Gloversblog (Page 33)

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Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Happy New Year!

We roll into 2022 with an exciting game tomorrow against Torquay United and the chance to redeem ourselves after Boxing Day disappointment. 

Yesterday at Darren Sarll‘s pre-match press conference he spoke about a number of topics, including contracts, loanees, Sonny Blu’s overturned suspension and more. He also talked about covid and the impact it’s having on football.

I don’t know about you, but I have found it deeply frustrating to hear managers at the top of the game complaining about lack of players, squad depth and the like. For me, it’s a perfect example of how out of touch the top division in this country is with the the rest of football. It’s difficult to have sympathy with the likes of Tuchel, Klopp and Rangnick when they’re organisations who have had hundreds of millions of pounds (and in Chelsea’s case, more than £1bn) pumped into them over years and access to the best young talent across the globe. My heart bleeds for these teams who need more players and need to make five substitutions. We’ve been happy to name five subs this season.

Darren Sarll talked about his frustration with the top of the game and the attitude it’s showing to youth development and their academy systems in this time of need.

He said: “I find it quite frustrating when I listen to Premier League managers because I have been a Premier League academy manager and I have sat in a meeting with the other 19 Premier League clubs.

The millions that goes in to youth development at Premier League level and they are moaning about not having any players – what is the point of having an under-23 team?

If players are in the under-23s and they are not ready, why are they in the under-23s? We have some top coaches in this country, why are they not using the youth teams?”

Sarll is, of course, no stranger to youth development at the top of the pyramid, having been Watford’s Academy Manager in 2018/19. He talked about his experience of the finances, and the disparity of finances with the the bigger sides and their peers.

“The biggest budget I have ever had was when I was academy manager at Watford, it wasn’t massive and in comparison to top Premier League sides [about] 5% of what the top clubs spend on youth development. I’m talking about PL academies having bigger budgets than clubs in the top end of the Championship. But if they are spending multiple millions of pounds a year, why aren’t they ready? If I’m the Chief Executive (of a Premier League team) and my manager is not using young players, I would be asking a question – why aren’t those young players ready?”

Sometimes, the top of football feels so detached from the rest of the pyramid. When they have an embarrassment of riches and complain about a lack of personnel when you’re struggling to scrape together a squad regardless of COVID, it makes it even more detached.

I thought the manager summed it up quite nicely with this: “COVID does not exempt any team from having COVID, so the integrity of the game is consistent because everyone can get COVID.”

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As we close out 2021, I just wanted to write a thank you to everyone who’s supported the Gloverscast on our journey this year.

It’s been a hell of a year for us as Yeovil Town supporters, whether it’s the ongoing takeover saga, trying to get answers out of an absentee owner or the deeply tragic passing of Lee Collins, as supporters of our beloved club it feels like we have all been through the ringer this year.

In April, myself, Ben and Dave decided we’d make the Gloverscast more than a bi-weekly podcast of us talking nonsense. We missed Ciderspace. We missed proper, dedicated coverage of Yeovil Town FC. We felt we could (and needed to) do something to start informing supporters again in a responsible, formal way. 

The response has been phenomenal, and validates the time and energy we put into the Gloverscast outside of our day jobs.

So, I want to say a thank you to the readers, listeners, commenters, question-askers, clickers and trolls (you know who you are) for helping us grow the website, podcast and social media pages. We couldn’t do it without your support.

I’d also like to thank:

Everyone who’s contributed to an episode this year, Tim Lancaster and Hugh for their fantastic chat about Badger, Will Ranner, Marcus Duncomb, Elliot Watts, Jimmer, Dave Prior, Sheridan Robins, Sam Collard.

The current and former players who’ve lent their time to us this year to talk about their time playing for the club we all love.

All the quizzers – our listeners love the quiz and without you folks stepping up to take a shot it wouldn’t be a thing. Thank you for putting yourself up for public embarrassment. As many of you have discovered, it’s a lot easier when you’re listening than when you’re on it!

The Historical Oracle, Nigel Dyson, for his brain-melting spreadsheets.

Chris Angulo for his weekly Throwback Thursdays. I’ve got to say I’ve loved reading his take on moments from our past and the time and effort he puts into it.

Mike Kunz for letting us use his photography from Huish Park this season and previous seasons. Thanks Mike!

Huish Hugh for bringing back the Ciderspace Away Travel Guides and providing travelling supporters with everything they need when hitting the road.

Dave for transcribing Darren Sarll interviews inhumanely speedily (I’m certain there’s some sort of AI in there) and for carrying most of the news without even skipping a beat. And being willing to be dragged on this journey.

Ben for his unwavering(ish) optimism and positivity which has dragged me through plenty of miserable spells in 2021, and pissing off a few Stockport and Wrexham fans with his typical BBC-bias commentaries.

Thanks again for supporting us, here’s to a smashing 2022.

Come on you Glovers!

Ian

Shhhh, don’t tell Ian, but Dave and Ben just wanted to hijack the end of this article to thank IAN for all his hard work.

The Gloverscast is his brain child and he just dragged us a long for the ride.

His help, support and guidance as to what he wanted all this *grand gesture* to look like is why you see the finished product as you do.

That means, editing, tweaking, asking questions, freedom of information requests, recording at 8am or 8pm to suit our (my) schedule – a whole bunch of stuff our readers and listeners don’t actually see.

The Gloverscast is something special for Yeovil fans, and we just wanted to add our thank to Ian for making it all happen,

Cheers, Ben and Dave.

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Does anyone have a clue what day it is?

It’s actually bin day today, so that’s good. Apologies to SSDC for all of the Paw Patrol packaging and bottles of Sheppy’s (we could still do with some sponsorship if anyone from Sheppy’s is reading – your cider is stupendous!)

Who’s watched the Torquay highlights? I’d imagine none of those who went. It was disappointing to see Sonny react to some classic shithousery, hopefully he’ll learn from it and won’t get caught up in anything again. We’ve done a reasonable job of avoiding getting into trouble for silliness so far this season (Yussuf’s Boreham Wood brain fart aside) but with Sonny’s dismissal, Dan Moss’s 5th yellow and Grant Smith’s red after the final whistle, we’ve really shot ourselves in the foot. We’re always going to pick up cards, we’re into season three of Darren Sarll’s management and it’s been a constant, but if we can pick them up for tackles rather than dissent or head loss going forward, it’ll be easier to stomach.

In the aftermath of our Boxing Day loss at Plainmoor, Torquay United issued a statement regarding abhorrent chanting that some of their “so-called supporters” took part in during the match regarding our tragic captain Lee Collins. A video was circulated on Twitter from the Weymouth end during the FA Cup match at Huish Park where you could hear shouts of a similar ilk.

It’s a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done on the terraces. Whether it’s racism, sexism or any other discriminatory behaviour, there are channels to report it and people should feel able to do so. We should be (and are being) careful not to throw stones, as there have been occasions this season where our supporters have acted like idiots, although not in such a distasteful manner. I’m not sure what the answer is, and I know most self-respecting humans would never partake in such hatred dressed up as banter.

We’ve been through a lot as a club over the last 12 months, there’s no excuse for such bile on any terrace, social media platform or anywhere for that matter – especially Yeovil Town Football Club. Let’s be better.

Sheridan and Coatesie have shared their thoughts on our goalkeeping situation in the absence of Grant Smith. Have a read and let us know your views. For what it’s worth, I’m actually on the fence. Max Evans is around the club and his fellow teammates, it’s only two games, give him the chance. That said, I wouldn’t turn down my nose at an experienced EFL keeper for a month’s loan if the circumstances were right. Luckily, it’s not up to me.

After a week off, we’re actually recording a podcast tonight. If you have any questions you’d like answered you know what to do.

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With the FA now confirming that Yeovil Town’s  number one Grant Smith will be out for the next two games after his sending off after the final whistle in the 3-0 defeat at Torquay United on Boxing Day, manager Darren Sarll has a choice to make.

Max Evans has been the back-up keeper for the past two years with his starting appearances limited to the Somerset Premier Cup and then the recent FA Trophy win over Woking, and is the obvious choice to fill in for Smith – but there’s also the option of bringing in a loan keeper.

We got BBC Somerset’s Yeovil Town reporter Sheridan Robins and Gloverscast regular David Coates to put forward the arguments for both options…

Max Evans

 

Going with Max

Nineteen-year-old Max Evans has been in and around the first team for two full seasons now, under the watchful eye of excellent goalkeeping coach Craig Wight and has worked with some excellent goalkeepers in Adam Smith and Grant Smith.

His professional debut against Woking in the FA Trophy was uneventful, but as a goalkeeper that is all you can really ask for. He has been consistently on the bench in the National League, and with how many sides do not even use a substitute spot for an additional goalkeeper, he is clearly well sought after.

In my view, if he is good enough to be the backup, he is good enough to take to the field for an FA Cup match and National League clash.

Grant Smith has been outstanding this season, but I am sure he would be the first to say his actions on Sunday fell short of his standards. A loan signing might be sensible to provide cover, but with the loans we already have in, and the bodies we have cover for elsewhere in the side, I am not sure it is necessary.

They always say a goalkeeper is better for having competition – and if Max Evans plays these games and impresses then Smith will have to force his way back into the team and that can only be a good thing for this ever-improving Yeovil side.

I was struck by Darren Sarll’s post-match comments about how he doesn’t think we are short for next week. A few weeks ago, that would not have been the case.

I do hope we see Evans take to the field – and impress. What a moment it would be for him to start against the Championship winners-elect in the FA Cup.

And if the worst did happen and Evans got injured, there is always Luke Wilkinson who can come in to save the day…. ?

Sheridan Robins, BBC Somerset 

Getting in a loan

In Max Evans we clearly have a goalkeeper of some promise and his selection in the FA Trophy tie recently makes it clear Darren Sarll has faith in him.

Yeovil Town goalkeeper Grant Smith. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

But – you knew one was coming – I do not believe that Darren Sarll has it in his DNA to write off matches as lose-able and therefore chucking Evans in feels like a risk.

We’re still smarting from a loss at Torquay on Boxing Day and the Gulls made it clear that they have the gamesmanship (let’s be polite about it) you need a bit of in this division.

The likes of Danny Wright will undoubtedly target an inexperienced keeper.

In the FA Cup tie with AFC Bournemouth in the second match of Smith’s suspension, there will be some very good players in opposition and a Red Button audience watching on.

Should things start to go against us, the last thing Max needs for his confidence is to be repeatedly picking a ball out of the net.

Let’s assume for the sake of this scenario that the finance is in place to get a loan keeper in, and his parents club (assuming they are still in the competition) are willing to let him be Cup tied.

For his own protection, my view is we should look to bring a more experienced keeper in on loan even if it is just for a couple of matches.

We are at the midway point of the season and undoubtedly there are some good number two (and probably number three) goalkeepers kicking their heels in the Football League.

There will be chances for Max Evans in the near future and I have no doubt he’s capable of challenging for the number one jersey – but is now really the time for a novice?

David Coates – Gloverscast

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Ahead of what was an ultimately disappointing Boxing Day trip to Torquay United, it was Terry Skiverton who was up in front of the media to answer the question.

He was stepping in for manager Darren Sarll who was missing due to a family bereavement and it brought home exactly what we have in Skivo.

Sarll and Skiverton
Terry Skiverton, right, alongside Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The club’s website currently names him as Assistant Manager, but there’s little doubt he’s much more than that. He’s Skivo – club legend, Darren Sarll’s right-hand man, someone has the respect of anyone with any association to Yeovil Town, and a very decent coach to boot.

Let’s not forget that having joined in the summer of 1999 and making more than 300 appearances including many as captain, he stepped forward in 2009 after the departure of Russell Slade and became manager, keeping us in League One for three consecutive seasons and then stepping aside when Gary Johnson returned in 2012.

Make no bones about it, I don’t think there’s ever been someone more engrained in our club’s history than the man from Mile End – he quite literally is Yeovil Town.

Having previously held a role as manager of the club’s now defunct Academy, he will have been pleased to see the likes of Toby Stephens, Ollie Haste, Jake Graziano and obviously his own son, Finlay, playing a part in the first-team squad.

But, it sounds like he is really enjoying working with Darren Sarll – despite being a target of the manager’s banter, often referencing his hair colour. We know it’s Strawberry Blonde, Skivo!

Talking about his relationship with the Glovers’ boss to the media last week: “When he arrived he said to me ‘Tel, we’re going to work really hard, it’s going to be intense but one thing we are going to do is have fun along the way.’

“He’s delivered that and everyone gives in 100% and you can see that on the pitch. The players are fighting to be part of it.

“It’s been an enjoyable experience through some of the toughest times of my life with COVID, with (the death of club captain) Lee (Collins), with everything that’s gone on in the last two years.

“He’s been a shining light and the way he handled those situations has been credit to him because he went through some dark times.

“He lets everyone have a voice and an opinion, it doesn’t mean he goes with your opinion, mind you! He’s very charismatic and the staff give him his best.“

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The run had to come to an end at some point – but yesterday’s Boxing Day match unravelled following a crazy five-minute period. Here five conclusions from a Boxing Day to forget from BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins.

It had been an even game up until the 65th minute but at that point our inexperience finally told. Throughout the good run of form, things have gone Yeovil’s way and they have stood firm well and except for the Woking game, they have avoided too much frustration on the pitch. But tempers were flaring early doors in this match and Torquay were street smart – while Yeovil lost their heads. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton can feel aggrieved he wasn’t given a yellow – but he gave the linesman and referee a decision to make and with how things were going, a red card at some point was inevitable – and it was against Yeovil. It was clearly not with intent to hurt his opponent – but it was reckless and silly none the less.

We need to get Charlie Wakefield in the game more. We are most dangerous when he gets the ball, runs with it and creates space. In the first half, it was a defensive masterclass once again, but Wakefield did not get the service he needs. Early in the second half, it was clear Darren Sarll wanted to utilise the right-hand side, but then it was always going to be difficult with 10 men. He is our danger man, and we need to use him more.

Gary Johnson had a game plan – and it worked. Speaking to BBC Somerset pre-match, the former Yeovil manager spoke about ‘shenanigans’ and while I don’t think Yeovil were cynical, the way Torquay won their free kicks was much more impressive than us – and they frustrated us. They have some talented players, but so do we and their work in midfield to win the ball back was one of their strengths. We must be aware of that in the return fixture.

Following Dan Moss’ fifth yellow card, Lo Everton’s red and Smith’s post-match dismissal, there will be several changes for next Sunday, but we do have some strength in depth now. Don’t get me wrong, we cannot afford many more suspensions or injuries, but with Mark Little on his way back, Jack Robinson recovered, Joe Quigley working towards fitness, and Alex Bradley, Reuben Reid, Jaheim Headley and Max Evans all available, it might not be the unmitigated disaster it could have been a couple of months ago. It is a huge chance for the squad players to stake a claim on a team which has been in wonderful form.

Lastly, in true Yeovil Town fan style, there is no need to panic. The manner of the collapse was concerning, but this group have a huge amount of character and desire – and for spells they kept Torquay at bay, who are in decent nick in league. I have no doubt they will bounce back – and what better way than against the same opponents? I will mention that I had to wait a long time for the post-match interviews but – as ever – both Sarll and Staunton assessed the performance honestly. It may well be a blessing in disguise that there is a full week for next week’s new-look side to gel and get back to winning ways.

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What and when is Half-Christmas, the Workaholics Holiday | TimeAs it’s Christmas tomorrow we thought it would be nice to share with you what we’d like for Christmas this year. As regular listeners to The Gloverscast will know, there’s three of us who like to chew the cud about our beloved football club and each of us have shared what we’d like left under the tree this year.

Ian: After a largely torrid couple of years as a Yeovil Town supporter 2021 is shaping up to finish rather well. The turnaround since October’s dismal run at Huish Park is a distant memory and our excellent form has given us a rather odd feeling of comfort and confidence. I don’t think I can recall feeling this way since the run in of the 2012/13 season – and we all know what happened there.

So, on tomorrow I would love to wake up to a carefully, extravagantly wrapped present containing more of the same please! Darren Sarll has worked miracles in spite of the off-pitch situation and has made this team one to be proud of. Keep it up lads, and let’s dream the impossible dream!

Dave: One of us had to take it off the pitch, so I would love to see a second half of the season where every fan wants to go to Huish Park.

We go in to Christmas Day with talks about takeover still bubbling, still concerns about the financial situation of the club, and still silence from those involved in these discussions.

So, rather than sending a letter to Santa this year, I would love to see one from someone in charge of our club with passion, a plan to improve the supporter experience and plot a course for further 125 years of a football club at the heart of its community.

Ben:

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a very good boy this year. Could I please ask for some nice things, not for me though, for my friends.

Can you please help Darren, Terry, Josh, Charlie, Tom, Grant, Max, Luke, Jordan, Adi and others get new contracts at Huish Park.

They’ve all worked so hard to bring joy to Glovers fans and I would like to see them rewarded.

I have such fun watching these players and would like the chance to see what this group can build not just for the remainder of this season but beyond. I’d hate for us to fall just short of our targets and not get the chance to see what they could achieve if given the chance to grow as a unit. I don’t want this squad picked off by other teams? I don’t want my friends to get broken up, we all have so much fun together.

Can you also ask if our new friends, Dan, Sonny and Jack can play with us a bit longer please? I know their parents think a lot of them, but they really do make things better.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas
Ben, age 33 ¾ 

We’d like to wish our Gloverscast listeners and readers a very Merry Christmas, and all the best for 2022.

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Terry Skiverton clears an early Newport attack
Photo © Ciderspace 2001
Photography Tim Lancaster

Good morning,

We’re now on day 18 of Scott’s seven day deadline.

The problem is we’re getting news, that’s not actually news. Another article appeared this week, saying the takeover was going to be done on the 21st. Here we are on the 23rd. We’ve been here before a few times.

It’s frustrating and disheartening to keep reading the nonsense, based on rumour and conjecture, repeated and taken with such credibility. Throw a dart at the calendar and hope it sticks.

As we’ve said before, the only people who know exactly what’s going on are at the heart of the deal – the individuals at the table. Everything else is noise and misinformation. Despite how it’s dressed up.

Terry Skiverton is taking the “gaffer’s presser” today in a bit of a switcheroo. I always think it’s interesting to hear from Skivo every now and then. As a bonafide club legend, his take on the situation at the club he’s been at since 1999 is always worth listening to. Plus, we’re up against another legend in Gary Johnson on Boxing Day – we hope.

The less said about our last trip to Plainmoor the better. This could not be a more different Yeovil Town heading to the English Riviera than last December. 

There’s a good interview with Grimbsy’s owner, Jason Stockwood on Grimsby Live, where he talks about governance within the National League and refers to Wrexham and Stockport County.

“The downside is the people who can come in and spend disproportionate amount and underwrite losses through advertising revenues that others don’t have access to.

“It completely distorts the wage structure and the expectation of fans if you can sign a player from a top team and spend over 5K a week.

“That makes it impossible for teams like Grimsby. It is outside the constraints of what is sustainable within our budgets and it would upset the wage structure within your organisation.”

“All power to the Wrexhams and Stockports. It would be disingenuous to say you wouldn’t want someone to invest at that level in your club. It’s just the potential consequences I worry about.”

He goes on to talk about Fair Game and Tracey Crouch’s review, as well. 

I’m just jealous of a local news outlet sitting down with the owner of the local football club for a multi-part interview. What a novelty.

Keep an eye on the website for all the latest news from the press conference. We’re recording tomorrow’s podcast at midday today so if you have any questions get them in early!

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It was the Welsh Government that went first confirming late on Monday night that all sporting events would be played behind-closed-doors from Boxing Day onwards in the battle to control the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Yesterday, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon followed that lead with limits of a maximum of 500 people for all outdoor events.

So far, for Yeovil Town and the National League, the only impact comes in North Wales where our Hollywood pals at Wrexham are forced to play their Boxing Day match at home to Solihull Moors without supporters.

Former Glovers’ midfielder and now Wrexham long throw chucker Ben Tozer left political leaders in no doubt about his opinion on how football was being treated against other ‘leisure pursuits’:

So that just leaves Boris, whose credibility to ask anyone to follow the rules is seriously questionable. England’s Prime Minister said on Tuesday evening that there would be no further restrictions but “naturally we can’t rule out any further measures after Christmas.”

It does rather feel like a prize turkey on Christmas Eve being told “you’re my favourite” by a farmer brandishing a meat cleaver, doesn’t it?

As ever, the best place to find out what is likely to happen is in the newspapers, and the smart money (if you’ll pardon the expression!) is further restrictions.

The Times reported on Tuesday that it’s expected there will be a ‘circuit breaker’ introduced from December 28 – yep, the same day our seagull bothering ‘friends’ from W*ymouth had been due back at Huish Park.

If England follow the rest of mainland Britain in restricting sporting events, there seems every chance that we’ll lose a pay day from both a derby and an FA Cup third round tie with AFC Bournemouth on January 8.

Let’s hope that the BBC or ITV wake up to the fact there’s life outside the Premier League and realise that neither Manchester United nor Aston Villa need the cash from a televised match – and you can watch Cristiano Ronaldo fall over and complain about his hair every weekend!

Alternatively, let’s follow Mark Little‘s lead and claim we’re all having a business meeting – if it’s good enough for Boris and his pals, it’s good enough for us, right?!

https://twitter.com/Litts_2/status/1473321917193011202?s=20

 

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Monday’s FA Trophy fourth round draw produced far more emotion from me that I probably thought it would.

Firstly, having been promised a 2pm draw, I sat poised waiting with the Gloverscast.co.uk draft open, but we had the adverts, the travel, and chat about the cricket, Harry Kane red card shenanigans trophy… a quick dial into to TalkSport’s non league guru Tony Incenzo, who was quickly booted off air as he happened to be calling from what sounded like a wind tunnel at NASA… and then finally the draw.

The presenter made at least one error in team name – one can only assume the notion of reading a name next to a number is harder than it seems – we can only use our imagination at the looks the FAs independent adjudicator must have been giving him – but balls were drawn, names were called and Yeovil were drawn at home to Needham Market.

Who!? Not even a town, just a little Market..? “roll up, roll up get your 4th round opponents here…”

Ok, so it’s a bit more than a market, in fact some pretty famous people have come from there, the bloke who discovered Oxygen and June ‘Dot Cotton’ Brown is from there too.

But in football terms, they’ve got one FA Vase Semi Final to their name and not a lot more, they’re tiny and an away day at Yeovil is about as big of a tie since… well, putting Wealdstone out in the last round.

And it got me thinking about how in the space of just Seven days, the same 14 or 15 blokes will line up against a Bournemouth side almost certainly destined for the Premier League, and then little Needham Market.

It’s a stark contrast, the pressure free tie of welcoming some of the best in the 2nd tier and then being on the other side of that coin, hoping not to be the front page of Sunday’s Non League Paper for the wrong reasons.

You could argue that Bournemouth might not fancy the cup with bigger fish to fry and you could argue the part time side from Suffolk will probably have a torrid journey, a day off work and less chance of a hotel stay… but isn’t that what makes cup competitions so awesome?

Darren Sarll and Co will have no problem finding footage of Dominic Solanke, Gary Cahill and Ryan Christie, but I’m not sure how much scouting is possible for Luke Ingram, Callum Sturgess and Ben Fowkes (presumably not the England wicketkeeper)

This is cup football at its very best and that’s why we love it, Huish Park will bring us two very different ties on two very different Saturdays and I cannot wait… after all, the Quadruple is still on…