After a poor Easter period for Yeovil Town fans, the 4 – 0 defeat away to Fleetwood Town has now been forgotten. Not due to just how poor the performance was or the fact that relegation to League Two is now just a waiting game, but the fact that the club have now acted in preparation for a drop in division.
Glovers keeper Artur Krysiak after the 3 – 2 defeat against Chesterfield on Good Friday.
Terry Skiverton was brutally honest in his latest interview after the trip up north to Fleetwood ended in disaster. He eluded to the fact that the defending was “nothing short of a disgrace” and that the players were “simply and utterly not good enough.” This damning report of his side confirmed the need for change at the club.
This is just what has happened, as it has been confirmed that former Swindon and Plymouth Argyle boss Paul Sturrock has taken the hot seat and will be in charge for this weekends clash with Notts County. Yeovil Town’s new Gaffer left behind a new opportunity to be an advisor at Torquay United saying that the decision to take the job at Huish Park was a “no brainer.” Having led his first training session on Thursday morning, he then made his way to take part in his first press conference as manager. He was positive in his comments about the quality in the squad but also made it clear that there would be changes in the summer.
New Yeovil Town boss takes his first training session at the club.
Another question on the lips of Yeovil Town fans was regarding the role of Terry Skiverton and Darren Way. Having taken over the reigns after Gary Johnson’s departure from the club, the duo were fighting a losing battle when Johnson lost his job. Despite bringing in some of his own players on loan, the damage was already done to the side. Therefore, it seemed unlikely that the former Yeovil Town captain would get the job on a permanent basis. However, his loyalty has been dearly rewarded as Skiverton will revert back to his role as assistant manager, with Darren Way re claiming his role as a coach for the club. Way and Skiverton have been very much a constant at the club and this loyalty is something truly unique in the modern game.
The former manager has now twice stepped down to become assistant and it is quite clear that he only wants what is best for the club. In his 16 years at Huish Park, Terry Skiverton has experienced 3 promotions and soon to be 2 relegations. With Sturrock at the summit, he will be hoping to add more promotions to his Yeovil Town career.
Terry Skiverton has stepped down to assistant manager for a second time.
So, just who is Paul Sturrock?! Well, one thing is for sure, he is not short of experience. Having been in the game for 40 years and having managed 8 clubs, he knows the lower leagues well. In August 2000, he took over Plymouth Argyle when they were struggling in the old third division. He rebuilt a the squad to coincide with huge changes at boardroom level. He then successfully led them to the title and broke many records during that season. When he left Home Park they were still on a high at the top of the Second Division and although he left the club with 12 games to play, they achieved promotion to the old First Division, the equivalent of the Championship. He also guided Sheffield Wednesday to the Championship in 2004, beating Hartlepool United 4 – 2 in the Play – Off Final. His other successes include guiding Swindon Town to promotion to League One in 2007. Having also returned to Plymouth and taken over at Southend, he has proved to be successful getting out of the lower divisions. His last job ended with a sacking by Southend United in March 2013, which at the time seemed extremely harsh.
This experience will be invaluable to Yeovil Town who need to rebuild and challenge in a new division. Sturrock told BBC Somerset that “it is a challenge…..I like restructuring football clubs…I like restructuring squads and I like getting promotions….these are the challenges I have set myself here.” This will be music to Yeovil Town fans ears after two seasons of disappointment. The new recruit also made it clear that the next five games would allow him to see which of the squad he wants to keep on, also eluding to the fact that some will move on after the imminent relegation.
Yeovil Town’s new management team in discussion at Thursday’s training session.
It would be naive to think that all our problems have been solved with this appointment, but it is a step in the right direction. Stability for the club is now the main priority but with an ambitious manager on board who is committed to getting promotions, the future looks bright. The last 5 games now are for Paul to assess the current squad and to start looking to the summer. The close season will be a crucial time for the whole club and a brand new squad created by a new manager will leave positive thoughts with Yeovil Town fans. His first game will be at his new home, Huish Park and I would expect there to be a great reception for the new manager. Relegation may be confirmed on Saturday, but it may finally put this season to bed and allow everyone to look forward to new beginnings. The 2015/2016 season has suddenly become a lot more exciting!
Shez Reports 