Midfielder Zain Westbrooke has explained his decision to join Yeovil Town as the club's first signing of the summer. The 29-year-old said early talks with the management team convinced him the project at Huish Park was the right move for him.
Westbrooke spoke to BBC Somerset's Richard Hoskins this week, detailing the process that brought him to Somerset. His arrival was part of a major squad overhaul that saw 15 new players join the Glovers ahead of the new campaign. The club finished 16th in the England National League last season, with 51 points from 46 games and a goal difference of -20 after scoring 48 and conceding 68.
Why did Westbrooke choose Yeovil Town?
Zain Westbrooke had discussions with Head of Recruitment Jamie Hedges and manager Billy Rowley early in the summer. Those conversations proved decisive. "I had chats with Jamie (Hedges, the Glovers’ Head of Recruitment) and the Gaffer (manager Billy Rowley) pretty early on in the summer and I really liked what I was hearing and kept that chat going," Westbrooke said. He described Yeovil Town as a massive club with a significant Football League history and stated he did not see a better opportunity elsewhere. The clear aim of restoring the club's Football League status aligned with his own ambitions.
Westbrooke arrives with recent experience of promotion pushes. He played for Scunthorpe United last season as they reached the National League play-offs. Two years prior, he was part of a Doncaster Rovers squad that made the League Two play-offs. That background in competitive environments is something Yeovil will hope to utilise as they look to improve on last term's mid-table finish, which left them 57 points behind champions York.
How has Westbrooke settled into the team?
The midfielder has been an immediate fixture in Billy Rowley's starting eleven. Zain Westbrooke has played the full 90 minutes in all three of Yeovil Town's opening National League fixtures this season. He has linked up effectively in the engine room with captain Luke McCormick and fellow midfielder Brett McGavin. This consistency has contributed to a solid start, with the team taking five points from those first three matches. You can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our fixtures page.
Westbrooke highlighted the competitive environment within the squad. "I think we have a squad of 22 really good players here who are competing for positions in the team and that competitiveness is a nice thing to have, everyone wants to keep the shirt," he noted. This depth across the squad is seen as a key strength for the long campaign ahead.
What are the immediate challenges for Yeovil?
The Glovers face a demanding schedule, beginning with a long trip to face Barrow this Friday night. The journey to Cumbria represents a 600-mile round trip, necessitating an overnight hotel stay. Westbrooke acknowledged this will affect preparation but suggested such travel could become an advantage. He believes teams facing long journeys to play at Huish Park might find it equally taxing.
Barrow were relegated from League Two in May and are celebrating their 125th anniversary this season, making them motivated opponents. After the Barrow match, Yeovil Town return to Huish Park to host Tamworth on Bank Holiday Monday. Westbrooke stressed the importance of perspective in the early season, noting that league tables can change significantly after 10 or 15 games. Fans can follow the evolving standings as the season develops. The team's next home game is against Tamworth on Monday.
