Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper has emphasized the necessity of relocating the team’s training sessions to the SGS Wise campus in South Gloucestershire, citing inadequate facilities within Yeovil itself. Speaking during the recent Meet the Owners event, Cooper explained that to succeed, players must train at the highest standards — something the club’s current local options fail to provide.
Cooper stated, “If we had a really good facility in Yeovil, we would train there, no question. Unfortunately, we don’t have that facility.” After reaching out extensively to local schools and organizations to secure better venues, the club found no suitable options nearby. “The alternatives were either training on a worn 3G pitch prone to causing injuries or moving to a purpose-built training ground, which we chose,” he added.
Despite the move, Cooper assured fans that the club’s commitment to local community engagement remains strong. The team plans to continue visits to schools, hospitals, and other community activities, maintaining a close connection with Yeovil.
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Executive Chairman Stuart Robins highlighted the challenges in upgrading local facilities, noting, “The cost of improving pitches to first-team standards is significant.” He outlined the club’s ambition to progress through the leagues and stressed that providing top-notch facilities is essential to achieving those goals. “Our priority is to equip Mark and the squad with the best resources to perform at their highest level. Ultimately, we aim to bring training back to Yeovil, but this will take time,” Robins said.
Cooper also shared insights into the club’s player recruitment strategy. While he favors a squad built mainly from contracted players, he acknowledges the practical role of loan players to supplement the team. “Ideally, loan players are here to make an impact and gain experience, not be the backbone of the squad,” he explained. However, injuries and a small squad sometimes compel increased reliance on loans.
The recruitment process is thorough and data-driven, utilizing platforms like Y Scout to evaluate talent even down to Southern League levels. Character is a key criterion, often valued above pure ability to maintain team harmony. Cooper detailed the vetting process, which includes checking injury records, obtaining references from former coaches and teammates, and studying extensive game footage with the help of analyst Sam Curry. The current focus is on signing players with National League experience, believed to enhance the team’s competitiveness within budget constraints.