Latest Yeovil Town News (Page 31)

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New Yeovil Town executive chairman Stuart Robins has said the club will have “a sensible budget” for next season following the takeover by Dubai-based businessman Prabhu Srinivasan.

In his first media interview since news of the deal to buy out former owner Martin Hellier on Thursday, the director admitted the Glovers had fallen behind a number of their National League Premier Division rivals in preparing for next season.

But, he promised they would now be going “full throttle” to support manager Mark Cooper in his preparations.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah on Friday, he also confirmed that a number of banning orders handed out for making “negative comments and remarks” about the former owner have been rescinded.

Robins said: “We have been working hard behind the scenes to make sure we can have a sensible budget. Since I joined the club three years ago, I have always had a vision that we could build something sustainable and I remember in my first interview I used the word ‘sustainable’ and it is really important that we build properly and sensibly. We are not going to do things overnight, we are not going to do a Wrexham, but we are finalising our budgets to make sure we build sensibly.”

Yeovil Town executive chairman Stuart Robins.

Yeovil are among only a handful of professional clubs not to confirm which members of last season’s playing staff will be retained and released and Robins said that the protracted negotiations around the takeover had led to them being behind the curve.

He said: “It has been a hiatus and it has been difficult for Mark and the coaching team to do any planning because of the situation we were in. We are a little behind the A ball and I feel for Mark, but now we will be going full throttle. It has been difficult for everybody, the uncertainty that surrounds a change of ownership is huge whether it is a football club or a business and lots of people have had to live through it and it was no fun. But people worked so hard to get this over the line and get rid of this uncertainty, I have not spoken to Mark this morning but I will be having a chat with him this afternoon and I would imagine he is incredibly relieved it is done and we can now give him the tools to make sure we are successful on the pitch.”

Asked whether he expected to receive a list of players Cooper would like to bring to the club, the executive chairman added: “I would imagine he has got it ready and I would not be surprised if it is in my email inbox now!”

Speaking about the banning orders, he was keen to focus on the future, but admitted that four supporters banned from Huish Park for their comments had been contacted by the club.

He added: “Those four banning orders have been rescinded already, they received letters from me (on Thursday) evening. That is probably all I want to say about the past because I want to look to the future because I am excited about the future. I have said before and Prabhu shares the vision, I believe we should be a League One or League Two club, that is where Yeovil Town deserves to be. I am not going to give a timescale but that is what we are building towards.”

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The Glovers’ Trust has welcomed the takeover of Yeovil Town by new owner Prabhu Srinivasan.

The group, which reformed shortly after the announcement former owner Martin Hellier was stepping down as chairman in April, published a statement on Thursday following the announced of the takeover by Inflection Holdings, the group owned by the Dubai-based businessman.

The statement in full reads: 

“The Glovers Trust would like to extend its sincere thanks to Martin Hellier and The Hellier Trading Group for their two years as majority shareholders of Yeovil Town Holdings and, consequently, their majority stake in Yeovil Town Football Club. During a period that was often turbulent for supporters, their leadership and commitment played a vital role in helping Yeovil Town FC secure the National League South title last season. Their efforts on and off the pitch during this time are greatly appreciated.

“We now look forward with optimism and renewed energy as we welcome Inflection Holdings, the family office of Mr. Prabhu Srinivasan, as the new majority owner of Yeovil Town FC. The Trust is particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to work closely with Mr. Srinivasan, his wife Bhavna, and their son Sahil as we enter this exciting new chapter in the club’s journey.

“We would also like to congratulate Stuart Robins on his appointment as Executive Chairman of Yeovil Town FC. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the club, and we look forward to supporting him in this role.

“At the Glovers Trust, we have been working diligently behind the scenes to lay the foundations of a stronger, more effective organisation. We are excited about the future and are committed to working collaboratively with Mr. Srinivasan and all stakeholders to help Yeovil Town FC thrive both on and off the field.”

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New Yeovil Town executive chairman Stuart Robins has said he is looking forward to working with manager Mark Cooper to build an “exciting future” for the club.

The club director posted a video update on the club’s official social media after news that Dubai-based business Prabhu Srinivasan had completed a takeover through his family-owned company, Inflection Holdings.

He said: “I am really excited to welcome Prabhu, his son Sahil and his wife Bhavna to the club when they visit in the next couple of weeks. You will also get the opportunity to meet them as well.

“I fully realise that during this time there has been incredible uncertainty. Uncertainty for the staff, uncertainty for the players and for (manager) Mark (Cooper) and his coaching team and I, like all of you, are really pleased that time is now over.

“I would also like to thank Martin Hellier and his colleagues at the Hellier Trading Group for making this as easy a transaction as it possibly could be. I would like to thank our staff at the club for the way they worked so diligently to make things go so smoothly and the players and Mark and his coaching team for their patience, and I would also like to thank you the supporters for your patience and support through this difficult time for everybody.

“I am now really looking forward to playing my part in helping Mark with his pre-season and making sure we have an exciting future.“

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Former Yeovil Town owner and chairman Martin Hellier has spoken of his pride at what the club has achieved as his two-year reign came to an end with the sale of the club to Inflection Holdings, a group owned by Dubai-based businessman Prabhu Srinivasan.
 
The local businessman, who took over the club following its relegation to National League South in May 2023 and oversaw its immediate promotion back to non-League’s top flight, admitted his time in charge had been “somewhat tumultuous in terms of public relations.“
 
He stepped down as chairman at the end of May following a  public dispute with supporters which has seen many banned from Huish Park for “negative comments and remarks” regarding the club and the former owner.
 
In a statement published on the club’s official social media accounts, he said: “I have today officially transferred Hellier Group’s stock in Yeovil Football & Athletic Club Limited and Yeovil Town Holdings Limited to Inflection Holdings Limited, officially marking the end of our two-year tenure at the club.
 
“We are, as a company, and as a family, proud to have played a significant role in reviving the club’s prospects. Jack and I are truly honoured to have forged friendships with so many club supporters, staff, volunteers, players and of course Mark Cooper, and whilst it might have been somewhat tumultuous in terms of public relations, I am proud to have served with my heart if not at times my head, yet I am still resolute in my beliefs that this two-year period will have served to prepare the club to go on to the next level under the ownership of Inflection Holdings.

“I wish Stuart Robins, in all sincerity, the very best of luck as (Executive) Chairman. I know his humility and level-headedness will guide the good ship Yeovil Town through whatever waters lie ahead.
 
“We are grateful to have served you all. We wouldn’t change a single memory. Thank you, and God bless The Glovers.“

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Yeovil Town have confirmed the completion of the takeover of the club by Inflection Holdings, the office of Dubai-based businessman, Prabhu Srinivasan.

Mr Srinivasan, who becomes owner and Chairman, has purchased all the shares from the Hellier Trading Group, owned by former chairman Martin Hellier, in Yeovil Town Holdings Ltd and is now the majority shareholder of the club.  Stuart Robins will becoming Executive Chairman of the club. Mr Srinivasan will be joined by his wife, Bhavna, and son, Sahil, at the club, forming a “dynamic and dedicated ownership group committed to the club’s future development.” 

The group has also pledged to host a meet the owners event in June, with details to be confirmed.

Reflecting on his investment, owner and chairman Mr Prabhu saud: “Investing in Yeovil Town Football Club is a moment of immense pride for us. This club’s rich history and potential inspired us, and we are committed to being a responsible steward as we  embark on an exciting new journey together. We are focused on making a positive impact on players, fans, employees and the entire community.” 

Prabhu Srinivasan, the new chairman and owner of Yeovil Town – yes, this is the best picture of him we can find at the moment!

Mr Prabhu who attended Yeovil Town’s home match against Sutton United, added: “Despite the result, I witnessed the fans’ outstanding passion. In the middle of the game, I moved to the Thatcher’s Stand to be amongst the fans. I really appreciate and respect the terrific support the team enjoys from its wonderfully loyal fanbase, and I am looking forward to meeting them in the coming weeks! I am excited and proud to lead our unique club into a bright, new, stable future. We are committed to delivering success for you — our amazing supporters, key stakeholders, and the wider Yeovil community.” 

Executive Chairman Stuart Robins expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are thrilled to welcome Prabhu and his family to our club on this landmark day. Having spent considerable time with Mr Prabhu, I am confident Yeovil Town is in great hands. I’m excited to commit to the long-term vision we have co-created, centred on developing and growing the club for our wonderful supporters.” 

A statement from the club added this background to Yeovil’s new ownership group: Mr Prabhu is a multi-faceted global leader and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in banking, retail, technology, travel, real estate, e-waste and wellness. More importantly, he has built one of the largest multi-sports youth platforms in India and the Middle East. His wife, Bhavna, is a seasoned leadership coach and business strategist, widely recognised for her contributions to entrepreneurship and wellness integration. Their son, Sahil, has a deep-rooted passion for football. He has cultivated extensive expertise, having trained in Spain, Germany, the UK and UAE under prestigious league clubs. He has designed proprietary programmes for youth training. His academic focus in sports science at New York University strengthens his understanding of football analytics and strategy. The family now resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

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Football, National League, Vanatama

The National League semi finals took place this week, with plenty of drama and action unfolding in both matches! Let’s see what happened, and see what names have been added to the 2025/26 National League season! You can see what happened in the quarter finals here, if you need a catch up!

Participants

Final PositionTeam
1st (Champions)Barnet
2ndYork City
3rdForest Green Rovers
4thRochdale
5thOldham Athletic
6thFC Halifax Town
7thSouthend United

Results

The semi final fixtures were between the below teams:

York City vs Oldham Athletic
Forest Green Rovers vs Southend United

We begin in Yorkshire on Tuesday night, where Oldham Athletic booked their spot at Wembley with an emphatic 3-0 win over their hosts York City! The Minstermen had a positive start, registering a couple of half chances, but the visitors fought back with moments of their own. 23 minutes in, Vimal Yoganathan pounced on Alex Hunt as he received a dangerous roll out from ‘keeper Harrison Male. The Oldham midfielder quickly gave it to Joe Garner, who rifled home for the opener and left an uphill battle for the pre-match favourites. Oldham continued to impress throughout the rest of the half, forcing Male into a handful of good saves.

The misery continued for York shortly after half time, as Mike Fondop controlled a ball close to the edge of the box, turned and found Yoganathan in space, who fired into the bottom left corner to send the Oldham fans into raptures. They barely had time to calm down after Yoganathan’s goal before the third hit the net, as Joe Pritchard nodded home from close range completely unmarked to make it 3-0 just six minutes into the second half. York continued to look toothless up front for the rest of the game, as the Latics confirmed their place in the final, while York face a fourth season of National League football.

Wednesday night saw another upset, as Southend United defeated Forest Green Rovers on penalties to create an intriguing playoff final prospect! Both sides were pushing for the opener in the first half, former Yeovil man Joe Quigley nodding wide for Forest Green, while Keenan Appiah-Forson had Southend’s best chance as his chance cannoned off the bar; both sides went to their dressing rooms at half-time with no goals scored.

Into the second half, and it was the Shrimpers who opened the scoring, as Ben Goodliffe rose highest from a free kick, his header looping over another former Glover, Ted Cann, and into the back of the net. Eight minutes later, and it was 1-1, as yet another former Yeovil man was involved, Ryan Inniss powering the ball home from an almost identical set-piece to Southend’s goal. Both sides continued to probe and press, with Southend finishing the second half as the dominant side, but to no avail as the full time whistle blew, and extra-time was in order.

Just four minutes into extra-time, and the hosts had the lead, a ball floated towards the back post from Liam Sercombe found the head of substitute Emmanuel Osadebe, who headed at ‘keeper Nick Hayes, but the ball was fumbled into the net. Southend continued to push on though, defiant in the face of adversity and they were rewarded for their courage, as substitute Jack Bridge tucked home from a wonderful counter-attack on the edge of the box, the number 7 having way more space than perhaps he should have, to equalise for his side.

The final whistle blew, and penalties were in order. Southend began, and Josh Walker’s kick was saved. Former Southend man Harry Cardwell tucked his shot home, before Jack Bridge hammered home his side’s first. Former Yeovil man Tom Knowles stepped up and hammered the bar, and Jack Gubbins fired his side ahead. Charlie McCann scored, as did Macauley Bonne (just); Liam Sercombe sent his spot-kick flying over the bar, allowing Gus Scott-Morriss to send Southend United to Wembley, and condemning Forest Green to a second season of non-league football.

Oldham Athletic vs Southend United will take place on Sunday 1st June at Wembley, and will be televised on DAZN.

Final Scores

York City 0-3 Oldham Athletic
Forest Green Rovers 2-2 Southend United (Southend win 4-2 on pens)

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Yeovil Town will host Bristol Rovers in a dedicated ‘Match for Marcus’ during the upcoming pre-season.

The game is set for Saturday 19th July with a 3pm Kick Off.

Marcus Stewart is considered something of legend of both sides and with the front man leaving the Glovers’ coaching staff this summer the friendly will be dedicated to his legacy at both clubs as well as his ongoing battle with Motor Neurone Disease and the fundraising campaign he has undertaken.

Yeovil hosted the Gas as a part of the pre-season campaign last season too, with Rovers coming out 3-0 winners, one of their goals scored by one Kofi Shaw.

Tickets will be available soon.

Marcus Stewart celebrates his 87th minute goal in the League One play-off semi-final at Nottingham Forest in May 2007. Picture courtesy of Len Copland – www.lencoplandphotography.blogspot.com.

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It’s that time of year where we ask Yeovil Town supporters for their thoughts on the season that’s just gone. 

As with the previous surveys, this is on Google Forms and is a mix of multiple choice and linear scale (1-7 of course) questions about issues on the pitch, off the pitch and the future. There is also an optional section about the Gloverscast that we’d be very grateful if you’d complete it.

The survey will be open for four weeks and will close on Tuesday 17th June. We’ll go through the responses and share them on the website like we did for last year’s survey.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY 

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Former Yeovil Town loanee Otis Khan has revealed the club are looking at training in Bristol next season in a bid to attract new players.

The out-of-contract winger, who made five appearances last season before his season ended prematurely following a red card in the defeat at Eastleigh on Easter Monday, spoke about the possible change on the I Had Trials Once podcast hosted by ex-players Jordan Hulme and Gareth Seddon.

Speaking on the latest episode, Khan said: “Because it is that far they might be training in Bristol next year to try and attract a few more lads and I think it would be a good idea to do that. My contract finished on May 5th, I went there on trial until the end of the season and signed until May 5th, so when I got that red card unfortunately my season was done.”

The 29-year-old returned on loan in March after falling out of favour at National League Premier Division side Oldham Athletic. He played two seasons at Huish Park scoring 18 goals under Darren Way before a career which took him around a number of Football League clubs.

Otis Khan heads down the tunnel after 36 minutes on Easter Monday.

On the podcast, he spoke about the sending off at Eastleigh which followed a clash with the hosts’ striker Chris Maguire in the 36th minute of the 1-0 defeat.

Khan said: “I went back to Yeovil, it is a place I know well, the kitman is still there, they are great people down there. I had done well but I got a red card in the Easter weekend game on the Monday, a lad has grabbed me by the throat and started shaking me and I have pushed him off. The ref is on the other side so it looks like I have elbowed him and he has gone down holding his face, as soon as I get sent off he is put like nothing has happened.

“It was right in front of the dug out on the touchline they have been complaining to the ref. The fourth (official) is right there, he could have said to the ref that it was 50-50 and after the game (Maguire) was saying ‘I got one of their players sent off’, it should have been a yellow card but it meant I missed the final two games of the season which was a shame to be honest.”

Asked about his future having left Oldham, he added: “I am not too sure. It did not really go according to plan with Oldham, I did not play too many games. The first game I played there I started and played well and I think the next game was Solihull and we got beaten and then I did not start the next one. A few days later the Gaffer (Mickey Mellon) said ‘you are a League player, you should be doing better than that’, so I said ‘how come you didn’t start me in the next game’ and he told me it was because I didn’t run enough in that game and since then I did not really get a sniff.”

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The final games of the 2025/26 National League North and South seasons took place on Sunday, with the two winners earning their place in the National League for next season, alongside Yeovil Town! Let’s see who’s gone up and who’s staying put; you can read what happened in the semi-finals here!

Participants

Final PositionNational League NorthNational League South
1st (Champions)Brackley TownTruro City
2ndScunthorpe UnitedTorquay United
3rdKidderminster HarriersEastbourne Borough
4thChesterWorthing
5thChorleyBoreham Wood
6thKing’s Lynn TownDorking Wanderers
7thBuxtonMaidstone United

Results

Here are your finalists from the north and south:

National League North
Scunthorpe United vs Chester

National League South
Boreham Wood vs Maidstone United

We’ll begin with the early kickoff, where Boreham Wood returned to the National League after a solitary season away, defeating Maidstone United 1-0. The first half saw a handful of chances for both sides, but neither side could make the breakthrough.

Just two minutes into the second half though, the hosts got their goal – some brilliant footwork, with a little bit of luck sprinkled in, from Abdul Abdulmalik got the ball into the box, he then tucked a tidy pass inside for Charles Clayden to bury it in the left side of the net with a well-taken strike. Maidstone came forwards with a few chances of their own, but their efforts were fruitless as the Stones were condemned to a third consecutive season of regional football.

The northern final took place later on, and it was Scunthorpe United that came out victorious, defeating Chester in extra time 2-1. The hosts took the lead in the first half through a rebound from Danny Whitehall – he slammed home a rebound off the post from a Michael Cleenan header just before the 20 minute mark to hand the hosts the lead.

The score would remain the same into half-time, and deep into the second half, before a mix-up just after the hour mark between two Scunny players handed Chester a penalty for a handball; a penalty that Connor Woods tucked into the bottom right corner to equalise for the visitors. Both sides continued to put their bodies on the line, blocking shots from left, right and centre which eventually led to extra time.

Just before the end of extra time’s half-time, the winning goal, and the final goal of the Step 2 season was struck; a ball into the box was nodded on by Mo Fadera, falling to Carlton Ubaezuonu, who’s first shot was blocked, but his second shot worked its way into the net, sending Scunthorpe fans into raptures. The 9,000+ in attendance both roared on their respective sides, but despite the late delays following some early pitch invaders, the final whistle was eventually blown, and Scunthorpe confirmed their return to the National League after two seasons away; Chester will continue their promotion hunt next season, kicking off an eighth season of regional football.

Final Scores

National League North
Scunthorpe United 2-1 Chester (AET)

National League South
Boreham Wood 1-0 Maidstone United