found solace in the significant financial windfall generated by the cup run.

Barry’s third season at Yeovil, the 1980/81 campaign, was marked by ongoing struggles to climb the league table. The team’s performance was riddled with disappointing results, culminating in a humiliating 5-0 defeat at home against their bitter rivals, Weymouth. This crushing loss at Huish was deemed ‘disastrous’ by chairman David Hawker, igniting murmurs of discontent among the fanbase that started to echo ominously from the terraces.

Yet, amidst the gloom of the league, the FA Cup once again provided a glimmer of hope for the team and its supporters. A fighting performance saw Yeovil earn a commendable 1-1 draw at Layer Road against Division Three side Colchester United, broadcast on BBC’s Match of the Day. The match hinted at the possibility of yet another giant-killing drawing attention and excitement from the fans.

However, the replay, held at Huish on a bitterly cold and foggy night, ended in disappointment as Yeovil succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. With the cup run over and results and performances lacking, speculation began to circulate, though largely unsubstantiated, regarding Barry’s management style and the growing issue of player indiscipline, adding further tension to an already fraught season.

Just three weeks after the disheartening FA Cup loss to Colchester, Yeovil Town faced another challenge in the form of a short trip to Badgers Hill for a seemingly straightforward FA Trophy match against Western League side Frome. What should have been a routine victory turned into an embarrassing spectacle, as Yeovil could only manage a 1-1 draw. The result left both fans and board members in stunned disbelief.

Though Yeovil managed to secure a 2-0 victory in the replay the damage was already done. On the following day, January 21st, 1981, the board made the inevitable decision to part ways with Barry, marking the end of his tenure at Huish.

In response, Barry voiced his frustrations, claiming that the decision reflected a board that lacked patience. He expressed disappointment at leaving behind a team he saw as young and full of potential, contrasting with the ageing squad he had inherited upon his arrival. For Barry, it was a bitter farewell, leaving behind not just a job, but a vision for a team he believed was on the brink of blossoming.

With that Barry was gone, later forging a managerial career at first Worthing and later at Brighton & Hove Albion, taking then to promotion to the second division in 1978/79.

Barry Lloyd’s time at Yeovil Town may have ended on a sour note, but his impact on the club cannot be understated. For a time, his bold attacking philosophy and unwavering belief in local talent brought an exciting brand of football to Huish, delighting fans who had longed for a fresh, dynamic attacking approach. Despite the challenges he faced, Barry laid the groundwork for Yeovil’s evolution into a club capable of competing at the national level.

Beyond the pitch, Barry was known as a gentle, kind, and knowledgeable man. His quiet confidence and passion for the game left a lasting impression on those who knew him. His legacy at Yeovil and beyond will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of working with him.” What might have unfolded if he had stayed and nurtured that promising young side is something we can only wonder about.

Rest in peace, Barry