So, there it is, another season done and dusted and my first writing my weekly blog for Yeovil Town. I really have loved doing it and sharing my views on football with you so I hope you have enjoyed reading it.
Unfortunately, the season itself has not gone quite as we would have hoped. If you had asked me what I would have expected at the beginning of the season (and I probably mentioned it) I was optimistic of mid table and maybe a push for the play-offs.
As we all know that could not have been further from the truth and we now face a season in League Two for the first time in a decade. It is devastating to get relegated, especially twice in two seasons but in all honesty we have just not been good enough from the word go.
Not only have we been through a managerial change, we have seen a large turnover of players which can easily unsettle a side. There are many “buts” and “what ifs”, yet here we are and we must all look forward now to our new era under Paul Sturrock.
I, and I am sure many others, have been impressed with what he has done so far. He had no chance of saving us but we pulled off some great results and started to play with a more positive style that kept us organised. The last two games have been disappointing but with a huge amount of injuries and make shift back four, it really was to be expected.
This summer is where our new manager is able to bring in his own players and create a team that can be competitive in the fourth tier. It seems we will know the fate of our existing players as early as Friday as Sturrock has planned one to one meetings with each and every one of them after the Somerset Premier Cup final on Thursday. I must say, I think this is a class act from the manager and something that not everyone would take the time to do.
I really do hope we can keep hold of Sam Foley, Joe Edwards, Kevin Dawson and James Hayter as I think they would be invaluable next season.
If we don’t, I will wish them all the luck in the world in their careers, as I will for any player who moves on. We must think of this as an exciting time for our beloved football club as we start again and start to get back to winning ways at a new level.
In other news, I must of course say congratulations to all the clubs who have been so impressive this season. Of course, Bristol City who capped their incredible season with an unbelievable 8-2 victory at home to Walsall. There could not be more worthy champions and well done again to Luke Ayling who has been an ever present impressive addition to their squad. Also, to MK Dons who completely outclassed us on Sunday and will play in the Championship for the first time.
As for the second tier, AFC Bournemouth take their place in the Premier League, as Champions, after what has been an inspiring campaign from Eddie Howe’s team. They are going to be living the dream next season and I hope they enjoy every second of it!
They are joined by Watford, who have overcome four managerial changes to come second and return to the Promised Land. Burton Albion, Shrewsbury Town and Bury will all take their place in League One once again and I am sure they will all be successful in the next campaign.
I cannot wait for the Play – Offs, one of the best parts of the Football League and I will be glued to my television whenever they are on screen. As most of you know, I am now on a three month journalism course and am pursuing my dream of becoming a sports reporter, very much helped by the Western Gazette and of course YTFC.
Every short break I get will be watching football and I will be finished studying in time to get back to supporting my beloved Yeovil Town.
Thank you all for reading and to all the staff at Yeovil Town and the Western Gazette for a great season of writing for me. I hope you all have a great summer and see you all in pre-season
Shez
P.S A HUGE thank you to Joe Edwards for his shirt after the MK Dons game, I know you will all be surprised to know I will cherish it forever.
