Latest Yeovil Town News (Page 40)

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Yeovil Town boss Mark Cooper has said that his team needed to find a bit more energy to see the game out against Altrincham.

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset’s Josh Perkins he said that the dressing room was disappointed in the result, but there wasn’t much in a stop-start game.

“Yeah, disappointing, there was not a lot in the game, we ran out of a bit of energy at the end, because we had to make so many subs early in the game, I think that cost us towards the end, we couldn’t put enough energy on the pitch towards the end, we’d made four subs pretty early.

We’ve got players that are not quite up to speed yet and I think that showed in the last ten minutes.”

The Glovers were forced into two first half changes with both Charlie Cooper and Alex Whittle forced off, Cooper with a flare up of tendonitis whilst Whittle was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge.

“I think, we make a sub, we put a young lad on, who doesn’t track his man in the box and he scores, 1-0 up, that’s poor, not quite up to the speed of the game.

I will say, the challenge on Alex Whittle is a really dangerous one, I could see from here, that the guy, doesn’t look at the ball, doesn’t one minute look at the ball and he leads with his – let’s give him the benefit of the doubt – leads with his arm, Alex Whittle looks like Harry Potter, he’s got an unbelievable scar on his forehead. I end up getting booked for asking the fourth official, ‘have you seen the cut on his forehead?’ and I get booked.

So our captain has to come off, which then disrupts our rhythm.”

“[Charlie Cooper] has been struggling with tendonitis, in his achilles, and his calf and he’s needed a rest for a while.

Kitey wasn’t quite ready for 90 minutes, he did well, but the last 20-minutes his legs had gone, so yeah, those two subs took off a lot of energy for us, second half we couldn’t quite get to the ball quickly enough.”

The game did see the return of Jake Wannell after injury, he was introduced at half time, but he was powerless to stop the hosts finding a late winner.

“[Jake Wannell] didn’t have lots to do, it was like, the pitch levels it up, it makes it difficult, you see the ball bouncing all over the place at times, the goal comes from the ball bouncing over Harry Kite’s leg and goes straight to their centre half who is not marked in the box.

In the first ten-minutes, we had three long throws where the ball bounced on their six yard box and nobody forced it in, so we have to be a little more ruthless there, after that, the ball bounced, and Frankie managed to finish one off.”

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Yeovil Town loan defender Frankie Terry told BBC Radio Somerset’s Josh Perkins, that he and his teammates were disappointed to not come away with a point after a last gasp Altrincham winner.

Following two wins and two clean sheets, Terry said that it was frustrating to let slip a game which he helped the Glovers get back into.

“Over the past two weeks, we’ve done so well, getting two wins, getting back on track, how we want to be, so, to concede late today is very disappointing.

I think first half, we were good, we were on top, we managed to get ourselves back in the game, we obviously had two subs early, which isn’t ideal, but the boys that came on did well.

Second half was a different game, to be fair, they were better than us second half, we just needed to be better in the second half to see the game out.”

Terry scored his first goal in green and white after Altrincham had gone ahead, probably against the run of play, but a lapse of concentration at the end, and a unfortunate bobble of the ball, allowed Lewis Baines to fire home a late winner.

“The main thing is that you have to be concentrating until the final whistle, the pitch – not an excuse – but the pitch, it [the winning goal] has taken a bad bounce, but we just have to stay concentrated, 

I’m buzzing [with the goal], obviously it would have been better with a win, but personally, I’m happy to score.

I’m really enjoying it at the moment, it’s a really good club, really good group of lads, I’m hoping to get as many games as I can and as many wins as I can.  “

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Jake Wannell returns on the substitutes’ bench in an unchanged starting XI at Altrincham today (3pm kick-off)

The Glovers name an unchanged starting line-up for third consecutive game with midfielder Lewys Twamley dropping out of the substitutes.

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Alex Whittle says that Yeovil can travel to Altrincham on Saturday with confidence, as they look to pick up a third win on the bounce.

The Robins are sitting just three points off the play-offs but haven’t won any of their last seven league games.

Speaking to the BBC’s Jack Killah, the Whittle said: “They play good football, but as you said they’ve hit a little rocky patch. I think we can go there with confidence.

“They have to win the game as they’re going for play-offs, I think we can go there and try and enjoy ourselves.”

The full-back has been stand-in skipper for Yeovil’s last two games, wearing the armband in the 3-0 win away at Solihull and the 1-0 win over AFC Fylde at Huish Park.

“I’ve been captain a couple of times at clubs but I’ve never been ‘the captain’ and obviously I’m just filling in at the moment because obviously Jake Wannell (is injured). It’s a nice feeling to have but obviously I just go out there and just do my job.

Why does this picture sound scouse!?
Alex Whittle and Harvey Greenslade celebrate
Pic Gary Brown

“I’m probably a bit more like a joker really but I try and lighten up a bit with the lads, have a little bit of a joke and take the nerves off them a little bit. But obviously once we get on the pitch, it’s serious.

“Obviously it was two big wins for us and I thought we were solid in both games from front to back so we’re delighted with that, with the six points and obviously two clean sheets.”

Those victories have taken the Glovers to just eight points from the top seven, helping them surpass the famed 50-point mark.

“From last season, to get promoted and cruise it, let’s be honest, and then this season to be on 50 points now and seven or eight points off play-offs, I think it’s been a decent season all round.

Alex Whittle chills out with the fans after being subbed off
Pic Gary Brown

“Eight points is still a lot of points to get into the play-offs, but everyone’s beating everyone so we’ll take it game by game. Obviously if we win Saturday and other teams lose then you never know but the main thing is to obviously get the three points.”

The 32-year-old was also asked about the latest off-pitch news, which saw Martin Hellier stand down as chairman to be replaced by Stuart Robins.

“It’s only just come out at the moment, literally a couple of days ago but obviously we can only concentrate on our football.

“We don’t get told too much and the main thing for us is getting three points on a Saturday and we’ve done that the last few games.”

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Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper insists his focus is on football matters, despite Martin Hellier’s departure as chairman at Huish Park earlier in the week.

Stuart Robins was announced as the chairman’s successor on an interim basis, and in turn confirmed that the Hellier Group will continue to invest while a successor is found.

Speaking to the BBC Somerset reporter Jack Killah, Cooper said: “I’ve got a great relationship with Stuart and a good relationship with Martin. I’m just concentrating on the football.

“Whatever that noise is, for us that’s just noise. We’ve got to concentrate on our football. We have to keep trying to win games, and the more games we win, the better proposition the club is for someone.”

The Glovers travel to Altrincham on Saturday off the back of two victories and two clean sheets, and will look to keep the good run going against a team who are winless in their last seven league games.

“The players have worked really hard. We look as though we’re on the front foot, we get around the pitch and have made it difficult for teams in the last two games, and we’ve got a couple of good results.

Harvey Greenslade celebrates his late, late winner in Saturday’s 1-0 home win over AFC Fylde. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

“We want that to continue on Saturday against a team that will be expecting to be in the play-offs. They’ve had a bit of a sticky run but it’s on the day so we’ve got to go and have a right go at them.

“They’re just in one of those moments, it’s just a tricky spell and that happens in a season. It’s impossible even for the top boys to go through the season without a hiccup and they’re in one of those moments.”

Yeovil’s previous two results have been all the more impressive as they’re missing some key players, although Cooper revealed some positive injury news.

“(Jake) Wannell joined in today for the first time, actual full training with the team. We’ll see how he goes. If he can get through that, then he’ll be involved in the weekend.

Jake Wannell in action.
Pic Gary Brown

“Morgan (Williams) is probably a little bit longer. And then obviously another big one is (Aaron) Jarvis, who I think will be touch and go for the rest of the season. If that is the case, we won’t take any risks with him.

“I’m not really sure on Jacob (Maddox). I think he’s just got a niggle in his foot and that comes down to pain threshold. Obviously he’s feeling it and he’s not able to train at the minute.”

On-loan centre-back pairing Kyle Ferguson and Frankie Terry have helped keep out Solihull Moors and AFC Fylde, drawing praise from the green and white faithful for their performances.

Thumbs up from Kyle Ferguson
Pic Gary Brown

“It’s really difficult for the young boys when they come in on loan because they have to earn the respect of the players who are already here. They’re replacing good players, but they’ve put their hand up to carry the flag forward and I’ve been really impressed with them.

“They’ve stood up to the challenge really well in really difficult times. Obviously Frankie came in a couple of weeks earlier than Kyle, but they’ve looked pretty solid together with the help of the goalkeeper and two experienced full-backs either side of them, Alex Whittle and Dom (Bernard).

“We’ve had to set the team up a bit differently to try and help them and give us a bit more solidity, but they’ve done great.”

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Ref, Referee, Match Official

Yeovil Town head to Greater Manchester and so will Mr Dale Baines and his team of match officials.

We’ve seen Mr Baines at Huish Park this season, he took charge of the Glovers’ 2-1 win over Tamworth with goals from Charlie Cooper and Frank Nouble ensuring the hosts took the three points despite going behind on that occasion.

He only booked one Yeovil player, Ciaran McGuckin on the naughty list and did turn down what might be described as an absolute ‘stone waller’ of a penalty when Kyrell Wilson hit the deck in the area.

Mr Baines is a busy chap, he’s officiated as high as League One and as low as the National League South this season, with plenty of cup coverage and some Premier League 2 games thrown in for good measure.

His record reads 104 Yellows and just two reds across all competitions this season.

He’s only taken charge of a single Altrincham game in his career, a 2-1 away defeat to Chesterfield in January 2024.

Mr Baines will be assisted by Martin Parker and David Holmes, Kavan Hurn is in charge of the dugouts.

Dale Baines awards Braintree a penalty against Ebbsfleet

Altrincham FC (First Team) v Yeovil Town FC (First Team)
National League – Premier
Referee: Baines, Dale
Assistant Referee: Parker, Martin
Assistant Referee: Holmes, David
Fourth Official: Hurn, Kavan

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New Yeovil Town interim chairman Stuart Robins has said finding new investment for the club is his “highest priority” having taken over the reins of the club.

The club director has stepped in following the decision of owner Martin Hellier to step down as chairman.

On Wednesday, Robins told BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah that the Hellier Group would continue to support the club financially until a buyer was found and said he had been “given assurances that will continue.”

The interview in full is as follows:

JK: Stuart, how do you feel about having the title of interim chairman of Yeovil Town Football Club?
SR: I feel totally privileged, it is an incredible honour to have that title at the football club I have supported since I was a little lad, so it is an incredible honour.

JK: It has not been the easiest time to be involved in the club in recent weeks, what has it been like to be involved in those discussions?
SR: It has been challenging and we have seen how the supporters have reacted to recent incidents. I think Martin (Hellier) has made the right decision for himself, for his family and for the football club. I totally support his decision. When he phoned me, I thought it was my duty to step up and do what I can for the club for now and hopefully in the future.

JK: When I have spoken with fans, some of them thought what had gone on had been detrimental to the reputation of the club, would you agree it had got to that level?
SR: It had got very difficult, but we are in a position now where we can move forward and hopefully get Huish Park packed again and hopefully supporters enjoying good days out here.

JK: The club’s recently-published financial accounts detailed nearly £3m of debt, should fans be worried about that and where does the club sit in terms of its financial well-being?
SR: I do not think we are a lot different from a lot of clubs at this level and above. It is not great reading, but my major task is to bring in new investment which will hopefully bring bigger and even better times to Yeovil Town. We are being supported by the Hellier Group and I have been given assurances that will continue.

Martin Hellier has given assurances he will continue to support Yeovil Town, according to interim chairman Stuart Robins. Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

JK: So Martin Hellier has confirmed to you he will invest in the club until a new owner can be found?
SR: Yes, the Hellier Group will continue to support the club and I am working closely with officials and they are incredibly supportive.

JK: But financial support from external sources is key for the coming months?
SR: It is critical we get new investment in, absolutely critical.

JK: One thing which has made headlines is the banning orders issued to supporters, will they be looked at, are any being rescinded?
SR: I have been in post as interim chairman for a day and there was lots to do yesterday, especially to make sure the staff understood we are in a good position and the Hellier Group are going to continue to support the football club. The issue of bans is right at the top of the agenda and we will be addressing that very soon.

JK: Do you think any bans will be rescinded before the end of the season?
SR: I think there will be some announcements made quite soon.

JK: Do you have any timeline as to when interested parties in the club could be in the club?
SR: I have been in this business long enough not to give any commitment on that, but what I can assure everyone is that it is my highest priority and I am working diligently to get this done as soon as I can.

JK: Are you confident Yeovil Town will be stronger going forward from this point?
SR: We will come out of this stronger and financially more viable.

JK: Where do you think Yeovil Town should be sitting in the football pyramid?
SR: I have always thought since we got in to the League that we should be a League club and my vision is that we would be at least at least a League One club with hopefully the odd visit to the Championship. We have done it before, I know it is a different era, but I do not see any reason why we could not do it again. 

JK: Do you feel like there is still work to be done to rebuild the relationship with a section of supporters who think the last few weeks have damaged the club’s reputation?
SR: There always is (fans who feel that). I have been through it myself as a supporter and I want everyone to be really proud to be part of the club that I and everybody loves. 

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The Glovers Trust is back. After a period of silence over recent months, the group has posted on its social media channels following the announcement by owner Martin Hellier that he is stepping down as chairman.

The Trust’s statement in full reads as follows: 

Firstly, an apology. The Glovers Trust, was set up in 2016 to ensure meaningful engagement with supporters and Yeovil Town Football Club. Since the night in Johnson Hall in 2023, various board members have stepped away and we’ve been unable to operate as supporters deserve. For that, we are sorry.

In recent weeks, we have been putting steps in place to re-launch and re-engage with supporters and Yeovil Town FC. The events of the last seven-days are a stark reminder that without supporters at the heart of the club, a much-loved, more than a century old community asset will always be vulnerable.

The Glovers Trust acknowledges the announcement by Martin Hellier that he intends to sell Yeovil Town Football Club and his subsequent resignation as Chairman. We thank Martin for his commitment to Yeovil Town FC and his investment that secured a first championship victory since 2005.

This latest development reinforces the urgent need for a sustainable, long-term vision for our club that that prioritises the interests of supporters and the community. Supporter representation alongside football operations expertise must be at the heart of Yeovil Town’s future. Clubs thrive when they are rooted in their communities, and we believe that a model incorporating meaningful supporter engagement in decision-making is the best way to secure the stability and future of Yeovil Town FC.

We are well aware that due to our inactivity, we are not well-placed to be the authority amongst supporters and nor do we expect to be that. The Glovers Trust, however, has the organisational framework and membership structure to be the safety net that every football club should have across the country.

With a third takeover in seven years potentially on the horizon it is crucial that supporters unite to safeguard Yeovil Town FC. We will continue to push for a future where fans have a meaningful voice in how our club is run and urge any prospective buyer to engage with all supporters and recognise the vital role fans play in the club’s identity and future.

In the next few days, we will email our membership base and begin reinstating our membership platform and website before calling an election for roles on the board. The Glovers Trust can only thrive with the passion and expertise from a broad range of supporters. The board can then set the agenda for the Trust and its future.

Our motto, Achieve By Unity, has never been more appropriate.

The Glovers Trust Board

Our own Ian Perkins has been co-opted on to the Trust board alongside supporter Abby Carter together with existing board members John Oakes, Vern Edmunds and Terri Burt to get the Trust back in a position to hold elections and functioning again.