Darren Sarll (Page 14)

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Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll has admitted he needs a break after “easily the worst” year of his life.

Speaking  ahead of his side’s final game against $tockport County this weekend, the boss said he believed criticism of his side was “harsh” given the impact of the tragic death of Lee Collins, injuries and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “I need a rest, I am worn within an inch of my life and after this weekend I am going to have a little break.
“It has been easily the worst year of my life. I know people are critical of me and the team’s performances, but they have to understand it has been one thing after another for us. I think the criticism has been harsh because we have seen how even teams like Liverpool have struggled without their central defenders. We had three 10-day periods of isolation because of COVID, a real turnover of players because of injury, it has been incredible.”

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The club has invited the family of Lee Collins to join them for the final game and Sarll said that the skipper’s daughters would be mascots for the day with Lee’s partner, Rachel Gibbons, joining them on the pitch.

He manager said: “Rachel and I have spoken regularly this week and they are special, special people and we want to show them how much Lee meant to us and how much they mean to us.”

In his pre-match press conference, he also spoke about a Crowdfunder the club has launched to raise funds for Lee’s family and Young Minds, a mental health charity which works with young people.

The club is aiming to raise £10,000 through the initiative and you donate to the fund – by clicking here.

Sarll spoke openly that he had been speaking with a psychologist from the League Managers’ Association (LMA) since the passing of his captain in March.

He said: “Mental health is like any illness, we never expect it to happen to us. That experience teaches you to respect the work that goes on and the treatments that can be applied. I have seen a psychologist since Lee passed and I have never seen one before or spoken to one before, Dr Alan Johnston from the LMA has been wonderful for me. You think you are never going to need it, but when it does happen you realise the quality of people out there that can help.”

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Yeovil Town boss Darren Sarll has said next weekend’s final game of a turbulent National League season against $tockport County will just be a case of strapping up his battered and bruised side.

Speaking after the 4-3 defeat at Altrincham on Saturday, where the Glovers saw loanee Josh Neufville ruled out with a broken ankle, the manager said the return of Alex Bradley from suspension was the only positive ahead of the return of Paddy Madden to Huish Park.

Sarll and Skiverton
Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll, left, with assistant, Terry Skiverton.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Sarll told BBC Somerset: “There’s nothing to do other than to try and get them fit and ready to go down the tunnel (against Stockport next weekend) and ready to go, there is no training to be done because in many ways the preparation is irrelevant because of the changes to (the position players are playing in).

“We had nine injured today and two suspended and that will be ten injured and one suspended with Alex Bradley back, and we will have to see if we can roll a few of them out.

“But that is to say that Lawson (D’Ath) recovers, Charlie (Lee) recovers, (Carl) Dickinson recovers. Dicko was running around like he was on a pogo stick at the end there and I have great admiration for that group of players that put themselves in harm’s way again.”

As well as those named by the manager, there are injuries to Jimmy Smith, Josh Staunton, Rhys Murphy, Matt Worthington and youngster Alex John whilst defender Luke Wilkinson will be missing through suspension.

Academy graduate Toby Stephens, Under 18s regular Adam Heaton and young goalkeeper Max Evans were the only three options to Sarll on the bench at Altrincham once Emmanuel Sonupe had replaced the injured Neufville.

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Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll spoke to BBC Somerset following the Glovers’ 4-3 loss to Altrincham on Saturday.

It was the final away game of the season for Yeovil and there was plenty of drama, action, goals and unfortunately a nasty injury to Josh Neufville.

Both Sarll and Josh’s replacement Emmanuel Sonupe spoke kindly on the Luton loanee’s situation in their post-match comments – those quotes can be found here.

On the game itself, Sarll said he believed chances off the woodwork from strikers Joe Quigley and Reuben Reid and Charlie Lee’s header which was blocked on the line could have put his side 3-0 up in the first 15 minutes.

On the game itself, a lively opening spell for Yeovil wasn’t capitalised on, both Joe Quigley and Reuben Reid hit the woodwork, before their hosts went up the other end and scored twice before the break.

Darren Sarll
Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz,.

But, Sarll was left to bemoan a lack of options due to injuries and suspensions with midfielder Lawson D’Ath playing at right back whilst Carl Dickinson played in the centre alongside Billy Sass-Davies with Michael Kelly playing at left back.

The manager said: “I have nothing but pride and positivity for these players because many of them should not be playing, Charlie (Lee) should not be playing, Carl Dickinson should not be playing, but they are doing it because they have great pride and admiration for the football club.

“We died on our feet in the closing stages, you see how lazy we got with our one-v-ones and the amount of crosses we let in to the box, they were not really crosses where the winger has to work for it, they were passing their way in to the box and opening us up.”

Despite the two-goal deficit, the Glovers actually fought back to a level pegging before Charlie Lee put the visitors in front.

Sarll added: “I thought it was brilliant the way they came back in to the game, scoring three times away from home and really throwing everything at it, It would have been nice at 3-2 to be able to call on players who could come on and really tighten the game up and make sure there’s no spaces.

“But, it wasn’t to be, they threw every punch they had in their arsenal and I am very proud of them for that. If we are going to go down in a game, I want us to go down landing as many blows as possible.”

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Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

Rhys Murphy has not yet accepted a contract offer to extend his stay at Yeovil Town.

The Glovers’ top scorer, who has 13 goals for the club this season, is out of contract at the end of the season and therefore free to leave on a free transfer.

Speaking ahead of the match at Altrincham, manager Darren Sarll said: “We have tried to discuss on several occasions with Rhys a new contract and, as of yet, he has not accepted any of those offers. It will be ongoing until he signs for Yeovil or somewhere else. We have taken players from lower leagues and players who were relegated with this club and made them better players, and those players have a right to investigate those offers. It is a job, they still have to pay their mortgage and you have to respect that.”

Murphy has not played since the 3-0 home win over Solihull Moors last month when he came on as an 86th-minute substitute and is not expected to play at the weekend.

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Darren Sarll was pleased with his side’s performance this afternoon against Kings Lynn Town. He reserved praise for star-man Tom Knowles, Emmanuel Sonupe and the players who returned to the lineup after injury.

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Speaking to BBC Somerset following the 3-1 victory, Sarll said: “I thought we were really going to put on a show at one point after Tom (Knowles) scored that second goal and I thought this could be a good day for us. We got a bit careless when players started coming out of shape a little too often and it left us a bit open. Adam (Smith) made some good saves in the second half from the header and when (Luke Wilkinson) cleared one off the line. Other than those two moments I thought we were pretty comfortable defensively and everyone can see the different the players we had coming back makes.”

The effect of the returning Lawson D’Ath, Carl Dickinson and Luke Wilkinson was clear for all to see, although the manager did say he felt Wilkinson shouldn’t have been playing, especially after a first half injury.

“Wilkinson should never have been playing, he is putting himself in harm’s way. He took a bang on his knee and he could be done for (the home game with Maidenhead United on) Tuesday. We wanted to take it one game at a time and we thought that after not scoring in three games, we had a positive response today and we will worry about Tuesday on Tuesday.”

Wilko did tweet the following after the game:

The manager was full of praise for D’Ath, who completed 85 minutes after three months out through injury.

“I had forgotten that Lawson had been out for three months and then I saw him stretching in the 80-something minute and I thought I better get Lawson off rather than (Tom) Knowles who I was thinking about bringing off. What Lawson does is bring calm to the chaos and we have missed that a lot this year. He puts his foot on the ball and if he can’t turn out naturally, he creates a way of turning out anyway.
“That can turn the game in your favour because you know if the ball lands with Lawson, you know he is going to retain the first ball and allow the team to change shape. His set plays were (excellent), how much have we missed that kind of delivery (this season)? I thought he was our best player today for his performance and what he has done for the club coming back after such a long period out with injury.”

Knowles has been in superb form of late for the Glovers and the second of his first-half strikes were of real quality. Sarll reiterated a point he made during Thursday’s pre match press conference: “I did say on Thursday that he would be one of the most exciting players outside the EFL. When I first started working with Tom, I thought as he got older he would become a centre forward like (Chris) Dagnall. He’s got those little, quick legs, he’s got good technique and he gets wonderful power in his strikes, which you can really see when you see it live. He is always capable of working the goalie and I like that about him. He struck the ball beautifully (for his second goal) at the end of a decent move for us, but it did open our shape up a bit and that is when we got a bit careless.”

Emmanuel Sonupe enjoyed a cameo from the bench and scored Yeovil’s third after being put through on goal by Joe Quigley. Speaking about Sonupe, the Yeovil boss said how excited he was about the ex-Tottenham academy player.

“It was pleasing for Emmanuel because he has been injured a lot since he signed. We know (his quality) is there and sometimes the hardest thing is to pull that (quality) regularly out of him. We saw it even after he scored his goal, the run where we went down the far side was really bright and exciting. Those really positive wide players are the players I really love watching. I thought he had a good influence going forward when he came on and he was good defensively as well. I am critical of his defensive willingness sometimes, but I thought he was good at that today. He is a clever footballer, he has a wonderful background (having started at Tottenham Hotspur academy) and if he can continue to play in that vain, he can finish the season very strongly. When he opens up he is quick, but sometimes he has so many touches he actually brings his speed down and I like it when he has less touches and covers more ground quicker. When you bring subs on, you want them to have a big influence and he had a big influence today.”

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Yeovil Town Manager Darren Sarll spoke to the media on Thursday ahead of the fixture against King’s Lynn on Saturday but couldn’t help but look further ahead to the following Tuesday’s game with Maidenhead where supporters will be allowed back into Huish Park.

“It is probably the first time I have felt any joy around football in the last eight weeks if not longer, I can’t wait to see and hear them. I can’t wait for them to back our lads, I can’t wait to be proud of our lads, I can’t wait to win a game and do that song at the end of the game.”

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Sarll admitted his singing might be a tad rusty though, joking: “I can’t remember the words but I just clap when they clap and sing the bits I can remember.”

Tickets have been selling well, with social media buzzing with Glovers fans who have secured their spot at Huish Park next Tuesday, even our very own Ian Perkins is booked in for a spot in the stand for the midweek fixture!

Sarll continued to reminisce  about the scenes we saw regularly at the end of home matches last season;

“When I look back to at last season, I have bits I absolutely love, it was the best year of my life by a country mile.”

“All of those moments were with the fans at the end of games at Aldershot, Solihull and home games. It energises you, it gives you confidence. What a nice thing to have, what a nice moment to share and energise before we go again next season with a vibrant game of players. When we are attacking that Thatcher’s End, that stand is lifting the whole football club. We have missed it so much.”

Tickets for the game are still available but are subject to strict social distancing protocols, click HERE to secure your seat on Tuesday night.

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Yeovil Town boss Darren Sarll has revealed the club couldn’t say no to QPR on the deal offered for Alfie Lloyd.

The academy product’s move to QPR was confirmed earlier this week after he had a successful trial at the London club.

Speaking to the press today, Sarll said: “It was a brilliant deal, we could not say no. It is the best deal in terms of monetary value that the club has done for 4-5 years. It is a good deal up front and a good deal if Alfie is successful and it is a good deal for Alfie in terms of his football career and education and that is what he needs. We are really pleased for him because he is a brilliant guy and we are delighted for him.”

Sarll stressed the importance of good finances at the club, given the uncertainty COVID has caused, and touched on the deals we’ve done this season, presumably the selling of Myles Hippolyte, Courtney Duffus and Lloyd.

“Everyone knows we are in COVID financial times and money is at a premium, so we needed to do it. We have sold three players and we have brought in what is moving to hundreds of thousands of pounds in remuneration, so that is all good. That will only create a stronger foundation and that is what is going to have to happen. That is like any business. What we have seen over the years, so many mistakes with young players who spend ages out on loan and then get released. We are in a position next season where every penny has to be spent very wisely and next season if players can’t contribute to the first team, we can’t have them with us.”

Sarll praised his young signings, Tom Knowles, Alex Bradley and Max Hunt. He talked about the character they bring to the squad, and how the experiences of this season will only improve them.

He said: “The experience young players are getting on and off the pitch has been huge, but we have to get through this difficult time.
They will only be better for these life and football experiences. I am really excited about players like Tom Knowles, Alex Bradley, Max Hunt, they are going to be brilliant players for the club.

“We need to make sure we keep that character because the team that fell out of the League was devoid of character in my opinion. We need to keep that in senior players, but there are also young players out there with that same character that you need. Look at Tom Knowles, his strength of character means he’s as tough as old boots, brave as a lion, takes the ball, gets kicked and gives it back.”

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Despite succuming to a third successive loss, Yeovil Manager Darren Sarll was in fairly chipper mood about how his patched up side handled themselves in the 2-0 defeat to Aldershot on Tuesday night.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Tom Seymour, Sarll said: “I thought their application was magnificent, all night… I thought their commitment was excellent, they tried, Charlie (Lee) at centre half, (Josh) Neufville at right back, anyone that played out of position were very, very good.”

Lawson D’ath was a surprise inclusion on the bench returning after three months out and the Gaffer took time to praise his winger for his attitude.

“Lawson put himself into a position of availabilty after one day’s training and three months injured. I never asked him, he came to me, he said I want to help, we’re short, get me involved”

Injuries have meant that options at Sarll’s disposal have been thin on the ground with three outfield members of the Under-18s making the substitutes bench and Toby Stephens making his second professional appearance in the second half.

Sarll confirmed that there are concerns over the fitness of both Billy Sass Davies (Broken nose) and Chris Dagnall who had to have stitches in his ear at half time.

One pre-match positive was the return of Alex Bradley who was missing from Saturday’s squad with the flu, however, Bradley – who was being played in a central role – was sent off early in the second half for a professional foul.

Darren Sarll confirmed the club intend to appeal the decision. “I just don’t get it, I don’t understand it… it’s on the half line, it’s a professional foul to stop the attack, he’s clipped his heel… there’s no danger to the individual, how many of them do you see every week?”

“We’d like to think with an appeal and a clear mind the referee might do the right thing, becasue I found it very strange”

With half an eye on a return to Huish Park this Saturday for the visit of King’s Lynn, Sarll was cautiously optimistic that he might have a few more options, despite joking that picking a team would be easy, because he has no players available.

“We are still trying, we are still hoping on some of the injured players, (Luke) Wilkinson is trying really hard to be back and fit, he’ll be a huge player for us”

“If we can get Charlie back out there, Wilkinson back out there, Reid and I thought Quigley was great tonight… Dagnall, Sonupe, D’Ath will be another week further on, he might have to step in early”

Finally, Sarll was positive that seeing Yeovil fans back in Huish Park will bring out something more from his side.

“We’ve been better at home than away… and having supporters back at Maidenhead will give us all a lift, I’ve not looked forward to a game so much for a while. The only thing we’re really holding onto is supporters against Maidenhead, they don’t really realise how important they are, not only do they give us a lift, but they terrify the life out of the opposition, and we’re gunna need that”

Yeovil host King’s Lynn on Saturday before welcoming supporters back through the turnstiles the following Tuesday when Maidenhead are the visitors.

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Following the 3-0 loss at Wrexham, Darren Sarll confirmed that loanee Matty Warburton has returned to Northampton Town, cutting his loan spell short.

“He (Warburton) went back to Northampton a while ago after Lee (Collins) passed. It was a particularly difficult time for (him) anyway because he wanted to make decisions on his future. He wanted to go back to Northampton anyway and then sadly Lee passed and he accelerated that. We felt it was in his best interests as a human being that we allowed that to happen.”

We’d like to thank Matty for his efforts during a difficult time at Yeovil Town.

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Darren Sarll faced the media following Yeovil’s 3-0 loss against Wrexham and talked of the side’s fragility both mentally and physically.

All three goals came in the first half in Wales with Shaun Pearson, Luke Young and a wonderful free kick from Jordan Davies giving the home side an unassailable lead before the break.

When asked to sum up his side’s performance, Sarll said:“There’s a fragility to us, that’s probably the best way how we explain… and it’s all coming up at once, at a tough time for us all.”

Prior to the game, assistant Terry Skiverton said that Yeovil were down the bare bones in terms of fit and available players, a situation which has been made worse, with issues reported for Matt Worthington and Albi Skendi, who both had to come off before half time, with Max Hunt and Carl Dickinson playing through an injury as well as concerns for Alex Bradley and Rhys Murphy prior to kick off.

On his injury crisis, Sarll added: “If I told you the stories of injured players or ill players … I couldn’t write it.”

BBC Somerset’s Tom Seymour confirmed the full extent of the Glovers’ injury problems after the game.

 

Despite the negative result, Sarll did make sure to recognise the positives from a more resilient second half display. “I thought second half, we did better, we contained, we didn’t ever look like scoring a goal, and we were just patching up and plastering over our wounds from the first half.”

The second half also saw the introduction of Toby Stephens, an academy graduate and at just 17 years old, someone Yeovil fans would have been excited to see.

Sarll joked, he was the only fit central midfielder at the club at the moment, before taking time to praise the youngsters cameo appearance.

“Toby deserved to play today, the way he trained yesterday, he deserved to come onto the pitch today… he deserves the opportunity He’s with us for next season, under contract, I really like Toby, I have to remind of his midfield duties, but he took the ball, tried to win it back. For someone at 17 years-old, I think he’s got a really great opportunity, but we are going to have to create a better environment for him to progress.”