The Gloverscast Team

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The Mark Cooper era at Yeovil Town is over after the club confirmed he had been “relieved of his duties“ on Tuesday morning.

A relegation and a promotion to his name, but there’s always more to it than just the statistics. Here are our five conclusions on Mark Cooper’s pages in the Yeovil Town history books.

Let’s remember there were good times

Nobody at Gloverscast HQ is jumping for joy that someone lost their job, that’s just not how we work.

From the moment we saw Cooper at Oldham during some of the darkest days of the bitter end of Chris Hargreaves’ reign, we thought there was a manager with a strong track record at National League and EFL level ready and waiting to take over.

Of course, the chaos going on off-the-pitch – the on-off sale by <NAME REDACTED> and the stewardship of Matt Uggla’s time -meant that first six months of his tenure never really stood a chance, more on that later.

Mark Cooper is one of only two managers to be promoted from all three National League divisions. During his time at Huish Park he added the National League South, he was the first title-winning manager of the men’s senior team since 2005 and the first to achieve promotion since 2013. That was stopping the rot, that was also giving an entire generation of Yeovil fans some joy. There will have been young Glovers at Truro (aka Gloucester) and at the trophy lift in the following game who have NEVER seen anything like tangible success in their lifetime.

Yes, the football was functional over stylish, but you can’t take that away the fact that Mark Cooper will forever be a title winner in the Yeovil Town history books and nor would we want to.

Super Cooper’s Greens are gunna blind you…
📸 Gary Brown

The stuff we didn’t see.

The Yeovil Town chapter of the Mark Cooper memoirs will be a chunky portion of a chunky book.

The stories he could tell of the owner who we do not name, the ‘stewards’ who tried to bring in their own players over his head, the recovery under the ownership of Martin Hellier and then the latest takeover by Prabhu Srinivasan. There’s enough in there to spin the heads of a less experienced manager.

There are probably only a few people who know the truth of everything that happened and undoubtedly he could (should?) have walked away at probably more than one point, but he believed he could wipe clean the only relegation on his CV and he did.

Mark Cooper salutes the away supporters after a 4-3 win at AFC Fylde. Picture courtesy of Bekah Harper.

But the time was right.

You knew there was a ‘but’ coming.

For some, there was a thought that Cooper deserved every possible chance to give the Yeovil supporters and his employers what they needed, wanted, deserved at this level. It didn’t happen and the catastrophic collapse against Gateshead on August Bank Holiday Monday was the final nail in the coffin.

The match was a complete juxtaposition. Utterly sensational in the first half, utterly calamitous in the second. The way we crumbled from the minute Gateshead pulled a goal back in the first minute said everything you needed to know. There was no way he could have walked into training and instilled any real confidence in the group after that.

It’s not hard to wonder what leaders, characters and fans’ favourites like Josh Staunton, Matt Worthington and Frank Nouble are thinking today. You could see it in Frank’s reaction to all Gateshead’s goals and when player after player is taking to social media to like negative posts about the manager, you know there are issues.

The tactics were always substance over style but, even taken taking that in to consideration, they were baffling. The back four we played to such good effect on Monday replaced by a back three which never really worked.  We got through the best part of 100 players in his time in charge, leaders left and loanees came in like a revolving door.

If there were excuses last season, there were none this season. We recruited quality players, the club took on a backlash by giving the manager what he wanted by moving training north of Bristol, and even the Huish Park pitch shrunk. But, apart  from those first 45 minutes against Gateshead, we lacked so much in so many areas.

It hasn’t been good enough, particularly at home for maybe a calendar year. You cannot look beyond that and that is why the time was right to make a change.

Josh Staunton, left, in conversation with manager Mark Cooper. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.


For many of us, he never seemed to enjoy it

It’s often been said that Mark Cooper away from the microphone is a different person. Both Ben and Ian saw it at times over the past two-and-a-half years and fans who even partied with him after the National League South title win.

But the majority of Glovers’ fans saw a scowl, a dig at supporters and very rarely someone who looked like they enjoyed the job they were doing.

In today’s world, perception isn’t just people’s reality – it’s the loudest reality in the room.

The perception many fans had of Mark Cooper was not of a knowledgeable and passionate manager and that meant he could never rely on his relationship with supporters.

This steely-eyed approach led many fans feeling they never got a manager they believed in. Exiting the FA Cup at Chesham United, the indignity of the FA Trophy exit to W*ymouth and an 18th place league finish last season left no credit in the bank as the distance grew.

It could have been different, but it wasn’t.

Mark Cooper speaking to the media after the 1-0 defeat at home to Rochdale last season.

So, where next?

Well, the new ownership team has chosen action over words. What happens next and where we go as a football club in the short and hopefully medium-long term future is down to them.

It’s a big responsibility and one they should not rush in to.

We hope to learn from those around us. Forest Green Rovers changed manager in the search of style AND substance, and differing budgets aside, we should be thinking the same.

We have to find a manager with a balance of charisma, character, nous, form, availability, knowledge and so much more.

Yeovil is a special club and takes a special kind of person to be successful here.

All kinds of names will come and go through the minds of those at the club; you will already have heard plenty.

But having some knowledge of what it takes to be successful at Yeovil is important, maybe not as the front man, but in that group somewhere, that knowledge has to be embedded.

It’s a big moment – and we’ve had quite a few of those in the last 12 years – and one we cannot afford to get wrong.

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It’s a little bit of a quieter Loan Watch this midweek.

Firstly an injury update on Malachi Linton and it’s good news! The forward – currently on loan at Taunton – is back in light training after nursing what had been feared to be quite a serious injury.

But, the Gloverscast understands that after seeing multiple specialists, the injury is hoped to not be as bad as first feared and he could be back in action for the Peacocks in around six weeks time.

Those of you with eagle eyes may have spotted him in a the Pre-FA Cup edition of HP Source on Social Media.

Malachi Linton back in training ? HP Source

Right, 

Tiverton – no game, out of the FA Cup, so Lewis Williams was back with the Glovers helping warm up the goalkeepers.

Dorchester – No game, they did play midweek, drew with Hungerford, Ollie Haste wasn’t in the squad, Benjani Jr an unused sub.

But, down at Shepton, we’ve got a striker in form to keep an eye on.

Charlie Bateson, already named Mallet’s Player of the Month for August, was back for his side to today, and back in the goals too.

He bagged one and assisted the other as the Mallet drew 2-2 with Barnstaple Town.

Cannot stop scoring!

 

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Yeovil Town Under -18s are off and running for the new season salvaging a point against Fairford Town, to put an end to a run of back-to-back defeats to kick-start the new South West Counties Youth League season.

Played down at Alvington, first half goals from Huzaifa Yousaf and Alec Gawthropp had put the visitors 2-0 up at the break.

But, Alex Stevens was on the double to claw the game back to earn a point. 

The Glovers line-up included Aidan ‘son of’ Skiverton.

The Young Glovers are back in action next Saturday morning when they head to face Bridgwater United  who currently sit top of the table with three wins from three.

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The Glovers have cruised into the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with a 7 (Seven) -1 win over AFC Stoneham.

Goals from Jordan Young, Jake Wannell, Frank Nouble, Jordan Maguire-Drew and a Rhys Murphy hattrick saw Yeovil run out dominant winners, although Duarte Robins had his FA Cup moment with a consolation for AFC Stoneham

Here’s how it went down at Huish Park… tin foil covered FA Cup cardboard cut outs at the ready…

First half

The first thing to note was that Josh Staunton’s coin tossing ability hasn’t got any better, once everyone had flipped around, it didn’t deter the Glovers from getting a bright start.

Charlie Cooper struck an early attempt which forced a corner, the resulting set piece was well worked to Jordan Young, his cross forced a very good save from the Stoneham keeper with Jake Wannell’s header destined for the back of the net.

A blistering first three minutes set the tone for what was to come, another attack from Michael Smith ended up with his shot forcing a comfortable save from Callum Lee – nearly a very good start to a Glovers’ debut.

Charlie Cooper kept the pressure on, his effort fell to Frank Nouble, but the assistant’s flag prevented any further damage. 

The first chance for the Visitors came after just 12 minutes, Jake Wannell and Charlie Cooper both coming unstuck and the Purps had a free kick which was diverted just wide by Duarte Martins.

Up the other end, two corners in quick succession came and went, inviting opportunities not quite taken advantage of.

The game was becoming a little bit more even, another chance fell the way of Stoneham’s Mat Bainbridge, he and Ryan Cluett unable to create anything clear cut.

Michael Smith was really settling in well, he and Frank Nouble combined well, but Jordan Stevens’ was unable to gamble on the cross across the six yard box.

Charlie Cooper was quick to force another save from the visitor’s ‘keeper, as the clock ticked past 20 minutes, chances were coming, but the score remained 0-0.

Callum Lee was busy again soon after, Jordan Stevens and Josh Owers combined well to secure a fifth shot on target inside the first quarter of the game.

A sixth wasn’t far away and Rght Back turned centre forward Michael Smith produced a finger tip save from Lee in the Stoneham goal.

Shortly before half an hour, it was copy and past – Charlie Cooper shot with venom, Callum Lee tipped over… another chance, another corner.

As the clock struck the 30th minute, Jordan YOUNG stood over a free kick… and as sure as night follows day, the ball ended up in the back of the net. 1-0. It had been coming.

Jordan Young Celebrates His Goal v Stoneham
? Debs Curtis

The Glovers kept it simple for the next few moments, keeping possession and not letting their visitors get any kind of footing in the fixture.

As the half drew to a close, the hosts began to crank things up again. The two Jordans were swapping flanks with relative ease, the possession stats in-play rarely dropping below 70%.

In a rare flurry forwards, Jordan Stevens was found wanting against their full back, a shot was blocked by Michael Smith, but the corner came to nothing. Well, I say, nothing, it came to a break away attack from Jordan Stevens, blistering pace from the former Leeds United man forced a Glovers corner. 

From the corner, Jordan Young turned assist king with Jake WANNELL powering a header towards goal. 2-0

Jake Wannell heads home Yeovil’s second goal.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

It was nearly three shortly after, Stevens was again able to burst away from a challenge and Nouble was too strong for the Stoneham defence but he was unable to finish it off.

Nouble got another chance but Callum Lee (who was having a blinder), forced a corner… Owers skewing his shot just wide from the set piece… it’s all happening too quick to type along with!

Half time: Yeovil Town 2 AFC Stoneham 0

Second half

No changes by either side at the break, the Glovers looking to keep their visitors at arms length… in truth, they did even better than that.

Matt Worthington laid the ball to Michael Smith who gave Frank NOUBLE a chance the big front man couldn’t say no to. 3-0, within two minutes of the game restarting.

Alex Whittle was given a breather with just a few moments gone, Jordan Maguire Drew coming on, pushing Josh Owers to left-back.

Jake Wannell was sloppy at the back for a split second, but Joe Day mopped up… and managed to get the ball down the other end in a split second to force a Glovers free kick.

That free kick… via a huge deflection went in to the net from the boot of Jordan MAGUIRE-DREW. 4-0

Mark Cooper took solace with their opponents and took off Frank Nouble…unfortunately for them though, he also brought on Rhys Murphy. Sorry lads.

Duarte Martins, with 12 goals in nine games already this season, wasn’t throwing in the towel any time soon, he did flash a shot wide of Joe Day’s goal, with 55 minutes on the clock.

With an hour on the clock, the fitness of the Purps was already starting to tell, Jordan Stevens latched onto a through ball, and set the chance up for Rhys MURPHY to slot home and add a fifth. 5-0

Stoneham, to their credit, were not going to stop, they did force a corner and a dangerous one at that, a bit of penalty area pinball just not falling to a Purple shirt.

It was a game that struggled to really get going through the gears, Matt Worthington and Rhys Murphy couldn’t quite force another chance, whilst Duarte Martins was still hustling up front.

The Purps made a couple of changes to make sure as many players as possible got their chance.

Rhys Murphy.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

But a defensive mix up allowed Rhys MURPHY to jink around the goalkeeper and tap in, that was his second, Yeovil’s sixth… there was still 20 minutes to go. 6-0

Murphy probably could (should) have bagged a hat trick, he had time and space in the box with 68 minutes on the clock, but he couldn’t get the ball out to force the shot.

Jordan Stevens was taken off after 70 minutes, his contribution was emphatic and his recovery from injury is really coming to an end.

Jake Hyde coming on… Mark Cooper is rutheless.

Hyde had two bites at a very early cherry, he and Murphy were giving the keeper a hard time, nothing more than a corner this time.

Charlie Cooper flashed a shot over, before some action at the other end.

72 minutes on the clock, Duarte MARTINS who has been the Purps’ best player, skipped round Joe Day in the Glovers goal and got one back, fair play – nice finish. 6-1

The Purps skipper, Alex Welch, was in the book for a foul with 15 minutes left, Rhys Murphy pulled rank (someone wants the match ball!), but the free kick cannoned into the defensive wall. 

The Stoneham goal, had given both sides a little wake up call, Alex Welch and Charlie Cooper both came off worse for wear after a crunching tackle on the edge of the Glovers’ penalty area.

Matt Worthington fired a shot in from distance, Callum Lee was equal to it, the final 10 minutes was a tired display of football, the Rhys Murphy hat trick proved elusive, despite his best efforts, forcing a corner with 81 minutes already in the bank.

Lee, who was still impressing, plucked another long range effort from JM-D out of the air and tried to get the attack moving quickly, Michael Smith had to do a little bit of hasty defending clearing from a corner.

More shots, (Worthington, Murphy, JMD) more corners, more chances game the Glovers way, 

But the game felt like it was starting to slow down, Charlie Cooper was playing games with the away fans by placing a corner outside the quadrant with a wink and a nod.

There was time for Rhys Murphy to trigger the assistant’s flag once more before five minutes were added on, Charlie Cooper continued on his quest to everything but score, latching on to a JMD cross only to head over. 

Then, finally… the Hat Trick story of the second half was complete as Rhys MURPHY completed the rout, and took his match ball home as the full time whistle soon went.

The Glovers have won their ‘no-win’ tie in emphatic style, 19 shots on target, plenty of possession, job done.

We at the Gloverscast have enjoyed learning about AFC Stoneham, and wish them nothing but the best for the rest of their season, a club with 100+ teams, 1500+ players and 300+ coaches, they’re doing good things in their local area.

Full time: Yeovil Town 7 AFC Stoneham 1

Yeovil Town have picked up £3375 from the prize fund for the win.

The Third Qualifying Round matches will take place on the weekend of Saturday 30th September.

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Saturday 16th September – 3pm kick-off

Pitch: Looking good, less slippery than last week
Conditions: Overcast, a bit drizzly

Attendance: 2021 (208 from Stoneham)

Scorers: Jordan Young (1-0), Jake Wannell (2-0), Frank Nouble (3-0), Jordan Maguire-Drew (4-0), Rhys Murphy (5-0), Rhys Murphy (6-0), Duarte Martins (6-1), Rhys Murphy (HT) (7-1)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: Jake Wannell
AFC Stoneham: Barnes 51, Welch 75

Referee: Ollie Taylor

Yeovil Town (4-3-3)

Substitutes: Maguire-Drew (for Alex Whittle ’49), Murphy (for Nouble ’54)

AFC Stoneham: Callum Lee, Ryan Cluett, Tommy Barnes, Mat Bainbridge, Yumo Wan, Ben Clarke, Jim Orvis, Alex Welch (C), Duarte Martins, Owen Fee, Liam Callaghan

Substitutes (not used): Pattison, Godwin, Jenkins (for Bainbridge), Batt, Hills, Sampson (for Fee ’62), Nagle

Huge thank you to Debs Curtis for the ? and ? 

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New signing Michael Smith is handed his debut for the Glovers starting at Right Back in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Tie against AFC Stoneham.

Jordan Stevens also makes his first competitive start of the campaign, alongside in form Frank Nouble and Jordan Young in attack.

With seven Subs available to be named in this competition, the bench is made up of everyone who is left, really!

The only two absentees are Jamie Sendles-White and Morgan Williams, both with slight injuries.

 

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Yeovil Town’s Women’s team will get a second chance at their first competitive league game after the Somerset County League decided their abandoned opener will be replayed in full.

The Glovers were leading 3-1 against Sydenham when the game was brought a premature halt with a serious injury to the opposition ‘keeper.

It has since been ruled that the game will be replayed in full, from 0-0, at a time and date to suit both parties.

Everyone at the Gloverscast joins YTWFC in wishing the injured player well for her recovery.

This weekend, the Women’s first team take on Banwell in a home game at Somerton – Kick off is at 2pm on Sunday and Entry is FREE

The Glovers progressed through to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup with a 5-0 win over Mangotsfield Town and will be hoping to continue that good form into their second, first, league game.

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On today’s Gloverscast we’ve heard the thoughts of Alex Fisher and regular Gloverscast contributors Chris Fox, Sheridan Robins and Elliot Watts about the season ahead. But, you’ve not heard what we think (for once) so we’ve scribbled down our thoughts on the season ahead below…

Ian Perkins

Thoughts on Summer:

Hasn’t it been nice to have a summer focused on the football and improvements at the club? The empty promises of ‘improving match day experience’ are long gone and we’ve seen genuine care and consideration taken in the improvements to our home. Mark Cooper has been given the freedom (and resources) to manage and build a squad that, on paper, looks well-equipped for a promotion push.

What are you most excited about?

Seeing some goals! With bagsman Rhys Murphy back, you’d expect us to score goals. With a rejuvenated Jordan Maguire-Drew, a fit Jordan Stevens, and the additions of Jake Hyde and Frank Nouble you’d hope that our days of struggling to find the back of the net will be behind us. The patterns during pre-season produced goal scoring opportunities which Mark Cooper’s side lapped up. So yeah, I’m excited to celebrate some goals.

Rhys Murphy in his first spell at Huish Park. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who is our key player?

We all think Jordan Maguire-Drew is going to be absolutely vital and a huge part of any success, but for the sake of this article (spoiler alert) I’m mixing it up and going with Rhys Murphy. We need goals, we’ve got a proven goalscorer who’s done it green and white and #knowsthelevel. JMD can create all the chances in the world, but without the bagsman inside the 18-yard-box it’ll mean diddly-squat.

Who will be our breakout star?

This one might be a bit silly, given his experience and the number of years he’s spent at Huish Park but I’m going for Matty Worthington. We’ve been crying out for him to make an impact at the top end of the pitch and we saw some glimpses of it under Mark Cooper last season. With a full pre-season, a squad he’s chosen and players fit for the system, I think this will be the year we see Matt Worthington dominate. He’s far too good for National League South and I think we’ll see him make his mark consistently this season.

Where will we finish?

Can I say 1st? Is that ridiculous? We have to finish in the top 3 – it’s a must. I know we took a season at this level in the mid-90s, but we were a different club then and it was a part time league. We’ve signed quality, retained quality and, I would argue, have a manager who is well above this level too. It won’t be easy and we’ve got to create a winning mentality, but we have to believe we’re in with a shot.

David Coates

Thoughts on Summer:

What a refreshing change to (almost) be talking about only football for a summer. I add the almost because it depends which social media group you are a part of – but you have to go looking for this stuff. The sprucing up of Huish Park is a long awaited bonus and as well as retaining just about everyone I’d have wanted to stay last season, we’ve added some quality as well. Keeping Grant Smith would have been even better, but you can’t have everything.

Frank Nouble finds the net in the pre-season friendly win at Buckland Athletic.
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

What are you most excited about?

Winning more games of football. I honestly cannot remember a season in the past decade when I went to matches feeling anything but pessimistic about our chances of getting anything. It is going to be a lot of travelling from the dark Satanic mills in which I reside, so a bit of hope and optimism should take the edge off it.

“I cannot wait for him to get his first goal for us.”

Who is our key player?

Frank Nouble. As one (/the only) contributor to this blog able to remember or last campaign in regional football, I would argue that Warren Patmore was the most important player in our success – sorry Howard. Alongside him the likes of Forinton, Grazioli and Birkby got goals and what I have seen and heard of Nouble in pre-season, he has the ability to be that same player who gets goals and makes them.

Who will be our breakout star?

I’m going to say Jordan Young in the hope of inspiring the lad. I cannot wait for him to get his first goal for us. There is undoubted talent there, he #knowsthelevel having done the business for Chippenham Town here, and feels like he is on the verge of something. Let’s hope he can get past the verge.

Where will we finish?

It’s the hope that kills you and as much as I’d like to say champions, I am going for a top four finish, most likely third or fourth. Anyone who thinks we will can runaway with the division (whether a Yeovil fan or Torquay) will be in for a rude surprise. There will be challenges (3G pitches, teams that want to stop us playing and undoubtedly shit refs) which we will encounter, but hopefully we have the quality and depth to get past them.

Ben Barrett

Thoughts on Summer:

I don’t know how many times I’ve said on the podcast that a Yeovil Town manager deserves a proper pre-season, I think, for the first time since we dropped out of the EFL, we’ve finally given one the chance. That’s so refreshing. The back end of last season was so tough to be in and around, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t really get to me mentally, I feel like the football club has been through a deep cleanse and everything and everyone gets a new start from now. It’s not perfect, it was never going to be, but it’s a slate that has been wiped clean, we’ve given ourselves a foundation to begin building back up again, on and off the pitch.

What are you most excited about?

Seeing our players scoring some goals, and getting plenty of people behind the group of lads who deserve our support. By and large, the players who really fought for the badge have remained and Mark Cooper has added some quality.  We saw some glimpses last season of what might be possible, I hope we can put that together and give the supporters something to support, the players deserve it as much as we do.

“we could be in for something special, but we’ll not miss out by much at the top”

Who is our key player?

I really hope we see plenty out of Jordan Stevens this season. We’ve got plenty of ability and options in those creative roles and that’s not an easy group to stand out in – we would love to see JMD at his very best for example – but in the brief moments we got to see Stevens last year, he looked a player who was just levels above the division. He could be one to make PLENTY of assists and chip in too.

Who will be our breakout star?

Will Dawes. I didn’t have him down as a left back to be honest, but the reports I’ve seen, the game against Plymouth Parkway and the way in which he is continually talked about as being one of the group who really seem to help gel things together makes me think, he’s there to give it a right go this season. I hope he gets chances to impress, I think he’s got something to prove after helping a side get promoted out of the NLS last season and I think he can go well.

Will Dawes
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

Where will we finish?

So, I’ve got us in the top three, but maybe not top. 2nd or 3rd is where I’m going. I say that because, on paper, this season will be defined by those big crunch games. Torquay of course, the derby games against Taunton, Weymouth and Bath and those away days to the sides who have joined this level for the first time. Over the past decade, the Glovers haven’t traditionally done well in games where its all on the line, (we haven’t beaten Weymouth yet since dropping down, nor Taunton in the cup) and we’ve dropped out of Cups and Play Offs to some sides we should probably be beating. If we can blast through that Big Match Wall, we could be in for something special, but we’ll not miss out by much at the top.

Callum Gould

Thoughts on Summer:

I haven’t seen much of the Glovers over the summer but from what I’ve read we finally seem a real threat going forward. Worried however with strikers that prone to injuries the plastic pitches could be a problem, plus Staunton not playing on Astro it could be our downfall.

What are you most excited about?

Playing regional football. Most fans will be split over this but I feel it given us a chance to reset as a club. The fact we have so many “derby” games means our already well travelling support, will be even better than before. In terms of the team of the squad, seeing local boy Will Buse in goal. Saw him play away to Wrexham last year and thought he played really well considering it was the game we got relegated in.

Jordan Maguire-Drew was introduced after an hour at Plymouth Parkway.

Who is our key player?

Jordan Maguire-Drew. Didn’t have the chance to show himself off properly last season in a struggling team. With Mark Cooper adding much needed quality up top with Rhys Murphy, Frank Nouble and Jake Hyde I believe, JMD will be not only Yeovil player of the Year but also NLS Player of the Year.

“I do feel that Huish Park can be a fortress if we get on a roll.”

Who will be our breakout star?

Zachary Bell. Was stuck between Bell and Buse, both of whom have come through the Bristol City Academy. However, I picked the defender due to the fact he performed well against football league opposition Newport County. Still has a lot to prove but being only 20 years of age he can learn quickly and has the naivety of youth on his side (not being afraid of big names in the league).

Where will we finish?

2nd. Will be interesting how the team performs away from home on plastic pitches where certain players can’t/may not play. I do feel that Huish Park can be a fortress if we get on a roll. Will be interesting to see though if the we do have a downturn in form whether the current enthusiasm from fans will remain as I believe some at the club may not be able to handle the criticism from vocal fans. Would love is to finish first but with Gary Johnson just down the road in Devon I feel Torquay may be hard to beat.

Callum Hallett

Thoughts on the summer:

It was a bit mental at the start with everyone settling in to life under Hellier, however as the summer has gone on the recruitment from Cooper has been top draw, pre season has been incredibly strong for all but one game at Wimborne, it’s good to see a proper buzz back at Huish Park and to have an owner who puts the effort in.

What are you most excited about?

For me, it’s the away days, travelling up and down (or in this case side to side) the country with my mates watching football, no matter the result, cant beat it!

Who’s our key player?

Not only our best player, but the National League South’s best player, Jordan Maguire-Drew. His ability on the ball, left foot, right foot is unbelievable to watch. To know that someone will be able to pick out a pass comfortably, no matter how hard it is. So enjoyable to watch!

Jordan Stevens.
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

Who will be our breakout star?

Jordan Stevens for me, hopefully his injury isn’t a long one. I believe his pace, power and dribbling could ruin defences. We saw it in the first couple friendlies what he can do. I think if he can become more consistent he will thrive under Cooper. Play style suits him down to a tee.

Where will we finish:

2nd or 3rd for me. At home we will be dominant, away we may struggle a bit more with the 3G pitches, dodgy pitches etc. Torquay have been in this league recently so I think they will have that advantage and finish top. The minimum has to be 3rd – otherwise it’s a failed season in my eyes.

Ollie Marsh

Thoughts on summer…

Overall it’s felt like one of the most positive summers in recent history, both on and off the pitch. It’s great to see fresh life being breathed into the stadium, and Mark Cooper has built a team that – on paper – looks scary to any opposition side at this level.

What are you most excited about this season?

Proven goalscorers have proven themselves hard to come by, so seeing Rhys Murphy turn out in green and white again is an exciting prospect. There’s a massive question mark over his fitness and it’s unlikely he’ll stay injury-free throughout the entire campaign, but finishers like him simply don’t forget where the back of the net is. He’ll bag plenty if he can get a decent run of football.

Who’s our key player?

When Darren Sarll brought Josh Staunton to Huish Park in 2020, he spoke of how meaningful that signature would be for the club. He’s been proven absolutely correct, and although we won’t see as much of Josh on the pitch as we’d like, his leadership will be just as vital on the occasions he’s watching on from those 3G sidelines.

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton signs for YTFC
Sonny Blu Lo-Everton signs for YTFC – image courtesy of YTFC

Who’s going to be our breakout star?

The truth is I haven’t seen enough of our pre-season friendly action to judge, but after seeing glimpses during his first spell at the club, I’m looking forward to seeing what Sonny Blu Lo-Everton can do at this level.

Where will we finish?

It’s not going to be an easy ride, but in this all-or-nothing season, my ‘hope over expectation’ prediction is to tip us for the title.

James Graham

What are you most excited about this season?

The mood around Yeovil off the pitch at the moment has been one of the best that I’ve seen in my lifetime while supporting the club, everything seems to have been positive and has also been followed by an impressive pre season by our glovers. I’m generally most excited by the idea of Yeovil being giants in this league and being able to see some victories at Huish Park, which were scarce last season. Additionally, the luxury of local fixtures and various local derbies is something to look forward to from a fan’s point of view. Our firepower going forward, demonstrated by the likes of Murphy, Nouble and Hyde stands us in very good stead to have a successful season and potentially challenge for the league title. Hopefully with some home wins in August we can make Huish Park a bit of a fortress and create a great atmosphere around the club as well as on match days.

“To put it simply, I think how many injuries we get will define our season.”

Who’s our key player?

I think we will have multiple key players this season, whose destinies in green will be defined by whether they can retain fitness. Names including Jordan Maguire-Drew, Rhys Murphy, Frank Nouble and Charlie Cooper, amongst several others, all seem too good for the level that is the NLS. Therefore I think the squad that Martin Hellier and Mark Cooper have put together is very promising from a fan’s point of view. Goals win games and league titles, so I think if he can stay fit, our most key player will be Rhys Murphy, who knows how to find the net at a higher level than the National League South.

Who’s going to be our breakout star?

I have high hopes for our new right back Zac Bell who signed on loan from Bristol City earlier in the window. A very promising man of the match performance against EFL outfit Newport County undoubtedly provided Yeovil fans with some hope for the right side of the pitch. Bell works well in the back 3 system which Mark Cooper has regularly deployed during pre season, and it gives a freedom and licence to Zac to attack, which seems to be one of his biggest strengths. More generally, I think both sets of wing backs will be crucial for Yeovil this season, with new signing Alex Whittle looking impressive on the left side, as well as local boy Will Dawes providing sound competition.

Where will we finish?

In the fear of being slightly too complacent, I think Yeovil finish 2nd this season and get promoted through the play offs. Torquay also seem to be very strong and I’m tipping them to win the league. Players such as Aaron Jarvis and new signing Bradley Ash who converted 18 goals in the NLS for strugglers Weymouth, pose a large challenge to the rest of the league’s back lines. I also think that the abundance of 4G pitches in this league will affect Yeovil, as we already know that skipper Josh Staunton and Jake Hyde can not play on plastic surfaces and they generally cause more injuries than grass surfaces. To put it simply, I think how many injuries we get will define our season. Finally, regardless of our league finish I think it’s safe to say Yeovil will have a more positive season than we experienced in 2022/23, hopefully finishing with a promotion for Mark Cooper’s greens.

Tom Bailey

Thoughts on the summer…

I think the summer’s been fantastic! A lot of good additions made to the squad, and Huish Park has an entirely new, refreshed feel to it.

What are you most excited about this season?

Goals! I know we’ve only had a pre-season to build our opinions, but we look like we’ll have goals to enjoy this season, instead of… whatever last season was.

Josh Staunton rises highest for a header. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who’s our key player?

It has to be Josh Staunton. A leader, consummate professional and all round top man, he will be the key to leading us back to the fifth tier.

Who’s going to be our breakout star?

Well, I was going to offer one of Ollie Haste or Benjani, but with them leaving on loan, I’ll pick Olly Thomas – the physical prowess and eye for goal in pre-season have convinced me he’s in for a special season.

Where will we finish?

I think we’ll need a bit of time to adjust, but I can see us competing for the title. I’m going to say 3rd, with (hopefully) a playoff trophy to add to the cabinet!

What do you reckon Yeovil fans? Let us know your views in the comments!

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Four groups of Yeovil Town supporters have issued a set of questions to Yeovil Town owner and chairman Scott Priestnall today.

Led by the Glovers’ Trust and backed by the administrators of the Ciderspace Facebook Group, The Green Army and the Gloverscast, the letter asks for clarity on the future development of Huish Park and calls for the open fan forum which was promised in the last update on October 14th.

Dear Mr Priestnall

As supporters of Yeovil Town FC, we have become increasingly concerned about the state of our club under your ownership.

We have seen our ground and the land that surrounds it sold to South Somerset District Council with no obvious plan on how to buy it back, whilst at the time of writing our team languish just outside the relegation zone.

Moreover, we are worried that matters could get worse. The proposed development of the land around the ground potentially threatens the very existence of our club.

We now write to ask that you urgently provide clarity in respect of the following;

1. Please provide a breakdown of how the money raised by the sale to South Somerset DC has been spent/ allocated.

2. You have informed us that architects have been engaged to draw up plans for the land around the ground, and that supporters will be consulted. We call upon you to start this process immediately and to share the initial plans with supporters and local residents.

3. You have also said that the development of land previously owned by the holding company will benefit the club and provide a revenue stream. Could you now please set out your vision for how this will be achieved and give a firm commitment to this process.

4. You have made a public commitment to holding an open meeting with fans, we ask now that you set a date as soon as possible for that meeting.

We look forward to hearing from you. 

In a response posted on the club’s Twitter feed posted at 7.08pm on Monday, it said:

It’s disappointing that after only receiving this letter today from Glovers’ Trust chairman Mr Roger Pipe and after offering Mr Pipe a meeting at the club tomorrow to discuss, that the decision was made to publish this letter anyway.

It’s confusing, considering that these points were discussed at the recent Supporters Alliance meetings, answered by Club Chairman Scott Priestnall and these answers documented in the minutes of the meeting and sent to attendees.

It is therefore questioned why the Glovers’ Trust have not fed back the answers to their members.

The club will confirm an open meeting in due course and will communicate to supporters directly.
 

Then in response to the club’s response posted by the Glovers’ Trust at 8.38pm, the Trust said…..

The Glovers Trust note the response from the board of Yeovil Town Football club to our joint open letter. We were disappointed, but not surprised that rather than answering the important questions contained within, the owners saw it appropriate to seek to slur our organisation and our chairman.

The Glovers Trust would like to reiterate that this was a joint letter, signed by multiple supporter groups associated with our fanbase, and not just the Glovers Trust. Groups that have no other motive than to safeguard the club we love. When the letter was sent to Scott Priestnall, it was made very clear that it would also be made public. Public letters are not uncommon and we believe fans have the right to know what questions are being asked, and what answers are/aren’t being given.

While the directors are correct that many of these questions have been repeatedly asked at Alliance meetings since the sale of our assets to SSDC, we have yet to receive anything like an adequate response to any of them.

We do not wish to engage further with the owner on social media, but once again extend an invitation for him to join us for our AGM where he can answer these questions and more in the presence of our members and wider fanbase. Failing that, we look forward to a date being confirmed swiftly for the November open forum.

We will continue to support Mark Cooper and the team. But we will also not be distracted from the very important off-field issues that continue to plague our club.

…..we await a response to the response to the letter – is that enough responses? Anyway, you get the idea……don’t you?
 

Why have we signed it?

The endless cycle of statement, silence for several months, statement, silence for several months is draining. The dialogue between the club and supporters should be shared, transparently and in a timely fashion.

It appears that a Supporters’ Alliance Group meeting has taken place in the recent past, it appears minutes of this meeting exist, it appears these minutes contain some information which would be of value in understanding what is happening with our football club. So where are they?

In the end of season survey which had 499 responses, we received an average score of 2.5 out of 7 to the statement ‘YTFC will benefit from the sale of Huish Park to SSDC’.  Our monthly pulse surveys also show supporters still feel things need improving. We, and many supporters, still have around how this deal improves the long-term future of the club and recognise many decisions lie with SSDC and, as a public authority, we have reached out to them for answers. As and when we receive responses, we will let you know.

For the time being, there’s a response from the club to the Trust’s letter and we look forward to the open meeting for supporters in due course.

The above are questions, among others, we wanted answered after more than 1500 supporters put their signature to a letter in April.

We all want the best for the future of the football club. And if you’ve listened to the recent episodes of the podcast, you’ll all know we’re right behind Mark Cooper and willing this team to get us out of trouble.