The era of uncertainty is over. The new owners of Yeovil Town Football club are the Srinivasan family. So what do we make of that?
Well, it’s hard to make too much of it beyond the statement issued by the club confirming the takeover has been completed. That promised “a bright and sustainable future for the club” and there is no-one with green-and-white flowing through their veins who does not want that.
This is the fourth ownership/stewardship group we have had in charge since the departure of Norman Hayward and John Fry back in September 2019. Since then we have had (NAME REDACTED), the on-off ‘stewardship’ of SU Glovers and now-York City owner Matt Uggla, the most recent incumbent Martin Hellier and now Prabhu Srinivasan, the Dubai-based businessman who has take over alongside his son, Sahil, and wife, Bhavana.
We are sure we join with every supporter in welcoming them to Huish Park and saying we wish them a long and successful time in the Huish Park boardroom.
As with all those who are in charge of our club, we must judge them on their actions and not their words. We said that about Martin Hellier’s takeover two years ago and we say it again now. In his own words, the previous owner had a spell in charge which was “somewhat tumultuous in terms of public relations” and there are lessons to be learnt there. The initial statement suggests the new ownership will meet with supporters early in his tenure and that is warmly welcomed.
To own a football club you need a thick skin. There were good times under Martin Hellier’s reign and we will never forget the season where we bounced back from our lowest ebb, but no challenge (and football club ownership is undoubtedly that) is without its adversity. It’s not always going to be positive, that is just a reality, but if the new ownership approaches a fan base with a willingness to engage and a plan for a bright and sustainable future, they will find support from this supporter base.
The ‘to do list’ is a long one. On the pitch, a retained/released list, a squad to build for next season in the National League Premier and off it perhaps an even greater task. The ownership of land around Huish Park remains a major concern with the exclusive buy-back option on the land due to expire in little under 12 months time and the club’s finances significantly in the red.
So, welcome Prabhu, we look forward to a sustainable and bright future under your ownership. Up the Gloves!