Chris Hargreaves (Page 2)

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Yeovil Town manager Chris Hargreaves has said he isn’t feeling the pressure after the Glovers recorded a sixth draw from their opening ten games of the National League season.

Following what the boss described the 1-1 draw at home to Boreham Wood as a “dominant” performance, he expressed his frustration that his side wasn’t making it count in the “areas that mattered“.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, he said: “It was (a dominant performance) but it doesn’t get us the three points, which is hard to take, I’ve got to admit. It’s a case of being very, very good with the ball, but in that final third not being ruthless enough.

“(The players are) absolutely giving me everything and it was a dominant, confident performance, but where it matters, is that 18-yard box and there’s enough chances in the second half to score five.”

Hargreaves promised it would be another hard week training in the lead up to next weekend’s trip to Southend United.

For the seventh time this season, Yeovil took the lead through a 39th minute goal from Alex Fisher, his first since returning to the club in the summer, but – as happened in five out of the previous six occasions- they were unable to hold the lead.

The equaliser from visiting midfielder Jack Payne on the stroke of half-time took them in level at the break.

The manager said afterwards: “(It’s) just bad decision making, thats all it is, there’s no trait or pattern that we see that we don’t talk about, we talk about it a lot. It’s just a case of staying on your feet, the basics of football, keeping your units tight and seeing danger when someone is running toward your goal.

“That’s a real dissapointment again, but what they didn’t do against a very good side who have done well over the years is wilt, they went at it and went for the throat second half.”

Alex Fisher. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

There was plenty of praise for both the Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore who (again) played well against Yeovil, and Fisher who scored his second, first goal in the green and white of Yeovil Town.

Hargreaves said: “You come back here and you want to prove yourself again, there has to be some real anger, if you haven’t got the anger, you won’t be able to do it. (Alex) showed that in his goal, that he followed up and wanted to put himself in those areas, he had a couple of chances second half that I’d expect him to score… but great for him to get his first goal.”

Finally, with six draws from ten, there was the promise of effort and that the side was giving everthing, but, ahead of two tough away games in a row, Hargreaves was asked if he felt the pressure to get some results, the answer was rapid and emphatic.

“No.”

“No, I don’t feel pressure, I put pressure on myself anyway and so do the players. That’s why I’ve been in football for 35 years because I put pressure on myself, if the lads feel pressure, good, that’s good, they should want to get in the team and stay in the team.”

For what it’s worth, Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard was gushing with praise for the Glovers’ side, he told his media team post match.

He said: “I think Yeovil will be gutted, I have to say they were deserved of all three points, they had chances to win three games, let alone one, I thought they were excellent this afternoon… they stifled us, we were fortunate to take a point this afternoon.

“We were below par… Yeovil didn’t allow us to get our game going, I thought Gime Toure was fantastic today, I thought (Sam) Pearson‘s runs in behind were fantastic, I have to give full credit to Chris and his team as, like I say, they were very deserved of three points.”

Thanks for the kind words, Luke, but leave that ‘keeper at home, next time, yeah?

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Yeovil Town boss Chris Hargreaves said he was “furious” after seeing his side conceded an equaliser from a late corner to have to settle for a point from a 2-2 draw with National League leaders Chesterfield at Huish Park.

The Glovers were leading with three minutes of the match remaining when they failed to pick up Spireites’ substitute winger Jesurun Uchegbulam inside the box and he smashed home a second equaliser to nick a point.

Chris Hargreaves in conversation with BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins after the match, Hargreaves said his counterpart, Chesterfield boss Paul Cook, had told him the hosts “didn’t get what they deserved and you were the better side.”

He said: “We made some fundamental errors at the wrong times and that can’t happen, so I am delighted with the performance but it’s tempered with a bit of annoyance.

“I can’t step on to the pitch and lock on to a man myself, I did as a player but I can’t from the touchline, so it will be hard work training next week to try and put it right.”

He added: “We didn’t want to sit back, we wanted to win the game and I expected us to because we have some very good players in there, it’s just sickening you can’t see a game out.

“I’m furious about the manner in which we conceded from a set piece, but I have to give the players an immense amount of credit. They are giving everything for the badge, but just not seeing a game out when it’s there to be won.”

Gime Toure, who returned to the starting line-up in place of Alex Fisher who was out of the squad on compassionate live, opened the scoring for Yeovil after just three minutes, before a needless free-kick conceded by goalkeeper Grant Smith gifted the visitors an equaliser just four minutes later.

The performance was a vast improvement from recent matches including a 1-0 defeat against York City in the last outing at Huish Park where Hargreaves’ side was booed off the pitch.

The boss said: “The players gave everything and were outstanding in listening to our game plan and creating chances, they did it all but in both boxes is where it matters.

“I don’t think it’s luck, it’s a bit of (a lack of) experience, realising the danger but I’m pleased the fans saw us play well, played the team that’s top of the table off the park for the majority of the game.

“We didn’t get what we deserved, but we have got to change that. We know we are a very good side in the making, but I can’t accept that at the moment.”

With more than 850 appearances among the six men who made up their defence when Uchegbulam struck, inexperience is an excuse perhaps only on loan Owen Bevan, making just his third professional start, can claim.

Gime Toure. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Hargreaves was full of praise for Toure who looked a threat all game as well as chipping in with his second goal since joining shortly after the season.

He said: “Gime was fantastic every time he got the ball, he was a threat, he was brave getting in to pockets and looked like he was back to his best. It was a good moment for him to score, he’s got goals in him, we just have to keep them fit.”

There was also praise for Finley Craske, the versatile Plymouth Argyle youngster who looked impressive after coming on as a 67th minute substitute for Sam Pearson.

The boss added: “When you have been out of the team you can become frustrated and disillusioned and your attitude can drop off and it’s been the reverse with Fin.

“He’s been the epitome of what a young professional should be which is determined, behind the lads who are playing in his position, but when he gets his chance he shows bravery and fight.”

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Yeovil Town Manager Chris Hargreaves has said his side will take the game to Chesterfield when the table toppers visit on Saturday.

The Spireites are unbeaten so far in the National League, but Hargreaves says his side are up for the challenge.

“We do well against the so called bigger teams, Chesterfield have got a really great start and they are probably a team that feel they should go up, probably the money they’ve spent. Good players, and they’ll be up and around it this season.

“But, I know what my players can do and know the potential they’ve got. Its a fantastic game for us, all the lads are looking forward to it. We have to be on the front foot.

“I have to thank the fans, I thought they were fantastic on Tuesday (against Eastleigh), frustrated at the end, I get that because we should have done more second half. But as I say, it’s a massive thanks from me and the players – to have that kind of players on a night game is excellent.”

Sam Perry. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Hargreaves confirmed that Callum Rowe will be missing for the next six weeks or so and Walsall loanee Sam Perry is still suffering the consequences of a blow to the head he took against York City.

“Sam Perry was concussed, quite badly and has suffered since then, Callum Rowe has got an injury which will keep him out for potentially six weeks which is a big blow.
That’s why those two players have featured.”

As for Will Dawes, the new addition from Stratford Town, the gaffer said he was happy to play the waiting game and could even send the front man out on loan to aid his progression further.

“We’ve had a conversation, myself and Will, a really bright footballer, obviously he’s got to get up to speed with what we think and what we believe he needs to be and he’s close. Will falls into the category of the type of player we need to recruit to the club – potential. And if he shows he’s capable of competing for that start then he’ll stay around, if he’s not then it’ll be a case if going to get some games somewhere.”

In an interesting addition, he confirmed that he was frustrated at the Glovers position and that performances prior to the last two could have yielded more points, and that the team were working to put that right.

“I think that in the last two games (the points return) is reflective, we took the lead, but second half Eastleigh were better than us. York game fell below the standard I require, every other game before that we were in it and could potentially have won it.

We didn’t get the points we should have, we should have four or six more, we haven’t, we’ve got to deal with where we are. On paper, if you look at that a point away, you might take it, but we’re looking at context here and we’ve got to put it right.”

No better time than this Saturday, we say Chris!

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Chris Hargreaves. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town boss Chris Hargreaves was full of praise for Eastleigh after Yeovil let a 1-0 lead slip on the south coast on Tuesday.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, he admitted that the players and he were disappointed with the draw, but were looking forward.

“They’re (Eastleigh) are a good side, first and foremost. First half we looked dangerous, second half they improved, they changed the shape, they changed the bodies and were a different proposition entirely.

“We didn’t get our foot on the ball and play when we could, we went too long and were erratic at times. I had a chat with the players and I will do again tomorrow (Wednesday), I think on the road it’s a good point against a very good side.

“They (Eastleigh) have a squad of good players, there’s no doubt about it – you’re not going to roll teams like this over.

“You take the lead, you look on the front foot and then it’s a step back with a mentality where – especially second half – we just didn’t play enough.”

Hargreaves said that the side would be working towards the weekend’s fixture against table-toppers Chesterfield and trying to make better decisions and create better chances.

“It’s playing in the right areas, it’s having the courage to play – that’s what we encouraged at half time and it didn’t materialise. So, it’s looking at the game again, trying to understand what we can do better and working out how to beat Chesterfield.

“(If) you take the lead in any game, you’ve got to see it out, to be honest, did we create enough second half? No we didn’t.

“There’s still some boys learning the game out there, but there’s enough experience to solidify it and get a foothold in it and relax on the ball when we have time.

“You’re going to get periods of pressure, I know that, but when you have got the ball – just make the right decision… and that’s what I was disappointed with.”

Sam Pearson. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

There was plenty of praise for the Glovers’ goal scorer Sam Pearson and Grant Smith who make numerous saves to keep his side in the game.

“I think there were some tired legs out there, but as I say, players like Sam Pearson, this is a big introduction to a very aggressive, competitive league and we’re asking him to do a lot.

“It’s a great finish (by Pearson) I think that the reason he played in the pocket there is that he can pick the ball up and hurt the opposition, I’m really pleased for him a good moment for him.”

Interestingly, the gaffer also referenced the supporters’ frustrations, just one win in eight now since the start of the season, but promised the work was being done behind the scenes.

“So, there were some elements I was pleased with, I have to say the support was incredible and I get the frustrations, 100%, because they want to see us win, but, a point away at a very good Eastleigh side is OK. It’s just what the fans saw in the first 25 minutes, and some dangerous spells in the first half, didn’t happen second half.

“We know what we want to do in the changing room, there’s no two ways about it, we’ve got to take this model of a point away and three points at home and see that out. I know that a lot of the boys in there are annoyed and they don’t want to be where we are – and neither do I. But, as I say, it’s a point on the road, we dust ourselves off and look forward to the next game because it’s a brilliant challenge for us.”

 

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New boy Will Dawes‘ journey to Yeovil Town bears similarities to Tom Knowles when he first arrived at Huish Park, manager Chris Hargreaves has said.

The winger joined for an undisclosed five-figure fee from Stratford Town at the start of the month having been training at Huish Park for a period before his arrival was announced.

Speaking to our man Ben Barrett on Thursday, Hargreaves said: “Will is training hard, but there is a jump (from playing at Stratford) and we are aware of that.

“There will be a bedding in process of two or three weeks to bed him in to that intensity of training every day with this group.

“But he has huge potential, very similar to Tom Knowles when he came to the club, with that untapped potential that we need to focus on when we bring players to the club.”

The 22-year-old featured in every match for Stratford, who play in the Southern League Premier Division Central, two tiers below the National League, this season.

Knowles had made four first-team appearances for Cambridge United in League Two alongside a number of loan spells at non-League clubs before arriving at Yeovil in November 2020. He made his debut the day after arriving in a 3-1 home defeat to Eastleigh, but spent much of the next month as a substitute before cementing his place in the team later in the campaign.

Hargreaves suggested he sees Dawes as a player who can be developed in to a saleable asset in a similar fashion to Knowles, who was sold to League Two Walsall on the eve of the new season.

He said: “We are having to balance that desire to do something with some sustainability.

“Will will not be the last player through the door who needs bedding in and developing, but we also need experience lads who will produce week in and out.“

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Yeovil Town’s on loan players will still have a major part to play in the club’s season, according to manager Chris Hargreaves.

The Glovers’ boss has left Bristol City goalkeeper Will Buse out of his squad for the past three games and Plymouth Argyle defender Finley Craske is yet to make the final 16.

Speaking ahead of the (now postponed) match at Woking, he told our man Ben Barrett that the situation would not continue forever.

Chris Hargreaves. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

He said: “We haven’t got an under-23s group but we do have a lot of young players and sometimes we are tapping in to even younger players to make up 11-v-11 games in training.

“But, when we have a couple of injuries, it soon turns in to a smaller squad and this is sometimes a problem with under-23s players and we won’t be the only club experiencing that.

“I hope we’ve got the balance right but it can’t continue where nobody gets a look in, I understand that, and that won’t be the case.” 

Of Buse, who joined just over a month ago, the manager said the lack of substitutes and substitutions available in a National League match and the form of number one Grant Smith was keeping him out.

He said: “Will is highly competitive and he wants to play, he came in to battle for that number one jersey and that’s what any keeper wants.

“But, Grant Smith is pulling off saves, he’s competent, his talking, his distribution’s positive, so at the moment Will has to be patient.

“The reason he’s not been on the bench is that we have five subs, three changes and we’ve gone on the premise we might need an extra attacking player on the bench because of injury.”

Earlier in the week, Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher said he would like to see  Craske playing games at Huish Park – but said he trusted Hargreaves with the 19-year-old’s development.

The Glovers’ boss said: “He’s had a lot of players in front of him because everyone became fit and there was an opportunity to bring players in that we hadn’t had before.

“That meant he was further down the pecking order. Does that mean he’s not a good player? Absolutely not, he’s a fantastic footballer with an unbelievable attitude who trains brilliantly.”

Other loanees winger Sam Pearson and midfielder Sam Perry, on loan from Bristol City and Walsall respectively, have featured along with Bolton Wanderers striker Matt Grivosti, who returned to his parent club after two substitute appearances.

Alfie Pond. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Defender Alfie Pond played twice in a loan spell from Exeter City before it was cut short by his move to Premier League Wolves on transfer deadline day.

Hargreaves revealed that conversations had taken place to try and get the 19-year-old back after he impressed in clean sheet performances against Dagenham & Redbridge and Wealdstone.

He said: “I thought because of his performances there was a chance he could have left, but I didn’t think it was going to happen on Transfer Deadline Day as it did.

“There was a conversation (with Wolves) about his loan continuing but it was felt being around our first team and transitioning to their under-23s would have been more beneficial to the player.

“It was a shame because he was showing glimpses of the player he can be, but we wish him the best for the future.”

The other loan player on the books at Huish Park currently is AFC Bournemouth youth team captain defender Owen Bevan who was named on the bench in the 1-0 home defeat to York City last weekend, but did not feature.

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Yeovil Town manager Chris Hargreaves has said it is “business as usual” for the club’s Head of Player Development Marcus Stewart after his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease.

The Glovers’ boss said the former striker had been at Huish Park to speak with the club’s players ahead of the weekend’s trip to Woking and paid tribute to his “inner desire” and offered his “unwavering support.”

Stewart made the announcement following a year of testing and he and his wife have launched a campaign to raise money to support research in to the condition which affects the nervous system.

Marcus Stewart. Photo courtesy of Mike Kunz

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins on Thursday, Hargreaves said: “It’s a shock to everybody, he’s held in such high regard in football and at this club.

“We will be there with Marcus with absolute unwavering support. What Marcus wants to do is be with the players, enjoy coaching and that is what we want.

“He had a good chat with players this week and said he is right behind them, he wants to be with them because football is his love along with spending time with his family.”

Asked about the former player who he brought in to his coaching staff on a part-time basis after his appointment to the job in the summer, Hargreaves spoke of his inner strength.

He added: “Across the years, Marcus and I have wanted to win at tiddlywinks, head tennis or whatever it was and that is what took Marcus to the top.

“He will be fighting as he did as a player, you don’t get to the level he without being tough. You don’t have to be the biggest or the strongest, but you do have to have that inner desire and he’s got that.

“I have the utmost respect for Marcus on and off the field and that’s why he’s here. We’re all there for him.

“He’s turning up at this club and it’s business as usual for him, he turned up this morning and he wants the best for the players and he’s trying to get the best out of them, as we all are.”

 

Hargreaves said he had spoken to the club’s players following the start of an investigation in to racial abuse directed at York City striker Lennell John-Lewis in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Huish Park.

He said the club had “zero tolerance” against any form of discrimination and said the punishment to anyone found guilty of the abuse would face “severe” punishment.

The boss added: “We have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination. I have spoken to the players this week, we stand together as a group.

“Punishment will be severe and there needs to be ongoing education. There is a police investigation with the FA and the club which I can’t comment on further. But, we stand together with zero tolerance.”

Looking ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Woking on Saturday, Hargreaves said that he was hopeful midfielder Matt Worthington would recover from an injury.

Matt Worthington. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The former AFC Bournemouth man missed the defeat to York City  and the boss said he was one of a number of doubts in his squad.

He said: “Matt will hopefully be in contention along with a couple of others who have slight injury niggles.

“We had to change a few things last week having lost Matt and that meant we lost some consistency, but if you are that player coming in, you have to step up.

“There remains opportunities and I want players to show that they want to keep the shirt, that’s the most important thing on Saturday.

“If they leave the field on Saturday, they leave it having given everything.”

Hargreaves added that his players knew what to expect from their opponents at the weekend with former Glovers’ boss Darren Sarll taking charge of the Cards.

It is expected that ex-players central defender Luke Wilkinson and full-back Dan Moss will both be in the starting line-up at the Kingfield.

Hargreaves said: “With the ex-players in the Woking side there may be some with a point to prove, and some of our players might have the same against a former manager.

“I get on well with Darren, we have come across each other plenty of times and we have that mutual respect, but come Saturday we both want to win.”

 

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Chris Hargreaves is keeping “fingers crossed” that on-loan winger Sam Pearson will return from injury for the visit of York City to Huish Park this weekend.

The Bristol City player trained on Thursday having missed the past three matches with a back injury picked up in a bruising encounter against Barnet last month.

Chris Hargreaves. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The boss also revealed playmaker Lawson D’Ath, who went off in the 1-0 home win over Dagenham & Redbridge last weekend, had taken part in training.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins ahead of the weekend, Hargreaves said: “Sam has trained today, so fingers crossed he will be available. I can’t give any guarantees on that, we have to see how he reacts in training today.

“The same with Lawson, he took part in a little bit of training today, so he will be close. He’s doing everything in his power to be fit. Laws is definitely giving himself the best possible chance to be available.”

He added there were “a couple of niggles” in the squad which saw him make changes against Dagenham and the Bank Holiday Monday stalemate at Wealdstone.

Striker Alex Fisher was withdrawn in the second half of both fixtures with Gime Toure coming off after 73 minutes last weekend but completing his first 90 minutes since moving to Somerset on Monday.

 

Striker Matt Grivosti has returned to League One Bolton Wanderers after his a month in Somerset which failed to see him start a game.

The 19-year-old, who had a prolific season at Warrington Town last term, was signed on loan immediately after the shock exit of Tom Knowles on the eve of the National League campaign – but played just 24 minutes in two appearances.

Confirming his return to his parent club, Hargreaves said: “We have had a chat with the player and the club, he’s a very bright footballer and a fantastic lad, but it just proved too difficult to get in the side with the players we have.

“I don’t want to halt the lads progress by him not playin regular football so he’s returned to Bolton with our best wishes.”

Defender Finley Craske remains at Huish Park having joined on a season-long youth loan from Plynouth Argyle.

The boss added: “With Finley, I have had a good conversation with Finley and with Plymouth and in some positions it takes a bit longer to get a chance.

“It might be form, it might be injury but having a fair amount of defenders keeping fit, he just has to bide his time. He’s enjoying his training and working hard and learning lot.”

 

The boss did not confirm the arrival of winger Will Dawes despite his former club Stratford Town announcing his departure on social media on Thursday.

Hargreaves said it would “not be right to say anything” about the player who, according to the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald, was signed for “a five-figure undisclosed fee.”

The Bards, who play in Southern League Premier Division Central, are owned by Jed McCrory, a business partner of Glovers’ chairman Scott Priestnall. The pair are directors in Max Mae Limited, a company involved in “the development of building projects” which has Huish Park as its registered office.

Speaking about new signings, Hargreaves said the could be movement: “We are always looking, especially when you have some injury doubts and you become a bit light.

“You have to get the balance right of making a knee-jerk reaction for getting players in when you have other players who are borderline ready for getting fit, then you have an extra body. That is the challenge which we have to get right.

“There may be movement in the next day or two but I will not know that until I know the full fitness of the players that I have in my squad.“

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Chris Hargreaves

Manager Chris Hargreaves and goal-scoring wing-back Jamie Reckord have both said Yeovil Town are looking to put a run together as they travel to in-form Wealdstone on Bank Holiday Monday.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins following victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday the pair were unanimous their opponent’s form didn’t matter, it was about how Yeovil could impact the game.

Hargreaves said: “They’ve recruited players of a good standard they’ve obviously pushed the boat out to do that.

“They’re a good team, they’re an attacking threat, they’ve got some pace and we’ve got focus on that and how we can affect them with our football, but our resilience has got to carry on into that next game.

“The lads have just said it in the changing room, that’s their focus now, they know they can defend, they know they can listen to information and play different shapes”

With just under 48 hours between matches, Hargreaves said that recovery was key and that might have to affect their roast dinner on Sunday.

He added: “The boys have got to enjoy winning today, cos that’s what this game is about, recover quickly, not have too many pigs in blankets tomorrow and chocolate pudding and relax.

“I can’t quite believe this fixture pile up already, it’s ridiculous, it’s got to stop, it’s dangerous, that’s annoyed me, but we’ve got to deal with, get on with it.”

Jamie Reckord. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Similar thoughts were shared by Reckord whose third goal in five games gave Hargreaves his first win as Glovers boss.

The former Wrexham man said: “Everyone is in the same boat, they’ve (Wealdstone) have played today like us, I just think if everyone recovers well and does the right thing, there’s no excuse on Monday, we just keep going.

“They’ve started well, but it’s not about them it’s about us, we won today, and I’m confident about getting three points on Monday.”

Wealdstone go in to the game full of confidence having hit the top of the National League table with a 1-0 win at Gateshead courtesy of a goal from former Glover Rhys Browne.

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Yes, we’re going to be making Pond/Fish/ based puns whenever we can, we’re not going to apologise for it either.

Alfie Pond. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town’s on loan defender Alfie Pond has been named in the Non-League Paper’s team of the day after his impressive debut performance helped secure a 1-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge.

Pond joins Wealdstone’s Jack Cook – who he’ll likely face on Monday – and Callum Howe of Solihull in the mythical back line.

The gaffer, Chris Hargreaves also makes the ‘Top Boss’ spot his own after picking up his first competitive victory as Glovers’ boss.

Well done to Alfie and Chris!