11th March 2014

Yeovil Town chairman John Fry has joined  Passion for Somerset, the newly-formed  group of industry leaders set up to encourage business and enterprise throughout the county.

Mr Fry went to the second meeting of the group today (Tues, March 11th) at Taunton School…and took the play off final trophy for its final public outing before being returned to the Football League.

The chairman told the meeting how Yeovil Town was a major business in Somerset, employing 260 people on a matchday and with a core staff of 50.

He told how Yeovil, with its population of 42,000, was represented by 20,000 fans at the Wembley play- off final.  And he added that on days of a home game an average of 2,500 visitors were attracted to the town.

But, said Mr Fry, the team Yeovil beat last Saturday – Sheffield Wednesday – had a 40,000 seat stadium. Yeovil Town’s capacity was 9,000, he said, and investment in the stadium was vital.

“We have a vision at Yeovil Town and we must go for it,” said Mr. Fry.

Andrew Scott, CEO of the Ascot Group  and a founder of Passion for Somerset, said Yeovil Town had been transformed, and was a great cause for the group to support.

John Fry said after the meeting:”I found it very useful to meet the business leaders.  They were very supportive of our ambitions, and the club was welcomed as a major business in the county.”