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The unbeaten start to the new season continued with a 3-2 win over Tamworth in front of the biggest crowd at Huish Park this season and none of 3,945 can say they weren’t entertained. Ollie Marsh was there to witness and here are his conclusions.

Bench builders. We’re currently witnessing a new phenomenon, never before seen at Huish Park, called ‘strength in depth’. It tells all you need to know about the squad Billy Rowley has built that you can look at a team sheet with seven changes on it and still feel like you have a very good starting XI. There would probably be uproar if any other team in the division dropped their red-hot number nine, but Slavi Spasov getting a runout over Ste Walker barely even raised an eyebrow, let alone questions over the decision – and I thought the Bulgarian gave an excellent, battling performance. What’s more, to be able to bring on players like Ryan Jones – who I thought provided the injection of energy that won us the match – off the bench, as well as Westbooke, Norville-Williams among others is a breath of fresh air.

Ryan Jones added energy when he came on. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

Good but not perfect. It maybe wasn’t as controlled as Billy Rowley would have liked. You wouldn’t want to be a water bottle in the vicinity of our manager when something goes wrong; all it takes is a slightly misplaced pass or cheap free-kick and the Buxton (other water brands are available) gets a battering. The frustration in the dugout suggested that this wasn’t quite as dominant of a performance as our last showing at Huish Park against Gateshead – but when you can dig in and grind out the three points, who cares? It was all smiles and fist pumps in front of the Thatchers post-match, and that’s all that matters.

Me thinks the Lambs doth protest too much. Don’t let any Tamworth fans tell you they were hard done by. The Lambs players, fans and coaching staff were incandescent when Haydn Hollis’ late equaliser was chalked off, but the only crime from the officials was that the decision took so long to make – the experienced defender was clearly a mileoffside when he poked into an empty net. Even if there was an injustice in disallowing the goal, it would have simply balanced out the blatant handball that was missed earlier on…

Luke McCormick celebrates with Brett McGavin. Picture courtesy of Indy Pitman/Indy’s Visuals.

Mac the Knife. Brett McGavin was worthy of his MOTM award. I was intrigued to see how our number 14 would get on without Westbrooke beside him, with the two having formed a decent yin-yang partnership over the past few games. As it turned out, Hayden Muller was equally adept at doing the dirty work, allowing McGavin to proceed at his creative best. He should have got a goal or two (he can blame tired legs for the attempted lob at the end) but that didn’t take the shine off what I thought was a starring performance.

Are you not entertained? That was Yeovil Town Football Club at their brilliant, chaotic best. We’ve seen a few different types of performances from the Glovers this season, and while the dominance of the Gateshead win may be better for the blood pressure, this was the closest we’ve been to Gary Johnson’s ‘you score four, we’ll score more’ football in ages, and I loved it. Cracking goals! Sloppy defending! Late equalisers! Missed penalties! Inject it into my veins. Huish Park seemed to revel in it too, particularly in the later stages, showing no mercy towards the visitors’ misfortune, before becoming a wall of noise to see the boys over the line. UP THE GLOVERS!

Mason Obeng is enjoying himself. Picture courtesy of Indy Pitman/Indy’s Visuals.

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It was quite some Friday night for the Glovers who came from behind to grab a 2-1 win over recently relegated Barrow.

Ben was in the press box for the BBC and here are his five conclusions on a heady night in Cumbria.

Energy. Effort. Desire.

I’m knackered after the nearly six hours of driving to cover less than a 200-mile round trip – I can only imagine how the 80-plus people who got home at 5am on Saturday must feel! I’m was exhausted just watching at the energy, effort and desire from the Glovers.

It’s perfectly acceptable to give a good Barrow team the majority of the ball especially on their own turf, but the more I see of this side, the more convinced I am that you will not out work this new look Yeovil side.

It is world away from us even 12 months ago, it’s so refreshing to see that basic desire to run through brick walls for each other, for the manager and the fans.

Together. Yeovil Town celebrate with the travelling supporters at full time in Barrow.

We would have lost that game last season.

And the season before, and the one before and probably plenty of previous seasons before that!

But here’s the thing we would have shut up shop and taken the point after the equaliser in those campaigns too. We wouldn’t have sent the central defenders up for that late free-kick.

That’s a mentality thing. That was rolling dice and saying we can take the risk of losing a game to try and win it.

Replacing quality with quality.

Oh no, Ryan Jones is on a yellow card…that must mean we have to play someone else out of position to fill the gap… oh, wait. We have Mason Obeng and James Daly ready and raring to go!?

Oh no, I hope Joy Mukena has to be careful in the second half on a yellow. Actually let’s just bring on the vice captain, or a highly thought of loan signing in Ayina. Jack Kingdon and Dan Ellison aren’t even in the squad!

With all due respect, the days of putting square Finn Cousin-Dawson-shaped peg in a round hole because he can do a job, are behind us.

Unbeaten and confident.

I don’t think we’ll go 46 games unbeaten, although I’ve been wrong before. But if a new group with a 15 new faces could have hand-picked a start to the season, there would have been a lot of people choosing to keep a 0 in the L column for as long as possible.

What we’ve got is a group that is determined to keep it that way but, also a group learning how to stick together when (if?) the first defeat comes. That might be the biggest personality trait I’ve spotted. Together.

The Green does sometimes rub green.

You earn your own fortune, right?

Barrow had chances, plenty of them, but they probably will say Mukena was lucky to stay on the pitch – for what it’s worth, I think the distance he and Alex Reid were from goal puts enough doubt in the referee’s mind re: DOGSO.  It wasn’t a free kick for our winning goal, but Amos committed half a dozen other cynical fouls and got pulled up on none through the game, so we might have earned one going our way.

These moments are the fine margins that haven’t gone our way in those first two games. For as much as we deserved something from the game, we deserved something going our way.

Scorer Joe Gubbins celebrates with manager Billy Rowley at the final whistle.

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Ian was at a resplendent Huish Park for the lunchtime kickoff as the Glovers carved through Gateshead again and again. Here are his Five Conclusions…

The first half was as complete a performance as I can remember. The Glovers were scintillating from the off. Breaking forward at pace, perpetual motion from the forward players and it took just 2 minutes for Ste Walker to bag his second goal in green and white. In truth, it should have been four by half time. Ryan Jones hit the bar, Walker couldn’t get his feet untangled, Charlie Lennon caused all sorts of problems and the Glovers had 8 shots on target in the first half. It was probably the first time since Gateshead at home last season that we’d seen such a performance…

Who gets a feeling we’re going to see a lot of Ste Walker doing this in front of the Thatcher’s? Picture courtesy of Indy Pitman/Indy’s Visuals.

The midfield duo are finding their feet. Brett McGavin, who Gateshead clearly hadn’t watched, was given the license to dictate all afternoon. When McGavin is given the sort of time he was afforded he will control the tempo and pick out pass after pass after pass. But, he has had the perfect partner in Zain Westbrooke. Westbrooke is the ever-willing runner who quietly goes about his business. He’s one of those that may go unnoticed during a game, but lose him and it’ll leave an almighty hole.

We’ve got fantastic depth. It’s a testament to the recruitment and the ownership group that we’ve got the most depth I can recall us having in National League, if not further back. The be able bring on Loick Ayina, Mason Obeng, Hayden Muller, Slavi Spasov and Johl Powell and have the levels not drop shows how far we’ve come. They’d be starters in previous seasons and there’s still the likes of Jack Kingdon, Joe Gubbins, James Daly and Joe Haigh that weren’t available or didn’t get on the pitch.

Luke McCormick
Picture courtesy of Indy Pitman/Indy’s Visuals.

Super Luke McCormick. It’s only taken three matches but the skipper looks to be back to his mercurial best. His goals yesterday were calmness personified, in those moments he was the coolest head in Huish Park we needed that to finally put a game to bed this season. We saw that sort of performance so many times before his injury last season and to see it this soon is promising. Chants of ‘Super Luke McCormick’ rang out of the Thatchers yesterday, the chant solly reserved for Super Gav has been passed on.

What is this feeling? Is it confidence? Is it comfort? Have you ever seen such a one-sided highlight package in our favour? There was a moment yesterday where we had Gateshead chasing shadows and it reminded me of us, and how teams come to Huish Park and give us the run around. Yesterday, we were the dominant team and we have set a benchmark now for what we are capable of. Next weekend will be another challenge with two fixtures so close together but for the first time in years, I’ve got confidence in the Glovers.

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The new season got underway at Huish Park in heart-breaking fashion yesterday as Carlisle United snatched a point scoring an equaliser with the final kick of the game. Dave paid a rare visit to Huish Park and here are his conclusions from his view on the Thatcher’s End.

Absolutely gutted: The first emotion I and I am sure everyone of a Yeovil Town persuasion felt at the final whistle was absolute heartbreak. It felt like it was going to be a tall order to keep out even a below par Carlisle side for 25 minutes with ten men following the sending off of Joe Gubbins. But it looked like our heroics had done it right up until Harvey Bunker’s equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage time. It was de ja vu from last weekend at Scunthorpe, that mixed emotion of positivity at how we had played, but utter heartbreak that we had not got all three points.

The scoreboard at full time was full of ‘so close.’

Heroic defending: For the final 25 minutes with ten men we defending like absolute lions, but our good defending extend beyond that. Yes, granted Carlisle were not great, but our defence made players who are good even below their best, the likes of Regan Linney, David Ajiboye and Georgie Kelly, look average. That was the case last weekend at Scunthorpe as well and that is not just by chance.

Super Jos Barker in goal: We always needed to see Jos Barker in competitive action before we judged him and I’m liking what I see. He’s not afraid to mix it and comes for everything and gets it more often than not. It is only two competitive games, but from the a player who has jumped two tiers of the football pyramid, he has not looked out of place from anything I have seen.

Jos Barker – he came to claim a lot and he got more than he didn’t.

How good is it to have a striker again?: Did anyone else get Rhys Murphy vibes when Ste Walker picked up that through ball from Ryan Jones and coolly slotted it home? In his competitive debut for us, that is the mark of a true striker. I can only imagine what the strikers we had at the club last season would have done in that situation.

So much to be positive about: We are sat here a matter of minutes (seconds in the case of yesterday) away from six points against two sides who will be in the promotion mix come May, and we only have two on the board. But I can’t feel anything but positive about how we have started the season. Seeing us pass the ball quickly and look to move it forward when the time is right is like meeting an old friend after many years apart. Even when we had to move it sideways or backwards, I felt like it was all part of the plan. To hear so many cheers and applause at the final whistle, I know I can’t have been the only one.

Ste Walker celebrates his first league goal in green-and-white. Picture courtesy of Jayden Tate/Tate’s Photography.

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We. Are. Back!

The summer of waking up at stupid a.m. for an advertising/hydration breaks in the middle of a game between two nations we don’t care about is over, we have the proper football! We’re all a little bit (too?) excited and we are off and running with National League action.

Ben was on the mic for the season opener at the Attis Arena here are his key takeaways.

We saw some really nice debuts.

Throwing in so many new faces all at once was something that Billy Rowley had to do, he didn’t have much of a choice. But what he saw was a really positive showing from all his new lads.

I’ll highlight a few, but honestly, I think the vast majority gave a great account of themselves as individuals and as a unit.

Mason Obeng’s goal will rightly take the headlines (and the spuds), but he was a constant threat down the left hand side. If anything I think we maybe under-utilised him during the first half, but the way Archie Davies was getting success down the right, I understood.

Jos Barker didn’t put a glove wrong in goal, one first half save in particular was crucial. Joe Gubbins is going to key at the back and organised things well and kept Scunthorpe’s danger man Danny Whitehall quiet.

Jordan Norville-Williams is going to be a real fans’ favourite. Never gives an inch, runs for his life and adds something in attack and defence equally.

Jordan Norville-Williams is going to be popular with Glovers’ fans. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

We saw two really good goals.

He meant it. There might have been a suggestion that Luke Brennan’s last gasp equaliser was a bit fortunate, but being in the Press Box right behind it and having him confirm it post match as he walked past the media teams, we saw a genuinely brilliant goal.

No blame on Jos Barker, maybe our defenders could have closed that space down a bit quicker, but sometimes, you doff your cap to a brilliant goal.

Was it better than Obeng’s though? They’re not far apart! A seriously good finish to a seriously good delivery from Ryan Jones’ free-kick.

Mason Obeng puts Yeovil into the lead at Scunthorpe.

There’s more to come.

We didn’t see either Charlie Lennon or Ste Walker at all, both saved for another day as we looked to sure up in the second half, and that’s quite exciting. On loan defender Loick Ayina was there with the group but now we have that thing called ‘depth’ we had to leave him out. That’s bonkers!

At home, having the ability to bring quality players, exciting game changers off the bench at different times should fill the fans with optimism, and hopefully put a little fire in the belly of those who missed out at Scunthorpe.

Stephen Walker was an unused substitute at Scunthorpe. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Permission to believe. 

We would have lost that game at the exact time last season, in fact, my guess is it would have gone the same way as those Hartlepool openers the last two seasons, cagey, dull and eventually a bit of a damp squib.

But we didn’t yesterday. We’re gutted not to win, away at one of the toughest, most physical teams in the league who I expect to be play-off bound once more. That’s not something to take lightly at any point in the season. Plenty will come away from Glanford Park with little more than a Danny Whitehall bruise or six and a total of zero points.

The officials are allowed to be rusty as well, right?

You’ve probably seen the screenshot on social media of the third contentious ‘offside’ call against Luke McCormick by now. If you haven’t it’s below. I don’t think referee Michael Barlow or his friends were really up to speed yet. They are coming back off the break too, but being overly lenient in that game didn’t really do any favours to anyone and they called at least two (possibly three offsides) in the hosts’ favour that clearly were not.

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It’s the start of the National League season tomorrow and we have asked you what you think of Yeovil Town’s chances for the new season.

A total of 122 of you gave your thoughts (and thanks to everyone who did) and now the 3 Plebs have shared their thoughts, hopes and dreams for this season – but even more importantly, what did you think?

Headlines

  • Final finish: More than half of you (52%) are predicting a play-off finish with a further 44% predicting somewhere between 8th and 12th place, with 2% (presumably W*ymouth fans) expecting a relegation fight.
  • Golden Boot: Stephen Walker (68%) is the clear winner to be top scorer followed by captain Luke McCormick (22%)
  • Player of the Season: McCormick (58%) is the player you expect to be picking up the ‘Glovie’ for our top performer with Mason Obeng (12%) and Brett McGavin (10%) in the runners and riders.
  • Up for the Cups?: The most common prediction (42%) is exiting the FA Cup in the second round, but expectations are high for the FA Trophy with a 38% expecting a quarter-final place. You couldn’t care less about the Somerset Men’s Premier Cup with 59% of you thinking we’ll not win it.
  • League Ups and Downs: Carlisle United (35%) are your title tips followed by Boreham Wood (22%) and Southend United (18%), while Hornchurch (45%) your overwhelming favourites for the drop.

If you prefer reading these things in graph form, you can find these below, and without further ado, here’s out expectations for the 2026-27 season…….

Ian Perkins

Thoughts on Summer:

When have we ever been the club that’s got its business done early? To go into the first day of pre-season with an actual squad without the need for a massive amount of recruitment was a brilliant step change. We feel more ready. Everything’s felt quite strategic and whisper it, I think we might know what we’re doing. We’ve retained the ones I wanted us to, and based on what the ‘experts’ are saying, we’ve recruited really well.

What are you most excited about?

To see a Billy Rowley and Darren Simpson team. Clearly we didn’t see that last year. Our management team inherited a burning building, a squad put together by multiple managers and we muddled our way through to the end of the season securing safety. So, with recruitment done early, a proper pre-season and ideas starting to come through, I’m most excited to see the ideas that Rowley and Simpson have, come through on the pitch.

Who is our key player?

Luke McCormick. Without his goals last season the picture would have been very different. We missed him when he was injured. He’s our captain, he’s fully fit and he’s going to be absolutely crucial to our success. Don’t fall in love with footballers…

Captain fantastic Luke McCormick is Ian’s key player. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Who will be our breakout star?

There’s something about Mason Obeng that I like. He’s found some decent areas in matches during pre season and his goal against Merthyr was lovely. It’s a big jump for him from last season but I’ve got faith in the manager’s judgement.

Where will we finish?

If we can start strong and get points on the board early then we have to believe in a play off push, but its a new squad learning a new way and those ideas will take time to become instinctive so we’ll see some growing pains. I think we might fall just short, but it will be close.

Ben Barrett

Thoughts on Summer:

It’s been really refreshing to have all the hard work of recruitment done early.

We have a couple of actual strikers, we have experience at the back and some class in midfield, quite how it all comes together remains to be seen, but it’s so nice to not head into the new season with so many unanswered questions and with at very least an idea of how we’re going to be going about things.

What are you most excited about?

Believing again.

When we dropped to the National League South, a successful season was expected, but for the years either side, we’ve been forced to find hope and belief with the straws being clutched at on many an occasion.

We shouldn’t (!) have four managers again and we can believe, through everything we’ve been told that we’re going to give it a go. I can’t wait to believe.

Who is our key player?

Luke McCormick is too obvious, although we absolutely need him on the pitch.

Goals are the main difference between 17th and 7th and that means there is something to be expected of Walker and Spasov amongst others.

If Ste Walker gets going early, I’m really excited about his chances of scoring goals this season. It feels harsh to put any level of expectancy on his shoulders, but as our main goal scoring acquisition, he is, almost by default, our key player.

Ben is expecting a big season from new goalkeeper Jos Barker. Picture courtesy of Jayden Tate/Tate’s Photography.

Who will be our breakout star?

Jos Barker. Goalkeeper’s Union in full force here, but I wanted to get a bit of backing in early. Untried at this level, yes. Young, yes. But of all the goalkeepers in the mix this summer the manager could have gone for dozens more ‘obvious’ options, but he clearly backs his ‘keeper and that is all I need to get behind him too.

Where will we finish?

I have NO IDEA! But I can narrow it down to top half… actually top ten… top… seven??? Maybe not. If you’re asking me for a specific number, I’ll go 8th. But I think it’ll be closer to the top than the bottom.

David Coates

Thoughts on Summer:

Wow! Getting our business done early is not something we have become accustomed to at Yeovil Town, but this season we did it. Even before we get started on the new arrivals, we have kept a lot of quality from last season in the shape of Luke McCormick, Brett McGavin and James Daly and that gives us a good base to build on.

What are you most excited about?

The unknown quantity of what this team is what excites me about this season. I know every non-League expert with a social media account is tipping us for a top seven finish because of our transfer business, but the truth is there is a lot we have not seen many of these players. But, there is the potential to a side which can really leave a mark on this division.

We saw last season that dominating possession is at the heart of what a Billy Rowley team is all about, I just hope that we can get it out to the attacking talent that we have in the side. If we see attacking football, played with real purpose and coupled with a passion, I am happy for this season to be building for the future.

The promise of Stephen Walker getting goals this season has got Dave’s interest. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

Who is our key player?

Stephen Walker is one of those unknown quantities which I mentioned just now – but what potential he has. YouTube scouting is one thing, but we have seen in pre-season that this lad has an eye for goal and with full-time coaching and everything that goes with it, he could be a special talent.

Who will be our breakout star?

One player who have not seen play a second in green-and-white is Joe Haigh, but there is no doubt that there would have been plenty of clubs at our level and above who would have wanted to sign him this summer. If he can get back to full fitness and showing the type of form which made him such a hotly-rated talent, he could be the one we’re all talking about.

Where will we finish?

I’m not going to follow the non-League experts and say we fall short of the play-off places in ninth place having flirted with the play-offs for some of the season. For me, this would be progression from where we have finished in the past couple of seasons and set us up nicely for next year.

Your predictions – but in graph form…..

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Before last season I said I wanted to club to get the recruitment done early. For too long we’ve been the club that waits it out for the players who don’t get picked up. For too long we’ve felt like the last resort for players.

We’ve smashed that perception to pieces so far with a flurry of daily announcements and a selection of signings that have whet the appetite for the new season – and we’re not even back at pre season yet.

As expected – and possibly spoiled by his former club – Billy Rowley has crashed Walton and Hersham’s league winning party to bring in three players that he feels can make the step up in Mason Obeng, Jos Barker and Johl Powell. That’s provided us with depth in midfield and in goal, although I will continue to pine for the return of Jed Ward. It’s also added three players by who know the manager, know the systems that can contribute pretty quickly.

We’ve also bolstered the ranks with players who “know the level” (and above) too. Zain Westbrooke, Archie Davies, Hayden Muller and Joe Gubbins have all arrived with pedigree and in their prime years. They’ve also been drawn into the club by the project too, so whatever we’re telling these players that makes us a destination is fine with me. We’ve also bolstered the front line with Ste Walker from Scarborough. A versatile forward, who Yeovil legend Kevin Gall talked about on this week’s Gloverscast. Walker knows where the back of the net is, and from what Gally has told us, can do a bit of everything.

The promise of more to come from the club’s Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas Brayne, has seen Jordan Norville-Williams and Jack Kingdon arrive and the rumour mill keeps on going. Chatter of Tom Knowles (#DFILWF) returning to Huish Park – following the administrative error that saw him depart Forest Green Rovers – seemed fanciful and was ruled out by our HR guy on Twitter. It would be an unbelievable coup but, Knowles is comfortably a League Two player and I have no doubts clubs will throw money at him to bring him in. There’s a host of Twitter transfer rumour aggregators who are stirring the pot as always.

We’re now up to 18 squad members with plenty of depth in defence. I think we’re still light in the middle of the pitch and up top and will continue to campaign for Jed Ward’s return between the sticks. But, huge credit to all involved because we feel more prepared than we have in years and our clearly investing for a competitive season.

Finally, a shout out to the club for making sure these recruits have all been unveiled at Huish Park with scarves and accompanying content. One of the many (in my opinion) downsides of taking training away from Yeovil was that anyone who signed during last season’s lacklustre recruitment drive was given a scarf and photographed in front of generic gym entrance. These signings already feel more like ours.

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With the end of another mad Yeovil Town season upon us and with at least one more year of National League Premier Division football secure, we I are looking to the future and speculating on what our squad may look like next season. There was a marked improvement in our play since the arrival of Billy Rowley, but this transfer window is huge especially with only eight players still under contract. Glovers’ fan WILL JONES has taken a look at some of the players who Billy Rowley could look at as summer transfer targets.

I’m sure we’d all agree the biggest improvement needed next season will be a bigger squad, therefore I’m making 3 suggestions for each position (except 1 for reasons I’ll outline), I’m not expecting all of them to be signed, far from it, but in certain positions 2 out of 3 being signed in a few places would be sensible to ensure that we’ve got quality and sufficient cover, even if it means having less star men style players, a ‘medium squad of solidity’ if you will.
When picking players I’ve favoured finding players who have previous links with either Billy Rowley or Head of Recruitment Jamie Hedges, as well players who are likely to be based in the local area, but there are a few wild cards thrown in here and there. 

Goalkeepers

Of course the ideal answer would be bring back Jed Ward, likely on loan, permanently if we’re going crazy. However I’m assuming his heroics for us will lead to him being poached by an EFL team, or a higher level National League side with deeper pockets, so we’ll be in the market for a replacement.
Max Harris – Weston-Super-Mare’s first choice goalie for the last few seasons, and this season he managed 18 clean sheets, massively contributing to Weston’s play off push. Good with his feet, even if the current Weston tactics don’t always encourage it, one of the best shot-stoppers at step 6, and at a good age to play for several more years at 26. Doesn’t appear to have any links with our current recruitment team, however if we’re analysing players in the local area and prefer to have a permanent goalie over another loan, then we seriously should be looking at Harris.
Mason Terry

Mason Terry – If we do elect to loan in a goalie and Ward is elsewhere then I would push for Terry on loan from West Ham as an option. Despite being in a relegated team with Braintree, he managed to keep 9 clean sheets and has had several fans naming him as one of their best players this season. Add to that the fact that in previous seasons he’s won multiple player of the season awards, he’s clearly got some real quality about him. I think with a more solid back line ahead of him than he had at The Iron he’d be a safe pair of hands with a decent amount of men’s football experience despite still being a youngster.

Jordi van Stappershoef – Maidenhead’s number 1, like Harris, kept 18 clean sheets this season in a very effective defensive unit and, unlike Harris, previously played at Aldershot under Jamie Hedges as scout. The Dutchman is an absolute giant at 6’6” and despite that he’s known for being a front foot goalie who steps well out of his goal, so he clearly has confidence in his own technical ability, my only concern would be how he never seems to have nailed down a first team position in a team for more than a season or so, but at 30 years old, he’s well in his prime goalkeeper years and may be a more mature head behind a younger team.

Centre Back

Centre back is one of the few places we’re reasonably well stocked at currently, with 3 players signed for at least 1 more year. However, for depth alone if we’re continuing to play 3 at the back then I believe 2 signings would be needed, especially another left footer who can cover for Wannell if he’s out of the squad. With that in mind this is the one position I’ve made 4 suggestions, rather than 3, 2 right footers and 2 left footers, you can also consider Declan Skura my unofficial 5th pick, but he’s been mentioned everywhere else, so I wanted to be different.
Rollin Menayese – A more experienced suggestion at 28 years old, the current Macclesfield defender has history playing in the Southwest, having previously played for Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Rovers and Swindon and was also at Aldershot when our current head of recruitment was there. With almost 100 League Two appearances under his belt and his very physical style, Rollin could be the sort of signing needed to bring some grit and nous to a team that likely will otherwise consist of younger players.
Dynel Simeu

Dynel Simeu – Released by Oldham after signing a short term contract, this ex-Chelsea and Southampton youth lad just screams of someone who needs to drop into the national league and find a home. From his youth days he’s used to playing on the right of a back 3 and the thing that stands out about him from highlights is his athleticism, particularly his high jumping, which makes him appear bigger than his 6’1” frame, combine that with his strength, lots of highlights show other players bouncing off him when jostling for the ball, and he could add steel to our back line. He has played a lot in the north since leaving The Saints but in interviews he said Southampton was his home and he may wish to live a bit nearer to home, I think he could be a solid squad player.

Cain Harries – Current Forest Green and ex-Woking and Aldershot player, Harries seems to have fallen out of favour, despite previously being almost ever-present and I think he could be a cheeky loan pickup with an eye for a contract at the end of the season if it suits both parties. Harries is the epitome of a modern ball-playing centre back, very comfortable stepping up into midfield and helping to dictate play from deep and at 29 he could be another experienced head to slot into the back line and bring a calm head in pressure situations.
Shadrach Ogie – Another ex-Aldershot player, albeit prior to when Jamie Hedges was there, who just got released by Gillingham. This is one of my shots in the dark in terms of prediction, but having been a bit on the fringes of the Gillingham team for a couple of seasons, he may be one who wishes to drop down to try and get more regular minutes. The two things that stand out about him are his aggressiveness, he always seems willing to step out and tackle players, and he often comes away with the ball, as well as his explosive speed, when allowed to run up the wing or support the midfield he tracks up and back lightning fast. He also has the added benefit of being versatile, having also played left back in a back 4 and left of a back 3, so could help out squad depth and cover for a couple of positions.

Right Wing back

A position really up for grabs with Josh Sims being let go and only really James Daly being able to play in this position, albeit one that no one would describe as his best position. Therefore this is an area of the pitch someone could stamp their authority on and help in implementing Billy Rowley’s tactical style.
Zico Asare – Currently at Harrogate, but would have been at Fulham at the same time as players like Jonathan Page, so may well have an existing relationship with Billy Rowley and possibly with James Daly, as they would’ve been teammates, so this one definitely could be a possibility. Despite only being in his mid-20s, he’s played over 100 games at National League and League Two level, so would be a more established player than some other suggestions in this article. Looking at Harrogate fan posts and highlights, the big thing that stands out about him is his pace and ability to recover ground and if we are going to play very high wing backs then I feel that this type of physical attribute could be massive.
Mitch Clark – This one’s a bit of a stab in the dark, as he’s mostly been based up north, but I think with his agency on twitter advertising him as being willing to step down, we could pick up an experienced and versatile player. Clark has played in both wing back positions and one thing that separates him from other options is his versatility to play on both flanks and both score and cross with both feet as he marauds down the wings, also seems to love a crunching slide tackle. With over 200 appearances at League One and Two level, including a promotion from League Two with Port Vale, he could be a great experienced head to bring into the dressing room.
Jacob Pinnington – Another Braintree player than we could look at snapping up following their relegation, described on multiple Braintree fan forums as their one bright spark, and often deployed as a high pushing wing back in a 3/5 at the back formation, much like Yeovil have played. JP is comfortable on the ball and a strong attacking threat, especially when whipping in crosses deep from the byline, his season unfortunately ended early due to injury, but he could be a serious young talent for Yeovil to snap up with an eye to potentially selling on later should his upward trajectory continue.

Left wing back

This position I feel is Ryan Jones’ and we would be recruiting for a backup/rotation option, so one where giving a younger player or a player stepping up a level a chance is our best option.
Elijah Morrison – He’s struggled to get consistent game time at Forest Green this season, but is massively rated by Bristol City fans, even if not by the manager, as 6 other players were played in the left back position this season without him being recalled. Has all the attributes you’d want from a wing back, runs his backside off, and doesn’t shy from a tackle or header. He may want to step up a level, but my hope is the lack of game time at FGR means other clubs won’t be sniffing around as much and we can snap up a talented local young player who improves our squad depth.
Jordan Norville-Williams

Jordan Norville-Williams – A player without direct links to our current recruitment team, but has played against Billy Rowley in the Surrey cup multiple times, so I’m sure he’s at least aware of him. His bombing runs up the wing played an integral part in Dorking’s impressive NLS season, he also can operate in both wing back and as the left of a back 3, so could provide solid cover for two positions in one, at 26 he’s at a great age to take up to the next level and see if he can shine.

Jordan Ragguette – Maidenhead had the best defensive unit in the National League South this season and JR is one that I think we should take a look at. He’s previously played for Salisbury, so he has links to the local area and if Ryan Jones is first choice next season, I think bringing in Raguette as a backup allows him to rotate and adjust into full time professional football and hopefully continue his decent record of goals and assists that he’s had so far.

Central Midfielder

This position has been a mess this year, despite seemingly recruiting only central midfielders for a short time, Page, Tobin, etc. we still had to massively rotate this position all the time, when arguably it’s one of the places where you benefit from stability, which hopefully 1 or 2 of these players can offer. I also wouldn’t be surprised if we see the likes of Page and Tobin as trialists in pre-season to be offered a chance to prove their fitness and potentially earn a contract, but I would like to offer some suggestions who I think represent a more immediate upgrade.
Lloyd Humphries

Lloyd Humphries – ex-Weston-Super-Mare midfielder who’s just been released by Eastleigh, Lloyd always impressed me when playing for the seagulls and was a player I thought he should’ve been looking at when he left for the Spitfires. A midfielder who mops up everything and never makes it look difficult, him mucking in and doing the dirty work would be the perfect compliment to players like McGavin. He’s never played further afield than Cardiff, so likely wants to stay in the area, at 28 he’s a good age and was almost ever-present for several seasons in Weston and his first season at Eastleigh, could be our Mr Reliable in the middle of the park.

Tyrese Francois – Released by Wigan, but was in the Fulham youth ranks for 10 years, so likely one that would’ve crossed Billy’s path at some point. He was highly rated enough to make a few appearances for Fulham and then after his release to be immediately snapped up by The Latics, however he only got around 20 games over 2 seasons, so at 25 he’s likely to want to drop down and play more regular football. As a player he’s small but very technical, equally comfortable sitting deep and shielding the defence before pinging passes further forward, but also willing to push up into a more box-to-box role where he can take a dish out quick passes, could be a lovely replacement for Mafico should he decide to go up a league into the EFL.
Korey Smith – A familiar face to those who’ve been around a while, but he’s changed a lot since he was a fresh faced Norwich loanee several years ago. Since leaving Norwich KS has captained Bristol City to a League One title and promotion in the same league with Derby a few years after that, to top that off he’s been a captain almost everywhere he’s been for the last 10 years and It’s this level of experience and leadership that I would want to bring to Yeovil. At 35 he’s hardly one for the future, but I think his style of play would compliment McGavin perfectly in our midfield, there is a question over his fitness, playing less than 30 games in each of his last two seasons, but I think bringing him in alongside a younger player he can rotate with, mentor and possibly offering him a coaching role as well and you’re looking at adding the sort of leadership and experience that we have been missing in recent seasons.

Attacking midfield

Another position where we arguably have our starters nailed down in Daly and McCormick, so potentially hard to recruit for. With this in mind I’ve again focused on younger players or up and comers who could be used off the bench or in rotation, but still offer enough to impact the team, Will Merry is also an unofficial number 4 for this list, but I felt it was boring to just suggest someone we’ve just had on loan.
Noah Coppin – He’s a name that’s been mentioned before and after another productive season in Salisbury, he’s made over 30 goal contributions in the last 2 seasons combined, I think he’s proven he’s ready to attempt to take the next step up. NC plays his best football in the pocket behind a striker and loves to drift inside and wide to pick up passes and link play, the exact sort of thing which could compliment a big lad up front and a wing back overlapping on the outside and his ability to burst forward at speed could mean he’s the lad to get on the end of crosses or pick up scraps to score.
Leo Pecover – He’s only just turned 18, but I’ve really rated this lad on loan at Weston-super-Mare from Bristol City, despite being so young he’s physically well developed and doesn’t get bullied by non-league defenders, which is often an issue when talented technical youth players step up to men’s football. His vision, passing range and ability to turn a player marking him tightly has won points for Weston this season on more than one occasion, so a loan where he can join a solid squad and impact games at the next level up seems like a sensible next step for him.
Lewys Twamley. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.


Lewys Twamley – I’m usually of the attitude to leave the memories alone when it comes to signing ex-players, but LT might’ve been the least Mark Cooper player we signed around that time, couple that with being played out of position and he predictably struggled. Having returned to Merthyr he’s managed 30 goal contributions, one every 135 minutes this season and I think giving him the option to tuck in behind a striker in a team encouraged to press and attack would play to his ability with his feet and passing vision, plus who doesn’t love a good redemption story?

Striker

Possibly the most important position to get right this season, what with Yeovil being one of the lower scoring teams in the whole division this season. Rowley’s tactics are good at making scoring opportunities, but ultimately we need someone capable of putting the ball in the net, which could be the difference between another bottom half finish and a play-off push. According to rumours we have already bid for Shaquille Gwengwe, which means he won’t feature here, although I do think he would be a solid addition should we pick him up.
Fletcher Holman – This is dependent on the lad wanting more game time than he’s had this season, having made mostly 30-45 minutes appearances from the bench, this could especially be the case if Swindon do reinforce their front line. Even with limited playing time, he still managed to bag 5 goals and 5 assists in just over 1,000 minutes of game time, almost 1 contribution every 100 minutes, which is an exciting stat for a fringe player. Profile-wise Holman is a classic quick number 9, always playing on the shoulder and looking to break beyond the last defender by taking the ball on the turn, but I also think his passing isn’t talked about enough, he’s frequently been willing to drift wide and whip in crosses that cause havoc in the opposition box and I think that could pay off massively for our number 10s, box-crashing midfielders and high wing backs.
Jonny Stuttle

Jonny Stuttle – Highly rated for his exploits in the Bournemouth youth team, scored 10 goals in 19 games in a loan spell for Farnborough in the NLS and had a short spell at Aldershot when Jamie Hedges was there. Unfortunately his rise was seriously derailed after he joined Walsall on loan this season and went down with an ACL injury which ended his season early. However, I would hope that Yeovil can capitalise on this and be the club where he gets his mojo back. Watching his highlights he consistently runs at and presses opposition defenders, has good footwork and is a confident finisher, the exact sort of striker who would massively benefit from the passing ability of McCormick and McGavin.

Kieran Wilson – Exeter have all but admitted that they have no cash to offer contracts, therefore this could present an opportunity to pick up a promising young striker for little to no cost, and that’s why I’d look at Wilson. He stands at almost 6’6”, so physically he’s massively imposing, but despite this the thing that stands out for me is his control of the ball and willingness to beat defenders, good touch for a big man is a cliche, but this lad definitely has that. He doesn’t appear to have any links to our current team, but with him having gone on loan to both Torquay and Truro this season, he could be tempted to take a step up into the National League full time whilst still staying reasonably local.
Will we see any of these players holding up the scarf? Unlikely, but it’s fun to speculate and I genuinely think that some of these players should be on our radar. Ultimately though I will say In Billy We Trust and I would ask for some Calmness from the fanbase and time being allowed for recruitment to be done properly. I believe we could be at a turning point in our fortunes for the first time in years, we as fans need to play our part and, as always, Achieve by Unity.

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Well, that’s that. The 2025/26 season is done and dusted and how fitting that it ended with a bit of a bonkers scoreline as the Glovers conceded four first half goals (and scored one) in a 4-1 defeat against Solihull Moors. Here are Ian’s five conclusions from Huish Park…

It was a ridiculous start to the match. Ryan Jones forced the Moors keeper into a great save in the first minute, giving us a taster of some good green and white intent, but a minute later Solihull took the lead from a sumptuous strike that even Jed Ward couldn’t get to. Traffic meant some people were still arriving with Yeovil already 1-0 down and it only got worse. Every time the visitors got a shot at goal (except once) they found the back of the net. Oh to have some of that clinical finishing…

Terrell Works | Pic by Gary Brown

We had our moments. We weren’t without opportunities despite the scoreline. Terrell Works showed perseverance to claw one back and was bright in the final third. Will Merry constantly showed intent, driving forward and getting shots away. For me, if the opportunity to sign Merry is there in the summer I would try and take it. Harvey Greenslade got into good positions but the finish was lacking again. Once again, for all our possession we fluffed our lines in the final third.

Jed Ward comes off for Matt Gould | Pic by Gary Brown

Jed Ward deserved his ovation. Ward has been ever present this season playing every minute of every match (bar the last six minutes of this one) and he has been exceptional. Some of the saves he made this season were unbelievable and the standing ovation he received at Huish Park yesterday was well earned. We’ve loaned in some brilliant goalkeepers over the years and he’s certainly one to add to the ‘we had him at Yeovil’ when we see him in the television in a few years.

We were so patched up. When the team news came in with only two recognised defenders I was wondering (praying) if we were going for a makeshift back four. Alas, it was a three with Brett McGavin in the middle. That’s where we were as a squad, that our only ball playing midfielder who has been key to getting us play had to do a job in defence.

Prahbu Srinivasan | Pic by Gary Brown

Thank god it’s over. In all honesty did we ever expect a lot this season? We started it with a manager that the majority of supporters weren’t behind who oversaw a pretty poor pre season which really didn’t set us up for success. After a month long recruitment process that took less than 10 days to unravel with Danny Webb’s departure, the wind was well and truly taken from our sails. It was less of a punch to the gut and more of a punch to the balls. Billy Rowley has done well with what he’s had to get us to safety in really difficult circumstances. The slate is clean and work starts now. Let’s see about the competitive c eh?

Billy Rowley | Pic by Gary Brown

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York City go in to the final day top of the pile after a 3-0 win over a patched up Yeovil Town side who finish their away day schedule with a bit of a damp squib in North Yorkshire, here are Ben’s Five Conclusions.

We showed relatively good discipline in defence.

York have an abundance of quality in every department and move the ball with such ease and pace in the opposition half the result itself was probably no great shock. But, with so many players missing and literally nothing to play for, I was pleased with how the back three (or five) and those in front of them kept their shape and discipline in the first half to nullify the waves of attack – for the most part – not pretty, but it really was the only way we could go about it.

Brett McGavin and Dan Ellison | Pic by Gary Brown

Tired legs, tired minds.

We’re knackered. Properly knackered, and I know we’ve been saying it for weeks (months?) but I think this was the first time I’d seen tired minds too. We didn’t play to the whistle for the first goal (more on that in a moment), and assumed the play would stop for the second ball on the field, countless times we lost a battle and you could see it take that little bit longer to fight back into position. We made two or three excellent blocks in the area by players who had made the error to create the chance for York. Effort remained high, execution wasn’t always there.

The ref wasn’t very good.

In a game with such an imbalance, you need an official who keeps things level. Mr Drysdale played the occasion more than once.

The two ball situation was odd because both were in the same area of play, should Yeovil have played to the whistle? Yes. Should there have been a whistle? Probably. Would there have been a whistle if the teams attacking were reversed? Almost certainly.

Josh Stones got a yellow card for an early challenge that fit an ‘orange card’ on another occasion that’s given as a red. There’s definitely contact on Will Merry in the penalty area, he makes a lot of it, but it’s a penalty. Ollie Banks got three or four final warnings before finally getting booked for being a constant menace off the ball, there was a definite handball in the build up to the second goal. Sour grapes, yeah sure, but the least you want is a level playing field. It’s hard not to feel harshly treated.

Page showed what we might have been missing.

What a pleasant little cameo from Jonathon Page. Some neat little touches in midfield, a real little terrier attitude in the battle, against some giants he more than put himself about and you have to wonder if he might have been something of an asset all along had he been fit.

Merry showed why he’s an option beyond this season

Will Merry didn’t really get into the game first half, playing right in front of the dugouts, he had a tough time getting on the ball, but in the second period he really upped it getting at the York defence on a number of occasions. The more I see of him the more I think he’s exactly the sort of player who we should be looking at to supplement our attack next season, glides with the ball, attack minded and has a physical element to his game too.

Will Merry on the attack

I could write about Jed Ward being ridiculous for the level, but you knew that. I could write about 200+ fans in the away end who drew praise from the home side’s press pack at the end of the game, but you knew that. I could talk about our injury problems mounting up again with McCoy-Splatt’s shoulder popping out, but you knew that.

I’m exhausted (you knew that too), the lads are exhausted, the gaffer is exhausted, let’s get this post-season friendly against Solihull out the way and get next season rolling… after a little nap though, yeah?