Ben Barrett (Page 130)

Oluefela Olomola. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Former three-time Glovers loanee Fela Olomola is on the hunt for a new club after being released by Hartlepool.

Olomola played eight times for Yeovil this season, starting four, scoring just the once, in a 1-1 draw against Maidenhead.

We wish him the best of luck finding a new club for the 2022/23 season.

Nearly 2000 people were in attandence to see the Yeovil Town legends, led by Gary Johnson return to the pitch in celebration of the life and career of Adam Stansfield.

Glovers fans, alongside those from around the area raised loads of money for the Adam Stansfield Foundation and played out an enthrawling 3-3 draw at Huish Park.

The South West side were 3-0 up at Half Time, but some tactical switches and some classic, old school…. urm… motivation from the gaffer inspired an almighty come back with goals from Kevin Gall (he got the ball, and scored a goal), Terry Skiverton from the spot and a last gasp equaliser from Taylor Stansfield.

You can watch the highlights from the day below or on Youtube and if you didn’t make the day itself but would like to contribute to the Adam Stansfield Foundation – you can do so, by clicking HERE

There is a gallery of the day courtest of Mike Kunz – Available HERE

There’s also a special edition of the Gloverscast where we spoke with many of the legends on show – which you can listen to HERE

 

Chris Hargreaves
? Aaron McLean

Yeovil Town’s new manager Chris Hargreaves might be more known for his role as TV pundit for BT Sport, but he has been in coaching and management positions within clubs for a number of years.

However, this is only his second ever first team managerial role after a spell in the hot seat with Torquay.

Following the sacking of Alan Knill, Hargreaves was given his first taste of management with the Plainmoor side in January 2013.

Sitting second bottom of League Two it was always going to be a tough task, and despite an upturn in form – including a first match win over Wimbledon and local derby successes over both Bristol Rovers and Exeter – Torquay dropped out of the Football League.

The following season back in the National League saw Torquay fail to bounce back up finishing in mid table.

That season included a six-match winning streak throughout August of 2014, but a trio of winless streaks in October, December and February 2015, cost them any hope of sneaking a play-off place.

That squad included a couple of front men who found goals into the double figures, Ryan Bowman and Louis Briscoe.

There was also a handful of appearances for Josh Wakefield who would go onto to spend a short time with Yeovil the following season.

The side finished 13th with 61 points, 15 points away from 7th.

Following the conclusion of that season, in early June, Hargreaves was placed on gardening leave after Torquay was taken over and the new owner offered him a ‘significant’ pay cut.

In total, he was in charge for 75 games, winning 27 and losing 33, with 15 draws.

 

 

 

 

Max Evans. ? Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town’s final day victory over Altrincham saw two young Glovers make their first league starts, Ollie Haste played the final few moments but it was Max Evans who put in a cracking performance on debut to keep a clean sheet in goal.

When talking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins he said he was delighted with his first league start.

“I enjoyed it, it was good to get the number 1 down.”

“(The clean sheet) was the main thing, helped the boys out, they helped me out many times, it was a good start.”

He thanked the experienced members of the squad, name checking Mark Little and Josh Staunton for their contributions during the game even if he wasn’t expecting to get his debut under the Glovers’ stand in player manager.

“I had a chat with him (Staunton), he was happy for me to get the game which was nice…

“… me and Grant (Smith) get along really well, it’s been a really good season, my first full season in men’s football, it’s been really good and I can’t wait to have many more hopefully.”

One Man of the Match performance in the bag for Max, here’s to many more.

Morgan Williams. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town defender and two time Glovie award winner Morgan Williams spoke exclusively to the Gloverscast following the conclusion of the 2021/22 season.

After bowing out on the final day with a win and a clean sheet, he said he was delighted for interim-caretaker-player-manager Josh Staunton and the group as a whole.

We’ve always wanted to come out and perform for the fans, they’ve travelled for four or five hours and it was beautiful to finish off with (a win) today

The Glovers had a makeshift back line with young ‘keeper Max Evans making his debut, and keeping a clean sheet.

It was lovely, today was all about putting the effort it, and for Evans it was massive for him… it’s his league debut, it was massive for him to keep a clean sheet and the back four was solid”

There was more praise for Staunton two who helped galvanise a patched up side to get the win.

“We’ve all respected him and he respected us, and he gave us the confidence and believe that Chazza (Charlie Lee) did before… Staunts has been class all season on and off the pitch”

As for Williams himself, he can look forward to next season with a full campaign under his belt in a season he calls ‘fantastic‘ from a personal point of view.

Morgan Williams. ? Mike Kunz.

We asked him about being told he was at left back for the win over Wrexham away and he had a message for the fans after picking up not one, but two end of season Glovies, but you’ll have to tune into Friday’s edition of the Gloverscast to hear the full conversation.

You can find the Gloverscast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your audio on demand.

 

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.