Ben Barrett (Page 129)

Terry Skiverton

Yeovil Town legend Terry Skiverton has joined AFC Wimbledon as Jonnie Jackson’s assistant manager.

Wimbledon have been hunting for a new manager and announced Jackson would be in charge for the 2022/23 season  on Monday confirming Skivo would join him at Plough Lane.

Skiverton left Yeovil have 20-plus years to join Jackson at Charlton earlier in 2022 before they were both removed from their roles before the end of the campaign.

 

 

Yeovil Town’s on loan midfielder Sonny Blu Lo-Everton has been named in the official Vanarama team of the week for the final game of the season.

Lo-Everton played the vast majority of a 1-0 win over Altrincham to end his season-long stay with the Glovers from Watford.

Congratulations to Sonny and thanks for your time at Huish Park.

The National League’s final team of the week

Yeovil huddle before Altrincham

…and breathe.

The 2021/22 season has come to an end. 44 league games, an FA Cup run, and a Somerset Premier Cup victory has made the campaign far from dull despite the 12th place finish. The final game saw an injury ravaged squad squeeze out a 1-0 win over fellow mid-tablers Altrincham. Debuts for Ollie Haste and Max Evans rightly took the post match headlines, but I wanted to highlight two other performances.

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

I gave Sonny Blu Lo Everton my man of the match on the radio. He was fantastic in the first half, and gave us a glimpse into what we would have loved to have seen more of through the whole season. He glided effortlessly with the ball, had shots, a relaxed game brought out the best in him, how desperately we could have done with that on a more regular basis. His career lies higher than the National League and he’ll go onto good things, I’m sure.

Morgan Williams. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Much was made out of Morgan Williams’ controversial Glovies wins (by Ian mostly), but as one of those certain to be there on Day 1 of pre season next year, I for one am chuffed. He played centre half, he’s played left back, right wing back and for his first proper season adapted to all of them with ease. If he wants to show of the leadership and seniority he showed alongside Jack Robinson and in front of Max Evans that is absolutely fine by me. We’ve got a good one in Morgan Williams, that’s for sure.

184 Yeovil fans made the trip to Altrincham, maybe take a few off for some easy geography, but that is an incredible level of support. I wouldn’t have blamed any supporter for saying no thanks, for starting their summers early and listening on the radio, but so many felt like they needed to be there. To say goodbye? To say thanks? Because that’s just what weekends are for? I’m not sure, but whoever is on that press release as our new manager has a truly brilliant fan base to get on board with. I hope they harness the spirit of the 184, I hope they see the passion and support of the 1900+ at the Legends game and use that to their advantage, give us something to cheer and we are there ready to be on your side.

I have to mention Josh Staunton don’t I? Last summer he told us that last season he thought he might not kick a ball ever again. He did, he became an integral part of the side, then Charlie Lee’s right hand man, then… almost inexplicably, Manager. Find me a Yeovil fan who doesn’t think we should extend his contract? Find me a Yeovil fan who thinks he isn’t the person to build a side around next year? I’ve written in depth before about how I feel he’s the most important player we’ve had since Skivo, well, he became our first player-manager since the Glovers legend took over from Russell Slade. He deserves the upmost respect and a damn good contract.

So, I don’t like to address rumours, but there were murmurs of some players not being in the best frame of mind before the game and there were a number of absentees. I’ll say only one thing… if there’s any player that doesn’t want to be here, they’re absolutely fine to leave. It takes a special type of player to play for Yeovil Town, you have to show the commitment that 184 fans showed today, if you’re not willing to do that, despite all that’s gone on, you know where the door is. For what it’s worth, in every little snippet of conversation I’ve had with people, every game I’ve watched, every interview I’ve transcribed this season I’ve never doubted any squad member’s commitment, I just hope it’s still there at the same level next season.

It won’t exactly be a quiet week for Glovers fans, or a quiet summer for that matter, but I hope YTFC supporters can enjoy their summers. It’ll be time to play ‘Guess the Trialist‘ soon.

Venue: Moss Lane
Sunday 15th May, 3pm kick-off

Conditions: Dry and warm, except for a spot of rain the second half

Pitch: In decent nick for the final game.

Attendance: 2,123 (184 away supporters)

Scorers: Tom Knowles 15 (1-0),

Bookings:

Yeovil: D’Ath 45, 
Altrincham:
Hampson 70

Referee:  Peter Gibbons


Yeovil Town : (4-4-1-1)

Max Evans

Jordan Barnett, Morgan Williams, Jack Robinson, Mark Little

Charlie Wakefield (for Adi Yussuf, 36) Lawson D’Ath Alex Bradley, Tom Knowles

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton

Reuben Reid

Substitutes: Grant Smith, Josh Staunton, Ollie Haste, Adi Yussuf.



Match Report

A first half strike from Tom Knowles was enough to secure Yeovil Town a final day win and ensure caretaker player-manager Josh Staunton’s managerial career ended with a 100% record.

But, it was a man of the match performance from young goalkeeper Max Evans which was the story of an otherwise uneventful match.

The teenager was handed his debut by Staunton in place of first choice keeper, Grant Smith, and rewarded him with some outstanding saves as the hosts pushed for an equaliser in the second half.

On a day that club captain Luke Wilkinson and midfielders Dale Gorman and Matt Worthington did not even feature in the squad whilst youngster Ollie Haste came on as a late substitute to make his debut, the match had an end of the era feel to it.

Here’s how it all looked to Coatesie saw it from the away end….

 

First half

After an opening 15 minutes with little more than a half-chance to shout about from either side, the ball found its way to Sonny Blu Lo-Everton who played a beautiful ball through to Tom KNOWLES who lashed home the opener with Reuben Reid lurking at the far post.

Moments later Ryan Colclough almost found an instant response, bursting down the right but his ball was turn away by Morgan Williams, before moments later Jake Cooper fired wide for the hosts after a misplaced pass by Alex Bradley.

It took 20 minutes for anything else to happen in the game and that was an injury to Charlie Wakefield who was replaced by Adi Yussuf after 36 minutes.

He went in up front alongside Reid with Lo-Everton dropping back in to midfield  from the more advanced position he had adopted.

Altrincham’s threat was coming down the left side from Colclough whereas at the other end there was liveliness from Knowles (as has become standard) but little else to get excited about.

A minute in to first half stoppage time, Colclough’s ball in was flicked wide by Marcus Dinanga. That half-chance was a moment of excitement when on ‘fans’ appreciation day’ at Moss Lane.

The half-time announcement of the raffle draw was another highlight – it was that kind of 45 minutes, folks.


Half time: Altrincham 0 Yeovil Town 1

Second Half

The half-time interval saw young substitute Ollie Haste warming up on his own, albeit he ran along halfway line twice before disappearing in to the dressing room.
 
It took until the 51st minute for something to happen when Lo-Everton picked up the ball in midfield, skipped past a couple of tackles and poked it through to Yussuf who either tried to bustle his way through and was blocked or gave up. You decide.
Play immediately swung to the other end where Colclough, the hosts’ threat in the first half, was denied by a smart stop from Max Evans.
 
Evans was in action again dropping to his right to deny Cooper before Colclough lashed one wide.
 
The home side certainly began to grow in to the game and Colclough almost found himself on the end of a cross from Pringle. The winger was certainly keen to add to the 11 goals he has his season with Alty seemingly able to stroll through the visitors midfield at will. What is Josh Staunton up to today? Oh yeah.
 
Little was caught out 30 yards from goal and Pringle fed it through to substitute Josh Hancock, but his shot was easily stopped by Evans, fast becoming the visitors’ man of the match.
 
If that fact was in doubt, the teenager pulled off another superb stop to deny Mooney who had carved his way through the visitors’ defence.
Moments later, Hancock inexplicably beat the offside flag to break through on goal and pulled his shot across goal.
On 83 minutes, Yeovil’s best chance saw Yussuf charge forward in to the box, squared it to Reid who paused and allowed the Alty defence to get a challenge in.
 
Seemingly unhappy at watching his midfield allow the hosts to attack that caretaker player boss Josh Staunton brought himself on. It is fair to say that he had not prepared for it.
 
With Altrincham committing men forward in search of a goal, Yeovil found gaps with chances to Yussuf who lifted one over from out side and Lo-Everton who lashed a shot over the bar.
 
As the fourth official’s board went up, there was one final moment for the visitors as Ollie Haste came on as a substitute to make his league debut for the club.
 
The applause at the end suggested this may be the last we see or many of this Yeovil again. As on chapter closes, another opens.
 

Full time: Altrincham 0 Yeovil Town 1

Max Evans, who is given his first league start today. ? Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Interim-Caretaker-Player-Manager-Captain Josh Staunton has picked his first (and last) team for the trip to Altrincham in the final game of the National League season.

Young keeper Max Evans is handed a start with first-choice keeper Grant Smith on the substitutes bench alongside Staunton and fellow youngster Ollie Haste.

There is no sign of club captain Luke Wilkinson or midfielders Matt Worthington and Dale Gorman whilst Josh Neufville is unavailable following his recall by Luton Town.

 

Yeovil Town: Max Evans, Mark Little, Morgan Williams, Jack Robinson, Alex Bradley, Tom Knowles, Jordan Barnett, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Lawson D’Ath, Reuben Reid, Charlie Wakefield.

Substitutes: Grant Smith, Josh Staunton, Ollie Haste, Adi Yussuf.

 

 

Josh Neufville wheels away after scoring Yeovil’s second.

Yeovil Town’s on loan winger Josh Neufville has been recalled by Luton Town ahead of the Glovers’ final game of the season at Altrincham.

Nathan Jones’ Luton, are tied 1-1 in a tense play off semi final against Huddersfield and have taken the option to recall him with injuries within their first team squad.

Two loan spells at Huish Park over two seasons and Josh made a huge impression on all Glovers fans and we wish him all the best back at Luton.

Caretaker manager Charlie Lee has left Yeovil Town with a new manager set to be installed at Huish Park next week.

The club confirmed on Friday that Lee would “not continue as part of the coaching staff” under the new boss.

Club captain Luke Wilkinson, vice captain Josh Staunton and sports scientist Scott Wickens will be in charge for Sunday’s final day trip to Altrincham.

We assume the absence of Lee’s assistant, Jody Brown, from the statement means his time with the club is also over.

In a statement issued at 12pm, the club said: “Yeovil Town can confirm the departure of Charlie Lee as our interim manager with immediate effect.

Charlie departs following the appointment of a new manager and his decision to not continue as part of our coaching staff.

All at Yeovil Town would like to thank Charlie for his efforts and commitment during his spell as both assistant manager and interim manager.

The new manager will be announced next week with a press conference to follow.

Josh Staunton will take charge of Sunday’s final National League fixture against Altrincham, assisted by club captain Luke Wilkinson and lead sport scientist Scott Wickens.”

The departure ends Lee’s second spell at the club which began in February when he came in as assistant to then-boss Darren Sarll, following the departure of club legend Terry Skiverton.

When Sarll exited to join Woking at the end of March, Lee stepped in to the hot seat supported initially by Staunton and then Brown who joined at the end of last month.

Charlie’s final match was Tuesday night’s Somerset Premier Cup final win over Bath City and has a National League record of W1, D5, L2 in his eight matches in charge.

From us here at the Gloverscast, we wish Charlie all the best in whatever comes next and thank him for his service to our club as a player, coach and manager.

Ben Seymour in action
Credit:Weymouth FC Flickr

Ben Seymour and Jordan Dyer, who both spent short loan spells at Huish Park earlier this season, have been released by their parent club, Exeter

The Grecians were promoted to League One this season.

Seymour played a handful of games including *that* game against W*ymouth with the loan front man missing one of the spot kicks in the shootout.

Jordan Dyer managed about 3 minutes in a Glovers shirt before returning to Exeter.

They both would spend time on loan at Bath City towards the end of the season.

All the best to both in their hunt for a new club.

Glovers’ Ollie Haste
Pic From @yeovilcollege

Yeovil Town youth prospect Ollie Haste has signed a professional contract with the club ahead of next season.

Interim manager Charlie Lee said after the Somerset Premier Cup win that Haste has signed on pro terms having seen the English college youth player impress in the competition

I think the Somerset Cup has been a massive success for the club this year… we’ve had youngsters play, boys from the college scheme play, do well and then we has Hastey sign a contract, it’s just been brilliant”

BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins followed up to confirm the deal had been done and after a sly glance at Media Officer Sam Collard, Lee confirmed it was all signed and sealed.

Yep, hopefully I didn’t let anything go too early, he’s done really well, he’s come through the college scheme, he’s been involved and he’s signed a contract!”

Haste has spent time on loan with Barnstaple Town this season and has been an unused sub for the Yeovil first team on a couple of occasions including at Wrexham away.

A huge congratulations to Ollie from everyone at the Gloverscast!

Venue: Huish Park
Tuesday 10th May, 8pm Kick Off

Conditions: Clear

Pitch: “Won’t need much work over the summer” Perkins, I. May 10th, 2022

Attendance: 1016 (351 away)

Scorers: Williams ‘6 (1-0), Knowles ’47 (2-0), Barclay ’85 (3-0)

Bookings:

Yeovil: Neufville ’85
Bath City: Delaney ’14, Clarke ’85, Richards ’87, Gill ’89

Referee: Scott Jackson


Yeovil Town : (3-5-2)

Grant Smith

Morgan Williams, Ben Barclay, Max Hunt (for Worthington ’25)

Tom Knowles, Lawson D’ath, Josh Staunton, Sonny Blu Lo Everton (for Robinson ’71) Jordan Barnett

Josh Neufville, Rueben Reid (for Wakefield ’85)

Substitutes: Max Evans, Matt Worthington, Alex Bradley, Charlie Wakefield, Jack Robinson

Bath City:

Clarke, Raynes, Delaney, Fletcher, Holness, Cooke, Smith, Frear, Jones (for Sims-Burgess)  Ball, Richards

Substitutes: Fuller, Sims-Burgess


SPC at Huish Park ? – Somerset FA

Championés, Championés, Olé, Olé, Olé!

Yeovil Town captured the Somerset Premier Cup after a beating Bath City on Tuesday night in the final at Huish Park.

Our man, Ian Perkins was there, here’s his match report.

Morgan Williams. ? Mike Kunz.

It took six minutes for the Glovers to open the scoring. Bath City failed to clear their lines and Morgan WILLIAMS nicked the ball off a Bath City defender to beat Ryan Clarke, despite the keeper’s best efforts. There was no doubt about this one being Williams goal.

Yeovil took control of the early proceedings and had a decent effort through Tom Knowles, although the player of the season fired over.

Bath City had an opportunity to level the score moments later through Tom Smith. Bath’s number 10 pulled his effort wide of Smith’s post into the side netting.

On 24 minutes Max Hunt picked up an injury, forcing Charlie Lee into a first half replacement bringing on Matt Worthington.

Yeovil kept up the momentum and Reuben Reid, released by Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, couldn’t wrap his foot round the ball enough to get his effort in target.

City nearly hit back in the 31st through Elliot Frear on Smith’s back post again. His effort was bundled wide for a corner.

Bath had another chance to equalise in first half stoppage time but Cook’s effort from just inside the 18 yard box was straight at Smith.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Bath City 0

Tom Knowles scores goals ? Mike Kunz.

Three minutes into the second half, Tom KNOWLES doubled the Glovers lead. Knowles was released on the right and in vintage fashion he cut inside and fired home past the helpless keeper.

Bath came close to hitting back in the 54th minute, forcing Smith into an important block.

Both sides took their foot off the gas, althiugh the Romans had the better possession and a decent half chahce though Tom Richards, who acrobatically shot over.

It wasn’t until the 68th minute when the game came alive again through Knowles. He picked up the ball on the half way line and surged forward beating four men before shooting over the bar. He probably should have passed to Neufville, but after that run, who could blame him for having a go.

The Glovers kept Bath at arms length and Ben BARCLAY scored the third with a free header onto the top corner from Lawson D’Ath’s corner. Handbags ensued after the goal, with Baths keeper getting a booking after an altercation with Neufville.

The Glovers saw out the remainder of the game against their old rivals to be crowned Somerset Premier Cup champions for the 25th time.

Somerset Premier Cup Winners 2022 ? SomersetFA

Full time: Yeovil Town 3 Bath City 0