Non-league owner to step down as chairman after putting club up for sale following ‘abuse’

Yeovil Town owner Martin Hellier has announced he is stepping down as chairman following the news he put the club up for sale.

The Glovers chief was at the centre of a backlash after dishing out stadium bans to supporters found to have criticised him online.

Two supporters of the National League side shared letters they received directly from their club informing them they are not to visit Huish Park for two years due to comments made about Hellier on social media.

Hellier, a local businessman who purchased in-trouble Yeovil in May 2023, bemoaned the abuse he received and is now stepping down as their chairman.

"It has been a privilege to serve as chairman, and I am proud of the significant changes made around the club, changes that I believe will benefit it for years to come," a statement read.

"Helping the club regain its place in the National League was a key milestone, and while the journey has had its challenges, real progress has been made.

"However, due to the pressures placed on myself and my family, I have made the decision to step away from my role. Stuart Robins will take on the position of interim chairman while a successor is found, and I hope the club can continue building towards a strong future.

"In the meantime, I encourage you all to keep backing Mark and the team as we approach the final stretch of the season. The club will make no further comment until a new owner has been appointed."

Things under Hellier's tenure were initially positive, with the club securing an immediate return to the National League following their relegation to the National League South the previous campaign.

However, club accounts released on Friday showed that Yeovil posted losses of £2.8million last season.

While not a significant amount in Premier League terms, it’s the kind of debt that could prove catastrophic for lower league teams.

Fans have been highly critical of Hellier and his running of the club, with the owner himself sometimes getting involved by replying back via his social media accounts - often using vulgar language.

And now it appears some of those vocal Yeovil supporters are being punished for speaking out about their concerns and accused of causing ‘significant disruption’.

A letter shared by Jonathan Hooper, one of the banned fans, on X reads: “Following a thorough review of your recent conduct on the social media platform X, we are writing to inform you that, as a result of your negative comments and remarks regarding Yeovil Town Football Club and the Club’s Chairman, the decision has been made to impose a banning order on you. 

“This order prohibits you from attending any matches, events, or entering the premises associated with the Club, with immediate effect.

“Your comments have caused significant disruption and created an environment that is not conducive to the values and reputation of the Club. As such, you are hereby prohibited from entering the Club’s stadium, training facilities, and any other properties associated with Yeovil Town Football Club.

“This ban will remain in place for a period of 2 years from the date of this letter.

“We ask that you consider this matter seriously. We trust you understand the severity of this issue and the necessity of maintaining a respectful environment at Yeovil Town Football Club.”

The move from the club sparked outrage from its own fanbase as well as from rival supporters, with many voicing their sympathy for the Glovers faithful having seen their club spiral from the Championship to non-league football in the space of just ten years.

Some fans blasted the move as a ‘disgrace’ and an attempt to silence supporters.

Hellier has a history of biting back at criticism and often posts online.

In the past, he has told fans to ‘go f*** yourself’, called them ‘plebs’ and told one supporter he ‘looks like the kinda guy who hangs around outside playgrounds'.

On Saturday morning, after news of the stadium bans emerged and the fan outcry gathered pace, Hellier revealed on his Facebook page that he was putting Yeovil up for sale - just hours before the team was due to kick off in a league match against Fylde.

Stating he has no intention of being in charge next season, Hellier says he's had enough of fan abuse, claims he has put £4m of his own money into the club and will no longer attend games.

The comment read: "I fully intend to sell the club and leave as soon as a suitable buyer is found. It’s simply not worth losing the money to be abused and my children abused and so on.

"I would ask in the meantime that you stop the endless online harassment and abuse. You’ve done enough, it’s worked.

"My investment provided the club with the funds needed to get through, and provided you with football and promotion to the NL, but has given me nothing but abuse and minus £4m personal deficit.

"So yes, I do not intend to be at YTFC next season. Your abuse has succeeded. Now leave me alone until the end of the season. I shall not be attending any more matches."

The club has been approached for comment.