As a result, Steve Thompson does not expect any new players to be in the squad for next Monday's game against Forest Green on January 3rd at Huish Park (kick off 3:00pm). Thompson echoes reports in the Western Gazette (see below) of his approach to two Conference clubs for two other unnamed players.

His desire to sign new players will have been increased by Monday's defeat at Forest Green with Thompson criticising his players for "low-energy levels and a lack of character", saying "Forest Green aren't going to be relegated but they aren't a top-half side either, yet we allowed them to out-battle us".

In other news the Gazette reports on Arthur Appleton's transfer to Mangotsfield, and Glen Poole's signing of a 2-year contract at Yeovil (see below for both stories). Thommo is also quoted on his regret at losing defender Matt Stowell to Rushden and reveals that he himself will be sidelined for two-and-a-half weeks after suffering a recurrance of the calf injury that has already kept him out for most of the season at Forest Green last Monday. The Gazette also echoes the Western Daily Press claim that Jamie Pitman will miss the FA Trophy game v Stevenage through suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Forest Green (see below), though the paper claims that Chris Sparks, not Kevan Brown, will join him on the sidelines after also picking up his fifth booking in the same game.

Finally, the Gazette reports that the re-arranged Nationwide Conference game v Rushden & Diamonds will now take place on Tuesday 7th March at Nene Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

Ciderspace is slightly skeptical about this information, particularly as Kevan Brown has only just returned from suspension, where he missed the Hayes home match. Furthermore, a quick check of the Ciderspace Match Reports Section could not locate five bookings against Jamie Pitman.

Ciderspace will check with the football club, and report back regarding the accuracy of this information.

If you are finding the idea of lounging in front of J*m D*vids*n, The S**nd Of M*sic and E*st*nders all too much to bear, then don't forget that Ciderspace have a host of Christmas Goodies to get you through those difficult afternoons with the In-Laws.

Firstly there is our Christmas Quiz, split into two so you can try your luck at General Football Trivia and also YTFC Trivia. Alternatively, you can join in with our survey where you can have your say about all things good and bad, in our 1990's Survey.

If all that brain power is far too much, then maybe you should be looking at our star-studded M*llenn**m Awards as we present those deserving types with with the awards they deserve. Or perhaps it is a nice bedtime story that you need. If so then curl up in front of your log fire, and let us tell you a story.....

The operation was a success. I went in on Monday and the op took place at about 3.15 pm. This sort of injury requires open surgery rather than keyhole surgery as they have to cut through the bursar (tissue surrounding the tendon) to get at it. The patella tendon is then cut lengthwise and all the gunge and dead tissue is scraped away. The tendon is then sewn back up and everything else is closed up. I was warned that I may have to be in plaster for a while depending on the results, but am delighted that this was not necessary in my case.

I am told I have to take it easy until 6th January when the stitches come out, but am allowed to do some hamstring stretches in the meantime. Hopefully after that I can start some swimming or something. I'm not really sure about what I can and can't do until I see the doctor, but I am very positive about how things have gone so far.

For the away match at Forest Green, Thompson will find his defence strengthened by the return of Kevan Brown from a single match suspension, and Chris Sparks from a recent knee injury. However, they will be weakened by the loss of Terry Skiverton, currently injured, who the Glovers hope will return in time for the Stevenage FA Trophy tie. Thompson said "After our defeat against Hayes, it is vital we start picking up points, but we are going to have to fight for everything in these matches". The match on Monday will be the last game for Ben Smith and Warren Patmore as they both start one match bans for the return fixture at Huish Park (January 3rd, kick off 3:00pm).

Meanwhile, detail's of Arthur Appleton's transfer to Mangotsfield (see our story yesterday) are fleshed out. The Western Daily Press reports that Mangotsfield's Chairman Richard Davis and Treasurer Roger Pullin have been putting together the deal for Appleton for over a month now, and the deal has given him a two year contract at Cossham Street. As reported yesterday, Yeovil Town will receive "a four figure sum" for the transfer deal.

Mangotsfield Chairman Richard Davis says "To stand any chance of achieving our aim of Dr Martens League Football next season, we need a top two finish. We have not been scoring enough goals recently, and with manager Andy Black, we see Arthur as the player to put that right".

As he departs Yeovil Town, his high points for the club include his appearance as a second half substitute at Ninian Park in the FA Cup Third Round against Cardiff, and his debut Conference goal against Welling United. He also scored the winning goal for the Reserve side when they lifted the Les Phillips Cup in May 1999.

His departure represents a reasonable profit for Yeovil Town; Appleton was brought to the club on a free transfer from Bristol Manor Farm, as he was not on a contract with the Screwfix Direct League side.

A reminder that the next scheduled event in the fund-raising calender is the Utimate Quiz at Huish Park on January 22, 7.30pm. Teams are still wanted for the event, telephone Jayne Burton on 01935 423662 for details.

One way of raising money for the Appeal Fund is by collecting odd bits of change in a jar and then donating the money collected to the Fund. Young Yeovil fan Abby Carter has recently handed over a jar full of two pence coins and since then another supporter has begun her own similar collection. Pubs can also get in on the act: Customers at the Armoury Inn in Yeovil have been donating their change to a two pence pole on the bar.

If you have your own ideas for raising money or want to become more involved in the Appeal Fund contact chairman Steve Sowden by phone on 01935 479811 or by fax on 01935 432251. If you wish to make a donation to the Appeal Fund, cheques should be made payable to the Julian Hodge Bank.

In other news The Gazette reports that Rob Cousins has been picked for the FA Squad to play the Combined Services at Worcester City on January 10th, kick-off 7.30pm. In Head Coach Steve Thompson's regular column in the paper, View From The Dugout, Thommo reports that Warren Patmore and Ben Smith will be suspended from the return fixture with Forest Green at Huish Park on January 3rd; and that he has put in a 7-day notice of approach for an un-named midfielder currently playing in the Ryman League.

This week's Clarion features Fat Harry's pick as Player of the Year - goalkeeper Tony Pennock, or Ed The Duck as Harry insists on calling him for reasons known only to himself. In his weekly interview with Steve Thompson, Fat Harry reports that Thommo is optimistic that Terry Skiverton will have recovered from his leg injury in time to play in the 3rd Round FA Trophy tie against Stevenage on January 15th. Thommo is also quoted as saying that if Yeovil can avoid losing more than 2 or 3 games out of the remaining 21 then the club will have a good chance of winning this season's Conference. Finally Fat Harry's match reports continue to go from strength to strength. He begins his account of last Saturday's Hayes defeat by saying: "Who says the life of a sports reporter is a great life. Freezing your b*lls off, getting soaking wet taking pictures. Camera getting wet, lens wet and then the linesman runs by and covers you in mud. Bloody marvellous." Fleet Street editors will be beating down the Clarion's doors as we speak...

Noble started the season as a player-coach for Bitton before moving on to Brislington in a similar capacity. He then joined Clevedon on trial, following the resignation of former Clevedon assistant Jeff Meacham.

Meanwhile, former Yeovil Town loan striker Guiliano Grazioli is set for a mid-January return after suffering a bad foot injury in October. The goal-poacher, who also had spells with Enfield, Woking and Stevenage, has currently got his foot in a brace, following an injury sustained in Swindon's 2-0 defeat at Bolton. Grazioli had struck three goals in just four starts for the Wiltshire side prior to his injury.

Central defender Chris Sparks and striker Adrian Foster will be fit for selection for the Bank Holiday Monday encounter, following injury problems. The game takes place at The Lawn, 27th December, 3pm. The return match is on New Year Bank Holiday Monday, January 3rd, at Huish Park, 3pm.

"We certainly did not want the player to leave," said Fry. "He was a real asset to the club. We were also very disappointed with the outcome of the Tribunal, and as such an appeal has been made to the Football Association. We are in the business of signing quality players, not getting rid of them!"

A Conference tribunal ruled this week that Rovers must pay £1,500 for the midfielder who joined Yeovil from Cheltenham in the summer after helping The Robins win the Conference title last season. Norton is set to make his debut for Forest Green against Yeovil at The Lawn next Monday, the 27th of December, 3pm kick-off.

Poole, 18 years old, made his debut for Yeovil Town's first team against Hereford United in the Natiowide Macmillan Trophy, and he made an instant impact on the side as he scored one and made another of Yeovil's goals in a 3-0 win over their West Country Rivals.

Since then, Poole has forced his way onto the pitch via the substitutes bench, occupying the left wing-back slot. However, in the Reserves, Poole has also proved himself capable of playing a left-sided midfield role. He will undoubtedly play a prominent part of Head Coach Steve Thompson's plans, as Yeovil struggle with multiple injuries to their squad.

A Conference tribunal ruled that Rovers must pay £1,500 for the midfielder who joined Yeovil from Cheltenham in the summer after helping them win the Conference title.

He has agreed an 18 month contract at The Lawn and faces meeting his old club twice in the next fortnight.

"We weren't going to leave the tribunal without Norton being a Forest Green player", said Rovers' manager Frank Gregan.

With the game already lost at 2-4, Skiverton slid in to loft a ball over into the Hayes penalty box. But with the ball already long gone, a Hayes midfielder dragged his studs up Skiverton's leg, leaving the Yeovil defender, who had picked up both the Yeovil Express Player of the Month, and the Sponsor's Man of the Match, lying on the ground in agony.

A stretcher was called for, and Skiverton was taken immediately to Yeovil hospital, carrying a two inch deep gash in his knee, inflicted by the Hayes player's studs. Referee Mr Cairns, of Basingstoke, deemed the tackle a yellow card offence.

It is far too early to provide any accurate assessment of Skiverton's injury; however a "finger in the air" estimate from Steve Thompson, immediately following the game, said that Skiverton is expected to be out of the side for around a month, with the injury requiring stitches. The length of time will depend on any underlying tissue or ligament damage caused by the tackle.

However, Norton will be kept out of Rovers' squad that travels to Altrincham on Saturday. Yeovil Town have now formally appealled against the transfer, a standard procedure, agreed between all Conference clubs, that allows The Glovers to potentially claim a compensation fee for the player.

Yeovil's claim will be on the basis that they are entitled to compensation for medical expenses incurred during two injuries that Norton sustained whilst at Yeovil. Norton had only just recovered from the latter injury, and had been unable to get back his place in the side, due to The Glovers fine recent run of form without him. Yeovil will therefore make the claim on the basis that they had not reaped the reward for providing Norton with medical assistance.

The Conference tribunal hearing is only likely to be heard next week, meaning that Norton's first two games for Rovers are ironically likely to be against Yeovil Town. Even more ironic is that with Rob Cousins likely to move into defence on Saturday to cover the loss of a suspended Kevan Brown, that Player Head Coach Steve Thompson will now be likely to fill the midfield slot that Norton almost certainly would have. Meanwhile Norton finds himself unable to play for either club.

Finally, ticketing information for the Boxing Day clash at The Lawn on Boxing Day has been announced. There will be no formal ticketing arranged in advance of the fixture, as Forest Green are unwilling to hand out large numbers of tickets, due to problems experienced with last years Christmas Holiday postponement of the fixture.

Admission to the stand will be on a "first come, first served" basis, and so fans wanting to sit for the game should arrive early, and purchase their tickets immediately before heading to the bars. However, there were informal suggestions that Forest Green Rovers would listen sympathetically to any large groups of supporters wanting to sit down, but to guarantee seating together. Any such parties should contact Forest Green as early as possible. If you choose this route, let us know how successful you were, so we can provide feedback to other interested supporters.

Tickets cost £1 a book and can be obtained from Huish Park. There will be plenty of tickets sellers going around the ground on Saturday.

A reminder that teams are needed to enter the Ultimate Quiz at Huish Park on January 22nd, 7.30pm. There will be 10 rounds on various topics such as sport, history, local knowledge and pot pourri. For more details phone Jayne Burton at Huish Park on 01935 423662.

Finally, Ciderspace extends its hearty congratulations to E2000 Chairman Steve Sowden and his partner Kim on the birth of their daughter, Grace Ruth, a week ago today at 11.26pm. You may recall that Steve had launched a competition based upon the time of the baby's birth - no-one guessed the correct time so the £50 worth of booze on offer went unclaimed, however Nick Woodman of Yeovil came the closest to guessing the time correctly so he receives a bottle of bubbly. £62 was raised for the Appeal Fund. Congratulations Kim and Steve!

Elsewhere in the Gazette the paper reports that Thommo's desire to sign another striker is waning with the continued good form of Matt Hayfield and the imminent return of Adrian Foster from injury. The paper reports that in the light of Steve Stott's absence for the next 3 months through injury and the uncertainty surrounding Norton that a new midfielder is high on the head coach's list of priorities.

In contrast to that, this week's The Clarion reports that Yeovil have made a bid for an unnamed central defender, with Thommo saying that "the price is still being negotiated". The Marc McGregor bid now seems dead in the water according to the paper, with Forest Green Rovers rejecting Yeovil's initial £20,000 bid and the subsequent increased offer.

Today's Yeovil Express also concentrates on the Norton story, hinting that if the midfielder does choose to stay with Yeovil then ironically he would almost certainly start this Saturday's game against Hayes. Kevan Brown is suspended for the match so, according to the Express, Rob Cousins has been earmarked to take his spot in defence, leaving the holding midfield position free for Norton to come into.

Latest reports from today's Western Daily Press suggest a cooling of relations between David Norton and Forest Green Rovers. As reported below, Yeovil are now battling to keep the midfielder, and this has prompted Forest Green Rovers manager Frank Gregan to sharply criticise both Yeovil Town and David Norton for their handling of the affair.

Gregan told the paper "The situation has not been handled well and I am not entirely sure that either the club or the player know what they wanted in the first place. But we will continue to handle the matter in the dignified manner in which we go about all transfers".

Player/Head Coach Steve Thompson knows it will be a tough game on Saturday. "Every game for us these days is like a cup final, but that's how I like it," he said.

Kevan Brown will miss the Hayes encounter because he is serving a one-match suspension. "Both Adrian Foster (striker) and Chris Sparks (central defender) trained on Wednesday and should be fit enough to make it to the bench," said Thommo. "Midfielder Steve Stott will be going into hospital on Monday for an operation on his knee."

Ciderspace applauds the return of the scheme and hopes that the club extends it for the rest of the season. See our editorial piece written last May for our take on the merits of the scheme.

Todays Gloucestershire Echo reports that Yeovil Town have made a belated attempt to persuade midfielder David Norton to not jump ship to basement side Forest Green Rovers. The move now seems likely to keep Norton out of tonight's match at The Lawn where Forest Green had hoped he would make his debut against Sutton United.

But Norton admits he is now caught in two minds over the move, saying "It is a yo-yo of emotions. Every time I make my mind up one way I am persuaded to do something else. All I want to do is play, but I am flattered that both teams want me, and I hope to sort it out tonight, one way or the other".

But whether Norton can sort it out tonight is very much dependent on whether he visits Somerset or Gloucestershire. He says "I am due at Yeovil to train tonight, but I also want to watch Forest Green against Sutton. It has been dragging on too long. My main reason for wanting to leave Yeovil was to play first team football. I have had kind words from the manager and chairman at Yeovil, but Frank Gregan has made his position clear too. I hope to get round a table tonight with Frank and sort it out. To be honest, it is all doing my head in. Going from the top of the table with Yeovil to the bottom with Forest Green would not bother me".

Today's Gloucestershire Echo reports that David Norton has agreed personal terms with Forest Green Rovers, but that his move is being delayed whilst the two clubs barter over a suitable fee, presumably in an effort to stop it going to a tribunal.

Norton is quoted as saying "It's been dragging on now, but until the deal is done I just have to be patient. As far as I'm concerned the deal has been set up, but the two clubs have to come to an agreement before it's all completed".

The paper remains confident that Norton will be appearing in a Forest Green shirt in time for tomorrow's match against Sutton United.

Today on the Huish Hotline (Tel: 0930 555850, calls charged at 60p per minute) Player/Head Coach Steve Thompson expresses his disappointment at the loss of Steve Stott from his squad. Stott is unlikely to play for three months due to a much needed operation that will put him on crutches over Christmas (see our story below). However, Thommo drew attention to the large number of injuries and suspensions that can affect a team during March and April and said that Stotty could still provide vital input during the final four or five weeks of the season.

Steve was obviously disappointed to see the Reserve Team fixture called off this weekend, and so following an "intensive" Wednesday night training session, he will make a decision on what he is going to do with the other trio of players coming back from injury. The most likely situation at the moment is that Murray Fishlock and Adrian Foster will play for the Reserves, effectively leaving Thommo with the same first team squad, as he selected against Northwich, with the exception of a suspended Kevan Brown, and the likely departure of David Norton. Chris Sparks' situation is currently "unknown" and he could need another fortnight off before making any comeback.

The interview did not draw Steve into any comments on the situation with Forest Green striker Marc MacGregor, nor Yeovil midfielder David Norton.

Yeovil's misery at being out-done by the Conference basement club is of course compounded by David Norton's likely move to The Lawn, and the same edition of the paper reports that The Glovers are demanding a fee having "invoked a Conference rule allowing them to ask a fee for the player. There will now be a tribunal panel set up by the League to rule on the matter and their findings are binding". Our understanding at Ciderspace is that once the fee is set by the tribunal, Yeovil can not stop Norton from leaving.

Meanwhile, rumours abound that Thommo's second striker could be Welling United's Ritchie Hanlon. Yeovil are known to admire the player, who generally plays as an attacking midfielder, but whilst there is no concrete information connecting Yeovil and Hanlon, the player would seem to fit the criteria that Thompson is likely to be looking for.

Norton is quoted as saying "I'm due to sign on Tuesday but Yeovil are doing everything they can to keep me there. I had a word with the boss Steve Thompson because I need to have some indication that I am going to be a first-team player and not a squad player".

Yeovil Town have won five out of their last six games, and are undefeated since Steve Thompson took charge permanently, and Thommo has chosen to make as few changes to a winning side as possible. This has left Norton, coming back from injury, out in the cold, but despite Yeovil being top of the form table, Norton is quoted as saying "I don't think the lads in my position have performed brilliantly".

The move, if it goes through, is ironic indeed. Yesterday, Steve Stott told Ciderspace that he would be out for three months due to a forthcoming operation. And with Kevan Brown suspended, Norton could have been in line for a recall to the side, if Thompson chooses to push Rob Cousins back into defence to cover Brown's position. Norton may never know what path his career at Yeovil might have been about to take.

The paper also adds intruigue to the mystery of which Huish Park player is potentially on the way out. Reports on the Ciderspace Fans Forum (see yesterday's report) have suggested that David Norton is that man, with apparent reports on Gloucestershire local radio and press. However, the Sunday Independent quotes Chairman John Fry as saying that the mystery player "doesn't feel he fits in". The paper also makes an unquoted remark that both Thompson and Fry are "trying to keep the player involved".

All of this would point away from Norton and towards Jason Eaton, particularly if it is two strikers that Yeovil are chasing. Eaton has struggled to cement a place in the Yeovil first team since his arrival for a £15,000 fee, and must have a battered ego since midfielder Matt Hayfield has displaced him largely as Patmore's striking partner. The paper does speculate that the player is likely to not be on a contract, but our view at Ciderspace is that Yeovil Town have rarely stood in the way of an unhappy player, regardless of whether they are on a contract.

A poster on the Ciderspace Fans Forum claims that David Norton's name is being connected with Forest Green Rovers. The source claimed a few days ago that Norton's name had been mentioned on Gloucestershire Local Radio, and that now Gloucestershire local paper, The Pink 'Un, was claiming that Rovers' manager Frank Gregan had made a bid for Norton and that he had been hoping to sign him in time for their Wednesday game against Sutton United.

The curious contradiction in terms comes where it is claimed that Norton is non-contract, yet then says that Yeovil had blocked the move demanding a fee. Rules on transfer fees tend to change from season to season, but as far as Ciderspace are concerned, a non-contracted player can not command a fee when he is transferred, unless he falls outside the age for Bosman transfers, which Norton does not.

There is clearly some confusion here, and so Ciderspace will seek to officially clarify the situation through the club on Sunday or Monday. Steve Thompson has suggested recently that a player might be on his way out of Huish Park, but has not revealed that player's identity as yet, and it would be a major shock if Norton was that man.

Today's Screwfix Direct Premier League Reserves Match against Bideford has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

There is no first team fixture today, due to Rushden & Diamonds' involvement in the FA Cup Third Round tomorrow against Sheffield United.

Yeovil Town have joined the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds United and Manchester United in helping to "deliver the Prince's Trust Programme". Football clubs from all around the country, including Yeovil Town, are teaming up with The Prince's Trust Volunteers exciting, action-packed 12 week programme.

Chairman John Fry says of the programme, "It is indeed a privilege for our club to be involved in the Prince's Trust concept. Essentially, it represents another part of our plan to get the club involved in community activities".

Reserve Team Manager Terry Rowles has been "promoted upstairs" and given the post of Manager of the new Yeovil Town Centre of Excellence. Rowles, who was made full-time Stadium Manager earlier in the season, will work in tandem with Chief Scout Frank Leworthy, who has been given the title of Academy Director.

The Glovers' present Reserve Team Assistant Boss, Maurice O'Donnell, will take over the running of the club's Screwfix Premier Division side, and will work under Player Head Coach Steve Thompson, who will be in charge of a potential first team squad of some thirty players.

Terry Rowles said about the appointment "As far as I am concerned this is a real boost for me. I shall be working directly under Chairman Jon Fry, and the idea of our academy is to not only find new outstanding talent, but to also get both boys and girls in the area really involved in improving their football skills. It will be, in a way, very much a community based project".

Yeovil Town first team supporters starved of football this weekend, can still look to Huish Park for their "fix". The Screwfix Direct Premier League side play Bideford at home, kick-off 3:00pm, where Maurice O'Donnell is likely to play four or five first teamers, including Player Head Coach Steve Thompson.

In addition the Youth side, currently top of their league, play home to Plymouth Argyle's Youth Team in the SWEB South West Counties Youth League. Kick-Off is 11:00am, with the game being played at Huish Park's training "top pitch".

Ciderspace hope to be interviewing Terry Rowles shortly, to discuss his new role within Yeovil Town, and a transcript of the interview will appear here around the Christmas holiday break.

Thompson was open about the renewed bid, saying "We have agreed to increase our offers for two players. One is Mark but I am not able to name the other at the moment. It would be nice to have someone on board before our next game which is against Hayes on Saturday week, but if we can't make a permanent signing we will do all we can to get someone on loan".

But Rovers' manager fired a warning shot at The Glovers when he suggested that MacGregor was out of Yeovil's reach, saying "Barry Hayles went to Rovers from Stevenage for £250,000 and I wouldn't say Mark is too far off that. Any deal has to be right for Mark and the club, but we won't stand in his way. We had one bid which matched our expectations, but not the player's, so nothing happened".

Gregan claims that three Nationwide League First Division clubs have bid for MacGregor, and he sang his praises when he said "His strike-rate is phenomenal, and even though people might not give us a great chance, with players like Mark about, anything is possible".

MacGregor has scored ten goals in all competitions this season, and was signed for Rovers from Hellenic League side Endsleigh, after spending his early career at Oxford United and Notts County.

Meanwhile, Thompson gave strong indications that there could be a Yeovil Town player on his way out of Huish Park soon. He did not elaborate as to the identity of the player, nor whether the move was at the players' request, or in any way connected with the MacGregor bid.

The Appeal Committee are looking for volunteers to help in selling draw tickets for its Christmas/Millennium Draw. The draw itself will be held in the bar at Huish park on December 18th before the match against Hayes. Top prize is £200, with numerous secondary prizes.

Don't forget that for £1 a time you can attempt to guess at which time Steve Sowden's partner Kim's baby will be born. The baby is due on 16th December, and the closest guess will win £50 worth of booze!

An 'ultimate' quiz evening will be held at Huish Park on 22nd January, all proceeds to go the Erection 2000 Fund. Teams of four are invited to take part at a cost of £6 per team, cash prizes will be on offer.

Due to a lack of support, the proposed Millennium Party Night due to be held at Huish Park on 31st December has been cancelled.

The closing date for the E2000 Appeal's Clairvoyant Competition to guess the top and bottom 3 teams in the Conference at the end of the season, has been extended until the end of January. It costs £1 to enter and the winner will collect £50.

If anyone wishes to become actively involved in the Erection 2000 Appeal Fund in any way, either by selling draw tickets or by entering any of the events described above or by organising your own event, please contact Steve Sowden at the Yeovil Express offices, 46 Princes Street, Yeovil or by phoning 01935 479811.

In other news the Gazette reports that Yeovil have won the Mail on Sunday's November Conference Team Performance of the Month award for slaughtering Rushden & Diamonds 5-1 at Huish Park last month. The Glovers get a trophy and a £250 cheque. The paper also reports that the club's official website is set to be launched in January after a number of delays - watch this space for more news on that nearer the time.

Meanwhile this week's edition of The Clarion informs us that Kevan Brown will be suspended for the home game v Hayes on the 18th December after picking up his 5th booking of the season in the FA Trophy replay against Weymouth. Fat Harry reports that Yeovil's injured players all now appear to be at last on the mend with Murray Fishlock, Chris Sparks and Adrian Foster likely to play for the reserves against Bideford at Huish Park on Saturday. Club captain Steve Stott may be out for slightly longer yet, but the Clarion reports that he has begun running in training now. Finally, the Clarion reports that head coach Steve Thompson is still looking to strengthen the first team squad with Thommo being quoted as saying, "We've made bids for two players but both have been rejected. That may mean we will go back this week with re-newed bids. I'm definitely still looking to strengthen the squad."

And so on to this week's Yeovil Express. Sports Editor Steve Sowden has this week's only genuine exclusive story with the news that promising defender Paul Steele is under a cloud at Yeovil after continuing problems with his apparent commitment to the club. According to the Express, Steele has had problems this season with injury and illness and has also been fined part of his wages after arriving late at Huish Park. Head coach Steve Thompson has told the youngster to take 3 weeks off from playing football to "get his head sorted out" after a heart-to-heart talk with him.

In the ongoing Phil Simpson saga the Express reports that the player has now returned to Huish Park following his loan spell at Enfield. It appears that Simpson has no future at Yeovil however, with Steve Thompson commenting, "It's hard to sell an injured player."

After last week's Magnificent Seven YTFC managers, Steve Sowden follows-up this week by picking his best-ever Yeovil team and invites readers to do the same, co-incidentally (I'm sure!) on the same day that the Gazette launches their competition to pick their best-ever Yeovil team. Sowdens XI is: 1. Tony Clark, 2. Phil Ferns, 3. Ralph Davis, 4. Steve Rutter, 5. Paul Smith, 6. Len Harris, 7. Ike Clarke, 8. Johnny Hayward, 9. Dave Taylor, 10. Eric Bryant, 11. John McGinlay.

You may or may not disagree!

Warren Patmore kept up his impressive record of scoring at representative and international level by scoring a goal as the FA XI came from behind to beat the Ryman League representative side 3-1 tonight at Champion Hill, Dulwich.

The FA XI matches are generally accepted as England Trials and Patmore will have done his chances of more England caps no harm at all, following the postponement of Monday night's game at Stalybridge and Tuesday night's 0-0 draw at VS Rugby.

The first half saw the Ryman League largely dominate proceedings, and they took a deserved lead after 17 minutes when Aldershot's Grant Payne hit a rising volley into the roof of the net from 15 yards.

The second half was an entirely different story and saw Jamie Pitman appear off the bench as a right winger for the final 45 minutes. Kingstonian's Eddie Akuamoah also appeared at half time as Patmore's new striking partner, replacing Lee Charles of Hayes. And it was Akuamoah who brought the sides level, as he controlled the ball, turned, and thumped the ball home from 10 yards to tie the scores after 51 minutes.

The FA XI were well on top by this stage and Patmore's goal was inevitable. A deep cross from the left wing evaded the Ryman League substitute keeper and although a defender on the line put Patmore under pressure, his brave diving header was the first touch on the ball to give his side a 2-1 advantage after 58 minutes.

After Kingstonian's Phil Wingfield hit the left hand upright, Woking's Steve West sealed the tie on 89 minutes when he volleyed in from an acute angle after another deep left wing cross.

Overall, Jamie Pitman looked strong and fast, and despite his position as an out-and-out right winger, he still covered the length of the pitch. However, he did not get into many good positions to provide any really telling crosses. Warren Patmore played one of his typical games. Climbed all over and double marked frequently, he still won most of the aerial battles and purely his presence was enough to free things up for the likes of Akuamoah and Hanlon.

FA XI Team : Steve Farrelly (Kingstonian), Lew Watts (Welling), Rob Hollingdale (Woking), Matt Crossley (Kingstonian), Jason Goodliffe (Hayes), Michael Danzey (Woking), Ritchie Hanlon (Welling United), Steve Perkins (Woking), Warren Patmore (Yeovil Town), Lee Charles (Hayes), Gary Patterson (Kingstonian)
Subs : Steve West (Woking), Paul Wilkinson (Welling United), Jamie Pitman (Yeovil Town), Phil Wingfield (Kingstonian), Eddie Akuamoah (Kingstonian)

Yeovil Town's versatile defender/midfielder Jamie Pitman has been added to the squad for tonight's representative match at Champion Hill, home of Dulwich Hamlet, kick-off 7:30pm.

Pitman has been drafted in following the late withdrawl of players from the FAXI squad that faces a Ryman League Representative side tonight. He joins striker Warren Patmore whose name was surprisingly the only Yeovil Town player to appear in the original squads.

A third Yeovil Town player, defender, and occasional midfielder, Rob Cousins, was also invited to join the FA XI squad for tonight's game, but was unable to do so, due to a minor ankle injury that the club were not willing to risk him for.

Steve Thompson has today confirmed to Ciderspace the news that he has been unable to persuade Kingstonian Football Club to bring their Nationwide Conference league tie with Yeovil Town forward to this coming Saturday. With his bid to travel to Altrincham also failing, The Glovers will have no first team fixture on Saturday 11th December.

The attempt to bring forward the Kingstonian fixture made perfect sense on paper, as the match, scheduled for Saturday 4th February, will be called off if either side progresses in the FA Trophy, as this is the scheduled day for Fourth Round matches. However, Kingstonian are currently struggling with injuries and have lost their last three Conference matches, failing to score in all three, and this would seem to account for manager Geoff Chapple's reluctance to bring the fixture forward. Instead, unless calamities fall upon both teams in the next round of the FA Trophy, Kingstonian players and supporters are likely to face a midweek trip to Huish Park.

Steve also denied rumours circulating around Huish Park yesterday that he was trying to line up a friendly against a Nationwide League side saying "There is a reserve team game against Bideford, so we will be putting our resources into that, for people who haven't had a game recently. Hopefully we will also have three or four people coming back for that game. With Adrian Foster and Chris Sparks, I am very hopeful that they will play on Saturday, and I'm hopeful that one of Steve Stott or Murray Fishlock might make it as well".

Steve talked about Murray's back problems but said they were no closer to a reason as to why Fishlock is still in pain. He said "we've still not figured it out. Backs are very complicated things, and we still don't know exactly what's wrong with Murray. He might go and see another specialist, but seeing people doesn't mean you are fit to play. You're hoping that you'll get a definite description of what's wrong with him, but we're not even getting that at the moment".

Ciderspace watched Murray Fishlock play for Yeovil Town reserves last week against Backwell United, in the reserves' 3-1 exit from the Les Phillips Cup, and could see no problems in what was a fine performance by Fishlock. But the following morning, the left wing-back woke up with severe stiffness in his back, and so his comeback was put on the backburner.

Elsewhere, Steve Thompson is continuing his search for new players saying "I am still in the market for a striker". But he gave heavy hints that Phil Simpson is unlikely to play for Yeovil Town again. He said that the midfielder, purchased by Colin Lippiatt from Barnet, is still injured and that Enfield, who took him on two months loan, are not interested in buying him at present. But he added that "At the moment he is a Yeovil Town player, which is unfortunate, because I don't think Phil wants to be at Yeovil. The Chairman is dealing with it, and there's nothing more I can do on that. I've just got to deal with the players who want to play for our club. The best thing that can happen for Phil is that he joins another club".

Following their 2-1 away win over Paulton Rovers, Yeovil Town face a tough draw in the quarter finals of the Somerset Premier Cup. They will travel to Taunton Town of the Screwfix Direct Premier League in an attempt to progress further in the competition. The Glovers' pitched a strong reserve side against Taunton recently drawing 3-3, actually leading 3-0 at half time with two goals from Jason Eaton and one from Glen Poole.

The full draw for the Quarter-Finals is

Weston Super-Mare v Bristol Manor Farm
Taunton Town v Yeovil Town
Bath City v Mangotsfield
Backwell United v Bristol City

The ties are expected to be scheduled in for early next year.

Ben Smith is the winner of the Yeovil Town fans' Internet Player of the month award for the second time this season, having picked up the accolade in August.

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 November are as follows :

A win over Northwich on Saturday could, if the other results go their way, put Yeovil Town on top of the Conference table. The last time the club held such a lofty position was back on September 14th, following their 3-2 success at Hayes.

"We have got to keep going", said Head Player-Coach Steve Thompson. "We are playing quite well at the moment and must do all we can to keep up the good work. Every game is a big one for us these days, which, in my opinion, is a good thing".

Steve will be choosing from the same squad that took on Weymouth in the FA Umbro Trophy replay on Tuesday. "Three of our injured players, striker Adrian Foster, central-defender Chris Sparks and midfielder Steve Stott, will be training on Saturday, and should be fit to play in the week. Murray Fishlock has had a slight set-back from his back injury and will not be available yet".

"At the moment, we have no game on Saturday December 11th because of Rushden's involvement in the FA Cup Third Round, and so they will probably all turn out for the Reserves against Bideford at Huish Park in the Screwfix Direct Premier Division".

In a special feature Sports editor Steve Sowden picks his top 7 Yeovil Town managers in the light of club president Norman Burfield's comment that he felt Steve Thompson had the potential to become the club's 'greatest ever manager'... Sowden's Magnificent Seven are, in order:

1. Mike Hughes (1969-72)
2. Ike Clark (1953-57)
3. Alec Stock (1946-49)
4. Basil Hayward (1960-64)
5. Colin Lippiatt (1998-99)
6. Ron Saunders (1967-69)
7. Cecil Irwin (1972-73)
You may or may not disagree!

Finally, the Express has its twopenceworth on the controversy caused by last week's Western Gazette front page lead on internet football violence, reporting that many people had criticised the Gazette's article as being liable to incite crowd trouble, and quoting Dorset Police as saying that it was "irresponsible and sensationalist" reporting. The Express also quotes Ciderspace's co-editor Martin Baker extensively in his criticism of the article - a pity then that the Gazette didn't feel able to do the same.

College tackles soccer hoaxers is the headline, and the story, again written by Simon Garnett, goes on to describe how Ciderspace traced the source of the so-called threatening messages left on the Weymouth web forum and featured on the front page of last week's paper to buildings in Yeovil College - though of course the Gazette doesn't credit us for doing their donkey work for them, nor do they explain why they didn't think to check the veracity of the messages themselves before running with their 'scoop'. Indeed they compound their original error by saying again, "...several chilling messages were found on the Dorset club's website threatening to skewer Yeovil fans with bayonets and cause them harm." - Simply not true! One message mentioned bayonets and the rest were an increasingly silly escalation of obviously - well, obvious to everyone but a journalist looking for a sensational story to print - outlandish threats culminating in a promise to launch a nuclear strike against the Wessex Stadium! I suppose in hindsight we should be grateful that the Gazette's headline wasn't worse...

The Gazette's hypocrisy is quite breathtaking. In one sentence they brand the original message-writers as 'cyber-geeks' and 'irresponsible troublemakers' for posting the so-called 'death threats'. What does that say about a newspaper who repeated the spurious threats as a supposedly serious piece of news when it didn't even bother to check its facts?

Today's story goes on to say that Yeovil College have 'taken measures' to prevent irresponsible use of the internet, something Ciderspace certainly applauds. A pity then that no-one at the Gazette appears ready to take responsibility to prevent irresponsible use of the printed medium.

This week's The Clarion makes heavy mention of its rival newspaper The Western Gazette as part of its Front Page coverage. The main lead confirms the takeover of the paper's parent company, Bristol United Press, by the Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT) Group which happened last week. But the main point of interest for Yeovil Town fans is the condemnation of the Gazette's own lead story in last Thursday's paper (see our stories on 25th and 26th of November). Sergeant Nick Maton of Dorset Police described the Gazette's story as "an irresponsible and sensationalist piece of journalism". We wait with baited breath for tomorrow's Gazette to see if they are willing to print an apology for their story, which has turned into a major banana skin for the newspaper.

In the Clarion's sports section, Fat Harry continues to make fun of the Gazette's story saying that "the predicted pitch bayonet battle failed to materialise" as part of his match report, then carries on with the mirth in his opinion column as he suggests that for the replay Yeovil should "come to Huish armed with AK47's and the odd Exocet as well" before deciding that he'd better add "Only joking-honest constable". In these days of everything put in print being taken seriously, this is probably a wise move.

Tony Pounder's "Dressing Room Mole" column appears to be the only column in the paper to not make a passing reference to bayonets. However, we can not leave this weeks edition without asking Fat Harry himself, just what is a "conscious attack", and why was referee Mr Spicer doing such a thing in the middle of a football match ? It seems that mistaken talk of violence is common place in our local newspapers these days!

Following last night's 2-1 win over Weymouth, and Monday night's 4-0 victory by Stevenage over Merthyr, Yeovil Town will be at home against Stevenage in the 3rd round of the FA Trophy. The match will be played on Saturday 15th January, meaning that the scheduled home Conference game v Doncaster Rovers due to take place on the same day is postponed to a later date

On the same note Rushden & Diamonds 3-0 victory over Ilkestown Town in the FA Cup 2nd Round replay last night means that the scheduled Diamonds v Yeovil fixture due to be played on Saturday 11th December has had to be postponed until a later date. Yeovil are hoping to re-arrange an outstanding fixture for that date - either Kingstonian at home or Altrincham away would seem to be possibilities, but nothing definite has been announced as yet.