The Glovers’ Trust has issued a statement welcoming the takeover of Yeovil Town by new owner and chairman Martin Hellier.
The group said the relief at the departure of former owner Scott Priestnall was “immeasurable” and welcomed the takeover by the local businessman with “cautious optimism“.
In a statement on Saturday morning, the new owner confirmed that the takeover included the majority shareholding previously held by Priestnall in both the club’s trading business, Yeovil Football & Athletic Club, and Yeovil Town Holdings, the company which has the exclusive buy-back on land at Huish Park.
The Glovers’ Trust said: “We cannot stress enough that any situation where Priestnall retained control or ownership of any part of the club or land would be untenable.
“The all supporters’ meeting on Thursday night was a landmark moment in the recent history of our club. It highlighted the extent of the distrust between the club and its core fan base, and an overwhelming support for the long-term goal of supporter ownership and democratic representation inside the club.”
The Trust added that it looked forward to having a “constructive dialogue” with the chairman adding: “There is a long way to go for Mr Hellier to rebuild that trust and regain the respect of some supporters after a series of regrettable public arguments, but in the interests of the football club we believe he must be afforded the time and space to do this.”
The Glovers Trust statement – in full:
The Glovers’ Trust statement from Martin Hellier and the Hellier Group as a step towards safeguarding the future of Yeovil Town FC.
It is welcome news that the football club and holding company have been purchased, with the option to buy back the land at Huish Park. Hellier’s commitment to re-unifying the two companies and running the club for the “well-being and progression of our community” undoubtedly aligns with most supporters’ wishes.
Our relief at the end of Scott Priestnall’s tenure is immeasurable, and as supporters we welcome this takeover with cautious optimism. We cannot stress enough that any situation where Priestnall retained control or ownership of any part of the club or land would be untenable.
The all-supporters meeting on Thursday night was a landmark moment in the recent history of our club. It highlighted the extent of the distrust between the club and its core fan base, and an overwhelming support for the long-term goal of supporter ownership and democratic representation inside the club.
We look forward to meeting with Mr Hellier, to represent the fans and begin constructive dialogue.
There is a long way to go for Mr Hellier to rebuild that trust and regain the respect of some supporters after a series of regrettable public arguments, but in the interests of the football club we believe he must be afforded the time and space to do this.
There is only one Yeovil Town Football Club and only one supporters trust. We look forward to working with Trust members, fans and the new ownership, towards building a successful, prosperous football club that we can all be proud of.
What is it about YTFC that attracts these types of owners? Fry, Priestnall and now Hellier? There’s a pattern here.
The answer is, the land. They all think they can make money developing it.
Hearing supporters clamouring to have the land ‘reunited’ with the club is hilarious. Why? So the owner can them sell it for a superstore or housing, so it has gone forever?
Priestnall got 2.8m for it which may or may not have covered his debts. Nobody had ever said how much Fry walked away with.
PS There are no Hellier signs on Yeovil Court Hotel anymore. A fitness centre on a trading estate and a couple of Airbnbs add up to 75m? Lol
The point about the land and club being reunited is so that in the event the land is redeveloped the financial benefit of that stays with the club, not an individual owner who tries to asset strip.
When the football club doesn’t own the land it’s incredibly difficult to see how they would then financially benefit from any development without relying on the goodwill of a third party.
Eh? You don’t think the owner can take the money and run? How much did Fry give to the club when he sold? Nothing. How much did Priestnall give to the club when he sold? Nothing. We all benefit from public ownership, though!
If you want a positive example of what public ownership can achieve look at the development of St James Park in Exeter. The City Council owning the land stopped the asset stripping that private ownership can bring and has led to positive redevelopment of the land to great benefit to the club