Ben Barrett (Page 117)

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Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll was very positive about the Glovers’ 1-1 draw with Notts County on Saturday.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, he said whilst the players might be ‘gutted’, he wasn’t and he sang his team’s praises.

“I’m not (gutted), the players are and it’s my job to ensure they understand the fruits of their labour, and that’s a magnificent performance, again.

“This is a process, we’ve got young players that are developing, they are exactly where they should be and this is about their journey long term”

The manager went on to make comparisons to Sutton United, who won the National League in 2020/21, but not before building a young squad who finished mid-table in the curtailed 2019/20 season.

Sarll spoke of his side’s endeavour and spirit – something all Glovers’ fans know is second to none.

“I’ll be surprised if anyone has come here this year and stuck it so boldly to Notts County. I told them, and I mean it, I’m not playing games, I was delighted with them. I can see in our attacking play, that we are getting better.”

There was praise for Alex Bradley whose second start of the season brought his first goal and for Jordan “Gareth Bale” Barnett who found himself as part of a front three citing their athleticism, hard work and determination to play for the team.

“I think the chaps have shown an incredible amount of desire and I think we’ve given something back to the people, to the supporters who have travelled so far and spent so much money and that’s all I can ever ask of them.

“I think if we have longevity with the team, I can start to ask a bit more, but right now they are exactly where they are and exactly where I think they should be, and they’re growing week in, week out.

“It’s very ballsy to come here and play in that manner, we didn’t sit off like 90% of the teams, we went after Notts County, and we went after Notts County with all of the things we know are against us.”

Sarll also confirmed that on loan striker Olufela Olomola, who missed out at Meadow Lane, should be available to make the squad for the visit of Dagenham & Redbridge to Huish Park on Tuesday night, and that there is no long term concern over forward Tom Knowles who limped off at the end against Notts.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, Darren Sarll hoped that the Huish Park faithful would see more of the same, even if he wasn’t overly enamoured with having to play on Tuesday after two long away days… and Dagenham having a weekend off.

“I just hope the home support sees the growth in the team, I hope we show them that there’s growth in the team.

“We need to be very very careful, physically with the team, because it’s a long journey, I didn’t want this game on this Tuesday (vs Dagenham) I thought it was unfair after two long away trips to put another game in, the league voted against us… we always seem to lose those ones… but we’ll go.

“This team can be such a good team, such a good team, and I love working with them and I really do hope people can see their progress, because they are fighting for dear life, bless ’em.

“Once we break the ceiling of those two goals in a game, I think we will unleash a war chest of other attributes we haven’t seen yet. We are pushing, we are really pushing and I’m really proud of them today.”

 

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Tom Knowles in action
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town forward Tom Knowles spoke to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins after the 1-1 draw with Notts County and despite being on the wrong end of 94th minute equaliser, he said he and squad weren’t too downbeat.

“There’s a lot of positives we can take from that, I think we were the better team for the vast majority of the game, and we’ve been (doing) so well at defending our box all season, so it’s disappointing to concede the goal in that way.

“We’re very positive after that, although it’s disappointing not to get all three points, it’s a great result away at Notts County.”

Knowles echoed the manager’s thoughts that the group is working hard as a unit and that the squad a brilliant to be around, even if the likelihood of a play-off place is getting smaller by the game.

“It’s something that we all buy into, we do it for each other, we run our legs into the ground and we know that when we get taken off, that someone else is going to come on and do exactly the same. We are going to give absolutely everything into every game.”

Knowles was asked about the lack of goals this season and he was sure they would come eventually.

“I think that’s the frustrating part for us boys up top is that, we are all working so hard and the final bit is the final third, the last bit in front of goal, so I’m sure when one comes the floodgates will open, and we will start scoring and flying.”

The former Cambridge United man was taken off towards the end, but the front man confirmed, it was nothing too serious and was already looking forward to playing Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night.

“The fans really get behind us there (Huish Park) and we will definitely want to put on a show for them and the ones that travel – we are so thankful for their support because Nottingham isn’t exactly around the corner from Yeovil, nor is Chesterfield. 

“The support has been brilliant the last couple of games so get back in front of our home fans and put on a show.”

Much like Darren Sarll, he reiterated his enjoyment at playing in this squad and was hoping for more success with this group.

“I love it, I love the dressing room, everyone of us are buying into the exact same thing and we all want the exact same outcome, we all get on on and off the pitch and when the results start coming on the pitch we will fly, I’m sure of it.”

You know what they say… “don’t fall in love with footballers…”

…too late.

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Yeovil Town have been given two charges of misconduct in the latest Football Association disciplinary lists for February 2022.

The first relates to the game v Eastleigh on 12th February.

The official charge is as follows.

MASS CONFRONTATION (FAST TRACK 2) – STANDARD CASE
Yeovil Town FC, National League Premier 

Eastleigh FC v Yeovil Town FC
National League Premier
12 February 2022

Breach of FA Rule E20.1 – It is alleged that in or around the 82nd minute of the fixture, Yeovil Town FC failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

Charge denied – Paper Hearing requested. 

It’s worth noting thay Eastleigh have also been handed the same charge from that fixture and have accepted the charge resulting in a fine of £500.

Fast forward to February 25th and the game against Maidenhead, another ‘mass confrontation’ and another charge.

“MASS CONFRONTATION (FAST TRACK 2) – NON-STANDARD CASE
Yeovil Town FC, National League Premier

Maidenhead United FC v Yeovil Town FC
National League Premier
22 February 2022

Breach of FA Rule E20.1 – It is alleged that in or around the 94th minute of the fixture, Yeovil Town FC failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

The Club have until 6:00pm on Wednesday 2 March 2022 to provide a response.”

Much like in the Eastleigh game, Maidenhead have also been charged with the same offence and also have until Wednesday 2 March to respond.

If we get any details of the outcomes we will bring these details to you.

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Albi Skendi celebrates with Charlie Lee.
? Mike Kunz.

Albi Skendi has signed for Orange County Soccer Club in California almost a year since his last appearance for Yeovil Town.

The USL Championship side described Skendi as a defender and a ‘former’ Yeovil Town player with the Glovers confirming his departure on Friday evening.

Skendi had been AWOL from Huish Park since the summer when it appears he had a difference of opinion over whether an option on his Yeovil contract was triggered or not.

Speaking to his new club’s official website, Albi said: “I cannot wait to start the season. I get to play for the best team in the league and now live in the most beautiful county in America.” 

Orange County are managed by Richard Chaplow, a former Southampton and Burnley midfielder, who said: “We are happy to have Albi on board.

“He is the right fit for our locker room and brings with him good leadership skills from his time playing in England.

“Albi is a powerful and mobile player that has the flexibility to play in both the defense and midfield, he will be a big part of what we do this season.“

Also on the roster (as they call it) in Irvine, California is Rob Kiernan, an Irish defender who made three appearances for Yeovil on loan from Watford in the 2010-11 season.

Skendi played 75 times for the Glovers, scoring 9 goals and won the National League Player of the Month award in January 2021.

He was pictured playing club football with Justin Bieber and spoke exclusively to the Gloverscast in September about his decision not to return to Somerset.

All the best in California, Albi.

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UPDATE:  The Gloverscast understands the budget accounts for what MIGHT happen rather than what WILL happen, and that the £2.8m has been put aside should the club reopen the deal.

South Somerset District Council has confirmed it has allocated £2.8m to buy land around Yeovil Town’s Huish Park stadium from owner, club chairman Scott Priestnall.

The authority agreed its annual budget at a meeting on Monday night including almost £118m in investments across the district.

The item of most interest to Glovers’ fans is the proposed purchase of land at the club’s home with the council adding “owner of the land is ready to proceed with the sale.”

The last public statement from owner Scott Priestnall from a video posted on the club’s YouTube channel in July.

All land at Huish Park is held by two companies, Yeovil Athletic & Football Club and Yeovil Town Holdings, both of which list Priestnall and fellow club director Glenn Collis as their only directors.

The statement confirms what we already knew that the authority’s District Authority approved the purchase and leaseback of the land, including the stadium, back in December 2020.

However, that was halted when the Glovers’ Trust activated an Asset of Community Value (ACV) listing it had on the land which gave it six months to raise the cash to match the council’s offer.

It failed to raise the cash and the pause on the Council completing the deal was lifted, but since then discussions over the sale of Yeovil Athletic & Football Club have got underway between Priestnall and Simul Sports, a group led by former Cardiff City commercial director Julian Jenkins.

Since the discussions between Simul and Priestnall began, things have gone quiet on a potential deal with the council, but this latest update would appear to suggest they are moving again.

The statement published following Monday night’s council meeting, includes the following details:

  • Huish Park (£2.8m): Our District Executive at its meeting in December 2020 agreed to purchase the land at Huish Park in Yeovil, including the land occupied by the Yeovil Town Football Club, in order to secure the public amenity provided by the site and the owner of the land is ready to proceed with the sale.”

Also on Monday night, the Glovers’ Trust published an update – effectively a full disclosure of what it knows about Simul Sports – which revealed that financier Greg Baker is the man backing the deal. Baker is the founder of ESE Capital, a London-based finance firm which specialises in property development.

Land owned by Yeovil Town Holdings Limited is bordered in red – except the bit in mint green which is owned by Yeovil Athletic & Football Club Limited.

It confirmed the discussions were focused on buying Yeovil Athletic & Football Club, the property assets of which extend to the Huish Park stadium and a strip of land presently owned by the Council alongside Western Avenue.

All other land at Huish Park, including the car park, top training pitches and 4G surface, are owned by Yeovil Town Holdings Limited.

Keen watchers of records related to Companies House will have noted that Huish Park Stadium Partnership, a company which lists former owners Norman Hayward and ex-chairman John Fry as its directors, filed the paperwork to keep it ticking over for another year.

So, a reminder of what the timeline of the discussions with the Council were:

December 3 2020: The District Executive of South Somerset District Council approved the deal to purchase and lease back land at Huish Park – see here.

January 2 2021 The Glovers’ Trust confirms it is triggering its ACV placing a six-month moratorium on the deal with the Council – see here.

May 24 2021: After its six-month window to raise the cash to match the council’s offer, the Glovers’ Trust said the deal to sell  would put the club’s future in jeopardy and asked the council to review its decision – see here.

May 25 2021: Responding to the Gloverscast’s questions, the Council said the future of Huish Park was “in the hands” of Priestnall – see here.

July 6 2021: The Council responded to Gloverscast questions by saying that it “remains open” – see here.

July 30 2021: Chairman Priestnall said the deal with the Council was still a “viable option” – see here.

Also, if you’ve forgotten what an Asset of Community Value is and what it all means as far as Yeovil Town is concerned (you’re not the only one!) – here’s what we wrote back in September – click here.

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Yeovil Town have annouced a new date for the game agasint Dagenham and Redbridge… and it’s not far away.

The Glovers will host the Daggers on Tuesday March 8th with a 7:45 Kick Off – that’s just a week away!

Tickets purchased for the original fixture remain valid, but fans are asked to contact the ticket office on “info@ytfc.net” for refund options.

When the sides met in November, Yeovil came away with a 1-0 win thanks to a Paul McCallum Own Goal.

 

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Isn’t it amazing how just 90 minutes can define a season?

Yeovil Town had yet another ‘all guts, no glory’ performance against Chesterfield and came out on the losing side, with a first half stoppage time worldie changing the game and being the difference.

These conclusions are starting to feel like a broken record, but here are Ben’s five key takeaways from the Technique Stadium.

Ben Barclay
Pic: YTFC YouTube

Ben Barclay ‘gets it’ – he loves defending, he must be a joy to have in the defensive unit.

He’ll put his head in where it hurts and considering we love Luke Wilkinson and Max Hunt for similar traits, he’s quickly becoming a bit of a find for us.

At the time of writing, I’d like to know what his contract status is at Stockport, because if they go up, or deem him not to be in their plans, I’d certainly be looking to bring him in permanently.

Ben Barclay – he loves defending, and he loves defending for us.

At the other end… sometimes, you can’t do much more to score.

It’s no secret we’ve had our attacking problems this season, but at least yesterday it wasn’t for the want of trying.

Tom Knowles could have had a hat-trick, Luke Wilkinson should have had a least one, Adi Yussuf came close, Josh Staunton had a crack.

But sometimes, the fine margins don’t go your way.

On another day, Scott Loach in the Chesterfield goal doesn’t get his hand up, or Knowles’ wonder strike goes in off the bar rather than bounces out.

If the first half ends 3-1 to us, we go on and win the game. 

Those moments haven’t gone for us all season, but on Saturday evening it looked destined to never fall for us.

Striker Adi Yussuf fires a shot in on goal.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

… and on that… I’m done with Adi Yussuf.

Sorry, I don’t like calling out individuals, but I’ve gone from giving him the benefit of the doubt to really struggling to understand what he brings to the table.

He gave away free-kicks, he misplaced key passes in attacking areas which would have led to more chances, he managed to somehow not bundle the ball home from a yard out in the second half, he got in the way of others, and he constantly got caught offside.

Reuben Reid needs to be given a run in the side above Yussuf in the pecking order if Olomola isn’t fit. Reid looked brighter in that final 10 minutes.

Sorry Adi, nothing personal.

Lawson D’Ath. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

I think, I’m looking forward to a Staunton, Gorman and D’Ath midfield.

Actually, I know I am, I quite excited by it.

Worthington, Barnett, Bradley and Lo-Everton have their place and in a squad environment they’ll all be very very handy, but, Josh Staunton looked he needed his mate, Gorman out there. Like Ant without Dec, Phil without Grant, it just looks a better fit for the team.

And as for D’Ath, he’s genuinely one of the best players in the league. 

He’s that good. It’s all so effortless for him to pick a pass and to have the composure on the ball that so many around him were lacking. 

If we can get those three on the pitch together singing from the same hymn sheet, that’s a bloody good midfield.

Sarll speaks to the media at Chesterfield

And finally, the manager made his clearest statement yet regarding the off-the-field future of Yeovil Town and it needs to be the catalyst for clarity.

Every word he spoke was correct, this is a team worth supporting, getting behind, enhancing, developing and moulding into a squad that can get Yeovil Town promoted.

If, as many now think, this season is over… next season must begin ASAP. That means clarity and plan of how we approach the medium to long term future of the team.

His own position included, either he needs to be told to go and get who he needs because he’s in charge, or told he won’t be allowing a new person to assess the squad. 

That sounds brutal, and harsh and I’m very much ‘Sarll In’ but the time for next season to start is coming… and it’ll be here far sooner than the end of this current campaign.

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… there’s a bank-based pun in that headline, but I can’t quite figure it out, anway...

Ben Barclay
Pic: YTFC YouTube

Yeovil Town have announced the extension of Ben Barclay’s loan deal from Stockport for an additional month.

His original deal was close to completion but Manager Darren Sarll had made no secret of his desire to keep the defender for longer, saying after the midweek game he was waiting on the ‘big man’ to authorise the deal.

The ‘big man’ has found his clicky pen and signed the documents to keep the centre back at Huish Park for another month.

Prior to the weekend’s game vs Chesterfield, Barclay and his defensive unit have conceded just three goals in the last five games and will be hoping to keep former Glover Joe Quigley and Co quiet in the Saturday tea time kick off.

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Yeovil Town have been handed a home tie in the Semi Final of the Somerset Premier Cup against either Odd Down or Wells City.

The Glovers’ won their quarter final against Chedder and are one game away from Wembley  the final.

The schedule suggests this game is meant to take place in the week commencing 21st March, but Yeovil host Bromley in the National League on Tuesday 22nd, suggesting this may get moved, we will bring you details once they are confirmed.

Odd Down will face Wells City on Tuesday 1st March for the right to play at Huish Park after their first attempt on February 15th was postponed.

The other semi-final sees Frome Town host Jerry Gill’s Bath City, the final date and venue are yet to be confirmed, in case you were hoping to book the day off work.

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Yeovil Town Manager Darren Sarll said he was frustrated to come away with only a point on Tuesday night against Maidenhead.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, he spoke of his disappointment at not picking up the win.

“I was disappointed in the end that we haven’t won the game, I’m frustrated we haven’t won the game because the players and I are hugely ambitious, we don’t want to be a mid table team, our play is improving, but I want us to be more than that.”

“I don’t want to keep leaning on age, or resources, because that’s not fair to the supporters who travel so far and spend so much money. 

The last two away games, that should be six point rather than two.”

The Glovers had two goals ruled out during the game, one for a foul by Luke Wilkinson in the first half and a late strike by Rueben Reid ruled out for offside.

Luke Wilkinson and Reuben Reid celebrate the FA Cup win over Stevenage. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

In all, Sarll was disappointed by the officials.

“I thought the first goal – the Wilkinson header – was a goal, he’s just more aggressive and builds momentum from the delivery and heads it in. If you’re going to give free kicks for that then oh my life.”

“He (the Ref) was poor all night, some of the decisions were astronomical, they were really poor and it just spoils the game”

“We’ll look at it, report it and nothing will get done”

On a brighter note, Olufela Olomola scored his first goal of his third loan spell with a neat finish, unfortunately his match was cut short by injury in the second half.

“He’s got good technique, I’m a little bit worried about what he’s come off for… but it was a good strike, he was a threat, a real threat and he’s got that capability of receiving back to goal and being strong and also really threatening in behind”

Regarding the injury, Sarll says he expects the on loan Hartlepool front man to get a scan ahead of the weekend trip to Chesterfield.

“I’d be a little bit concerned about that right now… or he’s a wimp and I don’t know him well enough and he rocks up fit for Saturday”

  • Ben Barclay‘s loan is expected to be extended until the end of the season, we reported earlier that the Manchester Evening News had reported that an extension was on the way, but Sarll himself confirmed he was waiting on the final paperwork to be completed. “I think that’ll go through tomorrow (Wednesday), we’re just waiting on the big man (we presume he means Scott Preistnall, rather than God, Santa Claus or Peter Crouch) to authorise it. Ben wants to stay, he’s been fantastic for us, I think we’ve conceded something like three goals since he’s been with us.”
  • Lawson D’ath completed 60 minutes and the manager was pleased as he continued his recovery from long term injury. “He’s fabulous, some of his touches and awareness. I just thought the 60 minute mark was enough because he started to look fairly frail, bless him, but he will push with that game time he will push, the great thing with Lawson is he is a big player for us, even in that 60 minutes, it’s better for us to have Lawson out there”