Local Press Review :

This week's edition of the Clarion 2000 makes interesting and, appropriately enough seeing as it's Halloween, scary reading for YTFC fans. According to Fat Harry, scouts from clubs from all over the country are now converging on Huish Park following the Glovers superb start to the season and it is only a matter of time before someone comes in with a big money bid for one of Yeovil's up-and-coming stars.

Former manager David Webb is quoted as saying that he made a promise to director Norman Hayward that he would not bid for any of the Yeovil squad - unless they became available for transfer. The Clarion also quotes him as saying that, "other clubs keep ringing to seek my advice on some of Yeovil’s players - in particular Belgrave, Way, Crittenden, Skiverton and Patmore."

Webb goes on to say in the piece, "If the Directors hold their nerve this team is quite capable of gaining promotion and I sincerely hope they do. But if they decide to sell then I want to be around to have first refusal. The players are more than capable of holding their own in the third or second division"

Scary stuff, but according to the Clarion the powers-that-be at the club are not contemplating selling anyone at present with chairman John Fry claiming, "We are not a selling club," [er, since when? -ed] and manager Colin Addison saying, "I’ve only been here for three weeks so believe me I’ve no intention of selling any players. I’ve hardly had the time to really assess what I’ve got yet so there is no way that selling a player or players has really come into the equation."

The Clarion quotes John Fry further, the chairman saying, "it’s the manager’s decision at the end of the day and as far as I am concerned there is no financial need to sell any of the players."

It's a cracking piece by Fat Harry and well worth a read. One hopes that everyone quoted above is being sincere in what they say and that the Yeovil board do not make the same mistake they made with Howard Forinton by letting any of our players go too soon and too cheaply. Until the end of the season Ciderspace hope's the board will take a tip from the kids of Grange Hill and - Just Say No!^*

^* Unless it's for silly money of course! Even Ciderspace might be tempted by a 7-figure fee for BB....

Auto Windscreens have branded the Football League 'greedy' after failing to reach an agreement for the sponsorship of the Shield competition. The sponsors appear to have withdrawn their backing for the 2000-01 competition, claiming the League hiked up the costs by a whopping 65 per cent.

It means the proposed six-year deal with Auto Windscreens is likely to be scrapped and the competition is without a sponsor just six days ahead of the draw for this season's First Round.

Auto Windscreens' head of marketing Graham Frisby said: "I'm afraid the Football League is being greedy.

"With Wembley closed down for the next three seasons we are going to lose our big glamour day. No decision has been made on the future final venue - it could be anywhere.

"We wanted a new contract, but the League is holding out for more money. I honestly don't know where it leaves the competition."

League officials claim they have a lucrative deal with another new sponsor lined up, but with the draw due to start on Saturday and the competition underway in December, time is running out.

A League spokesman said: "We have not announced a new sponsor as yet but expect a new deal to be confirmed very soon."

Last season's Wembley final, which saw Stoke City beat Bristol City 2-1, attracted a crowd of over 75,000 - bigger than the attendance at the Worthington Cup final.

This season's competition will include sides from the Conference, with eight teams being invited into the First Round draw.

Thanks to Ian Cole for spotting the above. It now appears that the draw for the competition - whatever it ends up being called - will be put back until mid-November. Here at Ciderspace we are wondering, not for the first time, whether the disruption and extra fixtures this competition will bring is worth it.

The Football League insist that a sponsor will be found in time for next Saturday, when the draw is due to be made. However Ciderspace has evidence from two different clubs that this was not the date originally scheduled for the draw, so it would appear that all may not be as well behind the scenes as the Football League would have us believe.

John Moules, chief executive of the Conference, claims that a formal invitation has already been issued to include eight Non-League clubs, and that sponsorship problems will not effect this. Whilst hoping he is right Ciderspace notes that the FL spokesperson actually said: Although the inclusion of the eight Conference teams has not been announced publicly we would expect them to be part of the first round draw next week. We would read this as that the deal is not 100% cut and dried as Moules states, and whilst very likely that Conference clubs will be involved a new sponsor could decide they didn't want us in. Whatever the outcome, it does seem fairly certain that it's not going to be the Auto Windscreens Shield we'll be playing in come December.

The Bratherton household have produced three proposed new designs, but YTISA wants to give all its members the chance to choose the new logo that will be used on all future merchandising and communication. Voting will take place at the forthcoming YTISA AGM; however, members have a chance to vote by proxy on the Internet prior to the event.

To vote for the design you would like to see on all future YTISA output, head here.

Note that only current YTISA members are elligible to cast their vote.

Terry says it's: ...... a big game for everybody. Everyone is up for it. They've all got a bit of a buzz and Saturday is the one we're looking forward to. Everyone will be pumping themselves up. A lot of people thought we would fall away and that spurred us on a bit, no doubt about it. There's a great atmosphere about the place as well and everyone has smiles on their faces. Rushden are the ones who have to win this one.

Whether Rushden are feeling the pressure is anyone's guess but The Non-League paper claims they are declining to speak to anyone other than their local paper, the Northants Evening Telegraph. Manager Brian Talbot says: We're just fed up with the way we're always represented as 'big-spending' and 'money-bags'. So the chairman and I have decided to let the football do the talking. On a slightly more bizarre note [well, Talbot getting upset is nothing unusual], Skiverton revealed how the new manager Colin Addison had impressed his new team: He's clicked with the players straight away.All the lads are really impressed. He has settled into the way of things here - and already paid three fines into the players' pool for wearing flip-flops in the shower. Er, there's no accounting for taste!

Meanwhile Huish Park favourite and revelation Barrington Belgrave has been sharing some thoughts with Richard Rae. What will interest Yeovil fans most is how he sees his future, particularly after ex-manager David Webb expressed an interest in taking him to Roots Hall last week. Bazza says: Do I see Yeovil as a stepping stone back to the League? Yes, of course. I signed a two-year contract; whether I see it out, who knows, though it would certainly help if the second year was in the Third Division.
Can we keep it going? At the moment we're confident and everyone's buzzing, but it's not a big squad and we're very young so if we start picking up injuries, yes we could struggle. But at least the youngsters are getting experience all the time.

Belgrave reveals that he has set himself a target of 20 goals this season, but is still not entirely sure about his best position. It depends whether I'm scoring. If I am. I'll tell people I'm a centre-forward, if I'm not I'll say I'm an attacking midfielder. Obviously being only five foot eight inches tall means I'm never going to be a target man, but I like to move about, out wide one minute, inside the next. I think that these days it's important to show you're comfortable in many positions. That's one of the reasons we're doing well as a team, players can move about, attack and defend, change angles. When I came on loan at the end of last seasson what I liked about Yeovil was the amount of training that was done with the ball. I mean, we still do the hard work - there were plenty of hills in pre-season - but the emphasis is on technique. And what does Bazza think about the Rushden game? Might as well be straight about it. We're really not suited to defend; we haven't much pace at the back. We' ll go out and do what we do best - be positive and hope it works out. So say us all, Bazza, so say us all!

Wycombe v Harrow Borough
Lincoln City v Bracknell Town
Northampton v Frickley
Kidderminster v Boston Utd or Burton Albion
Barnet v Hampton & Richmond Borough
Havant & Waterlooville or Gloucester v Doncaster or Southport
Gravesend v Notts County
Cheltenham v Shrewsbury
Cambridge Utd v Rochdale
Brentford v Kingstonian
Forest Green v Morecambe
Kettering v Hull City
Macclesfield v Oxford Utd
Wrexham v Rotherham
Bournemouth v Swansea City
Swindon v Ilkeston
Chesterfield v Bristol City
Cambridge City or Canvey Island v Port Vale
Chester City v Plymouth Argyle
Hendon or Dagenham & Redbridge v Hayes
Aldershot or Dover v Brighton
Blackpool v Hinckley or Telford Utd
Stoke City v Nuneaton or Stevenage
Halifax v Gateshead
Billericay or Hednesford v Oldham
Barrow v Leyton Orient
Cardiff City v Bristol Rovers
YEOVIL TOWN or Horsham v Colchester Utd
Carlisle v Woking
Leigh RMI v Millwall
Darlington v AFC Sudbury
Walsall v Exeter City
Burscough or Radcliffe B v York City
Scunthorpe v Hartlepool
Luton v Rushden & Diamonds
Mansfield v Peterborough
Wigan v Dorchester or Welling
Reading v Northwood or Grays
Bury v Northwich Victoria
Torquay Utd v Southend Utd

The club have said that all tickets for next Saturdays top-of-the-table clash with Rushden at Nene Park have now been sold. Approximately 1,200 Yeovil supporters have tickets for the game.

We can but hope that Webb sticks to his word, and doesn't try to lure current Huish Park favourite Barrington Belgrave away to League football this soon. And if Southend becomes convinced that Bazza is the man for them? Then the price will have to be right, says Ciderspace. We can but hope our board takes the same attitude.

Unless Hayes have a F.A. Cup replay, and their game against Diamonds is therefore postponed on October 31st, this will leave Darby available for the match against Yeovil Town on November 4th.

Whilst pleased that a player has not been suspended for something it is now clear he didn't do Ciderspace does wonder where this leaves clubs. As far as we know this is a precedent at Conference level. Will all clubs now have to try and ensure there is video evidence available for every game they play, or leave themselves at a disadvantage to others who can use it to appeal against disciplinary action whilst they can't? And will the F.A. be able to demand such evidence be submitted to them if an opposition team claims the referee missed a significant incident?

Local Press Review :

Today's edition of the Western Gazette leads on Saturday's upcoming FA Cup match v Horsham, with the visitors boss John Maggs warning the Glovers not to underestimate his side. Maggs is quoted as saying: "The FA Cup always throws up a few shocks as Yeovil have found to their benefit in the past. There is no doubt we are the underdogs in this game, but I think come 4.45pm on Saturday Yeovil's fans will be surprised at how well a little Ryman League club can play....We are going there [Huish Park] brimming with confidence. All my players are looking forward to the game and it is going to be a massive game for Horsham Football Club. But have no doubts about it - we are going there to get a win and cause an upset and Yeovil will underestimate us at their peril."

The paper quotes Colin Addison as saying:"We all know what the FA Cup means to clubs like Yeovil who have a great tradition in the competition. It is a big game for us and for Horsham and we will be preparing for it in the way we usually do. We will not underestimate them."

The Gazette reports that captain Terry Skiverton will be missing from Saturday's team, suspended following his dismissal in the 2-2 draw at Hereford earlier this month, but midfielder Darren Way, injured in the 3-1 win over Kingstonian last weekend, is expected to be fit.

In other news, the Gazette publishes details of the Green and Whites Supporters Club AGM, held last week at Huish Park. According to the G&WSC's secretary, Gayle Franklin, membership of the club now stands at "around 250". Despite that, the G&WSC's balance sheet showed a shortfall of £228.92 compared to a surplus of £3,626.31 the previous year. The club shop took £595 less than the previous year and the programme shop's takings were also down, by £229. Programme commission came to £1,087 as opposed to £4,733.04 in the previous year. The club shop is now being managed by the club themselves, not the G&WSC.

The Green & Whites gave more to the club than they had the previous year, to the tune of £1,931.64. Travel costs were reduced by £1,598.81, however income from away travel was also reduced, by £3,536.08 on the previous year.

G&WSC members Zoe Caswell, Tim Bourbon, Shirley Beaton and Tony Streetin were elected to the committee, and, according to the Gazette, Colin Addison has asked the G&WSC to arrange a new Meet The Manager night for the near future.

The club's Official Website has announced that a final decision on a further allocation of tickets to Glovers fans for the Rushden game on 4th November will be taken by the Northamptonshire club tomorrow, Thursday. It seems that the final decision will depend on how well or poorly ticket sales to home fans have gone. There are mixed messages coming from Nene Park, with some sources inside the club saying that sales to Rushden fans are "slow", but others claiming they are "brisk". We will see tomorrow!

Newsflash!
Actually we won't see tomorrow, we now know : Just 30 minutes after uploading the above the club announced on the Official Website that Rushden have made a further 200 tickets available for YTFC fans. They are to go on sale from the club this Saturday 28th October from 12 noon. Supporters will be limited to 2 tickets per purchaser, first come first served.

Finally, internet bookies Blue Square have posted their latest odds for the Conference title this season, they make the Glovers 2nd favourites at 15/8^* with Rushden still very much odds-on at 4/5.

The odds in full:

Rushden & Diamonds 4/5
Yeovil 15/8
Hereford 11/1
Chester 12/1
Southport 14/1
Doncaster 20/1
Dagenham, Stevenage 25/1
Scarborough 28/1
Leigh RMI 50/1
Hayes, Telford, Morecambe 66/1
Boston 80/1
Woking, Dover 100/1
Hednesford, Nuneaton 150/1
Kettering, Forest Green 200/1
Kingstonian 300/1
Northwich 750/1

[^* Makes my fiver at 18-1 each-way at the start of the season look rather good! -Ed]

Barrington Belgrave storms through for his second goal against the K's

A video of Saturday's 3-1 win over Kingstonian is now available from London based videographer Andrew Eggleton. Andrew has produced videos for several past Yeovil Town games, and was responsible for the production of the recent Hayes video at Church Road, which is still available.

The Kingstonian video is priced at £10.00. However, it can also be purchased as a "double-header" with the recent 3-2 win over Hayes, on a single tape for just £15.00.

To order your video, send a cheque made payable to Andrew Eggleton for £10.00 (or £15.00 if you are ordering the "double-header") which includes postage and packing in the UK.

Send your cheque to Andrew Eggleton, 57 Rectory Grove, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 1AH

For further enquiries contact Andrew on (0208) 287 6784.

Warren Patmore knocked in the equalizer on 49 minutes after a splendid passing move and Barrington Belgrave put the Glovers ahead on 72 minutes. Belgrave sealed the win with what could well be the goal of the season 4 minutes later, beating 3 men on a mazy, jinking run before firing an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net. The official website's match report can be found here.

In other results yesterday 2nd-placed Rushden went down 2-1 away to fast-improving Morecambe, who impressed fans at Huish Park last month when they were narrowly defeated 3-2 by the Glovers. Hereford are back into 3rd place following their 4-2 home win over Dover, 11 points behind leaders Yeovil.

The first F.A. XI game will be versus the Unibond Northern Premier League XI at Lancaster on November 20th (k.o. 7.30 pm). This will be followed by fixtures against the Dr. Martens Southern League XI at Crawley on November 21st (k.o. 7.30 pm); and the Ryman Isthmian League XI at Boreham Wood on November 22nd (k.o. 7.30 pm). A fourth fixture will take place against the British Students XI at a venue yet to be announced somewhere in the Midlands in January 2001.

All members of the YTISA are encouraged to attend the meeting which will give them the chance to have their say in the running of the organisation. The ISA's committee for 2000-01 will consist of 7 members - chairman Mark Kelly, secretary Sara Brimble, a treasurer, public relations officer and 3 committee members.

So far Steve Sowden and Stewart Bratherton have been proposed and seconded for the posts of PR officer and treasurer respectively, whilst Colin Turner and Simon Gerring have been nominated as committee members. More volunteers are required however!

Secretary Sara Brimble says: "If you feel you could offer your time and services and would like to be considered for election onto the committee, you are requested to find a proposer and seconder and forward your name to me by November 15. The annual meeting will give us all the chance to meet and have a drink with all the other members of the association. Remember - this is the chance for you to have your say."

The YTISA can be contacted via email at ytisa@ytisa.screaming.net, alternatively phone 01935 412236, or write to YTISA, 233 St Johns Road, Yeovil, BA21 5QR.

The Glovers will now face Screwfix Direct Premier League outfit Taunton Town in Round 2, set to take place at Huish Park, Weds 22nd November, 7.45pm kick-off.

The club also now know who they will be playing in the next round of the Nationwide Variety Club Trophy (AKA Mickey-Mouse Cup) - Kettering drew the short straw by unluckily beating Hereford on Tuesday night at Edgar Street, by 1-0. The Glovers entertain the Poppies at Huish Park on Tues 5th December, kick-off 7.45pm

For more details and to order a copy of the fanzine phone Mark and Sara on 01935 412236, or email ytisa@ytisa.screaming.net

New material for the fanzine is always welcome - the copy deadline for the next issue is 1st November. Email your submissions to the address above, or post it to: Independent Barmy Army, 51, Northbrook Road, Yeovil, BA21 5RG

^* The YTISA's first Annual General Meeting is being held at The Armoury Inn, Yeovil, on 16th November at 7.00pm.

Two new articles have appeared on the Official Nationwide Conference Web Site that read as follows:

Addison's FA Cup warning (17 Oct)

When it comes to non-league records in the FA Cup, Yeovil Town hold them all.

They have appeared in the first round proper 47 times, and have knocked out 18 Football League clubs in an amazing series of giant killings.

This week's home draw against Horsham in the final qualifier looked to be a case of beginner's luck for new manager Colin Addison.

But Addison is working hard to keep feet on the ground as the Glovers prepare to entertain the lowly Ryman League club.

"I'm delighted with a home draw, but there's nothing easy in the FA Cup," he said.

"It's a potential banana skin."

Risbridger ready for next step (17 Oct)

Two years ago Yeovil Town had a call from a 16-year-old London lad who told them "I want to come and play for your youth team, fight my way into the reserves, and then into the first team."

Although the club were unable to initially offer Gareth Risbridger any sort of contract, they gave him his chance and he is now on the verge of the first team squad.

Coach Steve Thompson said: "He is a central midfielder with a lot of potential. He has established himself in the reserves and I would not be surprised to see him featuring in the first team before the end of the season."

"It's an example of what can be done with the right attitude and determination."

The draw in full (Conference teams in bold) :

Bamber Bridge / Gateshead v Stalybridge Celtic / Billingham Town
Easington Colliery v Chester City
Barrow v Gainsborough Trinity / Whitley Bay
Witton Albion / Burscough v Radcliffe Borough
Sheffield v Northwich Victoria
Bedlington Terriers v Morecambe
Scarborough v Leigh RMI
Doncaster Rovers v Southport
Mossley / Frickley Athletic v Hyde United
Boston United v Tamworth / Burton Albion
Hinckley United v Telford United
Nuneaton Borough v Stevenage Borough
Hucknall Town v Ilkeston Town
Harrow Borough / Stafford Town v Enfield
Hendon v Dagenham & Redbridge
Rushden & Diamonds v Purfleet / Grantham Town
Cambridge City v Canvey Island
Belper Town v AFC Sudbury / Leek Town
Billericay Town v Hednesford Town
Northwood v Grays Athletic
Chesham United v Kettering Town
Forest Green Rovers v Bath City
Havant & Waterlooville v Gloucester City
Aylesbury United v Bracknell Town
Gravesend & Northfleet v Mangotsfield United
Dorchester Town v Welling United
Yeovil Town v Horsham
Hayes v Dulwich Hamlet / Lewes
Aldershot Town v Dover Athletic
Kingstonian v Devizes Town
Hampton & Richmond Borough v Worcester City
Woking v Hereford United

This year's Annual General Meeting takes place on Thursday, October 19 at 7.30pm in the Directors' Boardroom at Huish Park. Members only.

His policy will be to not fix what ain't broke, and he also confirmed that Steve Thompson would remain in his present post. "I'm very proud to be Yeovil's manager. I'm a Somerset boy and I've always admired this club. Dave [Webb] has done a good job here and the club has had a great start. Now I have to make sure I keep up the good work. I'm not here to make a bundle of changes. Let's have a look and see what we need first."

Addison and his wife are happily settled in Herefordshire and will not move lock, stock and barrel. There are rumours that this position caused some friction with his last club Scarborough, but he has already made it clear that commuting from the Welsh borders is not a serious option and he'll be seeking a second home of some sort closer to Huish Park. When asked about the views of Mrs Addison on his quick return to full-time football at the age of 60 Colin replied: "She was very pleased for me, really. I'm back in an area I know and love and that makes us both happy."

Yeovil Town came back from a goal deficit to take all 3 points at the Drill Field this afternoon, beating hosts Northwich Victoria by 2-1. The Vics had the better of the first half and went into the break one-up after a Mark Devlin effort; however the Glovers came back strongly in the second half, Ben Smith equalizing in the 55th minute with an 8-yard volley and Darren Way ensuring the win with an 81st minute penalty after being fouled in the box. The official website's match report can be found here.

The result means that Yeovil stay top of the table on 35 points from 15 games. Rushden remain second after their 1-0 home win over Hereford, a single point behind and having played the same number of games. Chester City are third, 10 points behind but with a game in hand.

^*Glovers' victorious, geddit? Please yourselves....

Spencer, who is 37 years old, was playing for local sides such as Ilminster Town and Sherborne Town but has now headed for Shaftesbury, where Coates became this manager at the start of this season.

Coates is quoted as saying about the 104 goal striker, "Micky is doing me a big favour by coming to play for us. He does not have the kind of pace he was famous for at Yeovil but he has a good footballing brain and that is just what we need at the moment. We have a young side at Shaftesbury this season and someone of Micky’s experience will be a big plus for us. I am sure he can weigh in with a few goals as well."

Ciderspace waits with baited breath, for the return to football of Neil Cordice. Watch this space; it can only be a matter of time!

More seriously, today's papers reveal that Addison - like his predecessor David Webb - will be working on a non-contract basis at Huish Park. The new boss is quoted by the Western Gazette as saying: "I have joined on a non-contract basis but that does not bother me. I am confident in my own ability to do this job and I do not think a contract is necessary to do that. I have no intention to move on. I have done plenty of moving in my career and I am happy to stay where I am."

The Yeovil Express puts an interesting slant on Addisons appointment by asserting that the former Atletico Madrid boss was not one of the 40-odd names who actually applied for the job, but was approached by the Yeovil board specifically - the only person to be so approached.

Speaking about the team he has inherited, Addison told the Gazette: "We are top of the league, playing with confidence and scoring goals and I saw some very good things at Hereford on Saturday and at Woking on Tuesday night. I shall be talking to everyone at the club and seeing what is what, but I will not come in and make changes right, left and centre because it is not needed."

"We have some very good, young players and when you have those the bigger clubs are always going to be interested. But we want to build a team and keep our best players together and build something. That is what David Webb has started and that is what I want us to carry on."

Asked about whether he would be moving to the Yeovil area, Addison replied: "My home is in Hereford and it would be difficult to commute here every day, so I will be staying down. This job has got to be done properly and professionally - I know David Webb did that while he was here."

All of the local press seem broadly supportive of the appointment. As Fat Harry in the Clarion puts it: "The general concensus amongst the fans that a manager with experience was a must following Webb’s departure. Well, in Colin Addison they can surely have no complaints. Let’s all get behind him and the team and see if that Holy Grail of league football can finally be achieved. He is certainly starting from a position of strength."

Can't say fairer than that!

Two new articles have appeared on the Official Nationwide Conference Web Site that read as follows:

Addison keen to keep young stars (10 Oct)

New boss Colin Addison is aware that it could be increasingly difficult to keep his young Yeovil Town stars at Huish Park.

One Sunday newspaper hailed midfield Nick Crittenden, the former Chelsea player, as another Muzzy Izzet.

Another midfielder, Darren Way, has been constantly watched since his summer arrival following a trial with Bristol Rovers.

In addition, striker Barrington Belgrave has received a national award as the Conference's player of the month for September. [Note: The club's Official Site report that this is for August]

Addison said: "It is inevitable that scouts flock to watch a young side that is going well."

"But I've seen at previous clubs that form can drop when promising young players pay too much attention to the newspapers, so I want to keep speculation at arms length."

Addison aware of challengers (10 Oct)

Although Yeovil Town and Rushden & Diamonds are pulling ahead in the Conference title race, the Glovers' new boss Colin Addison believes there are four or five teams who are serious contenders rather than just two.

Addison, 60, took over at Huish Park on Monday after the departure of David Webb to Southend.

He was born a few miles down the road from the Yeovil ground and said: "As a Somerset man I would love to take this club into the Nationwide League."

"It's a change for me to come into a club that is top of a league rather than at the bottom and I want things to carry on as they are, there certainly won't be any sudden changes."

London based videographer Andrew Eggleton has once again given Yeovil Town fans the chance to get a copy of one of the recent Nationwide Conference matches.

You can own a copy the 90 minute video of our 3-2 win over Hayes, for just £10.00. Andrew will donate £2.00 of each video sold to Yeovil Town Football Club.

To order your video, send a cheque made payable to Andrew Eggleton for £10.00, which includes postage and packing in the UK.

Send your cheque to Andrew Eggleton, 57 Rectory Grove, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 1AH

For further enquiries contact Andrew on (0208) 287 6784. We have dealt with Andrew before, and even own a copy of the video he did for our 1-0 away win over Kingstonian last season. The footage is from an amateur source, but is about as good as you can get without hiring the BBC out to do it for you!

Er, let's try again. In an uninspired tedious encounter, described by our man on the spot as "dire", 445 fans with more loyalty than sense saw Yeovil Town beat Woking for the third time this season. A goal on 61 minutes from Warren Patmore avoided the horror of extra time and Yeovil progressed to the quarter-finals of the Nationwide Variety Club Trophy. Our opponents will be either Kettering or Hereford who battle on the 17th of October for the honour of a visit to Huish Park......... Zzzzzzzzzz.

Suffering from insomnia? Find the perfect cure by reading how Yeovil progressed, on the Official Site Match Report.

Meanwhile tonight's NVCT game v Woking at Kingfield is expected to go ahead following a pitch inspection; however tomorrow evening's Somerset Premier Cup tie at Wellington of the Screwfix League Div 1 has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. Not a problem one would normally associate with with the word Wellington.....

Addison: We can make the step to glory

NEW Yeovil Town boss Colin Addison yesterday faced up to the task of taking a non-league side into the Football League for the second time in his career.

And the 60-year-old insists that there are striking similarities between the Glovers current situation and the one he faced when he took Hereford up back in 1972.

"There are definitely parallels that can be drawn between the two clubs," said Addison, who has also managed Derby County, Newport County, Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid.

"For a start they both have great traditions and have done well in the FA Cup over the years.

"Yeovil remind me so much of how Hereford were all those years ago except they've got a super stadium as well.

"Both clubs have big catchment areas and are capable of supporting a Football League team.

"It's my job to help Yeovil achieve their aim and make it into the league, but it won't be easy.

"There are a lot of good sides in the Conference and with only one side promoted at the end of the season it is difficult.

"We are hoping the situation might change next season and more teams may be promoted, but at the moment the top spot is the only one that matters."

Taunton-born Addison admits that he has always been aware of Yeovil's potential, having spent much of his life in the west country.

"I am originally from Somerset and have got family in Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon so I have retained links with the area," he said.

"I've always kept an eye out for Yeovil's results too and have been to watch games here quite a few times, although I hadn't seen the team play this season until Sunday.

"Since I left Scarborough (after leading them to fourth place in the Conference) at the end of last season I've had a good break and played a fair bit of golf.

"But I've also enjoyed watching matches as a neutral observer at places like Cardiff, Forest Green and Nuneaton, and I've certainly noted a few names down."

But Addison doesn't anticipate making his mark on the Yeovil squad just yet, with the Glovers' youngsters currently riding high at the top of the Nationwide Conference.

"I saw them for the first time against Hereford and I was impressed," he said. "Dave Webb's built a good young side.

"It's my task to keep things going now because being at the top of the table only matters if you are there after the final game of the season.

"There is a big job to be done here as the club is still going through some major changes after switching to being full-time.

"I've got a lot of planning and organisation ahead of me and the long-term aim is to establish Yeovil in the Football League."

The paper claims that Kenny Hibbitt and Kevin Hodges were amongst those on the club's shortlist, but that Addison was the stand-out candidate. On Friday this website featured the claims of Addison and former Southampton boss Dave Merrington (see below) - we still believe the new manager will be one of these men, with the odds now shifting well in favour of Colin Addison.

The club will be making the identity of the new man known tomorrow at 12 noon, via a news conference and the club's Official Website.

NB : The club have since confirmed the news of Colin Addison's appointment as manager at a press conference at Edgar Street, where Yeovil drew 2-2 with Hereford United this afternoon to remain top of the Conference. See the official website's news page for confirmation.

After yesterday's Western Daily Press ruled out former Cardiff City boss Billy Ayre from the running for the Yeovil manager's job, they stuck their flag on former Exeter City manager Terry Cooper, and ex-Cardiff City man Kenny Hibbitt.

However, rather like yesterday's edition of the Bristol-based paper, they follow up today's edition revealing that Cooper and Hibbitt are not in the running for the job, and in fact tell us that the men they have been backing since last Saturday had not even applied for it! Given their track record for predictions, they've certainly not been going to Yeovil Club Chairman John Fry for their crystal ball-gazing!

According to today's edition, the paper claims that Fry's man for the job is "in his early 50’s". It is worth taking that with a slight pinch of salt, given their track record this week, particularly when they claim that "Thompson is said to be happy with the choice, but requested that the appointment be delayed so as not to disrupt his side’s concentration for this weekend’s important game." Yet on the club's Official Site the word from John Fry is that it was the new manager who wanted his appointment delayed, and not Thompson. Indeed, we understand that Thommo is yet to discover the identity of his new boss!

Fry is quoted by the paper as saying "I think our supporters will be surprised but pleased by the appointment. I’ve heard this man’s name being mentioned around the ground today and it seems to have gone down quite well with supporters. He will be a great choice for Yeovil and what impressed me most was how much he wanted to do the job."

Assuming Fry's comments in the WDP and on the Official Site can be deemed to be accurate, then John Fry's tea-leaves seem to be pointing in the direction of former Southampton boss Dave Merrington and former Scarborough manager Colin Addison. Both fit Fry's profile relatively well, and both have strong evidence of being able to develop young players.

Dave Merrington - as a Saint, not a sinner © ColorSport 1995

Dave Merrington, who is 55 years old, has a proven track record of managing young players and turning them into overnight successes. As a player his career was not spectacular, but good enough for him to spend eight years at Burnley, who were then in the old First Division, with Merrington playing as a centre-half. Subsequent clubs included Bristol City, which seems to be the catalyst for his move to the South. Merrington is believed to live in the Romsey area of Hampshire.

He was employed by Southampton for over twenty years in various capacities, interrupted by a spell as Leeds assistant manager under Jimmy Adamson, from 1978-80. As Youth Team Manager, Merrington brought on a whole series of players that have gone on to more famous things, of which Alan Shearer is only the most notable. Matt Le Tissier, the three Wallace brothers and Tim Flowers are just a few of the more famous players who have been coached by Merrington at The Dell, whilst current Glover David Piper and former Glover Paul Tisdale were also products of Merrington's Youth revolution on the South Coast.

When First Team manager Alan Ball left for Maine Road, Merrington was appointed First Team manager in Ball's place in July 1995 but only held the position for a year until June 1996. He did no worse than most Saints managers and even picked up a Manager of the Month award during that season. However boardroom politics preferred the higher profile of arch-failure Graeme Souness and Merrington, with a seriously ill wife in recuperation from a brain tumour was sacked. One source told Ciderspace this week "Southampton's Youth system never really recovered from the loss of Merrington".

In 1998 George Graham brought Merrington into his Leeds set-up to take charge of the Under-19 academy team. Given Merrington's track record, it was no surprise to find a couple of years later, the first team at Elland Road suddenly blossoming with young talent, with Leeds providing a rare and welcome exception to the Premier League tendency to buy in foreign imports. Merrington parted with Leeds, by then under David O'Leary, in September 1999. Ciderspace understands that around that time he had expressed a wish to move back down to the Southampton area, where he now lives. He is not believed to be currently employed in any major footballing capacity.

Colin Addison - a portrait of a manager as a young man © ColorSport 1966

Colin Addison was born in Taunton on 18th May 1940 and is therefore 60 years old. He was a goalscoring inside-forward with York City (1957-61), Nottingham Forest, Arsenal (32 appearances, 10 goals) and Sheffield United, before joining Hereford as player-manager in 1971. He was manager of The Bulls when they were elected to the Football League, and also during their famous FA Cup run that saw them beat Newcastle United at a muddy Edgar Street. Hereford were promoted, however, without Addison winning the Southern League title.

He then went to Durban City in 1974 and when he returned to Britain had 12 months with Newport County (then a League club). He moved on to West Bromwich Albion and from there to Derby County in 1979, presiding over their relegation. They had dire problems when he arrived and he wasn't blamed for the relegation, but a couple of seasons going nowhere in the old Division 2 saw him sacked in 1982.

He went back to Newport County briefly, then off to Spain where he took Celta Vigo from the Second to the First division in 1986-87. There was another spell with West Brom before a return to Spain to manage first Athletico Madrid and then Cadiz.

He returned to Britain yet again, for another spell with Hereford from 1990-91 and then off to Kuwait to coach Al Arabi. Most recently he has been manager of Merthyr Tydfil - who Addison took within a whisker of promotion to the Conference - and Scarborough (seeing them relegated on that dramatic last day two seasons ago after only a few months in charge). Scarborough maintained a creditable position within the Conference, but financial problems at Seamer Road saw his reign cut short. He is believed to live in the Cirencester area and, like Merrington, is not currently employed in any major footballing capacity.

So is it Addison or Merrington? Well neither 100% fit Fry's profile. Addison is no longer "in his 50's", whilst Merrington falls short of any Third Division or Conference experience that Fry claimed was ideal at the start of the week. However, both are highly rated managers, and fit into the sort of post-Dave Webb mould that would suit Fry's aspirations of keeping the ball rolling. Or is it someone else that no-one has thought of? Unlikely, given Fry's claim that he has heard supporters talking about the man in question, but just about ust about possible. Just hold onto your hat and pray that Ian Branfoot and Alan Ball weren't on Mr Fry's shopping list ...

The paper also claims that Chairman John Fry has said that yesterday's resignation of former Plymouth Manager Kevin Hodges does not affect Yeovil's plans for the appointment of the new manager, now expected to be announced on Monday, according to the club's Official Site. The Western Daily Press continues to stake its claim for former Exeter City manager Terry Cooper - now working as a scout for Southampton - and former Cardiff City manager Kenny Hibbitt, currently working in the South Wales media.

None of Yeovil's local papers specifically come out and name any one man as more or less likely to be offered the job - all the usual suspects are mentioned along with the addition of former Southampton manager Dave Merrington and Portsmouth boss Tony Pulis.

Meanwhile, the rumourmill appears to be bringing forward the name of former Wolverhampton Wanderers hot-shot Steve Bull. The striker is believed to be working at Edgar Street, home of Hereford United - Yeovil's opponents on Sunday. If Bull is Fry's man, then the delay could be accounted possibly accounted for by Hereford not wanting to have their man sat in the opposition camp. Cunning guesswork or a whole load of bull? Wait and see ......

Former Cardiff City boss Billy Ayre has now joined the race for the manager's job after Glovers chairman John Fry admitted last night that the club's shortlist has been expanded to six candidates.

And Ayre, who left Cardiff on Monday after a coaching reshuffle, has joined Terry Cooper and Kenny Hibbitt as a frontrunner for the job.

Fry is due to meet with Ayre, who has also managed Blackpool, today and is still hoping to have a new man in place by Saturday.

"We are moving in the right direction and still feel that it is important to have someone in place as quickly as possible to maintain stability," said Fry.

Fry confirmed that all six candidates on the shortlist have had managerial experience in the Football League.

Meanwhile former Conference leaders Rushden & Diamonds lost at newly-promoted Leigh RMI last night to a single goal from Leigh striker Steve Jones. The result means the Glovers leapfrog Diamonds into top spot, by a single point. Dagenham & Redbridge remain 3rd, 7 points behind Yeovil.

The only disappointing aspect of last night's events was the attendance at Huish Park, a comparatively meagre 2,306, poor by Yeovil Town's standards over the years. Doubtless the wet and windy weather put some 'floaters' off, but even so it's a great shame that more locals haven't been encouraged to see some of the best football played by a Yeovil side for a long time. The hard-core regulars seemed to be convinced however - the club announced last night that the initial allocation of 700 tickets for the away match at Rushden next month have all sold out, and have requested an extra 250 tickets for Glovers fans. The tickets are expected to arrive by the weekend - see the club's official website nearer the time for the details.

Hibbitt linked with Yeovil

Yeovil Town are closing in on their new manager after drawing up a shortlist of two names from over 30 applications.

Chairman John Fry met with one of the leading candidates last night and will hold talks with the other this morning as the Glovers look to replace Dave Webb, who has been confirmed as the new Southend manager.

But Fry has revealed that early favourite Jimmy Quinn, the former Swindon boss, has not yet applied for the position.

"We will probably receive more applications tomorrow and will consider those as well," said Fry. "But I can confirm that at the moment Jimmy Quinn has not applied."

The two men currently under consideration both have management experience in the Football League and are based in the South West.

Former Bristol City boss Terry Cooper and Kenny Hibbitt, who left Cardiff last year, are both believed to be in the frame.

Steve Thompson sends Yeovil's team out for tonight's Nationwide Conference clash against Dover at Huish Park with a simple message - "Carry on winning!"

Coach Thompson was put in temporary charge yesterday following a meeting with chairman John Fry.

"He told me that he hoped to have a new manager in place by the end of the week and that suits me," said Thompson, who had been No 2 to David Webb since Webb's arrival at the club six months ago.

"There is no way I would change a winning format, but I am not saying that everything will be exactly the same against Dover.

"At the moment it seems ten players more or less pick themselves but we have several young lads fighting for the No 11 shirt.

"In addition to the obvious ones, Glenn Poole has to come into the reckoning after his hat-trick for the reserves at Dawlish on Saturday."

Thompson said he had no inkling of Webb's departure until after Saturday's match with Morecambe. "He told me just before he told the players. He said he had enjoyed working with me, and I told him the feeling was mutual. He had a lot of qualities that I admired."

Yeovil from: Pennock, Piper, Tonkin, Skiverton, White, Way, Belgrave, Smith, Patmore, Crittenden, Peters, Lindegaard, Poole, Giles, Thompson, Weale, Risbridger.

Yeovil Town's board are moving fast to replace recently departed David Webb. With the reverberations of his resignation announcement after Saturday's home game against Morecambe hardly stilled Chairman John Fry is hoping to be able to reveal the name of the new manager at or before the next match against Dover Athletic on Tuesday night. Whenever the announcement does come Steve Thompson will be in charge for that fixture.
See the Official site for further details.

Yeovil Town Independent Supporters Association have announced plans to take bookings for a third supporters coach to Rushden. The first two coaches are full, and they will run a third coach if there is sufficient demand for it.

Anyone who wishes to travel with YTISA for the Rushden game must pay a deposit of £5. The overall trip costs £10 in total so the remaining £5 will be payable on the day. If you want to book a place e-mail Mark at ytisa@ytisa.screaming.net or Sara at sara.brimble@southsomerset.gov.uk

Cheques should be made payable to YTISA and posted to 233 St Johns Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5QR.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Remember the the match at Nene Park has been made ALL-TICKET by Rushden - to gain admission to the ground you will need to have bought your tickets in advance from YTFC. Tickets are available from today at the club between 10am and 4pm all week and will be available to buy on Saturday at the home game v Morecambe. They cost £8.50 for adults, £5 concessions, £2 under 12's.

As David Webb walked out on Yeovil Town after a little over six months in charge, leaving a team he had re-built in that time in what is currently a two-horse race with Rushden and Diamonds, he said: " I will be bitterly disappointed to leave, but I have received an offer from another club that is just too good to turn down." Ciderspace can confirm from other sources within the club the speculation that this is struggling Southend United who sacked their manager Alan Little last week is true. Webb continued:" I leave behind a very good young squad and if my successor doesn't go silly I believe we have begun to mould a team good enough to get into the Nationwide League. I am also sorry to be leaving behind some good directors including Norman Hayward who head-hunted me."

Hayward, whose connections with Webb go back at least twenty years to their Bournemouth days, was reported to be in a state of complete shock at the turn of events. Presumably he doesn't read his stars! Several board members were still battling to persuade Webb to stay as late as half-time of yesterday's game.

Whilst dismayed at the departure of David Webb, just as there were signs that Yeovil Town might be about to shrug off it's long-standing under-achieving image, the thing that most concerned fans as they absorbed the news in the bars last night was that some of the talented squad Webb had put together would be looking to leave the club as well.

The Chairman gave fulsome praise for what Webb had done for Yeovil Town. "During his brief spell at Huish Park David did a magnificent job. He has given us the professionalism on which to build success. He has left on good terms and will always be welcome back here as a good friend. I am bitterly disappointed for our fans but I wish David every success in his new job. This is one of the best starts to a season since I came to the club six years ago and we're desperate for promotion. It's costing us dear being outside the League. David Webb's departure is a huge blow, of course, but we have to overcome that and move on with our same ambitions. In the six months he has been with us his experience, energy, enthusiasm and potential have got us off to one of the best starts I can remember. I'd put David in the same category as Bill Shankley and Brian Clough. He is special and the club has benefitted tremendously from having him. Hopefully we will not slip back now. We have a club of potential where people want to come and play. As far as our business strategy is concerned we want to see it go all the way through so that we have a machine that can cope at whatever level we are. We've dismantled everything from the board down. This time we're trying to get everything right. We have come back from months of doom and gloom and are starting to catch the public's interest. We want to be a force to be reckoned with."

"We've got to get into the League, certainly next year if it doesn't happen this time. That sort of success would give us an immediate higher status. We'd get a hard core of between 4,000 and 5,000 every weekif we were in the Third Division and between 8,000 and 10,000 in the Second - as well as attracting better players to the club."

And what do John Fry's stars say about his future? "It's a labour of love. I'll give it as long as I think necessary - probably around three years from now," said the Chairman. There will be as wide a variety of opinions amongst fans on this prognostication as there will doubtless be speculation about who will replace Webb over the coming days and weeks.