YEOVIL Town FC (YTFC) has been given a two-year extension to buy Huish Park back from Somerset Council.

The home ground was initially sold to the then South-Somerset District Council for £2.8 million in 2022 before it was leased back to the club- a decision that proved controversial with some Glovers fans.

But the sale of the ground enabled the club to pay off costs occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic and help keep the only fully professional football club in Somerset afloat.

If the ground is eventually brought back into club ownership, it is believed to make future investment in the club more likely.

This follows a turbulent period for the club who currently sit in 18th place in the National League.

New Dubai-based owners Inflection Holdings came in to replace the controversial former owner Martin Hellier, who stepped down following a fractious relationship with fans that saw him enter into late-night arguments on social media.

Things weren’t looking great on the pitch either, as manager Mark Cooper was sacked last month after failing to win any of the first five games of the season, with caretaker manager Richard Dryden taking up the reins.

READ MORE: Former Yeovil Town owner speaks out about ‘somewhat tumultuous PR’ – as banned fans welcomed back

READ MORE: Plan for 14 industrial units in village near Yeovil refused

Things could start to get back on track for the club however, especially if they exercise the option to buy back the freehold for Huish Park.

The current option period was set to end on May 17, 2026 but this will now be extended to May 17, 2028 following a decision taken at a meeting of Somerset Council’s Executive yesterday (September 8).

The council currently owns the freehold, including the stadium and an extensive area of ancillary land around it.

This is all leased to the YTFC owners – Yeovil Football and Athletic Club Limited and Yeovil Town Holdings Limited.

Councillor Mike Rigby, lead member for economic development planning and assets, said the result was a positive outcome following on from new discussions with the new owners.

“YTFC is the only professional football club in Somerset and it makes a significant contribution to both the local economy and more widely in terms of community, education and local civic pride,” he said.

“A successful future for YTFC supports Somerset Council’s priorities through the promotion of sport and healthier lifestyles within the community at all ages through the football club’s strong community and education links.

“It also adds to opportunities in the area for our residents through the economic benefits a successful professional club provides, while a future capital receipt will reduce our capital financing requirement.”

Somerset Council, and public money, are protected as the rent payable under the leases of the site will continue to be due until a buyback is completed.

The purchase price is index linked so will protect the financial investment from the impact of inflation.

The current rent is £229,130 per annum. The original rent was £195,000 per annum but this was increased with effect from May 17 via the first indexed rent review.

The option agreement provides for a purchase price of £2.789m subject to indexation. The amount provides for full recovery of all expenditure by the council if the freehold is repurchased.