Yeovil Town secure promotion back into the National League
The side were relegated at the end of the 2022/3 season when they took on promotion-seeking Wrexham
Last updated 12th Apr 2024
After a season which started with a loss - after the Glovers conceded a second half goal away to Hemel Hempstead - it has now been confirmed that Yeovil Town are returning to the National League.
It has been a short time away from the fifth tier of football - but a lot has changed since the side were relegated last April.
Less than a month after their loss against Wrexham, it was confirmed the club had been sold - following pressure from fans, who'd launched a group at the time to help steer a new direction for the side.
Then in May, the Glovers confirmed Martin Hellier will take over as owner in a surprise announcement - with the previous owner calling his time in charge as a 'difficult journey'.
Back then, Martin Hellier described the move as a 'great honour' to be taking over.
Martin said: "As local owners, our hearts are rooted in the wellbeing and progression of our community, and we pledge to every fan, our intentions to form one entity, one club, one community, and to finally, ‘Achieve by Unity’.
"This has been a long and stressful process, I have been passionate about my beliefs and feelings because I deeply care about this club.
"This has not been a transaction for financial gain, it has involved a vast amount of time and effort to arrange, it is because I have the very best interests of this football club at heart."
Since then, Martin Hellier has helped to transform the club - and was even spotted by some fans with a paintbrush in his hands over the summer, as they readied themselves for the season in the National League South.
Over the season, the new owners said all the bosses 'are extremely aware of the passion and love supporters hold towards the club' - and even involved the fans in the process of their rebrand, which was announced earlier this year.
Describing the logo, the club said: "The inclusion of gloves in our new badge holds deep significance for Yeovil Town and our supporters.
"As the birthplace of the glove-making industry in the United Kingdom, Yeovil has long been synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and resilience.
"The gloves featured in our badge stand as a tribute to the skilled artisans and dedicated workers who have shaped our town’s legacy.
"Moreover, the gloves hold a special place in the hearts of Yeovil Town fans, earning us the affectionate nickname “The Glovers.” This moniker not only reflects our town’s heritage but also embodies the spirit of teamwork, unity, and determination that defines our club.
"At the heart of the new badge lies a tribute to the club’s founding year, 1895, encapsulating the traditional values of football that have guided Yeovil Town throughout its illustrious history.
"This inclusion serves as a proud reminder of the club’s enduring legacy in the world of football, honouring the pioneering spirit of its founders and the dedication of all those who have contributed to its success."
Performance on the pitch
The Glovers have stormed their first season in the National League South - having been in contention for promotion for much of their time there.
You'd call their 1-0 loss against Hemel Hempstead at the very start as a bit of a blip - having climbed into seventh place after just three matches.
It wasn't until matchday 11 against Aveley FC that the Glovers reached the heady heights of the top of the table under the management of Mark Cooper - and since then, their position hasn't waivered - thanks to investment from their new owners, and unfaltering support from the fans.
Their 3-1 victory at home against Aveley back on October 7th marked the beginning of their reign in the National League South - and foreshadowed their dominance for the rest of the season.
With two games in hand, after a postponed match against Truro, and an abandoned fixture away to Weymouth, they went into April 11th's game with just eight losses, eight draws, and 26 wins to their name - more than any other club in the table.
Compare this season's performance in the Football League where the Glovers had just seven wins and 40 points, it's clear the side's regrouping over the summer really played off.
On Thursday night (April 11th), more than 1200 fans travelled to Gloucester to face Truro City.
They're there because of the Cornwall outfit, who are ground-sharing with Taunton Town at Wordsworth Drive, and the home of the Peacocks currently being waterlogged.
All the Glovers needed, though, was just a single point - and after their home-side promotion hopes were lost in their 3-1 defeat against Worthing, all eyes turned to Gloucester - where - after less than 12 months in the National League South - they secured their fate.
There will be a special parade in Yeovil later this weekend.
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