ECHOSPORT talks to Ian Perkins from the Gloverscast podcast ahead of Saturday's FA Cup clash between Yeovil Town and Southend United at Huish Park.

Blues last played Yeovil in April. How have things changed for the club since then?

"Things have changed so much.

"Any travelling supporters who were at Huish Park in April will notice everything is a lot greener thanks to copious amounts of paint, a blow torch and the owner and his sons’ hard graft over the summer months.

"We’ve got a happy (most of the time) manager, the players are performing and supporters are well behind the club for the first time in a decade."

You're top of National League South at the moment so what have you made of the start to the season?

"The start was bumpy with a defeat at Hemel Hempstead and it took us a few games to really get into a rhythm and NLS teams can be tough nuts to crack when you’re learning to win games of football.

"But, we’re unbeaten at home and looking really confident off the back of an unbeaten September."

Do you think you can maintain a push for the promotion?

"We have to be confident.

"We have the facilities, squad and manager of a club far above NLS.

"We are in this league because of how poor last season was, but we need to get back to National League at the first time of asking with the quality of our squad.

"Torquay might have something to say about the automatic spot though."

Rhys Murphy and Jake Hyde were both with Southend last season but they're not with Yeovil. How have they been doing?

"It’s like Rhys Murphy never left us.

"He has hit the ground running and is as ruthless in the box as I can remember.

"We’re managing his minutes and he seems to really be enjoying himself.

"Jake Hyde on the other hand has had limited game time.

"He scored early in our first home game, but a mix of injury, suspension and the form of other has meant he’s not been on the pitch as much as he’d have liked."

Who is the dangerman?

"Rhys Murphy is always dangerous, but keep an eye on Jordan Young.

"He has a wand of a left foot and if there are any free kicks in shooting distance he’s our man."

What's the team news?

"Mark Cooper said Jordan Stevens and Charlie Cooper should be back and the only injury is Jamie Sendles-White."