2010 has seen many great highs and lows for our South West sides, many of which that have been commented on in his blog, and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has logged on to read these postings.
Now I wonder what 2011 will have in store for us.
South West Football in 2011-bring it on!
Friday 31 December 2010
THE GREENS VERSUS THE GREENS
Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town go into their first ever league meeting on New Year's Day at Home Park needing the three points at stake for very dfifferent reasons.
The Pilgrims currently find themselves in the middle of well documented financial troubles that have recently forced them to sell star wide man Craig Noone to League One leaders Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.
Other players including leading scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips are expected to leave Home Park during the January transfer window.
Argyle have recently welcomed Peter Ridsdale, the former Leeds United and Cardiff City Chairman, to Home Park who will be working as an adviser to the board on an unpaid basis to help resolve their financial difficulties ahead of a second appearance in the High Court to face a winding up petition on February 9th 2011.
Meanwhile Yeovil come into the game searching for their first win since October as they look to climb off the bottom of the League One table and battle their way to safety.
Manager Terry Skiverton captained the Glovers when they last faced the Pilgrims in the Carling Cup first round in the 2004-05 season.
That encounter was notable for a sporting gesture made by the then Glovers boss Gary Johnson after he allowed Argyle striker Steve Crawford to score an equaliser after Lee Johnson opened the scoring for Yeovil whilst attempting to play the ball back to Pilgrims keeper Luke McCormick following an injury to the Pilgrims' then skipper Graham Coughlan.
If Yeovil can return to Somerset following the similar score line, no one will be more delighted than Skivo, who is desperate to revive the Glovers fortunes.
The Pilgrims currently find themselves in the middle of well documented financial troubles that have recently forced them to sell star wide man Craig Noone to League One leaders Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.
Other players including leading scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips are expected to leave Home Park during the January transfer window.
Argyle have recently welcomed Peter Ridsdale, the former Leeds United and Cardiff City Chairman, to Home Park who will be working as an adviser to the board on an unpaid basis to help resolve their financial difficulties ahead of a second appearance in the High Court to face a winding up petition on February 9th 2011.
Meanwhile Yeovil come into the game searching for their first win since October as they look to climb off the bottom of the League One table and battle their way to safety.
Manager Terry Skiverton captained the Glovers when they last faced the Pilgrims in the Carling Cup first round in the 2004-05 season.
That encounter was notable for a sporting gesture made by the then Glovers boss Gary Johnson after he allowed Argyle striker Steve Crawford to score an equaliser after Lee Johnson opened the scoring for Yeovil whilst attempting to play the ball back to Pilgrims keeper Luke McCormick following an injury to the Pilgrims' then skipper Graham Coughlan.
If Yeovil can return to Somerset following the similar score line, no one will be more delighted than Skivo, who is desperate to revive the Glovers fortunes.
Thursday 30 December 2010
MARINER DEPARTS WITH NOONE SET TO FOLLOW
Plymouth Argyle Head Coach Paul Mariner has become the first departure from Home Park ahead of the January transfer window after asking to have his contract terminated to leave him free to pursue a new opportunity.
Mariner made 135 appearances and scored 56 goals for the Pilgrims between 1973 and 1976 before going on to enjoy a successful career Ipswich Town, Arsenal and England. He returned to Home Park last season, initially as assistant to Paul Sturrock before taking overall charge of first team affairs prior to the appointment of Peter Reid.
This news comes at the same time that Argyle are in talks with Brighton and Hove Albion over the sale of winger Craig Noone.
Mariner made 135 appearances and scored 56 goals for the Pilgrims between 1973 and 1976 before going on to enjoy a successful career Ipswich Town, Arsenal and England. He returned to Home Park last season, initially as assistant to Paul Sturrock before taking overall charge of first team affairs prior to the appointment of Peter Reid.
This news comes at the same time that Argyle are in talks with Brighton and Hove Albion over the sale of winger Craig Noone.
Wednesday 29 December 2010
REVIEW OF THE YEAR # PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
For Plymouth Argyle, 2010 has proved to be something of an ‘annus horribilis’-horrible year.
The Pilgrims were relegated from the Championship following a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of champions elect Newcastle United on April 19th 2010, which brought their six year stay in the division to an end.
Despite a brief resurgence under Paul Mariner in a spell that saw them record wins over Bristol City, Ipswich Town and Doncaster Rovers, it was not enough to save their Championship status.
In the close season, there was another managerial change at Home Park as Peter Reid was appointed as manager with Mariner remaining with the club as Head Coach. Mariner’s assistant John Carver also remained until the early stages of the 2010-11 campaign before he accepted a coaching role at Sheffield United.
There were also a number of playing departures during the close season as Jamie Mackie was snapped up by former Argyle boss Neil Warnock for Queens Park Rangers and Ashley Barnes joined Brighton and Hove Albion.
Northern Irish midfielder Damien Johnson signed for Huddersfield Town on a season long loan deal.
Also in the summer, Rory Fallon became the first Argyle player ever to appear in the World Cup Finals as he was ever present for New Zealand, in their first finals appearance since 1982, in South Africa.
Following their return to League One, the Pilgrims have remained a work in progress on the pitch, with Peter Reid so far only able to add Stephane Zubar, Anton Peterlin and loan signings David Button, Dean Parrett and Conor Clifford to his squad.
Off the pitch, life seems less certain with the club due to appear in the High Court regarding an unpaid tax bill in the region of £760,000 on February 9th 2011. At the original hearing on December 9th, the Pilgrims successfully fended off a winding up order, but they will need to come up with the full amount at the new date in February.
The club are also facing another winding up order on January 12th ahead of their scheduled February court date.
Their financial difficulties have also seen the non-playing staff at Home Park go without being paid in the build up to the festive season.
England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup also had a knock on effect for the Pilgrims’ re-development plans for Home Park.
It also seems likely that star players Bradley Wright-Phillips, currently the leading scorer in League One with 12 goals, could be sold in the January transfer window along with winger Craig Noone who has produced a number of impressive displays for Argyle this season.
Another three players who also look likely to leave Home Park are Steven MacLean, Marcel Seip and Rory Fallon who are currently on loan at Oxford United, Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town respectively.
There are also talk of potential new investors with former Leeds United and Cardiff City Chairman Peter Ridsdale-who has been a guest at a number of Argyle matches this season-being strongly linked with the Pilgrims.
This coincides with a number of changes that have taken place at boardroom level with Keith Todd resigning as Executive Director and Sir Roy Gardner standing down from his position as Chairman.
One ray of light for Argyle followers this year has been the emergence of a number of promising youngsters from the club’s youth system.
Striker Joe Mason has continued with his development after making his debut in December 2009 against Sheffield United and has received international recognition from the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level.
He has been joined in the Argyle side in 2010 by Ryan Leonard, Curtis Nelson and Jack Stephens who have all made their debuts this year and they could well receive further first team opportunities in 2011.
Another was the Devon derby win over Exeter City on December 11th, which the Pilgrims secured with a brace from Wright-Phillips to avenge their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit at the hands of the Grecians.
The Pilgrims were relegated from the Championship following a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of champions elect Newcastle United on April 19th 2010, which brought their six year stay in the division to an end.
Despite a brief resurgence under Paul Mariner in a spell that saw them record wins over Bristol City, Ipswich Town and Doncaster Rovers, it was not enough to save their Championship status.
In the close season, there was another managerial change at Home Park as Peter Reid was appointed as manager with Mariner remaining with the club as Head Coach. Mariner’s assistant John Carver also remained until the early stages of the 2010-11 campaign before he accepted a coaching role at Sheffield United.
There were also a number of playing departures during the close season as Jamie Mackie was snapped up by former Argyle boss Neil Warnock for Queens Park Rangers and Ashley Barnes joined Brighton and Hove Albion.
Northern Irish midfielder Damien Johnson signed for Huddersfield Town on a season long loan deal.
Also in the summer, Rory Fallon became the first Argyle player ever to appear in the World Cup Finals as he was ever present for New Zealand, in their first finals appearance since 1982, in South Africa.
Following their return to League One, the Pilgrims have remained a work in progress on the pitch, with Peter Reid so far only able to add Stephane Zubar, Anton Peterlin and loan signings David Button, Dean Parrett and Conor Clifford to his squad.
Off the pitch, life seems less certain with the club due to appear in the High Court regarding an unpaid tax bill in the region of £760,000 on February 9th 2011. At the original hearing on December 9th, the Pilgrims successfully fended off a winding up order, but they will need to come up with the full amount at the new date in February.
The club are also facing another winding up order on January 12th ahead of their scheduled February court date.
Their financial difficulties have also seen the non-playing staff at Home Park go without being paid in the build up to the festive season.
England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup also had a knock on effect for the Pilgrims’ re-development plans for Home Park.
It also seems likely that star players Bradley Wright-Phillips, currently the leading scorer in League One with 12 goals, could be sold in the January transfer window along with winger Craig Noone who has produced a number of impressive displays for Argyle this season.
Another three players who also look likely to leave Home Park are Steven MacLean, Marcel Seip and Rory Fallon who are currently on loan at Oxford United, Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town respectively.
There are also talk of potential new investors with former Leeds United and Cardiff City Chairman Peter Ridsdale-who has been a guest at a number of Argyle matches this season-being strongly linked with the Pilgrims.
This coincides with a number of changes that have taken place at boardroom level with Keith Todd resigning as Executive Director and Sir Roy Gardner standing down from his position as Chairman.
One ray of light for Argyle followers this year has been the emergence of a number of promising youngsters from the club’s youth system.
Striker Joe Mason has continued with his development after making his debut in December 2009 against Sheffield United and has received international recognition from the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level.
He has been joined in the Argyle side in 2010 by Ryan Leonard, Curtis Nelson and Jack Stephens who have all made their debuts this year and they could well receive further first team opportunities in 2011.
Another was the Devon derby win over Exeter City on December 11th, which the Pilgrims secured with a brace from Wright-Phillips to avenge their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit at the hands of the Grecians.
Tuesday 28 December 2010
REVIEW OF THE YEAR # TORQUAY UNITED
During the year 2010, Torquay United made the transition from being a newly promoted club from the Conference to a competitive League Two side in contention for a Play-Off place.
The January transfer window saw a number of Conference campaigners of the previous season depart as skipper Chris Hargreaves joined Oxford United, Chris Todd returned to his native Wales to sign for Newport County and Tim Sills was snapped up by Stevenage.
A number of new faces arrived including Northern Irish playmaker Eunan O’Kane who was plucked from Northern Irish side Coleraine and experienced centre half Guy Branston joined on loan from Burton Albion.
Chris Zebroski also signed permanently from Wycombe Wanderers for a fee of £20,000 following a second loan spell at Plainmoor.
The new changes took some time to take effect as the Gulls did not record their first win of the calendar year until late February when they beat Accrington Stanley 2-1.
Paul Buckle’s men gradually began to turn things around and finished the campaign strongly and didn’t concede in their final eight games of the season to set a new club record for the highest number of consecutive clean sheets.
This run included a 5-0 win over Rochdale and a goalless draw with eventual champions Notts County on the final day of the season.
During the close season, the club were dealt a shock following the untimely death of Vice-Chairman Paul Bristow.
A former lottery winner, Mr Bristow’s involvement with the consortium that purchased the Gulls from former Chairman Mike Bateson was for the greater good of Torquay United and the wider community, instead of ego or for prestige which are reasons many owners of football club’s invest in the game for, and without his backing Torquay United would not be the club it is today.
Also in the summer, Paul Buckle strengthened his side with the permanent acquisition of Guy Branston, former promotion winning striker Martin Gritton returned on loan from Chesterfield and Northern Ireland Under-21 striker Billy Kee was snapped up following his release from Leicester City.
He would later help create a small piece of Torquay United history in November when he and Eunan O’Kane both appeared for Northern Ireland Under-21’s against Scotland in Glasgow. Their appearances increased the number of Torquay United contracted players to have been selected for home international side to three. O’Kane also managed to find the target for the Irish to become the first Gulls contracted player to score for one of the home countries.
The Gulls made a flying start to the season and won their opening four games of the campaign which earned Paul Buckle the Manager of the Month award for August.
Torquay then embarked on a nine match run without a win which came to an end with a 3-1 win over Morecambe in October.
At the time of writing, the Gulls are currently 7th in the League Two table and have an FA Cup third round tie with Carlisle United on January 8th to look forward to.
However, the big freeze has left the club facing a considerable fixture pile up in the New Year as their last three home matches have fallen victim to the cold weather.
The Gulls will also be hoping that they can hang on to leading scorer Elliot Benyon during the transfer window as he has attracted interest from a number of League One sides including Swindon Town.
The January transfer window saw a number of Conference campaigners of the previous season depart as skipper Chris Hargreaves joined Oxford United, Chris Todd returned to his native Wales to sign for Newport County and Tim Sills was snapped up by Stevenage.
A number of new faces arrived including Northern Irish playmaker Eunan O’Kane who was plucked from Northern Irish side Coleraine and experienced centre half Guy Branston joined on loan from Burton Albion.
Chris Zebroski also signed permanently from Wycombe Wanderers for a fee of £20,000 following a second loan spell at Plainmoor.
The new changes took some time to take effect as the Gulls did not record their first win of the calendar year until late February when they beat Accrington Stanley 2-1.
Paul Buckle’s men gradually began to turn things around and finished the campaign strongly and didn’t concede in their final eight games of the season to set a new club record for the highest number of consecutive clean sheets.
This run included a 5-0 win over Rochdale and a goalless draw with eventual champions Notts County on the final day of the season.
During the close season, the club were dealt a shock following the untimely death of Vice-Chairman Paul Bristow.
A former lottery winner, Mr Bristow’s involvement with the consortium that purchased the Gulls from former Chairman Mike Bateson was for the greater good of Torquay United and the wider community, instead of ego or for prestige which are reasons many owners of football club’s invest in the game for, and without his backing Torquay United would not be the club it is today.
Also in the summer, Paul Buckle strengthened his side with the permanent acquisition of Guy Branston, former promotion winning striker Martin Gritton returned on loan from Chesterfield and Northern Ireland Under-21 striker Billy Kee was snapped up following his release from Leicester City.
He would later help create a small piece of Torquay United history in November when he and Eunan O’Kane both appeared for Northern Ireland Under-21’s against Scotland in Glasgow. Their appearances increased the number of Torquay United contracted players to have been selected for home international side to three. O’Kane also managed to find the target for the Irish to become the first Gulls contracted player to score for one of the home countries.
The Gulls made a flying start to the season and won their opening four games of the campaign which earned Paul Buckle the Manager of the Month award for August.
Torquay then embarked on a nine match run without a win which came to an end with a 3-1 win over Morecambe in October.
At the time of writing, the Gulls are currently 7th in the League Two table and have an FA Cup third round tie with Carlisle United on January 8th to look forward to.
However, the big freeze has left the club facing a considerable fixture pile up in the New Year as their last three home matches have fallen victim to the cold weather.
The Gulls will also be hoping that they can hang on to leading scorer Elliot Benyon during the transfer window as he has attracted interest from a number of League One sides including Swindon Town.
Monday 27 December 2010
REVIEW OF THE YEAR # EXETER CITY
The year 2010 has seen many great highs for Exeter City, consolidation in League One following two consecutive promotions, beating Plymouth Argyle in the first meeting between the two sides in eight years and finding themselves two games away from a Wembley final.
However, it was also the year that striker Adam Stansfield passed away after he lost his battle with bowel cancer. The news came as a shock to everyone associated with the Grecians and since his passing the Adam Stansfield Foundation has been set up to help encourage Youth Football across Devon.
When the Grecians faced his former club Yeovil Town, both sets of fans observed a minute's applause for the striker who earlier in his career played a key role in helping the Glovers win promotion to the Football League.
The club also decided to retire his Number 9 shirt as a permanent tribute to him.
On the field, the Grecians have enjoyed an impressive run in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy which started with a win over Yeovil before defeating Hereford United in the next round. The Southern Area Quarter Finals saw them paired with local rivals Plymouth Argyle and the game, which was marred by crowd trouble that saw 20 arrests made, saw Exeter come out on top to win 2-1 with goals from Ryan Harley and Daniel Nardiello.
In the following round they defeated Bristol Rovers and Exeter will now face Brentford over two legs in the Southern Area Final with the winner going through to the final at Wembley.
Meanwhile in the league, the Grecians find themselves within touching distance of the League One after their impressive 5-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on December 19th and many fans will be hoping they are able to turn down any potential bids for highly rated midfielder Ryan Harley in the January transfer window.
However, it was also the year that striker Adam Stansfield passed away after he lost his battle with bowel cancer. The news came as a shock to everyone associated with the Grecians and since his passing the Adam Stansfield Foundation has been set up to help encourage Youth Football across Devon.
When the Grecians faced his former club Yeovil Town, both sets of fans observed a minute's applause for the striker who earlier in his career played a key role in helping the Glovers win promotion to the Football League.
The club also decided to retire his Number 9 shirt as a permanent tribute to him.
On the field, the Grecians have enjoyed an impressive run in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy which started with a win over Yeovil before defeating Hereford United in the next round. The Southern Area Quarter Finals saw them paired with local rivals Plymouth Argyle and the game, which was marred by crowd trouble that saw 20 arrests made, saw Exeter come out on top to win 2-1 with goals from Ryan Harley and Daniel Nardiello.
In the following round they defeated Bristol Rovers and Exeter will now face Brentford over two legs in the Southern Area Final with the winner going through to the final at Wembley.
Meanwhile in the league, the Grecians find themselves within touching distance of the League One after their impressive 5-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on December 19th and many fans will be hoping they are able to turn down any potential bids for highly rated midfielder Ryan Harley in the January transfer window.
Sunday 26 December 2010
2010 REVIEW # YEOVIL TOWN
Yeovil Town end 2010 fighting to retain the League One status which they earned in 2005 as they currently lie in 24th place in the division six points adrift of safety.
Glovers boss Terry Skiverton is currently in discussions with five players regarding possible moves to Huish Park in the January transfer window.
One player hotly tipped for a move to Yeovil is former Torquay United and Bristol City midfielder Alex Russell who has been plying his trade with Bath City in the Blue Square Premier on a short-term deal following his release from Exeter City in the summer.
It is hoped that Aggy will add plenty of experience to a midfield that already includes Jean-Paul Kalala and Shaun MacDonald, who has indicated he is interested in staying with the Glovers when his loan deal from Swansea City expires in January.
The 2009-10 season ended with Yeovil finishing 15th in League One with young loanees playing a key role in the Glovers' side including Steven Caulker, Ryan Mason and Alex McCarthy.
Caulker virtually swept the board at the Glovers' Player of the Year and has been continuing his footballing education at Bristol City and the Robins have enjoyed an upturn in their fortunes following his arrival after he made his debut for parent club Tottenham in the Carling Cup against Arsenal.
His performances at Ashton Gate have earned him a call-up to the England Under-21 squad and he made his debut against Germany in November.
Mason joined Doncaster Rovers on loan this season, but returned to White Hart Lane following injury problems after only making five appearances.
Dean Bowditch finished the season as Yeovil's top scorer with ten goals in 30 appearances with a dislocated shoulder sustained on the opening day of the campaign against Tranmere Rovers, a game in which he also scored in, preventing him from adding to his tally.
After making a promising start to the current campaign with started with a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient on the opening day of the campaign, the Glovers have found results hard to come by and currently prop up the League One table.
This season's batch of loans have not proved to be as successful as last years did and the likes of Luke Freeman, Cameron Stewart and Rob Kiernan have returned to their parent clubs earlier than many expected them to.
A lot will depend on the acquistions that Skivo makes in the transfer whether they can get themselves out of trouble.
The year 2011 will start on New Year's Day with a trip to Home Park for their first ever league meeting with Plymouth Argyle in what will be the first ever league meeting between two sides who predominantly wear green as their club colours.
Glovers boss Terry Skiverton is currently in discussions with five players regarding possible moves to Huish Park in the January transfer window.
One player hotly tipped for a move to Yeovil is former Torquay United and Bristol City midfielder Alex Russell who has been plying his trade with Bath City in the Blue Square Premier on a short-term deal following his release from Exeter City in the summer.
It is hoped that Aggy will add plenty of experience to a midfield that already includes Jean-Paul Kalala and Shaun MacDonald, who has indicated he is interested in staying with the Glovers when his loan deal from Swansea City expires in January.
The 2009-10 season ended with Yeovil finishing 15th in League One with young loanees playing a key role in the Glovers' side including Steven Caulker, Ryan Mason and Alex McCarthy.
Caulker virtually swept the board at the Glovers' Player of the Year and has been continuing his footballing education at Bristol City and the Robins have enjoyed an upturn in their fortunes following his arrival after he made his debut for parent club Tottenham in the Carling Cup against Arsenal.
His performances at Ashton Gate have earned him a call-up to the England Under-21 squad and he made his debut against Germany in November.
Mason joined Doncaster Rovers on loan this season, but returned to White Hart Lane following injury problems after only making five appearances.
Dean Bowditch finished the season as Yeovil's top scorer with ten goals in 30 appearances with a dislocated shoulder sustained on the opening day of the campaign against Tranmere Rovers, a game in which he also scored in, preventing him from adding to his tally.
After making a promising start to the current campaign with started with a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient on the opening day of the campaign, the Glovers have found results hard to come by and currently prop up the League One table.
This season's batch of loans have not proved to be as successful as last years did and the likes of Luke Freeman, Cameron Stewart and Rob Kiernan have returned to their parent clubs earlier than many expected them to.
A lot will depend on the acquistions that Skivo makes in the transfer whether they can get themselves out of trouble.
The year 2011 will start on New Year's Day with a trip to Home Park for their first ever league meeting with Plymouth Argyle in what will be the first ever league meeting between two sides who predominantly wear green as their club colours.
Friday 24 December 2010
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
I would like to thank everyone who reads this blog for visiting the site and, at the same time, wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
It has been great fun putting this blog together and between now and New Years Eve, I will be doing a review of the year of South West football looking back at the highlights of 2010.
Until then: Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Froue Weihnacht'n, Zalig Kerstfeast, Sretan Bozic, Feliz Natal
Vesel Bozic in screno Novo leto, Nollaig Shona Dhuit, Sung Tan Chuk Ha, Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth, Nadolig Llawen and Glædelig Jul.
It has been great fun putting this blog together and between now and New Years Eve, I will be doing a review of the year of South West football looking back at the highlights of 2010.
Until then: Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Froue Weihnacht'n, Zalig Kerstfeast, Sretan Bozic, Feliz Natal
Vesel Bozic in screno Novo leto, Nollaig Shona Dhuit, Sung Tan Chuk Ha, Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth, Nadolig Llawen and Glædelig Jul.
Wednesday 22 December 2010
TRANSFER WINDOW PREVIEW
With the transfer window due to re-open on January 1st, I will take a look at possible movements on the transfer front for the four South West league sides.
Due to their current financial situation Plymouth Argyle could lose a number of players during the current window.
The Pilgrims have a £760,000 tax bill to settle with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs by February 9th and there has been much speculation concerning the futures of Bradley Wright-Phillips and Craig Noone.
Wright-Phillips, who is Pilgrims’ leading scorer with 12 goals, has been linked with moves to Millwall, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic and is seen as Argyle’s most prized asset.
Winger Noone has been mentioned as a possible target for Gus Poyet’s Brighton and Hove Albion, who also have former Pilgrim Ashley Barnes in the ranks.
Exeter City’s Ryan Harley is another player that could generate a lot of interest from clubs and has enjoyed an impressive 2010-11 campaign so far for the Grecians.
It is likely that Exeter boss Paul Tisdale will be looking for a fee in the region of £500,000 for his midfield dynamo, who has been revelation for the Grecians since joining from Weston Super Mare midway through the 2007-08 campaign.
There could also be a few more departures from Plainmoor after Torquay United boss Paul Buckle allowed Danny Senda and Wayne Carlisle to fly the Plainmoor nest.
Defender Kieran Charnock is currently on loan at Morecambe and looks likely to join the Shrimpers on a permanent basis.
Another player who could be tempted away from Plainmoor is striker Elliot Benyon who was the subject of interest from Swindon Town on the loan deadline day in November.
The Robins’ offer was rejected by Buckle but if Swindon were to sell star striker Charlie Austin during January, it is likely that Robins' boss Danny Wilson could be in a position to put an offer to the Gulls boss that he couldn’t refuse.
One former Gulls star who looks set to be on the move in January is Alex Russell, a key performer in the Torquay side that won promotion in 2004, who seems set to sign for Yeovil Town.
Russell is currently plying his trade in the Blue Square Premier with Bath City, which he has combined with training for the Glovers, and his vast experience could prove to be vital for Terry Skiverton’s side who currently prop up the League One table.
Due to their current financial situation Plymouth Argyle could lose a number of players during the current window.
The Pilgrims have a £760,000 tax bill to settle with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs by February 9th and there has been much speculation concerning the futures of Bradley Wright-Phillips and Craig Noone.
Wright-Phillips, who is Pilgrims’ leading scorer with 12 goals, has been linked with moves to Millwall, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic and is seen as Argyle’s most prized asset.
Winger Noone has been mentioned as a possible target for Gus Poyet’s Brighton and Hove Albion, who also have former Pilgrim Ashley Barnes in the ranks.
Exeter City’s Ryan Harley is another player that could generate a lot of interest from clubs and has enjoyed an impressive 2010-11 campaign so far for the Grecians.
It is likely that Exeter boss Paul Tisdale will be looking for a fee in the region of £500,000 for his midfield dynamo, who has been revelation for the Grecians since joining from Weston Super Mare midway through the 2007-08 campaign.
There could also be a few more departures from Plainmoor after Torquay United boss Paul Buckle allowed Danny Senda and Wayne Carlisle to fly the Plainmoor nest.
Defender Kieran Charnock is currently on loan at Morecambe and looks likely to join the Shrimpers on a permanent basis.
Another player who could be tempted away from Plainmoor is striker Elliot Benyon who was the subject of interest from Swindon Town on the loan deadline day in November.
The Robins’ offer was rejected by Buckle but if Swindon were to sell star striker Charlie Austin during January, it is likely that Robins' boss Danny Wilson could be in a position to put an offer to the Gulls boss that he couldn’t refuse.
One former Gulls star who looks set to be on the move in January is Alex Russell, a key performer in the Torquay side that won promotion in 2004, who seems set to sign for Yeovil Town.
Russell is currently plying his trade in the Blue Square Premier with Bath City, which he has combined with training for the Glovers, and his vast experience could prove to be vital for Terry Skiverton’s side who currently prop up the League One table.
Monday 20 December 2010
GRECIANS BEAT BIG FREEZE TO PRODUCE FIVE STAR SHOW
Exeter City were the only South West team to beat the big freeze on Saturday and they did so in emphatic fashion as they defeated Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 at St James Park.
After enlisting the help of the fans to help clear the pitch of snow, the Grecians put the Owls to the sword with goals from Liam Sercombe, Richard Logan and John O'Flynn which were sandwiched between a brace from Jamie Cureton.
The win moves Exeter to within one point of the Play-Off zone.
Elsewhere, Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town and Torquay United saw their respective fixtures fall victim to weather conditions which have left the league's fixture planners with a few headaches.
After enlisting the help of the fans to help clear the pitch of snow, the Grecians put the Owls to the sword with goals from Liam Sercombe, Richard Logan and John O'Flynn which were sandwiched between a brace from Jamie Cureton.
The win moves Exeter to within one point of the Play-Off zone.
Elsewhere, Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town and Torquay United saw their respective fixtures fall victim to weather conditions which have left the league's fixture planners with a few headaches.
Thursday 16 December 2010
TALKING TORQUAY #6
Following the recent cold snap, Torquay United will now face a fixture back log in the new year.
The Gulls are still looking for a new date to play their League Two encounter with Burton Albion, which was originally due to take place on December 5th before being postponed because of a frozen pitch.
They are also still waiting for details of the re-arrangement of their St Lukes Westinsurance Devon Bowl match against Tavistock Town of the Peninsula League.
Plus should they prevail against Carlisle United in the FA Cup Third round on January 8th, tthen United's League Two clash with Gillingham will need a new date as the Fourth round matches will take place on January 22nd, which is the day they are due to face the Gills.
It could be argued that an increase in fixtures could be described as the price of success, but it's something that many of United's Conference campaigners including the likes of Lee Mansell, Kevin Nicholson, Danny Stevens, Chris Zebroski and Elliot Benyon will have been accustomed to during the Gulls two-year exile in the Blue Square Premier.
In fact Nicholson played in everyone of United's 58 games in the 2007-08 season, which were made in the Blue Square Premier, FA Trophy, FA Cup and the Setanta Shield and not to mention two Play-Off Semi Finals against Exeter City. Then, in the following summer, he captained the England C side in a summer tour of the Carribean.
The Gulls are still looking for a new date to play their League Two encounter with Burton Albion, which was originally due to take place on December 5th before being postponed because of a frozen pitch.
They are also still waiting for details of the re-arrangement of their St Lukes Westinsurance Devon Bowl match against Tavistock Town of the Peninsula League.
Plus should they prevail against Carlisle United in the FA Cup Third round on January 8th, tthen United's League Two clash with Gillingham will need a new date as the Fourth round matches will take place on January 22nd, which is the day they are due to face the Gills.
It could be argued that an increase in fixtures could be described as the price of success, but it's something that many of United's Conference campaigners including the likes of Lee Mansell, Kevin Nicholson, Danny Stevens, Chris Zebroski and Elliot Benyon will have been accustomed to during the Gulls two-year exile in the Blue Square Premier.
In fact Nicholson played in everyone of United's 58 games in the 2007-08 season, which were made in the Blue Square Premier, FA Trophy, FA Cup and the Setanta Shield and not to mention two Play-Off Semi Finals against Exeter City. Then, in the following summer, he captained the England C side in a summer tour of the Carribean.
Wednesday 15 December 2010
GRECIANS TWO GAMES AWAY FROM WEMBLEY
Exeter City made up for the disappointment of their Devon derby defeat against Plymouth Argyle to reach the Southern Area Final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy by beating Bristol Rovers.
After drawing 2-2 in 90 minutes, the Grecians found the target through an own goal from Pirates defender Byron Anthony and an 89th minute strike from Ryan Harley, who only featured from the subs' bench against Plymouth due to illness.
In the spot-kick shoot out, Harley, Billy Jones, Daniel Nardiello and David Noble all kept their cool to score from the spot before Richard Duffy stepped up to score the Grecians' fifth and decisive penalty as they equalled their best ever run in the competition.
Exeter will now face Brentford over two legs with the winner facing the victor of the Northern Final that will feature Carlisle United and Huddersfield Town.
After drawing 2-2 in 90 minutes, the Grecians found the target through an own goal from Pirates defender Byron Anthony and an 89th minute strike from Ryan Harley, who only featured from the subs' bench against Plymouth due to illness.
In the spot-kick shoot out, Harley, Billy Jones, Daniel Nardiello and David Noble all kept their cool to score from the spot before Richard Duffy stepped up to score the Grecians' fifth and decisive penalty as they equalled their best ever run in the competition.
Exeter will now face Brentford over two legs with the winner facing the victor of the Northern Final that will feature Carlisle United and Huddersfield Town.
Monday 13 December 2010
ARGYLE REGAIN LOCAL BRAGGING RIGHTS
A goal in each half from Bradley Wright-Phillips gave Plymouth Argyle a 2-0 win over Exeter City on Saturday at the end of the week that saw the Pilgrims face a winding up order in the High Court.
The win was also a measure of revenge for their Johnstone's Paint Trophy exit at the hands of the Grecians and it was only the second clean sheet Argyle have kept since the opening day of the season against Southampton.
After the match, Pilgrims boss Peter Reid expressed his delight at bringing pre-festive cheer to the fans, but wasn't getting too carried away.
"We have won two on the trot, but we haven't done anything yet." said Reid.
"We have won a derby game, but we need to kick on from here. You don't get anything for results before Christmas. You have got to keep it going.
"We have had a good result but, hopefully, that's only the start.
"It's our second clean sheet in the league, since Southampton in the first game of the season, so that hasn't been good enough."
"I'm delighted we have won a derby game for the fans, without a doubt, but it's still only three points.
"If we win at Leyton Orient next Saturday you still get that same three points."
Grecians boss Paul Tisdale, who lost a number of his players to illness before the game, refused to make excuses for his side and said the better side won.
"We had to make changes because of illness in the camp, which didn't help.
"We ended up changing the shape of our team, but so be it.
"We made those changes on Saturday morning, so we changed from our normal routine. But, all in all, it was a good game and a fair result."
"We played well and I am disappointed to lose, but based on the chances on goal it was a deserved win by Plymouth.
"There is no denying that we didn't threaten the Argyle goal enough."
The win was also a measure of revenge for their Johnstone's Paint Trophy exit at the hands of the Grecians and it was only the second clean sheet Argyle have kept since the opening day of the season against Southampton.
After the match, Pilgrims boss Peter Reid expressed his delight at bringing pre-festive cheer to the fans, but wasn't getting too carried away.
"We have won two on the trot, but we haven't done anything yet." said Reid.
"We have won a derby game, but we need to kick on from here. You don't get anything for results before Christmas. You have got to keep it going.
"We have had a good result but, hopefully, that's only the start.
"It's our second clean sheet in the league, since Southampton in the first game of the season, so that hasn't been good enough."
"I'm delighted we have won a derby game for the fans, without a doubt, but it's still only three points.
"If we win at Leyton Orient next Saturday you still get that same three points."
Grecians boss Paul Tisdale, who lost a number of his players to illness before the game, refused to make excuses for his side and said the better side won.
"We had to make changes because of illness in the camp, which didn't help.
"We ended up changing the shape of our team, but so be it.
"We made those changes on Saturday morning, so we changed from our normal routine. But, all in all, it was a good game and a fair result."
"We played well and I am disappointed to lose, but based on the chances on goal it was a deserved win by Plymouth.
"There is no denying that we didn't threaten the Argyle goal enough."
Friday 10 December 2010
GULLS FIXTURE PASSES INSPECTION
Torquay United's League Two fixture with Chesterfield will go ahead tomorrow after the Spireities B2net Stadium passed a morning pitch inspection.
The pitch had been covered with snow during the week and it was feared that the Gulls would face a second successive Saturday without a game.
With the match set to be played, it will help ease the concerns of fixture congestion which were potentially affecting the Gulls-who are still to re-arrange last Saturday's meeting with Burton Albion, which was called off because of a frozen pitch.
The pitch had been covered with snow during the week and it was feared that the Gulls would face a second successive Saturday without a game.
With the match set to be played, it will help ease the concerns of fixture congestion which were potentially affecting the Gulls-who are still to re-arrange last Saturday's meeting with Burton Albion, which was called off because of a frozen pitch.
ARGYLE VS CITY PART TWO
Encounters between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City seem to be like buses, you wait ages for one to come along and then, in a short space of time, two appear at once.
Saturday's meeting will be the second time that the two sides have met this season, and the second time in eight years, after their clash in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, which the Grecians won 2-1 with goals from Ryan Harley and Daniel Nardiello, with Argyle replying through Chris Clark.
With the Pilgrims suffering from the disappointment of England missing out on hosting the World Cup in 2018 and their recent appearance in the High Court, where they faced a winding up order, a win would provide the club with a major feel good factor.
Manager Peter Reid, himself a veteran in his career of Merseyside, Manchester and North East derbies, will not doubt be aware of the significance of the game to Argyle followers. Although their clash earlier in the season was only the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, he will know the Pilgrims fans wouldn't have been happy to lose to their local rivals.
Exeter, on the other hand, will see a win as an opportunity to boost their outside chances of making the Play-Offs and to record their first league win over the Pilgrims since 1993. It would also reflect just so far they have come since the dark days that saw them relegated from the Football League in 2003.
Saturday's meeting will be the second time that the two sides have met this season, and the second time in eight years, after their clash in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, which the Grecians won 2-1 with goals from Ryan Harley and Daniel Nardiello, with Argyle replying through Chris Clark.
With the Pilgrims suffering from the disappointment of England missing out on hosting the World Cup in 2018 and their recent appearance in the High Court, where they faced a winding up order, a win would provide the club with a major feel good factor.
Manager Peter Reid, himself a veteran in his career of Merseyside, Manchester and North East derbies, will not doubt be aware of the significance of the game to Argyle followers. Although their clash earlier in the season was only the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, he will know the Pilgrims fans wouldn't have been happy to lose to their local rivals.
Exeter, on the other hand, will see a win as an opportunity to boost their outside chances of making the Play-Offs and to record their first league win over the Pilgrims since 1993. It would also reflect just so far they have come since the dark days that saw them relegated from the Football League in 2003.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
ARGYLE GIVEN MORE TIME BY COURT
Following their hearing in the High Court, Plymouth Argyle have been given 63 days to settle their tax bill with HMRC.
The Pilgrims owed the taxman in the region of £760,000 and today’s hearing could have seen Argyle face liquidation. There was also the possibility of being placed in Administration which would include a ten-point deduction that would have put Argyle at the foot of the League One table.
If the money is not found by the end of those 63 days, then the Pilgrims will appear again in court February 9th 2011.
A legal team acting on behalf of the Pilgrims told the court that they are seeking new investors, one of whom is believed to be former Leeds United and Cardiff City Chairman Peter Ridsdale, and would be able to sell players, if necessary, in the January transfer window to raise the funds.
However, despite these problems, manager Peter Reid is remaining positive ahead of Saturday’s Devon Derby with Exeter City and has said that the players will do everything they can to get through their current situation.
The Pilgrims owed the taxman in the region of £760,000 and today’s hearing could have seen Argyle face liquidation. There was also the possibility of being placed in Administration which would include a ten-point deduction that would have put Argyle at the foot of the League One table.
If the money is not found by the end of those 63 days, then the Pilgrims will appear again in court February 9th 2011.
A legal team acting on behalf of the Pilgrims told the court that they are seeking new investors, one of whom is believed to be former Leeds United and Cardiff City Chairman Peter Ridsdale, and would be able to sell players, if necessary, in the January transfer window to raise the funds.
However, despite these problems, manager Peter Reid is remaining positive ahead of Saturday’s Devon Derby with Exeter City and has said that the players will do everything they can to get through their current situation.
Monday 6 December 2010
GLOVERS AND GRECIANS FORCED TO WAIT AGAIN
Yeovil Town and Exeter City will have to wait to do it all again after their respective Tuesday night FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy clashes after both meetings fell victim to the weather.
The Glovers are still waiting to play their FA Cup second round tie against Hartlepool, which was called off because of snow on Saturday 27th November because of snow. When the two sides eventually play each other, the reward for the winner will be a trip to Championship side Watford in Round Three.
For the second time in the space of a week, a frozen pitch at the Memorial Stadium has prevented Exeter City from taking in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Area Semi-Final against Bristol Rovers.
The Grecians, who have beaten Yeovil, Hereford United and Plymouth Argyle in this season's competition, will equal their best ever run in the tournament should they overcome the Pirates when the two sides finally play each other.
The Glovers are still waiting to play their FA Cup second round tie against Hartlepool, which was called off because of snow on Saturday 27th November because of snow. When the two sides eventually play each other, the reward for the winner will be a trip to Championship side Watford in Round Three.
For the second time in the space of a week, a frozen pitch at the Memorial Stadium has prevented Exeter City from taking in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Area Semi-Final against Bristol Rovers.
The Grecians, who have beaten Yeovil, Hereford United and Plymouth Argyle in this season's competition, will equal their best ever run in the tournament should they overcome the Pirates when the two sides finally play each other.
Friday 3 December 2010
TALKING YEOVIL #7
For the second time in the space of two weeks, Yeovil Town find themselves without a fixture as their League One encounter, which was due to take place tomorrow, fell victim to the cold snap.
The meeting between the two sides would have seen Glovers' boss Terry Skiverton go head-to-head with one of his predecessors Gary Johnson for the first time in his managerial career.
With the Glovers sitting second bottom in the League One table, Skivo has admitted he feels the personal pressure to get results and that Yeovil can get those results by sticking together.
This view is perhaps not surprising given the fact that Skivo was a totemic figure in the Glovers' rise from non-league football to establishing themselves as a League One outfit. Indeed he skippered Yeovil to FA Trophy, Conference title and League Two title glory, under Johnson, in his 11-year playing stint at Huish Park.
One difference between the current campaign and the previous one for the Glovers is the impact made by the loan signings that Skivo has made. Last season Steven Caulker, Jon Obika, Ryan Mason, Shaun MacDonald, Alex McCarthy and Gavin Williams all made positive contributions during their temporary stints in South Somerset.
This time around, many of Skivo's crop of loan players have since returned to their parent clubs including Luke Freeman, Rob Kiernan and Cameron Stewart who were borrowed from Arsenal, Watford and Manchester United respectively.
MacDonald and Gavin Williams both returned to Huish Park on temporary deals with Williams due to leave again shortly before the transfer window as his parent club Bristol City look to possibly cash in on him before his contract at Ashton Gate expires. Meanwhile MacDonald's deal currently runs out on January 3rd.
Skivo has been busy bringing in new loanees including Robert Philip from Chelsea, Northern Ireland midfielder Ivan Sproule from Bristol City and Ian Parkes from Leicester City.
If any of them are looking for inspiration for what a loan spell at Yeovil Town then they need look no further than Steven Caulker who is continuing the fine form he displayed at Huish Park at Bristol City.
Caulker will spend the remainder of the season with the Robins who have pulled themselves clear of the Championship relegation zone since his arrival. His performances at Ashton Gate have seen him called into Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad and he made his debut last month in a friendly against Germany's Under-21 side.
The meeting between the two sides would have seen Glovers' boss Terry Skiverton go head-to-head with one of his predecessors Gary Johnson for the first time in his managerial career.
With the Glovers sitting second bottom in the League One table, Skivo has admitted he feels the personal pressure to get results and that Yeovil can get those results by sticking together.
This view is perhaps not surprising given the fact that Skivo was a totemic figure in the Glovers' rise from non-league football to establishing themselves as a League One outfit. Indeed he skippered Yeovil to FA Trophy, Conference title and League Two title glory, under Johnson, in his 11-year playing stint at Huish Park.
One difference between the current campaign and the previous one for the Glovers is the impact made by the loan signings that Skivo has made. Last season Steven Caulker, Jon Obika, Ryan Mason, Shaun MacDonald, Alex McCarthy and Gavin Williams all made positive contributions during their temporary stints in South Somerset.
This time around, many of Skivo's crop of loan players have since returned to their parent clubs including Luke Freeman, Rob Kiernan and Cameron Stewart who were borrowed from Arsenal, Watford and Manchester United respectively.
MacDonald and Gavin Williams both returned to Huish Park on temporary deals with Williams due to leave again shortly before the transfer window as his parent club Bristol City look to possibly cash in on him before his contract at Ashton Gate expires. Meanwhile MacDonald's deal currently runs out on January 3rd.
Skivo has been busy bringing in new loanees including Robert Philip from Chelsea, Northern Ireland midfielder Ivan Sproule from Bristol City and Ian Parkes from Leicester City.
If any of them are looking for inspiration for what a loan spell at Yeovil Town then they need look no further than Steven Caulker who is continuing the fine form he displayed at Huish Park at Bristol City.
Caulker will spend the remainder of the season with the Robins who have pulled themselves clear of the Championship relegation zone since his arrival. His performances at Ashton Gate have seen him called into Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad and he made his debut last month in a friendly against Germany's Under-21 side.
Thursday 2 December 2010
TALKING TORQUAY #5
For many Torquay United fans, the feeling of reaching the FA Cup third round for the fifth time in six seasons was met by the anti-climax of being drawn at home to Carlisle United when the draw was made.
The tie itself will see the Cumbrians make the longest journey of the round, but it is also a contest that both sides will view as a chance to progress through to the fourth round.
It could also be argued that the two teams have a lot in common. In the last ten years, they have both experienced relegation to the Conference before making a swift return to the Football League and emerging stronger and better organised from the experience.
Carlisle bounced back from the Conference after spending just one season, the 2004-05 season, outside the league whilst the Gulls memorably re-gained their league status at Wembley in 2009 after beating Cambridge in the Blue Square Premier Play-Off final, which kept their exile from league football down to just two campaigns.
Prior to this, both the Cumbrians and Torquay had Ian Atkins to thank for guiding them to safety in difficult circumstances (Carlisle in the 2000-01 season and the Gulls in the 2005-06 campaign).
Then there is the other factor of geographical isolation, which means there is a great deal of travelling involved for both sets of players and supporters during the course of the season.
And finally, from a personal point of view, reaching the FA Cup third round for the fifth time in almost as many seasons is an achievement that should be celebrated whatever the level of opposition you have been drawn against.
Especially when prior to this run, defeats against the non-league sides such as Farnborough, Yeovil Town, Sutton United, Enfield, Burton Albion and Hinckley United had been regular occurences, although Yeovil and Burton have since won promotion to the league.
Mind you, there is no denying that the revenue from drawing Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool would have come in handy though!
The tie itself will see the Cumbrians make the longest journey of the round, but it is also a contest that both sides will view as a chance to progress through to the fourth round.
It could also be argued that the two teams have a lot in common. In the last ten years, they have both experienced relegation to the Conference before making a swift return to the Football League and emerging stronger and better organised from the experience.
Carlisle bounced back from the Conference after spending just one season, the 2004-05 season, outside the league whilst the Gulls memorably re-gained their league status at Wembley in 2009 after beating Cambridge in the Blue Square Premier Play-Off final, which kept their exile from league football down to just two campaigns.
Prior to this, both the Cumbrians and Torquay had Ian Atkins to thank for guiding them to safety in difficult circumstances (Carlisle in the 2000-01 season and the Gulls in the 2005-06 campaign).
Then there is the other factor of geographical isolation, which means there is a great deal of travelling involved for both sets of players and supporters during the course of the season.
And finally, from a personal point of view, reaching the FA Cup third round for the fifth time in almost as many seasons is an achievement that should be celebrated whatever the level of opposition you have been drawn against.
Especially when prior to this run, defeats against the non-league sides such as Farnborough, Yeovil Town, Sutton United, Enfield, Burton Albion and Hinckley United had been regular occurences, although Yeovil and Burton have since won promotion to the league.
Mind you, there is no denying that the revenue from drawing Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool would have come in handy though!
Wednesday 1 December 2010
GRECIANS FORCED TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK
Exeter City's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Area Semi-Final against Bristol Rovers will now be played on Tuesday December 7th after the Memorial Stadium pitch failed a pre-match inspection.
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