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It’s the summer of polling it seems, and once again, at the Gloverscast we’ve completed the most comprehensive survey of Yeovil Town FC supporters out there. For the third year in a row we asked supporters to score how they feel about issues on the pitch and off the pitch on a scale of 1-7.

Who took part?

This year, 387 supporters completed the survey – down on the 552 and 499 from the previous seasons. More than half of respondents (54%) were over 45 years old and 90% were male. 

What did they tell us?

One of the major developments at the club since Martin Hellier’s takeover last summer has been the improvement to the facilities and match day experience, and that is coming through clearly in the data. We’ve seen a jump of nearly 2 points on the match day experience, customer service and atmosphere and a nearly 3 point jump in Huish Park being ‘well looked after’.


There’s also been an improvement in the perception of the food and drink offering and value for money. With the quality of food increasing to 4.47 vs 3.15 and drink to 4.85 from 3.53. Supporters also think they’re getting better value for money than previous seasons, with the average score 4.34 out of 7, compared to 3.15 and 2.88 in 2022/23 and 2021/22.

In other areas off the pitch, supporters have recognised the improvements made. Supporters feel communication has significantly improved, feel more valued and proud of the club. There is also a recognition that the club has made more effort in the community in the last 12 months.

Areas where there has been improvement, but the score is average is around listening, and who to contact. 

On the pitch

Of course, it was a championship winning season for the Glovers and that is reflected in the scores with support for the job Mark Cooper and the job he did.

And if any wasn’t sure, Jake Wannell was voted as player of the season – again.

The Future

Looking to the future of the club, supporters are narrowly more optimistic than they were last season (we surveyed just after Martin Hellier took over.)

Supporters Groups

When we surveyed in 2023, the Glovers Trust had just hosted the meeting at Johnson Park about the creation of a supporters group that represented all supporters. In the survey last year, the support for a group that represents all supporters scored 5.76 out of 7 and that support has held up this year with a score of 5.38. 

78% of supporters surveyed aren’t part of any group and those who aren’t also support the idea of one group with a score of 5.32.

In Conclusion

We are a much happier bunch than we were in the last two seasons and with good reason. On the pitch we’ve won the National South at the first time of asking and off the pitch, the match day experience is night and day compared to previous seasons. Huish Park has had investment which has seen the creation of The Ciderspace, the upgrading of the Alec Stock Lounge and corporate facilities and those changes are clearly impacting how people feel about the club.’

I am most surprised that the support for a single supporters group has held up, showing that even in these good times the supporters of the club would welcome an organisation that represents them and they can be a part of.

As Yeovil head back into National League after one season, the strides the club has taken has made it nearly unrecognisable from the club 12 months before and that is clear in the numbers.

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After being rumoured to join for well over a year, signing number five is finally through the door! At last, former Torquay United striker, Aaron Jarvis has signed on the dotted line, to complete a move to the Glovers’ which has been a long time coming. The 26 year-old forward has signed a 2-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2026.

In this article, I will be doing an analysis on Aaron Jarvis. The article will include:

  • Player Profile
  • Previous History
  • Key Strengths
  • Areas To Improve
  • Key Stats – 23/24
  • How he suits the “Mark Cooper System”
  • Conclusion

Enjoy the read! Any feedback would be massively appreciated as I continue to analyse every signing the Glovers’ make this summer. I would also be interested in hearing your opinion on the signing of Aaron Jarvis and how the summer has gone so far?

PLAYER PROFILE

  • Name: Aaron Jarvis
  • Position: Forward (Striker)
  • Age: 26 (24/01/98)
  • Height: 6ft 2in (188cm)
  • Strong Foot: Right
  • Previous Club: Torquay United (2022-2024)
  • Previous Club Stats: 56 Games – 24 Goals
  • 23/24 Season Stats: 19 Games – 1596 Minutes – 9 Goals – 1 assist

PREVIOUS HISTORY

2016 – Signs his first professional contract at Basingstoke Town.

2016-2017 – Basingstoke Town – 47 Games – 14 Goals.

2017 – Signs for Luton Town from Basingstoke.

2017-2018 – Boreham Wood (Loan) 4 Games – 0 Goals.

2019 – Falkirk (Loan) 12 Games – 0 Goals.

2019-2020 – Sutton United – 25 Games – 3 Goals

2020 – Hemel Hempstead (Loan) 6 Games – 1 Goal

2020-2022 – Scunthorpe United – 32 Games – 4 Goals

2022-2024 – Torquay United – 56 Games – 24 Goals

Aaron Jarvis

KEY STRENGTHS

Local – One thing that has been a pattern of our recruitment over recent seasons is our ability to pull the best local players to Huish Park. This has continued in the current summer window with signings such as, Harvey Greenslade, from Bristol Rovers and Brett McGavin from Torquay. Aaron Jarvis follows this pattern, also from Torquay United.

National League Experience – Aaron Jarvis’ best season in his career came in the National League, in a season where his side were relegated. In the 2022/23 season, Aaron Jarvis scored 15 goals in 39 matches, despite the Gulls’ being relegated. He was one of the best strikers in the National League that season because of his physical attributes and quality in front of goal.

Player Familiarity – When joining a new club, player familiarity is always a big part of settling in, having people you know around you can make things a lot more comfortable. In his time at Torquay, Aaron Jarvis played with Brett McGavin and Frank Nouble. The forward combination of Jarvis x Nouble almost kept Torquay in the National League at the end of the 22/23 season, as they scored 8 goals between them in 9 games. In this time Torquay lost just 2 games.

Work rate  – Obviously work rate is mostly a positive thing. In my “areas to improve” I have given my reasons why I believe Jarvis presses too much, however, this can also be seen as a positive. Jarvis working hard allows us to press higher up the pitch, allowing his to sit higher and win the ball back in dangerous areas. His defensive actions are excellent because of his work-rate.

Entering His Prime – Jarvis is the oldest signing we have made this season, at just 26, which shows the way we are trying to recruit this summer. We have lots of experienced players in such as Frank Nouble, Michael Smith and Alex Whittle so bringing in a few more young talents is a good option. Aaron Jarvis joins the likes of Matt Worthington, Charlie Cooper and Jordan Maguire-Drew as the players in their prime ages of 26-28. Bringing these players in meaning they can still improve but have enough experience in the senior game to help the younger players.

Ariel Threat – One of the strongest parts of Aaron Jarvis’ game is his ability in the air. In the 2023/24 season, Jarvis made 15.1 Ariel duels per 90, winning 40% of these. I’m sure he will want to improve his success rate of the duels but he doesn’t shy away from them.

Movement – One of the most important parts to a forwards game is his off the ball movement. If you are slow and lethargic when creating space for yourself or teammates, you will miss the chance and a defender will cover your run. Jarvis is able to mix his runs up, sometimes he will come to feet to hold up the ball, other times he will spin I behind to stretch the defence.

Goal Output – In his two year spell in Devon, Jarvis has netted 24 goals in 56 games. Despite only playing 19 times for the Gulls’ last season, the big number nice scored a goal every 178 minutes, taking his tally to 9 for the season. In a team that really struggled, near the bottom end of the table, these are impressive numbers.

AREAS TO IMPROVE

Injury Worries – Over the last year or so, Jarvis has spent lots of time in the medical room trying to recover from his injuries. Jarvis spent half of the season out with a knee injury last season, meaning he was only able to make 19 appearances for the Yellow Army. Yeovil took the risk signings injury prone players last season with likes of Rhys Murphy and Jake Hyde. It’s a risky move but one that can be awarded if he is kept fit.

Passing – In a Mark Cooper side you have to be a quality passer of the ball. His teams like to keep possession of the ball so having good ball players is vital. Jarvis man certainly isn’t a bad passer of the ball but his accuracy needs to improve. Cooper will be able to coach this into him and he will get used to style of play throughout pre season.

Overpressing – A final weakness to Jarvis’ game is one that could be said about former player, Alex Fisher. Jarvis is more agile and free-moving than Fisher, but the same things apply to this weakness. I have explained the positives of a hard worker, so here are the negatives. If Jarvis is to press hard, running from side-to-side, this could then see him out of position and away from play if Yeovil do win the ball off of the opponents. I would much rather see Jarvis be given the instructions to “stay between the penalty box lines”, to keep him in position centrally.

KEY STATS – 23/24

Stats produced by FevsFootball.

General Passing;

  • Passes Per 90 – 19.0
  • Passing Accuracy – 67%
  • Progressive Passes Per 90 – 2.5
  • Progressive Passing Accuracy – 64%
  • Passes to Final Third Per 90 – 2.9
  • Passes to Final Third Accuracy – 61%

Creative Passing:

  • Key Passes Per 90 – 0.35
  • Passes to Penalty Area Per 90 – 1.26
  • Passing to Penalty Area Accuracy – 48%
  • Through Passes Per 90 – 0.15
  • Through Passing Accuracy – 67%
  • Crosses Per 90 – 0.56
  • Crossing Accuracy – 45%

On The Ball:

  • Touches in Box Per 90 – 3.4
  • Dribbles Per 90 – 2.1
  • Dribble Success Rate – 56%
  • Fouls suffered Per 90 – 2.7

Goals/Assists/Shots:

  • Shots Per 90 – 2.73
  • Shots on Target – 39%
  • xG Per 90 – 0.51
  • Goals Per 90 – 0.45
  • Conversion Rate – 17%
  • Assists Per 90 – 0.05

Duels: 

  • Offensive Duels Per 90 – 13.2
  • Offensive Duels Won – 29%
  • Defensive Duels Per 90 – 2.9
  • Defensive Duels Won – 60%
  • Ariel Duel Per 90 – 15.1
  • Ariel Duels Won – 40%
  • Loose Ball Duels Per 90 – 8.8
  • Loose Ball Duels Won – 37%

HOW WILL HE FIT IN?

In this picture above I have provided a squad update which shows what sort of role I believe Aaron Jarvis will take up in this Yeovil side. With the incomings of two strikers so far this summer in Jarvis and Greenslade, our forward options are improving drastically. I believe that Jarvis will be our starting striker next season because of his experience and proven record of goals at National League level for Torquay.

With the 4231 formation being the likely tactic that Cooper applies next season, Jarvis is likely to be used as a single striker, with three just behind him, probably including Frank Nouble. I’m sure we will see the brilliant linkup of Nouble and Jarvis, similar to what we saw at Torquay at the end of the 2022/23 season.

This is shown in the photo below.

Similar to all of my other analysis’ I will explain what sort of role Jarvis would play in a 5 at the back formation, which is sometimes used by Cooper when we are leading or lacking the wide players.

The photo below shows how we will probably line up if we do play a 5 at the back. Jarvis and Nouble would make a fantastic partnership up top with Jordan Young playing behind them. The width comes from the wingbacks, who will be given a licence to get forward and deliver crosses into the box, which play to the strengths of Jarvis and Nouble.


CONCLUSION

I really like this signing, I think it adds a lot of quality and depth to our front line. We have brought in a player who is entering his prime at 26, so should be in peak performance. Jarvis has a lot of experience to help improve Harvey Greenslade whilst also giving us quality going into this season.

His previous link up with Frank Nouble at Torquay has the potential to cause serious issues for opponents as they are aware of each others strengths and have proven records with one another.

If we can keep Jarvis fit I believe we have a player who can score us 15-20 goals next season but that is the most important thing. We MUST keep him fit, whether that means bringing him off earlier in games or resting him in a busy period.

Overall, I am a big fan of the signing and I can see it being a successful acquisition.

What are your thoughts on the signing?

As I have previously stated, any feedback or comments are massively appreciated and taken on board. I hope you enjoyed the read, Thankyou!

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Signing number five of the window is through the Huish Park doors, as Yeovil Town sign former Hampton & Richmond fullback, Jordan Thomas on a 2-year deal. The 23 year-old will be looking to settle down in his career after playing for a couple clubs after leaving Norwich City.

In this article I will be doing an analysis on Jordan Thomas. The article will include:

  • Player Profile
  • Previous History
  • Key Strengths
  • Areas To Improve
  • Key Stats – 23/24
  • How he suits the “Mark Cooper System”
  • Conclusion

Enjoy the read! Any feedback would be massively appreciated as I continue to analyse every signing the Glovers’ make this summer. I would also be interested in hearing your opinion on the signing of Jordan Thomas and how the summer has gone so far?

New signing Jordan Thomas.
Picture courtesy of YTFC.

Player Profile

  • Name: Jordan Thomas
  • Position: Defender (Right Back or Right Wingback)
  • Age: 23 (2/1/01)
  • Height: 6ft (182cm)
  • Strong Foot: Right
  • Previous Club: Hampton & Richmond
  • 23/24 Season Stats: 2707 minutes – 30 games – 1 goal – 1 assist

Previous History

2020 – Signs his first professional contract at Norwich City.

2020-2021 – Norwich City – 1 Game – 0 Goals.

2020-2021 – Leyton Orient (Loan) 1 Game – 0 Goals.

2021 – 2023 – Barnet – 27 Games – 0 Goals.

2023 – 2024 – Hampton & Richmond – 41 Games – 3 Goals.

Jordan Thomas

Key Strengths

National League Experience – In his short career, Thomas has had a stint of football in the National League Premier, with Barnet, where the right back made 27 appearances for the Bees’ in 2 seasons, joining the club following his release from Norwich. Any sort of experience will be helpful coming into this season and he will certainly gain much more this season, alongside Michael Smith.

Good Age – I have absolutely loved our recruitment so far this season. We have signed young, hungry players who have a desire to improve and help the team. At 23, Jordan Thomas has played a good amount of senior football, including an appearance in the Premier League, against Man City but is of an age where he has plenty of room to develop and grown.

Perfect Understudy – When I was going through our squad, thinking of what positions we need to sign players in this season, one of the harder options was a backup right back. We have found someone who will push Michael Smith to the limits for a starting spot but probably play the role of an understudy in the early parts of the 2024/25 season. Smith will be able to coach and improve Thomas perfectly, whilst Cooper gives him the correct amount of game time to improve. As the season goes on and we head into next season, Thomas will probably become starter.

Gets Forward – Mark Cooper asks a lot of his fullbacks to get forward and be involved in our offensive style, especially the right sided full back. This is certainly one of the strongest parts to Thomas’ game, he can deliver with real quality and link up really well with the right sided forward. He has pace and agility so I would back him in a race against most players.

Dribbling – I think the strongest part to his game is probably his dribbling. When playing for Hampton & Richmond, Thomas completed 2.1 successful dribbles per 90. This means he is a real threat when running 1-on-1 at an opposition defender and can create chances for himself by taking on his man.

A View into the Future – As with all of our other signings this season, we have brought in younger players around the experience we already had, on 2 year-deals to give us a good squad to build around in future years. We have signed these players to develop and improve before either selling for profit or staying in our squad, gaining experience and build with our squad as we progress.

Areas To Improve

Fitness Question Marks – Jordan Thomas has struggled with injuries over recent seasons, at both Barnet and Hampton. Hopefully he has got over these injury issues and he can come in and be a vital part of our National League season, however, there are concerns over his fitness issues.

Struggled at NL Level – The 23 year-old does have some experience at National League level, however, he did struggle in his time at Barnet where he played just 27 times over two seasons. He will be hoping for a better showing  in step 1 this time round.

Passing Accuracy – In the National League South last season, Jordan Thomas had a passing accuracy percentage of 71%, for a Mark Cooper side this is fairly poor, so will need to be improved going into next season.

Defensive Smartness – One thing that the former Norwich City man needs to improve on is his defensive smartness. He can sometimes get caught out of position, either too high up the pitch or perhaps too deep. He also gets caught at the back post on some occasions where he isn’t concentrating or switched on so the opposition player has a tap in.

Key Stats – 23/24

Stats produced by FevsFootball.

General Passing:

  • Passes Per 90 – 26.4
  • Passing Accuracy – 71%
  • Long Passes Per 90 – 3.4
  • Long Passing Accuracy – 44%
  • Progressive Passes Per 90 – 7.1
  • Progressive Passing Accuracy – 60%
  • Passes Into Final Third Per 90 – 4.1
  • Passes Into Final Third Accuracy – 57%

Creative Passing:

  • Passes To Penalty Area Per 90 – 2.19
  • Passes To Penalty Area Accuracy – 55%
  • Through Passes Per 90 – 0.23
  • Through Passing Accuracy – 29%
  • Crosses Per 90 – 2.16
  • Crossing Accuracy – 44%

On The Ball:

  • Dribbles Per 90 – 2.1
  • Dribble Success Rate – 49%
  • Touches In Box Per 90 – 1.1
  • Progressive Runs Per 90 – 0.5
  • Fouled Per 90 – 0.7

Duels:

  • Offensive Duels Per 90 – 5.0
  • Offensive Duels Won – 39%
  • Defensive Duels Per 90 – 7.9
  • Defensive Duels Won – 67%
  • Ariel Duels Per 90 – 3.1
  • Ariel Duels Won – 41%
  • Loose Ball Duels Per 90 – 3.2
  • Loose Ball Duels Won – 41%

Defensive Actions:

  • Shots Blocked Per 90 – 0.3
  • Interceptions Per 90 – 5.1
  • Sliding Tackles Per 90 – 0.7
  • Fouls Per 90 – 0.5

How Will He Fit In?

In the picture above, I have planned out what our current squad depth is looking like, where I believe players will be positioned and who starts. With the incoming of right back Jordan Thomas, it is important to remember that we have the vastly experienced head of Michael Smith at right back as well. As we know, having good levels of squad depth is important, especially when you can fill a bench of 7 players next season. (Aaron Jarvis is also named in this picture, I will be doing an analysis of him very soon)!

I believe that Jordan Thomas has been brought in as the perfect understudy to 35 year-old Michael Smith for this upcoming season, where his minutes will likely come off the bench or in rotation with Smith. As the season goes on I can see Thomas playing more minutes, as Smith begins to fatigue. This is the perfect development stage for Thomas’ career.

When Thomas does play, he is likely to pick up a position as a right back in a 4231 formation, where he will be expected to get forward, making overlapping or the occasional inverted run inside, to create space for our wide attackers and get involved in our attacking play. This is a big strength of Jordan Thomas’ game as he likes to get forward and pull good quality crosses into the box.

As shown above, if Jordan Thomas is going to start, he is most likely going to play in the right back position, with a left footed, right winger ahead of him to create space for both. If Jordan Thomas creates an overlapping run, this will pull the fullback away from Jordan Young, who can drive inside and cause the opposition serious problems.

As I explained when we signed Finn Cousin-Dawson, Mark Cooper has sometimes used a 3/5 at the back formation if we are defending a lead and want to sit on the result we have.

In this formation, Jordan Thomas would be useful as a right wingback where he is the main source of width in the side. His job in the team would be to keep tight to the touch line wherever possible to stretch the opposition. He would be a real threat in this position because his main strengths come in the final third, where it would give him the maximum amount of opportunities to deliver with quality. This is shown below:

Despite this option, I feel that our preferred formation next season will definitely be a 4231, so Jordan Thomas will be utilised, mainly, as a right back, in a back 4.

Conclusion

I am a fan of this signing by Mark Cooper, I think Thomas adds brilliant depth to our right back position, bringing in quality cover for the aging Michael Smith. It is another signing which looks into the future, on a 2 year-deal so the 23 year-old is able to develop around the squad.

He may take a bit of coaching to understand the Mark Cooper style but then most signings do.

Two things that worry me about the signing of Jordan Thomas is his injury record in recent seasons and secondly his last experience at National League level for Barnet. He will have a lot of experience to help him along this time round, you couldn’t ask for anyone better than Michael Smith!

Overall, I think this signing will pay off towards the end of this coming season, into the next as Thomas is the perfect understudy to learn from Michael Smith.

What are your thoughts on the signing?

As I have previously stated, any feedback or comments are massively appreciated and taken on board. I hope you enjoyed the read, thankyou!

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Signing number three is in through the door as Yeovil Town announce the signing of former Bradford City defender, Finn Cousin-Dawson. The 21 year-old has signed a contract keeping him at Huish Park until 2026. The former Northern Ireland U21, spent last season on loan at Blyth Spartans, where he became one of the best young defenders in the National League North.

In this article I will be doing a detailed analysis on Finn Cousin-Dawson. The article will include:

  • Player Profile
  • Previous History
  • Key Strengths
  • Areas To Improve
  • Key Stats – 23/24
  • How he suits the “Mark Cooper System”
  • Conclusion

Enjoy the read! Any feedback would be massively appreciated as I continue to analyse every signing the Glovers’ make this summer. I would also be interested in hearing your opinion on the signing of Finn Cousin-Dawson and how the summer has gone so far?

Player Profile

Name: Finn Cousin-Dawson

Position: Defender (Centre Back or Right Back)

Age: 21 (4/7/02)

Height: 6ft (183cm)

Strong Foot: Right

Previous Club: Bradford City – Blyth Spartans (Loan)

23/24 Season Stats: 4237 Minutes – 43 Games – 3 Goals

Finn Cousin-Dawson

Previous History

2019 – Signs his first professional contract at Bradford City.

2019-2020 – Brighouse Town (Loan) 7 Games – 0 Goals

2021-2022 – Makes 7 appearances for Northern Ireland U21s.

2022-2023 – Spennymoor Town (Loan) 21 Games – 0 Goals

2023 – Blyth Spartans (Loan) 15 Games 0 Goals

2023-2024 – Blyth Spartans (Loan) 44 Games 3 Goals

2024 – Released by Bradford City after making 34 appearances for the Bantams, scoring no goals.

Finn Cousin-Dawson

Key Strengths

Exciting Talent – Similar to the signing of Harvey Greenslade, Cousin-Dawson is coming in with a real view into the future for this Yeovil side, potentially staying around for a few seasons and then making a good amount of profit in the future. He was playing for Northern Ireland Under 21s at 18-19 years-old.

Senior Experience – The National League is one of the toughest leagues in the country so having experience in senior football is vital for a young player. Despite being just 21, Finn Cousin-Dawson has played over 100 games in senior football, from playing for Bradford in League Two, to Blyth Spartans in the National League North.

Football League Minutes – To have played 34 games in League Two at such a young age shows that he must be a very exciting talent. When playing for Bradford in League Two, he didn’t exactly disappoint either. I doubt they will be his last minutes in the Football League.

Versatility – As we found out, at the end of last season, having a big squad or having players available to us, who can play in multiple positions, is absolutely vital when we get towards the business end. As well as being brilliant at centre back, Cousin-Dawson is comfortable at right back. He can also do a job in a defensive midfield position because of his athleticism and quality in the ball.

Strong Defender -You will hear a lot about Cousin-Dawson’s quality on the ball but don’t let that take away from him defensively. For his age, he is very powerful into challenges and reads the game very well. Him being in a poor side, like Blyth, who were relegated from the National League North, did him no favours. He was still one of the best defenders at the level despite problems around him. This is shown from the chat below, created by Ben Pearson.

NLN centre backs

Excellent Passing Range – There is no doubt that the most exciting part of Finn Cousin-Dawson’s game is his quality on the ball. From this chart below, also by Ben Pearson, we can see that he is always willing to create chances with his progressive passes. He made the 4th most completed passes in the whole of the National League North last season, for a side who got relegated, this is very impressive.

NLN Centre Backs

Composure – His composure is top quality which allows us to build out from the back really well and punish teams who press really high. When he gets the ball with pressure on him he isn’t going to hit it long every time, he will take risks to keep the game ticking and create space for us to play. This suits Mark Cooper perfectly.

Areas To Improve

Location – The two previous signings have both come from local clubs, Torquay and Bristol Rovers, so the time to settle in and get used to the area was a lot less. Coming from Bradford, Finn Cousin-Dawson has never played his football down, in the South West so it may take some time to get used to the area.

National League Experience -Despite having over 100 senior appearances under his belt, at just 21 years-old, none of these have come in the National League Premier. He will have to understand the fairly quickly so he can get up to the correct pace of the game to show us what he can do.

Leadership – This one is fairly expected for a young lad like Cousin-Dawson and doesn’t really matter when you have leaders like Morgan Williams, Jake Wannell and Michael Smith around him but it’s always nice to have the trait which should be able to get trained into him by the leaders of the group.

Key Stats – 23/24

Stats produced by FevsFootball

General Passing:

  • Passes Per 90 – 50.2
  • Passing Accuracy – 83%
  • Long Passes Per 90 – 8.7
  • Long Passing Accuracy – 48%
  • Progressive Passes Per 90 – 12.2
  • Progressive Passing Accuracy – 65%
  • Passes to Final Third Per 90 – 6.4
  • Passing to Final Third Accuracy – 55%

Duels:

  • Defensive Duels Per 90 – 5.5
  • Defensive Duels Won – 74%
  • Offensive Duels Per 90 – 1.9
  • Offensive Duels Won -49%
  • Ariel Duels Per 90 – 5.8
  • Ariel Duels Won – 61%
  • Loose Ball Duels Per 90 – 3.7
  • Loose Ball Duels Won – 62%

Defensive Actions:

  • Shots Blocked Per 90 – 0.5
  • Interceptions Per 90 – 4.5
  • Sliding Tackles Per 90 – 0.3
  • Fouls Per 90 – 0.7

How will he fit in?

In the post above, I have planned out what I believe the current squad looks like, where players will be positioned etc. It is important to remember that we still have the brilliant defensive partnership of Morgan Williams and Jake Wannell so Finn Cousin-Dawson has to impress to get into the team. It leaves us with three top quality defenders to work with next season meaning we have brilliant cover in case of a suspension or injury.

If Finn Cousin-Dawson does play, he will most likely be introduced as a right side central defender in a back 4, alongside Jake Wannell to give a good balance of having one right footer and one left footer.

It is important to note that the 21 year-old can also play right back, if needed, which gives us another option in that position, just in case of any injury to Michael Smith. I think it’s fair to say he will be most regularly used as a right side centre back, as shown below.

People may not be the biggest fan of 3/5 at the back however, for the sake of the analysis it has to be mentioned. The signing of Cousin-Dawson means that we have 3 brilliant central defenders in the building, leaving one out will be a tough task for Cooper.

This signing could potentially mean that we lean towards a back 3 at times this season, with Williams as the central defender, having Wannell and Cousin-Dawson either side. With his quality on the ball and ability to get forward, Finn Cousin-Dawson would massively suit a 3 at the back system which allows us to have all of the control in the game and dominate the ball.

As shown below, the 3 at the back system could look something like this:

Despite having this option, I think the main formation we will use next season will be a 4 at the back however, it is always good to have another option and be versatile with formations. If we are in a position where we need to see out a game, this would be a brilliant way to do this, whilst keeping hold of possession and dominating the ball.

Conclusion

As of writing this, on Thursday morning, this is probably our best signing to date. He gives us a fantastic option at the back, as cover to Morgan Williams and Michael Smith. Recruiting versatile options is a massive help, come the end of the season, when dealing with lots of injuries. I think Cousin-Dawson will find it tough to be a starter right away but he will certainly make an impact when called upon.

He suits the way Mark Cooper wants to play perfectly because of his quality on the ball and his way to build from the back. With the amount of progressive passes he makes per game, it shows that he is more than just a “pass sideways” player. He has the ability to pick out a long pass or a driven pass through the lines into the striker feet.

The age profile of this signing and the other ones made, so far, really excites me, as it shows we are building a strong side for the future, which allows Cooper to develop the side to suit his style.

What are your thoughts on the signing?

As I have previously stated, any feedback or comments are massively appreciated and taken on board. I hope you enjoyed the read, thankyou!

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Yeovil announced the signing of Harvey Greenslade this week, a 20-year-old forward who had just been released from Bristol Rovers after plenty of loans – including at National League Oxford City last season. Greenslade’s signing was the kick off of the club’s summer incoming, but there’s still plenty to press on with.

It’s an annual tradition for a the onset of mild (sometimes major) panic amongst pockets supporters. “Oh they’re doing a lot of business…why aren’t we signing them? We’re doomed!” Seeing clubs like Barnet, Forest Green and even York City completing signings shouldn’t panic us. Those clubs will be shopping in very different aisles to us for various reasons, including their locations and budgets.

Harvey Greenslade. Picture courtesy of YTFC.

I understand some of the concern, though. In 2022, we spoke to then manager Chris Hargreaves who spoke about having his 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice targets. He whetted the appetite with talks of Ed Uspon and Josh Neufville as players he’d spoken to. Clearly, for circumstances outside of his control (if you categorise believing a charlatan as that) he wasn’t able to recruit nor attract the players he anticipated with the budget he was given and the season ended disastrously. (For a plethora of reasons, obviously!)

Clearly it’s important to get some business done early if you can, but it has to be right. Last season Yeovil moved early to sign Jamie Sendles-White (31st May) Rhys Murphy (9th June), Josh Owers (12th June) and Jake Hyde (14th June) . Then when the season got underway, we moved to sign Joe Day and Michael Smith.

Greenslade’s arrival was a surprise, the rumour mill has been speculating that Aaron Jarvis from Torquay was all but done – and has been for a while. With Gary Johnson’s appointment at Cheltenham confirmed, now it looks like Jarvis could be joining his old boss at the Robins in League Two.

Last season, Cooper had more hits than misses with his signings and you could say, until the stewardship set sail, he’d done okay with next to no resources. As Martin Hellier said on Episode 340 of the Gloverscast, the whole club has to find efficiencies, including the playing side. Cooper will have to spend wisely and sell the project to prospects – as he did last season – and maybe hope for another Day – Smith style availability once the season is up and running.

Yeovil aren’t going to be every player’s first choice,  but when I look at our core and current squad, I don’t think Cooper needs to reinvent the wheel – if our ambitions are to stabilise in the National League. The back four is set (providing Whittle recovers from the injuries he suffered at the end of last season), there’s a good base for a midfield. Clearly the priorities are in the striking department, in goal and then squad players to provide cover. I would like a ball carrier in midfield if one can be found, though.

Plenty of clubs in the National League haven’t brought anyone in yet, and when you look at the released lists across the country, there is a dearth of players out there. I trust the manager to find them.

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Yeovil Town have signed former Bristol Rovers forward, Harvey Greenslade, on a two-year deal, after his contract expired at Rovers. The 20-year-old comes in as the Glovers first signing of the transfer window, looking to make a massive impact on our first season back in the National League.

In this article I will be doing an analysis on Harvey Greenslade. The article will include:

  • Player Profile
  • Key Strengths
  • Areas to Improve
  • How he suits the “Mark Cooper System”
  • Previous History
  • Conclusion

Enjoy the read! Any feedback would be massively appreciated as I am going to do one of these for EVERY signing we make through the upcoming season so I will be wanting to improve my work every time. Also, give me your thoughts on the signing of Harvey Greenslade!

Harvey Greenslade. Picture courtesy of YTFC.

Player Profile

Name: Harvey Greenslade
Position: Forward (Striker)
Age: 20 (08/04/06)
Height: 6ft 1in (186cm)
Strong Foot: Right
Previous Club: Bristol Rovers – Oxford City (Loan)
Oxford City Stats: 1024 minutes – 16 games – 3 goals
23/24 Season Stats: 2500 minutes – 35 games – 7 goals

 
Harvey Greenslade. Picture courtesy of YTFC.

Key Strengths

High potential – One thing that could be vitally important about this transfer is the ceiling of Greenslade’s game. Not only is he a talented footballer in the current moment, he has the potential to improve massively and climb up the leagues with us. There is also a possibility of making some profit off of Greenslade because of how young he is.

Desire to improve – One thing that is important for young players to have, is a desire and motivation to develop their game. This means he is going to put maximum effort in, when pressing his man or running in behind. Having a willingness to develop your game means you are likely to try and perform at a high standard to improve.

Local Based – In his time at Huish Park, Mark Cooper has openly said he wants to recruit locally to build a really tight group that will fight together and be desperate to win. He has proven this with signings such as, Jake Wannell, Jay Foulston and Dylan Morgan, just to name a few.

Familiar Bonds – In his senior career so far, Greenslade has made appearances for teams such as Tiverton, Oxford City, Chippenham and Truro. When playing for Chippenham Town, he was playing alongside winger Jordan Young, who had a fantastic season in Green and White last season. Greenslade scored one goal in his short spell at Chippenham, Jordan Young assisted it!

Physical Benefits – Despite being just 20 years-old, Harvey Greenslade has a lot of Physical attributes which make him really dangerous and suits the type of striker Cooper wants. At 6ft 1, he brings some good height to the front line where he will be able to win headers. He is very quick in behind and pressing opposition defenders, this could cause trouble with players like Young and Morgan either side! One thing that did surprise me was seeing how strong he is for his age. He isn’t afraid to bully defenders and beat them in duels.

Clinical Finishing – One thing we are desperate for after last season is a forward, who will stay fit but has devastating finishing and a real composure in front of goal. Greenslade had this from such an early age, which could help him become a brilliant player if he can continue to tidy up the rest of his game.

Areas to Improve

Inexperienced -Despite the excitement of his age and how much potential he has, there is certainly a lack of experience in his game. This will come with game time, so the best way to improve his knowledge of the game is give him plenty of minutes. He had a successful season last year in terms of minutes played, at Oxford City and Truro he picked up a mass of 2500 minutes! He won’t be coming into the National League cold, as he played 16 games for, relegated, Oxford City last season.

Hold-up play – At such a young age, you would be lucky to find a player who has brilliant hold-up play, with his back to goal. This is something Greenslade needs to work on next season, he could become a massive asset to the team if he continues to work on it.

Winning Mentality – In his loan spells from Bristol Rovers, he spent most of his time on the side that doesn’t win the game. True City had a decent start to their season but dropped off fairly quick, whereas, Oxford City were relegated from the National League! That being said, winning mentality has been engraved into our current players over the previous season, hopefully they can push that across to Greenslade.

Link-up Play -This will come with experience, the more he plays for the Glovers the more he will become used to the play style and needs of a forward under Mark Cooper. Being able to sit in a bit deeper and play a 1-2 with a winger is a vital part of the way we play. He will have a full pre season to understand the “Mark Cooper System” which should help him massively!

Harvey Greenslade

How will he fit in?

The first key factor I think we need to understand with Greenslade is that he is only 20-years-old. He has plenty of time to develop his style of play, in a very short space of time. This will be a bonus for Mark Cooper as he can use Greenslade’s physical benefits to mould him into a “Mark Cooper” striker.

Being such a young forward, pre-season is such a vital part of how is career pans out at Huish Park. If he can get firing in our friendlies, he should start the season with real confidence. He may not be a starter straight away but I’m sure he will have a vital impact from the bench.

We know Cooper likes to rotate his formations around but I believe he will mainly use the 4231, similar to last season, with Frank Nouble in the “number 10” free-roam position. In my opinion the formation will look something like what I have shown below. I have noted Greenslade to be as a substitute striker as I believe someone else, with more experience will come in.

The current squad. As of 29th of May.

Personality wise, I feel Greenslade will fit in perfectly. He is from the South West, like many other players in the squad, meaning he won’t take long to settle in. He is a young player who has a motivation and desire to improve, which matches the sort of person Cooper loves to coach and develop.

Previous History

2021 – Signed his first Professional contract at Bristol Rovers. 

2021 – Cinderford Town (Loan) 3 Games – 0 Goals

2021 – Tuffley Rovers (Loan) 8 Games 5 Goals

2022 – Tiverton Town (Loan) 3 Games 0 Goals

2022/2023 –  Chippenham Town (Loan) 10 Games 1 Goal

2023 – Truro City (Loan) 13 Games 4 Goals

2023 – Truro City (Loan) 19 Games 4 Goals

2024 – Oxford City (Loan) 16 Games 3 Goals

2024 – Released by Bristol Rovers after making 0 appearances for the club in 3 years.

Harvey Greenslade Shots and Goals – Oxford City 23/24

Conclusion

I really like this signing personally, I feel it adds some real depth to our squad in the forward position. Greenslade is a player who has clearly been brought in as a “project player”, being only 20 years-old he is someone who we can plan future squads around and hopefully keep him around for a while. A bonus to this signing is that if he has a very strong season, and gets taken off of our hands by a superior club, we will make some money.

I like the fact he is local, It gives a real feeling of having a tight-knit group.

I think he a striker who suits the exact style of number 9 Cooper wants, a physical build but someone who can run in behind with pace and power. Him being young is only a bonus and the fact he performed well in a poor Oxford City side last season, proves he’s ready for the National League!

What are your thoughts on the signing?

I hope you enjoyed the read, as I previously stated, any feedback would be massively appreciated!

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I have kept putting my next blog off. The main reason during the second half of season the data which I was seeing could be viewed as negative. For those of you who might be sceptical of data or struggle to understand xG. I highly recommend reading ‘The expected goals philosophy’ by James Tippett.

“rejecting the Expected Goals method, a new type of analysis which questions the conventional wisdom of football, is much easier than advocating it.”

I will be looking at xG (Expected Goals) and xGA (Expected Goals Against). From this I will calculate xPts (Expected Points). xPts is normally calculated using the Monte Carlo method, more here on that.  For NLS due to the data I have had available, I have used an xG differential and expected points from that, I have used the following:

xG Differential xPoints
1.5+ 2.7
1.5 < 1 2.3
1 < 0.5 2
0.5 < 0 1.5
0 < -0.5 0.7
-0.5 < -1 0.5
-1 < -1.5 0.3
< -1.5 0.1

For context here is the Premier League table Expected Points vs Actual Points. You can tell who the teams who over-performed  or under-performed their data. Image from https://twitter.com/xGPhilosophy.

From this we can see the top three were expected to be clear of the rest. Villa and Spurs can count themselves fortunate to finish in the top five and Newcastle unlucky to miss out on the Champions League. Manchester United were lucky to finish as high as they did, massively outperforming their expected points.

Lets dive into Yeovil’s data by fixture. The table below shows actual goals scored and conceded vs expected goals and goals conceded. It also shows points earned and expected points and how the compare by fixture. Pts v xPts if the number is negative this shows that Yeovil have been unlucky while green shows them being lucky in picking up more points.

You can see during the winning streak Yeovil had luck on their side, however in three of the four games after the winning run they were extremely unlucky not to pick up more points. You can also see a decrease in form after Christmas. The 16 games between St Albans away to Worthing at home, Yeovil lost 11 of the 17 on xG. Interestingly, Rhys Murphy and Jake Hyde were missing for this full period.

Here is the NLS Expected Points Table:

As you can see, from Mark Cooper’s sides’ performances over the season – on expected points – should have seen them finish in 6th. Worthing and Slough would have had a battle for the title based on this.  Before Adam Hinshelwood left for York, Worthing were quite a bit clear. It could well be the reason why York moved for him when they did. You can see the last Expected Points table I published in late January here: https://twitter.com/hoopsss/status/1750855887843905932.

Here is the full league table with expected points and xG included:

Let us know what you make of the data, and Yeovil’s performance levels over the season in the comments.

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Matt Worthington lifts the National League South championship trophy.📸 Gary Brown

Well, the season has come to an end and the class of 2023/24 were crowned Champions of National League South. Here’s our rankings of each player for this season.

As per usual Gloverscast rules, the ratings will be 1-7 with seven being the perfect score. We’ll try to combine their performances with their overall influence, and how the season went for them. We are marking them individually, based on our expectations of them, rather than comparing them with other members of the first team.

Will Buse

Ian: I had high hopes for Buse given his end of season performance in 22/23. Never seemed to properly recover after the mistake at Hemel which seemed to impact the whole defence. 2

Ben: I stand by my comments from earlier in the season that he’s a good goalkeeper who will do just fine at either National League or NLS level, his quality at Bath showed just that, it might not be for us, but there’s a good shot stopper there. 3

Dave: I am sure if Bath City fans were writing this, they would have a much higher opinion. If there was a difficult time in this season, Buse played in it. Maybe his loan will make him a National League Premier keeper. Maybe. 2

Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

Michael Smith

Ian: Just how we pulled this off I’m not sure. His quality, experience and leadership was felt across the pitch from the moment he arrived. 6

Ben: Honestly, a quite ridiculous signing, totally changed out right hand side both going forward and defensively, shouldn’t be playing at this level. Cult hero, lovely voice. 6

Dave: Signing of the Season?  He’s got to be close in a very competitive race. Such experience, such leadership, so quality. 6

Morgan Williams

Ian: Finally settled into a centre back position after seasons of doing jobs across the backline. Formed an imperious partnership with Jake Wannell eventually, scored some important goals and got himself a chant.  6

22/23 Review: His injury against Eastleigh now looks like it was hugely damaging. Whether he’s centre back, right back, left back, right wing back, left wing back or even centre midfield, Morgan Williams gives everything in a Yeovil Town shirt. As much as we’d like a team of Josh Stauntons, personally I’d take a team of Morgan Williams as well. 5

21/22 Review: What a season Morgan Williams has had. In his first full season in men’s football he’s played across the backline and at wingback. He’s stayed fit, had just seven bookings all season and has been the perfect example of a young player taking their opportunity. 6

Ben: What a wonderful defensive season he’s had, kicked a ball (headed a ball) in every game in the league and carried himself wonderfully. Chipping in with big goals at big times, in big game. Goals win you games, defences win you titles 6

22/23 Review: Well, we certainly missed him towards the end, didn’t we? A versatile player who could well be vital next season, injury stops this being higher, but he’s a character we need to keep around 4

21/22 Review: Where did that come from!? He was searching YouTube for ‘how to play left back’ in the hotel before the Wrexham game, and ended up keeping two far more established left backs out the team. Future is bright for Williams if he carries on like that. 6

Dave: Is Williams the same without Wannell? Is Wannell the same without Williams? Who knows? All I know is that they have both been immense this season. The man has played every game this season, that alone is impressive, but to score the crucial goals he has along the way, that is a champion. 6

22/23 Review: Boy how we missed him when he wasn’t there. Showed versatility again this season and when we were solid defensively he was a big part of it. Would very much want to see him back next season. 4

21/22 Review: Given he has played almost his entire campaign out of position, Williams has been more solid than I could have hoped. Struggles against pace and still has a lot to learn, but he’s made great strides this season. 5

Jake Wannell 

Ian: An inspired piece of business by Mark Cooper. Needed coaching through the first few games but look up calm in the dictionary and Wannell will be there. Great on the ball and just the right amount of needle. One of the most complete centre backs we’ve had in a long time.  6

Ben: My player of the season. I wasn’t sure he’d start when we signed him, but he’s gone from strength to strength and offered so much, a couple goals for good measure and every bit the mammoth defender we’ve wanted. 6

Dave: Of all the players we signed this summer, I would have not picked him as my Player of the Season back in August – but he was. So composed on the ball, such a good partner to Williams. 6

Alex Whittle

Ian: If Wannell is the definition of calm, Alex Whittle is the definition of reliable. A terrific fullback who was every bit as important as Michael Smith, if not less spectacular. Provided balance and discipline while the right side marauded.  6

Ben: Mr consistent, indeed. Part of a defensive unit that will go down as one of the most consistent in green and white for a long, long time. Settled in well, links up well with others, very little gets past him at the other end. Cracking signing. 5

Dave: Every title-winning team has those players who just do it every week. Alex Whittle was that player. 5

 

Matt Worthington v Welling
Pic: Gary Brown

Matt Worthington

Ian: Every season I think we can get more out of Worthy and this season we did once again. His energy and unrelenting running in midfield was irrepressible once again. The standard-setter. The Skipper. 6

22/23 Review: When I look back my review from last season, I think it’s fair to say there’s been a hell of a jump from Worthy. From having to carry a centre of midfield under Hargreaves, to moving forward when Mark Cooper tightened things up, Worthy has made huge strides this season. He’s added a few goals and assists to his phenomenal running. If we lose him in the summer I won’t hold it against him. 6

21/22 Review: 29 starts for Matt Worthington this season. No goals and two reds against Kings Lynn Town. Last season I said I wanted more from Worthy and we didn’t see it. He’s a super-athlete who won’t stop running, but I don’t think he’s effective enough in the areas we should expect him to be. 3

Ben: He’s deserved this season more than most, I’m so pleased for him, to put the miles in for a winning team and wearing the armband whilst doing it is a wonderful achievement, a couple goals shy of where we’d like him, but he’s been through it all with us and now, rightfully, a Champion. 5

21/22 Review: I like Matt Worthington. I wanted to see him be important, and he was. I feel like screaming at Bradley and Gorman… ‘that is what you were meant to be’. Our longest serving player and I think I’d love to see more of him and Staunton together in the middle. 5.

Dave: We always knew he had the energy, we always wanted goals and leadership. This season we got it. If any player deserved to lift that trophy with the captain’s armband on, it’s Worthy. Now it’s time for the Skipper to show me can do it the next level up. 6

22/23 Review: In a season where so many players let us down, you cannot say that about Worthy. He added a few goals to the non-stop running which he has become synonymous for in a green-and-white shirt. I can only hope we hold on to him this summer, but fear we will not. 5

21/22 Review: Worthington didn’t quite live up to the hype of being a real influence on the team, but he did more than enough to make me think I’d be sorry to lose him in the summer. He could certainly fill the boots of a player like Dale Gorman in the middle of the park. If he stays, I would like to see more goals from him although that one against W*ymouth in the Cup was beautiful. 4

Charlie Cooper

Ian: Has a player ever divided opinion like Charlie Cooper? Sure, he had his sloppy moments, but when he’s good he keeps things ticking over and does the dirty work.  5

2022/23 review: Came in and added some grit to our midfield. Good on the ball but needs a partner to help protect him. 4

Ben

I thoroughly disliked the slander Charlie Cooper got throughout this season.  His dead ball deliveries caused havoc and his ability to dictate play throughout the season, was exemplary. He deserved a goal, he didn’t deserve the negative comments. 5

2022/23: The commander of calm, we needed Josh Staunton at central defender, we just needed Charlie Cooper in midfield to allow that to happen. I’m a fan 5

Dave: What is Worthy without Cooper? I would say Worthy’s best performances have come with Cooper alongside him. He’s had me groaning in frustration this season, yes, but he is very bit as worthy a champion as any of this squad. 5

Dave: A calming influence in an otherwise erratic (often anonymous) midfield. If only we had had him longer. 4

Josh Owers

Ian: Josh will always have that goal against Eastbourne. I enjoyed his run in the team and was disappointed when he dropped out of the team, but with depth in midfield his chances were few and far between after Braintree.  4

Ben: We may never know just how good he could go on to be, never did anything wrong when given snippets of chances, a lovely goal against Eastbourne is a seasonal highlight. 3

Dave: He can feel hard done by for not getting more chances, but I would not have changed a thing about this season. Good when he was good, I hope he has the chance to be good wherever he goes next. 2

He shoots, he scores! Finish from Sonny Blu Lo Everton
? Gary Brown

SONNY BLU LO-EVERTON

Ian: Well who thought we’d see Sonny again? I stand by what I said in 21/22, but this time round he handled the physicality. Did jobs in centre midfield, out wide and in behind the strikers. His performance against Torquay was a particular highlight. I really want to see him kick on next season. 5

21/22 Review: A supremely gifted footballer who we’ve watched progress this season. Technically superb and vision to boot. The National League felt too physical for him at times. 4

Ben: What a lovely surprise this season has been from SBLE. We weren’t expecting him to return, even less so were we expecting an all round midfield maestro. He did it all this season and I am delighted he did it in green and white. 5

21/22 Review: Sonny Blu Lo-Everton will have got far more out of this loan than Yeovil. His future lies way higher than the National League, we will spot his name scoring for a League One club in a couple year and say ‘oh yeah, remember him’. 4

Dave: A touch of true class on this team. It’s been a pleasure to see him move the ball around. Hope he can kick on even more this season. 5

21/22 Review: Showed moments of real class and will remember him for his showings away at Stockport and Altrincham in particular, but generally more anonymous than anything. 3

Will Dawes

Ian: As honest as the day is long. A hard-worker who gave his all in green and white and got people on their feet with his direct running. 4

22/23 Review: I feel for Will Dawes. Coming from where he came from and for reasons many will understand if they can read between the lines. Didn’t expect him to be the next Tom Knowles as Hargreaves did, but maybe he can make an impact next season. 3

Ben: Such a popular member of the group, it’s a real shame he departs without plenty of minutes for us this season. I was really expecting him to break through down the left this season. Never saw him do anything wrong, just never got the minutes. 3

22/23 Review: It’s not his fault he came from Stratford, his loan spells showed that maybe his level was NLS and that might be handy – everyone I’ve spoken to about him, says he’s the nicest lad and wants desperately to do well, i’m not against him getting that chance. 2

Dave: Another player who never really got his chance to shine. Did his part. 2

22/23 review: His transfer is still worthy of regulatory review, but can’t hold that against him. Who knows next season he may be the business. 2

Jordan Stevens

Ian: The expectation on Jordan Stevens this season was high, perhaps unfairly. His rapid pace was a weapon but we just didn’t see it enough…again. His injuries have hampered him, sadly. His worldly at Hampton makes it a 3.

22/23 review: What I saw of him, I really liked. A nippy, speed merchant who we definitely didn’t see enough of. A shame he did his hamstring when everyone else did, I think we might have had a different end to the season had he stayed fit. I’ll give him a 4 because it wasn’t his fault he got injured.

Ben: Potential to be “more than double” last seasons score of 2. He gets the 4 because of how exciting he was and how much he really affected games that he did play. I imagine only he himself is more gutted than YTFC fans that his hamstrings are made of Quavers. 4

22 23 If we are judging him on just the very short amount of time we actually saw him, this might be a REALLY high score, but you can’t get a high score sat in the stands. 2 (with potential to easily more than double that next season)

Dave: I had really high hopes and, in flashes, he showed it. Sadly his body could not match his talent. We’ll always have Hampton. 3

2022/23: Looked good from what I saw but didn’t see enough of it. Is there an echo in here? Injury cost him and cost us. 3

Jordan Young

Ian: When Jordan Young was on form this season, he was unplayable. The wand of a left foot scored some beautiful goals this season, but his form dipped in the 2nd half of it. Hopefully he can regain that form which saw him given a new deal. 5

22/23 review: Was so close to making something happen. Struggled towards the end of the season when he was probably rushed back in our fight for survival. Should be comfortable in NLS. 3

Ben: At times, you couldn’t pry the ball off his left foot, at times it felt like he’d score or create every time he gets the ball. If he adds some consistency to his game, he’s an EFL player in the making. A serious talent. 5

2022/23 review: Grew into the season, wen’t from a rabbit in the full time head lights to someone I was quite excited about when he got on the ball, tough to ask so much of him at times, but I think there’s a decent enough little player to be coached out of him. 3

Dave: If he was a nearly man last season, he was the man this season. Top scorer in a title-winning season where the goals came from everywhere and unplayable when he was on his game. Add consistency to his game and he is an EFL player, no question. 5

2022/23 review: Another nearly man and a striker without a goal in 19 games isn’t going to rank too high. Add him to the ‘one for next season’ list. 2

Alex Fisher

Ian: What a story this man finished. Scored crucial goals and made a big impact in the run-in. A top man who was able to go out on a high, as a Champion. 5

22/23 review: Signed by Chris Hargreaves to be the focal point of our attack, didn’t score anywhere near enough goals, even if he did score a couple of beauts. Had he not picked up his injury against Southend, we may have looked a bit less hopeless up front in those final few games.  2

Ben: A redemption arc like no other. I am so glad he got his return, he got his moments, he got his goals. I genuinely think there was a place for him next season, but he leaves as a hero and a champion. 5

22/23 review: a character, a leader, but not enough of a goal scorer, that injury will define his season and that’s really sad, absolutely has a part to play for the club going forward 3

Dave: A fairytale ending. We’ll always remember those goals and without him it would have been a much nervier end of the season. Thankyou, Fish. 3

2022/23 review: He was never going to be one to score us a hatful of goals and the fact he was our joint top scorer tells its own tale. I’d still have him over Reuben Reid. 2

Rhys Murphy’s spot kick was saved on Saturday. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Rhys Murphy

Ian: Another season where the bagsman bagged. You know what you’re getting with Rhys Murphy, goals and the odd injury and we had that this season. Probably should have scored more than he did. Hopefully he’ll remain a Glover. 5

20/21 Review: It’s a shame that we’re losing our proper poacher. We remember the goals but also need to think about the injuries that meant he missed large chunks of the season. We were much more threatening with him in the side and he matched our expectations, 5.

Ben: The Bagsman. Injuries stopped it from being a ridiculous season, he’ll have to settle for very, very good instead. I’m sure he’ll be OK with that. A natural born finisher. 5

20/21 Review: A goal getting, poaching, fox in the box, attacking mercenary. Get in, get goals, get paid, get out. We’ve been better for having him, we can be upset he’s leaving, I’ll remember him for what he did in the 6-yard box rather than how he left us. But it does cost him a place in the 6/7 club. 5

Dave: The comfortable lead at the top of the table which ultimately won us the title was down in a huge part to Murphy’s goal. Still the most natural finisher I have seen in green-and-white since Jevons. I hope he stays. 5

20/21 Review: Too good for this division and a shame he hasn’t backed himself to do it in the League, yet still up there with the likes of Jevons and Madden in my books. 13 goals in 31 appearances is some going. 5.

Frank Nouble

Ian: The Governor. Influential throughout the season, especially when he was the experienced head amongst a young front line. Dragged his teammates through it and scored a few goals along the way. Who knows how 22/23 would have finished had we signed him.  6

Ben: The Guvnor, big Frank. There are few more exciting feelings than seeing Frank in full flow, crashing through players, eating up yards and getting us up the field. With community and off the field bonus points too, he is a player the club should build around for the next few years. 6

Dave: Those partnerships we’ve spoken about all seadon, Frank has been a part of several of them. Hard to underestimate his importance to what we have achieved and proved one of our most important additions this season. Now on to the next level, big man. 6

Jake Hyde

Ian: Another player hampered by injuries, as was the gamble. He scored some important goals before his injury and played his part. Wish we’d seen more!  3

Ben: Big goals at big times so dont underestimate that. Just thought darn injuries. 3

Dave: Turned out to be the player I thought we had signed. An influential, some crucial goals, but, man, those injuries. 3

Dylan Morgan

Ian: Started to fly as the season concluded. I’m excited to see what he brings next season. 4

Ben: His first few cameos suggested to me that maybe he’ll need time, but by the end of the season he was in full flow… with a full pre season under his belt I think we might have a really exciting prospect.  4

Dave: There is something there. If he carries on where he left off, we could be writing good things about this lad next season. 4

Sam Pearson

Ian: Well who saw that coming? The return of Sam Pearson was a suprise in the 2nd half of the season. Showed some sparks, great pace and a handful of goals – he should have scored more too. Hope he stays on and pushes on in the National League. 4

2022/23 review: Probably one of our brightest sparks in the first half of the season, looked like he could make things happen before the weird fatigue departure. 3

Ben: He’s all hustle and bustle, so much energy in there. As with a few others (and plenty at this level) consistency is the only thing stopping him from flying up the levels, I’d love it if he did more of that with us. 4

Dave: Don’t call it a comeback, this season was a rebirth for Sam Pearson. Came in at an important time and brought us something different. If he can take Murph’s Finishing School this summer, he can really shine next season. 4

2022/23: There was something there, scored at Dorking but then got tired. 1

The Loanees

Super Joe Day in Goal 📸 Gary Brown

Joe Day

Ian: Mark Cooper pivoted after just six league matches to swoop for Joe Day – and what a difference he made. Pulled off some brilliant stops in the his first few games as the Glovers’ solidity began to show. Enjoyed plenty of quiet games without letting standards slip. 6

Ben: Wow, I’ve said many times, I didn’t mind Will Buse at all, but my word having Joe Day in goal has made things a million times better. He gives me Steve Mildenhall vibes. Sign him on. 6

Dave: Super Joe Day’s in goal. We simply would not be champions without him. 6

Jay Foulston

Ian: It’s not easy to deputise for Alex Whittle, but Foulston did that by the end of the season. Would have loved to have seen him get forward more. I’d get him back in for 2024/25. 4

Ben: I hope we go on to keep Jay, I think he’s got plenty of flexibility and versatility, he could well be an additional set piece danger too. 3

Dave: I’m still undecided on Foulston. Towards the end of the season he looked comfortable, but never much more than that. 3

Brooklyn Genesini

Ian: Came in when we needed cover Smith and he fit like a Glove. A local lad, released by Swindon and an easy decision to make in my book. 4

Ben: When we lost Michael Smith for a spell, i was worried, but Genesini came in at the drop of a hat and slotted straight in, he could do a LOT worse than to stay and learn from Smith next year. 3

Dave: I was impressed when I saw him. Great energy, a strong tackle and now a free agent. I’d love to see more of him next season. 4

Sonny Cox

Ian: A couple of good goals and played in a few positions. A young man with plenty of potential! 3

Ben: I’m chuffed to see him go on to do well at Exeter so soon after finishing with us, an exciting prospect. 3

Dave: Still learning his trade, but proof (if it were needed) that going on loan is worth a million academy games. He’ll go far. 3

Olly Thomas

Ian: He’s still raw, but has all the attributes to be a force up front. Physically, pacey and knows where the goal is. A real shame we didn’t see more of him towards the end of the season. 3

Ben: I hope he doesn’t get pigeon holed as a super sub, but there’s no doubt that he was excellent as an impact but struggled from the start. 2

Dave: I was excited by him after some cameos off the bench and that feels like what he brought to the team. Still learning any still growing, I’d not be surprised to see him back. 3

Jahmari Clarke

Ian: We’ll always have Torquay at home. 3

Ben: Couple of nice games, couple of nice goals. 2

Dave: Awful at Braintree, dynamite after he got his first against Torquay. Add him to your ‘he played for Yeovil’ list. 2

The Ones Who Left

Yeovil Town captain Josh Staunton. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Josh Staunton

Ian: Didn’t have his release on my bingo card for this season. After all his heroics last season he struggled at the start of this and fell down the pecking order. 2

22/23 Review: What else can be said about Josh Staunton? The leader of the club during really dark days. Not to mention changing the National League contracts that were going to be imposed upon his colleagues across the country. 6

21/22 Review: The captain in waiting. Josh Staunton did it all for Yeovil Town this season. For him to top it off by managing the club through the final game of the season was madness. Build the squad in his image and mentality and we’ll do alright. 5

Ben: I cant give him a high score, because he simply didn’t play. I hope he knows hes a Champion. 2

22/23 Review: Captain, Leader, Legend. 6

21/22 Review: Just build the statue (Insert link to ‘Most Important Player since Skivo’ blog HERE). 6.

Dave: Oh Josh, it shouldn’t have been this way. He got a medal and he deserved it for the seasons past rather than this one. 2

2022/23: In the same way you can’t imagine the depths this season could have dropped to without Grant Smith, where would we be without Josh Staunton? Literally put his body on the line (again) but his true contribution was much more than that. 6

21/22 Review: What isn’t to love about this guy? Great player, dependable, a leader, and will literally put his body on the line for this club. If you’re in a war, you want Josh Staunton alongside you. The perfect player to become the first to re-sign, now give him the armband. 5

Jordan Maguire-Drew

Ian: Tore it up during pre-season and looked like he’d be key. Got a new contract and disappeared. The loan with an option to taken on a free transfer (which wasn’t taken up by Barnet) looks like we’ll have to find a way to move on another costly attacking midfielder. 2

22/23 review: We thought we had a player. I think we still do, but clearly injury took its toll on JMD. Showed glimpses of what he’s about but will need to get fit and consistently produce next season if we’re going to come back at the first time of asking. 2

Ben: Erm… same as last year… a flash of sheer class that makes me feel so… Meh 2

22/23: I don’t understand, how can a flash of sheer class and quality become so, meh..? Get this boy fit and firing and we’ve got a serious player, until then 3

Dave: That free-kick for Morgan Williams’ goal at Worthing. That’s about all I’ve got. Should’ve been great, but sadly that will be the epitaph of his career. What happens next? 2

2022/23: Remember that little chip over the keeper on New Year’s Day? That and a great display in our only away win of the season at Dagenham was about it. Has so much class, didn’t show enough of it. 2

Jamie Sendles White

Ian: Brought in as a leader, but never really felt like it. An important goal at Weston, though. 3

Ben: All a bit confusing, wasn’t it? I was really excited about his signing, but he just so rarely played. Looked already against WSM… but, yeah, that was that. 2

Dave: Never really saw him, then he got injured. 2

Oh, I forgot about them…

Not much to be said for Courtney Senior. Genuinely forgot about Zac Bell. 😬

Dave: Did okay(ish) away at Eastbourne.

Obviously, these ratings are subjective. Let us know your thoughts below…

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In: Gloversblog, Latest Yeovil Town News

INTRODUCTION

It’s that time of year, around the middle of May, where the transfer talk is at its highest point, most of the released and retained lists have been published by football clubs across the country and talks are beginning to happen over what players are ending up where for the new season. In this piece I will be doing my own version of a Yeovil Town recruitment document on some players that I think Mark Cooper and his team should be looking at for the 2024/25 National League season. The club have made it very clear that they are hoping to be up there next season, around the playoff spots, so I have based my player suggestions off of this.

So, how will this document work? First of all, I will go show you each position that I believe we need a player in for next season. once I’ve done this, I will move onto going through each position, explaining what sort of attributes I am looking for as well as giving 3-5 player options for each position, explaining why I think that specific player would be a great fit for Mark Cooper’s system.

Enjoy the read, be sure to comment any opinions you have, I am always willing to listen and improve my work.

 How does the squad look currently?

At the time of writing, we currently have 13 players under contract at the club, with two players – Rhys Murphy and Sam Pearson – in talks to sign new contracts. You may notice that I haven’t included Jordan Maguire-Drew on this squad list as I don’t think he will be here come the start of the new season.

To have a strong enough squad to not be hindered too much, by injuries, I believe you need at least two players per position, with a couple versatile options who can play in more than one position.

Let’s start this recruitment document off, working in position order, starting with the goalkeeper, finishing with the strikers. 

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeping position is always an interesting debate for Yeovil Town fans in the summer. Last season we started off with 22 year old goalkeeper Will Buse, who played six games for us, keeping one clean sheet. He struggled at the start of the season, making a couple of mistakes costing us some big early points. Mark Cooper decided to be ruthless, bringing in a wealth of experience on loan from Newport County, in terms of 33 year old goalkeeper Joe Day, who played 45 games in Green and White, keeping 17 clean sheets.

Will Buse is the current goalkeeper at the club, he has had a brilliant second half of the season for Bath City, playing 20 games, keeping 10 clean sheets. I think he will stay around this season, but I do think we will look to get another keeper in to challenge Will Buse and contest for the number 1 spot.

Will Buse.
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

In this position, I am looking for a goalkeeper who is a quality shot stopper, someone who commands their box really well but also has quality on the ball being able to play out from the back. We need a player who is either willing to be backup to Will Buse or be our starting goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper option 1 – Joe Day – Free 

Let’s get the obvious, fan favourite out of the way, Joe Day has come in to the team this season and added some real stability to our defensive unit. This is probably my preferred option as well, he is coming into his mid-30s now so Will Buse can learn a lot from Day, who may play a second part role coming towards the end of the season if Buse keeps developing. He’s likely to leave Newport on a free so it just makes sense. His shot stopping is brilliant, he dominated his box because of his size and stature, he is also good enough on the ball which we have seen this season. I can only think of one or two mistakes he’s made all year. Someone who has made almost 300 appearances in the Football League is definitely good enough to be a part of a playoff chasing National League side, as shown this season.

Joe Day – 📸 Gary Brown

Goalkeeper option 2 – Harrison Male – Free

This one is another boring name, a name that will be on the shortlist of every single National League club. Despite conceding 85 goals in the league for relegated, Dorking Wanderers, without Male it could’ve been so much more. He isn’t the tallest goalkeeper in the world so may not have the dominance in his penalty area like Joe Day but the 23 year old has plenty of qualities. In the 23/24 season, Male made 4.1 saves per game, stopping 70% of shots he faced. It isn’t just his shot stopping that is impressive, his quality on the ball would be perfect for a Mark Cooper team, making almost 28 accurate passes per game with a passing accuracy of 84% it’s hard to look past Harrison Male. Dorking announced that he will be leaving the club, he was an obvious but brilliant shout!

Goalkeeper option 3 – Will Henry – Chippenham Town – Transfer

My first less obvious suggestion of the goalkeeper position comes in the way of Chippenham Town goalkeeper, Will Henry. The 25 year old won player of the season for the Bluebirds, appearing in all 46 National League South games, conceding 62 goals but keeping 11 clean sheets. In a Chippenham side with a very low budget, he has done a brilliant job and helped them to a mid table finish. I think he’d be brilliant at Yeovil, he’s still young so has time to develop, he could be a long term option and he is local. He doesn’t have the experience of playing at the National League level, or higher, but he has played over 100 games in his career so their is plenty of experience in the men’s game, most of those have come in the past 3 years for Chippenham. This just seems like a realistic option to me as he may want a way into full time football.

Goalkeeper option 4 – Harvey Wiles-Richards – Bristol City – Loan

My fourth and final suggestion for the goalkeeper position is Bristol City goalkeeper, Harvey Wiles-Richards. The 21 year-old has had a solid 10 games for W*ymouth since joining from the Robins’, in that time he has conceded 9 goals, keeping 3 clean sheets. He may look for a step up next season, into the National League, Yeovil would make sense as it is local and there is a good group of young players looking to develop their game. However, as we already have a young goalkeeper in Will Buse, I don’t think this would be the best of ideas and we would not be able to promise the game time Wiles-Richards needs to develop. I think a more experienced head is needed to partner Buse for next season.

Right Back

The right back position was a vital part of our team last season, Michael Smith ended up coming third in the Gloverscast’s, fan voted, player of the year, he played 32 games last season, scoring once, getting 4 assists. At 35, I can’t hide on the fact that playing over 2300 league minutes is impressive, especially when you watch Smith play, he is up and down all the time. Towards the end of the season he started picking up small injuries that kept him out for a couple games, this really affected our team having to change right back every game. Mark Cooper then decided we needed to bring in another full back, We signed Yeovil-born right back, Brooklyn Genesini, on loan from Swindon. In his short spell at the club he played 6 games, assisting once. He gave us some vital depth at the back, helping out massively in the run-in. Michael Smith is the only right back at the club as we enter the off-season so in my opinion, we need another right back to add some depth to our squad so we don’t make the same mistake as last season and regret not bringing in backup if Smith gets injured.

Michael Smith. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown

In the right back position we are looking for someone as a backup to Michael Smith but will get lots of game time because of Smith’s age. We need a player who has plenty of energy to get up and down, someone who defends brilliantly in 1-on-1 situations and has quality when coming forward. 

Right Back option 1 – Brooklyn Genesini – Free

In similar style as my first goalkeeper option, I am suggesting that Mark Cooper goes for a player that we signed on loan this season. The 22 year-old right back has been released by Swindon after struggling to get game time for them in League Two this season. He is a Yeovil-born player who still lives locally, which fits into the transfer strategy that Cooper used last season, by mainly signing “local players.” In his short spell at the backend of the National League South winning season, Genesini showed his quality defensively and offensively. He could have some sell on value as he is still only young. This would add some real strength in depth to our squad for next season. He definitely looked like he could make the step up to the National League.

Brooklyn Genesini – 📸 Gary Brown

Right Back option 2 – Oscar Rutherford – Free

The first of two players released by Eastleigh that make my suggestions for the right back options is exciting, 21 year-old full back, Oscar Rutherford. Another young option to add depth to the right back position, he has a wealth of experience in the National League after playing over 2100 minutes of football for the Spitfires this season. Despite being so young, he has already played 74 games at the level, this could be vital for The Glovers to have a successful first season back in Step 1. He is an exciting, attacking right back who enjoys getting high up the pitch, using energy to get up and down. He is okay defensively but has room to improve, this could be another signing that we make profit on in the future if Rutherford delivers good performances. He is also versatile, being able to play left back and right wingback in a 5!

Right Back option 3 – Sam Robinson – Kidderminster Harriers  – Transfer

My third choice for a right back is probably the first player, in the whole document, to break the “local” barrier. Admittedly, Kidderminster isn’t exactly miles away but I wouldn’t count it as local, even then, he was born in Cheltenham. Kidderminster were relegated from the National League last season so certain players may be willing to stay in the National League, especially 22-year-old attacking fullback, Samson Robinson. Just over 1500 minutes of football this season for the ex Man City youth player is probably enough experience to become backup for Michael Smith. Robinson is a well-rounded fullback who looks to play high and wide when his team are in possession, having good creative abilities in the final third. He is also a solid defender who reads the game really well and has good recovery pace to get back into position. Another one who would add real quality depth to the right side of our back line, he also has the ability to play as a wing back in a 5.

Right Back option 4 – Jeff King – Free

The first rogue shout of my recruitment document comes in the way of former Chesterfield right back, Jeff King. The 28 year-old is in his prime age now and is probably one of the best right sided fullbacks in the division. He didn’t get as much game time last season for Chesterfield, only playing 1500 minutes in 19 games, getting 2 assists. When he has played though he has shown his quality, getting forward really well, with his progressive style and threat when carrying the ball. He is a good defender as well, someone who reads the game brilliantly. This option would leave us with two of the best right backs at Step 1, adding to our group of “winners” from last season, with another player who has won a title could add some vital experience. Bringing players in who have won the National League is massive when trying to have a successful season. He is another player who has the ability to play in a 4 or a 5, he has also come inside as a more inverted fullback at times for The Spireites this season, similar to what Mark Cooper asks of our fullbacks.

Right Back option 5 – Brennan Camp – Free

My final suggestion for the right back position is the second player to be released by Eastleigh this summer. At 23 years-old, Camp has played almost 100 games in men’s football, having loans to clubs in non-league such as Dorchester and W*ymouth, as well as Eastleigh where he was at most recently. He signed for Eastleigh on a free last summer but didn’t play a single game for The Spitfires last season. Despite this, Camp would be a useful signing, given his versatility and quality that I know he has. With the experience and quality of Smith, Camp could become a really useful backup next season, giving us the cover at right back and centre half, covering for two positions. His attacking qualities are lacking but defensively he is impressive, decent in the air and defends his bid really well. It’s my fifth choice for this position for obvious reasons but another local player and someone who has shown is quality before. I wouldn’t be against this transfer.

Central Defenders

The centre half position is probably the strongest part of our team from last season, Morgan Williams and Jake Wannell both playing 50 games in all competitions. They were both absolutely vital to our title winning season, defensively and offensively. Between the two of them, they made 15 goal contributions last season, both were so dangerous from set pieces, scoring some massive goals against the likes of Truro, Worthing and Bath. Defensively they were absolutely immense, brilliant reading of the game, getting in the way of shots and intercepting the ball to stop an attack. They were both incredibly dominant in the air and showed real composure when in possession to bring the ball forward and build from the back. However, at times through the season, we never really had a backup just in case one of them had an injury or suspension. Luckily, neither of them picked up any injuries at a time where we didn’t have any other defenders who could fill in. Josh Staunton played 12 games for us last season before being released, Jamie Sendles-White played 5, before picking up a nasty injury which saw him out for the rest of the season and Duncan Idehen played 4 games for us when he came on loan from Bristol City before the busy Christmas period. Jake Wannell and Morgan Williams are the only two central defenders left at the club so a backup or two is definitely needed coming into the new season.

Morgan Williams and Jake Wannell. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

In this position I was looking for someone who could play as a cover option for Williams and Wannell, allowing us to rotate and rest players if necessary. For the centre half position we need a player who is comfortable on the ball to build from the back and be a part of our unit in possession. We also need someone who is quality defensively, dominant in the air and strong into tackles.

Centre Back option 1 – Raphael  Araoye – Bristol City – Loan

The 19 year-old German, left sided central defender is my preferred solution to backup Jake Wannell next season. Araoye has played 15 games for Somerset side, Weston Super-Mare, this season, in which he has played over 1300 minutes. He showed his quality in that time by helping a Weston side find a mid table spot. Defensively he is brilliant, really quick, powerful recovery pace to chase the forward done if the striker gets beyond the last man. He defended his box brilliantly, putting in some vital blocks and some big last ditch tackles. On the ball, he looks very promising, composed in possession, which allows him to move the ball around very nicely, he has an excellent range of passing and can step into midfield to overload when needed. It’s a progressive loan for the German, one that makes sense considering our links to Bristol City. This is my preferred option at left sided centre back.

Centre Back option 2 – Luke Wilkinson – Free

The reason I stated clearly that Raphael Araoye was a backup for Jake Wannell was so I could get a fan-favourite, right side central defender in as my other backup. This signing is less about quality and more about getting some experience and leadership through the door. Wilkinson is a brilliant player to have around the dressing room because of his leadership and fight no matter who he plays for. This is a very popular name among Yeovil fans as he played 77 games for The Glovers over a 3 year period before moving to Woking, following Darren Sarll. The 32 year-old defender was born local to Yeovil in Wells so he knows the surrounding area. He has had an okay season for Woking despite being hampered by injuries, he played 23 times for the Cardinals, in the league, playing over 1700 minutes. He is a fantastic defender who reads the game really well. He doesn’t necessarily have the pace or quality on the ball but he would be a brilliant signing because of his leadership and defensive qualities he would be a useful signing to make 10-15 appearances throughout the season. He has plenty of experience at EFL and National League level to help the younger players improve. I could see Morgan Williams benefiting massively, having Wilkinson as a backup.

Luke Wilkinson. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Centre Back option 3 – Canice Carroll – Oxford City – Transfer

Despite Oxford City being relegated back to the National League South after just one season in Step 1, I have no doubt in my mind that the 25 year-old, Ex Irish youth international will still be in the National League come the start of the 2024/25 season. He has had a fantastic season for Oxford City, playing over 2600 minutes, across 30 games, scoring one and assisting one. Carroll is at a brilliant age where he has lots of experience in the men’s game but still has time to improve before he enters his prime, this may be the perfect time to pick him up as he could be fairly cheap after Oxford’s relegation. He suits how Mark Cooper wants us to play perfectly, in an underdog side like Oxford, Carroll still controlled the ball, having a passing accuracy of 86% throughout the season. He is brilliant on the ball and dictates games from the defensive position. Defensively, he is really impressive, has quick pace to recover and get back into position, reads the game brilliantly and is good in the air. He would have been tested massively in a poor Oxford side who conceded 94 goals, it would be interesting to see how good he would be playing alongside a solid back line.

Centre Back option 4 – George Langston – Free

My fourth suggestion for a central defender is former Eastleigh defender, George Langston. The 21 year-old had a good season for the Spitfires but was surprisingly released at the end of last season. He played 43 games in the National League, making over 3800 minutes. At such a young age this is impressive, he now has the National League experience to stay there and make a name for himself. Another young player who may have some sell-on value if he puts in some good performances, this could be a really interesting signing for Yeovil. He is a good defender who made over 6 interceptions per 90 last season, which shows he reads the game very well. He is still young so has a lot of room for improvement, I’m sure he would be a brilliant backup centre half in the National League. On the ball he still needs to improve but there are definitely signs that he has some quality. This is one i would like to see us go for as it adds some real quality in depth to our back line.

Centre Back option 5 – Duncan Idehen – Bristol City – Loan

My final suggestion for a central defender is another ex Yeovil player. Idehen played 4 games for the Glovers this season before moving to Bath City on loan where he started to get some consistent game time. The 21 year-old is a left sided defender – which is rare to find itself – who has struggled to find a successful loan spell for Bristol City. Next season is a vital season for Idehen who needs to get a good load of experience under his belt. I doubt Bristol City would loan him back to us because of the lack of game time he got when he game down to south Somerset last season, however, it is local and Cooper could use a player who already knows the surroundings down at Huish Park. He is a strong, quick defender who defends his box excellently, getting his body in the way wherever possible. On the ball he looks a bit shaky but at 21  he has time to improve.

Duncan Idehen

Left Back

We were fairly comfortable at left back last season and weren’t really threatened with needing one. Alex Whittle was signed on a free transfer from York and was probably our most consistent performer throughout the season. He played 40 games last season, scoring once and getting 2 assists. However, towards the end of the season he picked up a big injury which will leave him out for the whole summer period. Jay Foulston was the other left back brought in last season, on loan from Taunton. He played 20 games for us, mainly from the bench. He had an option to buy at the end of his contract but as of yet, there is no news of this being activated. Therefore, we currently only have one left back at the club in Alex Whittle.

Alex Whittle – 📸 Gary Brown

In this position we are looking for a left back who is brilliant at defending, has lots of energy to get up and down as well as having quality when they come forward. They need to have the ability to challenge Whittle for the first choice spot, giving us some real quality in depth down that left hand side.

Left Back option 1 – Jake Vokins – Free

At 24, it’s time that Jake Vokins left Southampton to find some quality first team football and get his career back on track. He has spent the final part of last season on loan at Eastleigh in the National League, where he played 6 games, starting all 6. Vokins is a player who would add real depth to our left back position, allowing us to rest Whittle if needed and it won’t affect our performances. He is quite short, at 5”4 which could lead to some issues when defending crosses to the back post, however, what he lacks in height, he gains in athleticism. He is quick, agile and dangerous when running with that ball. He likes to get as high up the pitch as possible and deliver with quality. It works geographically and allows him to settle down into a first team environment, at 24 he is at a good age where he can still develop into a brilliant left back. He can also play as a left wing back in a 5, which could become useful throughout the season.

Left Back option 2 – Jay Foulston – Taunton Town – Transfer

Jay Foulston is a player, familiar to Yeovil fans because of the 20 games he played for The Glovers at the end of last season, helping them towards the National League South title. I am not sure what the situation is with Foulston and his contract, when he signed for us on loan the club stated that we had an option to buy him at the end of the season, in the retained list was released, it was unclear if we were going to active that clause and buy Foulston permanently. I personally hope we do buy him, he would be a quality rotation option alongside Whittle, he’s only 23 so can develop and become our starting left back in the future as Whittle is getting older. He is a defender who improved massively as he got more comfortable with the professional environment, he looks dangerous going forward and takes a really good set piece. I could see Foulston being very useful if we decide to resign him next season. I feel it may be a missed opportunity for us if we don’t go on to sign him permanently.

Jay Foulston – Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Left Back option 3 – Ryan Haynes – Free

A bit of a rogue shout this one but Ryan Haynes was released from Northampton at the end of last season after playing just 5 games in the 2023/24 season. To have a successful season in the National League, you need a mix of experience and youth, Ryan Haynes is a player who has made over 200 appearances in the Football League, giving him the levels of experience required. He is 28, so probably wouldn’t expect to play week-in-week-out so he could rotate with Whittle. Haynes isn’t a brilliant footballer but would add a large level of experience to the back line and is someone who will be great in the dressing room. He still has a few years left in football so a move down to the National League could relight his career.

Left Back option 4 – Ben Brookes – Chelmsford City – Transfer

Ben Brookes has had a superb season for Chelmsford, who are spending another season in the National League South after losing in the playoffs to Braintree. This means that they will lose a lot of players in the summer to teams in higher divisions. Ben Brookes is another one of these. I feel that a lot of National League clubs will be in for the versatile full back this Summer, so the 23 year-old is one i’d love to see Yeovil go in for. He is a player who can play either side of fullback and uses both feet very well. He needs to work on himself defensively but going forward is very dangerous. He used his unpredictability to take the ball on either foot and deliver with quality. He is still young, so can develop and improve defensively. I think he would be a fantastic signing for us next seoson and add some real depth to our back line. Brookes would learn a lot off of Alex Whittle. Ben Brookes is bottom of my left back suggestions because of location, him being in Essex makes it slightly unrealistic for a move down to the South West.

Defensive Midfield

We didn’t really have a defensive midfielder last season, this left us very open in midfield at times and we looked under serious threat when teams hit us on the counter attack. Charlie Cooper and Josh Owers were the closest players we had to a number 6 last season but both Cooper and Owers are more like central midfielders. Cooper played 37 games for Yeovil last season, getting himself 7 assists. Josh Owers, who was released at the end of the season, played 20 games, scoring once. Cooper may still play as a defensive midfielder next season but I don’t think he is good enough to be a starting “number 6” in the National League and should be further forward.

Charlie Cooper – Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

For this reason, I feel that we need to sign a proper defensive midfielder who is there to sit in front of the back line and stop opposition counter attacks. We need a player who is big and strong, someone who can put in a tackle and read the game really well to make interceptions. We need a midfielder who is good on the ball so they can dictate play and create chances in deep areas.

Defensive Midfield option 1 – Rohan Ince – Free

I’ve gone for another ex-Yeovil player for my first suggestion for a defensive midfielder. Rohan Ince has had a poor season for Woking, he struggled to get up the standards he reached in the 2022/23 season under Darren Sarll. I believe the 31-year-old could reach them heights again with proper reset in his career. The ex-Chelsea academy player has had plenty of experience at this level, playing over 100 games for Woking since 2021. He is the perfect type of build for the defensive midfield position, 6’3, strong and powerful allowing him to hold the midfield. He is a really powerful runner, someone who can carry the ball a long way if the space opened up for him. This is a signing that would add real experience and quality to our midfield, allowing the likes of Worthington and Sonny Blu to be more open and creative in the final third. Ince will also be a threat from set pieces because of his height and power. He would be an excellent short term option in the number 6 position.

Defensive Midfield option 2 – Lloyd Humphries – Weston Super-Mare – Transfer

My second suggestion for the defensive midfield position is a local one. The 26 year-old Welshman is one of the most underrated players in the National League South, he played all 46 games in the league this season, adding over 4000 minutes to his name, scoring twice. He is an absolute joy to watch on the ball, the way he manages to dictate play. He is a good defensive player as well, reads the game brilliantly and holds the midfield with ease. This signing makes perfect sense in a Mark Cooper side, Humphries would dominate games with his quality on the ball and his lovely passing range. At 26, he is coming into his prime and at the perfect age to move into full time football. I feel that if he has another season at Weston some more clubs would start realising how good he is, so getting in early could be great idea. He is very disciplined and doesn’t rush forward unnecessarily, he holds his position very well.

Defensive Midfield option 3 – Omar Mussa – Free 

My third option for the defensive midfield position is Belgium-born midfielder, Omar Mussa. Mussa never really kicked on for Dagenham since his move from W*ymouth in the summer of 2022, hence why he has been released this summer. A move back down to the South West, but staying in full time football, may be an attractive proposal for the 23 year-old. He only played 14 times for the Daggers this season but there is definitely quality in there. At such a young age, he still has plenty of time to grow and improve. His stature and build is similar of that to Rohan Ince, although not quite as tall, he is still a very strong and powerful runner with and without the ball. He reads the game brilliantly. He’s more of a progressive defensive midfielder, someone who isn’t afraid to get forward and involved in the attack, this shouldn’t be a problem because his recovery pace is excellent. A signing I’d love to see us make!

Defensive Midfield option 4 – Henry Ochieng – Chelmsford City – Transfer

It seems that most of the defensive midfielders in the National League South have gone about their business quietly this season. Ochieng is another one, he has had an excellent season for the Clarets since moving back to Essex after a disappointing season at Aldershot in 2022/23. The 25 year-old is at the perfect age where he can still develop but has enough experience to be comfortable in any environment. This may be a slightly unrealistic signing as he may not want to move down to the South West, however, a route into full time football would be an attraction for Ochieng, that’s why I feel he’s a player Cooper should be looking at. I watched him closely when Chelmsford played Chippenham at HardenHuish a few weeks ago and he was my MOTM. Brilliant tackler of the ball, recovery pace was excellent and he dictated the game from deep.

Defensive Midfield option 5 – Emmanuel Maja – Banbury United – Transfer

My last suggestion for the defensive midfield position is 22 year-old Banbury midfielder, Emmanuel Maja. Banbury have been relegated from the National League North so certain players, like Maja, will be looking for moves up the pyramid. He is probably going to go back into the North, where he can keep building his career, however, he has been a real standout player this season and is deserving of a move into professional football. He is not a proper defensive midfielder but he can play there. Similar to Mussa, he has the ability to drive forward into space and get involved with the attacking play but has the recovery pace to get back into position again. He played 32 games for Banbury this season, scoring 4 goals from midfield. A signing that definitely won’t happen but I really like Maja so I thought he deserved an honourable mention because he has a lot of quality.

Attacking Midfield

We haven’t really had a genuine attacking midfielder throughout this season, Frank Nouble has taken up the number 10 role in a way. He has been given a free roam role to get on the ball in deeper areas to create when coming forward. He played the most minutes of any player this season and reached 50 games for the season, scoring 14, assisting 5. He will probably take up the same role next season as well but at the age of 33, he might not be playing as much football, so another option may be needed to rotate around with Nouble. I must add, if Jordan Maguire-Drew is to stay at Yeovil this season, he probably takes him this position as an attacking midfielder, however, I doubt he will stay. Jordan Young can also play in this number 10 role but his main position is coming in off of the right hand side.

Frank Nouble celebrates his goal with Jordan Maguire-Drew, left, and Jordan Young.

In this position I was looking for a player with a lot of creative qualities and a brilliant end product. As well as having the technical ability to play the game at different sorts of pace, whether that is on the counter attack or when in controlled possession. Some that has some flair to excite the crowd but is ruthless with their decision making in the final third. Possibly the most important player in our attacking play.

Attacking Midfield option 1 – Reece Brown – Free

As soon as Forest Green released their retained list for the end of the 2023/24 season, and Reece Brown had been released, I knew that Yeovil would get linked to it straight away. Mark Cooper has spoken about him on many occasions saying how much he likes him, I can’t help but put his name down as my number 1 suggestion for an attacking midfielder. Technically, he is top class, last season in League 2, despite only playing 11 games, he completed 85% of his dribbles. It works geographically, he is played under Cooper before, he is at an age, 28, where he has plenty of experience at this level and higher, where he can really push this team up the table. Another important factor is that he has won the National League before, under Cooper, at Forest Green. A bit of work needed on his end product but if he got off to a good start, I could help feel he could be one of the best players in the National League.

Attacking Midfield option 2 – Charlie Carter – Dorking Wanderers – Transfer

It is going to be tough to pull anyone away from Dorking next season, Marc White will be telling their players that they are going to get promoted back up, at the first time of asking but if you offer the correct amount of money, for a player like Charlie Carter, they may budge. Carter has had a brilliant season in the National League for Dorking, playing 38 times, scoring 8 with 2 assists. He is a well rounded midfielder who can play as an 8, or a 10, drifting around the pockets of space. One of the main things I like about Carter is his quality on the ball, his passing is lovely and he has the vision to match his range. At 27, he is coming into his prime and may like the attraction of full time football. This would be a real statement signing and could be the difference between mid table and the play off push.

Attacking Midfield option 3 – Alex Babos – Hereford – Transfer

Alex Babos is a player I’ve been following for a couple of months now and really like the look of. He has a lot to experience in the men’s game, at 25, he has played almost 100 games for Banbury, before joining Hereford in the Summer where he has played 45 times, scoring 10 goals and getting 4 assists. He is a wonderful player to watch, plays in the pockets of space, where he can pick the ball up on the term and seriously hurt a team with his quality in the final third. He has never played in the National League before but after an excellent season in the North he won’t be short of offers this season. Yeovil isn’t miles from Hereford so it could work geographically. The former Derby County youth player would be an excellent pick up for Mark Cooper’s side and even add some sell-on value to himself which could benefit all parties.

Attacking Midfield option 4 – Harry Pell – Free

There is a reason this is my fourth suggestion for an attacking midfielder, it’s very unrealistic. However, the 32 year-old attacking midfielder was released by Wimbledon this summer. He played 33 games for AFC this season in League 2, scoring 2 goals and getting 2 assists. Despite playing 33 games, he only started a handful. He would be a a short term replacement, only getting a single season out of him. He would come in use his experience to really help us out as the season goes on, players like him, Michael Smith and Frank Nouble could take us through if things get tough in periods next season. He has played in the South West before, when he had a short spell at Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham 10 years ago, but has spent most of him time in the East of England at Colchester, Grimsby and Wimbledon.

Wingers

Yeovil had a lot of success with most of the wingers that played last season, Jordan Young being the main one, he played 46 games, scoring 15, getting 10 assists as well. Young signed a new contract in January keeping him here until 2026. Dylan Morgan and Sam Pearson were the other two success stories with wingers last season, both played 16 games for the club after signing half way through the season. Dylan Morgan is one to be really excited about ahead of next season, he scored 4 goals, getting 2 assists in his short spell at the end of last season. Sam Pearson has been offered a new contract ahead of the 2024/25 season, he scored 4 goals, getting 4 assists in a similar period of time to Morgan. Having those 3 here next season could be absolutely key to our success. Other wingers we had last season include Jordan Stevens and Will Dawes, they have both been released after playing 23 and 24 games retrospectively. Courtney Senior came on loan from Barnet, showed sparks in his 4 game spell but didn’t do anything to shout about. Our three contracted wingers for next season are Young, Morgan and Pearson if he signs the contract.

In this position I am looking for someone with quality and unpredictability, allowing them to stretch the oppositions defence and create chances from out wide. They need to come in to be another option for our wingers, adding some real quality in depth to our team.

Winger option 1 – Ephraim Yeboah – Bristol City – Loan

Yeboah is one of the most exciting Bristol City youngsters right now, he has already had first team experience in the Championship for the Robins’ this season before being loaned out to Bath City where he played 10 games. In those 2 games he showed his qualities, scoring 2 goals and producing some brilliant chances. The Italian 17 year-old is so powerful and exciting when he’s at full speed, he can go either way with his tricky feet. For such a young player to have experience in a first team environment already, it really shows how good Bristol City rate him. They may want to loan him out for a whole season next year, either in the National League or League Two. If Yeovil can use their Bristol City links can to get Yeboah through the door they will have one of the best players in the National League.

Winger option 2 – Pedro Borges – Exeter City – Loan

For my second suggestion at the winger position I have gone for someone who can through our youth academy before being poached by Exeter City. Pedro Borges was poached by City when he was 16, he’s since had loans at Dorchester, Tiverton and Plymouth Parkway but has struggled to find a consistent run. He has played a few games for Exeter this season where he made a massive impact from the bench, even getting an assist in League One. Next season could be his chance to kick start his career, a loan back at Huish Park for a season could do him the world of good, not only will he be playing regular football but learning from some brilliant players. Exeter may be persuaded to loan him here after the success of the Sonny Cox loan last season. I could see this one happening. Borges is an exciting, tricky winger that would get the crowd off their feet. That’s what you want in a wide man.

Winger option 3 – Noah Coppin – Salisbury Town – Transfer

My third choice for a winger comes from Step 3 of non league. Noah Coppin has had a fantastic season for Salisbury in their playoff season. He has had unsuccessful spells at Chippenham and Taunton before but he has finally settled down and had a brilliant season. The jump up from Step 3 to Step 1 may be a big one, that’s why I’ve made it my third choice suggestion and not any higher. We have had some massive success stories from players who have moved from Step 3 to Step 1 before, I’m hoping this would be another one of them, like Josh Stokes moving from Sudbury to Aldershot last season. He is local to Yeovil so knows the South West very well. The 22 year old mainly plays off of the left but can play more central as he has an eye for goal. Will be interesting to follow Coppin over the next few seasons to see where he ends up.

Winger option 4 – Jephte Tanga – Free

This one came about as a bit of a shock to me, Tanga has had a brilliant season on loan in the National League South at Welling and Maidstone where he played all 46 games, plus a playoff game, scoring 4 times. At just 19, he has been released by Leyton Orient, leaving himself a free agent for the summer. He had two really successful loan spells in the South where he showed his quality on the ball. He’s a tricky winger, who is unpredictable on the ball and dangerous when running at the opposition defence. He needs to work on his final product but at just 19 he has plenty of time to develop. This one could be worth the gamble by Mark Cooper, he has experience in the men’s game already and seems like an absolute bargain on a free. Will be some sell-on value in there if performances are good as well. I would love to see Tanga down at Huish Park, obviously location could be a problem.

Winger option 5 – Enzio Boldewijn – Free

My final suggestion for the winger position comes in the way of versatile, 31 year-old, Enzio Boldewijn. The Ex-Eastleigh winger had an okay season for the Spitfires, scoring 6 goals and getting 5 assists, before being released it what was a big clear out on the south coast. He can play on either wing or as a right wing back in a 5, which could be really helpful for Yeovil next season in a Mark Cooper team who has played in a back five sometimes. He is an exciting player, with plenty of experience at this level and it leagues above. He is someone who has moved around a lot in his career, including a move from the Netherlands to Crawley. This is a signing I could see happening if we wanted a more experienced player on the wing to go with the younger talent we already have.

Centre Forward

As ever, the striker situation is an interesting one at Yeovil. Most of our strikers that were at the club last season have been released or gone back to their parent clubs. This being Jake Hyde, Alex Fisher, Ollie Thomas and Jahmari Clarke. The only striker we have kept at the club, other than Frank Nouble, who I’ve counted as a number 10, is Rhys Murphy – if he agrees a new contract. Murphy scored 15 goals and got 4 assists in 29 games this season. We probably need two more strikers, one in their prime, and one a bit younger to complement what we already have with Murphy.

Rhys Murphy. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

In this position we need two players who are a decent size, so they don’t get bullied off the ball, they also need to have decent pace and power and someone who can link up well with the midfield, second striker or wingers. They also need to be confident in front of goal.

Striker option 1 – Aaron Jarvis – Torquay United – Transfer 

Not sure much explaining needs to be done for my first suggestion at the striker position. Jarvis has struggled this season with injuries and a poor Torquay side in general. However, 9 goals in 19 appearances in the National League South does show his quality. Last season he was one of the best strikers in the National League but he decided to stay at Torquay. He has recently moved house to Taunton so he is local to Yeovil. The 26 year-old is a physical striker who plays well with runners off of him. He is a natural finisher who is most effective when he is shooting with instinct. I could really see this one being done.

Striker option 2 – Ricardo Rees – Merthyr Town – Transfer 

The second to last suggestion from step 3 on this list comes in the way of 24 year-old forward, Ricardo Rees. He has had an unbelievable season for the Welsh side, scoring 35 goals in the league alone. He is a complete striker who scores all types of goals. He would work very well upfront with Aaron Jarvis and Rhys Murphy because of his on the ball qualities. He is brilliant on the half turn because his linkup play with his teammates is brilliant, he has quick feet to get away from his man and his finishing is as natural as they come. Rees is deserving of the jump from step 3 to 1, into professional football because of this brilliant season. I think he would still score 15-20 goals in the National League because of his finishing qualities. It’s worth a gamble, with a chance of selling him on for more money. It seems like a low-level risk worth taking for me.


Striker option 3 – Marcus Wyllie – Enfield Town – Transfer

Another step 3 suggestion comes in the way of 24 year-old striker, Marcus Wyllie. He has had a brilliant season for Enfield, scoring 30 goals and getting 15 assists in all competitions. His quality in and around the penalty area is brilliant, he is a naturally gifted finisher and someone who links up play brilliantly. No matter the level, to have 45 goal contributions in a single season is quite something! He would be a real fun, interesting player for us to sign, at a good age, where he already has lots of experience in the men’s game and is ready to make the step up. Would be another low-risk gamble worth taking, it could lead to profit being made in the future as well.

Striker option 4 – Jordan Garrick – Free

My final transfer suggestion, for the whole recruitment document is former Swansea, Plymouth and Forest Green striker, Jordan Garrick. The 25 year-old Jamaican needs to rebuild his career in English football, a drop down to the 5th tier could help this massively. He played just 8 games for Rovers this season, scoring 2 goals in that time. He is a quick, technical forward who can also play on both wings, he likes to get the ball to feet and take his man on. This could give us a different style of player to what we currently have and he could link up really well with Aaron Jarvis. Someone who will thrive with confidence so if we get him scoring in pre season, come the start of the National League season, he could be one of the best players in the league. He needs to find the level he was when playing for Plymouth again. He is local and lives in the South West so this makes sense geographically as well.

So here it is then, my final squad that I think we should go into the first game of the season with. I am interested to hear your thoughts on who I have picked.

thankyou for reading! Any feedback is always taken on board.

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On a sunny, celebratory afternoon in April, Matt Worthington hoisted the National League South trophy above his head. After five years at Huish Park and two relegations, the energetic midfielder (an understatement if there ever was one) had finally clinched silverware for Yeovil Town Football Club.

Matt Worthington lifts the trophy high. 📸 Gary Brown

If there is a player who’s seen everything at Yeovil Town, Worthington is that player. Signed on loan by Darren Way in 2017 before making it permanent in January 2019, Worthington is one of two players who were at the club when Yeovil fell back into non-league after 16 years in the EFL. He’s seen three owners, seven managers – including the interims – and became the skipper after Josh Staunton’s departure this season.

Worthington has always been a leader without the armband, fronting up to the media, setting standards on the pitch and with the arrival of Mark Cooper, has become the relentless endeavour in a title-winning midfield. There was no one more worthy than Worthy to lift the clubs first (men’s first team) league title since 2005. 

“I am just so happy that I stayed.”

It wasn’t for certain that Yeovil’s number eight would remain after the turmoil of the 2022/23 season. Yeovil travelled to Boreham Wood for the final match of that season with players unpaid and the future of the club in serious doubt. Martin Hellier stepped in and completed the purchase and set about giving Mark Cooper the resources to build a squad that could return to the National League at the first attempt.

Matt Worthington leads the team out. 📸 Gary Brown

Speaking after the unforgettable night in Gloucester when the Glovers clinched the title, Worthington told BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins: “Last summer was very difficult and I had a decision to make whether to stay or whether it was my time to stay on and I am just so happy that I stayed.”

When Worthington re-signed in the summer, Cooper said: “I’m delighted we have persuaded to get Matt to stay with us, especially as there were numerous clubs after him. I think like the existing core group of players, he feels a duty to try to get us back up.

“He is someone who is local, he understands the club, he understands the town and it is important we show fans that we have that on our minds.”

The duty has been fulfilled and now for the first time in his career at Yeovil, Worthington is at a club with positive momentum and a mountain of goodwill behind it.

“I have been here four or five years now and the fans have always been with us through good and bad. This season they have been unbelievable home and away. So it is just so nice to give them back something to enjoy,” Worthington said in his interview with Sheridan.

The Yeovil faithful, who travelled in their droves to Gloucester and revelled back in Somerset two days later, certainly enjoyed the first pressure free weekend in a season where every week the Glovers were expected to win. Mark Cooper masterminded 29 victories this season, surpassing the 28 achieved in 2002/03. Worthington played in 43, scoring 4, assisting 5 with a points per match of 2.10. He’s had a good season, in which he made his 200th appearance for the Glovers. His sumptuous Braintree lob as it poured it down in pink, the sidefooted opener against Slough and the stoppage time cushioner at Tonbridge stick out in the memory as key goals in important matches this season.

Matt Worthington lets fly. Pic: Gary Brown

With the release and retained list now confirmed and with Matt Worthington at the core of this successful Glovers team, once again it feels like there’s more to come from him. Perhaps next year, with the club on an upward trajectory and a trophy in the bank he’ll step up again and captain the club to another successful season.