Gloversblog (Page 19)

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When he agreed a three-year deal to become sponsor of the Main Stand at Huish Park in September 2022, few Yeovil Town fans could have predicted what would happen next with local businessman Martin Hellier.

Certainly not a name that this author (Dave here, hi!) had heard of in connection with the club prior to this but his Hellier Group business was well-known in the South Somerset community.

When they took over, what we/I knew about the man himself came from his business’ website which describes itself as having “a diverse investment portfolio” as well as an “unwavering focus on shrewd investment strategies, impeccable standards, and shared work ethic”.

It reported then to be valued at £50m – which has now risen to £75m – with annual revenues of £15m. In summary, it’s a pretty solid business as far as this amateur accountant can tell.

The Hellier Group owns the Yeovil Court Hotel, the building which houses the Fitness Yeovil gym on the Lynx Trading Estate and a has been involved in developing a number of properties in to Air BnB lets in the town. Anyone who has passed the Yeovil Court Hotel on West Coker Road cannot have failed to notice a major re-development job going on there.

When they took over as “Main Stand and Conference Centre Sponsor” less than a year ago, Martin Hellier said: “We are committed to supporting the local community and our long term relationship with Yeovil Town Football club does just that. The club has a long and proud history and we are very excited to be part of what we believe will be an exciting future.”

Speaking at that time, director Stuart Robins added: “We are very proud that Hellier Group have chosen our club as one their key marketing partners.

“Hellier Group are an ideal partner for us as they look to further develop their portfolio of businesses in the Yeovil area and we are looking forward to being part of that. We appreciate the commitment Martin has made, and we aim to provide increased exposure for the Group as we try to climb the football pyramid.”

Since that date, Martin Hellier’s name has become very well known to any Yeovil Town supporter with the businessman being vocal on his social media posts giving his views on the club, its ownership, dealings with South Somerset District Council (now Somerset Council) – and voicing his personal opinions on supporters.

He calls it “passion“, others call it “unprofessional” and, for this author, it’s a bit of both, but as as result, Martin Hellier is a Marmite character (other yeast extract products are available) among supporters.

Now we wait to see what Martin Hellier the football club chairman is like compared to his social media personality.

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Well, the season has come to an end and the class of 2022/23 were relegated to National League South. Here’s our rankings of each player for this season.

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

Grant Smith. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Grant Smith

Ian: What a season this man has had. Kept us alive in every match when it seemed impossible. Some of the saves he made were genuinely out of this world. It’ll be a miracle if we keep him, so I’ll say it now: we’ll miss you Grant. 6

21/22 review: I was taken aback by the signing of Grant Smith at the start of the season. Deemed surplus to requirements at Chesterfield after a decent spell there. He was a definite upgrade on Adam Smith, and pulled out some brilliant saves at important moments this season. However, he had an error in him. Boreham Wood, Dover, Maidenhead and the less said about Dagenham the better.  4

Ben: Best ‘keeper in the League, without him, we would have finished 25th. 6

21/22 Review: A calm and collected step up from namesake Adam last year, a wonderful shot stopper who is just consistently from being a very good EFL keeper. One of the main priorities on my ‘to keep’ wishlist for the new season. A vitally important player. 5

Dave: If it wasn’t for him, we could have been down by Christmas. There were fewer errors this season than the one before, but the saves he made repeatedly kept us alive. If only we could keep him. 6

21/22 Review: A permanent signing between the posts was a real must for me in the summer and Grant Smith has proven a real safe pair of hands. He’s definitely got an error in him and we have seen a few of them this season, but at this level that is to be expected. Solid if not spectacular, I’d definitely want to see him back next season. 4

Max Hunt

Ian: It’s been a difficult season for Max Hunt. Struggled in Chris Hargreaves back three, looked good in a pair when Mark Cooper came in before being taken out of the team again. 3

21/22 Review: A very good first full season for Max Hunt. Partnered with Wilkinson, Staunton, Barclay, Robinson and Williams this season and looked comfortable more often than he didn’t. Calm and confident on the ball. It will be important to take up the option (if we have it) or offer him a new contract.  5

Ben: A difficult season without any consistency around him, not suited to a back three but never got long enough in a duo, I still want more from him going forward 3

21/22 Review: Now we are cooking. I think we underestimate how young and inexperienced Max is, but he’s moulded himself into a player we absolutely have to have next season. Calm and assured at all times, I’d have gone higher but he hasn’t added the goals to his game. 4

Dave: He could have been a player we could have built a team around, I still believe he could be. Like so many, undone by a defensive system which didn’t work for anyone, chuck an injury in there and not a vintage one. 2

21/22 Review: If there was a defender I wanted us to keep, it is Max Hunt, so delighted to hear he’s still ours. Turned in some imperious performances and has obviously learnt a lot from playing alongside Wilko. A player we can build a team around. 4

 

Morgan Williams

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamie Reckord

Ian: Started well and is actually our joint 2nd highest scorer (although that says more about us than him I think). Showed leadership and experience in some games but struggled with injury – like many – on the final stretch.  4

Ben: Out the traps brilliantly, but I was really hoping he’d stand out when the going got tough and I’m just not sure I saw enough of that, I’m certainly not against him staying, but I would really hope he would have more to offer next season 3

Dave: As one of those with experience, he didn’t show enough of it for me. Too often looked uninterested. 2

Chiori Johnson

Ian: In some matches he was our brightest player. Fitness and a dearth of right-sided players meant he didn’t start that many games. Showed fight when many other didn’t in my view.  4

Ben: In a defensive unit that didn’t have any kind of consistency, I think he showed enough to suggest there’s a player there, would love to see what he could do in a calm, organised system that didn’t chop and change a lot.  4

Dave: Showed enough to suggest he could be a good player, unfortunately it’s hard to argue he was one this season. One to keep if we can. 3

Matt Worthington. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Matt Worthington

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

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

Ben: How can a player have a breakthrough campaign so long into his stint as a Glover and in a team doing so poorly? Worthy is gold for a club like Yeovil, I loved seeing him get forward and try and add that extra bit to his game, one of the stars.

75% of the Earth is covered by Water, the other 25% by Matt Worthington. 6

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

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

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

Josh Staunton

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

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

Ben: Captain, Leader, Legend. 6

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

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

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

Lawson D’Ath

Ian: 25 appearances for Lawson D’Ath this season and another one disrupted by injuries. His character and influence was probably felt off the pitch more than on it this season. Another man who has given so much for the club. 3

21/22 Review: One of the feelgood stories of our season. His return to the pitch was much-needed and provided us with some quality in midfield. Relieved he came through the season unscathed, albeit in mostly nothing games. Would like to see him kick into full gear when something’s at stake. 4

Ben: What a shame we may never see Lawson in a Yeovil shirt again, will go down as a player who wore the shirt with pride and cared greatly. From a football perspective, it never quite clicked in a chaotic midfield area. 3

21/22 Review: Classy, classy midfielder. He’s become a little more defensive maybe, a little more of a quarter-back. Maybe that’s what injuries do to a player. Can play higher, will play higher. 4

Dave: Put his body on the line for us (again) but sadly it just didn’t work like so many. 3

21/22 Review: Can I just cut and paste last year’s review here? Such a player, so much quality, we just don’t see enough of it. I’d still love him to be with us next season, but have a feeling he won’t be. 3

 

Charlie Cooper

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

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

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

Jordan Maguire-Drew

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

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

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

Will Dawes

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

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

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

Scott Pollock in action for Yeovil Town. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Scott Pollock

Ian: A genuine shame we (SU Glovers) signed an exciting player like Scott injured. I think there was hope he’d be able to carry us out of trouble but struggle to get fit enough, quickly enough. If he stays, he can be a big part of our squad next season. 3

Ben: There’s something there, alright. I don’t know if we’ve seen it yet, certainly not it’s full potential, but I saw a player on the final day who wasn’t going to end the season 90 minutes early. I think I’ll grow to like him in time, this season though, through no real fault of his own… 3

Dave: I liked what flashes I saw of him, he’s definitely got some quality and came too late in the season to really do much with it. His record at our level (as we now must call it) is decent, so could be a big asset next season. 2

Jordan Stevens

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

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

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

 

Callum Harriott

Ian: Was he even real? One of our ‘top’ signings who was brought in to help us climb out of trouble. Ah. 2

Ben: Urm… dunno, the fact he scored a goal means I’ll bump this to a three, but yeah… I don’t really know. 3

Dave: Scored at Aldershot, but not really there. 1

Zanda Siziba

Ian: A controversial one, who we didn’t see very much of. Brought into a club in crisis which was hardly his fault and the subsequent charade around his signing must have been a burden. A decent goal at Solihull, too. 3

Ben: Got a LOT of attention for reasons probably beyond his control, showed little flashes at Gateshead and Boreham Wood towards the end of the season, can he be moulded into a player at the level below, I’m not sure.  3

Dave: There is class there, but if he was one of those who created the dressing room rift which ultimately sunk us, shame on those who created it for putting him in that situation. 3

Jordan Young

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

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

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

Alex Fisher is Yeovil’s top scorer this season with four goals. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Alex Fisher

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

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

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

Malachi Linton

Ian: I honestly though Mal would bring the goals. Felt like the penalty miss at Wealdstone had a real impact. I’d love for him to stay and be that striker who has a stormer in National League South and helps us get promoted full of confidence. He’ll always have the Glovie winning strike against Wrexham.  2

Ben: I banged the Malachi Linton drum more that some this past season, I think he could be very dangerous in a confident front line, has there been too much damage to that confidence? I’m not sure, but hope not, a good egg. 3

Dave: Clearly a player with talent and his goals against Wrexham and Gateshead showed it, but in and out of the side and when he was in he too often did not do enough. I feel like I am saying this a lot, but he could do something next season. 2

The Loanees

Owen Bevan heads away. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Owen Bevan

Ian: File him under the ’Loanees we’ll keep an eye on’. A baller, albeit with the mistakes young players make. Clearly a character, given the circumstances he played in this season. 5

Ben: I think he’s going to the top, I think there’s a regular Premier League defender in there, some point saving performances far beyond his age and experience 5

Dave: He’s young, he made mistakes but he looked absolute class for someone of his age. Coming to us must have been such a challenge, but it will have given him some scars which will help his career. 5

Sam Perry

Ian: Struggled in Chris Hargreaves exposed midfield after a particularly difficult debut at Scunthorpe. 2

Ben: Oh yeah, I forgot about him, a bit flimsy, built like a skinny quaver, undoubted quality, but struggled to make an impact when the going got ugly in midfield. 2

Dave: Guh. 1

Edwin Agbaje

Ian: A beast of a fullback. Ended up playing everywhere in our injury crisis. 4

Ben: Very good winger, actually helped bring out the better performances of Oluwabori and others on the right, bright future, get well soon. 4

Dave: Ipswich Town’s Academy of the Season and one who will undoubtedly be a good player at EFL level. Did well for us while he was with us. 3

Jamie Andrews

Ian: Cooper’s first signing and added so much balance to our midfield. Perhaps we needed him plus Charlie Cooper for a solid midfield pairing. 4

Ben: I think we ended up missing him more than we think, there’s a very good football brain as much as anything there, incredible showing in the 0-0 away at Notts County. 4

Dave: He’ll be on everyone’s “he played for Yeovil” list in a few years time. Undoubtedly an EFL midfielder in there. 4

Ryan Law

Ian: Looked decent technically, but I felt he struggled when the proverbial hit the fan, understandably. 2

Ben: Meh, I couldn’t tell you his best position, I don’t think the inconsistencies around him helped, but… meh. 2

Dave: Glimpses of a player, but not enough. 2

Miguel Freckleton

Ian: Sorry Miguel, probably us more than you but it just didn’t work. 1

Ben: Harsh, maybe on him to be thrown into that environment, copy and paste from Ryan Law 2

Dave: Brought in at a difficult time, never looked comfortable. Can’t blame him really. 1

Sam Pearson

Ian: Probably one of our brightest sparks in the first half of the season, looked like he could make thinks happen before the weird fatigue departure. 3

Ben: Every time I saw him, he looked class without any end product, but the way it all ended was strange  2

Dave: There was something there, scored at Dorking but then got tired. 1

Ewan Clarke

Ian: File Ewan in the ‘Bristol City doing us a favour’ drawer. 2

Ben: A bit like one or two others, there’s a player in there, but we didn’t get it out of him, he’ll benefit from the loan more than Yeovil will 2

Dave: A Chris Hargreaves signing is all I can say. 3

Reo Griffiths

Ian: A can of Rio would have been more effective. We’ll never know what went on, but obviously got caught in the politics of the situation. 1

Ben: Who the heck knows what has gone on there, he’s got a nice touch on him, but we needed a hero, we got… Reo 1

Dave: Never really got a chance for reasons which are all too obvious. Wasn’t his fault…..was it? We’ll probably never know. 1

Jack Clarke

Ian: I had high hopes for Jack Clarke when he returned. Had done good things at Chesterfield, injury clearly scuppered him here and was rushed back into it at the end of the season. 2

Ben: Nope. 1

Dave: A shit Jack Grealish the first time, a shit Jack Grealish the second. 1

Andrew Oluwabori equalises for Yeovil – image courtesy of Mike Kunz

Andrew Oluwabori

Ian: Bright, positive, got you up off of your seat, only to put it it over the bar. Get the end product right and he could do well. 3

Ben: A youtube scout’s dream, in between the 18 yard boxes, this guy probably gets a 5 or a 6, in the areas it matters, he gets a 1 or a 2, so I’ll split the difference 3

Dave: So much potential, no little end product. Could, woulda, shoulda. 2

Will Buse

Ian: Had a great game against us for Taunton then pushed Grant Smith to the limit this season. A nice couple of performances at the end of the season. 4

Ben: Had to wait for his chance, but put in a really assured performance or two towards the end, including with a broken hand at Wrexham, I think with Grant Smith surely outward bound, he could be an option for the number 1 shirt next season 4

Dave: I saw him play two games, he conceded five goals. I’d still have him back next season if (as expected) Grant Smith goes. 2

The Ones Who Left

Charlie Wakefield

Ian: Oh Charlie. Started the season at right wing back, and finished it Woking’s play off squad. Didn’t appear to get many chances or take them when he was given them. As excited as I was to keep him, perhaps his heart wasn’t in staying. 2

21/22 Review: The Star Man on the right (and through the middle) was probably our signing of the summer. His crucial goal against Stevenage was my moment of the season. I don’t remember us having a player with such a will (and the ability) to get to the byline since Kevin Dawson. With a loads of games under his belt this season, it would be great to keep him and see him press on. 5

Ben: When does a negative looking score go down as not being entirely a player’s fault? Right here. He’s not a right winger, he lost his compadre Tom Knowles… I so wish we could have found somewhere for him. It’s not you, Charlie, it’s someone else. 2

21/22 Review: I don’t think I can underplay how pleasantly surprised I’ve been by Charlie. He puts people on the edge of their seat, people lean forward in the terrace because something feels like it’s going to happen. That’s something very few at Huish Park have done over the past decade. Top talent. 5

Dave: What could have been. From the ridiculous decision to play him at wing back on the opening day of the season, it was clear Chris Hargreaves did not have a clue how to get the best out of him. By the time Mark Cooper arrived, he’d checked out. 2

21/22 Review: When he arrived having been released by Bromley with his injury record, I expected little or nothing from Charlie Wakefield. He proved my judgement wrong in spades. A revelation and, as the song goes, “a silky winger, he’s just what we need”. Really enjoyed watching him in green and white. 5

Gime Toure

Ian: Mercurial. Translation: Sometimes good, mostly bad. 1

Ben: One goal, one red card, one out of seven. 1

Dave: Coulda, woulda, shoulda. 1

Ollie Hulbert

Ian: If you’re building a squad of experience and want to bring a youngster on the journey, Ollie is probably the guy. We were not that club this season. 2

Ben: Actually thought he looked ok at Oldham when he came on, scored a couple goals out on loan, won’t be here next season. 2

Dave: Poor lad played in Chris Hargreaves’ final two matches. 1

Ben Richards-Everton

Ian:  An experienced giant who looked the absolute part. It just did not work out in green and white, or claret and blue for that matter. 2

Ben: I think there might be a good defender in there, as all the physical attributes to be one, hasn’t transferred that to the pitch for us. 2

Dave: Didn’t work out did it? 1

Oh, I forgot about them…

Not much to be said for Matty Grivosti, Anthony Georgiou, Alfie Pond (a class above), Finley Craske, Josh Owers (see Bristol City file), Seb Palmer Houlden (see Bristol City file), Louis Britton, Callum Rowe and Jake Scrimshaw.

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

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Chris Sweet and Jimmy Healey aboard the Glovers’ open top bus

Former Sports Editor of the Western Gazette Chris Sweet followed the Glovers up and down the land, through the highs and the lows, he was in one of the best seats in the house for Yeovil’s finest hour. 
In our latest Gloversblog, he tells us what YTFC in 2013 means to him.

What does the 2013 team mean to you? How often do you sit back and watch the highlights over and over again? Let us know, share your pictures and let’s enjoy the ten-year anniversary of the Glovers’ most memorable success.

I’m going to open with a potentially unpopular opinion – reaching Wembley in 2013 will live longer in the memory than actually winning there.

That’s not to downplay an utterly iconic 90 minutes from Yeovil Town’s history. But once we were there, the pressure and expectation was arguably much less. It was about completing the job, not letting the epic defeat of Sheffield United be in vain and to beat (again) a team we’d already walloped six past that season.

But before expanding my argument on why blunting the Blades was better than swatting the Bees, some self-indulgent context.

The Western Gazette Play Off Special Cover Pic @Sweeter1984

What may surprise those who thought I was a mouthpiece of the club, someone who never asked the right questions and didn’t know what I was on about, is that first and foremost I was – and am – a fan. I caught the bug when my old man and I first went to Huish Park in 1992 and, essentially, I pursued sports journalism with the aim of covering the club. I’d be lying if I said that the personal digs didn’t hit home. Yes, I should have thicker skin, but everyone’s human. I left journalism for good reason and it took a good number of years to want to watch Yeovil again, let alone write about them. And you try filling eight pages a week with “no comment” responses to those questions I supposedly didn’t ask…

Those that know me best will testify that, whilst intrinsically curmudgeonly, I’m deeply passionate about the Glovers. It’s beyond gutting (and the scope of this blog) to see where the club is today, but at the other end of the scale is 2013 – being front and centre to see Little Old Yeovil silence a, quite frankly, arrogant former Premier League club to prompt the most euphoric sporting celebrations of my life.

As University of Sheffield alumni who often went to Bramall Lane, a trip to South Yorkshire for a night of pie and Henderson’s was always going to be one to relish (yep, I made that pun). But that particular Friday night was much tougher to endure than a skinful on Division Street before ending at the Leadmill.

Play Off Semi-Final Souvenir Special from the Western Gazette

Yeovil’s nerves were clear, but we applied ourselves. 1-0 to the hosts was arguably fair, but the fliers left under windscreen wipers advertising bus travel from S1 to Wembley was far from it. There was still the return leg of a double-header where expectation, dangerously, was only on one team. And they weren’t going to be the ones in green and white.

I can remember arriving at Huish Park on that blisteringly hot Monday thinking whatever happened, it had been a bonkersly brilliant season. I’d no doubt once more slate Harry Maguire (whatever did he go on to achieve…?) for having the turning circle of a cruise liner, Jim Healey would make a comment about my lack of hair, and I’d probably sign off with a pint or four with the Tupman family and Mrs Sam Foley in the Tupman’s box, as had been the routine for the campaign.

What wasn’t in the plan was: ending the afternoon on the pitch; hugging Ed Upson and rubbing his forehead; a certain Merthyr-based Welsh winger soaking my notepad in black sambuca; necking Cheddar Valley with the squad’s two Northeasterners; a centre half (for the first and not last time)  unprompted calling me every name under the sun; and then struggling to stay on my feet (along with two key first teamers) after Angelo Balanta had bought Modellos’ stock of fizz and promptly sprayed it everywhere. 

Chris celebrates the semi-final win over Sheffield United
Pic: @Sweeter1984 / Len Copeland

The celebrations were utterly euphoric and whilst I appreciate hindsight is everything, I look back wondering why we were surprised. Yeovil followed the script to the letter – Kevin Dawson’s exquisite finish epitomised the eff-you attitude the squad had, and of course this was the day Ed was going to score his first Glovers’ headed goal.

That entire squad was built around beating adversity. Many have gone on to bigger and better, but each of them had a point to prove. Not only was that their defining commonality, it epitomised that turnaround against a Sheffield United that expected to just turn up to reach Wembley. They were part of the community, and they celebrated with the community.

I rocked up at work on Tuesday with a beast of a hangover and no voice, yet still floating thanks not just to the after-effects of a brilliant celebration but sure that I’d experienced something I’d likely never repeat with the Glovers. 

It made Wembley an experience to truly enjoy with, what I felt, a bizarre lessening of pressure. Ok, Tony Pounder will argue otherwise – he had to keep me calm for pretty much all of the second half in the press box – but although the job still had to be done, we’d overcome the odds versus Sheff U and the confidence gained was phenomenal.

The Wembley Win Souvenir Special Cover from the Western Gazette

Don’t get me wrong, celebrating reaching the Championship was an experience like no other – I’ll never herd hungover cats and arrange a bus tour again, I’ll never hear Angelo cracking champagne before I see him again and I don’t think that centre half will swear at me again.

But, whilst I’m sure I’ll see Jim with his tie around his head in the future, the outpouring of emotion after reaching that final will be unrivalled when it comes to the Glovers. This is the night and the memories I always go back to when reminiscing with the likes of Jim and Ben Tupman.

Both horseracing fans, I often speak to Kev Dawson. I’m usually with a good friend who’s a Sheff Utd fan. And I never miss the chance to remind him of that goal. And why not? The arrogant swines deserved it.

The squad that beat the Blades are Glovers’ legends. They not only allowed us to dream, they allowed us to believe. And forever I’ll be grateful.

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As part of the 2012/13 Anniversary Celebrations, the Gloverscast is pleased to be able to bring you the full collection of home match day programme covers from the 2012/13 season.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Jon Hopper for helping to bring these images to you.

How many of these games do you remember, how many of these souvenir editions do you have stashed away in the attic still, each one a memory of a step on the road to glory… which of course, all led to Wembley.

 

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That’s that then! As Yeovil Town made it 20 defeats – to surpass their total of draws by one – with a 1-0 defeat at Boreham Wood on the final day of the National League season.

Coatesie was among the 226 supporters in the away end trying desperately to avoid getting sun stroke on the terraces of Meadow Lane, here he desperately tries (and fails) to come up with an original conclusion.

 

Thank God that’s over. My overriding emotion at the final whistle was one of relief. Relief that for at least another three months I will not have to wait for the inevitable “moment we switched off” or hear my fellow supporters shouting “just f***ing shoot” as we enjoy possession and fail to have a meaningful effort on goal. Forget the off-the-pitch stuff (for now, see Conclusion #5), on-the-field this is one of the worst Yeovil Town teams I have seen in a long while and many supporters have told me they feel it is the worst they have ever seen. I’m not knocking the effort of some and the quality of others is undoubtedly there, there’s off-the-field issues which have played a part, but the stats don’t lie – those who have turned out for us this season have failed to deliver too many times. They have a relegation on their playing records now and (by and large) they deserve one.

Story of the season klaxon. It’s right up there with the ‘we know our problem is scoring’ and ‘things happening off the pitch aren’t helping’ in the list of Yeovil Town’s lines which are trotted out in every interview going – this performance was the story of our season. Concede a goal through failing to do the defensive basics, fail to turn up for a 45 minutes (the only question is whether it is the first or the second 45 minutes), and then spend the other 45 minutes dominating possession, huffing and puffing and failing to blow anyone’s house down. I lost count of the amount of times we got the ball, played it around and failed to test Nathan Ashmore in goal for Boreham Wood. When the club’s official Twitter account is talking about one of their own players and “fluffing their lines” to summarise Reo Griffiths’ 68th minute ‘chance’, it tells you everything. Though if it were a player with ‘less back story’ then perhaps the tweet would have been different.

Ollie Haste is some player. Let’s try and inject a positive in to these conclusions, Ollie Haste looks some player. He was obviously highly rated in our Under-18s set up and I seem to remember him looking a bit gangly, but a season on loan at Truro City has done him wonders. Against some very good centre forwards in Tyrone Marsh and Lee Ndlovu, he was brave in the tackle, powerful with his head and looked every inch the one who would throw himself in front of anything-type defender we have needed. I don’t think it’s true to say that him playing more would have changed anything this season, but I hope that we see a lot more of him next season. An honourable mention also to Benjani Junior, who it was great to see come off the bench for his first senior appearance.

Ollie Haste.

Do-do-dooooo, relegation party. Allow me to throw a few statistics at you.

Boreham Wood: 226
Wrexham: 217
Solihull Moors: 176
Aldershot Town: 526
Gateshead: 191
FC Halifax Town: 103

Those are the number of away supporters who attended our last half-a-dozen matches this season. At Meadow Park on Saturday there were inflatables being chucked around, singing, chanting ‘Yeovil til I die’ and even doing The Worm (Hi, Pete!). I’ve said it before and I will say it again, but this club has betrayed the unblinking loyalty of these people in recent years. I just hope they can begin to repay the huge debt they owe them – and soon!

Owner-in-waiting Matt Uggla (blue shirt) was joined on the terraces by Paul Sackey and Sky Andrew.

 

We’ve done our part (again), over to you. Which brings me neatly on to my final conclusion. Matt Uggla and Paul Sackey – accompanied by Reo Griffiths’ agent Sky Andrew – were in the away end until about a minute before the final whistle and telling people to “ask <INSERT NAME OTHER THAN THEIR OWN>” what was going on. Stuart Robins and Martyn Starnes turned up to glad hand people at the final whistle and were quick to say they couldn’t say anything about the cliff edge our club is at. No surprise whatsoever that Scott Priestnall (the biggest villain of this pantomime out of them all) was nowhere to be seen. The players have failed (honourable mentions, as standard) on the pitch, the supporters (see Conclusion #4) have played their part – and now it’s time to deliver. Enough of the ‘there’s something happening we can’t talk about’ and ‘if you only knew about….’, enough of the ‘it will be next week’, do something. In the same way the history books will reflect the failure of this squad this season, it is these people who will be judged by what happens next and history is unkind to losers. We’re judging you on what you do, time’s up – now do something.

Conclusion 5a. I promised him that if I got the chance, I would add in a conclusion which London Green, Mark Green, gives to me every match. That was sh*t. Mark, I could not agree more. Season over.

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The final day of the 2002/03 season was a day of celebration. The title was already well wrapped up, the records had already been smashed and the TV Cameras were in attendance to see Yeovil lift the Nationwide Conference Trophy and end a 106-year stay in Non League.

By clicking on the link below you will find the full CIderspace match report of that momentus day from Noddy Elms, there’s a most incredible Champagne-soaked photo gallery, the live Sky Sports footage of Kevin Gall’s goal (with thanks of course to Green and White Goals) and a picture of the Programme Cover.

Enjoy!

CLICK HERE

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Yeovil finished their home campaign with a whimper yesterday, losing 3-0 to Oldham. Here are Ian’s Five Conclusions…

 

It started badly and didn’t get any better. If this was a ‘pressure off, express yourself’ kind of day, it really didn’t feel it. After just 8 minutes a cross into the box found Devarn Green who was given the freedom on the six yard box to give Oldham the lead. Oldham looked organised, drilled and a team that could do something in the National League next season.

We just couldn’t get any attacking rhythm. Passes were either too short, too hard, impossible to control and wildly misplaced. There was no cohesion and it was a performance that was symptomatic of a relegated team that just want the season to finish. There were flashes of play, pockets of neatness but Oldham’s keeper was only really troubled by crosses into the box.

Reo Griffiths. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

There won’t be fond memories of this season at Huish Park. In 23 games at home this season, supporters have seen 6 wins, 8 draws and 9 defeats and celebrated just 18 goals. Last season wasn’t much better, 7 wins, 7 draws and 8 defeats and 20 goals. There was more than 4000 at Huish yesterday, and they weren’t sent away with a great deal to look forward to next season. The manager described relegation as death by a thousand cuts but in the last 108 league matches at home, the town has seen just 36 wins. Now that’s a tough sell…

That will be the last Huish Park sees of some of these players. Given our destination its a safe bet that many if these players won’t be around next season. Grant Smith, the standout player who kept teams at bay for so long this season will surely see his sights higher. Matt Worthington, who despite our dreadful season, has kind of had a breakout season of his own. He won’t be short of suitors in the National League and after his years in green and white who can begrudge him that. Lawson D’Ath’s heartfelt message last night feels like a goodbye. There will be a huge loss of character in the changing room if you take those three out and there will need to be a huge rebuild. That is why…

Matt Worthington. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Someone needs to grab this club by the scruff of its neck and restore some pride. The owner has control of the destiny of Huish Park, facilitated by SSDC. He’s got what he wanted from before day one and has gone. SU Glovers, after ushering in a new era in March, weren’t at Huish Park yesterday. There has been discontent within the club about how SU have operated since there stewardship was announced more than 50 days ago. When Mark Cooper says it: ‘stirring the pot’. When Josh Staunton says it: ‘what a leader’. There is a universal truth at the club that the takeover has totally derailed the season. It’s difficult to comprehend just how badly the wheels have come off after such positivity. I know there are people still rooting for them and if it goes through everyone will be behind them, as wholesale change is inevitable. Right now though, I don’t see how this deal gets completed. Clearly, there is another plan underway and a search for an alternative trying to preserve the long term future of the club. After the debacle over the last couple of months, it’s difficult to have faith that the right person can be found when time is of the essence. From May, we’ll start paying the landlords for their ‘rescue package’ last Summer but the club feels anything but rescued. Administration is a massive risk but it would bring to light what’s been going on behind the scenes at the club over the past couple of seasons.

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So, we made it out of the division.

The supporters and staff deserve a statement today that clarifies the situation with the future of the ownership of the club, apologises for the way the club has operated this season and with those in role taking accountability for their actions or lack thereof.

There are no words that can make up for the total mismanagement of the club since the turn of the year. The open civil war between manager and stewards has been shameful and disrespectful to a club with over 125 years of history.

Josh Staunton should not be the man apologising to supporters. He is the epitome of leadership and the standard-bearer at Huish Park.

The ‘leaders’ at the club have treated supporters with contempt. Since the statement on 28th February before Altrincham and the subsequent press conferences, there has been no official communication regarding the takeover.

Our supporters groups have let us down too. Where are the Alliance meeting notes from the last 12 months? Where’s the evidence of supporters in a privileged position, holding club stakeholders to account. The Glovers Trust, which hasn’t shied away from trying to hold power to account previously, isn’t doing what it did before.

At Christmas, a decision was made to back SU Glovers as the preferred bidder. Evidently people think they’ve made a mistake and are now scrambling for a solution.

Two sliding doors moments have scuppered football experience from getting in the door and we now find ourselves at our lowest ebb since the middle of then ’90s.

We need clarity, today. Let the supporters know what the plan is, if there is a plan. There’s no doubt that administration will be on the cards if the deal collapses. Then what? Vultures will begin circling. It’s not inconceivable that we go the way of Bury or Macclesfield. How does the SSDC rescue deal look then?

Players, staff and supporters have a right to know what is happening.

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When Seb White (Editor at Large of MundialMag.com) asks you if you want some of his old files, more often than not you say yes. This time, he’s offered Gloverscast the PDF of the special commemorative magazine ‘Slope and Glory’ celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the 1948/49 FA Cup run, including the famous triumph over Sunderland.

If you’re on mobile tap the pdf and you’ll be able to scroll through. While you’re at it, give Seb’s YTFC episode of the brilliant ‘Giant’ podcast a listen.

 

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An abject first half followed by a stirring comeback and even two goals to see Yeovil Town take a point from a 2-2 draw at Solihull Moors should be enough to cheer up that miserable curmudgeon Coatesie – right? Well, it kind of did, here’s his conclusions from his day out in the Midlands…..

 

The first half was pathetic: Let’s do this chronologically and start with the biggest negative. Charlie Cooper spoke after the game about playing for personal pride and, on the basis of the performance in the first half, that was completely lacking from every single player in a Yeovil Town shirt. Yes, I know there’s some who are playing with injuries, yes, there are some who really do care, but the way a Solihull side with nothing left to play for carved us apart at will was embarrassing. If any player thinks that type of performance will make them appealing to a club at this level or above, I want some of whatever they’re having. The half-time whistle was met with complete apathy, it was a performance so weak it sucked even the anger out of those who remained on the terrace when it sounded. Those with any sense had departed to the bar long before.

What a difference three subs makes: The arrival of Zanda Siziba and Reo Griffiths changed the game. From the first minute of the second half, Siziba was a constant menace down the left side and, though he was not so in the thick of it, Griffiths’ quality inside the box created both goals. With the two of them on the pitch, we looked a different side. None of us know what exactly has (and has not) gone on with them and the manager and some of their team-mates have not exactly hidden their distaste for it, but they brought exactly what we were crying out for over those crucial fixtures against Gateshead, Aldershot and Dorking. If they’d been given the chance, would it have made a difference? Truth is we will never know, but given how well what we tried worked, I will say it seems a mistake not to have even given it a go.

Reo Griffiths and Zanda Siziba applaud supporters after the match.

It had to be those two, didn’t it? Whilst I was delighted with the performances from both Siziba and Griffith, their performances gave the petty, childlish side show which continues to play out an opportunity to raise its head again. It’s obvious to everyone these two players were recruited by the owners-in-waiting and even if he’s kept his promise to stay off Twitter so far, Matt Uggla could not resist posting on his Instagram. And, yes Wattsy, you did call it on the last podcast – keep your eyes on Vinted and Strava, folks! I don’t know what’s gone on, but I hate the fact the thousands of good people who support and work for this football club they love are being treated with such contempt by people who claim they love it as well. And, yes, I mean Matt Uggla. Yes, I mean Mark Cooper who can’t resist a petty comment. And, yes, I mean everyone involved in the embarrassing sh*tshow which our club has descended in to. You know who you are and you should be utterly ashamed of what you have ‘achieved’ with your antics. Will you be ashamed? I have my doubts, why not prove me wrong?

I can’t wait for it to be over. Tuesday night at Wrexham will (barring some kind of miracle) see our relegation confirmed and what a strange situation it will be for it to happen whilst our opponents put a foot in to the Football League. The optimist in me (believe it or not, there is one) says that we have to look to the Welsh side to see what can be possible with investment and people with a genuine plan (yes, spending millions of pounds does count as ‘a plan’) can achieve. Let’s not forget (as if we could be allowed to forget) that the ‘fairytale’ in the Hollywood hills of North Wales follows decades of mismanagement, more than a brush with extinction and plenty of suffering for their supporters. Do I sound bitter? Probably because I am. Whilst I do detest how it’s come about and the fairytale fantasy, I am also deeply jealous of what those in the home end at the Racecourse Ground have. We had something like that once and we could have it again…….couldn’t we?

I did enjoy myself. If you have got to this stage of this hissy fit, then kudos to you for that. I feel I owe it to our last conclude-r, Marcus Duncomb, to try and end on a positive because I did enjoy (the second half) of this game. We were all any Yeovil Town supporter wants us to be – committed, attacking, fearless and playing with some pride. We scored a good first goal and an absolutely sumptuous second – a lot to be said for just leathering it, eh? Hats off to Owen Bevan for that strike. Yes, it was too little too late as I’ve said, but I did enjoy it.