Gloversblog (Page 27)

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Striker Alex Fisher during his time at Yeovil Town.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

With the recent signing of Alex Fisher bringing back some memories of times gone by, it got Ben thinking… what ever happened to the side that slept walked out of the Football League?

…and because I know you have been thinking that too (right?) I thought I’d turn the clocks back to Saturday, 27th April 2019.

Avengers Endgame had been in cinemas less than 24 hours, Nick Krygios was celebrating his 24th birthday (by shouting at a line judge, probably) and the only people on the planet who were practicing ‘social distancing’ were the Glovers back four as Northampton turned around a 2-0 half time deficit to draw 2-2 and relegate Yeovil out of the EFL after a decade and a half.

This is how we lined up, and what they’re doing now.

(Oh and by the way, there were no fewer than four ex-YTFC players in the Cobblers’ starting line up that day, Dean Bowditch, Sam Hoskins, Andy Williams and Sam Foley… cheers lads)

12 Nathan Baxter

Water-bottle enthusiast Nathan Baxter has been enjoying loan spells from Chelsea ever since this stint with Yeovil.

He’s been at Accrington and Hull City twice. Very good goalkeeper

Matt Worthington in action vs Dover

8 Matt Worthington

Yeah, we had him at Right back that day.

And prior to Fisher’s return the only member of this squad still with us, well over a hundred games in green and white, a stalwart of our midfield, its safe to say we’ve got far more out of him since that season.

6 Omar Sowunmi

Club captain. His second half own goal started the second half crumble. He left that summer after a few choice words and disagreements with supporters on social media, went to Colchester, then Bromley and has signed a new deal with them.

5 Bevis Mugabi

Now a fully fledged international defender and SPL regular with Motherwell.

Left the club that summer for the top flight in Scotland and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

23 Tom James

Loved a free kick. Scored a couple of worldie, West Ham U23s and Notts County I seem to recall.

Also scored a magnificent Own Goal too.

Been around the block a bit, Hibs in Scotland, Wigan, Salford, Leyton Orient where he kept Dan Moss out the team in the second half of last season…

10 Jake Gray

I was never comfortable with him wearing the number 10, but after leaving us he went to Woking before moving to Hampton and Richmond where he still plays and runs the show there by all accounts.

20 Sessi D’Almeida

Not many players from Benin find their way to Yeovil do they?

He was alright, wasn’t he? Was he?

Hes played for Toneldo in Portugal and Valencienne and Pau FC in France since leaving Huish Park

17 Alex Pattison

Firstly, I was convinced he was called James. Apparently not.

Joined us on loan from Middlesbrough, looked lively at times. Do I recall some discontent after the now infamous ‘night out’ after the final day?

Now at Harrogate and has been linked to some Championship clubs this summer

Tristan Abrahams during his loan spell at Huish Park in 2019.

16 Tristan Abrahams

Scored a penalty in the game to get us all excited.

Newport, Leyton Orient, Carlisle all in the bag before helping Grimsby get promoted this season just gone.

Courtney Duffus in action for Yeovil Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

11 Courtney Duffus

A sore subject. Pushed out, pulled back in, part of the Non League reset with Rhys Murphy before departing to free up funds for *checks notes* Reuben Reid.

Bromley, then Morecambe, bit of time at Stockport too… shouldn’t have let him go should we?

25 Alex Dobre

Nope, me neither.

Turns out, he’s half decent. Went to Dijon in France for the best part of a Million quid from Bournemouth.

He has clearly cut the mustard (sorry) enough there to attract interest from Serie A sides… apparently

On the bench that day were…

Stuart Nelson

Stayed with the team for one season, left after play off defeat to Barnet, now at Dover.

Daniel Ojo.

Remember we released him mid season and were expecting him to show up at one of the London clubs… did that ever happen?

Gabby Rogers.

? We don’t talk about Gabby.

Francois Zoko.

Uncle Zokes, departed Huish Park that summer and called it a day from playing.

Yoann Arquin.

Scored that one worldie, then urm… didn’t do much else. Now plays for Le Havre in France.

Ryan Seager.

Scored 700 goals per game (give or take) in the Conference South and earned a move to Dorking this season.

…and Alex Fisher.

One of the few who actually seemed to give half a damn that we got relegated.

He’s back for the next two years at Huish Park after stints at Exeter and Newport and will be hoping those around him can ‘Feed the Fish’ a bit more this season.

What a story it would be if Alex Fisher, could right the wrongs of 2019 and take Yeovil back up to the EFL…

Alex Fisher. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

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Yeovil earned a 1-1 draw against Exeter yesterday on a hot summers day, Ian was there and here’s five things he thought of the game.

We’re definitely improving. Maybe it was the pitch, maybe it was my better vantage point at Huish Park compared to Taunton but we are progressing. A draw against League One opposition who are a week ahead of us training-wise is good in the grand scheme of things.

We’re organised defensively. But for a couple of moments against Taunton we never felt stretched it was the same yesterday. We reduced Exeter to shots from distance and our back five of Johnson (who looked much better yesterday), Williams, Staunton, Hunt and Reckord look like a strong defensive unit. 

We look fit. Chris Hargreaves told us on the Gloverscast that he’d have the players working hard and that was evident yesterday. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but it’s pretty hot at the moment and both sets of players didn’t stop for 90 minutes (but for a couple of drinks breaks). 

Tom Knowles scores goals ? Mike Kunz.

Tom Knowles is being given creative freedom. Playing behind the front two of Malachi Linton and Alex Fisher yesterday, Knowles was his trademark self, buzzing around defenders, winning fouls and causing problems with his direct running. His goal was a typical Knowles goal – picking it up out side the box, putting the afterburners on through the Exeter defence and slotting a left footed finish into the bottom right corner. It looks like we might see a bit more of him centrally this season and I’m all for it.

With all that in mind, there’s still more to do obviously. These games are all about fitness and building relationships on the pitch and we’re seeing that develop. Despite retaining players we still a new team with a new manager and we need to be patient. The manager still wants to add and there’s plenty of time to do that. Some of the trialists from Tuesday remained and there were a couple of extras included yesterday. Those that are still around must have something as we seem to have moved others on quickly

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It’s difficult to conclude anything from the first preseason friendly with so many changes through the game, but it’s been a while so why not try eh?

Matt Buse looked the best of the trialists. It’s not particularly a secret that one of our anonymous trialists is former Torquay midfielder (and local lad) Matt Buse. In the brief time he was on the pitch last night he looked calm in possession and probably the one trialist who looked ready to step up and be a part of the squad.

It was good that the owner was in attendance. We’ve had plenty of pops at Scott Priestnall for not going to games, but you can’t complain if he arrives in Taunton for a pre-season . There were plenty of conversations with Chris Hargreaves and both Stuart Robins and Martyn Starnes were in attendance too, so there was executive representation at the match which is a positive. Let’s just hope they saw enough to know…

…we need a lot more! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand the squad isn’t where it needs to be yet. Equally, I’m of the mind that it’s still early days. We’re a bit of an unknown quantity, we don’t know what system the manager will prefer (although it was a back five with wing backs) and as he said when he spoke to the Gloverscast, managers will want to get a couple of weeks of preseason in before deciding on the futures, or lack thereof, of their contracted squads.

It will be interesting to see which trialists remain. Some of these may be back for Exeter and get another chance of for a run out but, as with last year, many will move on. (Come back Harlain!) The manager spoke intently to a couple of them after the match so he and his coaching staff must have seen something. Other than Buse and Chiori Johnson nobody stuck out.

I won’t read too much into this game. It’s fitness, it’s minutes under the belt and it’s avoiding injuries. We went into this match without two key players in Lawson D’Ath and Charlie Wakefield and I imagine Ollie Hulbert will be a starter too. Hopefully we see some additions in the coming days and we’ll get more of an idea about the style of play Chris Hargreaves wants to implement as we progress towards the big BT kick off at Scunthorpe.

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With pre-season training underway and a friendly (albeit behind-closed-doors) underway, the clamour for new signings to Yeovil Town’s squad is in full swing.

Other National League clubs have seen major exoduses and influxes, not least down the road at Torquay United and of course former Glovers’ boss Darren Sarll has been busy at Woking.

Ollie Hulbert ? Pic Courtesy of Sam Collard – YTFC.net

So far the summer transfer action was initially focused on retaining players from last season’s squad before the arrivals of strikers Malachi Linton and Ollie Hulbert and then full-back Jamie Reckord.

On the books at Huish Park for next season are 14 players including the three incomings, namely:

Goalkeepers: Grant Smith, Max Evans.
Defenders: Max Hunt, Morgan Williams, Jamie Reckord.
Midfielders: Josh Staunton, Lawson D’Ath, Matt Worthington, Toby Stephens, Ollie Haste.
Forwards: Malachi Linton, Ollie Hulbert, Tom Knowles, Charlie Wakefield.

This follows the departures at the end of the season of defenders Mark Little, Jordan Barnett and Alex Bradley, midfielder Dale Gorman and strikers Reuben Reid and Adi Yussuf. On top of this, loanees Jack Robinson and Josh Neufville returned to their parent clubs, Middlesbrough and Luton Town respectively.

In comparison, on July 9 2021 there were 14 players on the books – albeit one of those was Albi Skendi, AWOL in California until his release was confirmed in March 2022.

The players on the books then were:

Goalkeepers: Grant Smith, Max Evans.
Defenders: Luke Wilkinson, Max Hunt, Alex Bradley, Morgan Williams, Mark Little,
Midfielders: Albi Skendi, Josh Staunton, Toby Stephens.
Forwards: Tom Knowles, Reuben Reid, Joe Quigley, Charlie Wakefield.

Jimmy Smith in action for Yeovil Town.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

This followed the departures of defender Carl Dickinson, midfielders Jimmy Snmith, Charlie Lee and Emmanuel Sonupe, strikers Rhys Murphy and Chris Dagnall, and youngsters Gabriel Rogers and Alex John.

We also saw loanees goalkeeper Adam Smith, defenders Michael Kelly and Billy Sass-Davies and Neufville return to their parent clubs after their loans.

Once pre-season friendlies got underway with the first friendly taking place at Stratford Town on July 24, there was the usual influx of trialists.

Who can forget Deshane Dalling, Harlain Mbayo, Richard Afrane-Kesey or Zeli Ismail? What do you mean you’ve forgotten them already?!

One assumes that the presence of ‘A Trialist’ on the score sheet twice in the 4-0 win over Sherborne Town at Alvington on Friday night means the guessing games can start again at next Tuesday’s visit to Taunton Town.

One player who has been spotted at Huish Park (in a full training kit) is former Glovers’ youth team product and Torquay United midfielder Matt Buse, who spent the end of last season on loan at W*ymouth.

Matt Buse, one to keep an eye out for at Taunton.

It is not known whether he is just training to keep fit or whether Hargreaves and his assistant Chris Todd, who presumably know the 24-year-old from their time at Plainmoor, are considering offering him terms.

He played 15 times for Wealdstone, scoring twice, at the start of last season, before moving to our lower division seagull bothering neighbours at the end of March, playing eight times including starting the goalless draw against Yeovil on Easter Monday.

Here’s how the Summer 2021 went:

IN:

14 June: Morgan Williams – joined following release by Coventry City
18 June: Charlie Wakefield – joined following release by Bromley
23 June: Grant Smith – joined following release by Chesterfield
25 June: Mark Little – joined following release by Bristol Rovers
15 July: Lewis Simper – joined on loan from Cambridge City
20 July: Dale Gorman – joined from Glentoran
13 August: Sonny Blu Lo-Everton – joined on loan following a season-long loan from Watford
20 August: Adi Yussuf – joined following release by Blackpool
28 August: Dan Moss – joined on loan from Millwall
28 August: Jack Robinson – joined on loan from Middlesbrough

OUT:

11 June

Rhys Murphy – rejected a new contract and joined Southend United
Jimmy Smith – retired to take up coaching role at Chelsea
Carl Dickinson – retired to take over as manager of Hanley Town
Charlie Lee – departed to join Billericay Town.
Chris Dagnall – out of contract, joined Hanley Town
Emmanuel Sonupe – out of contract, released
Gabriel Rogers – out of contract, released
Alex John – out of contract, released

Adam Smith – returned to Forest Green Rovers after season-long loan
Michael Kelly – returned to Bristol Rovers after loan
Billy Sass-Davies – returned to Crewe Alexandra after loan

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The first ever Gloverscast End of Season Survey has closed and a huge thank you to the 499 (argh!) of you who took part.

Someone with much better numeracy skills has kindly offered to trawl through the data and make it digestible for our readers. The majority of the questions were statements on a scale of 1-7, giving participants the opportunity to score a 1 for ‘strongly disagree’ and 7 a score for ‘strongly agree’.

Here are Five Conclusions we’ve drawn from an early look at your answers.

Supporters don’t think there is a clear plan for the future of the club. With a score of 2.25 out of 7 and with 43.9% of respondents scoring 1 and 21.2% scoring 2, it is abundantly clear that supporters of the club don’t know what the plan for the club is. Granted, since the survey we’ve heard the goal is to get out of the National League, but what we’re putting in place to enable that, what the future of the land looks like, what the future of the facilities looks like is all a bit vague at the moment.

Supporters don’t believe YTFC will benefit from the SSDC deal. The SSDC deal to purchase Huish Park and the surrounding land remains controversial, and probably will do for some time yet. In response to the statement: Yeovil Town FC will benefit from the SSDC deal to purchase Huish Park, the average score was 2.59. To the statement: Scott Priestnall will benefit from the SSDC deal to purchase Huish Park, the average score was 6.0, with 52.9% strongly agreeing. In response to: SSDC will benefit from the SSDC deal to purchase Huish Park, the average score was 5.35 out of 7. There remains a demand for clarity and transparency about the shape of the deal and what the future holds, because as it stands, supporters thing the club is on course to lose out.

There has been quite the drop in season ticket holders over the last five seasons. Of the 499 responses, 59% have had season tickets in the past five years. 38% of respondents are currently season ticket holders. The trend is obvious, we’ve seen attendances dropping season on season since Darren Way was in charge. Personally, I think that final Way season was probably one of the most damaging in terms of getting people through the turnstiles. Last season’s challenge has been talked about ad nauseum, but something we’ve probably not spoken about much ahead of the forthcoming season is the cost of living crisis. People will be making decisions about their spending, especially come the winter and another energy price increase.

Communication should be a priority area. With a score of 2.01 on the statement: The Club has communicated with supporters well this season, there is work to be done to improve. This can be looked at in a couple of ways, a largely absent owner until April this year, with sporadic statements in between has left a feeling of disenchantment. But there are quick wins for the club to implement. To the statement: I know who to contact when I want to make my views heard the average score was 2.93. Give supporters an email address they know they can reach out to where they’ll be heard, because the survey shows us that most don’t feel valued as supporters.

The Supporters Alliance Group needs revaluating. With a score of 3.31, people slightly disagree that the SAG is effective as a means of communicating with the club. And if the SAG is the platform for supporters to make their views heard, most don’t feel they’re listened to and acted upon. Of the 499 responses we received, over 71% are not part of any of the organisations on the SAG. 22% are members of the Glovers Trust, and 7.6% are members of the Green and White Supporters Club. There needs to be room for more voices or a refresh which welcomes new people into the fold so that the group can be truly representative of supporters of the club.

While a professional crunches the data for us to share it, I’d like to say a big thank you to the readers of the Gloverscast for being part of our first survey of this kind. We’ll conduct another one at the end of next season so that we can continue to provide you with a platform for feedback.

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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