Whatever way you frame it, the resounding summation of Yeovil Town’s position currently could easily be rounded up with one word; turbulent. And, sadly for fans of the Glovers, that’s erring on the positive!
It’s fair to say the situation at Hush Park is fluid, but that doesn’t steer supporters away from the observation that chaos seems to be evident in Somerset. Now, it seems, the confusion has led to an air of rebellion among disgruntled supporters.
Yeovil became a non-league entity (the first time since 2003) once more at the conclusion of last season when they were relegated from the Football League. This forthcoming season will see them ply their trade in the Vanarama National League. The agony was piled on at the end of the penultimate game of last season when the drop was confirmed as the Glovers drew 2-2 at Northampton Town. But the point wasn’t enough to secure their standing in League Two after Macclesfield saved themselves by winning away at Port Vale.
Now infuriated supporters say they plan to protest at Huish Park if the club don’t come clean soon on what lays ahead for the outfit after several promises that an update will “be provided soon” failed to materialise.
The disquiet comes after Town released nine players (including influential duo Francois Zoko and Bevis Mugabi) and have still to replace axed manager Darren Way. Neale Marmon was caretaker coach following Way’s dismissal back in March, but he left the club at the end of the campaign following the implosion of Rob Couhig’s proposed takeover.
Fans are understandably upset as the stalemate continues with owners Norman Hayward and John Fry said to be still in discussions with consortiums interested in purchasing the club as well as the ground.
A club statement disclosed:
“As envisaged in the update last Friday, the club still expects the new owner and manager positions to be clarified this week and talks remain ongoing with the remaining parties bidding for the club. Further updates will be issued when possible.”
But with the new season looming — it all kicks off again in just seven weeks — followers are concerned that the club seems rudderless with no first-team backroom staff on board and only 13 first-team players.
Long-standing supporter Phil Anderson, 54, said:
“It’s time for fans to take a stand! Save the club that is in your blood! Following the continued bewildering dithering by the current owners, which is undoubtedly harming our club, even more so than they have done in the last few years, I call on all fans and fan organisations to take a stand and protest.
“Unless a significant statement is issued by the current owners before 23:59 on Friday, June 14, indicating approval of sale is agreed, a protest by fans will take place at Huish Park on Saturday, June 15. Fans are asked to meet at 2pm at The Bell pub on Preston Road, Yeovil. As a loyal fan of the club of 50 years, I call on you all to join me to make ourselves both seen and heard. If you care about your club please give a couple of hours of your time to save the club that is in your blood.”
