Yeovil Town Women FC – Season Preview

Yeovil Town Women FC begin life in the Somerset County League this weekend, so, let’s take a look at how the new Yeovil Town Women shape up ahead of their return to the women’s football pyramid.

Background

In 2018, Yeovil Town Ladies were competing in the top flight of Women’s football, facing the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City – sides that contained many of the Women who have done England so proud recently. However, difficulties arose as a result of being forced to operate as a full-time team. Points deductions, relegation, and demotion to the 3rd tier of the pyramid left the club in a difficult position by 2019. By 2021, Yeovil Town Ladies were no more. Sold to the owner of Bridgwater United, they were rebranded as Bridgwater United Women, competing in tier 4. Now however, they are back. A new club formed in close relation to the main club, Yeovil Town Women FC will compete in the Somerset County Women’s league for the 2023/2024 season, as they look to make a quick rise back through the leagues.

The Squad

The roots and history of the original Yeovil Town Ladies is apparent with the new side, as former players such as Terri Will and Emma Brazell return to the club. Several former Yeovil/Bridgwater youth players will also represent the side, in Daisy Evans, Ashleigh Woodroffe, Beth Barnard-Irons, Cimon Barnard-Irons and Eloise Morris.

Also joining the side are several players who have most recently been competing two leagues higher than the starting point of the new side, for the likes for Sherborne Town and Ilminster Town. Goalkeeper and Vice Captain Emily Hall makes a fantastic addition between the sticks, Abbie Carslake joins with a highly impressive goalscoring record in tier 5, in addition to many other players in the squad who drop down the leagues to join the new journey at Yeovil Town Women.

Captaining the side is Jess Hodge, a prolific number 9 in the Devon County League, who has already shown her eye for goal in pre-season with seven goals in three games.

The Management

Paul Knight has joined as manager, a highly respected coach from Cornwall with a vast experience in developing new sides. He is assisted by Matt Bennett, who most recently was a member of the coaching staff of local tier 5 side Ilminster Town Ladies, and Tony Rich, former Yeovil Town Ladies WSL Goalkeeper coach who has worked with current WSL goalkeepers, joining from Sherborne Town Ladies.

The Season Ahead

Yeovil Town start life at the bottom tier of Women’s Football as per the FA Regulations (Unless you’re Man Utd Women, but let’s not go there…) After the summer recruitment, the aim will be to achieve promotion at the first time of asking. The side will also compete in the FA Cup, facing Mangotsfield away in the first qualifying round.

Fixtures for the upcoming season can be found below. 

The League’s page on the FA’s Full Time Website can be found HERE.
Home games are played at Somerton FC – You can find a handy Map at the bottom of the Article – HERE. 

Entry is totally free to this Sunday’s opener against Sydenham Rangers Ladies, Kick Off is at 2pm. 

Player Sponsorships are still available, contact info@ytfc.net and state your intentions and details will be passed on to the relevant people.

All of us here at the Gloverscast wish the new Yeovil Town Womens team all the very best for the upcoming season!

(pictures of the new Yeovil Town Women’s side c/o Imogen @ Loveday’s Unique Photography)