The Gazette hints that should Yeovil not win promotion this season then head coach Steve Thompson may find himself out of a job, quoting John Fry as saying, "at the moment no-one's job is in jeopardy - but football is a funny game and no-one knows what will happen in the future. But no-one can accuse this board of not supporting managers. We have had three in the past five years - and by footballing standards that is not a bad record." Thommo will doubtless be reassured by that last remark...

In other news the Gazette reports that the Glovers away game at Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday 7th March has now been made all-ticket for Yeovil fans. Tickets are on sale from the club, today (Thursday), tomorrow and on Saturday. In the event of a draw with Kingstonian on Saturday in the FA Trophy, any replay is scheduled to take place on the same day as the Rushden game and will take precedence over the Conference clash. Tickets bought will still be valid for any re-arranged game.

Finally, in a truly shocking development, it appears that the Gazette has re-discovered the art of being critical - Sports Editor Richard Briggs is scathing (honestly) over the way Yeovil treated the Somerset Premier Cup tie at Taunton last week, accusing the club of not treating the competition seriously, going through the motions, being humiliated and a 'shambles'. He asks if the club thought of the travelling supporters who spent their money going to the game and concludes by saying that if the club isn't prepared to take the competiton seriously by putting out a genuine first team then it should consider not entering it at all. Hard-hitting stuff!

The site has been developed and designed by pupils from Buckler's Mead Technology College, assisted by Simon Champion of GKN Westland in Yeovil.

The aim of the site is to become the primary source of information relating to the football club, and will be updated on a daily basis. Features will include the latest news direct from the club, forthcoming events at Huish Park, interviews with key club personnel, in depth player profiles covering first, reserve and youth teams and detailed match reports. There are also more 'static' sections of the site covering facilities available at Huish Park and general club information.

Badger and Jon, the co-editors of Ciderspace will be updating the official site daily for the club. Official news from the club, match reports and interviews with players and officials will in future be posted from the official site, these pages will revert to our original intention of rumour-mongering, gossip and scandal, plus our regular local press reviews, Huge Huish Hugh's regular Conference Reviews, and anything else we can think of...

Please go gentle with us over the next few weeks, and please give feedback, particularly with any errors you may encounter. We're aware of several minor things, and will be sorting them out over the next day or seven. A couple of the sections currently look a little bland and need brightening up, plus we are owed a lot of additional information by the club.

Hopefully the official site will grow and grow just like Ciderspace has. As already said, feedback, ideas, howlers spotted etc are all rather welcomed ......

Today's Western Daily Press makes bold claims that Steve Thompson's mystery second man is none other than Steve Cowe, the player he tried to get on loan earlier this year.

Cowe is a 25 year old striker, and the West Country paper is claiming that Yeovil have taken scouts to see him start Swindon's last two games against Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City. He has experience of the Nationwide Conference already, having played at Hereford United on loan last season.

Cowe was signed from Aston Villa for £100,000 but despite his recent first team starts, the Gloucester born player has been unable to establish himself in the starting line-up, with his appearances being mostly from the bench.

The paper goes on to suggest that a deal could be struck within 48 hours for the player, who is out of contract at the end of the season. However, they do not reveal their source or attribute any quotes from any Swindon Town or Yeovil Town officials. No comment has been made by the club regarding this story, as yet.

Swindon are in dire financial trouble, and currently are receiving help in paying players wages from the PFA, and so will be under extreme pressure to sell, should any attractive offer come in for their players.

In other Western Daily Press news, they claim that left wing-back Matthew Hale last night signed a contract with Yeovil Town, with the fee reported by the paper as being around £10,000. Again we are awaiting official confirmation of this news.

Yeovil Town Independent Supporters Association are today telling Steve Thompson and his players "don't give up on the Nationwide Conference title". And they are prepared to put a bounty down for the players of 1000 pounds if they can make Yeovil fans dreams come true.

The Glovers lie in third position in the league and six points off leaders Rushden & Diamonds and second placed Kidderminster Harriers, and following their 1-3 defeat against Nuneaton, Head Coach Steve Thompson declared "I think it would be a miracle if we won the league now".

But YTISA Chairman Mark Kelly says "it can still be done. We've still got a third of the league season left, and Rushden and Kidderminster are the teams under pressure. It's still not impossible for both teams to crack. We've got to put Nuneaton behind us and keep going."

Mark says that YTISA are prepared to put their money on the table if the first team can pull off that "miracle". He said "if we can still grab that title now, those players will deserve it. We are offering up a 1000 pound bounty for the players to spend between them if they can bring us home that title on May 6th. If they do it, they can put it towards a celebration party, or a team holiday, or whatever they choose between themselves."

No messing around for Fat Harry this week, and certainly no mincing of his words, as the Clarion 2000 main sports headline screams What the hell is going on at Yeovil Town??

Fat Harry's article will have certainly raised a few eyebrows upstairs at Huish Park, as he goes for the jugular and says that the fans are asking "questions that need answering". In his editorial piece, the big man takes a blow by blow look at the resignation of Colin Lippiatt, the delay in the appointment of Steve Thompson, and finally the recent goings on concerning David Webb, which Fat Harry describes conservatively as "the biggest joke on the football circuit right now".

Leading on from that, he questions why Steve Thompson has felt unable to move to Yeovil, why he has not been able to sign new players, and cites rumours of dressing room unrest and rumoured heavy financial losses. He ends this rant by saying "it gives me no pleasure to have to write a piece like this" and challenges Club Chairman John Fry to answer his questions.

After that kind of a head of steam, the rest of this weeks edition can only ever be an anti-climax! It looks at first glance as though The Clarion went to press before Matt Hale's impending transfer was announced, as they report on the rumours first circulated here and in the Dorset Echo, but later on, in the regular Thommo Talks slot, more concrete information is given.

Going under the 60 watt bulb this week for the third in their series of player profiles, is Murray Fishlock, whilst of course there are grim looking match reports from the Taunton and Nuneaton games. And it looks like, for the second week running, they've managed to keep the proof-reader off the booze and on the Oxford English Dictionary. It'll never last!

As many of you are aware, the Yeovil Town Official Web Site - which will be located at http://www.ytfc.net - is due to be launched this Thursday to the public.

As even more of you are aware, Jon Morgan and Martin Baker, two of the principle forces behind Ciderspace, will be behind this new venture in that they will be providing the technical input behind the site to enable it to succeed.

The style and status of Ciderspace will not change, and Ciderspace will continue to exist as an ongoing Unofficial Fanzine. What you read within those pages will not necessarily represent the view of the Football Club, and will maintain its editorial independence. We have been assured by the club of this fact.

What the Official Site will do for the supporter of Yeovil Town, is to provide a fuller, more thorough news and information service. Many of you may have already been able to see that begin to reach fruition over the past few months with reaction from games and team previews direct from the club's Head Coach, and analysis of playing matters right down to Reserve and Youth level.

To avoid excessive duplication between the two sites, the Match Reports and Interviews section will ultimately migrate to the Official Site. In addition the majority of the news will be published on the Official Site, with Ciderspace's own News section likely to only cover our regular Local Press Reviews, and occasional unsubstantiated rumours. What we get direct from the club will appear on the Official Site instead.

Opinion Articles, Huge Huish Hugh's trademarked satire, YTISA publicity and anything remotely controversial will stay, with its original editorial policy, in place with it being Business As Usual!

Questions, confusions, etc please do ask! You can mail us at ytfcciderspace@yahoo.com

Steve Thompson has today confirmed that Weymouth left wing-back Matthew Hale should become a Yeovil Town player tomorrow and therefore will be available to join the club at their training night tomorrow night.

Speaking on the club's Huish Hotline, Thommo said "everything's been sorted out and he's coming down to sign tomorrow. He is very much in the mould of Murray Fishlock. We've missed Murray in many ways. He was our player of the year last year and it's been a big blow to us. I see Matt as able to do that kind of job".

Hale played against Yeovil in the FA Trophy earlier this season, and Thompson added "Hale played against us in two games and he was certainly their best player. I've watched him on two other occasions, and on one of those he was the best player on the pitch, and in the other one he looked good there too. I've got high hopes for Matt. He's a Bristol lad, and hopefully it will be good for both parties".

Matt was with Bristol City and had spells with Dorchester and Weymouth on loan before signing permanently for The Terras. The figure, although not officially quoted, is believed to touch a five figure amount.

In the Dorset Echo, Weymouth Manager Andy Mason defended his decision to leave Hale out of his team on Saturday, allowing him to watch Yeovil's game against Nuneaton, saying "I didn't think it would have been fair to drag him all the way to Grantham when there were so many other things on his mind. He used the time to go and watch Yeovil and talk again with their manager Steve Thompson and I've just got to start getting used to life without him."

Steve Thompson also added that he hoped to bring in a second player saying "We were hoping for another one, but that's still being negotiated and John Fry is dealing with that one at the moment". The mystery player is widely believed to be a striker, currently with a Nationwide League club.

Neither player will be available for the forthcoming FA Trophy tie against Kingstonian. Hale is cup-tied, ironically through his game against Yeovil, whilst the second player can also be ruled out, as FA Competitions require seven days notice of registration.

The recent misfortunes of Conference title chasers Kidderminster Harriers, Yeovil Town and Dover Athletic have caused bookies Ladbrokes to heavily swing their odds towards long running favourites Rushden & Diamonds.

Diamonds, who went top over the weekend, and will go three points clear if the defeat Hednesford tomorrow night at Nene Park, have seen their odds tighten to become 4-7 favourites, with former league leaders are rated at 7-2.

Yeovil Town and Dover Athletic continue to be paired stride for stride, although both club's odds have lengthened to 10-1. The remainder of the listed odds see Scarborough and Stevenage Borough at 20-1, Doncaster Rovers at 33-1, Kingstonian 40-1 and Hereford United at 66-1.

The FA Trophy Fifth Round takes place this weekend, and once again Rushden & Diamonds are rated as favourites and are priced at 5-2. Yeovil Town, despite a tricky home tie against Cup Holders Kingstonian are second favourites at 5-1.

The bookies clearly consider home advantage important for Yeovil because their opponents, joint favourites up until the Fifth Round draw, have veered sharply out and are rated at 8-1 as are Southport and Sutton United. Dover Athletic are third favourites at 7-1, whilst Kettering Town, Scarborough and Telford United are rated at 10-1 with three times FA Trophy winners Woking rated only at 12-1.

Ladbrokes have also opened betting for the Non-League "Double", last achieved by Wycombe Wanderers in 1993. Rushden & Diamonds are the only fancied side and are priced at 4-1, but the high street bookmaker is also willing to offer 50-1 against Yeovil Town, 66-1 against Dover Athletic, 150-1 against Scarborough 150-1 and 250-1 against Kingstonian.

The funeral service of former Yeovil Town player Paul Muir will take place at St John the Baptist Church, in Yeovil at 2.15pm next Friday, with cremation at Yeovil Crematorium at 3pm. Numerous representatives from Yeovil Town Football Club are expected to attend. In addition, Paul's team-mates from the Ryman League Croydon side he was playing for up until his hospitalisation are expected to make the long journey down to Somerset.

Several changes to the Screwfix Direct League Fixture Calendar have been made in the last week as rearranged fixtures can now be pencilled in.

The earliest rearranged date is the Wednesday visit of Chippenham Town this Wednesday to Huish Park, after the original fixture, scheduled for nine days ago was postponed due to Chippenham's successful run in the FA Vase. The teams meet now on 23rd February with a 7:45pm kick-off.

Also rearranged are the away fixture at Taunton, which will now take place on Saturday 15th April, kick-off 3:00pm at Wordsworth Drive. Meanwhile the home fixture with Bideford is now scheduled for Wednesday March 8th at Huish Park.

Likely, though not fully confirmed, is that the home tie with Dawlish Town, originally scheduled for Wednesday 29th of March, will be pushed forward by seven days.

Reservist Richard Spiller was selected for representative honours on Saturday when he formed part of a 16 man Somerset County Squad that competed in a South West Counties Championship game against Guernsey at Winterfield Road, Paulton. Also in the squad for the game was ex-Yeovil Town midfielder Lee Groves, who now plies his trade at Mangotsfield United.

Despite the brief stay of David Webb at Yeovil Town, the club indicated in yesterday's programme that they still intend to appoint a fully blown Technical Director of Football. Following a brief recount of the appointment and exit of David Webb, the article in the Nuneaton programme reads as follows:

David Webb's opinion on what we are achieving at the present time was his honest view, but it does still not alter the fact that in the very near future we intend appointing a Technical Director of Football. This person will be a non-executive board member, and even though we accept that it will be a difficult position to fill, we are determined to find the right man as soon as humanly possible. This vital position is very much part of our move toward the Third Division. As we have stated many times before, we have created a decent Conference side, but now is the time to create an authentic Nationwide League outfit.

This Technical Director will be a man of great experience in the game, possessing the sort of expertise we need to find new players, if necessary, and to also involve himself in our various coaching schemes. We obviously need the right sort of individual, but we are not a club with an 'unlimited pot' - we are not a Chelsea or Manchester United! Anyway, continue to watch this space for more news on this appointment.

Saturday's Dorset Echo claims that Yeovil Town's move for Weymouth wing-back Matthew Hale "hangs in the balance", despite their previous day's story claiming that Hale would be a Yeovil player by Friday afternoon.

In Saturday's story, the paper claims that both clubs have agreed a fee, but that the player has failed to agree on personal terms.

They quote Weymouth Chairman Peter Shaw as saying "Matthew wasn't happy with the terms and so he's gone away to seek some advice think it over. The fee is in two parts and includes a cash payment plus a knock-on arrangement should Matthew move on to even better things. We're not in the habit of selling our best players and we wouldn't have entertained the idea had it been a Dr Martens team. However, we're not going to stop a player from bettering himself and the board has ensured the deal is in the best interests of the club."

This latest development seems to match fairly closely with Yeovil Town Head Coach Steve Thompson's view of the situation, which he made public as part of his post-match review of the Nuneaton game, part of a regular feature that is published at the bottom of every match report. Steve stated that he regarded talks as "ongoing", with the fee agreed by both clubs, and stated his moves for two separate players, one of whom is Hale, with Thommo saying "I think that one is 90% certain", without revealing which of the two prospective signings was the more likely.

Tomorrow's SWEB Youth League Cup tie between Yeovil Town Youth and Plymouth Argyle Youth has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. As the Youth Team play on a separate pitch to the first team, this does not, as far as it is possible to see, affect the First Team game against Nuneaton.

According to reports on the Ciderspace Fans Forum, the Dorset Echo is claiming that Yeovil Town have signed left wing-back Matthew Hale from Dr Martens League side Weymouth. Hale played in both of this season's FA Trophy matches against Yeovil Town, and the Echo is claiming a five figure fee.

However, sources at Yeovil Town Football Club claim that the Echo has jumped the gun, and that no deal has been reached. However, the possibility of Hale officially joining Yeovil was not ruled out, but that a move for the player is unlikely before tomorrows game with Nuneaton. Hale would of course be cup-tied for next Saturday's match with Kingstonian, so there is little point in hurrying the deal through.

Matthew started his career with Bristol City and had loans spell at both Weymouth and Dorchester. During his time on loan with the Terras, he formed part of the Championship winning squad of the 1997/98 season that saw them promoted to the Dr Martens Premier Division. Having turned down an extension to his contract at Ashton Gate, he joined The Terras permanently and has been a regular part of their side at the Wessex.

Weymouth manager Andy Mason says in the Echo of the 21 year old "Obviously I don't want to lose a player of his quality, but at Weymouth we have a policy of not standing in anyone's way and there's a tradition of footballers leaving the club and going on to better things. Joining Yeovil would be a good move for him. They are a big club and in six months time he could well be playing in the Football League. Matthew has just over two years left on his contract and we've set Yeovil a price which reflects his value to Weymouth Football Club. Now we're just waiting for them to come back and agree the deal and I expect to hear something from them this afternoon".

Yeovil Town Head Coach Steve Thompson is quoted by the Echo as saying "As far as I know the two chairman are in discussions and I expect Matthew Hale to be a Yeovil player by the end of the day". Note that this contradicts information received from the club this afternoon, indicating that Hale was unlikely to join the club that quickly.

Yeovil Town's first team face seventh place Nuneaton Borough in the Nationwide Conference this Saturday at Huish Park, in their first home game for nearly a month.

"It is really important that we pick up all three points from the Nuneaton game", said Player Head Coach Steve Thompson. "We need a victory because defeat would see us drift away from the leading pack - we simply can not rely on the other top sides slipping up".

Midfielder and occasional forward Matt Hayfield, who has been sidelined since January 3rd because of ligament problems came through the Somerset Premier Cup Quarter-Final defeat at Taunton on Wednesday without any adverse reaction, and is in the squad for Saturday's game.

"The squad for our clash with Nuneaton will basically be the same as for the Southport match last Saturday, plus of course Matt Hayfield", said Thompson.

Murray Fishlock, Phil Simpson and Steve Stott, all suffering from ongoing injuries, are still unavailable.

Meanwhile, Warren Patmore has a possibility of some familiar company when he travels to Italy on March 1st for the England semi-professional tie in Padova. Versatile defender and midfielder Rob Cousins has been put on stand-by for the match, meaning that should any of the chosen sixteen drop out through injury, Rob would be a likely candidate to travel in their place.

Both the Express and the Clarion are critical of the club for allowing the situation to drag on for weeks and for the confusion over Webb's role at the club. The Express talks of fans' being left angry at the turn of events, and calls the club's statement on Webb's leaving "a joke" and that the whole affair had been "an embarrasment" to the club; whilst Fat Harry in the Clarion asks : "Now far be it from me to be critical but how the hell can you appoint a Technical Director one week and then announce that he feels he can't do anything for you the next week? One thing is for sure all the intrigue and mystery behind the scenes will do nothing to help the team with it's main consideration of winning promotion to the league."

The Express also reports chairman John Fry as being "worried" about disappointing crowd figures at Huish Park this season, the chairman saying, "the attendances have not been as high as we would have expected, especially considering where we are in the league." Perhaps a combination of relatively high prices, the lack of a regular 'Kid for a quid' scheme as practised by many other clubs, poor publicity from the club about upcoming games, spurious transfer rumours, discord behind the scenes leading to the resignation of former head coach Colin Lippiatt and now the current confusion over David Webb's role have all taken their toll?

In other news the Clarion and the Express both report that Yeovil are on the verge of new signings - 2 new players according to the Express, 1 according to the Clarion - you pays your money and you makes your choice, though seeing as both papers are free it won't actually cost you anything. Meanwhile the Western Gazette reports that former Yeovil defender Lee Francis has been made available for loan by his current club Harlow Town, whilst ex-Yeovil striker Dean Birkby has joined Merthyr Tydfil on loan from hs current club Clevedon Town.

It's back to the Clarion where Fat Harry has a particularly gorgeous photo of Youth Team coach Stu Housley for readers to enjoy. At the beginning of the season Stu told his team that if they won the league he would dye his hair blond - they did, so he has! Nice. Finally, Fat Harry has started interviewing members of the Yeovil team for his paper - this week it's TV star and part-time YTFC player Terry Skiverton's turn. Terry admits to a liking for 60's rock band The Doors and says his idea of a good night out in Yeovil is "pulling a bird and doing the bit." Lock up your daughters when Yeovil are playing at home.....

Yeovil Town Youth Team duo Lewis Bacon and Jon Vance have been called up to represent the British Colleges Sport at football, according to the Western Daily Press.

Both players are studying at Yeovil College, with Lewis studying for an HND in Leisure management, whilst Jon is trying for a BTEC First Diploma in Sport Science.

Both are part of Stuart Housley's League Championship winning SWEB Youth League side, and will now travel to Europe for a tour that will take place during March and April. They follow in the footsteps of Anthony Tonkin, who was recently selected for the British Universities XI, and Warren Patmore who has been called up for the full England Semi-Pro side that travels to Italy in early March.

NB : We've since been told that Lewis Bacon has departed Yeovil Town for Chard Town, but are awaiting confirmation of this.

Taunton Town crushed Yeovil in the quarter-finals of the Somerset Premier Cup tonight with a 5-1 win despite having a player sent off. The man to go was Paul West who had been on the field for five minutes as a substitute when he handled a shot on the line. Jason Eaton scored Yeovil's only goal from the penalty spot.

The game saw two other penalties; both saved, with Matt Hayfield failing to hit the net for the Yeovil penalty. Ellis Laight knocked up a first half hat trick with Chris Mars scoring the first for Taunton.

Despite being down to ten men in the second half, Taunton added a fifth, and Yeovil saw further misery as Paul Steele limped off the field.

A full report will appear on Ciderspace some time tomorrow.

Reprints of Issue One of the sold-out Independent Barmy Army magazine, produced by the Yeovil Town Independent Supporters Association go on sale at the Southport league and Kingstonian FA Trophy 5th round games at Huish Park, priced 50 pence.

The mini-newsletter was launched at the Bedford Town game, and its first run sold out instantly with many disappointed punters. But newsletter editor Tim Lancaster said "The first print run sold out so quickly that it was obvious we could sustain a reprint, and there were so many people asking for copies who we don't want to miss out".

Copies will be available from YTISA committee members either in the main supporters bar before and after the game, or on the home terrace during the match (assuming it is not raining!). Postal enquires are welcome, at a small surcharge to cover postage costs and should be directed at YTISA Secretary Martin Baker at martin.baker@lineone.net

YTISA Chairman Mark Kelly (centre) presents players Matt Hayfield (left) and Murray Fishlock (right) with new Training Tops

Issue Two of the magazine is currently in its early planning, but welcomes contributors. If you've read Issue One, and think you have something to add, then drop Martin Baker a line, or see newsletter editor Tim Lancaster. Submissions for Issue Two must be received by March 25th.

YTISA was formed in July 1999, and provides travel to away games, club merchandise and a means for supporters to meet and socialise. The organisation is run on a non-profit basis, with excess money raised going to good causes within Yeovil Town Football Club.

One recent example was the purchase of 20 training tops for the Yeovil Town First Team to warm up in prior to matches. The tops were presented to the first team squad prior to the FA Trophy Match with Stevenage Borough. Pictured (above, right) is one of the tops, being presented by YTISA Chairman Mark Kelly to players Matt Hayfield and Murray Fishlock.

The club have confirmed today that the home league match with Kingstonian, rescheduled for February 29th, has definitely now been called off. Yeovil Town's Warren Patmore, plus Kingstonian's Steve Farrelly, Gary Patterson and Geoff Pitcher all travel to Padova in Italy that week to represent the England semi-professional side. As revealed on Ciderspace on February 8th, this fixture has now been postponed due to the quartet's involvement in the international match against Italy.

Attempts are being made to reschedule the game, but they are being hampered by Kingstonian's own fixture commitments which include the Surrey Senior Cup and Nationwide MacMillan Trophy, both of which take precedence with respect to the league fixture.

The club have also stated that if the Kingstonian FA Trophy Fifth Round fixture at Huish Park on February 26th ends in a draw, then the replay will be held on Wednesday March 8th. This would result in the postponement of the league game with Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park. Again, the lengthy delay for the potential replay date is caused by the England Semi-Pro commitments of both clubs.

Yeovil Town's Youth Team finished off their league fixture campaign in fine style on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Newport County. The win came with a goal in each half, with Chris Giles keeping his great scoring record up with a 20th minute strike, whilst Ian Harris polished off the match with a second in the 65th minute.

With the league season over, Stuart Housley's side commence their involvement in the South West Counties Youth League Cup, where they have been drawn in a "round robin" pool featuring Plymouth Argyle and Cirencester. They begin proceedings with a home fixture against Plymouth this Saturday at Huish Park's Top Pitch, kick-off 11:00am.

Yeovil Town travel to Taunton Town's Wordsworth Drive ground tomorrow (Wednesday) evening for the Quarter-Final of the Somerset Premier Cup. Regarded by many as a minor competition, Head Coach Steve Thompson is still taking it seriously.

"We will certainly not be treating the game at Taunton lightly. I will be putting out a strong squad as I would dearly like to win the Somerset Premier Cup", said Thompson.

There is some good news for Glovers fans. As reported in Saturday's Southport Post-Match Review with Steve Thompson, influential midfielder/striker Matt Hayfield, who has been sidelined since the start of the year because of ligament problems, will be in the squad for the Taunton clash. Matt last played for the Glovers on January 3rd in the home win against Forest Green Rovers.

"I have also drafted in three players from our Screwfix set-up; striker James Bent, midfielder Leon Hapgood, a recent signing from Bideford, and defender Anthony Tonkin", said Thompson.

NOTE : We have seen two different kick-off times announced for this game - 7:30pm and 7:45pm. We advise you to stick to the former and have an extra drink in the bar if it is wrong! We should be able to confirm the correct kick-off time shortly.

Despite holding a six point lead at the top of the Nationwide Conference table, and having won five games in a row, the bookies are only now coming round to the possibility of Kidderminster Harriers charge for the title being successful.

Even then, it is still second placed Rushden & Diamonds who head the betting, although their odds have lengthened to evens favourites. Harriers are rated merely at 5-2 whilst Yeovil Town and Dover Athletic, third and fourth respectively in the table come in at 7-1.

Thereafter, there are signs that Ladbrokes, who provide the quoted odds, consider that the Conference is turning into a four horse race. For the other clubs in the top half of the table you can get odds of 16-1 for Doncaster Rovers and Scarborough, with Stevenage Borough rated at 20-1, Kingstonian at 25-1 whilst Morecambe and Hereford United are considered to be lengthy outsiders now at 50-1.

Former Torquay United midfielder Leon Hapgood is now a permanent member of the Huish Park set-up. The 20 year old was taken on trial a month ago, playing largely for the Glovers' Screwfix Direct League side.

However, he impressed in a recent friendly match against Tiverton Town, and made his full first team debut as an early substitute against Hayes at Church Road in the Nationwide MacMillan Trophy Quarter-Final, playing for over 70 minutes. Subsequently, he has now been given a permanent position at the club, on a free transfer. It is not clear at present whether this is on a contracted basis or not.

Head Coach Steve Thompson has revealed rough details of his latest attempts to bring new talent into Huish Park. As part of his regular weekly review, full details of which are published at the foot of every Ciderspace Match Report, Thommo said after the 1-1 draw at Southport that he had made a bid for "a left sided player who can operate in a midfield or defensive position".

Further details were not forthcoming, however Thommo also talked about the departure of David Webb, admitting that he was unaware of Webb's exit until after the press release had been published. But he attempted to play down any such issues saying "I don't make the decisions behind the scenes. I don't want to start worrying about that - I just want to focus on the players that we've got here and the players that I want to get here".

Yeovil Town's home game with Stevenage Borough has now been rearranged for Tuesday 4th April, with a 7.45 kick off.

The pair were originally due to clash on 26th February, but the game has been called off due to Yeovil Town's involvement in the FA Trophy 5th Round against Kingstonian on that day.

The following statement has been issued from the club at 14:30hrs today:

Former Chelsea and Brentford Manager Dave Webb has decided, following meetings with Player Head Coach Steve Thompson, that as the team is performing so well at the present time, he does not see where he can help.

He has praised Steve Thompson for doing a really good job, and in turn Steve has said that Webb's advice has proved invaluable.

Chairman and Chief Executive John Fry said, "We still have a realistic chance of promotion to the Nationwide Third Division, and have recently put a good run together. Dave feels we are on the right track, and frankly can not see in which area he can help at the moment".

Yeovil Town's First Team make the long journey to Haig Avenue on Saturday, kick-off 3:00pm, as they face Mark Wright's Southport side. A victory for The Glovers at the fourth from bottom side's ground could move the club into the number two spot in the Conference table - Yeovil are at present third. But Player Head Coach Steve Thompson knows it will be tough.

"Southport will be a difficult proposition because essentially the points are as vital to them as they are for us, albeit for different reasons", said Thompson.

"Unfortunately, my name has been added to our injury list, so I definitely won't be out there on Saturday. I will just be wearing my head coach's hat!"

"Murray Fishlock, Phil Simpson and Steve Stott are all still sidelined because of injury. Matt Hayfield is still not quite fit enough to return to our Conference side, but he should be back in action next Wednesday at Taunton Town in the quarter-finals of the Somerset Premier Cup".

Head Coach Steve Thompson has admitted that his game at Hayes on Tuesday could be his last of the season. The game at Hayes was only his second competitive start, with a series of calf muscle injuries restricting him to competing in just six matches this season, most from the substitute's bench.

Speaking as part of his regular post match review of the game, Steve said "I might have to consider leaving it for the rest of the season. By allowing the three months now and the two months over the summer break, I can try and clear the problem". If so, the succession of injuries will end up putting Steve out of the game for over a year, and at 37 years old, Thommo must be wondering whether it will be time for him to hang up his boots.

This Saturday's Screwfix Direct League fixture has been postponed. The scheduled fixture saw Yeovil Town's Reserve side at home to Chippenham Town but this has been called off due to Chippenham's involvement in the FA Vase this weekend.

For those unable to get to Southport, but still wanting their fix of Green & White football, Stuart Housley's Youth Team take on Newport County at Huish Park's Top Pitch, kick-off 11:00am, as they attempt to extend their unassailable lead at the top of the SWEB South-West Counties Youth League.

The Clarion reports on the appointment of David Webb as...well, the paper doesn't seem entirely sure what Webb's precise role at the club is, describing him as technical Director of Football at one point and as a consultant elsewhere. The paper speculates as to head coach Steve Thompson's reaction to the appointment and wonders if Thommo's decision not to move house to Yeovil until the end of the season is in any way connected. Fat Harry quotes Thommo as saying, " If David Webb's presence at the club will be of benefit to me then I welcome the appointment. He is a friend of Norman Hayward and I hope his experience will help us all at Yeovil Town."

The long-term damage cortisone injections can cause to players later on in life has been highlighted in the national press lately - The Clarion reports on the problems YTFC Commercial Manager Alan Skirton has suffered after receiving regular cortisone injections when playing for Blackpool in the 60's, including one hip replacement with another to follow...

Today's Western Gazette leads on the return of former head coach Colin Lippiatt to Huish Park with Kingstonian for the FA Trophy clash on February 26, with Lippiatt telling the paper how much he is looking forward to returning to the West Country, saying,"..we know when we go to Yeovil you are guaranteed three things - good facilities, a good pitch and a good crowd and atmosphere. I am pleased that Yeovil have done well since I left. I have a lot of time for the players and supporters. When I left there was no animosity - I decided to leave off my own back. I feel that I did a good job for Yeovil Town and I never had any problems with the players and supporters." No mention of the board in that list, Colin!

In other news the paper reports that club captain Steve Stott has begun training again following his lengthy injury lay-off and hopes to begin playing again by the end of February. The Gazette also says that Glovers transfer target Wade Elliot (or Elliot Wade, as the Gazette describes him) has now signed for Bournemouth on an 18-month contract. According to the paper the Cherries paid Bashley £5,000 for the midfielder, with a sell-on clause included.

Finally the Gazette reports on the launch of the Independent Barmy Army, the magazine of the YTISA which went on sale at Bedford last weekend, selling out its 100 copies. A reprint has been ordered, further copies going on sale at Southport this weekend. Editor Tim Lancaster is actively inviting contributions - phone him on 01935 817060 for details. ISA chairman Mark Kelly is quoted as saying, "The association is gathering momentum - we currently have 190 members - and this magazine is another venture in order to boost funds." For more information on the YTISA phone Mark on 01935 412236.

Paul Chesterman, who organises the Yeovil Town Internet Man of the Match results, has revealed the leading contenders in the Internet Player of the Season race.

The latest totals, which include Saturday's game at Bedford, read as follows:

COMMENTS

The points are calculated by dividing the points gained in each match by the total number of voters for that match, these are totalled and divided by the number of appearances, plus a factor for each appearance.

Paul Chesterman can be contacted at ytfc.motm@dtn.ntl.com

A date of March 3rd has been set for the latest events in the murder trial of former Yeovil Town player Paul Muir. Muir died on January 3rd as the result of head injuries inflicted last August, and the latest date is to allow "plea and practice directions" to be arranged according to the Western Daily Press.

In the latest court session, held at the Old Bailey in London, the younger man connected with the alleged murder has been named as Martin Donoghue, 17, of Swallow Close, New Cross, South London. The other previously named man is Martin Sweeney, aged 21, of Heathfield Gardens, Croydon. Neither man made an application for bail at the court session.

Yeovil Town striker Warren Patmore has been once again selected for the England Semi-Professional squad - his fourth consecutive selection for the squad containing the cream of non-league football. He will travel to Italy for a game on March 1st, in the return leg of last season's 'home' match. More details of this match will be available shortly.

The team selection, which is likely to include at least one Kingstonian player, has meant that Yeovil's scheduled league match with Kingstonian is likely to be now postponed, although this is yet to be officially confirmed. The trip to Italy will also mean that any possible FA Trophy replay between the two sides will be pushed back one week, which would impact on the Rushden & Diamonds fixture at Nene Park. Maybe it is just as well that Yeovil did not progress in tonight's NMT Quarter-Final tie, as that would have meant scheduling two extra fixtures against Kingstonian!

Head Coach Steve Thompson had reacted positively to what looks to be the tie of the round in today's FA Trophy Fifth Round draw (for the full draw, see today's earlier news article). Yeovil Town face four times FA Trophy winner Geoff Chapple and former Yeovil boss Colin Lippiatt as they play Kingstonian on February 26th at Huish Park, following their 4-0 win at Bedford on Saturday.

Thompson reacted to the draw saying "It's a very attractive tie for both teams, but probably one that neither team would have wanted. I'm very happy that we're at home, because I don't like going to Kingstonian as there's very little atmosphere there".

Thompson played under Geoff Chapple during many of his successful FA Trophy matches at Woking, and says of his counterpart, "I get on well with Geoff, and I respect him as a manager, but one of us is going to go out. Let's hope Geoff has had all his wins as a manager, and that it is us that goes through".

Yeovil Town travel to Church Road in Hayes tomorrow for their Nationwide MacMillan Trophy Quarter Final match against Hayes, where the winners of the tie will come up against Kingstonian in the semi-finals, who are also Yeovil's FA Trophy opponents.

Head Coach Steve Thompson plans to name himself in the squad, alongside Paul Steele and Paul Tisdale who, like Thompson, did not feature in the 4-0 win at Bedford on Saturday.

Thompson revealed "I'm going to make a few changes tomorrow. It's important that other players come in, and feel confident about coming into a winning set-up. We've had some testing games recently, with three 2-1 wins and we've really had to work hard to keep the three points or the Trophy win".

Hayes expect to see midfielder Ryan Spencer returning from injury following a head wound in the British Universities 1-0 victory over an FA XI in which Spencer grabbed the solitary goal. Defender Jason Goodliffe will not line-up due to suspension.

Yeovil Town's Screwfix Direct Reserves side crashed 5-2 at Elmore on Saturday, with former Plymouth Argyle man Andy Sergeant grabbing a second half hat-trick to take the tie away from Yeovil after they had matched their hosts for much of the game.

At Horsdon Park in Tiverton, the Eagles took the lead through Sergeant's strike partner Adam Stansfield after around 40 minutes, but Yeovil equalised a minute later from Richard Spiller. The Yeovil winger had been thwarted twice by the Elmore keeper in the space of a couple of minutes, but finally got lucky third time round, after he had made a strong run up the wing, played a quick one-two with a Yeovil team mate, and slotted the ball past the keepers right hand with the linesman ruling that his shot had crossed the line.

With the score tied at 1-1 over the half time break, Elmore took an early second half lead when Ian Simmons scored with a header following a Mark Thomas cross. But Yeovil responded again when Jon Hayter headed home from a Yeovil cross with 61 minutes gone.

But this was the cue for Sergeant to get in on the act, and he got his first after Stansfield had returned the favour for the first goal, then quickly latched onto his second by rounding the Yeovil goalkeeper and firing home from an acute angle. Simmons sent away Sergeant for his third chance in quick succession, and the experienced striker rounded two Yeovil defenders before firing home from the edge of the area.

Following the match, Yeovil Reserves Manager described three of the Elmore goals as "Monty Python defending" saying "I'm disappointed because things had been going quite well for us. We've just got to pick ourselves up and get back into winning ways. It's as simple as that".

Tonight's Bristol Ceefax, with thanks to Tom Brown, carries the following report:

Yeovil Town head coach Steve Thompson hopes his new football advisor Dave Webb can help find the players he wants.

The Conference High-fliers are chasing honours on three fronts and Thompson is looking for new faces.

"He knows a lot of people at a lot of clubs and if that swings something that wasn't going to happen before , then that helps" said Thompson

"The need to bring in new players is there because of all the fixtures and we need one or two." he added.

The full draw is as follows (ties to be played Sat 26th February)

Worksop Town or Workington v Kettering Town or Walton & Hersham
Southport v Woking or Aldershot Town
Yeovil Town v Kingstonian
Bishop Auckland v Burnham or Scarborough
Billericay Town or Rushden & Diamonds v Marine
Sutton Utd v Dover Athletic
Hyde Utd or Runcorn v Heybridge Swifts
Telford Utd v Worcester City

Yeovil's scheduled Conference game versus Stevenage on 26th Feb has now been postponed, date to be arranged.

"The Under 18's beat Trowbridge 9-2 in the SWEB Youth League. Having missed a hatful of chances in the first hour the team finally punished the vistors with 7 goals in the last 25 minutes. Scorers were Nick Stavri 4, John Vance 2, Adam Manley, Chris Luke and Tom Ovenden."

Ciderspace has now received official confirmation of the appointment of Dave Webb on a non-contract consultancy basis at Yeovil Town Football Club. The Club's Press Release reads as follows:

Dave Webb Joins Yeovil in "Advisory Capacity"

Former Chelsea and Brentford manager Dave Webb has joined Yeovil Town as an advisor on all football matters. He will work with the club's executive director of football Norman Hayward, and the arrangement is on a non-contract consultancy basis.

Webb will also work closely with Player Head Coach Steve Thompson but will in no way influence such decisions as team selection etc.

"Dave has tremendous knowledge of the game, and his expertise will be of great benefit to me as we push on two fronts - the Conference and FA Umbro Trophy", said Steve Thompson.

Club Chairman and Chief Executive John Fry added: "Dave has joined us on what is essentially an informal basis. The arrangement will last until the end of this campaign, and then be reviewed".

"We have an enormous task here at Huish Park, with promotion to the Nationwide League being our number one goal. Other things off the field such as stadium development and our Centre of Excellence project are keeping me really busy these days, so Dave's appointment will, I think, prove to be a real boost to the club as a whole. But as I say, the arrangement at the moment is very much on an informal basis".

Dave Webb was a tough, no nonsense defender, whose real moment of glory came in April 1970, when he headed Chelsea's winner in their FA Cup Final replay against Don Revie's Leeds United.

Reports have reached us via Carol Spencer suggesting that David Webb has now been appointed to the club. Given that Webb was spotted scouting for Yeovil last Saturday (see our story below) it has looked increasingly likely that the former Chelsea man was going to be appointed in some capacity, but the report we have received does not name him as a Director of Football.

The report was on Ceefax, although we are unable to locate it on West Country Ceefax or Teletext. At the time of writing, it is too late to contact the club for an official comment. We will attempt to confirm the following news in the morning, although it should be noted that normally we receive Official Press Releases from the club for such major items of news. We will issue another news item in the morning confirming or denying this report.

Former Chelsea and Brentford manager Dave Webb has joined Yeovil Town as an advisor on all football matters.

He will work closely with Head Coach Steve Thompson but will not influence such decisions as team selection.

"Dave joined us on an informal basis and the arrangement will be reviewed at the end of the season," said club chairman John Fry.

"Our stadium development and Centre of Excellence project are keeping us really busy, Dave is a real boost."

Yeovil Town travel to Bedford on Saturday for the Fourth Round of the FA Trophy, to be played at The Eyrie, with a 3:00pm kick-off.

"We are on a bit of a roll at the moment", says Player Head Coach Steve Thompson. "Three wins on the trot has given us a real boost. We have shown recently that we can battle with the best, but I know we can perform even better".

Yeovil's four long term injuries - Murray Fishlock, Matt Hayfield, Phil Simpson and Steve Stott - are all still sidelined and will miss the Bedford tie.

"Midfielder Paul Tisdale is rated only 50-50 for the Bedford game because of hid ongoing stomach injury", said Thompson.

"I have chosen a 17 man squad for the tie, which includes striker Adrian Foster, who returns following suspension".

Central defender Chris Sparks continues in the reserves, who are away to Elmore in the Screwfix Direct Premier Division.

Elsewhere, Stuart Housley's Youth Side continue the run down to their championship winning season, as they play host to Trowbridge in the SWEB South West Counties Youth League, at Huish Park's Top Pitch, Kick-Off 11:00am.

The Express confirms the story in the Southampton Echo featured on these pages yesterday - that David Webb has recommended Bashley midfielder Wade Elliott to the club. However, in a refreshing change from recent policy at the club and a welcome sign that head coach Steve Thompson is going to be his own man, Thommo is quoted as saying, "David Webb recomended him to us, but I would like to look at him first. I'm not going to be prepared to buy any player who I haven't seen play. I certainly don't want to make the same mistake we did with the likes of Darren Keeling and Paul McGrath." As with the other local papers this week, the Express has no news on the vexed question of the Director of Football appointment and speculates as to whether it will ever come to fruition.

In other news the paper reports that Steve Thompson has yet to decide on the future of triallists Leon Hapgood and Craig Dann, saying he wants "another look" at the pair before deciding anything. Following Swindon's last-minute refusal to allow Steven Cowe to move to Yeovil on loan last week Thommo has decided that his cover at striker is now adequate and Yeovil will not go back for the player.

Finally, the Express reports that FA Trophy opponents Bedford are expecting a big crowd on Saturday - anything from 2,500 to 3,000 in a ground which has a capacity of 3,500. A reminder then that tickets are available in advance from Huish Park - see our Wed 2nd February news story for full details. If a replay proves necessary it will take place at Huish Park next Tuesday 8th February, kick-off 7.45pm.

Alec Stock became one of England's greatest football managers during the Sixties and Seventies, guiding QPR to Wembley success in the 1967 League Cup Final, but this day of glory was just one of many for Alec.

In 1949 he was the Yeovil Town Player-Manager when The Glovers knocked mighty Sunderland out of the FA Cup at the old Huish ground. There followed stints in the boss's chair at a string of clubs, including Leyton Orient, Arsenal, Roma, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers, to name just five.

Last July a special testimonial match was held at Huish Park, involving Yeovil Town and First Division Fulham. Thursday 10th of February will see another special fund-raising event for Alec.

A Testimonial Dinner at Huish Park, beginning at 7.30pm, will include a "Special Show" from former QPR, Fulham, Manchester City & England wizard Rodney Marsh - undoubtedly one of the greatest players this country has ever produced.

Apart from Rodney's after-dinner entertainment, there will also be a talk from former Chelsea and Southampton defender Dave Webb. Dave's name is one all Chelsea fans know, for he was the guy who netted the winner for The Blues in the 1970 FA Cup Final replay against Don Revie's Leeds United at Old Trafford. Not only was it Chelsea's first ever FA Cup success, it was the first Wembley final to go to a replay.

The Gazette reports that there is still no firm news on the appointment of a Technical Director of Football at the club. Mr Fry is quoted as saying: "There is nothing more I can say at the moment, but there will be a major re-shuffling of various operations within the club. There is no room for any risks to be taken at such a crucial time." Controversial former Brentford boss David Webb appeared to be favourite for the role when plans were first announced nearly 3 weeks ago but the continuing delay in announcing the identity of the new man must now cast some doubt as to whether he will in fact be appointed - at least in the role originally envisaged.

In other news the paper reports that squad member Anthony Tonkin played for the British Universities side that beat an FA XI 1-0 at Taunton last Monday. The paper says that the official Glovers website is now due to go live in approximately a fortnight's time and the Independent Supporters Association are due to launch a bi-monthly magazine, entitled Independent Barmy Army, price 50p. The first issue will be on sale at Bedford on Saturday.

According to reports in the Southampton Echo, David Webb was the man working on behalf of Yeovil Town in tracking Bashley midfielder Wade Elliott (see our story yesterday). Webb has not yet been publically appointed at the club, despite strong rumour linking him with the new Director of Football position. However, now it seems that Webb is now working in some capacity within the club, albeit possibily on a freelance basis.

The paper suggests that no formal bid has been made by Yeovil Town yet, but that they are showing keen interest. They also claim that Elliott is being looked at by Arsenal, Spurs and Queens Park Rangers.

Further to our news dated January 19th, confirmation has been received that the Kingstonian league fixture at Huish Park will now be played on Tuesday 29th February.

The fixture is provisional on neither side being involved in any FA Trophy Fifth Round replays during that week.

A similar precedence will operate with Yeovil's Nationwide MacMillan Trophy Quarter Final with Hayes. If Yeovil require a replay with Bedford in Saturday's game in the FA Trophy Fourth Round, then the match at Church Road, Hayes will be called off to accommodate the Bedford replay.

Finally, on Saturday, we ran a report that Steve Thompson had tried to sign on loan Swindon midfielder Steve Howe. Thommo has indicated that the player was in fact Steve Cowe! Our correspondent is off to have his ears syringed ......

Last week, The Clarion informed us that it was "first with the news". Which is true in a way, but only because it does so by cheating! They publish on a Tuesday, which is a cunningly despicable method of ensuring that they are indeed "first" by two days. Perhaps if his two rival papers were to publish on a Monday ......

Of course their ability to get the news first could suffer in future editions, if they continue to refer to our beloved Head Coach as a "hommo", as they manage in the first line of Fat Harry's match report from Kettering. We'll have you know that Mr Thompson is married with three kids! Still, it does continue a trend of missing letters started this year with their unrivalled coverage of Evil Town .....

Inside The Clarion, you'll find that Tony Pounder and his missus Andrea have named their first child (as reported in our Saturday news) Ellice McRae Pounder and that she weighed 7lb 8oz. They promise a picture exclusive in next week's edition! We just hope it will be less scary than the photo of Tony, aged 10, which now regularly adorns The Clarion Mole pages!

Elsewhere, The Clarion is, like Ciderspace getting itchy feet about the lack of news on the much talked about Director of Football position. They reference the large number of postings we have received from Brentford Fans on our Fans Forum saying "the continued delay in confirming the appointment does perhaps suggest there may yet have been a change of plan".

Meanwhile Thommo (that's spelt with a 'T'!) indicates that Matt Hayfield will not be available for the trip to Bedford this weekend, suggesting that he will be back in around 10 days time. There's good news regarding Steve Stott though, with hope that he will be back in three weeks time, provided the doctors give him the go-ahead next week.

Yeovil Town are being linked with moves to sign midfielder Wade Elliott, who plays for Dr Martens League South and Eastern Division Side Bashley, according to reports on ITV Teletext.

The report suggests that Yeovil have been watching Elliott recently, and that they saw him grab two goals for Bashley in their 2-1 win over Sittingbourne on Saturday. The Bashley Web Site says that Elliott's first was a penalty, then describes the second as follows:

"Wade Elliott controlled the ball outside the Bash area and beat a couple of Sittingbourne players, then continuing his run forward, wrong-footing another defender and unleashing a thirty yard shot into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. It was quite simply the best goal I have ever seen and deserved to win any game.

The site also describes Elliott as follows in their player profile section

"Young player who has come through the youth set-up and reserves where he is a prolific scorer. Has made a first team spot his own this season and his classy midfield performances have been a revelation".

However, if Yeovil are to sign Elliott, and the reports on Teletext do not indicate how likely that is, they face stiff competition from Nationwide Second Division side Bournemouth. Mel Machin has already taken the midfielder on trial with him playing three matches for Bournemouth Reserves. Subsequently, an offer for the player was rumoured to have been put in, but Bashley turned it down.

Doubtless this latest pair of goals will have seen the youngster's rating rise. Bournemouth, currently strapped for cash, were believed to have offered Bashley only £5,000.

Elliott is a 21 year old student part way through a degree course in communications and sociology at Goldsmiths in London, and so the option of joining a part time club whilst he completes his degree may appeal to him.

All Yeovil Town fans on the Internet have the ability to vote on the game, and can do so by using our Man of the Match Voting Form. Your votes go directly to the MOTM organiser, Paul Chesterman, who assembles the votes and publishes them on our Mailing List.

The results for the month of January are as follows :

Adrian Foster 471
Tony Pennock 354
Jamie Pitman 319
Kevan Brown 236
Warren Patmore 182

C0MMENTS

The points are calculated by dividing the points gained in each match by the total number of voters for that match, these are totalled each month and divided by the number of appearances, plus a factor for each appearance.

Tickets for sale at the club are for the terrace only and are priced at £5 (£2.50 concessions), no limit per person. Tickets will be on sale at Huish Park between 9.30am - 4pm today (Tuesday) and Wednesday; and from 9.30am until 7pm Thursday and Friday.