THEY say loyalty pays - Matt Worthington is living proof of that.
A fourth relegation in ten years - from the Championship to National League South - had sunk his Yeovil Town side to a whole new low with "a period of great instability" throwing the club's mere existence into doubt.
The future of manager Mark Cooper was uncertain too, hinging on a takeover by local businessman Martin Hellier, which was dragging its heels deep into the summer months.
It's fair to say Huish Park was not the ideal place to be.
"It was a very difficult period for all of us," Worthington, 26, recalls. "Last year was a terrible year for the club, the fans and for the team.
"Personally, it was tough too. I had couple of weeks in the summer where I had to decide on what best to do
"But when Martin took over, I sat down with him and the gaffer, we managed to sort out a deal and, looking back, I'm really happy that I stayed.
"I've said from day one, if he wasn't in charge and Martin didn't take over then there's no way I'd have stayed at the club.
Denne historien er fra April 21, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 21, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BRENNAN STINGS 'MOANY' BEES!
FRUSTRATED Dean Brennan has lashed out at the \"miserable, moany\" Barnet boo boys and urged them to get behind the team in their bid for promotion.
ACE REED WAITED TO MAKE A MARK
WHEN Mark Reed sensed his manager turn around to look his way on Tuesday night, he knew what was coming next.
CHURCH HAILS TEENAGE KICKS
DEBUTANT Dan Shaw got his teenage kicks with the rocket that fired Alvechurch to the top of the table.
LEES SO PROUD OF HIS SHAKERS
SUPER Shakers made it 14 games unbeaten this season after easing to victory against struggling NPL outfit Blyth Spartans.
SEVEN-UP A STONES
RONAN Silva turned in a four-star display as Salisbury highlighted the three-division difference in quality against their Wessex Premier opponents.
HORGAN'S RELIEF AT TOWN SIX APPEAL
CHIPPENHAM Town heeded manager Gary Horgan's prematch warning about a potential shock and despatched their Jewson Western League hosts.
BRAD'S LEVELLER RESCUES THE IRON
IN A terrific FA Cup second qualifying round tie, Step 4 Newcastle Town held National League North leaders Scunthorpe at Buckmaster Avenue.
WHING IS SURE IT'S MOOR OF THE SAME
A BRACE from Conor Wilkinson brought Solihull Moors back-to-back National League victories.
MOR'S U'S ARE BACK ON TRACK
SUTTON United got back to winning ways with a wel come victory at Southend United.
DUO GET THEIR JUST REWARDS
ENGLAND legend Stuart Pearce has made surprise appearances at two Trident League clubs to hail a pair of award-winning volunteers who earned national recognition for their inspirational exploits.
