The official site match report is here.

29-7-00 : The official site's match report is now online

After the match manager David Webb announced that former Dorchester midfielder Roy O'Brien and defender Bradley Peters had signed full-time contracts with the club. See the official website's news page for confirmation.

Fans getting ever restless. Steve Sowden gets straight down to business in this week's Yeovil Express, the headline warning chairman John Fry that, contrary to his remarks in the Bristol Rovers programme where the chairman wrote of everyones "enthusiasm and optimism" for the coming season, the majority of supporters are in fact prepared for a 'difficult and trying campaign' as the paper puts it.

Sports editor Sowden writes: "The feeling of doom and gloom is coming from all sections of the supporter base at Yeovil Town, - the old and young; men, women and children; members of the G&WSC, Vice-Presidents and the YTISA. It is the first time for more than 5 years that the talk among supporters about a forthcoming season is one of relegation, rather than promotion."

The article goes on to claim that many regular season ticket holders have decided not to renew their applications this season and blames the supporters frustrations on the lack of activity in certain key areas at the club this summer.

The article says, "They [the fans] feel frustrated by manager David Webb's lack of activity in the transfer market, concerned over last week's boardroom reshuffle, worried about the club going full-time, angry about the seeming bureaucratic madness over the social club membership, and totally dissatisfied that there is still no signs of a roof being built above the home terrace. The fans are getting very restless and if things do not go right on the pitch in the opening few games of the new season, then Mr Fry could be faced by a large army of angry fans demanding action to be taken."

Strong stuff from one of Yeovil's most respected reporters, but Steve Sowden does speak to many people and is widely regarded as having is finger on the pulse of opinion amongst fans. In this column's humble opinion, the Yeovil board would do well to listen to what he is saying.

In other news the paper reports on all three of last week's pre-season friendlies, including a tribute to Tony Pennock following his testimonial game versus Southampton last week with quotes from former managers Graham Roberts and Colin Lippiatt.

Webb spending spree 'unlikely' is the proper headline. Everyone who thought that last week's board re-shuffle would mean that the purse strings would be loosened to enable manager David Webb to sign higher quality players and offer better wages is likely to be disappointed, with the Gazette quoting chairman John Fry as saying, "Mr Webb will be meeting the new three-man board in the next few weeks to discuss his budget. But he is not expecting any more money and I would say it is unlikely that he will be getting any more." So what was last week's board re-shuffle about Mr Fry? If the changes made have no effect on the club's budget, what was the point in making changes?

The Gazette reports on the return of Matt Hale to Weymouth and the departures of Chris Sparks and triallists Gary Funnell and Gary Langridge; but the main story on the inside pages concerns the news that the Conference, subject to FA approval, plans to only allow promotion and relegation from and to the Southern (Dr Martens) League and the Northern (Unibond) League from the 2003-04 season onwards, by-passing the Isthmian (Ryman) League altogether. The proposals would mean that there would be 2 promotion spots from the Northern and Southern Leagues each season, with 4 clubs liable for relegation from the Conference. According to the Gazette the proposals have been welcomed by the regions main clubs, Yeovil, Dorchester and Weymouth. Unsurprisingly, the Isthmian League have appealed to the FA to reject the proposals.

Only kidding, Fat Harry!

This week's edition of the Clarion 2000 features the match reports from last week's friendlies, plus editor Fat Harry gives his opinion on the departure of defender Dean Chandler. According to the paper the rumour going around that Deano was sacked because he played cricket while injured is unlikely to be true, given that assistant manager Steve Thompson was playing in the same game and that it would have been inconceivable that Deano could have played without his blessing. The paper suggests that the real reason for Chandler's departure was that one of the new 'Gang Of Three' on the board simply didn't 'fancy' Deano as a player.

This, of course, could open up a whole new can of worms suggesting that the board have learnt nothing from the bad old days when they were allegedly signing and sacking players behind Colin Lippiatt's back. One cannot imagine a manager with David Webb's experience putting up with such a situation for long - hopefully the Clarion's speculation is wide of the mark on this issue and the decision to release Deano was a simple football decision made by one man - the manager. As far as Chandler's future is concerned, the paper links him with - surprise, surprise! - Woking.

In other news The Clarion reports on last week's re-structuring of the Yeovil board and comments that it will be interesting to see if anymore money is now released to the manager for new signings and increased wages for players. The paper urges supporters to be positive about the new season, but at the same time issues a veiled warning to the board, saying, "The cynics amongst us may think there is some hidden agenda but let’s give the new board, just like the manager time. If changes are not seen to be put in place over the next few weeks then that’s the time to ask questions."

Finally, for those worried that The Clarion's shiny new website means an end to the, erm, idiosyncratic reporting style and spellings that we at Ciderspace have grown to treasure over the last year or so, then fear not. The look may have changed - the content hasn't. And yes, this is a good thing!

Other upcoming events will feature a Testimonial Match in late October/early November versus Premiership or Division One opponents, plus a Race Night and Dinner later on in the season. See the official website's news page for the details.

The Glovers now head off on a mini-tour of Devon as part of their pre-season build-up, playing at Saltash this Friday 28th July, kick-off 7.00pm; and at Torpoint on Sunday 30th, kick-off 11.00am

After the game manager Dave Webb confirmed that four players have left the club this week. Wing-back Matt Hale is to re-join Weymouth after failing to agree a full-time contract at Huish Park, and central defender Chris Sparks, who joined Yeovil from Hayes for a four-figure sum last season has had his contract terminated by mutual consent - he is yet to find a new club apparently. In addition two triallists have been released, full-back Gary Funnel and midfielder Gary Langridge. See the official website's news page for confirmation.

Ciderspace says : The big three, John Fry, Norman Hayward and Jon Goddard-Watts now have what they wanted - complete control of the football club. They hold our club's future - and it is our club, us, the fans, despite them owning the fixtures and fittings - in their hands. It's an awesome responsibilty and one we are trusting them with. The time has come for the new board of directors to put their money where their mouth is - and back the manager with enough resources to attract good players to Huish Park and get this football club into Division Three at last.

In other news the Gazette looks forward to Tony Pennock's testimonial game tomorrow evening (Friday 21st) against Premiership side Southampton. According to the paper Saints manager Glenn Hoddle will be bringing his full first-team squad to Huish Park, including new signings Mark Draper and Uwe Rosler as well as established stars Marian Pahars, Matt Le Tissier and Kevin Davies.

Mad wages rumours have been surfacing again according to the paper, with stories doing the rounds that striker Adrian Foster is on an incredible £800 a week... John Fry is quoted as saying, "It is absolute rubbish. We do not have anyone at the club who is on that kind of money. We have a strict wage structure which manager Dave Webb is working to - and that structure cannot be broken by overspending."

In contract news, the Gazette reports that manager David Webb has offered a contract to former Dorchester player Roy O'Brien, who is considering the offer according to the paper. Glovers wing-back Matty Hale is reportedly still considering offers from Newport County and Weymouth and expects to make a decision this week. The Gazette reports on the decision to allow Dean Chandler to leave Huish Park, again, and claims that the reason was because the defender played in Tony Pennock's cricket testimonial match last Sunday while carrying an injury which forced him out of the Glovers friendly at Havant on the Saturday.

Croydon Athletic are at home to Dulwich Hamlet on Thursday 10th August, kick off 7.30pm, both clubs playing for the Paul Muir Memorial Cup. The trophy has been provided by Croydon Athletic's board of directors in commemoration of former Croydon and Yeovil Town player Paul Muir, who died in tragic circumstances last year. The Memorial Cup will be played for each year at Croydon's Mayfields stadium, a different local club being invited to participate each time in memory of Paul.

Ciderspace proffers it's opinion on the worrying trend in apparently ever increasing grading demands here..

Membership forms are available on the Ciderspace YTISA Pages and will also be available at tomorrow's pre-season friendly against Havant and Waterlooville. Those not travelling to Havant will also have an early opportunity to join up at the forthcoming home games against Bath City (19th), Tony Pennock's Testimonial v Southampton (21st) and Bristol Rovers (25th).

Membership for new joiners is £3.00 which includes a quality members badge, whilst members from last season who do not want an additional badge can renew their membership for just £1.50.

Fans wanting membership forms can either print one from the Ciderspace Web Site, or obtain one from any YTISA Committee Member at any of the forthcoming fixtures. Alternatively, you can write to YTISA, c/o 233, St John's Road, Yeovil, BA21 5QR, Tel: 01935 412236.

YTISA had a great launch season with over 200 members signing up. They are hopeful that they can break last season's membership total, and continue in their position as a significant fans organisation within the Yeovil Town community. More information about YTISA, including an announcement by Chairman Mark Kelly, can be found here

This week's edition of the Yeovil Express doesn't feature the Matt Hale story at all, the paper concentrating on the return to pre-season training by what players the club has left, plus the arrival of players that manager David Webb has invited to the club on trial.

The Express quotes Webb as saying, "It's good to be back training. At the moment we are working on the fitness side of things and it's hard work for them. I don't want the players involved in 5-a-side games at the moment because it means that some of them are standing around at times. At least with fitness training it means they are always on the go."

As far as new signings are concerned, Webb says in the Express: "There isn't any real news at the moment and I don't think there is going to be a day when we announce all the new signings. It will be more a case of them being announced in dribs and drabs. I will be taking a look at the players I've brought in for trials during the pre-season friendlies and I will mix and match sides for those games to assess things. That is why we've got so many games lined up".

The Express confirms the names of some of the players on trial (see news story below) as former Exeter goalkeeper Jason Matthews, former Bristol City and Northampton forward David Seal and ex-Bristol City midfielder Scott Morrison; as well as a number of unamed younger players. As far as the highly-rated Seal is concerned, the Express reports that Webb is hopeful that the player will sign up at Huish Park, saying, "I spoke to him a couple of times last week and told him that if he wasn't interested in coming to Yeovil then he shouldn't turn up for training on Saturday. So with him turning up it should be an indication that he must be interested."

The name of former loan striker Barringon Belgrave has also reappeared, with the Express claiming that the manager is 'seriously thinking' about offering the player a full-time contract, though it's not clear if he has been training with the squad this week. One newish face will definitely be featured at Huish Park this season - full-back David Piper has had his head shaved Beckham-style and is pictured in the Express in all his glory with a trim-looking - but still hirsute - Ben Smith.

The paper quotes Hale as saying, "I said to David [Webb] that if there was something part-time I would be more than happy to carry on [at Yeovil]. It is not a case of Yeovil's offer not being good enough - it is a security thing. It is about money I need and not money I want."

The Gazette reports that Weymouth and Newport County, both rivals in the Doc Martens Premier Division, are favourites for the player's signature although Hale would prefer to stay at Conference level.

In other news the paper reports that the restructuring of the club's boardroom is gathering pace with chairman John Fry saying, "There are lots of loose ends to be tied up about the restructuring. A few things have already been decided and a lot more things will be decided in the near future. Some of the changes have been personally painful for me - but they will give the club a much brighter future."

Former Glovers star Tony Pounder has signed for Screwfix League Division One side Frome Town. The Gazette reports that Tony had received offers from Conference and Doc Martens League sides, but because of family commitments has decided to play locally. He will be joined at Frome by former Yeovil Reserve players Neil Smith, Matt Fricker and Jon Miller; and the club have put in a 7-day notice of approach for former Glovers favourite Paul Thorpe.

Finally, and altogether more sombrely, the Gazette reports that Martin Sweeney, the man charged over the killing of former Yeovil Town player Paul Muir, has admitted manslaughter at the Old Bailey in London. The case against a 17-year-old defendant was discontinued. The trial was adjourned for the judge to receive pre-sentencing reports.

To all Yeovil Town supporters

Don't forget that Yeovil Town will be playing North Perrott Cricket club on Sunday in a game for Tony Pennock's Testimonial.

As of today, Wednesday I have had a definite yes from the following players:

Warren Patmore
Dean Chandler
Terry Skiverton
Tony Pennock
Ben Smith
Adrian Foster
Steve Thompson
Dave Piper
Paul Steele
...and according to Fozzi, James Bent and Anthony Tonkin will be also turning out.

I'm also hopeing that Andy Lindegaard will be there although I haven't managed to speak to him yet.

Messrs. Pounder, Cotton and Cousins will be guesting for North Perrott

That totally undesirable character Mark kelly and his crew will be waving buckets under your nose so bring plenty of dosh and it's odds on that I'll be lurking somewhere.

So please come along and support Yeovil's best keeper for years

Fat Harry

How can anyone resist? A quick reminder: The game starts at 2pm, this Sunday 16th July at North Perrot Cricket Club. Entrance costs £1, all proceeds going towards Tony Pennock's Testimonial Fund. As well as the cricket there will be an all-day bar, a raffle and Tony is bringing some signed shirts along to auction off.

William Hill
Rushden 11/8
Doncaster 11/2
Scarborough 13/2
Yeovil 10/1
Chester 11/1
K's and Hereford 14/1
Morecambe 16/1
Dover , Kettering, Southport and Stevenage 16/1
Dagenham , Hayes and Woking 25/1
Boston, Hednesford, Nuneaton, Telford and Northwich 40/1
Forest Green and Leigh 50/1

Corals
Rushden 5/4
Doncaster 4/1
Scarborough 7/1
Chester, Stevenage and Yeovil 12/1
K's and Hereford 16/1
Dagenham, Kettering and Morecambe 20/1
Dover and Southport 25/1
Hayes, Hednesford and Woking 33/1
Nuneaton and Telford 40/1
Boston and Northwich 50/1
Forest Green 66/1
Leigh 100/1

Tony Pennock has tonight confirmed that a cricket match will take place on Sunday 16th July 2000 at North Perrot Cricket Club. The game is between Yeovil Town FC and North Perrot with Tony Pounder and Rob Cousins making guest appearances for North Perrot. The game starts at 2pm and all proceeds go to the Tony Pennock testimonial fund . Entry is £1.00 but I'm sure you'll all agree that this is a small sum to pay for such a popular and long standing member of our squad who recently gained his first international honours. A raffle will be held and the bar will be open all day! Tony is also bringing some signed shirts to auction. If you haven't already made plans for Sunday then be sure to go along and support Tony - I can guarantee that you will have a great time as a similar event held last year proved extremely successful.

Yeovil Town Football Club's first full time training session for six years took place today. Held at Nine Springs, the agenda was a physical training session that was both intense and lengthy.

Murray Fishlock made a welcome return to training following a summer operation, although he did not participate in the full work-out, instead concentrating on stretching exercises.

Amongst the squad, which also included Steve Thompson and recent re-signing Dean Chandler, were six or seven trialists.

These included goalkeeper Jason Matthews, who was released from Exeter City at the end of last season, and has also played for Salisbury City and Taunton Town. Webb had always stated that he wanted three goalkeepers on his books, and Matthews - who made the national press for his performance as a substitute goalkeeper against Premier League side Everton in the FA Cup - would fit the bill as Tony Pennock's main rival, whilst the younger Chris Weale has a chance to adjust to the new level.

Another trialist believed to have taken part in the training session is 28 year old David Seal. The 5'11" forward left Northampton Town at the end of the season, and was believed to have been heading back to his native Australia, but our spies tell us that Seal, who also once played for Bristol City, is now looking for a chance to play in Somerset.

The remaining trialists were all believed to be relatively unknown youngsters, with the exception of one as yet unidentified player, believed to be in his mid-to-late 20's.

The Gazette has better news for those waiting for the new terrace roof, reporting that work could start on it within the next few weeks, depending on the outcome of a £250,000 grant application to the Football Foundation. The club have been informed that their application will be ruled on at the Foundation's next meeting, set to take place within 2 weeks, and are optimistic that the bid will be accepted. The paper reports that in the event of building work carrying on into the new season the club have been given permission to allow home supporters into the present away end, whilst away fans will be allocated a section of the Bartlett Stand

The Yeovil Express also leads on the new Conference fixtures and reports on the return of centre-back Dean Chandler on a trial basis to Huish Park, reminding readers of the time Deano and Premiership star Lee Bowyer tested positive for smoking cannabis when with Charlton Athletic early in their careers. The paper features extensive quotes from Deano talking about that time and the effect the drugs charge had on his career and makes interesting reading.

The Express reports that one of the criticisms of manager Dave Webb has been that he is "remote" from the fans and hard to talk to - this will hopefully be partly addressed with the news that the newly formed Official Supporters Club is arranging a 'Meet The Manager' Evening at Huish Park, where Webb and chairman John Fry will answer questions from fans. No date has yet been arranged for the event, for which an admission fee will be charged, all monies going towards the Erection 2000 Fund.

And talking of supporters clubs, the Express features the Independent Supporters Association in an article on their achievements after the first season of their existence and reports on the way in which the club are appearing to try to "outlaw" (in the paper's words) the Association with the formation of the new Official Supporters Club. Where this leaves the Green & White Supporters Club is anyone's guess, but if supporters continue to vote with their feet - and with 250 members last season, the ISA was by far the largest supporters group - then both the G&WSC and the Official Supporters Club are likely to become irrelevant anyway. Watch this space....

The fixtures for the new Conference season are set to be released tomorrow (Weds 5th July) at 11am, see the official YTFC website around that time for the details.

The magazine also includes details of how to renew your YTISA subscription for the 2000/01 season at a specially reduced rate of £1.50. New members are also welcomed, and can join for a fee of £3.00, which includes a high quality enamel membership badge.

The magazine will be on sale at most pre-season friendlies. Copies will be available from YTISA Chairman Mark Kelly, who will be in the supporters bar before and after all home games and most away games, or from any other YTISA committee member. For further information, or in case of difficulty in obtaining copies, then e-mail Ciderspace at ytfcciderspace@yahoo.com or telephone YTISA headquarters on (01935) 412236.