Ben Barrett

At Half Time of the Solihull game on Friday night, Nicholas Brayne spoke with BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah and Gloverscast’s Ian Perkins.

Covering a wide range of topics (bust mostly the floodlights!) here’s the full transcript.

Jack Killah: I mean we’ll talk quickly about the game because obviously that was, as we just said, it was a really, it was a, it was a tight first half. Definitely both sides had good opportunities. Um, how would you summarize that opening 45 minutes?

​Nicholas Brayne:  “I think that was typical of where we’re at this season. I think the frustration from our side is that we should have killed the game off. We had opportunities to. We go 2-0 up, it’s a very different game in the second half. We all know what Chris’s [Millington’s] side are like. They’re robust, they’re difficult to play against. He’s a great tactician, he did it at Halifax, he’s done it again here. But if we’re 2-0 up, then it’s a different start to the second half, in the way in which he sets up and he comes at us.

It opens up space, people like JD out there, we’ve got the pace down the wings to then try and pick them off and get a third. Completely different way in which you’re then structuring from that point forward. So, I think from my perspective, slightly frustrating that we haven’t gone in with a, with a, a greater lead. But you could say exactly the same thing, uh, in terms of the game against Scunthorpe, first game of the season. You could say the same thing against Aldershot. So, it’s something definitely for Bill and the boys to work on.”

​JK: You and I had a conversation literally before this game, which you said that the more worrying thing would be if you weren’t creating any chances at all. So, as much as it would be great to be two or three-nil up. You touched on a couple of players there, Ryan Jones that first 20-minute spell looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. And then actually, James Daly grew into that game, and in the last few minutes, I think if it, if it wasn’t for like a, a yard or so, you would have seen, Slavi Spasov putting in that, that ball across the box.

NB: “Yeah, absolutely. I think you’ve, yeah, you’ve hit the nail on the head there. It’s about creating chances, and then obviously, more chances to score, more chances to stretch the lead, more chances to make it difficult for the opposition. So, absolutely. And it’s right to go back I think 12 months ago to think about where we were last year, and actually progressively through that season where we weren’t, creating opportunities like we are seeing now.

And I think that’s a lot of hard work in the summer from the likes of Jamie [Hedges], uh, from Bill, from Daz, trying to look at how you go about this division, how you learn from teams in the past two years that have consistently created and managed to convert chances. But I think it comes back to that key word being ‘clinical’. Bill said something to you in your interview at the very beginning of the season where he said, “This is a work in progress. It’ll take time to click.” It’s a little bit like a metronome, isn’t it? It’s that rhythm, getting into the game. And I think it will just take time. He said, October, November we should see everything come together quite nicely, he thinks, in terms of us playing in sync and coordination with each other. Maybe we saw a, a touch of that early in the season with the way in which we came out of the blocks. And I think people looked at it and thought, “Great! Here we go!” And, you know, Southend, and then Fylde, which in some ways feels a little inexplicable, doesn’t it? In comparison to what we’ve seen, might have been sobering. But you’re absolutely right, create chances, more chances to score, score goals, win games, go up the league, that’s how it works.”

“create chances, more chances to score, score goals, win games, go up the league, that’s how it works.”

JK: Off the pitch, am I right in thinking, is this the first, is this the debut for your floodlights?

NB: “I’m so pleased, you know what? I mean, I do appreciate that question. So, dear, dear listeners, I’m actually, I walked across to the, to this side of the ground to join the boys over here. I nearly tuned in to you, from the other side of the ground to see if you noticed them in the first, I wanted to see if you noticed them in the first minute.”

​JK: Literally one of the first things I said to Ian, and you can go and listen back, was, “Ian, is this the first time the floodlights have been used?” and he went, “I think so.” So, we’ve got confirmation now from the club officially. So, but on a serious note, though, they are, they are actually quite, quite indicative where the direction you guys want to head, because these are lights designed for Football League clubs, they meet that standard.

NB: “Can we get technical? Oh yeah, love a technical light chat. Okay, here’s a, here’s a story of our floodlights. The Brackley game last year, if you remember it, I think it was August and it was a, a Tuesday or Wednesday kick-off, um, and uh, I sat down and I thought, in a minute, we’re going to ask people to get their torches out to illuminate this pitch, it was so dark.
And from that point forward, we thought, “This is just, it’s no good.” Um, but the biggest problem, as you’ll remember well, the lamps were going one by one, and there was a point where we were dangerously close to a referee turning around and saying, “You haven’t got enough lux level on the pitch,” which is how they measure the light, “and the game will have to be called off.” So, towards the end of last year, Keith [Weston], who’s the stadium operations manager, and myself, at times, we were on tenterhooks thinking, “Is the referee actually going to call the game off here?” We knew we had to do something about it. It’s a significant investment, but you’re absolutely spot on. To go up to the EFL, every single year we’re tested on a number of criteria. One of them, you’ll be pleased to know, is how big and how good your media box is. So, if we get promoted this year, boys, you’ll be in the lap of luxury.”

​JK: Oh, I look forward to that.

NB: “Absolutely. Another reason to look forward to promotion! The lights were a big one and we have to hit a certain lux level. Um, and when we put these in, we came in with Prabhu, Bhavna, myself, Keith, and a bottle of wine. We came in here at 10:00 at night and we tested the lights, and we were actually blown away by how bright they are. So, we’re running them slightly under capacity tonight because they’re quite dazzling, but actually, this is something that Keith, and I’m not entirely sure he’s telling me the truth… I know that these are EFL standard. He tells me they’re Championship standard, and if the readings that I got from the lighting company are true, they’re actually Champions League standard.”

​JK: Brilliant. So, in let’s say 7 years’ time, when AC Milan come to Huish, you are ready to go.

​NB: “I’ll be ready to go, you’ll be sitting here in your media throne.”

JK: I know, I look forward to that. I mean, that’ll be fantastic. Ask you one more question before I let, Ian get a couple in. In terms of the stadium itself and what you’d like to see done next, that would make a, a difference that fans could physically see, what is the next target for the stadium? Obviously, the ownership question aside, because we know that’s an ongoing thing in the background.

NB: “Yeah, okay. There’s, there’s two themes here that we’ve got to really pull on. There’s something called the Premier League Stadium Investment Fund, so it’s money that all National League clubs can get hold of to improve their facilities, and it’s a very set, disciplined criteria. And then there’s money that the ownership group are pumping in. I think the truth is, when we got here, this is a stadium, it’s a great stadium. You know, you go all over the country, you guys are brilliant, you see stadiums everywhere, and I think you’d both agree that other stadiums, Braintree…want something.

“[Huish Park] is fantastic, but it was built in 1991 and it is starting to show its age”

But, in terms of this stadium, I’m not for one moment bemoaning the facility we’ve got here, which is fantastic, but it was built in 1991 and it is starting to show its age. So, there are things that we can do around the stadium which improve it. I think what’s quite frustrating for us is that what we wanted to do was fans to come back in August and to feel the change, but there’s been so much money that’s been pumped into things like better broadband in the Thatchers, we’ve done various bits in plumbing, electrical work around the ground that fans don’t instantly see, but it soaks up the money.

But this year and then for the next 18 months, we’ve got an infrastructure wish list that we’re working through one by one. We’ve got some really exciting things in the pipeline. There are some practical issues that we face, one of which is that it’s easier to do works in the off-season, but hopefully, fingers crossed, progressively over the next 18 months, we’ll see some real change around Huish Park. And you’re absolutely right, Jack, it’s all geared up trying to push on to the EFL.”

​Ian Perkins: I think it’s been, a bright start to the season. I think the quality that we’ve got in the squad is really showing early on. I think been a bit hampered, it’s fair to say, by injuries and suspensions all of a sudden. Tonight, the bench, there’s only six on the bench. Radcliffe’s not fully fit and, we’re not going to see Matt Gould come on, are we? How much license is there for Billy to expand the squad and, and look at strengthening when, when and if he needs to?

NB: “Yeah, I mean, Matt Gould, standardly, he wants to go up front. Fear not, fear not! Let’s be really, really frank and honest as I always will be with you boys. We don’t put the kind of money that we put in this summer and then sit back and see challenges that we’re going through at the moment and say, “Oh, it’s not going any further.” We’ve got to back it up through the season. We went into this knowing that we’re going to have to try and refresh the squad. Here comes the challenge: we could go out into the market now and bring players in who aren’t up to this quality, sit on the bench.

I mean, there are, here’s the problem. [At] Scunthorpe, you’re looking at that bench and we’re dropping players, we’re not even traveling, who are real quality, and that’s frustrating. So, it’s difficult to try and manage numbers knowing you’ve got three players coming back and a couple of players who then have to sit out of the squad. So, it’s just that balancing act and trying to make sure that we don’t lose that discipline to try and get quality picks in. But to absolutely nail your question on the head, yes, we will definitely go back in the market. Yes, we will strengthen it. Yes, I was having conversations with Prabhu last night about it, and Bill today, and Jamie, we’re on it.”

​IP: I suppose the big headline coming out at tonight is that, yeah, the, the absence of Luke McCormick. He’s been absolutely brilliant so far this season. I think Bill said it’s a tactical one. Are you, are we hoping to see him back in, uh, in the next couple of games?

NB: “Luke took a little knock, a couple of weeks ago. He has been fantastic this year for him. It was a tactical decision taken by Bill, this evening to leave Luke out. But you know, you’re absolutely right, Luke’s made a massive contribution not just this season, but also to this club. I think these are part of these difficult decisions that, I’m glad to leave down to the manager about who plays, where they play, how they play, and how he manages them as human beings and athletes as well, which is his job. So, I respect that, that’s Bill’s decision.”

IP: The future looks bright, doesn’t it, at the moment? Things are progressing nicely. Where do you want to see us by Christmas? I know Billy said that’s where he wants us to be at full pelt. What do you want to see from Billy?

NB: “Behind the scenes, we’ve talked about this as really a two-year project in terms of building. So, to answer the question about Christmas, I want to be competitive. And for me, competitive with this squad is you guys talking about this on BBC Radio Somerset and saying, “These guys have got a credible opportunity of getting into the playoffs this year and doing something special for the football club.

Something that we haven’t seen since Darren Sarll’s days. That’s what we want to see at this football club. And, you know, one thing that I would say, the only slight tinge that I’ve got in terms of disappointment this evening is look around with these, great, we’ve got these wonderful floodlights on, but we’ve got a crowd that’s way below where it should be, and I put that down to a Friday night kick-off.

I was talking to Solihull Moors, they brought 25-30 people this evening. Last time they were here, they brought a hundred and something. They’ve had how many 12:30 kick-offs? It’s difficult for fans. Fans are the lifeblood of this game and the National League need to have a look at it again.”

Yeovil manager Billy Rowley has said he was really, really happy with his side after a 4-1 win over Solihull Moors – so were we, Billy!

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah, he said that the players have put a LOT of effort in with three games in six days and got their rewards on Friday, the game was 1-0 at half time, but an explosion of energy after the hour mark saw the Glovers stretch away.

“We’re looking at the space they’re leaving. They changed shape and went man-for-man, there was so much space in the channel. We just needed to use it a little bit more, and we started to do that. We got loads more joy, we put them on the back foot again, and we got the momentum back. [I’m] really, really happy with the lads overall tonight. I thought it was, for the most part, a top performance.”

After three matches in seven days, fatigue was clearly setting in for both sides and the manager said his players could really enjoy the weekend now.

“There’s a lot of tired bodies and tired minds in there. I think they can really look forward to this Saturday and Sunday off. It’s come at a good time for them. I think they fully deserve that. I thought the support and togetherness of like the fans and the group tonight was exceptional. I thought the noise was great. It was just a really good night for us, but they’re absolutely shattered in there, for sure.”

The game saw a full debut for Jack Kingdon, but the list of players earning praise from the gaffer was long.

“I am so, so happy for Jack Kingdon. He’s waited so patiently for his opportunity. He has been a top-class professional every single day. He’s been left out of the squad, and when we’re scoring goals, he’s high-fiving people, he’s celebrating. I cannot speak highly enough of that lad. He deserves all the sort of enjoyment and happiness that this result and his performance brings in tonight. I’m thrilled for him.”

The manager also reserved praise for both his wingers, including James Daly, who after spell on the sidelines has reminded everyone what he’s about after his flourish at the end of last season.

“I thought [James Daly] was incredible up front. His energy, his endeavour, his ability to press the ball and hunt lost causes last season was excellent. We’re aiming to have a little bit more control and a little bit more ideas to sort of get in at teams.

“I think the balance of having Jonesy’s guile and agility to run inside the pitch and open up the pitch and slot people with reverse passes is I think unbelievable for the level. And then JD, his endeavour, his athleticism, his ability with his left foot, his ability to like drive at people and just take the ball on the outside like a sort of 1990s winger is so fun to watch. I think it causes a lot of problems for opposition. Those two tonight, again, were brilliant.”

By the time the final whistle went, it was Johl Powell who had made the biggest impact from the bench in the unorthodox position of centre forward and Rowley praised all of his subs but has a nice mention for the double scorer Powell.

“I spoke about all the lads—Jack, Johl [Powell], Charlie [Lennon], and Mason [Obeng] that came on late. Highlighted all of those performances. I’ve known Johl since he was 12 years old, I coached him when he was a kid. He’s sat really patiently and frustrated really at times, and I’ve not given him as much opportunity as he’s deserved. It’s because of the quality that kind of Jonesy and Archie have offered on that right-hand side of the pitch, and it’s nothing really against Johl. It’s just about being patient and waiting for your moment.”

Rowley added: “What a time to take your moment really. The game was in the balance. The third goal that he scored, I think was incredible. I was right behind it as well. It was a difficult take to go on the opposite side. And he’s also got that instinct to follow up on fumbles from the goalkeeper”.

The only blot on the copy book was a strange own goal from Jos Barker, but the manager isn’t worried.

“That was the only goal that I didn’t have a clean sight of, so I know he’ll be disappointed with that. Jos’ bread and butter is his crosses and aerial balls, so I know he’ll be annoyed with himself at not keeping the clean sheet as well. I don’t blame Jos at all, especially when you win a game.

“Mistakes are fine, they’re part of it, and I think one of the lads inside the office a minute ago just said like, look, he probably saved a goal 20 seconds before that. He’s tipped it around the post, I think, and sent it out for a corner, and then they’ve scored the resulting corner. So, the goal could have just gone in a minute earlier having it been any other goalkeeper in goal, probably. [It’s] just one of those things. He’ll be disappointed, but it’s fine,” Rowley said.

Rowley confirmed we’re likely to see a very young side in the County Cup on Tuesday, but the squad should be a little larger on numbers come next week’s clash with Kidderminster

Yeovil defender Jack Kingdon has said he’s proud of both himself and the team following the Glovers’ 4-1 win over Solihull Moors on Friday night.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah he said that it felt amazing to make his full Yeovil Town debut.

“It feels amazing. It’s a surreal feeling at Huish Park under the lights, to play like that in front of the fans. Obviously, personally, it’s good to get my first start, full 90 minutes. I worked really hard towards that, so I’m really proud of myself and the team for getting the result.

“I think the back line, the midfield line, and the attackers starting off the press, we just locked them up pretty pretty quickly, yeah.”

“We’ve got a team full of good players, like everyone’s just a solid player, so it’s tough for everyone to get minutes. There’s no guaranteed shirts. Starting and getting my full 90 minutes, I’m really pleased with it.”

With Ben Radcliffe, Loick Ayina, Joy Mukena and Dan Ellison unavailable to the manager, Kingdon hopes to keep his place.

“[Staying in the side] it’s going to be tough. But, it’s my time to stamp my authority and keep my place in the team… [Billy Rowley] knows how patient I had to be. Like I say, everyone everyone’s a top player. There’s no guarantees, but hearing that from him, it’s just an extra boost.”

The absence of captain Luke McCormick from Yeovil Town’s starting XI to face Solihull Moors tonight is a “tactical” decision, according to Glovers’ boss Billy Rowley.

The skipper is missing from the squad entirely along with striker Ste Walker, who missed the 1-1 draw at Aldershot Town due to illness.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Rowley told BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah that the squad had been suffering with injuries – but McCormick was not one of them.

He said: “We’ve had a bit of bad luck sort of around the training ground with injuries, but Luke’s a tactical one. We’ve looked at the game and the opposition and this week’s training and that’s it is what it is.”

There is a first start for defender Jack Kingdon, who has only managed one substitute appearance since arriving in the summer, and Under-19s’ striker Liam Nardiello is on the bench.

On Kingdon, the manager said: “I just made a point in front of the players, he is the best model pro you could wish for. He’s trained brilliantly in the last six weeks. He has deserved more chances than he’s been given, but that’s what happens when you’ve got good players like Ben Radcliffe, like Loick (Ayina), Hayden (Muller) can obviously play there and Joy. So, Jack has had to wait for his chance and I fully expect a good performance from Jack. He’s really level-headed and and he’s had a great pedigree.”

Ayina misses out through suspension following his red card at Aldershot and Mukena is out for “weeks” through injury.

On Nardiello, Rowley added: “He trained really well yesterday. We’ve got a a Somerset Men’s Premier Cup game against Radstock on Tuesday night here and he’s been with us last season a little bit. We’re obviously low on numbers, but he’s got good energy and we felt like he could be part of this squad tonight.”

Theres no Luke McCormick in the match day squad for the Glovers on Friday night.

The skipper joins Loick Ayina (suspended), Joy Mukena (Injured) and Ste Walker (illness) as unavailable.

Ben Radcliffe is named on the bench.

There’s a first Glovers’ start for Jack Kingdon in defence alongside skipper Joe Gubbins