Gloversblog (Page 3)

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Pre-season is supposed to be a time for cautious optimism. New kits, fresh grass, a couple of trialists doing stepovers near the Thatchers (well as ‘near’ as possible on the pitch), and the hopeful thought that this might be our year. But at Yeovil, with just weeks to go before the season kicks off, there is a growing feeling that something is not quite adding up.

This blog does not attempt to discuss the playing style adopted under Mark Cooper; my own views on this are widely documented and there has been much discussion on the Gloverscast podcast and among supporters. So the focus of this post is on our preparedness for the coming season.

We have 15 contracted players, plus one on loan. But how many of them are actually part of the plan?

Squad Depth, or Lack of It

Let’s break it down.

Sixteen players are now listed, but not all are clearly part of the manager’s plans. Social media speculation continues to brew around the future of Aidan Stone, Josh Sims and Jacob Maddox. Matt Gould is registered as a player-coach, which says a lot in itself, especially considering he didn’t make a single appearance last season albeit he underwent surgery at some point. That realistically leaves just 12 players. TWELVE.

The goalkeeper situation has been unclear since February when, after becoming a becoming a stable part of the defensive unit, Ollie Wright was returned to Southampton in the aftermath of a shaky display in the 4-0 defeat at Rochdale. He popped up at Solihull Moors days later and will be plying his trade in the EFL with Accrington Stanley this season.

Will Buse, who signed permanently after a previous loan spell, went from number 1 choice to no squad number and persona-non-grata in the space of less than a season and is currently a free agent.

Yeovil Town goalkeeper Aidan Stone warming up ahead of the pre-season friendly with Bristol Rovers.
Yeovil Town number one Aidan Stone. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Now, heading into the new season, Aidan Stone is the only senior goalkeeper in the squad. He was benched for the full 90 minutes in the recent pre-season game against Bristol Rovers with Bristol City keeper Josey Casa-Grande on trial in between the sticks. That raised eyebrows, especially given his recent signing and the lack of depth behind him and no official word from the club.

There is now a recognised right back in on loan in Byron Pendleton, which helps, but there is still limited depth in central midfield and very little width. Even allowing for a few trialists, this is still a thin group. The season is nearly here, and it still feels like a squad in flux.

“We are not just short on numbers, we are short on time. Even if players arrive tomorrow (or today), it could be October before we look like a functioning team.”

It’s Not Just About Having Players, It’s About Having a TEAM

The issue is not just numbers. It is time. Whoever we bring in now is arriving late to the party, and Cooper’s system is not one you master overnight.

He demands a lot. Discipline, shape, control. When it works, it looks solid. When it does not, it can be ponderous. And we’ve seen how it can take players weeks to adjust. So even if we suddenly pull four new signings out of a hat tomorrow, they will not be fully up to speed by the first few fixtures. Realistically, it could be October before we have anything like a fully functioning TEAM.

If results are not going our way by then, we will likely see more chopping and changing. More loans. More ins and outs. More resets. A team that never settles.

Is It Just a Mark Cooper Thing?

It is tempting to point the finger at the manager. After all, Cooper regularly says he has a preference for a small squads. But this small? This light? It is hard to believe this was the plan all along.

So what is going on?

Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper pictured speaking to the club's social media following the 3-2 pre-season friendly defeat to Cardiff City Under-21s.
Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper in a magnificent looking training top.

To be fair, the new owners did mean we lost time at the start of the summer. Transition periods always cost a couple of weeks, maybe more. But when the club talks about a “competitive budget”, we are left wondering what that actually means. Competitive for what? Top half? Mid-table? A relegation scrap?

And what role has the move to Bristol played in this?

Bristol Base: Attraction or Distraction?

The club has been keen to back Cooper’s vision, including moving training to the Bristol area. The idea was that it would help attract a better calibre of player. But has the manager’s vision actually weakened the playing budget?

On 22 July, the club tweeted:

“The club backed Mark’s vision to move training to Bristol and continues to support his work in the transfer market. The budgets for both the Bristol move and playing staff form part of the overall investment in the first-team operation.”

Is the same pot of money is now covering more things?

If part of the player budget is now funding travel expenses and training pitches, that raises the question. Are we weaker on the pitch because of a decision made off it?

The 3 Cs: Calmness, Competitiveness, Community

The new ownership under Prabhu Srinivasan has been clear about its values: Competitive. Calmness. Community. But let’s be honest, calmness will not last forever if supporters do not feel we are ready to compete.

There is no doubt that things are happening behind the scenes. But actions speak louder than words. At the moment, what fans are seeing, or not seeing, is creating anxiety. And you cannot blame them. After a decade of drama, promises only go so far.

We are not expecting signings for the sake of it. But people need reassurance. A sense of structure. A plan.

“How long can calmness last when key positions are unfilled, results aren’t in, and the fanbase is still waiting for something to believe in?”

Is This the Barnet Model?

Mark Cooper has previously hinted at following the Barnet model. A club that managed to climb the National League table over several seasons without a massive budget. The logic is sound: keep your core, build gradually, don’t overspend. And on the face of it, it worked for them.

Let’s look at how their journey played out:

  • 2020/21 – Finished 22nd, only avoided relegation due to COVID restructuring

  • 2021/22 – Improved slightly to 18th

  • 2022/23 – Big leap to 5th, reaching the play-offs

  • 2023/24 – Runners-up, 2nd place

  • 2024/25 – Finished 1st, promoted as champions

The parallels are obvious. In 2024/25, Yeovil finished 18th, just like Barnet did in 2021/22. So if we’re genuinely copying the Barnet model, the logic would suggest a jump to top 5 this season.

But is that realistic?

Barnet didn’t just get lucky. They kept a consistent core of players, had a defined playing style under Dean Brennan, and steadily added quality in key positions. They weren’t perfect, but they were organised, resilient, and gradually built a squad capable of competing at the top.

Right now, Yeovil seem some way off that. The core is unclear. Trialists are still hanging around. Key positions are still unfilled. And while the club speaks about “quality over quantity,” it’s hard to see the structure that made Barnet successful being replicated in time for the new season.

If we’re aiming to follow Barnet’s path, then 5th should be the minimum expectation. But to get there, Barnet had the stability, depth and direction. At the moment, Yeovil have questions, gaps and trialists.

A model is only useful if you’re resourced and ready to execute it. Otherwise, it’s just a reference point with no foundation.

Trying to Stay Balanced

Part of me wants to say ‘wait and be patient’. Let the season start and then judge Cooper and the board once we have seen the full picture.

But another part of me cannot shake the feeling that we are flying too close to the sun.

Yeovil Town owner Prabhu Srinivasan interviewed during a visit to Huish Park.
Yeovil Town owner Prabhu Srinivasan has promised supporters his focus is on – calmness, competitiveness and community. 

Fans do not need perfection. We gave up on that a long time ago. But they do need communication, visible progress, and a sense that the club is ready to compete at the right end of the table.

Because if we start slowly, and this squad looks like it might, how long will the calmness hold?

Conclusion: A Lot Still to Prove

There is no doubt that Mark Cooper has experience and knows how to organise a side. But right now, supporters are being asked to buy into a plan they cannot fully see.

We are told the budget is competitive, but it is unclear what that means in practice. We are told the Bristol training ground will help attract players, but we are still short in key areas. We are told we are following a model like Barnet’s, but the squad does not currently reflect that level of structure or stability.

Even the basic signs of progress are difficult to pin down. Last season’s home form was poor, and the team changed constantly. Players came in and out, systems were tweaked, and consistency never really took hold. As a result, momentum was always fragile, and performances never fully settled.

There is still time to strengthen. A few well-judged signings in the right places could change the mood quickly. But with the season fast approaching, calmness is not guaranteed to last.

Yeovil fans are not asking for miracles. They just want to see a team that looks ready to compete, a squad that is coherent, and leadership that builds belief. Right now, that belief is fragile.

If this is a rebuild, then it needs to start looking like one. Because the longer things stay vague and incomplete, the harder it becomes to keep the faith, and after the past ten years, supporters deserve more than another summer of uncertainty.

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Three more Cs can be added to cautious optimism I’ve felt since Prabhu Srinivasan and family took over at Huish Park. Competitive. Calmness. Community.

On a sweltering evening in the Alec Stock lounge, Glovers fans showed up in their numbers to hear from Prabhu, Bhavna, Stuart Robins, Nicholas Brayne and Mark Cooper.

Meet the owners evening at Huish Park. Courtesy of Mike Hudson

There was no bombastic statement of intent. The messaging around “no one hit wonder” season continued. Everything feels measured, rational and realistic. No over-promising and under-delivering. No granular detail was given, but clearly the priority is to return the stadium and land back into club ownership. Owning our home is important and that was clearly understood. The difference this time round, I felt, is that there’s a plan, even if the cards are being held close to the chest. There’s a dialogue with the council and meetings today. If I can throw another C in, collaboration is the only way this gets done smoothly and cleanly.

Calmness will, hopefully, transfer to the pitch. Mark Cooper, who quipped “it’s usually the owners who see off the manager”, had the handcuffs taken off yesterday and was able to start talking to players. He alluded to small squad of quality, supplemented by loans was the only way for the club and that he’d love to have a squad of 25 contracted players who all lived in Yeovil – but that it just wasn’t realistic at this time. He also addressed the training ground move citing injuries to Jake Wannell, Morgan Williams, Alex Whittle and Aaron Jarvis and that the players trained on grass once over a period of eight weeks because of waterlogged pitches. He didn’t describe the budget as the best, but said it would allow the club to be competitive. 

Mark Cooper at the meet the owners event. Courtesy of YTFC.

Nicholas Brayne, whose role at the club is as Chief Strategy Advisor, spoke well and in a way that I’ve not heard anyone at Yeovil Town talk in my time as a supporter. He declared that the club was open for business, urging local businesses and sponsors to come in and have a conversation. This was after a previous sponsor had said they had been priced out last season, because of an increase in pricing of a box and advertising hoardings costing nearly £20,000.

Prabhu, enjoying a Guinness, spoke of the energy he felt in the Thatcher’s Stand during the Sutton United fixture and how he wanted to stand in their rather than be confined to a box. He spoke fondly of the area and his visits to the Digby Tap in Sherborne. He mentioned how his son, Sahil (who was unable to attend due to visa issues) is a huge football fan and has been critical of how American ownership has impacted English football. What came through to me, was that this is a long-term project that could leave a lasting impact on the community of Yeovil and the surrounding areas. 

Prahbu Srinivasan at the meet the owners event. Courtesy of YTFC.

After the trauma of the last five years, you cannot blame any Yeovil supporter for feeling trepidation, suspicion and unease. We have been through the wringer, gas lit by successive ownerships with a chaotic stewardship in the middle of it. But, for the first time in a long time, it feels like we have professionalism, a vision and a strategy for the football club. Right now it’s mostly words, but we are starting to the see actions. Key to it all though, getting it right on the pitch. Now, let’s sign some players.

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Yeovil Town Football Club’s decision to relocate their first-team training operations to the SGS Wise Campus in Bristol ahead of the upcoming season evokes mixed reactions among the Glovers’ faithful. While rooted in practicality and ambition, it also raises concerns about the club’s long-term commitment to Yeovil and the community.

Reasons Behind the Move

Former chairman Martin Hellier highlighted reasons of the decision when he commented on the club’s Facebook announcement post, he mentions the inadequacies of the Alvington facility. Poor drainage leading to injuries and ongoing local political disputes significantly restricted effective usage, making Alvington unsuitable for professional football standards. Hellier’s stance emphasises an urgent need to upgrade facilities, something the SGS Wise Campus unquestionably provides.



Advantages of the SGS Wise Campus

The benefits of the SGS Wise Campus are considerable. It offers world-class facilities, critical for attracting talented players from further afield, including areas such as the Midlands, London, and Wales. This broader geographic recruitment reach, potentially enhancing the squad’s overall quality and hopefully for us fans competitiveness.

The Football Stadium Pitch at the SGS Wise Campus in Bristol.

Additionally, SGS’s indoor and outdoor facilities ensure uninterrupted training, eliminating frustrations caused by weather conditions that often disrupted sessions at Alvington. SGS’s facilities include

  • FIFA & RFU-approved 3G football stadium pitch (100 seats)

  • Multiple grass pitches for football and rugby

  • 8-lane Olympic-standard athletics track with full jumping facilities

  • Indoor sports hall for netball, basketball, futsal, handball (750-seat capacity for big events)

  • Indoor 3G Astro turf (60 × 40 m) – divisible into two pitches

  • 40-station gym with weight room and performance lab

Potential Drawbacks

Despite the obvious advantages, significant concerns persist. A major issue is the physical separation between the first team and the newly formed Under-19 National League squad. Traditionally, successful clubs foster close integration between youth setups and senior teams. This relocation risks weakening that critical link, potentially affecting player development.

Questions also arise about why closer facilities, such as Millfield School, Sherborne School, or King’s Bruton, weren’t prioritised. Although schools might understandably hesitate to accommodate professional sports teams, the club’s transparency regarding any negotiations remains limited, leaving supporters unsure whether local options were thoroughly explored.

Historical Context and Infrastructure

This decision reflects long-standing frustrations regarding infrastructure investment. Despite Yeovil Town’s spell in the Championship and EFL, significant improvements, especially in training facilities, never fully materialised. Persistent stagnation around Huish Park, despite investment from individuals including Hellier, has driven this necessity for short-term solutions, potentially exacerbating community disconnect in the long term.

Community and Economic Impact

Economic and community implications must be carefully considered. The relocation may divert significant economic benefits away from Yeovil. Players and staff based in Bristol naturally spend less locally, impacting businesses that historically benefited from their presence. Sponsorship dynamics and community activities might also suffer, weakening the club’s local integration.

Despite assurances of continued community engagement through local festivals and school visits, the genuine day-to-day interactions that build deep local bonds, such as casual meetings and spontaneous community appearances, are difficult to maintain authentically from afar. Players might risk becoming distant figures rather than accessible local heroes.

It is worth knowing SGS stands for South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

Practical Challenges

Current players or staff who live in Yeovil or further south may feel inconvenienced by the increased travel distances, potentially impacting their morale or commitment to the club. This added strain could even lead some individuals to consider leaving the club altogether due to these logistical challenges. Additionally, the practicalities of Bristol’s Clean Air Zone pose a potential financial burden for commuting players unless they fully relocate. Increased commuting costs and logistical complexities might lead to further unintended issues.

Potential Local Collaborations

Exploring strategic partnerships with institutions like Millfield School, renowned for elite sporting facilities and development programmes, might offer a sustainable, locally-rooted solution. Leveraging such resources could maintain Yeovil’s identity while enhancing competitive standards and helping the academy establish its roots. More details on Millfield’s facilities can be found here: Premier League Private Schools and Millfield School Telegraph Article.

Long-Term Strategy Needed

Ultimately, the relocation signals clear professional ambition and addresses immediate infrastructure issues effectively. However, without a transparent long-term strategy aimed at returning operations closer to home, the club risks longer-term alienation from its community roots.

The first-team squad in training Alvington

Yeovil supporters rightly expect clear communication regarding future intentions. They understand professional progression’s necessity but need reassurance that community connectivity and local identity remain central to the club’s long-term vision. Balancing immediate professional needs with preserving Yeovil’s community spirit and identity will be essential moving forward. We know the new owners have only just got their feet in the door and the decision was made before their ownership began, so information about the long term may already be in the works. However, if this could be communicated transparently moving forward, it would be greatly appreciated.

VERDICT: Do you agree with the decision to move first team training to Bristol?

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The era of uncertainty is over. The new owners of Yeovil Town Football club are the Srinivasan family. So what do we make of that?

Well, it’s hard to make too much of it beyond the statement issued by the club confirming the takeover has been completed. That promised “a bright and sustainable future for the club” and there is no-one with green-and-white flowing through their veins who does not want that.

This is the fourth ownership/stewardship group we have had in charge since the departure of Norman Hayward and John Fry back in September 2019. Since then we have had (NAME REDACTED), the on-off ‘stewardship’ of SU Glovers and now-York City owner Matt Uggla, the most recent incumbent Martin Hellier and now Prabhu Srinivasan, the Dubai-based businessman who has take over alongside his son, Sahil, and wife, Bhavana.

We are sure we join with every supporter in welcoming them to Huish Park and saying we wish them a long and successful time in the Huish Park boardroom.

The support is there. That was never in doubt.

As with all those who are in charge of our club, we must judge them on their actions and not their words. We said that about Martin Hellier’s takeover two years ago and we say it again now. In his own words, the previous owner had a spell in charge which was “somewhat tumultuous in terms of public relations” and there are lessons to be learnt there. The initial statement suggests the new ownership will meet with supporters early in his tenure and that is warmly welcomed.

To own a football club you need a thick skin. There were good times under Martin Hellier’s reign and we will never forget the season where we bounced back from our lowest ebb, but no challenge (and football club ownership is undoubtedly that) is without its adversity. It’s not always going to be positive, that is just a reality, but if the new ownership approaches a fan base with a willingness to engage and a plan for a bright and sustainable future, they will find  support from this supporter base.

The ‘to do list’ is a long one. On the pitch, a retained/released list, a squad to build for next season in the National League Premier and off it perhaps an even greater task. The ownership of land around Huish Park remains a major concern with the exclusive buy-back option on the land due to expire in little under 12 months time and the club’s finances significantly in the red.

So, welcome Prabhu, we look forward to a sustainable and bright future under your ownership. Up the Gloves!

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That’s that then? Yeovil Town’s season concluded with a 2-1 defeat at Aldershot Town on Bank Holiday Monday and Mike Hudson was among the 575 travelling supporters in the away end in Hampshire and here are his thoughts.

 We should have been ahead. If ever forty five minutes of football typified a season, then the first half was just that. How many times have we, or manager Mark Cooper, talked about the fact we should have been ahead in games this campaign? There were at least three glorious chances in the first half, one of them falling to Lewys Twamley and the other two to Ciaran McGuckin. At least one of those had to find the back of the net. We haven’t scored enough goals this season, and that cost us again on Monday.

Lewys Twamley drags his effort wide after 17 minutes – the first of three gilt-edged chances for Yeovil to pull ahead.

We were punished. Two Aldershot Town goals either side of the break made it a tall task for Yeovil at The EBB Stadium. They were both awful goals to concede in truth. The first came from us having the ball on the edge of Aldershot’s area, but after a host of players refused to cross the ball into the box or take a shot, eventually we ended up passing the ball to our opposition. From being in an attacking area, a few seconds later we found ourselves light at the back as Aldershot broke and scored. The second goal wasn’t much better either. We allowed Dejan Tetek to cut through the middle of our midfield relatively unchallenged, and a few passes later the ball ended up in the back of the net again.

Jack Barham opens the scoring for Aldershot.

The fans showed up in numbers. Considering Bank Holiday Monday was the definition of a dead rubber game, it was great that so many Yeovil fans made the trip to Aldershot (it’s just a shame one of them didn’t bring a lawn mower…). Those in the away end sung their hearts out throughout the ninety minutes. Even when the game wasn’t offering much to sing about, the noise was great. Watching Pete run from one side of the stand to the other to rouse supporters was like watching a great orchestral conductor at work! I’m not sure if the mystery third party bidders were at the game, but if they were, it was another reminder of the remarkable fanbase and potential this great club has.

On that note, all attention now turns off field. In recent years Huish Park has had more leaks than the Titanic when it comes to off field gossip. However, the rumour mill has been fairly subdued since Martin Hellier announced he would be selling the club. Most of us have assumed work has been going on in the background to make that change of ownership a reality, and it was good to get a short update from Stuart Robins telling us as much. Our chairman was understandably reluctant to offer any definitive timelines, but it’s clear that the sooner a sale can happen, and we can start planning for next season, the better. Of course until we know who the mystery third party is, and what their plans are for the club, we can only be cautiously optimistic.

Interim chairman Stuart Robins speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah.

It’s over for now. When the referee blew the final whistle to bring the game, and season, to an end, it gave us all an opportunity to look back and reflect on the season as we headed back to the South West. On paper, survival in our first attempt back at this level is good enough and in reality that still remains the case. There have been some good moments along the way too. However, I think the poor home form, some awful cup appearances, the high number of player turnover, and the off field shenanigans have left me feeling slightly subdued in my celebrations (losing the last three games probably doesn’t help!). Finishing four points above the safety line is a closer shave than I would have liked, although in truth we’ve been comfortable for a few weeks. Last season we finished fourteen points above Braintree, however this year we could only match their points tally. Tamworth ended up finishing as the highest newly promoted side, and Boston finished the season in staggering form having once looked doomed to relegation. We did what we needed to do this season, but we will need to do things differently next year to keep the club heading in the right direction. Hopefully, the ownership situation will be sorted before long and we can all start getting excited about having a real go of it when we kick things off in August. Enjoy the summer!

The Thatcher’s End. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

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Jake Wannell applauds the Yeovil Town supporters.

Behind the microphone this time, Tom Bailey is back with his Five Conclusions from Yeovil’s game against Sutton United.

Not the most enthralling game… it wasn’t a classic, was it? Yeovil were ok, Sutton were a bit better than ok, it was exactly what it was on the tin – two mid-table sides slugging it out, making sloppy mistakes and missing good chances. Sutton played it to perfection, two really well taken goals (the first admittedly was assisted by some shoddy defending, but still a solid header) were simply the difference in an otherwise average, but competitive encounter.

Harry Kite is some player. If we can somehow convince Harry Kite to stay with us next season, I think we’ll already be off to a great start, cos this guy is pretty good at this football malarkey! He controlled the midfield expertly, linking the defence to the attack effortlessly, and his vision is unrivalled in this team with Sonny Blu a very close second! A midfield of Kite alongside McGavin next season makes me excited to think of what may come next season!

Harry Kite celebrates with his teammates. Photo by Gary Brown.

The initiatives worked again! Kids for a Quid was in place once again today, and it’s continued to prove its worth – 3,566 were in attendance today, and since the K.F.A.Q. was put in place, attendances have risen above the season average, showing how important something like this is to a family-based, community driven club! The atmosphere was class once again, it’s just a shame the Thatchers Terrace didn’t get one more goal to enjoy, despite the Glovers’ best efforts. Maybe something for the new owners to consider putting in place more frequently…

Returns gave a flash of what could’ve been. We didn’t expect to see Jake Wannell or Aaron Jarvis again this season; these were the words of none other than Mark Cooper post-Eastleigh, however we got a glimpse of both this afternoon! While both clearly lacking match sharpness, their quality was starting to shine through, Jarvis demonstrating his excellent hold-up play, and Wannell continuing to demonstrate his exceptional passing and footwork. It makes you wonder what could’ve been this season, but hopefully a summer of rest and a full pre-season will give these boys the best preparation for a successful 2025/26 season!

Jake Wannell leads the full-time applause. Photo by Gary Brown.

Home season is done. And there have been plenty of highs and lows to take in – the Fylde and Oldham wins… the W*ymouth and Boston results, Huish Park has had its fair share of action this season. 7 wins, 7 draws and 9 losses in the league, while not a great record, is far from the worst – if we can re-capture that fortress feeling from the title season, and carry that into next season, the sky could well be the limit for this club. God I love Yeovil… onwards to Aldershot!

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In the stands for Monday’s game against Eastleigh was Yeovil Town Radio commentator Tom Bailey. Here are his conclusions.

We can be proud of the performance in the circumstances given. It was a fairly even first 35 minutes in my opinion, even with their goal coming in that timeframe; we looked really good going down the right hand side, and with eleven men on the field, I think we’d have stuck one of those chances away. The red card was absolutely warranted, no matter the provocation, you cannot react like that on a football pitch, particularly in the modern day. Eastleigh didn’t offer much else in the second half, sitting back and absorbing the attacks that Yeovil threw at them. 55 minutes being a man down away from home, I think we can be happy with the performance, despite the result.

Otis Khan heads down the tunnel after 36 minutes.

Yeovil are massive. The atmosphere generated by the travelling fans was awesome, my spot in the South Stand giving me the best of both worlds as I heard both seated and standing fans chanting and boosting the team. All season, the away support has been fantastic, and the 600+ in attendance on Monday was testament to that. I know that attendances aren’t everything, but they’re certainly something, and I’m sure the team feels that – keep it up you Glovers!

Fearlessness was a really welcome presence. We’ve heard Mark Cooper mention before about not wanting to turn games into basketball matches, which can lead to some safe football in order to effectively dominate teams and in turn beat them. However I want to give Mark and all the players some credit for the manner of the performance on Monday, and indeed over the last few weeks, where we have looked fearless. We were down a man, and could easily have retreated into ourselves and jumped to damage limitation, and instead we went for it. We brought on Josh Sims, Ciaran McGuckin, and later Lewys Twamley; all three gave us some width and pace up top, allowing us to pile the pressure onto the Eastleigh backline, and as mentioned in Conclusion 1, with 11 men I really do think we’d have left with a point at the bare minimum.

An estimated 800 Yeovil fans travelled to Eastleigh – these are just some of them.

Rule 1… this one won’t be a big one, due to said rule, but I don’t think he had a good game… sure, he let a lot go, but he also made many wrong calls, including a Sims shot being tipped over the bar by the ‘keeper for a… goal kick. While it didn’t directly cause our defeat, I think it certainly played a factor.

WE. ARE. STAYING. UP. SAY… I know that feels a bit “tinpot” to say, but I’m delighted that we’re staying up. A lot of us had mid table ambitions for the season, some even higher – a topsy turvy season has led to playoff hopes, and relegation fears, but in the end it all worked out ok – another season of National League football confirmed, the target has been achieved. Now the next step is to build, and grow, which I’m confident we can do with the right backing and recruitment. Let’s continue to back the boys, and get behind the club as a collective going into next season!

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Fresh from his debut on the Gloverscast podcast, Mike Hudson was back in the stands at Huish Park for the Good Friday visit from Forest Green Rovers. Here are his conclusions.

It was the late, late show again for Forest Green Rovers. It was late drama yet again at Huish Park, and I was gutted for the lads that we were on the wrong end of it. This isn’t the first time we’ve let a lead slip at home this season, but this one stung that little bit more because it felt like we had the game under control. The boys in green gave everything. They were full of fight, energy and desire. Keeping a promotion chasing Forest Green side at bay and looking the better team for the majority of the game. However, in added time it was that man Ryan Innis (again, he did it to us on New Year’s Day as well) that shattered Yeovil hearts with the late equaliser. The goal came from a set piece – perhaps not a total shock given the sheer physical presence of some of their players – but until that point, we’d handled their aerial threat brilliantly. Unfortunately there was a momentary lapse of concentration/organisation and it cost us dearly. Looking back at both games against Forest Green Rovers this season, we can feel very hard done by to have come away with only a point.

Yeovil Town celebrate Sonny Blu Lo-Everton’s opener.

We came out swinging. Similarly to the Oldham game, we exploded into the fixture with energy, commitment, intensity and purpose. With Forest Green’s recent dip in form, and their players potentially keeping one eye on the playoffs, a fast start was exactly what we needed. In tough conditions we took the game to them, and asked the question; ‘are you up for this?’ Our great start meant that our goal was fully deserved when it came. Ciaran McGuckin was superb once more, as was Sonny Blu who celebrated hitting the back of the net again with a composed finish. I’d also like to give a shout out to Harry Kite who is continuing to show us just what a player he is. Unfortunately, the story of the day would turn out to be just as much about the chances we didn’t take. Harvey Greenslade, who got a much deserved start, narrowly missed the target, and also saw a goal-bound effort cleared off the line (he probably should have done better). Add to that being denied a stonewall penalty (from my perspective), as McGuckin was denied a certain tap home goal, and the game could and should have been put to bed. Unfortunately it wasn’t, and we were very much made to pay.

You can still vote for your Man of the Match from the Good Friday game against Forest Green Rovers – HERE.

The subs changed the game. You always want your substitutes to have an impact on a game, and ours did. Sadly, it wasn’t the kind of impact Mark Cooper would’ve hoped for. To be fair, the changes had to happen. Our starting eleven included players still returning to fitness, and after 70 minutes of relentless graft, it was clear legs were beginning to tire. But there’s no denying it — after the substitutions, the momentum swung, and the goal we conceded came from a rare moment of defensive disorganisation. On the flip side of this, as we were making our changes, Forest Green showed off the depth of their squad with the likes of Joe Quigley and Tom Knowles (DFILWF) coming onto the pitch. There’s levels to this game!

Don’t fall in love with footballers (DFILWF). Tom Knowles in green-and-white. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Control conundrum. Mark Cooper has been forced to change his starting line up of late, which has also led to a change in set up and tactics. The manager mentioned again that with the change in personnel, we’ve had to sacrifice some of the controlled, possession based football we have become accustomed to. The problem? These players and this new approach has arguably been far easier on the eye, and more effective, particularly at home. There have been times at Hush Park this season where it’s been hard to figure out what our game plan has been. It’s felt like we’ve been afraid to lose the ball, and haven’t been able to strike the right balance between control and speed. This new direct approach, and aggressive pressing off the ball, caused both Oldham and Forest Green Rovers all kinds of problems. With players returning from injury, and a tight turn around in games, changes will need to be made, but I’m sure these last few positive home outings will have raised some questions for Mark Cooper.

It was a good day out. While it was frustrating not to come away with all three points, it was another entertaining afternoon at Huish Park, and another performance that the fans could really get behind. Of course, results are all that matters when it comes to the league table, but entertainment value will have an impact on attendances. I am sure there will have been some casual fans that will have been inspired to buy another ticket for our final home game of the season against Sutton United. And with season ticket decisions looming, performances like this one, can absolutely help sway those who are still on the fence. Of course, alongside that, many fans will need more clarity about the future of the club, following Martin Hellier’s decision to resign as chairman and sell up. It’s been a couple of weeks since Stuart Robins initial interview with BBC Somerset, and Mark Cooper again mentioned the off field situation in his post-match interview. It would be nice to think an update might be on the way soon.

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A double from Sonny Blu Lo-Everton saw off fourth-placed Oldham Athletic to earn Yeovil Town a win over one of the division’s top seven in their penultimate match at Huish Park. Glovers’ fan Mike Hudson was in the stands for see it and here are his conclusions.

We had to change things up. I must admit, I was gutted when I heard the news that Kyle Ferguson had been recalled by Rochdale. The central defender has been a rock for us since coming in, and has quickly built up a rapport with both the back four and the fans. His good form, mixed with a injury crisis, means you can’t blame Rochdale for taking their man back, however I can still be annoyed about it! Add that to Otis Khan being unavailable to play against his parent club, and Charlie Cooper being added to the injury list, and it was a much changed side facing the promotion chasing Latics. But credit to the team, and to Mark Cooper who got the tactics spot on. We nullified most of Oldham’s threat, while looking lively and dangerous going forward.

It felt like home. With the home form this season, and some of the off-the-field going ons, Huish Park has felt subdued at times since the turn of the year. But similarly to the AFC Fylde game I thought the home fans were fantastic. The team had plenty of energy on the pitch and the fans matched it in the stands. With the sun shining down on our council-owned home, there was a really positive feel in the air long before a ball had been kicked. With all the initiatives going on, Huish Park felt like a good and welcoming place to be. Long may that continue.

Two goal hero Sonny Blu Lo-Everton celebrates in front of the Thatchers Stand at the end. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Sonny, Sonny Blu. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton has been great since returning to the team, and once again he impressed on Saturday afternoon. Everything in the first half was going through him. He was causing Oldham all kinds of problems, finding lots of space, and linking up well with Ciaran McGuckin. He was energetic, positive, and clinical. Some deft passing, and great desire to be in the right place at the right time, made him my man of the match. He deserved his goals, and he took them well. I was amazed when Mark Cooper revealed he was unwell in the post match interview. It didn’t show, and I think it’s fair to say it was the Oldham defence that were sick of him by the time he was taken off part way through the second half. He’s earned a new contract for me … however, see my fifth conclusion as to why it’s my not be quite so straight forward…

You can still vote for your Man of the Match against Oldham Athletic in our poll – click here to vote.

There was commitment in spades. ‘Committed’ was the manager’s buzzword in the post-match interview, and rightly so. With the team well and truly safe, some may have worried that players might already be dreaming of summer holidays to come. With everything else going on off the pitch, who could blame them either. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth. It was a full blooded and fully committed display. The minimum we want as fans is commitment and effort from those wearing the famous green shirt, and we weren’t disappointed. There was Alex Whittle donning the Terry Butcher-esque head gear to be involved, multiple players putting their bodies on the line to keep the ball out at times, and some players probably having to play more minutes than they’re ready for as they return from injury. The team ran, and they didn’t stop running. It’s sometimes said you don’t get the same commitment from loanees (and we have a few of them!), yet even those who have little reason to risk too much for us at this stage of the season were outstanding. Perhaps this was typified by Ciaran McGuckin who looked for all the world to have taken a much too heavy touch in the build up to the second goal, only to quite literally throw himself into a brick wall to set Sonny Blu up for his second.

A Terry Butcher-esque Alex Whittle celebrates with Dom Bernard. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The park was packed… kinda. Okay, so perhaps we were never going to get a huge gate regardless of the ticket prices, and to be fair our attendance was boosted in part by a great away following – 3373 in total with 372 away supporters. But at least the club are doing something, and trying to entice people to Huish Park. My wife and daughter were able to take advantage of both the Blue Light Card discount and the Kids for a Quid, to join my son and I. Both kids enjoyed sitting on the blood bike, and practicing CPR (badly) outside Huish Park. Little things like that go along way for kids and families, so thanks to all involved. However, with a season ticket price freeze announced, if we want to ‘pack the park’ long term fans will need clarity over the future of the club. Clarity that those sponsors considering filling some of the many empty advertising hoardings around the pitch will soon need as well. Being comfortably mid-table, you’d hope thoughts were turning to plans for next season, but as Mark Cooper said pre-match, it’s hard to plan until the ownership situation is sorted. Likewise many fans and sponsors will want to see what the future holds, and what the vision will be, before committing their hard earned cash. Any takeover which drags too long into the summer is bound to start us off on the back foot next season. Hopefully there will be updates to come and a swift (but positive) resolution found.

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It was defeat for Yeovil Town in Altrincham yesterday as a they could not hold out against intense pressure from their play-off-chasing opponents. Distant Glover, aka Alex Russell, was among the 192 travelling supporters on the terrace at Moss Lane yesterday and here are his thoughts.

That felt like our whole season in one match. We started well, then struggled after key players got injured. We worked a lot harder than the scoreline might suggest. We didn’t make the most of our chances. We would have won if they’d been below us, but they’re a team above us, so we lost. Defensive lapses led to the opposition scoring. The pitch had more bobbles than Claire’s Accessories and was sufficiently sandy for no-one to have blamed any of the players for thinking they were already on the beach. The ref was notable for all the wrong reasons – have you seen Alex Whittle’s forehead/gorehead? (He didn’t endear himself to the Alty fans either.) At least a couple of our best players didn’t sign for other clubs at half time and I don’t remember seeing an opposition fan sporting a giant robin head anywhere else.

Aaaand breathe. At about four o’clock on Saturday 5 April 2025, a profound sense of calm fell over a south-westerly area of Greater Manchester. How very welcome it was to see the world seem to stop again, simply because Jake Wannell put his foot on the ball. Any doubts that it might take him a few games to get his composure back went out the window. It really was like he’d never been away. Okay, we didn’t manage to hold on long enough to get a point, but somehow it seemed more likely we might tease out a draw with him out there again. Oh, we’ve missed him.

Jake Wannell made his first appearance since the win at Maidenhead United in late Februrary. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown

Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. What might have happened over the winter if we’d been able to consistently field a largely unchanged team? It’s probably not a coincidence that our recent winning mini-run came with the same line-up, or that we started promisingly with them again at Altrincham (only to concede shortly after the enforced substitutions). The season’s not over yet, and I really don’t want to seem ungrateful about what a big deal it is to get promoted and finish mid-table-ish. (Insert cliché about biting your hand off last August here.) But last season rekindled a long-forgotten taste for winning and I can’t help wondering how things might have been if injuries hadn’t put paid to the same core group of players being available every game.

Solid Stone. The more I see of him, the more I like Aidan Stone. On a very bumpy pitch, he looked completely comfortable with back passes and it was telling that their attackers didn’t feel inclined to use up too much energy pressing him. We were stood right behind him in the first half; he was communicating (shouting) all the time, not just with defenders, but the midfield too. His distribution is great – he can kick a long way and it’s accurate. He pulled off a great save from Linney and couldn’t have done much about either goal. For the first time in a while, we’ll have a keeper for more than one season, and he’s a good one.

Aidan Stone has cemented his place as Yeovil Town’s number one. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

We’re not dull, are we? Lordy, what a couple of weeks. I’m going to put my positive hat on (despite what people may say, it was never off). Yes, there’s a barrow-load of unknowns right now, but at the risk of sounding like someone from HR who’s about to deliver some very unsettling news, there’s a load of opportunities too. It’s reassuring that Stuart Robins’ calmness and professionalism will be navigating us through whatever happens next. Rather than just write off the season marketing-wise, initiatives like Kids For A Quid will get bums on seats before the end of the season, and have an eye on the future. Finally, the relaunching of the Glover’s Trust gives us fans the chance to help shape the future of the club. Let’s not waste it.