Yeovil interim chairman praised as he reveals his vision for the club, finances, banning orders

Yeovil new interim chairman, Stuart Robins, has praised as he reveals his vision for the club, his plans, the finances, and banning orders.

This comes following Martin Hellier’s resignation as owner and chairman. Robins, a lifelong supporter and former director, expressed his honour in taking the role and aims to elevate Yeovil to at least League One, with hopes of occasional Championship appearances.

He emphasised stabilising the club after a turbulent period, particularly addressing fan discontent and financial concerns.

On finances, Robins acknowledged the club’s reliance on Hellier’s cash injections, as revealed in recent accounts showing a £2.8m loss despite promotion to the National League. He confirmed the Hellier Group’s continued support during the transition to new ownership, with plans to ensure staff and operational stability while seeking sustainable growth.

Regarding banning orders issued to fans for negative online comments under Hellier’s tenure, Robins indicated a willingness to review them. He noted the bans, originally set for two years, were a priority to address, signaling a desire to mend fan relations strained by Hellier’s approach, which some criticized as dismissive.

Robins also praised manager Mark Cooper’s competitive squad, seeing it as a foundation for climbing the leagues. His immediate focus is on transparency, fan engagement, and laying groundwork for a return to higher-tier football, though he admitted the club’s midtable National League position requires significant work.

A message from our Interim Chairman, Stuart Robins. 🗣️ #YTFC 💚 pic.twitter.com/HlzxUTROFT

— Yeovil Town FC (@YTFC) April 1, 2025

“I want everyone to be proud to be a part of the club…” 🎥

Stuart Robins spoke with @jackkillah on @bbcbristolsport about the future of Yeovil Town. #YTFC 💚 pic.twitter.com/RCG5AUoPxz

— Yeovil Town FC (@YTFC) April 2, 2025

Speaking to the BBC, Robins said, transcribed by Somerset Live: “Totally privileged. It’s an incredible honour to have that title and have this position at the football club I’ve supported since I was a little lad.

“It’s been challenging, we’ve seen how the supporters have reacted to recent incidents. I think Martin made the right decision for himself, for his family and for the club. And I totally support his decision.

“When he phoned me to tell me of his decision, I thought it was my duty to step up and do what I can for the club, for now and hopefully in the future.

“I think it had got very difficult, but we’re in a position now that we can move forward and hopefully get the Park packed again and the supporters enjoying good days out at Huish Park.”

As for the financial accounts, Robins added: “I don’t think we’re any different from a lot of clubs at this level and indeed above. It’s not great reading, but one of my tasks now is to bring in new investment and that will hopefully bring bigger and even better times to Huish Park and Yeovil Town.

“But we’re being supported by the Hellier Group and I’ve been given some good assurances that that will continue. The Hellier Group will continue to support the club and I work very closely with the officials within the club and they’re incredibly supportive. It is critical that we get new investment in, absolutely critical.

“I think there will be a few announcements that will be made quite soon.

“I’ve been in business long enough to know not to give any commitment whatsoever, what I can tell you and what I can assure everybody is that it is my highest priority and I’m working diligently to get this done as soon as I possibly can.

“I think we’ll come out of this stronger and financially more viable.”

On potentially rescinding those banning orders which were due to last for two years: “I’ve been in post for a day, there was lots of stuff to do, especially to make sure the staff understood we’re in a good position and the Hellier Group are going to continue supporting the football club.

“It’s right at the top of the agenda and we will be addressing that very, very soon.”

On the club’s visions and where he thinks they should be: “I’ve always thought since we got into the League that we should be a League club. My vision is that we would be at least a League One club, hopefully with the odd visit to the Championship.

“We’ve done it before, I know it’s a different era, but I can’t see any reason why we can’t do it again. That’s my vision and that’s what I’m going to try and help and bring to the club.

“I’m a supporter, I’ve been through it myself as a supporter. I want everyone to be really proud to be part of the club that I and everybody loves. That’s a pretty high priority as well.”

As mentioned, the Yeovil interim chairman has been praised as he reveals his vision for the club, finances, banning orders…

@ChappsRyan2000: What a bloke. Couldn’t happen to a nicer gentleman

@4554_w: This is what a proper chairman should sound like 👏

@rogerthedodge2: Coventry fan here-came to watch u against St Albans last season with a friend who supports YTFC & met Stuart Robins had a long chat & one word describes him ‘gentleman’ I wish yourselves & Stuart every success possible 👏👏👏

@ytfctxm: stuart robins green and white armyyyyy

@CallumHallett6: Robins had a dreammm. 🎶

@ytfcaj00: A man with the club at heart as well as the fans

@Thomasnottom3: A man deserving of the title!!!

@_Jontosaurus_: Despite all the hate he’s gotten, he has stuck with the club through the toughest of times. I hope his tenure goes well and that he can help the club to find potential new ownership. #ytfc

@MrChares: Might’ve been a decent combination of Stuart Robins being front-facing, and Hellier as more of an investor. Alongside other investors and investment groups. And then being a leadership group which didn’t exist.

@CllrDanielFry: Anything regarding the hurty words your previous chairman and owner took offence by and banning supporters that invest its hard earned money in your football club? Are they allowed back in? Or is the multi year banning order still in place?

@DanWilcox11: Look at that smile! This means more to @RobinsStuart that it will to any other chairman, interim or not. 🟢⚪️ #YTFC