Now Birdy captured in the Twerton Park net (31/5/00)
Paul Bodin has completed another part of his plans for next season with top scorer Martin Paul signing a new two year contract. The ex-Bristol Rovers striker arrived at Twerton Park in November 1996 and has scored 77 goals in a 164 appearances, including 30 in each of the last two seasons.
Chance to make you views on this web page known (30/5/00)
As promised a little while back I have complied a survey to find out what people think of the page and how it can be improved. The survey can be found here.
Bodin fan Davo commits himself to City (30/5/00)
Mike Davis has signed a new one year contract at City and cited boss Paul Bodin as the main reason for his continuing loyalty to the Romans. The 25-year old made the switch from centre-forward, where he was top scorer for two seasons, during Bodin’s first year in charge, and finished that season as player of the season. Despite a disappointing second half to last season’s campaign, which mirrored City’s decline, Davis remains a vital component of City’s strongest line-up.
One familiar face that will be absent from Twerton Park next season is club secretary Jason Turner. After five years at City, where he has filled a variety of positions, he is moving across the Severn Bridge to become club secretary to Nationwide Division Three side Cardiff City. He will be massively missed at City and his help with this web page has been invaluable, so I wish him all the best at Cardiff.
On the pitch, the draw for next season’s Somerset Premier Cup has given City a home 2nd Round tie with Street, after receiving a bye in the 1st Round for being a nice team (Yeovil didn’t get a bye).
Black & white remains the fashionable choice (22/5/00)
To see what the fashionable footballer (and supporter) will be wearing next season click here. The kit will be available at the end of July during the open day. Thanks to Chris Stillman for the photo and the two professional models who braved the elements to model the kits.
Saints visit Twerton for Brooks benefit match (20/5/00)
Glenn Hoddle will be reunited with his former teammate Paul Bodin as the ex-England manager brings his Southampton side to Twerton Park for a benefit match for former City captain Nicky Brooks. The match heads the list of City’s pre-season friendlies and takes place on Monday 7 August at 7.45pm. Other visitors to Twerton are Swindon Town (22/7), Bristol City (29/7) and Cardiff City (1/8), and City will travel to Yeovil Town (19/7) and Paulton Rovers (5/8). Click here for the full friendly list.
City announce 2000-01 ticket prices (20/5/00)
City have announced a slight increase in admission prices for the 2000-01 season, although the discount for earlier purchased season tickets remains.
James is the surprise name in the released list (10/5/00)
Less than 24 hours after their final game of the 1999-2000 season City boss Paul Bodin has begun planning the 2000-01 campaign, releasing five players and giving another three a second chance in the pre-season games. The five definitely on their way are Elliot Jackson, David Mehew, Jimmy Cox, Rob Skidmore and Stuart James. Whilst the first four are not major shocks for various reasons, the inclusion of James has come as a surprise to many City fans. The former Swindon player was City’s longest serving player, having arrived from Weymouth in 1995, and his versatility has been vital this season with City’s small squad. The three further players who have not been offered new contracts are Jimmy Fraser, Lee Vickerman and Peter Tisdale, but each will be invited back to pre-season training to earn another chance at City. Bodin had hoped to keep his full squad together but the continuing financial constraints at City has meant to bring new players in he’s had to allow some to go. He will be talking to various players over the next few weeks, although any moves for league club releasees will have to wait until July when Football League contracts expire.
Battling City edged out in Cup final thriller (10/5/00)
City completed their season with another defeat, but it was an improved performance on recent outings, as they were beaten by the odd goal in five against Bristol City in the final of the Somerset Premier Cup. After a lively start, including five corners in as many minutes, City fell behind when Watts allowed a Tinion free-kick to slip through his hands after 12 minutes. Seven minutes before the interval Bristol doubled their lead as Odelyi outpaced the City back line and rounded Watts before rolling the ball home. To their credit City didn’t allow their heads to drop and when Morrision put Davis’ cross past his own keeper asfter 62 minutes they were back in the game. However, 12 minutes later Odelyi restored the Robins two goal advantage, firing home after Brown’s pass sent him clear. Again City came back at their Nationwide League opponents and Harrington converted Paul’s low cross to make it three-two on 84 minutes, but there was to be no late equaliser, leaving City to reflect on a final disappointment at the end of a long season.
Chalky victorious in the battle of supporters (7/5/00)
City’s supporters side finally registered their first win, over themselves, as a team lead by Steve White overcame Paul Bodin’s troops by three goals to one at Twerton Park this afternoon. The manager and his assisstant both played the full 90 minutes, and it was Chalky who opened the scoring shortly before half time. Before this Bodin had earned his side a penalty after he was felled by Quentin Edwards, but the keeper redeemed himself, saving Phil Weavers spot kick. Despite finding themselves on the backfoot for much of the second period a close range strike made it 2-0 for White’s side before James Weaver pulled a goal back. Pushing men up Bodin’s crew were caught on the break for the third (from my cross – just thought I’d mention it) and the game was over. It is hoped that the game will raise over £600 for the supporters and thanks to all involved, in particular Paul and Steve for their participation, and Bas for organising the event.*
Back in the world of Dr Martens football yesterday’s results decided who will coming up and down into the Premier Division next season. Forest Green avoided falling back into the Southern League with a last day win over Kettering, condemning Welling United to relegation, as they join Sutton and Altrincham in the drop. The final Dr Martens relegation spot was filled by Grantham despite their win over Crawley, joining Atherstone, Rothwell and Gloucester. Replacing these sides are Stafford Rangers and Moor Green from the Western Division and Fisher Athletic London and Folkestone from the Eastern Disivion. Of course, any of these ups and downs are subject to the vagaries of the non-league rules and regulations, including the unoffical ‘Welling United are not allowed to be relegated’ clause, but given ground grading, financial considerations, north and south balances, clubs going bust, etc, etc, these are the movements that should take place.
*You may have guessed that I’m not sure who scored the second and third goals, sorry!
Predictable end to a season that promised so much (6/5/00)
After holding on to the second spot for nearly three-quarters of the season, City had to finally settle for a repeat of last season’s fourth place finishing position, as they completed their league campaign with a 3-0 reversal at the hands of eventual runners-up Burton Albion. The Brewers earned the victory, and gained revenge for the opening day defeat against City, with two first half goals, the second from the penalty spot, and a third midway through the second period. With a side that featured just five players that would be considered first choice regulars, including one playing out of position, City never looked likely to prevent the home side achieving the victory that gave them their highest ever league finish. City now complete their season at Clevedon’s Hand Stadium on Tuesday with the Somerset Premier Cup Final against Bristol City.
City supporters look to keep it in the family (4/5/00)
After a narrow 1-0 defeat against Merthyr and a last minute penalty denying the a win over Tamworth, City supporters side have made sure they will finish the season with a win – by taking themselves on. Two supporters sides (and, yes, we have got enough supporters, Yeovil comedians), one managed by Paul Bodin, the other by Steve White, will take on each other at Twerton Park on Sunday 7 May at Twerton Park. If any one is interested in playing in this match they should contact Martin ‘Bas’ Brush on 01225 420613 for further details.
Bodin left to ponder on Jackson’s future (1/5/00)
City keeper Elliot Jackson should know by the end of the week whether he has a future at Twerton Park. The former Oxford United stopper was dropped for Saturday’s 2-2 draw after a series of errors in recent games, but, despite rumours around the ground, he has not left the club, although Bodin has confirmed his replacement, Leigh Watts, will feature in City’s final two games.