Yeovil fans rejoice as takeover is confirmed with statement issued

Yeovil Town fans rejoice as a long awaited takeover of some kind is confirmed with a statement issued on the announcement.

Scott Priestnall has confirmed the sale of Yeovil Town Football Club to the Hellier Group, reassuring fans on the club’s future after it had looked uncertain.

They state they have also secured ‘the buy-back rights to the stadium and surrounding land’. Read what has been said…

📰 | Hellier Group confirms takeover

Local businessman Martin Hellier has confirmed his Hellier Group as the new owner of Yeovil Town.

The sponsor of the Main Stand at Huish Park has bought the majority shareholding from Scott Priestnall.https://t.co/lFnVNVPsXc #YTFC

— Gloverscast 🎙⚽️💚 (@gloverscast) May 13, 2023

STATEMENT

Scott Priestnall has issued an update on the sale of Yeovil Town Football Club:

I confirm that I have completed the sale of Yeovil Town Football Club to the Hellier Group.

It has been a difficult journey and I appreciate it has been hardest on you, the fans, most of all.

We have not been able to share updates where we have wanted to, as you will appreciate negotiations take place under strict rules and disclosure arrangements. Given previous transactions have fallen through, I was particularly concerned about giving updates that may not materialise. 

I am confident that this transaction is one in the best interests of the club.

Yeovil Town Football Club is a club that is, and always will be, very close to my heart. I wish the manager, the players, Martin and the fans all the best for the future.

Martin Hellier said: “To the fans, players, and staff of Yeovil Town Football Club, and to the wider Yeovil community:

“Rejoice. The long winter of discord is over.

“It is my greatest honour to announce that Hellier Group have secured the majority shareholding of Yeovil Town Football Club, Yeovil Town Holdings, and the buy-back rights to the stadium and surrounding land, which we intend to reunite with the trading business in the months to come.

“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.

“I would like to thank the endless patience of the fans, players and the loving support of my family, as well as the tireless efforts of professionals around me, that have dedicated their time and efforts to securing what has been an exhausting process, the outcome of which is immeasurable in terms of unifying the hearts and minds of all that love this club.

“Please allow us to catch our breath, steady the ship, and bring stability, we have a very arduous task ahead of us, but one which we whole-heartedly embrace. I look forward to working closely with Mark Cooper and Josh Staunton who I know share my belief that Yeovil Town can return to brighter times.

“We ask that you invest your hearts and minds in supporting what is now our truly locally-owned, community asset, and lets collectively focus our ambitions in the progression of Yeovil Town Football Club. For too long, our fan-base has been divided, I would ask that this comes to an end.

“Following this week’s Glovers’ Trust Meeting, I look forward to working closely with the trust(s) / the newly formed ‘Save Our Club’ group and show that the club has, as of today, been saved.

“I look forward to a bright and successful future for the club. I am very excited for us all to take this journey together.”

Thanks for your efforts in charge Mr Priestnall, wish you nothing but sadness and suffering for the rest of your working life. pic.twitter.com/byGI2d7j4N

— AJ🤙😳 (@ytfcaj00) May 13, 2023

As mentioned, Yeovil fans rejoice as the takeover is confirmed with a statement issued…

@Gloversgirl: I think we can all agree that we all want the best for our football club.

@Bubba_27: Get that Porsche out the garage son we have a striker to sign. Good luck #ytfc

@Robbie05426632: Can you tell Hellier to unblock all the fans so we can support him?

@Andy_Merritt: Compare this statement to the one Martin just put out and see who looks like they give a damn the most. Hopefully this means a brighter future and we can start the rebuild for a successful season 🤞

@AlDinAtlantic: I thought SP told MH to F off a few weeks ago? Also thought SU Glovers had exclusivity over last few months? all very very odd, but hopefully its a fresh start now.

@CucumberGordon: Congrats on burning your previously non-existent reputation for a few hundred grand by raping a community sports club. We’ll ensure that your actions follow you everywhere you go, and that anyone who deals with you will know your dishonesty and greed.

@CleaveO: Wow to secure everything including buy back rights to stadium and surrounding land is fantastic news. Congratulations Martin and good luck. 👍

@___ryan___14: Congratulations, you’ve shown great patience and determination to get this through. It’s rare nowadays for a fan to own their club. I’m sure you’ll do what’s best for Yeovil

@ChrisBowsters: Great news. Just remember the haters will always hate but the majority will always be behind you

@RossTC21: Well done Martin and co! The future is bright it’s green and white! 💚

@MrAnthonyCarter: It’s a brighter day for Yeovil Martin and to look ahead now . Rebuild, and let’s get fans behind the team for a tough season ahead . But one with hope now.

@ytfcaj00: Congratulations, now let’s focus on getting a squad that at the very least can get top 5 next season.

@Stephen26780105: Congratulations! I was very impressed – and comforted – by your interview with Three Valleys Radio. You clearly genuinely care for club and community and I hope that this is the start of another bounce back up the leagues!

@TOMMACRAZY: Martin please hold out the big olive branch to @matt_uggla as together you both could build a strong force of a Yeovil town that could get back to the championship. As a 45 year fan I beg for you both to chat and sort it out please

@SimonDGould: Excellent news by the sound of it – hoping this works out for everyone involved & you start climbing back up the ladder!

@DavidKennedy69: Fantastic News Martin. May I congratulate you on achieving this? Our Club is in better and safer custodian. I am sure you will run a tight ship, and the great days will return. I wish you, the staff, and players all the best of luck. I look forward to seeing a game in August. DK

@vedric01: Congratulations! Have a great journey at YTFC. #uptheglovers

@Vintonkkk: Congratulations Martin, we look forward to your tenure. #YTFC