Yeovil Town winger James Daly believes the club’s work in the summer transfer market has helped explain an impressive start to the new National League season, despite the Glovers suffering their first defeat at Southend United last weekend.
Yeovil were beaten 3-2 at Southend but had remained unbeaten in their first five fixtures. That opening run included matches against National League heavyweights Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United and Barrow.
The Glovers now return to Huish Park on Saturday to face newly promoted AFC Fylde, with the visitors aiming to continue a strong start of their own. The match begins a demanding sequence for Yeovil, who travel to Aldershot Town on Tuesday night before hosting Solihull Moors next Friday.
Daly credits squad depth and recruitment
Speaking to BBC Somerset reporter Jack Killah on Thursday, Daly said Yeovil had developed the character and work ethic required to cope with a busy schedule. He also pointed to the greater range of options available from the bench, saying the summer investment meant the team could change the way it approached matches.
“From the first couple of weeks of pre-season, I think the boys who have been here understood that the group we have this season is full of great characters, with a lot of work ethic, and boys who are really hungry to succeed. It’s been a breath of fresh air coming in this season and seeing the way the lads have taken to it. How well we’ve come together in the first few weeks has been really good to see.
“I think we have proven we have options all over the pitch. Our ability to bring players on to affect games now is a lot greater, and that comes down to the investment in the squad. Now, when we’re in games, we almost have a Plan B. We’ve got boys who can come on and affect the game even more, which is a massive relief, and it really brings the boys together as well.
Daly added that manager Billy Rowley and his coaching staff had identified players for specific roles, helping the new arrivals settle quickly. He said the squad had clicked earlier than many people expected, while acknowledging that there was still more work to do.
“The boys who have come in have taken to it like a duck to water because (manager Billy Rowley and his staff have) profiled the positions so well. Everyone probably thought it would take longer to click, and I know it’s only early, but it’s clicked for a reason. They’ve profiled the right players for the right team and that’s why we’re winning. There’s a lot more to do, but we’re in a good spot.”
High-energy Fylde provide another test
Fylde returned to the Premier Division after spending last season away from it. Under new manager Craig Mahon, they won the National League North title with 100 points and have lost only once this season.
After six matches, both teams have records of three wins, two draws and one defeat. Daly described Fylde as a high-energy, high-pressing side and said Yeovil had reviewed the opposition and were preparing a plan to exploit their own strengths.
He also said Yeovil’s home performances had benefited from strong support, with the fans acting as a “12th man” and encouraging the players to create special memories at Huish Park.
Picture: James Daly, courtesy of Indy Pitman – Indy’s Visuals.