Hellier to keep investing in Yeovil despite selling

Yeovil owner Martin Hellier confirmed he plans to sell the club as he stepped down as chairman

Yeovil Town owner Martin Hellier will continue investing in the National League club until a new buyer is found, says interim chairman Stuart Robins.

Hellier stepped down as chairman on Monday and confirmed plans to sell the Glovers citing abuse he had suffered online from fans. Robins has taken on the role while a new owner is found.

Businessman Hellier took over Yeovil in June 2023 but has been involved in a hostile relationship with sections of the fanbase for some time, including exchanging abuse of his own via social media and issuing banning orders from games.

"We're being supported by the Hellier Group and I've been given some good assurances that that will continue," Robins told BBC Radio Somerset.

Hellier, a long-time Yeovil fan and previous club sponsor through his firm, took over the Glovers during another turbulent period two years ago, following a failed takeover attempt by the SU Glovers and their relegation from the National League.

The club won promotion from National League South at the end of last season and are 14th in the fifth tier.

Accounts released for the 2023-24 season show that debts total £2.8m and Robins said it was now "absolutely critical" that new investment was brought in.

"I don't think we're any different from a lot of clubs at this level and indeed above," Robins said.

"It's not great reading but my major task now is to bring in new investment and that will hopefully bring bigger and even better times to Huish Park and Yeovil Town."

Stuart Robins has stepped in as Yeovil's interim chairman

Robins said the past weeks had been "challenging" and that it had "gotten very, very difficult" between Hellier and the fans.

"We're in a position now where we can hopefully move forward and get the Park packed again and the supporters enjoying good days out again," he said.

Robins added he was looking into the banning orders issued by Hellier - the fans behind Gloverscast, an unofficial club podcast, are among those who had been sent letters telling them to stay away from matches.

"It's right at the top of the agenda and we will be addressing that very soon," Robins said.

"I'm a supporter, I've been through it myself as a supporter and I want everyone to be really proud of being part of the club that I and everybody loves, so that's a really high priority as well"