Gloversblog (Page 17)

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Chelmsford left Huish Park with a point yesterday after a late couple goals saw it finish 1-1. Ian was in the commentary box and here are his conclusions…

Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

Joe Day had an impressive debut. The signing of another goalkeeper was no surprise following Lewis Williams departure, but an experienced EFL keeper who was on loan in the National League probably was a surprise. Day didn’t put a foot wrong, his distribution was solid and he pulled off three great saves. Firstly in a one on one situation, the second a low firm hand from a close range header and his third was a great reaction save to Josh Staunton’s miscued clearance. Will Buse is a good, young goalkeeper, but adding day makes the goalkeepers union stronger, more experienced and has strengthened the defence.

Is there anything Morgan Williams can’t do? I’m not sure I can conclude with a question, but oh well. Morgan Williams started in defensive midfield yesterday, shielding the centre backs. When I saw the line up it felt like Josh Staunton was the natural fit there but Williams took on the role and had another good game. He left the ball-playing to Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Charlie Cooper and was a good disrupter to Chelmsford’s attacking midfielders who were in perpetual motion. With all the attacking talent on the pitch (more on them in a bit), Williams was probably not the player people expected to pop up with the equaliser. #DFILWF might have a new ambassador…

Jake Hyde chance. Image courtesy of Mike Kunz

I’m not sure how we didn’t score more. It was two quite different halves for the attacking end of the team. The first half, I felt we never got in a flow. If I saw one diagonal pumped toward Frank Nouble I must have seen 1000. Everything good came through Jordan Young and Jake Hyde struggled to get any joy from Chelmsford’s lofty defenders. We picked up in the second half as Chelmsford tired with crosses flying into the box. Hyde had a golden 1v1 that he should have buried to open the scoring. Rhys Murphy entered the fray, Jordan Stevens returned and Jordan Maguire-Drew came on when we went 1-0 down. It was one way traffic for most of the second half, but I don’t think we stretched Chelmsford’s goalkeeper enough.

We need to find our best attacking unit. We’ve tried different combinations this season but we’re still yet to really make it click up top. There’s so much talent at the top end, Murphy, Hyde, Nouble, Young, JM-D, Stevens, Lo-Everton that should be able to unlock teams. I’m excited to see Stevens come into this team and I think he and Young in a front line will give us more energy and unpredictability in attack.

I’m not sure why people are grumbling about keeping the ball. Yet again, it’s another game where Yeovil recycle the ball, retain possession and work it down the other side to moans of some supporters. Chelmsford’s defence won everything in the air yesterday, Hyde and Nouble got no joy from the giant Winfield. Credit has to go to Chelmsford – the only unbeaten team in the league – who defended from the front and cut those forward passes out. I understand some of the frustration, but we’re a club that’s been losing for a decade and right now, we’ve got more in the wins column than the lost and that’s a good place to be.

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A Bank Holiday Monday in Hampshire, sounds lovely doesn’t it? Trains strikes might take the edge off the trip from Lancashire to the deep, dark south… losing 4-3 (despite fighting back from 2-0 and 3-2 down) definitely will make for a long, lonely journey back.

That’s what Gloverscast Dave did, he’s got five conclusions on what he saw (he probably has more, but we’re a stickler for the rules around here…) here they are.

Well that was dreadful. Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? That was an absolute defensive horror show from Yeovil. For the first half, we looked all at sea lacking any kind of defensive shape or discipline. Was it the absence of Josh Staunton? That was certainly a part of it, I think. Morgan Williams looked to be something we were missing in the first half as well. It got a bit better when he came on, but that probably just underlines what a farce the first half was.

Can it just have been the surface? I would definitely say the entire performance cannot be put down to the pitch alone. Playing on plastic does not stop players doing the simple things which we simply did not do. But it did appear to make them harder. We seemed to be incapable of controlling or passing a ball, let alone both. This was worse than the opening day defeat at Hemel Hempstead – our last outing on an artificial pitch – and with more matches coming up on these surfaces still to come, we need to sort this out quickly. Training at Dorchester, perhaps? 
 
Morgan Williams battles for the ball away at Havant
 
Too many changes cost us. You don’t need to be an experienced football manager to know that keeping a consistent line-up is the secret to success. With Jake Hyde fit enough to make the bench, it would seem that Josh Staunton was the only player unable to play on the artificial surface. Mark Cooper said last week that starting Olly Thomas would be very different to the player we have seen come off the bench to good effect recently and that prediction proved correct. The young Bristol City forward struggled to get in to the game, but he was far from the only one who struggled. If this was us offering players who have not been starting an opportunity to impress, they did not take it.
 
Will Buse in full flight at Havant
 
Being full-time means little if you have the wrong attitude. Last week, Cooper also spoke about there not being much difference between full-time and part-time players. For a team supposedly low of confidence having not won at home since February or won at all this season, Havant went some way to proving that point. But far from just fitness (although they looked every bit as fit as their full-time opponents) there was a great discipline and organisation about Havant. In Faal up front, they have a player who has the attributes to be a handful of defenders across the division and, if we can do it consistently, at a higher level. He bullied our defence from the opening minute and we could not handle him.
 
 
It’s hard not to, but we can’t lose our heads. There is no doubt this performance was a concern and the fact that it is now two poor performances in our first two away games is also a concern. But (big but), 10 points from the opening six games is still not a terrible return. We have put pressure on ourselves with a home game against an unbeaten Chelmsford this week and then our first derby of the season against Weston-super-Mare to follow. The job is now to embrace that pressure and step up. No excuses.
 

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Three points, a clean sheet, third win in four at home… go on then!

Commentating for Three Valleys Radio was Dave Prior he’s taken time to put together Five Conclusions as the Glovers started off the Bank Holiday weekend with a bang.

Dave Prior (left) and Paul Thorpe of 3VR

A performance to silence the doubters? Maybe. After a bright start from the visitors, it took Rhys Murphy to win a foul just shy of the 2-minute mark to give the Yeovil defence a breather. I worried at that point it could become a tricky afternoon, considering we had not kept a clean sheet in the previous four matches. Truth is, I didn’t really have much to worry about. Jordan Young coolly slotted home to give Yeovil the lead after 14 minutes. Young was a constant threat throughout and certainly staked a claim to be starting every week. People may point to the fact Yeovil made it difficult for themselves by not sealing the win until the 95th minute. Whilst that may be true, I don’t remember Will Buse having a shot to save. Cooper and Worthington had control of the midfield and having Sonny as the link man to play between the lines helped to cement that control. The back 4 kept the Angels front two quiet for most of the afternoon. There were cries to quicken the play from the stands, particularly in the second half. The conditions were torrential which I think must be considered but for me, it was clearly Yeovil’s most complete performance of the season. Oh, the ref didn’t help either (Editor: RULE ONE, PRIOR!) did he but ill stick to the rule and just leave it at that……..

Jordan Young. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Jordan Young. Was our spark here all along? A season in which a plethora of new attacking talent has joined over the summer, yet it could be an existing player who could really make the difference. Young, showed glimpses of what he could do in a struggling side last season and if today is anything to go by, he is heading for an exciting season. Exquisite close control and comfortable in possession. The goal showcased his skillset by driving towards the goal, sending the defender for a hot dog before cutting in on his weaker foot and bending it into the near post. How many times did we complain of players not having a shot from good positions last year? A player certainly not lacking confidence and could be a key asset, particularly when games are tight. Recent experience at this level too may result in Yeovil seeing the best version of Jordan Young this season.

Staunton, Wannell and Williams warm up

Flat back four – It’s a yes from me. Its no secret that the back 3 (or back 5 depending on your preference) has been a talking point amongst fans for a while now. For me I think we have looked more assured as a back 4 and that showed again today. As mentioned above, Buse keeping a cleano (or a cleanie if you ask me) and not having a shot to save also tells its own story. Whittle and Williams showed how good they are going forward whilst not being exposed in behind them. Staunton and Wannell also look like a dream partnership. Wannell’s composure on the ball, allows him to drift into midfield to start attacks (John Stones style) with the confidence Staunton is there to support, with Charlie Cooper tracking back to vacate the space. This was a common theme in the second half. It will be interesting how the formation will look on Monday with inevitable changes to come. If it’s not broke don’t fix it comes to mind.

Rhys Murphy tussles with a Tonbridge Angels defender.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Tough day at the office for Murphy. I have heard a lot of supporters talking about Murphy hitting between 20-25 league goals this season. Whilst I think his purchase is of significance, I have not really agreed with that stance. A horrendous injury record, more artificial pitches to overcome this season, I think that is a huge ask. There is no doubt he is a brilliant finisher, particularly at this level, but today wasn’t his day. Throughout the first half he was reluctant to come towards the ball, waiting for it to come to feet, and was often dispossessed. Then there was the penalty. He showed his confidence to step up and take it but in truth, from where I was sitting, it looked a comfortable save. To add insult to the miss, Mark Cooper took him off after directly afterwards which concluded a tough afternoon for him.

Mark Cooper in discussion with captain Josh Staunton during the 2-1 home win over St Albans. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The right changes at the right time. Whilst Rhys Murphy will disagree, I think Mark Cooper made the right calls. There has been talk this week of Thomas getting a start after recent positive performances, but I think there is a case for him being a fantastic impact sub. His sheer presence and size is a nightmare for any defender, and seeing him come on when you are starting to tire will strike fear into opposition defenders. The same goes for Nouble. The perfect cameo today. His unpredictability was causing all sorts of problems and he went on a brilliant solo run which unfortunately did not result into anything. He got his goal though and topped off a brilliant day with a driving run on the break from inside his own half before receiving the ball in front of goal and smashing it home. Whilst both will have ambitions to start regularly for Yeovil Town, there is certainly an argument for ‘super sub’ labels. Sorry lads…..

It was Robbie Williams who said “I’m loving angels instead.” Based on the Tonbridge performance today, not for me. (….and through it aaaaaaaaalllllllllllll….)

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In what was almost a cut and copy of Tuesday night (except the three points, of course), Yeovil Town managed to clutch a point from the jaws of defeat yesterday against Maidstone United.

Another point on the board and three matches unbeaten now, let’s see how Tom saw it from his seat…

Did it go over the line? In the first half, a wonderful ball came into the box and landed on the head of Morgan Williams, who fired it into the bottom corner of the ne…wait, that wasn’t given?! At first glance, it appeared to be a truly mesmerising save from Maidstone stopper Lucas Covolan, and while it was still a brilliant save, it should’ve been for nothing as the ball had definitely crossed the line (no bias here I promise). A talking point for weeks to come, as the wait for a first competitive goal in front of the Thatchers Stand for Yeovil this season goes on.

Morgan Williams.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

A very familiar feeling. Lots of wonderful build up play, followed by great chances that aren’t taken by the front line, or others for that matter. Chances for Morgan Williams, the previously mentioned Frank Nouble and Jake Hyde all came and went, and yet Yeovil went into half time at 0-0 when perhaps they shouldn’t have. For all the possession and quality Yeovil showed, it still left them a mountain to climb when, like on Tuesday against Truro when they climbed it better, a goal in the 55th minute from substitute Levi Amantchi gave Maidstone a lead from a well-worked corner routine. Yeovil managed to get one-goal back this time, but falling behind after dominance is not a pattern we want to be experiencing this season.

Frank Nouble.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil can feel hard done by when all factors are thrown into the equation. A dodgy goal line call, some questionable offside calls, a drop ball that was called poorly, and some gamesmanship going under the radar, Yeovil can feel hard done by here with a refereeing performance that didn’t exactly set the world on fire. To add on to that, Maidstone’s corner was well worked but unfortunate for Yeovil to drop behind, as Will Buse did make a good reaction save but could only send it into the path of Levi Amantchi. They made the best of what they could though, and recovered an important point against one of the fellow relegated sides who will be hoping, like Yeovil, to bounce back at the first opportunity.

Get behind Mark Cooper. He may not be your favourite manager you’ve had at Yeovil, but you can’t fault the changes he made in the second half to get Yeovil back into the game. Following the opener by Maidstone, Yeovil looked deflated until he made a raft of changes, bringing on the trickery of Jordan Young, the power and pace of Olly Thomas and the man who scored the equaliser, with his clinical finishing, Rhys Murphy. Like Tuesday, he made the right call, which helped Yeovil back into the match. We’re unbeaten in 3 games now, something we haven’t seen January where funnily enough, Maidstone were the third game in that run. Yeovil are (without looking at the table Ian!) in a good spot to open the season, with a freak goal costing us 3 points in the opener, and 2 important wins before a solid recovery today, let’s give him his credit where it’s due!

Make the most of the momentum we have. We’ve seen over the past couple of years that positive momentum is hard to come by. This is a great chance for us to generate exactly that. Four home games on the bounce, undefeated in the three we’ve played, and we’ve looked pretty good in the process, with the small point of needing some goals now. Let’s build off this and back the players, the manager, the owner, everything to do with the club, as there’s a real buzz and excitement right now, we can capitalise on this! It’s only been 4 games so far, there’s still a long, long way to go…

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Yeovil Town managed to drag themselves to three points last night against Truro City. It wasn’t pretty, but 3 points are all that matter. Here’s how Ian saw it from the press box…

That was scrappy. Our attacking play was pretty fluid against St Albans on Saturday, but for all the talent up front we struggled to break down a stubborn Truro defence and failed to get shots at their keeper. We started with wingbacks but quickly reverted to the formation from Saturday when we were struggling to keep the ball. The change saw gain control of the game but it was still a battle to get through. At points I was having flashbacks to last season as Josh Staunton and Charlie Cooper desperately tried to make things happen in the second half.

I thought Truro were good value and can feel hard done by not to have gone in 2-0 up at half time. They made some great chances and had our defence really stretched. Looking at their goal on the highlights, it looks like it could be offside but none of the Yeovil defence throws their arm up to appeal for it. There was a couple of moments where Andrew Neal (who was anything but a Spectator) left Staunton and Jake Wannell for dust on the break. The part timers definitely tired as the game reached the closing stages and thanks to Mark Cooper’s substitutions, we found a away though.

Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

There is competition in this squad. One of the big problems last season was having players to come off the bench and change the game, but last night we saw game-changers make the difference. Against weary legs and tricky of Jordan Young caused issues and the pace and power of Olly Thomas really affected the Truro defence. Charlie Cooper’s pass to Thomas set him free but the finish had to be perfect in that high pressure moment. The main men up front have hungry players breathing down their neck.

A late winner is always so sweet. Honestly, I would take all that stress weekly if we managed to get a result in stoppage time every match. Yes it was scrappy, disjointed and uncomfortable, but Jake Wannell’s late header blew the lid off the Thatchers Stand. It gives added belief to this newly assembled squad and shows that never say die attitude you need to get results.

Jake Wannell celebrates his winner against Truro City. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

We have to be patient. Much like the supporters in front of the press box, I was willing the players to get the ball up the pitch at times. Sometimes it feels like were expecting this team (which has played 3 competitive matches) to play like peak Gary Johnson era sides. Last night may have felt like last season at points, but we turned round a one goal deficit to take all three points. We’re on a journey with this team and we’ve got to get behind them and the manager. 

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Three points on the board, two of our strikers on the scoresheet, and the biggest attendance in the sixth tier this weekend, it was a fruitful weekend for Yeovil Town. Here are Dave’s conclusions from his vantage point in the middle of the Thatcher’s Stand…..

WE GOT A WIN! I said in my pre-season hopes/predictions that the thing I was most looking forward to about this season was seeing some wins. It seems such a long time ago since seeing us win 2-0 at Dagenham & Redbridge – 196 days, to be precise, so this one was much needed. I’ll get on to how we got there and how it could have been better, but make no mistake – we needed a win, we got a win. That in itself was job done.

Yeovil Town celebrate the 2-1 home win over St Albans City.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Huish Park was looking fabulous. It was my first look at the new look Huish Park and I was thoroughly impressed. Whilst my journey (a five-hour drive down from the North West) meant that I missed the opening act on the main stage in the new Fan Zone, to see it filled with so many people was fantastic. One small point would be that there maybe needs to be a few more staff on at Badger’s Bar (lovely touch that, by the way, major kudos!) as the poor folks in there were overrun, but that is a fantastic addition. And if anyone ever had any doubt that ‘if you build it they will come’ – 3,326 home fans is your answer – plus 86 away ones. The highest is the sixth tier – 3,380 watched Scunthorpe draw 1-1 with Peterborough Sports in National League North whilst in our division 2,733 watched Torquay lose 3-0 at home to Worthing.

 

The Ciderspace Fan Zone on Saturday.

What a start. Having been at Hemel Hempstead seven days earlier, this start to the game was everything that game was not. Having selected a thoroughly attacking line-up – Hyde, Murphy, Nouble, can you imagine what would have been possible if we’d had just one of those last season? That opening showed exactly what we can be when we are in the mood and that has to become the norm if we are going to achieve something this season.

We saw the best and the worst of Will Buse. Oh Will. I genuinely cheered like it was a goal when Will Buse pulled off a stunning save after just five minutes to deny Jack Jones and keep that impressive start going. After his clanger (sorry Ben, but it was a clanger) at Hemel the previous weekend, that seemed to give him confidence and there is no doubt he’s an excellent shot stopper. However, the mistake which gifted St Albans their equaliser was a worry and is a worry. It’s a goalkeeper’s life, I know (I hear you, Ben) and you’re right that no other player’s mistake is as costly, I just hope he/we can cut out those errors.

Will Buse loses out in a battle for the ball at Hemel Hempstead Town.
Picture courtesy of Dan Finill.

The second half was nervy, but it will get better. At this point I have to give credit to St Albans, who I thought did not look out of the game at any point and the second half was quite uncomfortable at times. Our midfield – or Matt Worthington and Charlie Cooper, as they are known – seemed to get pulled out of position repeatedly and it was not until Josh Owers came on with six minutes (if you excuse the ten minutes added on at the end) from time that we looked anything like in control. It was nervy, very nervy. But we have to remember there a lot of players who are still getting to know each other, it’s going to take time but if we can win whilst they are doing it all the better.

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Yeovil Town Supporters, riled by constant nonsense have clubbed together to launch ‘Nonsense Free Day’ to take place on 9th of August every year.

With the club making worldwide headlines 24 hours of the day, 7 days-a-week for things that probably haven’t even happened, a group Glovers had had enough.

Following an opening day defeat, which was marred by nonsense of the highest order, the NFD organisation felt need to act. Speaking to exclusively Planet365 Express at their London Eye HQ Defin Itley-Arealname, NFD Executive Vice-Co Chairhuman said: “I’m just bored of it. We support a football club and its never about the football. Why on earth people feel the need to create drama from nothing, or put themselves in the spotlight is bewildering. We hope fellow Glovers join this day and pray for a quiet day where we can get on with our lives in peace.”

Peter Choppington, a pig farmer from Ninesprings Country Park has supported Yeovil Town for 89 years. “I fully support a nonsense free day. We’ve been through the ringer these last few years and quite frankly I’m sick of the lot of them. Hopefully this weekend will just be about the bloody bladder being kicked around on an actual field.”

Not everyone is on board though. We spoke to Stefan Knight, who claims to be a YTFC Supporter. Talking from his Albert Square base he said: “These bloody snow flakes can’t handle a bit of libel and fake news. [Burp] Rubbish. In my day we used scrap over a tin of corned beef on the terrace every weekend and we all laughed it off. [burps] All they want is their own way all the time and when they don’t they throw their toys out of the pram on social media, sharing private conversations. Snowflakes.”

“When I made my millions on the go-karts I very nearly bought Merriott FC and promised them hundreds of pounds, but you know…[he tailed off here] I know everything about everything,” he added.

While there’s no guarantee of a Nonsense Free Day, all we can do is hope that Wednesday 9th of August passes without anything globally newsworthy occuring in South Somerset.

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Yeovil vs Hemel Hempstead - Image Courtesy of Dan Finill

The National League South season has begun, and fr*stratingly it was more of the same from Yeovil Town as the Glovers shot themselves in the foot to lose 1-0. Here are Ian’s conclusions from the press box at Hemel Hempstead…

That was a bump back to reality. We know this already, but all the optimism, hope and goodwill in the world will not win football matches. We came into kick off riding the crest of a wave but by the time we final whistle was blown, we’d suffered a wipeout. This isn’t going to be an easy season and we aren’t going to steamroll teams. We were told Hemel were well organised and had a good team spirit and they showed that in spades, and got a bit of luck for their winner after a mix up between Zac Bell and Will Buse.

We really struggled to maintain meaningful possession. It was a really bitty game. Most of our chances came from set pieces, or the aftermath of set pieces. Rhys Murphy had a couple of efforts that he should have done better with in the first half. Hemel Hempstead executed a brilliant game plan, disrupting the flow of the game and taking their time on the restarts. Their narrow midfield really crowded the centre of the pitch and I felt we struggled to get the ball through Matt Worthing and Charlie Cooper because of that.

Jake Wannell
Jake Wannell – Image courtesy of Dan Finill

Jake Wannell had a solid game. The left-sided centre back had a dominant display, winning his defensive headers and tackling aggressively. He was composed on the ball and I thought his partnership with Alex Whittle on the left looked promising. I think our defensive unit looked pretty steady, but for a couple of slips on the surface. As regular readers will know, I did not enjoy wingbacks last season, but we seem to have more suitable players this season.

“We’re going to have to find a way to adapt to and get results when we travel to clubs with them.”

I’m not sure if that was a good artificial pitch or not, but I didn’t like it. It didn’t seem like a very even surface and the way Hemel played in that second half was as if they were shooting downhill. The familiarity the Hemel players had with the pitch compared to ours was plain to see, our passing wasn’t quite there and I didn’t think we looked comfortable on it. We’re going to have to find a way to adapt to it though and get results when we travel to clubs with them.

We need to keep calm. The expectation following a rejuvenating summer has, perhaps, given us an over-expectancy. Don’t get me wrong, we should be putting teams like Hemel away given the quality of our squad, but there was 45 more matches in this season and 135 points to play for. The goal came from a sloppy error at the back rather than Yeovil’s goal coming under regular heavy pressure. Mark Cooper described the result as a ‘slap round the face’, Frank Nouble said it as a ‘wake up call’. Our big day out was spoiled by a team and manager who knows how to get a result in National League South. Next weekend St Albans City (off the back of a 2-1 win over W*ymouth) come to Huish Park and we’ll need to lay down a marker of how good we are with our home performance. 

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

Ian Perkins

Thoughts on Summer:

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

What are you most excited about?

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

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

Who is our key player?

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

Who will be our breakout star?

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

Where will we finish?

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

David Coates

Thoughts on Summer:

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

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

What are you most excited about?

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

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

Who is our key player?

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

Who will be our breakout star?

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

Where will we finish?

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

Ben Barrett

Thoughts on Summer:

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

What are you most excited about?

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

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

Who is our key player?

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

Who will be our breakout star?

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

Will Dawes
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

Where will we finish?

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

Callum Gould

Thoughts on Summer:

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

What are you most excited about?

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

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

Who is our key player?

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

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

Who will be our breakout star?

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

Where will we finish?

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

Callum Hallett

Thoughts on the summer:

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

What are you most excited about?

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

Who’s our key player?

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

Jordan Stevens.
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

Who will be our breakout star?

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

Where will we finish:

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

Ollie Marsh

Thoughts on summer…

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

What are you most excited about this season?

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

Who’s our key player?

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

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

Who’s going to be our breakout star?

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

Where will we finish?

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

James Graham

What are you most excited about this season?

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

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

Who’s our key player?

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

Who’s going to be our breakout star?

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

Where will we finish?

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

Tom Bailey

Thoughts on the summer…

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

What are you most excited about this season?

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

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

Who’s our key player?

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

Who’s going to be our breakout star?

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

Where will we finish?

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

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

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In: Gloversblog, Five Conclusions, Latest Yeovil Town News

Gloverscast Ben took in Yeovil’s final pre-season friendly against Plymouth Parkway, there were plenty of talking points, here are his five conclusions from Bolitho Park.

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If we do things chronologically, the first thing I noticed was actually pre-match.

During the warm up, I noticed that the coaches were actually doing relatively little.

Rather than being told to go here, go there, run this way, around this cone, once a structured stretching session was completed, the little groups broke away in their positions and took control of what they needed to do.

The defenders worked on some shape and some heading, the midfielders pinged passes about and the attackers were working on their close control and finishing. It sounds simple enough, but it just looks like a group who know what they need to do and how they’re going to do it.

A refreshing change from the lost individuals masquerading as a team we saw so often last season.

Staunton, Wannell and Williams warm up

Once the game was underway, it is clear, no matter if we like them or loathe them, high flying wing backs are here to stay.

For the most part, in the first half, it worked, too.

Jordan Young had chalk on his boots on the right and on the left Will Dawes took the much coveted Gloverscast Man of the Match award.

He DID NOT stop causing havoc both in attack and defence.

His crosses were dangerous, his position constantly drew the opposition out of line and it made for a very attacking first half.

If we have the ability to take that approach against better sides, it will garner positive results.

Both Hyde and Nouble looked dangerous from Dawes’ deliveries and we continued to push forward even in the second half with ten men.

Will Dawes
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

The red card changed the game and it was totally needless.

Firstly, I really think it was a good thing that the game had a bit of bite to it, teams aren’t going to roll over and let us rub their tummies this season. Plenty of sides will boot us about, we best get used to it.

Next, the initial challenge did look nasty, the 21-man melee was a bit over the top (the Parkway keeper clearly didn’t fancy it), but to see a red card brandished was totally unnecessary.

If Williams deserved to see red, so did a dozen others.

There was no surprise to see Mark Cooper head onto the pitch and explain that he could, if needed to, substitute Morgan Williams rather than scupper the game’s integrity.

The Glovers will, I’m sure, have trained for lopsided numbers in training and to be honest, still kept Plymouth at arms length through most of the second half.

Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper and his assistant Chris Todd ‘discuss’ the sending off with the referee.

The game also changed when Frank Nouble was taken off.

During the first half, Nouble was kicked, booted, dragged down, pulled and pushed, but kept himself right in the mix of everything.

He dropped deep to pick up the ball, he kept it stuck to his boot when playing a solo role up front and nearly scored and assisted himself.

But, Olly Thomas didn’t have quite that same effect on the game and as a result, the ball came back at the Glovers defence a bit too much.

I have no doubt in my mind in a league game, Mark Cooper would have kept Nouble on for exactly the reason of keeping the ball at the right end when playing with 10 men to buy time and soak up pressure.

Thomas has his place for Yeovil this season, but I’m not sure that was it.

Frank Nouble.
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

Finally, with the attacking options we have, players from last season (like JMD, Owers, Dawes to name just three) adding extra %s to their pre season games it’s safe to say the Glovers head into the season in the best position I’ve seen the side since dropping into Non League and maybe before.

The options are plentiful, the link ups look like they’re well in the process of gelling nicely.

We’ve thrashed a couple teams, scored a couple goals, had some moments of adversity and a little wake up call in defeat too.

The lads are ready, the stadium is ready, the supporters are ready.

Roll on Hemel.