March 2025 (Page 3)

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Former Exeter City midfielder Harry Kite has joined Yeovil Town until the end of the season having signed ahead of the National League player registration deadline this week.

The 24-year-old, a product of the academy at St James’ Park, has been training with the club in recent weeks as he looks to come back from a serious injury which has hampered his progress since he left Exeter at the end of last season.

In the 2023/24 season Kite made 20 appearances in League One and in the previous campaign he appeared 44 times in all competitions.

Speaking to the club’s official channels, the player said: “I am from the area and always keeping tabs on clubs within a close proximity of Exeter, I know a couple of lads here as well and I had a chat with the manager earlier in the season when I had an injury and it did not really progress from there.

“Now I am back fully fit and raring to go and I felt it was the right move for me at this time. I was out of contract in the summer, then pulled my hamstring which required surgery and then when I was coming back I pulled my calf which set me back another month. I have to give full credit to Exeter who let me come back and do my rehab with them which was really important at this stage of my career to make sure my rehab was done right, so I am really thankful for them. Now I feel it is really important to get as many games as I can between now and the end of the season.

“I recognised that I needed a week or two of training having been out for such a long period and to gradually progress myself in to games between now and the end of the season. If I can get some full 90 minutes in between now and the end of the season, that will make my season much better.”

Kite has been impressed with what he has seen from the Glovers’ squad during his period training with them and believes he can bring something to the squad. He joins shortly after it was confirmed that Yeovil midfielder Brett McGavin will miss the rest of the season after picking up an injury in the 1-0 home defeat to York City earlier this month. 

He added: “We have a really good squad and they have been unlucky with injuries. The lads were obviously up in the play-off positions earlier in the season and I think we have got a good enough squad to be in that position again. Every season is long and you are going to have ups and downs and I think we can have a really strong end to the season and see where that leaves us.

“I think I am an energetic, ball-winning midfielder, one of my main attributes is winning the ball out of position so I would like fans to think I will show 100% commitment and passion. It is really important that I know what the players’ strengths are and I think I can complement them well and there’s no reason we can’t have a strong end to the season.”

In April 2024, Kite, who made 101 appearances for Exeter, scoring seven goals, spoke to Devon Live about his decision to leave the club he had been with since the age of nine, saying: “I feel like for me now, looking selfishly towards my career, I feel that a move would benefit me just with new experiences and new challenges.“

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Yeovil Town Badge on huish park

Yeovil Town lost almost £2.8m during last season’s return to the National League Premier Division, the accounts of the club’s parent company have shown.

The accounts for Yeovil Football & Athletic Club Limited show the club is being kept afloat by owner Martin Hellier selling “assets from within a property portfolio” and highlight uncertainty about the club’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The balance sheet for the year until 30th June 2024 show the club’s debt rose from £3.47m in 2023 to £6.26m in 2024, a loss of £2,799,082 during the period.

On Friday morning, the club published a statement on the accounts which said: “The financial statements for the year to the 30th June 2024 report on the first full season under the ownership of Hellier Trading Group Limited.  A season considered highly successful in our promotion, and welcome return to the National League.

“The year saw increased revenues across all areas, including, but not limited to, increased gate receipts, commercial income and hospitality. 

“During this period, substantial investment has been made at the club, and infrastructure around the ground, including the new fan zone, performance area, car parks re-laid, and home changing rooms transformed. 

“The team’s performance on the pitch has had a huge impact on the match day experience for the fans, and you have all responded in kind with tremendous support, both home and away. 

“Taking all the above into account, football clubs require a high-level continual investment.  During the year, significant monies were invested by the Hellier Group. The increase in creditors identifies much of that balance, with £1m was capitalised into Equity during the period, which demonstrates the level of commitment to YTFC. 

“Following promotion to the National League, the difference in strength and standard of teams & competitors has been clear compared to the National League South. However, with the strength and ability of Mark Cooper and the team, we have played to a standard which remains strong & competitive, and continues to provide a good grounding to return to the Football League in the future.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone involved with the club at every level. To our dedicated staff, players, and coaches—Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed. To our fans, your unwavering support is the backbone of Yeovil Town Football Club, and we would like to thank you all for your passion and loyalty. 

“Achieve by unity – long may our success continue.”

Earlier on Friday morning, football finance expert Kieran Maguire, co-host of the Price of Football podcast, posted about the accounts on X/Twitter on Friday morning. For those of you not on it, here is what he said:

 

The highlighted sections read as follows:

“The directors have considered the future working capital requirement of the club and have concluded the club is now reliant on the ultimate controlling party, M Hellier, being able to inject sufficient working capital into the club to support is financial position from the sale of assets outside the Hellier Trading Group. This is expected to come from the sale of assets from within a property portfolio which therefore will be reliant on market conditions and the ability to facilitate the sale of those properties to meet the financial obligations as they fall due. As a result, the directors prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis but have concluded that material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”

“As stated in Note 1.2 (see above), these events or conditions (i.e. the losses highlighted), along with other matters as set forth in Note 1.2 indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion (that is the opinion of auditor Joseph Doggrell, an audit partner at Albert Goodman LLP) is not modified in respect of this matter.”

So, what does this all mean outside of the complicated numbers and language used in the results? Well, it ‘material uncertainty’ is not a term which is used lightly in accounts and it underlines the financial state of the club which the chairman has spoken about on his own social media saying he is putting £100,000 of his own money in to the club every month. This statement is certainly validated by the statements around sales of assets within his own property portfolio.

It must be said that since June 30th 2024, there has been a lot of changes in the club’s playing staff with a number of experienced players – which often equates to higher earners – leaving the club which will have reduced the wage bill.

You may recall in the the fans’ forum held with Martin Hellier and manager Mark Cooper at Huish Park in January, the chairman answered a question from our own Ian Perkins who asked about the financial health of the club. You can watch the forum in full on the club’s YouTube channel – here – and the question in question begins at 31 minutes 20 seconds in to the live stream of the forum.

As we reported at the time, the owner said:  “It is in a far more stable position than it was. The first call I had when I came in was from HM Revenue and Customs saying ‘we are going to wind you up tomorrow if you don’t pay this large amount of money and you have to pay more next week. The first ten days probably saw us paying out five digit numbers every day, so we probably cleared away £500,000 of debt within ten days of arriving.

“We had numbers of staff paying bits and pieces on Ebay to pay bills, so the first thing was steadying a ship which had capsized. We have put £3.8m in to the club which is money we will undoubtedly not get back, but that is my problem. So it is a far better position than it was, but it is still a tough gig as it is for any club that is below the EFL and even at EFL you are breaking even. We are in it for the long run and because we love the club and clubs in this league exist for as long as the chairman is funding it. It is hard to make the numbers work but we came in with a long-term target of EFL. If you map that out from the beginning to where we are now, I would say that journey is going well. It will continue to need money, but that is what it is.”

As the owner says, the club “will continue to need money” and, as long as that money is available, the club continues.

You can view the published account documents below.

YEOVIL FOOTBALL AND ATHLETIC CLUB – CLICK HERE

YEOVIL TOWN HOLDINGS – CLICK HERE

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Match Officials

Ross Martin, we really must stop meeting like this…

This weekend’s home game against AFC Fylde gives us the chance to get one of our favourite, match day photos back out (see below) as Ross Martin returns to Huish Park for the third time this season.

Firstly, Mr Martin was in charge when both Dagenham and Redbridge came to town, a single Ciaran McGuckin goal was enough to see off both teams.

He was back not long after, arriving at the home of Somerset football on Boxing Day where he oversaw a 2-2 draw between the Glovers and Eastleigh.

He’s officiated one Fylde game this campaign, a 1-0 loss away at Wealdstone.

In total, 15 National League games have seen him brandish 58 Yellow Cards, One Red Card and pointed to the penalty spot twice.

Ross Martin will be assisted by Dean Treleaven and Grzegorz Kornasiewicz with Ashley Clarke marshalling the dug outs.

Referee Ross Martin sent off by Jolly Green pre match, a bit harsh, maybe.
Pic Gary Brown

Yeovil Town FC (First Team) v AFC Fylde (First Team)
National League – Premier    
Referee: Martin, Ross
Assistant Referee: Treleaven, Dean
Assistant Referee: Kornasiewicz, Grzegorz
Fourth Official: Clarke, Ashley

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Only three more away games left for Glovers fans this season [Insert Sad Face Emoji]

For those looking to get sorted ahead of time for our trip to Eastleigh on April 21st, tickets are now on sale.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Click the big ‘Tickets’ button, and you’ll be taken to this screen, where you can select tickets in SOUTH STAND 1.

At time of writing, no tickets in the East Stand Terrace are available.

Choose your seat of choice, pick which ticket applies to you and follow the instructions to check out, if you have an account, you can log in, or “Check Out As Guest” bypasses this.

The ticket system is programmed to prevent you from leaving a single seat on the end of the row, so do bare that in mind.

Lets dive into all the extra details you may need on a Match Day – all this info is taken directly from the Eastleigh Website.

Firstly, you can buy a car park pass for the game (£10), these are available in the same place you bought the ticket, the link for that is HERE

Wheelchair users

We currently have an accessible viewing platform that fits three wheelchairs and three personal assistants which can be seated either next to, or behind the wheelchair user. This depends on the number of wheelchair users using the platform on a match-by-match basis.

Ambulant disabled supporters

Away supporters

There are 11 step free seats at ground level solely for away fans which can be increased or decreased depending on the anticipated number of traveling supporters.

We would offer the step free seats to supporters who are unable to manage stairs or personal assistants attending with wheelchair users. Wheelchair spaces are available on ground level behind the perimeter fence surrounding the pitch.

Supporters with autism or other sensory needs

We very much understand that being prepared and having an understanding of facilities available ahead of matchday can help you prepare ahead of your visit. We have recently invested in some ear defenders that are available to use. Please speak to a steward or come into the club shop before entering the stadium to enquire.

If required, we would be more than happy to welcome you the opportunity to visit the ground on a non-matchday, where you will have the opportunity to be shown around by a member of staff. During this visit, any questions can be asked, and supporters and their families/carers can see where the facilities are and where the most appropriate place to sit/stand would be. Please bear in mind though that this will be dependent on availability (particularly the section of the blue seated ‘main stand’ level with the half way line where most seats have already been reserved).

Toilets

Away supporters

There is a toilet in the away end which is accessible for ambulant disabled fans but it is not wide enough to accomodate a wheelchair. Wheelchair users will need to speak to a steward in order to use the wider accessible toilet at the other end of the Nuffield Health Stand past the home fans. There are also fully accessible toilets in Sherwoods restaurant and in the Hangar bar for away supporters to use before turnstiles open.

Tickets

Disabled supporters in receipt of higher rate DLA/PIP (mobility/care) are entitled to a free personal assistant ticket which can be obtained in person in the ticket office by presenting the DLA/PIP letter.

 

Tickets are also available for the away game at Altrincham on Saturday 5th April.
Details for that can be found HERE

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Josh Sims and Alex Whittle have both found themselves in different Team of the Week line ups.

Sims, who twisted and turned his Solihull Moors left back into next week, made the Non League Paper side whilst Whittle (… or should that be McGWhittle) earns a spot for the league sponsors after his Captains’ performance and worldie of a third goal.

You absolutely love to see it.

By:
On:
In: Podcasts

The Glovers picked up a brilliant 3-0 win at Solihull Moors on Saturday. Ian and Ben catch up with Dave, who made the trip. We talk about the return of Otis Khan, the departure of Frank Nouble and some lovely football. Plus, your GCQs.