Pre-Match Chat: Yeovil Town Fanfile Interview

Ahead of the first game of the 2009/10 League One season this coming Saturday, Total Tranmere's Deadly Submarine took time out to interview Yeovil Town fan Chris Brenton to get his thoughts on Yeovil Town, League One in general and on the upcoming match between the two sides this Saturday. Here's what Chris to say.......

What is Your Name and How Old are You?

My name is Chris Brenton and I'm 18 years old.

How Long Have You Supported Your Team and What Made You Choose Them?

I've been attending matches since I was five years old.  I'm a believer of supporting your local team, I doubt I had such strong philosophies when I was younger, but that's the reason now.  

When I was five I guess it was just the fact I was watching football, and that it was the team which my brother and Dad followed.

YOUR CLUB

What are Your Views on the Current Manager?

Skivo (Terry Skiverton) is in my opinion the best guy for the job.  You would struggle to find a manager who would be more devoted to the club and the Town than him.  He is an honest, straight-talking guy, well spoken, polite, and makes his aims very clear.

There were some who doubted his capability to prosper given his inexperience and the level at which he is beginning his managerial career.  However, personally I think that he has put together a strong team, put himself about well, and I am feeling much more optimistic than last season.

If you could have one past Player back in his prime who would you have and why?

Chris Cohen.  What a player!  He was the backbone of our midfield.  He always had that extra second on the ball and outplayed and he outclassed opposition players. He always played above our level and in my opinion was always destined for better things.

What is your Greatest Memory from supporting your Club?

Going from a club who had spent its entire history in non-league football, I think the greatest memory for me would have to be getting promoted into the Football League.  I also remember winning the F.A. Trophy at Villa Park against Stevenage Borough 2-0, but I would say that the promotion wins hands down.

If you were in charge at your Club as Manager or Chairman, what changes would you make?

Get rid of the tent.  That's what it is.  A tent.  It's the place at the ground where supporters can go for a drink before and after the game. I would replace it with a proper drinking facility.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  I like the ‘tent' but anything that sells Beer is fine by me!  

What Expectations do Your Team's Fans seem to have for this Season?

I think the general feeling is of optimism, but we aren't kidding ourselves.  The league this year is harder than it has been for years, especially since our promotion.  I think we are really just aiming above relegation, but somewhere near mid-table would be nice.

AWAY DAYS

What are the Best and Worst Away Grounds you've Visited to date and why?

Being young and a student, I haven't had the pleasure of visiting many Grounds.  I remember as a kid going to Ninian Park in the F.A Cup of 1999.  We drew 1-1, but what makes it memorable is the weather which we stood under.  We had everything, hail, rain, cold winds, and no cover above our heads!

The best would have to be Wembley, the season before last. We lost 2-0 at home to Nottingham Forest in the play-off semi-finals. We then headed up to their ground to beat them 5-2 in what might be described as the best match in Yeovil Town history.  Winning 5-4 on aggregate to a side which had already printed shirts for Wembley, one can only wonder what they did with them?

EDITORS NOTE: Sounds like typical Forest to me!

Have you visited Prenton Park before and if so, what are your views?

I haven't, however I've heard it is a nice Ground.  I do wish I was there when we achieved safety from relegation last season though!

LEAGUE ONE

Who do you think will be Promoted/Relegated from League One this Season?

Promoted:  Norwich and Leeds or MK Dons, with Huddersfield going up through play-offs.

Relegated:  Exeter, Stockport, Wycombe and Gillingham.  However, I think we could be in for a few surprises.

Where do you think your Team will finish this season?

I think we will finish about 15^th.  As I said, it's a harder season this year, but we have a better squad and a very eager Manager.

Where do you think Tranmere will finish this season?

I think Tranmere are looking at around 9^th.  Similar to last season where you unfortunately missed out of play-offs.  

GENERAL

On past experience, what are your views on Tranmere as a Club?

The fans do the club a great justice.  They are friendly, happy to chat, proper football fans. It's good to see them following Tranmere rather than settling for Liverpool or Everton.  One of the clubs who I would like to see do well this season, not better than us though, obviously!

George O'Callaghan has recently become a Glover after being at Tranmere last season.  Have you seen much of him so far in pre-season and how does he look as a Player?

He doesn't seem to be afraid to stick a foot in and get hold of the ball. Seems a strong character on the pitch and I think could be a good signing for us. 

THE MATCH VS TRANMERE

Who is your Team's Man to Watch this Season and for this game?

For the season, I would keep my eye on Andy Welsh.  A pacy left winger who loves to run at the opposition defence.  I can see him causing a fair few problems for other teams this season.

For the game, I would say to keep your eye on Steven Caulker.  In pre-season he seemed to be everywhere in defence.  Might cause some bother for your strikers.

Your Prediction for the Game Vs Tranmere?

I don't know why, but I can see this game being a 2-2 draw.

Any other comments to add?

I wish Tranmere all the best for the season, except for matches against us!