Ben Barrett (Page 157)

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The Premier League have released their most recent up to date list of players who are scheduled to be released from their contract and there are three ex-YTFC players listed as being available, for free after their time at Crystal Palace has come to an end.

Winger Andros Townsend has revealed he is considering a number of options both in the Premier League and abroad with clubs offering him European football next season available to the former loanee.

Whilst a duo of Goalkeepers, Wayne Hennessey and Stephen Henderson are both also likely to call time on their stint at Selhurst Park.

All three have been under the watchful eye of another former Glover, Scott Guyett who is the Head of Sports Science at Palace and was this week announced as the recipient of the Chairman’s Award following a decade of service to the London club.

Congratulations Scott and the best of luck to three talented footballers on their next adventure.

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The topic of the 2013 Yeovil Town League One Play-Off team is one that often crops up around these parts, we can all recall Paddy Madden popping one in the top corner, we all know James Hayter never did get a touch on Dan Burn’s header, we all bit our fingernails to the bone and sighed in relief at everyone of Marek Stech’s wonderful saves, but this was more than just a team game – we needed a whol squad.

Maksimenko with James Healey, Paddy Madden and Kevin Dawson
(Pic thanks to Jimmer)

The image of Jamie McAllister lifting the tropy aloft will live long in the memory – but let’s not forget, he didn’t actually complete the game.

With 77 minutes on the clock, his reoccuring groin problem flared up, his broken nose had become swollen and bruised, he had to be replaced.

Defensive options on the bench that day were Richard Hinds, a wonderful central defender, but not naturally a full back and so the call went to young Latvian full back, Vitalijs Maksimenko.

We pondered on a recent episode of the Gloverscast podcast with Media Officer James Healey, what had happened the the man signed on loan from Brighton, well, I found him, dusted off some Google translate and set to work trying to get him to answer our questions… and he DID!

Vitalijs now plays in Slovenia, with NK Olimpija from the city of Ljubljana, he was part of the team that lifted the Slovenian Cup this season, he played 89 minutes in the final, a 2-1 win over FC Cejle.

 

We fired over some questions about his short spell at Huish Park, which saw him make just four appearances, one of which came at the home of football.

Vitalijs said; “That was a good time. I spent there three months on loan from Brighton. It was a good team, a good squad. I remember all the guys so yes, I really enjoyed the time there.”

Of course the deal was brokered by Gary Johnson, who is still so fondly remembered in Maksimenko’s home country, Latvia something which the full back said only made the experience better.

“He (Johnson) is a legend in Latvia, yes. Everybody still remembers him because he did a good job with national team. I thank him a lot and I really appreciate that he took me to Yeovil on loan because this was my first experience in England. He is a really good coach. He motivates and trusts his players. I have only positive words for him.”

Vitalijs made his debut against Oldham in April 2013, and would start two other league games vs Crewe and Bury as McAllister continued to recover from his injury.

But of course, his main memory comes from the showpiece final at Wembley. He was on the bench for both semi-finals, but never came on, those 25 minutes at Wembley were his time to shine

“I think that this was on of the best times in my career. Everyone dreams about playing in Wembley, especially to [be] promoted to the Championship. I started the game on the bench and in the last twenty minutes our captain McAllister was injured so I didn’t even have the time to be nervous. Everything happened quickly. I came in and we had to hold the result. We succeeded.”

“It is an honor for me to have a medal from England, from Wembley Stadium. This medal is in my home in Latvia. I am really proud to have it.”

Famously, as pointed out by James Healey on the podcast, Maksimenko couldn’t stay to enjoy the celebrations, he was called up for international duty and would play for his country against Qatar just 72 hours after the play-off final, but despite the quick exit, he said that through the power of social media, he keeps in touch with his former Glovers’ team mates.

“We are following each other on social media, Jamie McAllister, Byron Webster, Paddy Madden … Sometimes I text the guys just happy birthday or when something happens. When Jamie McAllister retired he became a coach and I texted him immediately to congratulate him and wish him all the best in his new career.”

Vitalijs Maksimenko might not be the first name that pops into your mind when you think of that side, but it probably shouldn’t be the last either, four appearances and 25 all important minutes in the final put him in the ‘Cult Hero’ category at Huish Park, he was simply happy that we had remembered him and made contact to see how he was getting on, I asked him if he has any words for the Glovers fans, and to be honest – they’re lovely.

“To Yeovil fans I would like to say in this tough time for the club that I wish that in the next couple of years Yeovil will come back to where we have been. Slowly in League 2, League One and promote as high as possible. Stick together all the time. The team needs supporters.”

A huge “paldies” (Thank you in Latvian) to Vitalijs for taking the time to answer our questions, an extra “hvala vam” (Thank you in Slovenian) to the NK Olimpija Press Officer Kristjan Pahor for all his help for making this happen.

 

Who would you like to see us track down next? which ‘cult hero’ is worthy of some dodgy translations and a few questions fired over the interweb? Let us know!

 

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Them lot up the road have announced their released and retained list as the 2020/21 season has drawn to a close and former Yeovil Town midfielder Alefe Santos is one of the five players who will be leaving the Bob Lucas stadium.

The Brazilian played for Yeovil for two seasons from the 2017/18 campaign after joining from Derby County.

He racked up a total of 43 games for the Glovers failing to score.

We wish Alefe all the best in finding a new club.

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Sarll and Skiverton
Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll, left, with assistant, Terry Skiverton.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll is back in the dugout this Wednesday (2nd June) as he takes part in an academy trial day for Stratford Town.

Advertising on their social media channels, Stratford Town are offering a trial day for players aged 16-19.

This is their third trial day and the second with a guest host, the other being former Bolton striker Dean Holdsworth.

Sarll has been invited to host the event as the two clubs have had a strong link since 2019. Albi Skendi joined the Glovers from Stratford and the two have played pre-season friendlies in the last two years.

Speaking to the club’s official site, Sarll said; “I’m delighted to be invited to Stratford Town to host this next trial. Academy football is where you begin to see players maturing into the game.”

The current Academy manager for the Southern League club Ryan Simmonds said “Having Darren come in to host the trial is great for the Academy. His experience of working with players of this age group and passing on his knowledge of the game will be a real bonus for those who attend and our boys who are already here.”

All the best to the gaffer as his search for young talent continues – just… maybe bring a couple of the good ones back to Huish Park, instead, yeah?

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Focus turns from domestic to international football this summer with Euro 2020 on the horizon after being postponed last year.

Three former Glovers are heading to the tournament as part of Rob Page’s Welsh squad.

Goalkeeper, Wayne Hennessey, defender Connor Roberts and forward Kieffer Moore are all included as the Dragons prepare for group games against Switzerland, Turkey and Italy.

Everyone here at the Gloverscast would like to give the trio a huge Llongyfarchiadau and pob lwc as they head into the tournament.

 

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Rhys MurphyThe Southend Echo are reporting that Yeovil Town striker Rhys Murphy is set to agree terms on a move to Southend United following the conclusion of his contract.

Murphy joined the Glovers from Chelmsford City two seasons ago and contributed 30 league goals, plus plenty more in the cup competitions during his time at Huish Park.

Murphy was absent from the final day celebrations against Stockport and appears to have signed on the dotted line at Roots Hall following rumours of his impending departure.

Southend will play in the National League next season after being relegated from League Two.

Thanks for the goals, Rhys.

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The 2020/21 Vanarama National League has come to a conclusion, a topsy turvy season with Covid Stops, No Fans in the grounds and not one but two sides not completing the season (of course, one of them, Macclesfield, never started).

But after 42 games, the table has been finalised and we now know the end of season play of schedule.

Four sides, Notts County, Hartlepool, Bromley and Chesterfield will play off in eliminators to set up semi-finals vs either Torquay or Stockport.

The final will take place at (checks notes) Ashton Gate, home of Bristol City on June 20th.

Best of luck to all those taking part, apart from Chesterfield.

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Yeovil Town’s on loan defender Billy Sass-Davies took to social media to thank the Glovers for a brilliant spell during the back end of the 2020/21 season.

Sass-Davies, who has international duty on the horizon with Wales Under 21s tweeted that he ‘wants to wish everyone associated with the club the very best in the future’.

The Crewe loanee has played 22 times for the Glovers, scoring once, against Barnet.

All the best back at Crewe and for Wales, Billy, from everyone at the Gloverscast

 

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Yeovil Town midfielder Charlie Lee played his last game in the green and white of Yeovil Town on Saturday, he spoke to BBC Somerset’s Tom Seymour after the game and reiterated his gratitude and delight at his time in Somerset, even if it didn’t end up in the ultimate goal of getting the Glovers promoted.

“Loved it, amazing place, really beautiful part of the country, we came down last season and we had a really good season, loved every minute”.

Whilst the first season of Lee’s time ended in a shorter than scheduled league campaign and an even shorter crack at the play-offs, this season has been very different, one which Lee suggests has been a major factor in deciding it’s time to move on

“This season, no words – it’s been an emotional season, I’m immensely proud of everyone at the club; fans, players, the manager, Terry, all the staff… when we look back at the season we will realise what a learning curve it was for everyone”.

Lee, joined Yeovil as part of a new core of players who changed the culture and brought the fans back closer to the playing staff, included in that group was Lee Collins, tributes were paid to Collins before and during the match after his sad passing in March and Lee admitted he’d found the day emotional.

“Most people who know me, know I’m always able to find a word – I’m always quite loud, in the huddle before the game, I had literally no words, having the girls (Lee Collins‘ daughters) meant so much, the family was immense, and I’m just really happy that it happened.”

Focus turned to the final game of the season, a 1-0 defeat to Stockport, but Lee was adamant that the scoreline didn’t reflect the performance.

“Yeah, I thought we deserved something out of the game, it’s been the story of our last couple of months. They’re (Stockport) a very good team, good luck to them, they’re a great group of lads, who were more than respectful and played an amazing tribute to the skipper too”

Attention then turned onto what was next for the former Stevenage man, who confirmed retirement wasn’t on his mind and that he intended to continue playing.

“I’m still going to play, I feel like I’ve got more time in me… but the last two years, with everything that has happened, living away from them (his family) has been tough, in an ideal world they would have followed me down to Somerset, but the way our lives are at the minute, they couldn’t”

“They’ve loved me being at Yeovil, but it was just time to go back. I’m really gutted, I would have loved to have stayed, but circumstances meant that I just couldn’t”

“I would love to have got Yeovil back into the league, that was my aim, that was the only reason I came to Yeovil to be honest… I’m gutted, I know with the Manager and staff and everyone here and the players that are staying, they’ll have a real good go – I wish them nothing but success”

Charlie Lee played 66 times across the two seasons, scoring five goals. – Thank you Charlie, for everything.

 

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Sarll and Skiverton
Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll, left, with assistant, Terry Skiverton.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Manager Darren Sarll has said he is “determined to do the right thing” by Yeovil Town as he prepares to rebuild a squad ready for next season.

Speaking after a 1-0 defeat to $tockport County on the final game of the National League season, which saw his side finish in 16th place, the boss said he will “shut down”  and return a week on Monday to look towards the next campaign.

He told BBC Somerset: “For the first time, I am looking for a break, I am going to shut down for a week and then we will start talking to the players a week on Monday.
“Them we need to rebuild around a completely different budget, against a different thought process.
“We need to use the resilience we have built this year because things like we have all been through this year give you such a strong bond and we need too go again.
“I am determined to do the right thing by the supporters, by the club and by the big man up there (club captain, Lee Collins).”

He said the club now needed to remove a “dark, grey cloud” which has been over the club this season when they have suffered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an extended run of poor form, an injury crisis and the death of Lee Collins, which shook the club in March.

The manager added: “We need time off to break up that dark, grey cloud over us and start again. We need to rebuild the enthusiasm and energy of the team, and reinvigorate those lads.
“No-one knows what it is like to be in our shoes, no-one except us and that is what connects us so tightly.
“I loved that at the end there, I thank every supporter from the bottom of my heart, because that is like fuel for me to try and do them justice next year.”

Sarll was joined for his post-match chat with the media by Amelia, the daughter of the late Lee Collins, who was in attendance at the game with her sisters and Lee’s partner, Rachel Gibbons.

The boss thanked supporters for the warm reception they gave the family, himself and his team at the end of the game when supporters on the Thatcher’s End terrace serenaded them with the now famous ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’ chant.

Sarll said: “It was tough at the end, but I think we did everything we had to do in the right way and conducted ourselves in a really graceful manner and did the right thing.
“We know the season has been really poor, we can all talk about availability and COVID and no fans, but the fact of the matter is we have dipped below expectation and I am sorry for that.
“It was unbelievable and the girls which is what it is all about, they need to experience the connection and what it was like and why it was so important. and they got that feel of that connection between the players and the supporters.”