LESSONS MUST BE LEARNED

WHAT to make of Matt Uggla, the 29-year-old son of a billionaire who has promised to take York City back to the EFL?

- Chris DUNLAVY

On the one hand, he is a modern young businessman with progressive plans for the club and a background in big data.

On the other, he’s the guy who failed to buy Yeovil, blew a large chunk of cash in the process and spent a (presumably) drunken evening hammering manager Mark Cooper on twitter.

“We really can take this as far as we want to take it,” said Uggla, shortly after completing a deal to buy Glen Henderson’s 51 percent stake in the Minstermen. “There isn’t a ceiling on this club; the sky really is the limit.”

Not long ago, Uggla had similar aspirations for Yeovil. Along with his mother, Julie-Anne, and ex-England international rugby player Paul Sackey, Uggla formed a consortium called SU Glovers and assumed control at Huish Park in February.

Describing himself as a “steward”, Uggla explained that SU Glovers “make all the decisions and are in charge” but that a “bureaucratic thing” was delaying a formal takeover. Scott Priestnall, the actual owner, said nothing.

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At that point, Yeovil were plodding along in relative safety. Soon, however, an injury crisis plunged the Glovers into the thick of a relegation battle from which they would not emerge.

Cooper complained that he hadn’t been backed. Uggla hit back, calling the former Forest Green and Peterborough boss a “nasty man” and accusing him of “bullying” unwanted signings. The tweets were later deleted, but the damage was done.

Concurrently, Uggla banned Martin Hellier – a lifelong fan and sponsor of the main stand – from Huish Park.