Charlie Wakefield

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Former Yeovil Town attacker Charlie Wakefield has secured a permanent switch to National League side Wolking.

The silky winger, was apparently just what Darren Sarll needed this summer.

Wakefield was announced as leaving Huish Park at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The former Chelsea man played 57 games for the Glovers and spent the final stages of last season on loan at the Cards.

Thanks for everything at Huish Park, go well at Woking.

(any excuse to show that goal against Stevenage… Huish Park was rocking!)

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A bad day for the Glovers in green and white… what about those who play in a whole range of different colours?

In the National League, Ben Richards-Everton was an unused sub as Scunthorpe saw their relegation to the National League North confirmed.

Charlie Wakefield wasn’t in the Woking side who confirmed their place in the National League play-offs.

In the NLN, Leamington suffered a 3-0 defeat in something of a six-pointer against Kettering, Ollie Hulbert played the full 90.

Truro lost the battle of the Bolitho against Plymouth Parkway as the two ground sharers went head to head, Ollie Haste was an unused sub for Truro, still no Toby Stephens for Parkway either.

Hungerford drew 1-1 in their game with Havant and Waterlooville in the NLS, Max Evans was in goal for the home side.

Dorchester went down 6-1 against Poole Town, Jake Graziano wasn’t in the squad.

Gillingham Town drew 1-1 with Warminster, Sam Hodges played the full 90 minutes and was awarded MOTM (hat tip to Lee Hodges on twitter for the update), the Gills have been really pleased with Hodges overall, an update sent to the Gloverscast says, “Sam has started our last six matches in centre midfield. Playing will, industrious, hard working and retains possession well.”

Thanks to Gillingham Town for the update!

Tiverton were in action away to Weston Super-Mare, but no sign of Charlie Bateson on the team sheet.

So, yeah, lots of players not playing for their loan clubs… cracking.

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The Glovers picked up a point in the National League, but there were plenty of other Glovers out and about picking up wins, goals… and there was even a late-in-the-season debut for our young Keeper, Max Evans.

Let’s start in the National League, Charlie Wakefield wasn’t in the Woking side that came from behind to beat Dorking – another former Glover, Rohan Ince scoring twice.

Ben Richards-Everton played the full 90 for Scunthorpe who lost away at Gateshead.

Into the divisions below, Ollie Hulbert scored for Leamington, his opener helped lead his side to a big win over Hereford.

Jake Graziano – fresh off the back of being named Toolstation Premier Fan’s Player of the Month for March – was back in action for Dorchester, but they succumbed 2-0 to Chesham Utd.

Ollie Haste was used from the bench as Truro came from behind to beat Harrow Borough 4-1, Sam Hodges was back in the starting line up for Gillingham Town, but they went down 2-1 against Wincanton.

Finally, goalkeeper Max Evans made his debut for Hungerford Town in the National League South, but couldn’t prevent a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hampton and Richmond, with one of the goals coming from former Yeovil midfielder, Jake Gray.

Both Plymouth Parkway and Tiverton play on Saturday, rather than Friday.

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Whilst the scenes at Huish Park didn’t give Glovers fans much to get excited about, could any of the on loan cohort make things any better, let’s find out.

In the National League, Woking came from behind to beat bottom side Maidstone United with an injury time winner, Charlie Wakefield came on in the 82nd minute.

Scunthorpe were on the wrong end of a 4-0 thrashing from Notts County, defender Ben Richards-Everton credited with an 11th minute own goal.

All in all, two good results for Yeovil.

In to the lower leagues, Oxford City took a point from their clash with Dulwich Hamlet, Will Dawes was introduced as a 74th minute substitute.

Leamington lost 2-0 in front of a bumper crowd as Boston United were in town, Ollie Hulbert started, but was taken off after 70 minutes.

Jake Graziano made his Dorchester debut from the bench but his side went down 2-0 to Merthyr Town (dual-registration watch doesn’t have quite the same ring to it)

Down at Sherborne, the result might have gone against the Zebras, but Yeovil Under-18s striker Benjani Juniot was back on the scoresheet (are you watching, Mark Cooper?).

He got his side’s first in a 4-2 defeat at Millbrook AFC, taking him to three goals from his loan spell. The Sherborne line-up also included Under-18s’ midfielder Mason Hunter too, who appears to have also joined our friends at Sherborne for a short stint – go well, Mason.

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Gillingham Town, were big winners, Rob Hollard has returned to the Glovers following his loan spell, so he wasn’t involved, and I couldn’t any team news to see if Sam Hodges had been involved.

Truro’s (Ollie Haste) game was postponed, as was the game between Toby Stephens‘ Plymouth Parkway and Charlie Bateson’s Tiverton Town. This allowed Bateson to turn out for the Under-18s in their 2-1 defeat at Bridgwater United.

Plenty more of these sides are playing midweek, more Loan Watch updates to come!

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After Charlie Wakefield‘s player registration deadline day loan move to National League promotion chasers Woking, Glovers’ fan Jake Gallagher has poured his feelings in to a blog……

There’s a star-man.
Playing on the right.
His name is Charlie Wakefield.
And he’s fucking dynamite.

It’s a dangerous business falling in love with football players. Especially in the lower leagues when the merry-go-round of loans and short-term contracts mean you will see more footballers through the revolving door at your club than you would at a top division outfit. But that doesn’t stop us.

Foolish though as it is, we just can’t help singing the names of our favourite players. We know it’ll end in heartbreak; we know they’ll be snapped up by a club in the division above on the eve of the season (see Tom Knowles) and we know that ultimately the better players move on to bigger things.

It’s rare these days that a player would have his own chant – they just don’t stick around long enough for fans to conjure up something catchy and come together, in the Thatcher’s Stand, as one orchestrated and organised choir. Few players get the “Super, Gav, Super Gavin Williams” treatment but Wakefield earned it and deserved it.

A silky winger, he’s just what we need….. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Perhaps it was his willingness to allow fans to peer into his life to see what it’s like to be a footballer. His ‘Man Up’ film on YouTube, a documentary about mental health in football, showed the maturity levels of such a young man who clearly cares about his family, his welfare and his future. His ‘A Day in the Life’ documentary – also on YouTube – allowed us to see a personal side that you don’t often get beyond the post-match interview. As a fan, I can’t get enough of that insight and access.

While the above is true, the real reason we all love Charlie Wakefield is his ability to ignite the crowd. Just give him the ball on the halfway line, he’ll knock it past the opposing left-back and Yeovil Town are on the attack. Not many footballers possess that quality, that get-the-supporters-off-their-seats quality. One of the most satisfying sounds in football – other than the ball hitting the back of the net – is when you can hear stadium seats flip up as people stand in anticipation of a goal. That’s what Wakefield does. Under Darren Sarll, when we were at our most dangerous, it’d be Tom Knowles breaking at pace, laying it on a plate for Charlie. One touch to control, one touch to finish. Rinse and repeat. That winning goal against Stevenage in the FA Cup 2nd Round in 2021. That was vintage Wakefield. A silky winger, just what we need, he’ll win Yeovil the National League. We can’t sing that anymore.

This does sound a bit dramatic, I’m aware of that. After all, he’s only left on loan and has played just a handful of games this season. Since the departure of Sarll it’s been obvious that both new managers have felt their style doesn’t suit a fast-breaking wide player. Chris Hargreaves tried and failed to convert him into a wing-back and Mark Cooper’s system needs more technically astute players in the forward line. Couple all that with his injury record and you can’t say you’re surprised. But that didn’t stop me feeling a twinge of regret seeing him move on, especially to Woking. Bloody Woking.

I’d love to see Charlie Wakefield back at Huish Park next season, running at defenders, scoring goals on the break. I can’t see it personally and that’s fine – it’s time to make my peace with it.

For now, I’m just going to wish him all the best. And if you’re reading this Charlie – thank you.

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Charlie Wakefield will still be an attacking threat for Yeovil Town this season whatever position he is playing in, according to manager Chris Hargreaves.

The winger, who played down the flanks and as a centre forward at times last season, has been used predominantly as a wing back in pre-season.

Charlie Wakefield. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

But, speaking ahead of the opening National League match against Scunthorpe United, Hargreaves said the former Chelsea youngster had displayed an ability to perform in a number of positions.

He said: “He is still going to play in those further forwards and we have reverted to some systems in pre-season, the behind-closed-doors game (against Sherborne Town), in training games and we have worked on different systems.

“We are trying to get a group of players on the pitch that are adaptable. Charlie sees himself as an attacking player and he will be whether it is at wing-back, right wing or centre forward, he can play all three of them.

“What I have been pleased and impressed with is that he wants to play in all those positions and do well in them which will only benefit him, if he wants to play at a higher level, if he nails those positions you are a much more attractive position for any of those clubs.”

There was no confirmation from the manager that Bristol City goalkeeper Will Buse would be joining on loan despite rumours coming out of Ashton Gate.

The 20-year-old, who lives in Yeovil, was strongly linked with a move to Huish Park after he was recalled from a spell at Taunton Town and despite first-choice Grant Smith and back-up keeper Max Evans already being on the books.

Asked about a move for a keeper by BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, the manager said: “There are lots of rumours, I can’t comment on them but it’s a fast-moving sport and there might be a couple of other conversations being had before the weekend.

“We need to focus on getting better, creating that bond between the group, I think there’s a long way to go and a lot of work to do.

“We are not naïve to think we have it right so far, we need to keep recruiting well in a competitive market.”

Youngsters Toby Stephens and Ollie Haste are both on loan at Southern League Premier Division South side Truro City.

Toby Stephens

Stephens was spotted turning out for the Cornish side, who are managed by ex-Glovers’ midfielder Paul Wotton, in a pre-season friendly against Torquay United last weekend.

Hargreaves said he hoped the pair would benefit from playing “at least a month of competitive football” for the White Tigers.

He said: “I have worked in under-23 set ups at different clubs and you can be a ‘lost group’ where you get to 23 or 24 years old and you have not made any league appearances at any level.

“We want them to play men’s football where it means a lot on a Saturday afternoon.

“They were very close to staying around it with us but I feel for them that they need that month at least of competitive football.

“I have spoken to Paul Wotton who has been delighted with them in training sessions, so it’s about them making an impression and that is what they are determined to do.”

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Charlie Wakefield has said he is “really excited” to be working under new Yeovil Town boss Chris Hargreaves after committing himself to the club for next season.

The 24-year-old, who was one of the stand-out players making 46 appearances, scoring eight times in all competitions, confirmed he was staying at Huish Park on Friday.

Charlie Wakefield fires in a shot. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

In a statement, the former Chelsea youngster said: “I’m really excited to be staying at Yeovil. I’m looking forward to getting back with the boys and working under the new gaffer.

“See you back at Huish Park, Glovers fans!”

Boss Hargreaves, who told the Gloverscast last week that he was keen to keep Wakefield, said he was delighted to add him to “the already strong core of existing players.”

He said: “He’s a player we were very eager to keep hold of, he proved himself at the level last season and he can kick-on again next season.

“Charlie is the sort of player that gets fans excited in the stands, I’m looking forward to working with him.”

It follows a poll run by the Gloverscast which shows 88% of the 300-plus fans who voted wanted the former Chelsea youngster to remain in Somerset – not saying it’s down to everyone showing him some love, but…..

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Charlie Wakefield is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of a derby day at old rivals W*ymouth on Easter Monday.

The forward scored when the two sides met for the first competitive fixture in front of fans for 25 years in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round back in October, played 83 minutes of the replay that followed and the full 90 minutes in another 1-1 draw at Huish Park in league action in February.

Charlie Wakefield in action.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Speaking ahead of the derby, he asked with a grin whether Yeovil could send their seagull bothering neighbours down with a victory in Dorset. When he was told they couldn’t, he replied: “That’s a shame, that would have been good.”

He added: “I saw our fans sold out the away end and they will be thinking they have to turn up in big numbers, but those are the games you look forward to, the derby games with big atmospheres.

“They are fighting and derby always adds that bit more, as you can tell in the games we played them earlier in the season.”

When he was speaking on Thursday ahead of the Good Friday defeat at home to Aldershot Town, Glovers’ fans had only sold out their initial allocation of seated tickets – but in the days that have followed, we have also sold our standing allocation and almost all of an additional allocation of seats for the Bob Lucas Stadium.

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Charlie Wakefield has said he owes a lot to Yeovil Town after an injury-free season.

The winger’s appearance coming off the bench to score the equaliser in the 2-2 draw at King’s Lynn Town last weekend was his 41st of the campaign.

That is more than his previous best last season when he managed 23 games in spells at Wealdstone and Bromley.

Charlie Wakefield fires in a shot. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Speaking ahead of the Good Friday fixture with Aldershot Town, the 23-year-old said: “I owe a lot to the club, I have played a lot of games this season and I owe them a lot for that opportunity.

“Whether I am playing 90 minutes or ten minutes I want to give it my all. There’s seven games to go, so it’s been a long season but a good season.”

The former Chelsea youngster spoke about how caretaker boss Charlie Lee spoke to him ahead of the long trip to Norfolk last weekend, telling him he would not be starting the match.

Wakefield said: “He pulled me and rightly so. I did look fatigued in the last couple of games, I felt it in myself.

“I have been honest with the club and told them I am tired and that has restricted my performance because I have not been able to do what people are used to seeing me do.

“When the season is done, I will switch off, but whilst there’s still games to go, I am not switching off whatever role I have in these next couple of games.”

He also revealed he has set himself a target of reaching double figures in goals having netted eight times in all competitions.

He said: “To score a few goals has been great and there’s seven games left, so getting in to double figures is something I would like to do and, being a wide player, adding a few more assists is something I need to do.

“It’s been good to score some goals in some big games – the FA Cup game against Stevenage – so I am happy with the goals but I do want to get double figures.

“For me to play the amount of games I have is the proudest thing because my body has proved I can do it and now I want to go in to next season and replicate that.”

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Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll was proud of his side’s comeback after the Glovers turned a 0-1 deficit into a 3-1 in the FA Trophy game against Woking.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins he said that he needed to give his players a ‘polite’ word at the half time interval.

“When we went in at half time, I thought about the interview afterwards and have to say I’d picked the wrong team, for the right reason, to try and give some players some extra minutes.”

“I reminded them the amount of balls we had to defend at Wrexham, the amount of commitment we had to show at Bromley, the amount of quality we’ve had to show over the last two months and I said ‘are you ready for that to be all in vein, for all that to end today?’”

“The second half, there was a different energy to us, the body language was different, because first half was absolute garbage”

“The attitude and energy of the players was magnificent second half and their spirit and their fightback – that’s a really experienced side, Woking, good players, good manager and I thought once we built our momentum and speed of our play I thought we became the team we’d become accustomed to seeing.”

Adi Yussuf in action for Yeovil Town.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The introduction of Adi Yussuf on the hour mark was a key moment in the game as the Tanzanian international scored a brace to send the Glovers into the fourth round.

Sarll was full of praise for all three subs and the introduction from the start of Max Evans, Alex Bradley and Jeheim Headley

“It’s like a team of misfits and they’re broken pieces of a puzzle, so when any of these lads do well, there’s a real sense of achievement… we like to celebrate their successes and Adi is no different.

(He’s) another one who has done so well for us, it’s taken its time, but he looks so much fitter and stronger now and he made a real difference when he came on.

He was powerful, disruptive and destructive and took his goals well.”

“Young Max (Evans) in goal, didn’t have a lot to do, but I thought he kicked very well, I thought Reuben (Reid) did well – we are a different team to last year, so the service to him was different … Reuben is going to need time, Alex (Bradley) I thought did much better in the second half, I was worried about his booking, so instead of having him suspended and we go to Torquay with one sub, that we save him…”

Sarll also confirmed that winger Charlie Wakefield had a slight injury and had been ill this week and was unlikely to come off the bench, and hoped to have Morgan Williams back in contention for Boxing Day’s trip to Torquay.