‘I’d like to think we’re honest and give a good balanced view of things’
Being a Yeovil Town Football Club supporter in recent times has been akin to being punished for following the team and sport you love.
In the darkest hours of recent seasons there was a chink of light that came through and as the club starts wake again a site born from a podcast has now become the respected authority on what is happening at Huish Park, both on and off the field.
Gloverscast came to being in January 2020 and its founder, Ian Perkins, has told Somerset’s Alive! about its growth and how he has gone from being a Yeovil fan to being a BBC Somerset co-commentator who brings games to life on the radio.
So, how does he feel about Gloverscast becoming such a well respected podcast among fans?
Ian said: “To be honest, it’s a bit surreal. I’m proud that we’ve – the Gloverscast would not be what it is without Ben Barrett and Dave Coates – been able to produce something that people enjoy listening to and has become a part of supporting the club for some.”
While the Gloverscast has become a firm fan favourite, it hasn’t always gone down well with those at the club.
Ian continued: “Don’t get me wrong, we’re still three plebs, as [former Yeovil Town manager] Darren Sarll put it, with views that I’m sure plenty disagree with but I’d like to think we’re honest, give a good balanced view of things and a big part of that was trying to hold the previous owner to account where we could.”
There were other reasons why Ian believed that fans needed something like the Gloverscast. He said: “I also think the lack of interest in the club’s plight by local media was a real frustration. There was such a huge gap for proper independent coverage that wasn’t worried about making money or losing access was a big advantage.”
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Before the site and podcast came to fruition, most fans would turn to fan site Ciderspace for detailed news about the club, on and off the pitch, but this came to an abrupt halt with the sad passing of its creator, Martin Baker.
With some suggesting the Gloverscast has stepped into that space, Ian said: “We never set out to fill that void and I think it’s an impossible one to fill.
“Martin was without doubt a club legend and if we can have even 5% of the impact he had on supporters I would be over the moon.
“Now that we’re doing so much, I have even more appreciation for what Badger, Hugh, Taff and others did for all those years with Ciderspace.
“I love that the fan zone is named after their efforts and The Badger Bar is brilliant. It’s a well-deserved legacy.”
With Martin Hellier buying the club at the 11th hour when it seemed that there wouldn’t be a Yeovil Town to support for this season, there has been quite a turnaround in the presentation of the club and also the feelings of fans.
Ian believes that it is so far, so good with the new regime. He said: “For so long we’ve wanted someone at the club who cares about the club, listens to the supporters and gives the manager the tools to get the job done on the pitch.
“The transformation of Huish Park is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s easy to say these improvements are small, but together they’ve added up to something massive and with some big crowds so far, the masses are getting to see the change. Build it and they will come!”
Alongside the rise of Gloverscast has been Ian’s journey as a commentator on the radio, which sees him now helping to call Yeovil’s games on BBC Somerset.
It was the fulfillment of an ambition and Ian has been enjoying the opportunity to be the one who brings Yeovil’s games to life for fans who can’t be there to see it live.
Explaining his journey, Ian told Somerset’s Alive!: “I helped with the launch of Three Valleys Radio and was able to get a taste for live radio.
“Even as a kid I’d listen to Radio Five Live at the weekend to soak up all the football and there’s such mastery in it.
“When the opportunity came to commentate on the club on the program I listened to on a match day I couldn’t wait to get stuck in, although it was a bit nerve-wracking speaking to Geoff Twentyman for the first time.
“As long as I’m talking about Yeovil Town I’m happy, whether its on the podcast, on the radio or in the pub.”
Somerset’s Alive! 
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