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Friday 8 October 2010

Ya win some, ya lose some.

Another quickie post tonight, ahead of tomorrow's visit to Rochdale. It's been win some and lose some in YTFC-land this week. The Glovers Board has gained 2 new Directors in the form of Andy Rossiter and David Lee, who have responsibility for the Centre of Excellence and Community Trust respectively; against that we've lost a couple of fans, if this thread on the Green Room II is anything to go by.

As I write this I've just seen a brief feature about the club on the BBC's Points West programme, asking if the club can survive in League One and even push on into the Championship in the future. Kudos to well-known supporter Mark Kelly for telling it how it is by criticising the facilities at Huish Park and explaining the need for a social club for supporters. But perhaps the most interesting moment came in a rare interview with Director Stephen Allinson, who threw his weight very much behind the controversial formation of the new Holding Company, saying: "We want to invest in this whole infrastructure [Huish Park]. Many major operators/retailers these days will not invest in a football club, but will invest in the grounds that support that football club. And what that will do is enhance us, because the more money that comes in off the field, the more money can be ploughed in on it. We're fans on the Board as well, that's the important thing."

Allinson's words are significant, as far as I'm aware he's the first Board member other than Chairman John Fry and Chief Executive Martyn Starnes to publically support the formation of the Holding Company. His words carry weight because he is regarded by many as a genuinely independent voice in the Boardroom as well as enjoying a reputation throughout the game for financial expertise. If Stephen Allinson is comfortable with the formation of Yeovil Town Holdings Ltd and believes it will bring some much-needed investment into the club then, just maybe, there's less to worry about than some of us have previously thought.

As mentioned before the Glovers travel to Spotland tomorrow to face Rochdale, who've got off to a real flyer in their first season in League One for many years. The bookies make the home side evens favourites, the draw is priced at 23/10 and a Glovers win at 14/5. My fiver is once again going on the draw. Running total: +25p.

Just read: Heartstone by CJ Sansom: I've been looking forward to this, the 5th in the Matthew Shardlake series of novels, for a couple of years now and it doesn't disappoint. For the uninitiated, Shardlake is a hunchback London lawyer alive during the reign of Henry VIII, and the novels focus on his life and work. He defends the underdog and tries, generally without success, to avoid getting embroiled in the politics of Henry's Court. The novels work on many levels; as crime thrillers, as history lessons, as chronicles of how ordinary people lived and survived in Tudor times. All five of the novels in the series are standalone works and Heartstone is as accomplished, thrilling and satisfying as any of the rest. Roll on the sixth in the series, whenever it emerges.

2 comments:

  1. I agree re less to worry about but my one concern is this: If this is indeed the case, then why the deadly silence from Fry and Starnes on it?

    Re CJ Sansom - What is the first book called? Also, I believe it is first person? I kinda struggle with first person but if it is brilliant then I may attempt them.

    Daz Taylor

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  2. I sometimes think the more Fry and Starnes shut up, the better it is for everyone else. But yes, you're right, why the deadly silence? Communication with supporters is key, anything less just leaves the impression that they don't care whether supporters back them or not. Which is the impression I get.

    The first Sansom book is 'Dissolution'. Can't remember if it's written in the first person or not - the latest one, Heartstone, was, FWIW - but I wouldn't let it put you off. Terrific series of books, trust me on this Daz!

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