New Away Strip

Hi, has the club realised how much money it’s lost in the unavailability of the new away shirt. This problem always occurred in the non-league days. The shirts should have been for sale on the last game of last season. I think a change of kit manufacturer should be looked into. Regards Chris Irving. Yeovil Dear Chris, Thank you for your e-mail. Yeovil Town Football Club is fully aware of the amount of revenue they have lost with the delay of the new away shirt. Unfortunately the delay has been caused by the rejection at the quality control stage of the fabric and as a result a replacement fabric is now in production, with this in mind the new away kit will be on the shelves in early October. Yeovil Town Football Club would like to apologise to all their supporters and would like to assure them that we are doing the best we can to get the kit available as soon as possible. Dave Linney (Commercial Manager) is presently considering other options as to future suppliers of the team & replica kits after this season and many other options are being considered in order for us to improve future services to our supporters. Regards. Sara Bradley. Supporter Liaison Representative

Official Website

Firstly I would like to point out that other than having membership of unofficial forums and being an active reader of Ciderspace I have no connection with the running of these and as such any views I make are my own and not those of the providers of these forums/websites - see, its easy to do! I would like to know why the club appears to have such an obsession with the unofficial views being expressed on the different INDEPENDENT, UNOFFICIAL websites and forums dedicated to YTFC. In response to a number of emails to the Chairman the comment 'However whatever improvements are made to our PR system this will not prevent views being expressed outside of the club which are extremely detrimental' has been made. The WWW is a fact of life in modern day society and for people like myself who live outside of Somerset these are a great way of keeping up with news and views of what is happening at YTFC throughout the year. Most people have the common sense to realise that what is posted on these sites are the view of individuals and not that of the club and these sites got to great lengths to stress this. In most cases I find the articles posted both informative and at time very entertaining. If I disagree with the views made I can express this or choose to ignore them such is my right. The extreme lack of information on the official site and the slowness at which it is updated (unless you want up to the minute betting information!) is a primary reason for having to rely on sites such as Ciderspace to obtain information, knowing it to be unofficial, on what is happening/potentially going to happen at the club and around the other clubs in our league/region. Rather than taking such a defensive view of these sites YTFC should be actively looking to improve its communication (official website and other means) so that supporters can obtain timely information without relying on unofficial channels. There is a place for unofficial sites and forums which the club can not AND should not look to stop - we live in a democracy after all! - take a leaf out of sites like Ciderspace and provide information in an informative and, where appropriate, entertaining manner and PLEASE get over this obsession! I would be interested to know your views Mr Fry on my comments above and also on the clubs plans to improve communication with supports if indeed you believe it needs to be improved. Regards, Tim Chapman Warrington Thank you for your very constructive letter. We have already taken action of some of your recommendations. As from last week a person – Ali King who is a professional web manager has taken over servicing the Official site in order to improve the quantity and quality aspect. We are not obsessed with the unofficial views being expressed on the independent forums. We are of the same opinion ourself, not only in business of communications, but of strengthening the brand name of Yeovil Town Football club. Again thank you for such constructive criticism. John Fry Chairman/Chief Executive

New Manager

Another player gone, Steve Collis and as far as I am aware both our other keepers have long term injuries, does this mean five a side with rush goalies at the start of next season? I hope it is not Russell Slade announced on Thu 7th (If indeed anyone is announced on 7th June) as surely he doesn't fit the criteria of experienced Championship/League 1 mangager Mr Fry assured us we were looking for !!!!!! I know Mr Fry works extremely hard for the club but so did Kevin Gall and the reason given for him going was he was not up to League 1 standard, does the same not apply to Mr Fry ? Regards and apologies for rant but I feel better now. Regards Andrew Culliford Yeovil Andrew, Thanks for your e-mail. I have passed your comments onto John Fry. Regards Sara Bradley Supporter Liaison Representative

Get Jonno Back

Don’t dilly dally ring up lee Johnson and try to get him back at Yeovil ASAP Regards Pat Trask Yeovil Dear Pat, Thanks for your e-mail and your recommendation. Sara Bradley Supporter Liaison Representative

David Webb Scouting

Although he was not able to help players such as Gavin Williams and Darren Way reach their potential at the club, he brought them in and obviously has a talent for spotting potential in lower league players and I was wondering whether you had thought about bringing him in as a scout as he could bring in future premiership players at a cheap price which is what the club need because of the amount of money spent on one player last summer. Regards Iain Covell Yeovil Iain, Thanks for your e-mail. Because of the amount of money that can be lost on players, we are going to put in place a more complete scouting system and operate on a more independent basis, than what has been in the past. Not only recruiting players for the first team but also the youth team. This does not of course give any guarantees because selecting players is a risk anyway In regards to Dave Webb, he does have a very good eye for talent which has seen players like Darren Way and more recently Anthony Barry brought to the Club. John Fry Chairman/Chief Executive

Several Questions

Now that the Bartlett stand is going to be renamed isn't it about time that Alec Stock's achievements were properly recognised. I can understand the need to gain commercial sponsorship of the stand but couldn't this be used in conjunction with his name. For example it could be called "The Alec Stock Stand" sponsored by . Can you explain the reasons behind the decision to move reserve games to 2pm? This is very disappointing for those of us who enjoyed attending reserve games because the vast majority of us have to work and won't be able to go. Why (yet again) was there no early bird discount available for purchasing season tickets? Last year you justified the decision by saying that people would buy them anyway so there was no need for a discount. Is this the reason why there is no discount for next seasons tickets? Who is responsible for updating the Official web site and why is it (compared to many other sites) so badly lacking it content and quality? Thanks in advance, Mike Kerrigan Yeovil Mike, Thanks for your e-mail. In regards to your first point, I think that would be a very good idea put we would need to discuss this with the sponsor of the stand and the board of Directors. We appreciate that moving the Reserve Team Matches from a 19.45 kick off to a 14.00 kick off is inconvenient for our supporters, but there are many factors behind this. Approximately 30 First team games and 12 Reserve team games are played on our pitch every Season, the recommended amount for our pitch is 33 games before extensive damage is caused. When a reserve team game is played in the evening our Ground Staff have only two days to divot and knit the pitch ready for a first team match on the Saturday. Regrettably due to these facts and the request of the Football Management and Ground Staff we shall be complying with this recommendation, this in fact will create more time to get the pitch up to the high standard we are used to and enable us to use our Ground staffs hours effectively. We justified the decision not to offer the early bird discount by keeping the price of the season tickets low. I agree with the points you have raised regarding the lack of information on the Official Website. I am in the process of discussing proposals with supporters representatives at the present time and action will be taken sooner rather than later. However whatever improvements are made to our PR system this will not prevent views being expressed outside of the club which are extremely detrimental. John Fry Chairman/Chief Executive

Building From This Platform

Our priority for next season must be a top half finish in the league, building on what we have achieved in our first seson. I am a critic of knee jerk responses to managerial problems and given that the promotion from within of Steve Thompson failed to work what qualities will the board be looking at for our new manager, how many of the candidates have those qualities in depth and what use has the board made of Dave Webb's extensive experience and knowledge in the selection of a new manager? Regards John Hanson John, Thank you for your E-mail. Your right, our priority for next Season is not to get relegated and finish in the top half of the League. In regards to appointing a New Manger we have to go through an extensive selection process to make sure that we get the right man for the job. Some of the qualities that we will be looking for are as follows. Are they willing to move to the area and work with the Community? Are they willing to work with the current staff? Are they going to improve on what we have already achieved? Once the New Manager is in place he will have to start the re-building process by bringing new players into the Club and working towards a top half finish in the League next season. Many Thanks John Fry Chairman/Chief Executive

David Webb

Is Mr Webb thinking about a return to managing YTFC? Regards Cris Eason Yeovil Cris, Thanks for your e-mail. David Webb will not be returning to YTFC as Football Manager. Many Thanks Sara Bradley Supporters Liaison Representative

Official Website

What steps are the club taking to improve their official website? It clearly lacks information and lags way behind both the GWSC and Ciderspace. Surely as the mouth piece of the club it should offer up to date news, better information and perhaps even a weekly slot from the Chairman. During these last few weeks the common perception is that there has been a lack of public leadership. Perhaps better communication would be the solution. Mike Flatley. Mike, Thanks for your e-mail. I agree with the points you have raised regarding the lack of information on the Official Website. I am in the process of discussing proposals with supporters representatives at the present time and action will be taken sooner rather than later. However whatever improvements are made to our PR system this will nor prevent views being expressed outside of the club which are extremely detrimental. Many thanks John Fry Chairman/Chief Executive

Player and Manager Thoughts

Just a bit of advice, now that Jevons has gone, I would say it would be a good idea to look into ex-Bristol Rovers striker Richard Walker who scored 20 goals for them in the 2005/06 season in league 2 and is now out of contract and would be a good replacement for Jevons. I would also like to praise John Fry's ideas about bringing in Ian Holloway and I would very much like to see him as manager as he would make a great partnership with Thommo on coaching the players individually and also has a great passion for football which is always a good thing. Iain Covell Yeovil Iain, Thanks for your E-mail In regards to us looking at Ex Bristol rovers Striker Richard Walker this responsibility will be down to our new Manager, but I would like to thank you for your recommendation. Looking for new players takes a lot of time and consideration to make sure that they are right for the club. Many Thanks John Fry Chairman/Chief Executive

Disabled Lift

I am delighted to learn that the disabled lift is to be installed by 20th August, 2006. As former DLO at YTFC I would deem it a great honour to be asked to be part of the official opening ceremony???? Irvin Morris Former DLO YTFC Irvin, Thanks for your E-mail. As the best DLO we have ever had, if we do have an official opening ceremony for the new disabled lift you would be most welcome to attend. I will contact you nearer the time to discuss this. Best Wishes John Fry Chairman/Chief Executive

Afternoon Reserve Matches

I am really fed up that reserve matches are proposed as being 2pm kick offs next year. There are many hundreds of us who love attending these matches but as working men/women we will be excluded from them next year. Not forgetting the kids who are at school that attend in the evenings…more exclusion. I understand that the main reason for the switch is that it costs something like 150.00 pounds or so for the electricity for the floodlights each game. I am sure this is the case, given that you were charging about 2 pounds entry per person and around 500 people turned up on average….well you do the maths, there should still be a clear, decent profit. That’s not taking into account the money made from the Golden Gamble and the tea bar. Switch the games to an afternoon and I am quite sure that crowds will drop to 100 or so, and as you are now letting STH’s in free you are going to make a loss. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Please reconsider. I for one would gladly keep paying my 2 pounds if the games stayed in the evening. I have emailed John Fry on this subject 3 times. The most I have had is a courtesy response from Sara Bradley, but nothing from John Fry himself. I only hope this means that the situation is being reconsidered. Paul Morgan Thanks for your e-mail We appreciate that moving the Reserve Team Matches from a 19.45 kick off to a 14.00 kick off is inconvenient for our supporters, but there are many factors behind this. Approximately 30 First team games and 12 Reserve team games are played on our pitch every Season, the recommended amount for our pitch is 33 games before extensive damage is caused. When a reserve team game is played in the evening our Ground Staff have only two days to divot and knit the pitch ready for a first team match on the Saturday. Regrettably due to these facts and the request of the Football Management and Ground Staff we shall be complying with this recommendation, this in fact will create more time to get the pitch up to the high standard we are used to and enable us to use our Ground staffs hours effectively. We also need to consider Stadium costs; we shall be saving money on the use of the floodlights which costs us around £180.00 each time they are used and we will be able to utilize our staff during office hours. Thank you for taking the time to write to me John Fry Chairman/Chief Executive

Season Ticket Charges

Hi, can you tell me why we are going to be charged an extra seven pounds to buy a season ticket with a credit card?. If you walk twenty yards down the road and buy something from the club shop on a card you would not be charged extra. Regards Chris Irving Yeovil Chris, Thank you for your e-mail regarding the £7.00 charge for credit cards when purchasing a season ticket. The reason behind this charge is we actually get charged this amount by the bank for processing credit card payments. All Supermarkets and Shops add this charge onto all of their products so you don’t actually notice the initial charge. Yeovil Town Football Club declares this charge and feels it necessary to do this, the only alternative is to increase the price of the Season Tickets to cover these charges which penalises the supporters making immediate payments by Cash, Cheque or Debit Cards. Many Thanks Sara Bradley Supporters Liaison Representative Ps. sorry for the late reply, I have actually been off ill.

Safeguards Against Putting All Eggs In One Basket

Given that the club spent a phenomenal amount of money on one individual player who produced nothing for the us, and was probably sold at a loss, and the club was left in a position of having too many players out of contract in January what safeguards will the club put in place to ensure that we get value for money both on and off the field? Regards John Hanson12 Tintern Yeovil Yes it was not very well thought through. A new scouting system is being put into place and a new scouting budget, because at the moment we do not have a proper youth development programme bringing youngsters through and that is long term anyway. Because of the amount of money that can be lost on players, we are going to put in place a more complete scouting system and operate on a more independent basis, than what has been in the past. not only recruiting players for the first team but also the youth team. This does not of course give any guarantees because selecting players is a risk anyway. John Fry Chairman

Backroom Staff

Whilst I fully appreciate it is early days in the out of season period for YTFC, I would like to ask and also be kept up-to-date on the following question. Taking into account two decisions which have already been made i.e. Steve Thompson reverting to Head Coach and the retirement of Maurice O'Donnell, are there any moves afoot with regard to backroom staff within the Club's National Scouting System? As you know, now living in the "hub of English Football" where, through the dense population in existence, there is much more football played at all levels, and the fact that I have recommended players in the past as well as offering the experience of in excess of 50 years involved in football from the youth, junior, semi-professional and professional levels and witnessed hundreds even thousands of games, and also believe even at my age to have kept up with the modern game. Having also volunteered my services to the Club, I would only be to pleased to assist in this department especially as in the past have been a "Scout" for West Bromwich Albion and Grimsby Town. Whilst I realise that the answer might be that any new Manager appointed would bring in his own, we all know that is not always beneficial or productive over a long period of time taking into account that even a Manager's position is not always stable. Irvin Morris It is all down to what the new manager requires. We are looking to set up a more professional set up and substantially increase the budget for scouting, your name will be passed on to the manager and he can then communicate with you if he so wishes. John Fry Chairman

Shareholders Meeting

Will there be a shareholders meeting this year or not? Regards Andy Culliford Yes, there will be a shareholders meeting and the date will be announced after the next Board meeting which I anticipate will be in July. John Fry Chairman

David Webb's Status

Hi, My question for the Club. Is Dave Webb in sole charge of the Club, or is he just the 'front man' for someone else or even a consortium? Thank you. Mr Hugh Jass David Webb is in sole charge of the club, he is the majority shareholder, but the directors run the club and the policies of the club. There will be a decision announced shortly regarding David Webb and his shares. John Fry Chairman

Dale Williams

I would just like to ask the club why they have let dale Williams go. He has been a constant performer for the club, and the type of youth talent that john fry has been talking about. It surely doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in the youth team, as they may feel they will get sold on when they even get a sniff of the first team. My personal opinion is that a player playing for the Wales international squad is worth a shout at Yeovil town. I recognise that the club needs to reform itself to league 1, but surely letting go a loyal servant to the club isn’t the way forward. I do realise that there may have been scenarios that me and other fans cannot see, but it would be nice to get some assurance on the matter. Alastair Timmis David Webb’s philosophy is to build a club on young players and this seems a contradiction of the policy to let a young talented player go. Dale has been here for a number of years but we have managed to get caught up in the situation between the manager starting and making decisions, against the rules of the Football Association. Because of the overall budget situation and the retained list of players and their requests for more money together with the uncertainty of how much money will be involved, we have had to reduce the squad to enable us to build it up with experienced players as well as some of the younger players. It was felt that with the position of Dale, he would benefit from either being put out on loan, which would have meant making a decision now, but unfortunately due to the paperwork system we were forced to let Dale go, we would liked to have held fire until the new manager started, hopefully within the week, but we thought it was only fair to the player to go and find another club. It was one of those situations where there was a question mark over the type of first team players we needed, to perform on a regular basis within the squad, to reduce the size of the squad at this stage to enable the new manager to have room in which to manoevure and at the same time not to be put in a position to make a decision on the players. John Fry Chairman

Released Players

If the club was undecided on Steve Thompson's future, then why did they let players go? Should that not be the new managers choice? Mitch Clarke Radstock Thank you for your E Mail Players have the right to leave the club and those players who have left have taken up that right because they are out of contract. We have a list of retained players who can choose to leave after a period of time. We have one under 24 player and we are negotiating with his agent. It is not always the club’s choice to let players go. It will be the new manager’s decision to deal with retained players. John Fry Chairman

Smoking On The Westland Terrace

I hope that the club will be stopping people smoking on the Westland Terrace from this coming season. Mark kelly Thank you for your E Mail. As you probably know we have a ‘no smoking’ policy in the seated areas at the club, but until the Football League and/or government ban smoking in public places we will continue to allow smoking on the terrace. If we receive a lot of requests we will have to look at it to see how we can enforce it. John Fry Chairman