18th May 2022

Yeovil Town confirmed the appointment of Chris Hargreaves as manager on Wednesday morning.

The 50-year-old arrived just days after Yeovil Town’s National League season came to an end with a victory at Altrincham, and he has got straight to work, watching back games & speaking to the current squad.

“I’ve either in person, or on my laptop watched the last 10 to 12 games, so I’ve got a fair idea (of the players)“, said the boss.

“I’ve met all of them either individually for a chat or over the phone. They’re a fantastic group of lads, I know people say that about most groups of players but the genuinely are.

“I hope we can work together with them and improve some of the younger players because that’s what my background has been in player development.

“I’m looking forward to getting the group of players together.”

Most recently, Hargreaves held the role as academy manager at Bristol Rovers, but he held many roles across the football department at the Gas, which puts him in good stead for his first jump into first team management in seven years.

“I’ve been in three roles at Rovers, so I saw all the types of players you work with, whether that the U23’s, the first team as assistant manager or younger as the academy manager.

“The plan at clubs has to be sustainable, to try and bring up players or improve players that you get in, either successful for us or financially viable.

“Player development is a big thing, it’s something I really enjoy, but at the end of the day it has to be the right character that comes through.”

Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Despite massive budgets at the higher end of the table, Yeovil Town have had strong record against those sides. The grit and determination shown by the existing group of players has meant a strong connection between the players & fans has grown, something Hargreaves is keen to encourage.

“There’s massive expectations at clubs across the league, largely due to the budgets they’ve got. We’ve seen that this season with clubs buying players for £300,000 and rumoured wages.

“I can’t affect any of that, I can only affect this group of players, because one thing is for sure, I want the players to give it absolutely everything so there’s that connection that’s already there continues.”

You can watch Chris’ full press conference below.