www.ytfc.net are pleased to reproduce some of our Green and White feature articles from last season for those supporters who may not have bought the programme when it was on sale at the game.
Colin Addison Interview by Chris Sweet
Today’s clash at Huish Park evokes mixed emotions for one former manager who has a foot firmly in both camps.
Colin Addison is well-respected by both Yeovil Town and Derby County supporters following spells in charge of the clubs, separated by more than ten years.
The 73-year-old arrived at County’s former Baseball Ground home in 1979, filling the shoes of ex-Manchester United man Tommy Docherty.
Addison himself admits that off-field tension combined with the squad he was left with gave him an uphill challenge from day one and the Rams were relegated during the first of his three seasons.
“It was a very difficult time,” he said. “I think I’m right in saying that the chief executive of Derby County at the time had his office cordoned off because of investigations going on at that level.
“I’m not making excuses, but I took over from Tommy Docherty and it was a very hard job to tackle. It was a big, big challenge.
“I’d been number two to Ron Atkinson at West Brom and I could have stayed there, he didn’t want me to go.
“But I wanted the chance to be number one again and manage on my own and I took up the challenge even though we were relegated despite losing two of the last dozen games.”
Taunton-born Addison went on to manage the likes of Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo before eventually returning to his roots in 2000.
In his sole season in charge he guided the Glovers to an FA Cup third round trip to Bolton Wanderers but also saw slip a commanding lead at the summit of the Conference, ultimately leading to his departure.
Despite his mere months in South Somerset, Addison said he always looks back fondly on his time with the Glovers.
He said: “I enjoyed my time there, although it was a short period. I did well with them and met a lot of nice people at a good, progressive club.
“It’s no surprise to me to see them playing in the Championship, they’re well-supported and it’s good to see them there.
“I look back at it very fondly and of course I always look for their score. I’m a Somerset man, born down the road in Taunton. I often get down for the cricket and I always look out for the football.
“There have been changes but Terry Skiverton and Darren Way are still there and I’ll definitely come down again this year to see a game in the autumn. I obviously know Jean and Terry Cotton and I’ll look forward to seeing them."
