As Yeovil Town Football Club proudly celebrates its 130th anniversary, one of its most charming historical customs is being brought back to life.

The tradition originally took root in the 1934–35 season, when a local greengrocer awarded a bag of potatoes to the first player to find the net. That season proved momentous: Yeovil Town stormed to the third round of the FA Cup, famously facing Liverpool, and striker Tom McNeil – the recipient of the potatoes – scored an astonishing 64 goals.

Now, 90 years later, history is being honoured and hopes rekindled thanks to Alan Sheppard and Nick and Chris Wakely, greengrocers from South Petherton and lifelong Yeovil Town fans.

“It worked for the club all those years ago,” said Alan. “So why not try it again? If these spuds can spark another league triumph or an FA Cup run, I’ll be happy!”

The potatoes will be presented to the first Yeovil player to score in the 2025/26 National League campaign. The initiative comes from the Yeovil Town FC Heritage Society, which is marking the anniversary with a series of celebratory events and storytelling projects.

“It’s a brilliant idea – wonderfully quirky, but with real historical roots,” said Michael West, spokesperson for the Heritage Society. “We’re proud to keep the stories of our club alive in creative and memorable ways.”

The revival is part of a wider range that the Yeovil Town FC Heritage Society hope to commemorate the club’s 130th anniversary.