Yeovil Town are giving a trial to Bristol City Under-21s goalkeeper Josey Casa-Grande in today’s pre-season friendly against League Two side Bristol Rovers at Huish Park.
The 19-year-old, who is under contract at Ashton Gate until next summer, most recently had a one month loan spell at National League South side Chippenham Town at the end of last season, making four appearances without keeping a clean sheet.
His the Robins’ academy graduate’s other loan appearances came at Bath City (twice), W*ymouth and Tiverton Town. The Welshman played for that lot down the road when they knocked us out of the FA Trophy last season – wonder if he got a commemorative mug?
In the starting line-up as well was another trialist, Birmingham City Under-21s captain Byron Pendleton, who began the match at right back. The 19-year-old was a regular for the Brum youngsters in the Professional Development League last season.
The pair were among five trialists named in the Glovers’ squad for the ‘Match for Marcus’ which will see all proceeds go to the charity for Marcus Stewart, the legendary striker who played for both clubs, to raise money and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
The other three were are ex-Rovers pair Luke McCormick and Jevani Brown and midfielder Teo Kurtaran, who had a trial at the Memorial Stadium in the summer of 2023. All three have been regulars in the pre-season campaign to date.
Byron pendledon from Birmingham at RB
That’s the third young player still under contract with other teams to trial for us this year. Byron Pendleton has two years left on his contract with the Blues and the other two lads (Bristol City if I recall correctly) still have one year left. I reckon they must be here with the knowledge and consent of their home teams. Perhaps there is an understanding between Yeovil Town and their clubs that if the players are deemed suitable for us, they will come here on loan this season. If so, I think that’s a good idea as those loans should work for us.