Gloversblog (Page 27)

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It’s the summer and what’s a summer as a football fan without a bit of rumour and speculation?! Yeovil Town boss Chris Hargreaves has started to add to the solid base of retained players with the additions of strikers Malachi Linton and Ollie Hulbert and most recently experienced, Jermain Reckord.

But with attacking options and defenders still at a premium in his squad, we asked Joseph Pope from the Off The Line Blog to take a look at who else could be on the target wall which Hargreaves keeps at Huish Park….

 

There has been a noticeable trend thus far with the signings that Yeovil Town have made, with both players having quite strong ties to Chris Hargreaves, something which I think sets a fairly accurate precursor to the rest of the business that we may see this summer.

Malachi Linton was playing at Kings Lynn Town under a coach in Tommy Widdrington who was with Hargreaves at Bristol Rovers, while Linton was playing alongside Hargreaves’ son Cameron.

Ollie Hulbert, on the other hand, used to play for Chris Hargreaves in the youth team at Bristol Rovers, and last season enjoyed a loan spell at Gloucester City under a manager in Lee Mansell that Hargreaves used to partner in midfield at Torquay United.

As such, it is quite clear – to me, at least – that Chris Hargreaves is going to look to sign players whom he is able to get a proper inside track on. Finances are already strapped at Huish Park, with the bulk of the recruitment likely to take on a younger look.

Therefore, he cannot afford to make many mistakes in the window and as such I expect him to tend towards players who he has either coached before, or have played under people that Hargreaves has a good report with, such that he can get assurances as to their qualities.

Here’s some I think will be in his thoughts…..

Lucas Tomlinson (Bristol Rovers)

One deal that looks increasingly likely to be coming to fruition is Lucas Tomlinson. The skilful, tricky winger was released by Bristol Rovers at the end of the campaign, and is a similar profile to new signing Ollie

Hulbert

He is young, hungry and eager to do well at this level, with an energy and pace to his game that can make him a real threat. He spent last season at Gloucester City, and so Hargreaves can get a good report on him, with assistant Chris Todd formerly of The Tigers and so will no doubt still have contacts there.

Hargreaves has managed him before and so will no doubt know how to get the best out of him. With Wakefield and Knowles re-signing, he may not be a starter, but as someone to develop long-term and have as an option, he’d be a good signing.

 

Chiori Johnson (Torquay United)

One player that I think Yeovil Town would be worth having a look at during the summer is former Torquay United man Chiori Johnson, after he was released at the end of the campaign.

He provides Hargreaves will good versatility, given that he is adept at playing in a full-back role, in a central midfield role or indeed out wide, and so with a small squad likely and finances stretched, that could be crucial. He is a player that Todd will know, having coached him during his time with The Gulls last term.

An intricate player that is comfortable with the ball at his feet, can pick a pass, is not afraid to get stuck into the tackle and has the low centre of gravity to power away from players. He carries the ball well, and I think he’d be a good signing for The Glovers


Shamir Fenelon (Horsham)

An option that Yeovil Town could well take a look at, someone that is a bit of an outside shout for The Glovers to consider, is former Torquay United and Aldershot Town forward Shamir Fenelon. He is another Hargreaves managed during his time as Gulls boss, and he could relish an opportunity to play for The Glovers.

Shamir Fenelon playing for Maidenhead United at Huish Park in 2019. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Kept on by Horsham at the end of the campaign, he would perhaps require a fee to obtain his services, however given that they did not stand in the way of Sam Howes and agreed to cancel his contract, they could do the same for Fenelon too.

At 27, he is coming into the prime of his career and I think this could be the perfect springboard moment to get his career going again. Versatile to play as a winger or indeed a striker, I think that he has the athleticism and running power to also play as a wing-back if required, thus gives Yeovil Town good options.

He has experience of playing in the Football League, and I think that he could actually bring to the party the qualities Town are looking for. He is big and strong, with a yard of pace, good work rate, is hungry to succeed, and is the sort of committed team member that you need. Equally adept at running in behind or receiving to feet and taking on his man, he could be a useful pick-up from Non-League.

 

Byron Moore (AFC Telford United)

Another player that I think Yeovil Town could have a look at to provide the versatility to be able to play in a number of positions is former Plymouth Argyle man Byron Moore from National League North side AFC Telford United. He was offered a new deal at the end of the season, but is yet to sign, and The Glovers could well chip in to seal his signature.

Byron Moore tussles with Ed Upson whilst playing for Crewe Alexandra in 2013. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Moore is capable of playing on the wing, at full-back, in the centre of midfield or indeed through the middle, and so fits what Yeovil Town are looking for in terms of cost-effective players that provide them the chance to change their system and have cover in key areas.

He is an experienced player that is another to have played at Bristol Rovers during Hargreaves’ time at the club, and so the Glovers boss has that report already there. He has recent experience of playing in the National League with Torquay United, and I think he would be a good option.

 


Luke James (Barrow)

New FC Halifax Town boss Pete Wild has made a number of new signings since taking over at Holker Street, but with Billy Waters and Josh Gordon already on the books, James may find his game time limited this season and so may be looking to go out on loan for a fresh new challenge next season. Hence, The Glovers could profit.

Luke James playing for Hartlepool United in an FA Cup first round tie at Huish Park in 2019. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

He has lost his way of late and needs to go somewhere he can rediscover his form and getting the regular playing time, having been restricted to only 19 appearances last season, with a combined 3 goals in the last two seasons. Thus, he needs to start again and find his feet, and a move into the National League may well give him the chance to do that.

A player capable of playing through the middle or indeed out wide, he is a hard-working that was described by Mark Cooper as “a top professional”, and that is what The Glovers need if they are to have a younger squad.

 

Abu Ogogo (Southend United)

Another player that used to play for Bristol Rovers and someone that Chris Hargreaves will no doubt know well is midfielder Abu Ogogo. So far, The Glovers have favoured younger and more technical players, and they need that more experienced, robust option and Ogogo fits that bill perfectly.

A player that is experienced at this level and principally the one above too, he is a tenacious, tough-tackling and commanding midfielder that is not afraid to put his foot in. Committed in the tackle, he has held numerous captaincy positions amongst his previous clubs and so would be that vocal presence about which to form the midfield.

Released by Southend United at the end of the season, he will no doubt be looking to remain in the National League, and a move to Yeovil Town could be a good fit. He is 32, keeps it ticking, and is the perfect foil for the more technically-pronounced players.

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Although green and white stripes were the original kit design of Yeovil’s first organised football team, Yeovil Casuals, they have not been the choice of design for a large part of the club’s 127-year history.

The history of the club compiled by late chairman Bryan Moore – see here – confirms that when Yeovil Casuals started out playing at the Pen Mill Athletic Ground they were in green and white stripes. They also turned a profit of £11.18s. 1d that season – no pressure, Scott.

The history goes on to add that when Yeovil Casuals became Yeovil Town FC in 1907-08 the stripes were replaced by a solid green kit with white cuffs.

1991-1992. Picture courtesy of Tim Lancaster.

But, as far as the history books appear to show, up until the 1919-20 season Yeovil Town (or Yeovil & Petters United as they were between 1914-1946) side turned out in stripes.

In that season, Yeovil & Petters United opted for white shirts and navy blue shorts, an amalgamation of both the green and white of Yeovil Town and the amber and blue worn by Petters United. They earned the name The Lilywhites.

In 1920, the club moved to Huish, now the site of a Tesco supermarket in Yeovil Town centre, where stripes were not on show. In fact, they did not return until the club moved to Huish Park in 1990.

Having started live at their new home with the same kit as at Huish – white shirt, green shorts and green socks – the stripes were back for the 1991-92 campaign.

The season stripes returned saw Bass brewery as the sponsor and they remained for the following three seasons – with sponsors selected through a draw run by the club’s Commercial Manager, Alan Skirton.

This famously saw Preston Plucknett Post Office as the shirt sponsor when the club faced Arsenal in an FA Cup third round tie in January 1993 which was shown on Match of the Day. You can watch that match – here.

1992-93. Picture courtesy of Tim Lancaster.

Cardboard box manufacturer Martock Watermans was the sponsor of another green-and-white striped design when Steve Rutter’s Glovers pulled off another FA Cup shock the following year.

Andy Wallace was the scorer of the goal for non-League giant-killers Yeovil which put Football League side Fulham out in the first round of the competition in November 1993.

But the 1994-95 season, which saw supermarket chain Tesco which had built a branch on the site of the club’s old Huish stadium a few years prior as sponsor, was the last time a Yeovil side turned out in stripes.

That season was a far from vintage one which Brian Hall, who had returned to take over the club following the surprise departure of Rutter, was removed midway through the season and replaced by ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers defender Graham Roberts.

Kevin Dillon fires home a penalty in the last match of the 1994-95 season, the last time Yeovil Town wore stripes. Picture courtesy of Tim Lancaster.

In his autobiography, Hard As Nails, Roberts says that the club’s green and white kit was one thing he never liked about Yeovil – presumably the similarity with his former Glasgow rivals, Celtic, played a part there.

It was a final day 4-4 draw with Northwich Victoria at Huish Park which saw Roberts’ side relegated out of the then-GM Vauxhall Conference in to regional football and the green and white stripes went with them.

In the summer of 1995, Roberts changed the kit to a solid green and white arguing that stripes made his team look weaker.

The team failed to make it out of the ICIS League Premier Division, the equivalent of today’s National League South, at the first attempt despite their more solid look. The following campaign they turned out in a slightly stripe-ier number and were promoted as champions. Just saying.

Graham Roberts, who did away with the stripes design worn for the previous four seasons, applauds Yeovil fans at the end of the 1995-96 season. Picture courtesy of Tim Lancaster.

Since then it was solid green and white with the emphasis on green – the one exception being the 1998-99 season which featured far more white – until promotion in to the Football League 2003 when the hooped design arrived.

Having been given a number of options, Gary Johnson put the question to the club’s supporters and hoops were adopted by popular demand – well, a majority at least.

They remained until the club were relegated out of the League in 2019 when – after an ill-fated design by Hummel – solid green returned for the past three campaigns.

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After a season that I couldn’t wait to end, I find myself willing the football season to return and counting down the days to to Taunton Town away (33 as of writing) in our first pre-season friendly.

We’ve not kicked a ball yet and we’ve not even got a squad. However, the early signs of Chris Hargreaves’ time at Huish Park have me cautiously optimistic.

A released list which few could argue with after last season’s midtable finish. The new contracts for Josh Staunton, Lawson D’Ath and Matty Worthington in addition to last seasons ‘remainers’ are a good show of unity from a group of players who you’d consider the best of the bunch from last season. If we can keep Charlie Wakefield, even better.

There’s recruitment to do, obviously. But equally important was the arrival of a coaching team. Previous incoming managers have inherited Terry Skiverton or Steve Thompson, but Hargreaves has arrived knowing he needs to bring in people with him. Yesterday we saw the arrival of Chris Todd from Torquay’s Under-18s as Assistant Manager and the return of Marcus Stewart as the Head of Player Development.

It’s Yeovil so there always has to be a familiar face, but Marcus Stewart feels a bit different. He left and went away, got his experience with Exeter, Bristol Rovers and Walsall. As Head of Player Development he’s here to make players better, regardless of their age and you’d be hard pushed to find a more experienced local ex-pro with Stewart’s credibility to do that. There are things that Marcus Stewart did that will be unteachable, such was his class, however there’ll be plenty for our players to soak in from an ex-striker who was once the second-top scorer in the 2000/01 Premier League season. 

Marcus Stewart, Photo courtesy of Mike Kunz

In his first interview with re-joining, he made it clear he’s at the club to help and he had a refreshing way of speaking, but maybe that’s the regional accent? He’s evidently here to help Chris Hargreaves, Chris Todd and ‘give it a good go’.

The appointment of Chris Todd as Assistant speaks volumes about the change in focus coming to the club with a real attention on youth development. We’ve been here before with our youth setup and the proof will be in pudding, but we’ve got the expertise to begin this journey. 

Yesterday, Todd spoke about homegrown talent and the community. He said: “You want a good base of youth development coming through and the fans would love to see some homegrown talent coming through and go on to a bigger scale, of course.

“It happens at Exeter, Plymouth do it and Torquay are starting to turn that around, but the backbone of a football club is the youth set-up and the community.

“I have experienced that, I know how it works and how to develop players at a young age and hopefully that can materialise on to the pitch with the first team.”

In a post-Darren Sarll world we’re building a backroom team which appears to represent a long-term strategy for the club with good people involved. Now, let’s get some players signed I’ll see you at Cygnet Healthcare Stadium in July.

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When the Yeovil Town released list came out, we sprung a snap poll on Gloverscast Twitter to ask you what you thought about the news of the six departures.

More right than wrong or more wrong than right? Well, 179 votes in at the time of writing, the overwhelming consensus (94% – it’s never totally unanimous, is it?) is that Chris Hargreaves has got it right.

I completely agree.

Anyone who listened to our Player Review of the Season (if you haven’t, either read it here or listen to it here) will know we all expected the majority of the six to depart. “So did I,” I hear you cry.

Jordan Barnett. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Perhaps the only surprise for me was Alex Bradley who would seem young enough and talented enough to be worth another chance. Jordan Barnett (age 22) probably falls in to the same bracket, but I suspect for both that a departure was more mutual than one way or another.

Couple this with the signing of Lawson D’Ath for a further year joining the likes of Smith, Hunt, Williams, Staunton and Knowles and you can feel a spine to build around – and, as Ben said the other week, “a spine is important.” True story.

That is a spine with a good amount of experience, a decent amount of talent and some real leadership; and there’s still the possibility of Charlie Wakefield and Matt Worthington joining them. Personally, I would be surprised to see Charlie stay (although I’d love him to do so), but I’d be very happy to keep Worthy.

But, when looking at the stats of the departing six, it became apparent that we are losing (by choice, I know) players who played a lot of games last season. Here’s the stats:

Dale Gorman
Appearances: 47 (NL 40, FAC 5, FAT 2, SPC 0)
Goals: 5

Adi Yussuf
Appearances: 45 (NL 35 FAC 4, FAT 2, SPC 4)
Goals: 10 – yes, two of them were in the Somerset Premier Cup.

Jordan Barnett
Appearances: 45 (NL 37 FAC 4, FAT 1, SPC 3)
Goals: 1 – but what a one!

Alex Bradley
Appearances: 31 (NL 22, FAC 2, FAT 2, SPC 5)
Goals: 1

Reuben Reid
Appearances: 29 (NL 23, FAC 2, FAT 2, SPC 2)
Goals: 3

Mark Little
Appearances: 20 (19 NL, FAC 0, FAT 1, SPC 0)
Goals: 0

I know there’s a lot more to it than statistics and the contribution of the six above has been limited, but Hargreaves is going to need to recruit well to plug these gaps. “He doesn’t need you to tell him that, Coates,” I hear you cry.

So what do we need the most? Attacking talent, pure and simple. If we keep Wakefield (see earlier comment) then I’d like to see more of him as “a silky winger….he’s just what we need” rather than through the middle, but there needs to be someone in the middle of the park to be creative as well.

We asked which position you felt YTFC needed to strengthen in….

D’Ath is great for that, but I suspect he’s unlikely to play the necessary amount of games to make the kind of impact we’d need. And, even if he proves me wrong (please do, Laws!) then we need more than one.

In the season just gone we had a team capable of making the play-offs, but a squad capable of a bang mid-table finish. Which is what we got.

Add in an experienced head who can weigh in with some goals in major competitions and we’ve got something that I think can compete.

When you think about the ‘earners’ we’ve released – Little, Reid, Gorman, all experienced heads who would have been at the higher end of the pay scale – there is money there to invest. Right, Mr Chairman?

I confess Chris Hargreaves was not my choice as manager, but I always believed in giving him a chance to prove me wrong. So far, so good.

Oh, the vote on the released list is up to 186 votes now, but still 96% in favour. Who are the 4%? What more do you want?!

Do you have a view on this? If you’re happy for it to be shared on the website, please send it to us at gloverscast@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can tell us we’re wrong (or right) on our social media channels – find us on Twitter and Facebook.

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After the most middling mid-table season possible, here’s our assessment on how the first team squad did for the 2021/22 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

Ian: 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: 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: 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 Evans

Ian: Max Evans did okay when he was called up. In hindsight, I think he can feel hard done by to have been overlooked after Smith’s red card at Torquay. He deserved his league debut at Altrincham on the final day. 4

Ben: The more we look back on DillonBarnes-gate the easier it is to appreciate the need for a decent understudy GK. Age, potential, size and popularity among the group means Max ticks every box. 3

Dave: Difficult to judge him given his lack of game time, but his performance in the final game at Altrincham makes me hopeful he has more to give next season. 3

Mark Little

Ian: Our marquee signing of the summer picked up an awful injury in our second preseason game of the season. After being carefully reintroduced after Christmas, he provided an experienced head in the back line but he was not an upgrade on Dan Moss. I fear his injury prevented us from seeing the best of him. 3

Ben: Maybe I should be careful with negative reviews because of the number of games, especially at home, I’ve actually seen. But honestly, I’m not sure I saw anything that suggested he was the marquee signing we thought we had in the summer. Injury and Dan Moss are big reasons for that… but honestly, meh. 2

Dave: Little was very unlucky to pick up an injury in pre-season which meant we did not see so much of him. He showed signs of obvious quality but never really displayed the “incredible standards” we heard so much about when I saw him play. For the money I suspect we paid him, I’d have sooner had Dan Moss on loan for a season. 3

Luke Wilkinson fires home the equaliser vs Boreham Wood. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Luke Wilkinson

Ian: In his final season at Huish Park, we missed the captain when he was out through injury (a semi-regular occurrence) and he was the steady, experienced head in the defence. Finally got his goal in the last home game of the season. 4

20/21 review: Wilko’s season has been disappointing. Injuries totally hampered him and he wasn’t able to build on his stellar first season. Hopefully with the right TLC he can recover properly and be the asset we know he can be next season. 3

Ben: Oh, what might have been. I thought we were on course to have Wilko skipper us back to the EFL. One too many injuries, one too many partners next to him and I’m still left thinking we never saw the best of Luke Wilkinson. A leader, for sure. The group will miss him. 3

20/21 review: Time for potentially an unpopular opinion. We’ve craved defensive stability, we’ve craved a team full of Dickos and that really should have been Wilko, but too many injuries and a couple of red cards have meant we’ve been without our talisman at the back just a smidgen too often, he was shaky at times especially at the start of the season. For context, I want Wilko here and I want him to lead us next season, he and Hunt are a pairing to hang our hats on, but this season can only be a 3, next season, I know can be a 6.

Dave: When he wasn’t there we missed his leadership and organisation and thankfully he was around a bit more than he was in the previous campaign. Glad he went out with that goal against Boreham Wood, but a shame he could not bring himself to come up to Altrincham on the final day. Wish him all the best at Woking and await the inevitable goal against us when he returns to Huish Park. 4

20/21 review: It all started so well with our first goal of the season at King’s Lynn on the opening day, but we simply did not see enough of Wilko this season. Injuries, some silly bookings and some even sillier red cards meant we missed an undoubted leader in our backline when we needed him. He’ll want to do better and I have no doubt he will. 3.

Max Hunt

Ian: 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

20/21 review: I like Max Hunt. I think with a regular partner and stability around him he’s going to be a key player for us going forward. He showed quality when he was regularly partnered with Billy Sass-Davies but seemed to struggle with others. 4

Ben: 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

20/21 review: Tall isn’t he!? Still at the start of his career with plenty to learn. But I like him, I really do. I want more in opposition penalty areas, I want defensive stability from the team as a unit. But this guy can do all of this. For now… 4

Dave: 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

20/21 review: After that ‘performance’ at Torquay he must have wondered what he was doing, but he went on to be a quality performer in my book. Get Wilko alongside him regularly next season and he’ll be a good ‘un. 4

 

Morgan Williams

Ian: 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

20/21 review: He did alright in a bit of bleak period. 2

Ben: 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

20/21 review: I fear that I rate this lad more than others, I assumed he’d be closer to the first team squad at Coventry but he’s now available on a free transfer. He has every attribute Omar Sowunmi should have had. His time specific to Yeovil was only short, but didn’t do massive amounts wrong, but hardly set the world alight either. 3.

Dave: 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

20/21 review: Looked comfortable on the ball, but feel he needs someone with experience alongside him. Not too much to judge him on this year. 2

Jordan Barnett

Ian: Jordan Barnett started so brightly. He showed drive, an appetite to get forward from fullback and the right amount of assertion in his game. He enjoyed a spell in centre midfield, scored the goal of season against Torquay, but as the season wore on, I felt he really dropped off. That assertion went over the line at points, where it felt like he was more interested in riling up opponents than playing his game. With the news breaking about his potential FA charge, he clearly had off the pitch issues he was dealing with. 3

Ben: One of those who quickly endear himself to fans, gives the oppo a SHHHH, crunches a tackle in, he’s got every trick in the book. I was desperate to see him to well, especially further forward… but he had a few chances to nail a spot and never really took it. Needs dedicated work from the new manager or his time with us could slip away. 3

Dave: I was excited about Barnett when he joined in the summer and his all-action style and obvious quality endeared him immediately. When he were good, he was good, but when we were poor he was either missing or a liability. Not sure who is the chicken and who is the egg in that situation. Didn’t do enough after a bright start to earn a rave review from me. 3

Alex Bradley

Ian: The curious case of Alex Bradley. Seemed like he was about cement himself as first choice right back at the end of last season. In comes Mark Little, he gets injured and we bring in Dan Moss at fullback. It was revealed Bradley wanted to play in midfield rather than fullback, a decision which I think he will regret. He’s wasted a season trying to get himself into midfield and not managed it. 2

20/21 review: Grew into it as the season went on. A definite upgrade on Leadbitter and he showed his versatility too. 4

Ben: I was so desperate for Alex to smash this season, everything we saw last season said to us he’d grab his place and never let go, it just never happened for long enough. Positional confusion maybe, but what should have been his breakthrough season became unnecessarily stale. 2

20/21 review: I’m really happy with how his time has progressed, still more to find in certain areas, but i feel he’ll benefit massively from consistency to his left and in front of him, much more come from this lad. 4 (just couldn’t quite go to 5)

Dave: A year ago I said to give him a full season and he could be a decent player. Well, he never got that and now believes he is a midfielder rather than a full back. Not sure I agree, but happy to be proven wrong, should he remain for next season. 3

20/21 review: There’s definitely something there and give him a full season and I think he’ll be a good player. 3

 

Dale Gorman

Ian: How a player can be sorely missed when he’s not in the team and a liability at times when he is astounds me. Composed on the ball and kept us ticking over when he was on it under Sarll. He played more minutes than any other player for us this season so we saw a lot of him. His assist for Josh Neufville’s match-winner against Stockport will be my highlight. His hopeless freekicks and shots from distance were a bug bear. 4

Ben: I feel like I want to give two scores, one pre and one post Sarll because he seemed to check out early. He’s got such a quiet Charlie Lee-esque aura about him, just gliding through games ticking the game over, not really going noticed. Then he gets booked, hits three 40-yard free kicks into orbit and calls it a day. 4

Dave: Quite an enigma. You can see what he brings to the side – experience, tenacity and composure, but also poor discipline and those free-kicks….oh God, those free-kicks. I suspect we’ll not see him next season, I suspect he’ll be in a Woking shirt soon – and probably scoring a free-kick against us.  4

Matt Worthington

Ian: 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

20/21 review: I like Matthew Worthington a lot. But, he can do a lot more. There was that weird spell where he wasn’t involved and we didn’t know why. Seemed to be finding himself last season but really went off the boil and didn’t get anywhere near to the expectations I had of him. 3

Ben: 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.

20/21 review: Here’s a strange one, I don’t feel like I can judge this season, until we’ve seen him next season. He’s been in and out the side, a little bit injured, in a few different midfield roles, but I think we all agree he’s got the right character to be a key Darren Sarll player – a key Yeovil player. I know every attribute is there, I just want to see it for longer, be the first name on the team sheet and this 4 will become a 5 or 6 with ease.

Dave: 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

20/21 review: Worthy seemed to pay the price for a disappointing start to the season and, whilst we never quite understood why, I think we missed his energy when he wasn’t there. It is no coincidence his return to the side triggered a good run of form at the start of the year, only to peter off as our season did the same. If he wants to and he stays, he can be a big player for us next season. 3.

Josh Staunton disagrees with Brad Ash of W*ymouth in the FA Cup replay at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

Josh Staunton

Ian: 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

20/21 review: He was the one we were buzzing about when he signed and seemed to really click with the squad. A shame he got injured so seriously, so early. I think he’ll be massive next season. 3

Ben: Just build the statue (Insert link to ‘Most Important Player since Skivo’ blog HERE. 6.

20/21 review: The signing I was most excited by last summer. The one we missed the most throughout the season. The one we will benefit from having next season. Get 40 games out of him and he’s nailed on for a 6. For now, can only be a 4

Dave: 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

20/21 review: He could have been a great player for us and I genuinely believe he will be if he stays fit next season. 3

Lawson D’Ath

Ian: 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

20/21 review: Oh Lawson. Showed us what he was about in the last few games before another injury. A quality player on his day but, sadly, so many injuries. 3

Ben: 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

20/21 review: What can you say? at his best, he is a League One player, but we’ve seen it in such short snippets its hard to judge. I have to go down the middle and give him a 4, at this level he can be a 6, his injury record is probably a 2. Gutted, I feel so bad for the lad who put his own body and future on the line for the team.

Dave: 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

20/21 review: On his day, the man is too good for this level and is a solid 5 bordering on a 6, sadly his body thinks differently. 3.

Charlie Wakefield

Ian: 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: 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: 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

Tom Knowles scores goals ? Mike Kunz.

Tom Knowles

Ian: Well, colour me smitten. What a player we have on our hands. His ability to tangle up full backs and score any type of goal makes him our most valuable asset by far. Sign him on and include a £1m release clause. 6

20/21 review: Don’t fall in love with footballers. Except Tom Knowles. 5

Ben: Shall we put his statue next to Josh Staunton’s or round the other side? It’s time to build our entire attacking unit around what this guy can do. Get the contract sorted and he’s a £250k asset scoring and creating goals for fun. 6

20/21 review: Exciting, when he gets the ball I expect things to happen. Scores worldies. Took him a smidgen of time to get going and that’s all that prevents this being a six. 5.

Dave: We all a dream of a team of Tommy Knowles. Literally, I do. This lad has real quality and the ability to score an absolute screamer, but what I love most about him is his passion. Even at Altrincham in a final day dead rubber, he wanted it more than anyone else of the pitch. My player of the season and made up he’s staying for another season. 6

20/21 review: In the same way Darren Sarll got his recruitment wrong at the start of the season, he got it right for the second half. I have a feeling this lad will be something special. Hope I’m right. 5

Reuben Reid

Ian: We were robbed of a rejuvenated Reuben Reid when he picked up his hamstring injury in pre-season. He showed glimpses in a couple of matches, but nowhere near enough from a player we prioritised over Courtney Duffus. (No, I’m still not over it.) 2

20/21 review: I don’t think we should have swapped him for Courtney Duffus. We absolutely need more out of him next season. 2

Ben: I tried so… damn… hard to stick up for Reid last season. I really thought he played his role so well and that this would be the year we got the best out of him. The reason we’re not in the play offs is a lack of goals and he’s one of the reasons. 2

20/21 review: I said I wouldn’t judge him on goals, so I won’t. He brought others in to play, linked nicely with Neufville and Knowles at times, Skendi too. We all agree we need more from him go I forward, copy and paste this season into next and it’ll be hugely marked down, but for some attacking stability… 4

Dave: You know what’s coming, don’t you? I promised to judge Reuben on the goals he scored this season and sadly three in 25 appearances simply isn’t good enough. Yes, he missed a good chunk of the season through injury and has undoubtedly played with other knocks and issues, but I expected more. 2

20/21 review: He’s a striker, so you judge him on goals and three (including two penalties) in 27 appearances isn’t enough. He looked a yard off it to start with and a yard off it to finish with, but there was enough in between to stop me marking him a one. 2

Adi Yussuf

Ian: Undoubtedly a good personality to have at the club. Appreciated by those who’ve played the game as a handful for defenders, but just not in the goal threat department. 2

Ben: Solihull fans did warn us… he seems a genuine bloke, with a great lifestyle ethos, a hard working, fit as a fiddle striker who… just couldn’t hit a barn door with a banjo. Nice strikers finish last. 2

Dave: When he signed he spoke about him as someone who could have filled Rhys Murphy’s scoring boots. Goes to show how you should not listen to the opinions of anyone who does a podcast. 2

The Loanees

Dan Moss

Ian: What could have been? If Millwall had let him stay with us, I genuinely think we might have had a different end to the season. One of those loanees you’ll always keep an eye. Even if he’s at Woking… 5

Ben: Will play in the Championship one day. He’s that good. Think Connor Roberts, I’m gutted he’s off to Woking. 5

Dave: What could have been if he’d stayed rather than trying his luck at Orient. Not always faultless, but had obvious quality and work-rate. Good luck to him at Woking, I do think he’s better than this level though. 5

Jack Robinson

Ian: Pretty reliable when he played and shone through when Charlie Lee took over. 4

Ben: Nearly a brilliant signing. There was a couple of defensive places up for grabs at times and he couldn’t quite nail it. Utterly brilliant at Solihull and very good at Altrincham. 4

Dave: So many injuries it was difficult to really judge him. Did alright, but suspect I will not remember him in a year’s time. Put him next to ‘Jonathan Grounds’ in the ‘loans from from Middlesbrough’ folder. 3

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton

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

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

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

Ben Barclay

Ian: A great loan signing when we needed to patch up our back line. Reliable, comfortable with the ball at his feet and would be very very welcome back. 5

Ben: Bit of a surprise, for me. Watched him have 45 minutes of a stinker for a Stockport side who would go on to win the league, but was a brilliant addition towards the end. Would LOVE him back alongside Hunt next season. 4

Dave: Always dependable and reliable, plus a great footballer for a centre half. If he’s not getting a look in at Stockport, let’s get him back next season. 4

Josh Neufville

Ian: To see Josh rip teams apart in the flesh was a joy this season. Watching defenders backpedal with the ball glued to his feet was Thierry Henry-esque. I genuinely believe he’ll go to the top and we’ll always be able to say “he was ours”. 6

Ben: How nice was it to see Josh back? This lad is going places, and quickly. Got a bit of the Andros Townsends about him. Silky, tricky, quick, never ending battery. 6

Dave: Having last seen him being stretchered off at Altrincham, I honestly did not think Josh could be the player he was. I was right, he was better. Bulked up and more physical, when we played to his strengths he was unplayable. 5

Dillon Barnes

Ian: A bad signing. 1

Ben: Clangers in two big games, Max Evans watching on thinking… “really, this guy?” 2

Dave: To quote our Aldershot fan, Pete, who ensued him on loan: How is he even a footballer? 1

Ben Seymour

Ian: It felt like there was a good, motivated, pacey player there. A different striker than any other we had this season and I was disappointed that he cut his loan spell short. Definitely worth having a look at this summer in my opinion. 3

Ben: On pure numbers I’m left shrugging the shoulders a bit. But there’s… something there. Something I’d like a manager with a proven track record of working with young players to work with…It took guts to step up and take the pen vs W*ymouth, I know he missed it, but gutsy. 3… with potential.

Dave: I never saw him play and he came at a really difficult time, so probably unfair to judge him too much. I’ll go with the consensus. 3

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We have a strict(ish) set of rules at the Gloverscast. One is followed a lot more than others, and that one is Rule #2: Sleep on it. When a result goes against us, we try not to jump to a reaction of conclusion without reflecting on it.

Having slept on the statement released by Damien Singh on Sunday afternoon, I’ve got an overwhelming feeling of frustration.

Frustration that we were told there was ‘no money on the table’ only to read: “We unfortunately could not conclude our negotiations despite a series of recent offers with funds placed on our solicitors account.” 

Frustration that we were told the deal was dead in December, but that also we didn’t offer Darren Sarll a new contract in January because of the ongoing takeover. Which is it?

Frustration that someone of this magnitude was waiting in the wings while the relentless rumourmill caused turmoil amongst supporters.

Frustration that, three years after we missed a golden opportunity with Rob Couhig, we’re going to miss out on another.

It’s not every day someone the likes of the CFO of Canva (valued at $40bn in September 2021) decides to get involved in a small community club in Somerset. To have someone with very evident business and financial acumen and with very evident means knocking at the door, to find out they’ve decided to stop knocking is beyond frustrating.

So, how to channel that frustration? Boycott season tickets? Stop spending at the ground on a matchday? Stop matches? I can’t argue for that, because it would be hypocritical of me because I don’t have a season ticket, I will buy a drink at the ground and I want to watch matches. Other people will have their ideas and others will just want that to be that, and move on. We all want the best for the football club, we all have differing views of what would be best for the football club, but ask yourself: ‘would the CFO of one of the largest tech companies on the planet being part of the ownership at Yeovil Town be best for Yeovil Town?’ If your answer is no, I don’t know what you want for the football club.

I am happy that we’ve got a supporter on the board now, I’m happy we’ve got a manager and some certainty around which players we’ll have – even though the majority of the remainers could have been clarified months ago. But, after Sunday, we’ve got another ‘what could have been?’ situation.

The club’s most valuable (monetarily anyway) assets have been sold, albeit with a route to getting them back but one which sees us ultimately losing out because the value of that development could have gone on our bottom line rather than repaying debts the debt to SSDC.

Our recent polls have shown that opinion has turned. Out of 313 voters, 93% felt our future wasn’t bright under Scott Priestnall’s ownership. 65% of 234 people said they wouldn’t buy or were undecided on season tickets. This is not a vocal minority of internet hoodies. The sentiment has changed, the mood has swung and I don’t believe it will go back. We can polish as many triggered extensions as ‘new signings’ as we want.

I genuinely hope that Mr Singh’s statement is not the end. As a supporter, I think we have a duty to the club to ensure it isn’t the end. We’ve missed out on something in our very recent history, I think this opportunity has the potential to be something even brighter. Let’s not allow this to be over yet.

Do you have a view on this? If you’re happy for it to be shared on the website, please send it to us at gloverscast@gmail.com.

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With the news of SSDC completing their purchase of Huish Park emerging on Friday, it feels like a lifetime ago that Chris Hargreaves was announced as the new manager of Yeovil Town FC.

While he was not a favourite for the job in the eyes of supporters (58% of Gloverscast readers wanted Jamie McAllister) he was a name that was on the rumour mill in the middle of April.

Having left his role as Bristol Rovers Academy manager in February to pursue first team manager opportunities, it’s been reported that he was unsuccessful in applications for Oxford City and Woking before getting the Glovers job.

As he lines up his coaching team (a former Glover who’s “only gone and done it” is among the rumoured names), there’s a chance of some post-season freshness at Huish Park – in the dugout at least.

Hargreaves experience since ‘taking Torquay out of the football league’ (as the negative narrative is) has been largely focussed on youth football and the academy system at Exeter City, Bournemouth and Bristol Rovers. His history at this south/southwest triumvirate, within a commutable distance from Huish Park, is probably an indication of the ‘project youth’ strategy Yeovil be taking this season. And who can argue with it?

In his first interview with YTFC.net, Hargreaves said: “Youth development is vital. I said to the players that want to stay at the club, I want to improve them as all coaches and managers do. We want to help them go and play as high as they can. It’s something that is very important to me, they have to produce for the club but we hope to be able to help them along their footballing journey. We have to be as sustainable as possible, so we need to develop our younger players and if the rewards are right for the club and for the player, then brilliant. That has to be a major part of it because producing players is a big part of what a club is about.”

Despite the club’s ‘pretty healthy’ financial position mooted by the chairman, and the recent injection of circa £2.8m, (who’s laughing at the back?) with ever-dropping gates at Huish Park, it’s reasonable to expect the budget will not see signings like Darren Sarll’s first season.

If we’re in the market for young, hungry players who’ve been let go from Rovers, Exeter and Bournemouth we should try and get ourselves to the top of the pile. Hargreaves’ connection with these clubs will hopefully provide Yeovil with a good pipeline of loans and an opportunity to sign some free agents.

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

As we await our released and retained list, we’ve secured the most important player in Josh Staunton. His leadership within the squad is obvious and as the standard bearer of the dressing room, he will set the bar for those remaining and those joining. If the core of Staunton, Grant Smith, Morgan Williams, Max Hunt, Tom Knowles and Matty Worthington stay, that’s a good base to build a squad from. 

While Hargreaves wasn’t everyone’s first choice, I was impressed with his first interview with the media. He spoke positively about the club and genuinely seems excited at the opportunity to manager our club. Despite the news which broke on Friday afternoon, I’m cautiously optimistic about the freshening up at Huish Park under his leadership.

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This morning Yeovil Town fans woke up in the knowledge that our club is no longer the owner of the ground on which Huish Park stands.

It may well have been the case for a number of days (weeks?) before 2pm on Friday afternoon when South Somerset District Council (SSDC) and the club announced that a £2.8m deal had been completed for the council to buy Huish Park and the land around it and rent it back to the club.

Nearly 32 years after we moved in, we are now tenants in the place we call ‘home’.

So what do we know about the deal? Well, the statement from chairman Scott Priestnall spoke about why the sale was required and what the money would be used for, and SSDC gave its views on the deal.

Their respective messages were consistent – the club lost huge amounts money throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it needs a cash boost and a way to unlock the land at Huish Park for development to safeguard its future.

Having read through it all, there’s a couple of comments on both sides I felt were worthy of further inspection:

Scott Priestnall: “The deal provides valuable funds to the club, in what has been a very difficult period financially and operationally. We utilised all government schemes available to us during the pandemic, but unfortunately those funds did not meet our ongoing cash requirement, never mind allow us to grow.”

There’s absolutely no question the pandemic was a hugely difficult time for all businesses and our football club was no exception. As the chairman rightly says, it furloughed a number of employees to cut its costs to the bare bones, took advantage of grants available to clubs, benefited from more than £50,000 raised by its supporters through a Crowdfunder and has borrowed almost £1m from Sport England. What is an interesting question though is the contradiction between the chairman’s statements from a little under a month ago that the club was in “a pretty healthy” financial position. If that is true, why do we need to sell our only true assets? As one supporter put it, on the face of it it’s a bit like selling your car to pay for the petrol.

Scott Priestnall.

Scott Priestnall: “The funds will help pay for costs incurred during the pandemic such as deferred payments with some of our key partners and deferred salaries to our incredible staff and players who accepted a reduction in wages during lockdown when the club could not operate.”   

If there are individuals or business the club owes money to, it can only be right that this ‘windfall’ enables these debts to be met. No question. However, what of the other debts? We know we owe Sport England £998,538 in monies that, only a couple of weeks ago the Chairman said the Sports Minister was “working to get written off“. So, unless his view on that situation has changed in just under a month, one assumes those debts will not be paid.

So what of the £1.35m the chairman borrowed from Poole-based lender MSP Capital to complete the purchase of the club back in 2019? In the words of Somerset Live back then, the move by Priestnall to secure the loan he took out against the club’s land assets “effectively acts as a mortgage against the stadium.” At that time, he spoke about the loan as “a facility to help us move forward with the land” – a similar reason to given yesterday to justify the sale to the council through the removal of “restrictive convenants” which have prevented land around Huish Park being developed – it all costs money, right?

Scott Priestnall: “When I first came into the Club, I saw the opportunity to grow this already amazing Club into an organisation off the pitch that could provide revenues all week, not just on match days. While I had very positive conversations with local planning, developers and funding partners, the pandemic delayed our options to grow, at the same time causing huge financial difficulties to our ongoing operations.”

There’s no doubt that Scott Priestnall, like his predecessors Norman Hayward and John Fry, see value in unlocking the value of the Huish Park site – and who could argue with the principle of developments which could create a long-term, sustainable income for the club? Certainly not me, it’s worked for clubs up and down the country and the lifting of covenants on the use of the land seemingly frees the club up to do so.

What could development look like? The simple truth is we don’t know and won’t know until the club unveils its “long-term vision for Huish Park” which the chairman says will happen “over the next year“. One insight came from the Glovers’ Trust back in March 2021 when it published a map showing a ‘Concept Plan’ of potential development of the land which showed the entire car park developed for flats and houses, accommodation for players alongside the current 3G pitch, alongside at least one shop, a sports clinic and a hotel.

I welcome the money raised by the sale enabling the club “to sensibly invest in required maintenance work and our playing squad” whilst paying down the debts it has incurred due to the pandemic, but if we are expected to pay an annual rent to SSDC, how is the development of the Huish Park site going to help us do this?

A hotel, shop or sports clinic paying a regular rental to the club or social facilities able to bring a seven-day-a-week income would achieve this. But simply building and selling property – whether houses, flats, shops, hotels or alike – is a short-term strategy which does not answer the question of – who pays the rent?

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

 

Councillor John Clark

“It is important to remember that it is not the council’s intention nor desire to play any part in the running of the football club, which will remain a matter for the shareholders. Our interest is to help with the club’s survival, generate a new rental income, while protecting our ratepayers from loss or excessive risk.”

Not the chairman’s words this time, but those of SSDC’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, John Clark, the councillor for Yeovil Summerlands.

A number of councils have pots of cash waiting to invest in schemes they will be profitable for them and, as organisations not seeking to make a quick profit, can invest for the long term. When its District Executive signed off the £2.8m investment in December 2020, the council confirmed it would “provide a yield of around 7%” which was “line with the approved target level of commercial returns.” Speaking at the meeting which decided the deal, then-Chief Executive Alex Parmley said: “We’re not spending money on a football club or giving them taxpayers’ money – we’re investing in the land. We’ll have a significant land asset with a value at the end of it.” To put it simply, this deal is good business for SSDC.

In his statement, Scott Priestnall spoke about how there would be “those that put a negative spin” on the deal. He – and maybe you – may think this blog is an attempt to do that. I would argue there is no more “spin” in his blog than in the club and council’s own statements. Questions are healthy in any democracy – the chairman himself said just under a month ago that he had “no problem with criticism” and therefore I am sure will have no issue with my questions. They are asked out of a desire to see the club thrive, that’s all any fan wants, right?

Gerry Lock, right, with manager Brian Hall as they collect the Isthmian League winners’ trophy in April 1988.
Picture courtesy of Tim Lancaster.

When I was first becoming a Yeovil Town supporter, the club made its move from Huish to Huish Park, under the stewardship of then-chairman Gerry Lock. It was a move which almost sent the club under due to long-running planning enquiries, the rising cost of land – many other things which have been the subject of podcasts, if you are interested- listen here. Lock’s vision was to create a stadium and facility which was the envy of clubs all over the country – and he did, but almost at a huge cost.

Is this decision Scott Priestnall’s ‘Gerry Lock Moment’?

In “the next year” we have been promised sight of the long-term vision for Huish Park and, if this ultimately benefits the football club, you’ll hear no complaints from me. Like so many things, we’ll just have to wait and see.

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Just one week ago, nearly 2000 Yeovil, Exeter and South West football fans came to Huish Park to celebrate the life of Adam Stansfield and raise money for his foundation.

In the build up to the game, the Gloverscast trio joined a host of local reporters, Yeovil fans and hugely respected YTFC people came together to put together a programme, however one article didn’t make the souvenir programme.

Below is my chat with Andy Lindegaard, who had amazing memories of the sides with which he played across many, many years of success.

Andy Lindegaard breaks up-field for Yeovil

It’s fair to say that being a Yeovil fan from 2000 onwards was a special experience, a decade of unprecedented success with the teams from 2002, 03, 05 and 07 all living long in the memories of a Glovers fans.

We can only imagine what it would have been like to have been on the inside through it all, but one player and one player alone did the best of both worlds.

Andy Lindegaard was a Yeovil born, Glovers fan who had been part of the local football from a young age and have been in the youth team under Stu Housley and Maurice O’Donnell before breaking into the first team in 1999 and playing for the next eight years through so many top teams, he spoke to the Gloverscast’s Ben Barrett about how it felt to be part of multiple teams who found success at Huish Park.

When Gary Johnson joined, he inherited a team that was close to success but hadn’t quite landed the big one, Lindy says a little sprinkling of quality was all that was needed.

“When Gary came in, he added a bit of quality, Lee Johnson came in, (Colin) Milesy and Steve Collis, those were the three I remember from the first day of preseason. They’d come from the Football League and had a little bit of experience, but it was more just the team spirit we had together. Anything we did, everyone wanted to win each time. It’s that attitude that helps bring success”

2001/02 culminating in a Trophy Final was a special occasion for Lindegaard, but it was just the start of the journey

“We were at the start of riding that wave, I remember going to Villa Park and the whole of Yeovil was there, it was something special.”

After that, the team conquered the conference and League Two with so many happy memories.

“It was a winning mentality, we had a lot of pace, it was attack, attack, attack, the fans were spoilt!”

“One of my best memories is playing in front of Huish Park when it was jam packed full, we used to get six or seven thousand every week.”

Lindegaard still has the match ball from his hat trick against Gravesend and Northfleet kicking about in the garden and the medals are framed up and on display for family and friends to enjoy, his only ‘what if’… not playing as a striker a bit more.

“I wish I played up front more, but we signed Kevin Gall so I didn’t get a look in.”

Fast forward to 2007 and things had changed. Johnson had left, Slade had come in and yet the success continued with the League One play-offs.

Slade, he says, was different to Johnson in the way they approached management but both got results.

“Gary was more of a shouter, he liked to encourage players that way, Russell Slade was more of school teacher-ish”

“Russell wouldn’t overload the players with information, but Gary had his own form of data analysis, it was ticks and crosses as we sat and watched the games back.”

Lindegaard was quick to take up the offer to come back and play in this game for the Adam Stansfield foundation, because of who Adam was, and he knew before most that Stanno would go on to be great.

“Stanno always had a smile on his face. I actually played in the game where Gary discovered him. For the reserves, against Elmore. It was a cold, rainy night, luckily I wasn’t playing in defence, so he didn’t run me ragged. I remember playing in that game and he turned up to training the next Monday”.

The rest was history.

From struggling to find somewhere to train with the reserve side to finishing his 8-year stint at Wembley Stadium in 2007, Andy Lindegaard saw it all happen around him and he hopes that for one more packed out Huish Park will wrap up the story nicely.

Lindy and his blonde locks ? Mike Kunz

“As soon as they mentioned this game, I wanted to get involved. I’m really looking forward to it, I haven’t seen a lot of the players in a while, I keep in touch with a couple of the lads, it’ll be good. Some of the lads who are coming back never got to play with Stanno so it’ll be good to see teams from across the generations”

When asked who would win between a 2003 Yeovil side and the 2007 Glovers team, it was close, but he reckons the Johnson side would have just about edged it.

“I’d probably say the 2003 team would win, but, the 2007 team was the highest we’d ever been. That team was full of quality, but my instinct says that Weasel (Darren Way) and Lee Johnson would make the difference”

Those sides come together today to take on the South West XI, the best of both worlds!

To donate to Andy’s blonde hair Just Giving page Click HERE

To listen to the Gloverscast’s Legends Game Special Click HERE

To take a look at the Gloverscast Photo Gallery of the day courtesy of Mike Kunz, Click HERE

To visit the website of the Adam Stansfield foundation and make a direct donation, Click HERE

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Yeovil huddle before Altrincham

…and breathe.

The 2021/22 season has come to an end. 44 league games, an FA Cup run, and a Somerset Premier Cup victory has made the campaign far from dull despite the 12th place finish. The final game saw an injury ravaged squad squeeze out a 1-0 win over fellow mid-tablers Altrincham. Debuts for Ollie Haste and Max Evans rightly took the post match headlines, but I wanted to highlight two other performances.

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

I gave Sonny Blu Lo Everton my man of the match on the radio. He was fantastic in the first half, and gave us a glimpse into what we would have loved to have seen more of through the whole season. He glided effortlessly with the ball, had shots, a relaxed game brought out the best in him, how desperately we could have done with that on a more regular basis. His career lies higher than the National League and he’ll go onto good things, I’m sure.

Morgan Williams. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Much was made out of Morgan Williams’ controversial Glovies wins (by Ian mostly), but as one of those certain to be there on Day 1 of pre season next year, I for one am chuffed. He played centre half, he’s played left back, right wing back and for his first proper season adapted to all of them with ease. If he wants to show of the leadership and seniority he showed alongside Jack Robinson and in front of Max Evans that is absolutely fine by me. We’ve got a good one in Morgan Williams, that’s for sure.

184 Yeovil fans made the trip to Altrincham, maybe take a few off for some easy geography, but that is an incredible level of support. I wouldn’t have blamed any supporter for saying no thanks, for starting their summers early and listening on the radio, but so many felt like they needed to be there. To say goodbye? To say thanks? Because that’s just what weekends are for? I’m not sure, but whoever is on that press release as our new manager has a truly brilliant fan base to get on board with. I hope they harness the spirit of the 184, I hope they see the passion and support of the 1900+ at the Legends game and use that to their advantage, give us something to cheer and we are there ready to be on your side.

I have to mention Josh Staunton don’t I? Last summer he told us that last season he thought he might not kick a ball ever again. He did, he became an integral part of the side, then Charlie Lee’s right hand man, then… almost inexplicably, Manager. Find me a Yeovil fan who doesn’t think we should extend his contract? Find me a Yeovil fan who thinks he isn’t the person to build a side around next year? I’ve written in depth before about how I feel he’s the most important player we’ve had since Skivo, well, he became our first player-manager since the Glovers legend took over from Russell Slade. He deserves the upmost respect and a damn good contract.

So, I don’t like to address rumours, but there were murmurs of some players not being in the best frame of mind before the game and there were a number of absentees. I’ll say only one thing… if there’s any player that doesn’t want to be here, they’re absolutely fine to leave. It takes a special type of player to play for Yeovil Town, you have to show the commitment that 184 fans showed today, if you’re not willing to do that, despite all that’s gone on, you know where the door is. For what it’s worth, in every little snippet of conversation I’ve had with people, every game I’ve watched, every interview I’ve transcribed this season I’ve never doubted any squad member’s commitment, I just hope it’s still there at the same level next season.

It won’t exactly be a quiet week for Glovers fans, or a quiet summer for that matter, but I hope YTFC supporters can enjoy their summers. It’ll be time to play ‘Guess the Trialist‘ soon.