REVIEW OF THE YEAR #PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 2

Today, we look at Part Two of the review of 2011 for Plymouth Argyle.

As well as seeing players such as Joe Mason, Yala Bolasie and Jack Stephens leave for pastures new, nine players that were out of contract were also released, including Karl Duguid, Rory Fallon, Marcel Seip, Luke Summerfield, Chris Clark, Kristzan Timar, Steven MacLean, Ryan Leonard and Liam Head.

Kari Arnason also left the club after refusing to defer his wages, Bondz N'gala joined Yeovil Town and Damien Johnson and Rory Patterson agreed season-long loan deals with Huddersfield Town and Northern Irish side Linfield respectively.

One plus point for Peter Reid was that Carl Fletcher and Stephane Zubar agreed to stay at Home Park.

Reid now set about assembling a new squad mainly made up from free transfers and loan signings as players such as Jake Cole, Luke Daley, Conor Hourihane, Will Atkinson and Warren Feeney arrived at Home Park.

Amongst the uncertainty facing the club in the close season, the Pilgrims celebrated Romain Larrieu's ten years service at the club with a testimonial against QPR who, of course, are managed by former Argyle manager Neil Warnock.

After achieving a creditable 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town on the opening day of the season, with Fletcher scoring a last minute equaliser, the Pilgrims then went on a run of eight straight defeats in the league, which saw Reid relieved of his managerial duties.

Fletcher was promptly installed as caretaker manager with Larrieu as his number two. The change appeared to paid an immediate dividend as they recorded a 2-0 win over Macclesfield Town in their first game in charge.

Off the field, the takeover bid by Bishop International Ltd fell by the wayside, as they failed to provide the necessary funding, and Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle turned to James Brent's Akkeron Group who brought the club out of Administration officially on October 31st 2011.

This decision came weeks after Brent agreed a deal with the club's employees to pay back their wages that they had previously had to defer.

As part of the deal, the club agreed a deal to sell Home Park back to Plymouth City Council.

Once the sale of the club was confirmed, Fletcher was confirmed as manager on a permanent basis with Larrieu as his assistant.

Despite their FA Cup first round exit at the hands of non-league Stourbridge and their first league defeat against Devon neighbours Torquay United for the first time in 40 years, the Pilgrims are currently on a four match unbeaten run, which has included wins over Northampton Town and Bristol Rovers.

Since exiting Administration, Fletcher has been able to strengthen his squad with the loan signings of Nick Chadwick, who originally left Home Park in 2008, veteran defender Darren Purse and winger Ashley Hemmings, as League Two survival remains firmly in their sights as they enter 2012.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR # PLYMOUTH ARGYLE I

As 2011 has proved to be something of an eventful year for Plymouth Argyle, I have decided to split their tale of the year into Two Parts.

Before I go any further, I would like to dedicate this article to the staff of Plymouth Argyle Football Club who spent most of the year working without pay whilst the club was in Administration.

Their hard work during these difficult times helped to preserve 125 years of the club's history and, as long as professional football is played in Plymouth, their efforts should never be forgotten.

The year started with a number of player departures in the January transfer window as Craig Noone joined Brighton, Bradley Wright-Phillips headed for Charlton Athletic, after a move to Reading fell through, and Benin international defender Reda Johnson was snapped up by Sheffield Wednesday.

However, the money raised from the sales of the previously mentioned players merely provided the club with a stay of execution as they were docked ten points at the end of February 2011, after it was announced that they intended to appoint an Administrator.

This plunged Argyle into the League One drop zone as the club officially entered Administration on March 4th 2011 and Brendan Guilfoyle of the P&A partnership was appointed to run the club.

Despite the best efforts, Peter Reid's men were unable to beat the drop and suffered a second consecutive relegation.

Off the field, Reid did his best to help the Pilgrims' survival cause, as he donated his 1986 FA Cup Runners-Up medal to an auction to raise funds to help save the club, which was one of many events organised by the Green Taverners to aid the club in their hour of need.

The close season saw a number of bids for the club made by a number of different people including local businessman James Brent and South East based Paul Buttivant before the chosen preferred bidder was unveiled as Bishop's International Ltd, a Gilbraltar based company headed by Truro City Chairman Kevin Heaney.

This was after the club's creditors agreed to accept a deal that would see them receive 0.77p in the pound on the amount that they were owed by the club.

As part of the deal, Bishop's International would buy the club and then sell it for £1 to Acting Chairman Peter Ridsdale, whilst retaining ownership of Home Park.

However, as the start of the 2011-12 season drew closer, Heaney and Bishop International seemed to be no closer to proving they had the necessary funding to complete the deal.

Fans signed a 3,000 strong petition begging Mr Guilfoyle to consider an alternative bid from Brent.

At this time, the staff continued to defer the salaries and there were yet more departures on the playing side as Joe Mason, Yala Bolasie and Jack Stephens were all sold to Cardiff City, Bristol City and Southampton respectively.

Part Two to follow tomorrow.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR # EXETER CITY

For Exeter City, 2011 was a year of continued progress as they equalled their highest ever league finish, equalled their best run in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and drew a Premier League Giant in the Carling Cup.

The 2010-211 campaign ended with the Grecians finishing the season in 8th place in the League One, matching their highest league placing previously set in the 1979-80 season.

Key figures in helping the Grecians achieve this feat were midfielder Ryan Harley, who was sold to Swansea City and then loaned back to St James Park, and veteran striker Jamie Cureton who, after scoring 20 goals in all competitions, departed for Leyton Orient at the end of the season.

Memorable results for Paul Tisdale's men included a 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic at the Valley in February and a final day 2-1 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

They also impressed in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as they reached the Southern Area Final of the competition where they were beaten by Brentford over two legs.

Their cup exploits for the year didn't end there as the Grecians reached the second round of the Carling Cup for the first time since 1992, after beating Yeovil Town, where they were rewarded with a lucrative home tie with Premier League giants Liverpool.

Kenny Dalglish fielded an experienced side at St James Park, which featured a number of Premiership regulars including Pepe Reina, Martin Skrtel, Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez.

The Reds won the tie on the night 3-1 with Suarez, Maxi Rodgriuez and substitute Andy Carroll finding the target. Daniel Nardiello pulled one back for the Grecians from the penalty spot.

In the league, Exeter find themselves a point clear of safety and in Nardiello, who has scored six goals from 18 appearances, they look to have found a striker who can fill the void left by the departure of Cureton in the summer.

Following the relegation of Plymouth Argyle last season, the Grecians will now battle it out with Yeovil to see who becomes the top dog in the South West. The Glovers are currently just one point behind Exeter and the two sides face each other on January 2nd.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR #YEOVIL TOWN

On December 31st 2010, Yeovil Town sat at the bottom of League One and a return to the basement tier of the Football League, for the first time since 2005, loomed large.

However, a goalless draw against Plymouth Argyle, which could have been  a 1-0 win had it not been for a Sam Williams that was saved by Pilgrims keeper David Button. The match also saw Paul Wotton and loan signing Max Ehmer make their debuts.

This result sparked a mini revival as the Glovers won four from their next six league encounters. This run of form saw manager Terry Skiverton nominated for the Manager of the Month award for January 2010 and skipper Paul Huntington receive the Npower League Player of the Month award for the same month.

Skiverton also made further additions to his squad including a return for goalkeeper Stephen Henderson on loan from Bristol City, experienced midfielder Alex Russell joined from Bath City on a short-term deal and Oli Johnson was signed on loan from Norwich City.

Shaun MacDonald and Jon Obika also returned to Huish Park for their fifth and fourth loan spells respectively as Yeovil rallied to finish a long way clear of the drop zone.

Their final league position at the end of the season was 14th, their second highest league finish since winning promotion from the Conference in 2003, one place higher than Sheffield Wednesday.

However, their improved showing the second half of the season did not go unnoticed and with a number of players out of contract at the end of the campaign, the close season saw a mass exodus from Huish Park.

Andy Welsh headed north to join Carlisle United, full-backs Craig Alcock and Nathan Smith signed for Peterborough and Chesterfield respectively and leading scorer Dean Bowditch signed for MK Dons.

Despite starting pre-season training with only a handful of players under contract, Skiverton gradually assembled a squad ready for the start of the new season.

New signings included a permanent return for Gavin Williams, after two loan spells at Huish Park since his transfer to West Ham United in 2004, Dominic Blizzard and Steven MacLean and Bondz N'gala from Plymouth Argyle.

Kieran Agard was also snapped up following his release from Everton after Skiverton was alerted to his availability by a fan on the social networking site Twitter.

At the time of writing, following a last gasp defeat at the hands of leaders Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day, the Glovers lie fourth from bottom in the League One table on goals scored.

In the coming weeks, Skiverton will also need to decide on the futures of several loan players currently at Huish Park, including Oli Johnson, Jon Obika, Gavin Massey and Rene Gilmartin.

Looking further ahead, a decision on extending the loan deal of Conor Clifford will need to be made in January as Skiverton looks to beat the drop and keep Yeovil in League One.

SEASONS GREETINGS

As it is Christmas Eve, I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has viewed South West Football in 2011 and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2012.

I will be continuing the reviews of the year for our South West league sides, which I have already started with a review of Torquay United, as 2011 draws to a close.

I would also like wish you teams the best of luck for any fixtures they may have over the festive season, whether it be on Boxing Day or New Year's Eve, or any matches in early 2012.

Regards

South West Football Blogspot.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR # TORQUAY UNITED

If the selection process of choosing Paul Buckle's successor as Torquay United manager had been a horse race, Martin Ling would have made a late run inside the home straight before winning on a photo finish.

The former Leyton Orient and Cambridge manager was the final candidate to be interviewed by the Gulls board. It has so far proved to be a sound appointment as Torquay head into the Xmas period well placed to challenge for a Play-Off spot.

His appointment was made during the close season after Paul Buckle left Plainmoor to take over as manager of Bristol Rovers after leading the Gulls to the League Two Play-Off final where they were beaten by Stevenage.

However, their run to Old Trafford provided many twists and turns.

In February, the club was at the centre of a ineligible player controversy in a 3-1 defeat against Hereford United as Jake Robinson, who was signed on loan from Shrewsbury Town, with Nicky Wroe moving in the opposite direction on a permanent transfer, wasn't eligible to have been selected in the match.

To complicate matters further, Hereford had also fielded an ineligible player, Rob Purdie, in the same match. A Football League hearing later punished the Bulls by deducting the three points they had won on the night and docked the Gulls of a single point, while both clubs received monetary fines.

A month later, Robinson was in the headlines for the right reasons when Torquay faced his parent club, Shrewsbury, at Plainmoor. As there was nothing preventing him from appearing for the Gulls on the day, Robinson lined up against the Shrews and bagged a brace as Torquay ran out as 5-0 winners.

The paths of the two sides would cross again in the Play-Off semi-finals as Torquay came out on top in the first leg at Plainmoor with goals from Chris Zebroski and Eunan O'Kane. This proved to be enough to take the Gulls through to the final against Stevenage.

Unfortunately, Torquay were unable to repeat their heroics of earlier in the season at Old Trafford as they went down to a solitary strike from John Mousinho. It also proved to Paul Buckle's final game in charge as Torquay manager as he was named as Bristol Rovers manager within days of the defeat.

During his four-year reign, Buckle had lead the Gulls to the FA Trophy final in 2008, promotion back to the Football League in 2009 and to the brink of promotion to League One in his final season at the helm. He had also led Torquay to the FA Cup fourth round twice in the 2008-09 & 2010-11 campaigns.

To maintain the momentum they had gained during these four years, it was imperative that the Gulls board made the right choice when it came to choosing his successor.

Several names were linked to the vacancy including former skipper Chris Hargreaves, ex Hibs manager John Hughes as well as Ian McParland, the former Notts County manager before Martin Ling was unveiled as the choice of the Torquay board.

On his arrival at Plainmoor, Ling saw Scott Bevan and Chris Zebroski follow Buckle to the Memorial Stadium and also lost inspirational central defender and Player of the Year Guy Branston to Bradford City.

His first act was to appoint his former Swindon teammate Shaun Taylor as his assistant before he set about rebuilding his squad.

In came striker Rene Howe from Peterborough United, former Austrian Under-21 goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik and defender Brian Saah was recruited from his previous club, Cambridge.

Other new signings included former Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfielder Ian Morris and Kenyan striker Taiwo Atieno. Martin Rice and Chris McPhee also returned to the club whilst Joe Oastler agreed a permanent deal following a successful loan spell.

After a promising start, which included a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium, the Gulls went on a run of eight matches without a win during September and October.

They then went on a run of five wins in all competition and their only defeat since the eight game winless streak came in the FA Cup against Sheffield United and in their recent league encounter with Accrington Stanley.

One of Ling's strength since he took charge at Plainmoor has been his ability to get the best out of the players that he inherited.

Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane has gone from strength to strength in the centre of midfield and has agreed a new contract that will keep him with the Gulls until 2014. This move will give Ling greater bargaining powers when dealing with any potential suitors in the January transfer window.

Another pair who have committed their futures to Torquay are Lee Mansell and Kevin Nicholson. The appointment of Ling has seen Mansell returned to the centre of midfield after playing at right back for much of last season.

The switch has seen him find the back of the net on seven occasions, making him the Gulls' second highest scorer of the current campaign behind Rene Howe. This feat enabled him to win a bet made on Twitter with Nicholson, which saw the left back clean Mansell's house wearing nothing but a pinny!

However, not to be outshone on the pitch, Nicholson has once again proved himself to be amongst the best left backs in League Two. He has also found the back of the net five times, his best goal scoring feat since he arrived at Plainmoor in 2007.

GULLS BID TO EXTEND BODIN STAY

Torquay United have entered into negotiations to keep Wales Under-21 starlet Billy Bodin at Plainmoor beyond his current loan deal.

Bodin has made 16 appearances for the Gulls and has scored four goals and manager Martin Ling, who played alongside Billy's father, Paul Bodin, during his playing days with the Robins, is keen to keep him with Torquay after his loan deal expires on January 8th 2012.

"I've spoken to Swindon a couple of times on the situation," Ling said. "I've spoken to his dad and Billy himself and they would both like him to stay here." said Ling

"But he's Swindon's player and Swindon have got to make that decision and we'll have to assess that nearer the time.

"They know that I would love to keep him until the end of the season and even possibly take him full time."

Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio has also hinted that he would be prepared to sell Bodin to the Gulls, if a deal could be agreed which would suit both parties, in September.

Following the progress that he has made during his stay in Devon thus far, it is apparent that Bodin would benefit from playing regular first team football, which is a major advantage for the Gulls and this could be a key factor in deciding his future, in both in the short term and in the long term.

GLOVERS LEFT TO FOCUS ON LEAGUE

After their disappointing FA Cup second round exit at the hands of Blue Square Premier high flyers, Fleetwood Town, Yeovil Town are now left to concentrate on the league.

Goals from Jamie McGuire and Jamie Vardy saw the Glovers dumped out of the competition by the Trawlermen who will now be looking forward to an all-Lancashire clash with Ian Holloway's Blackpool.

Manager Terry Skiverton described the result as one of the lowest points of his managerial career and he held a meeting with the squad following the final whistle.

Skiverton also issued a stark warning that such performances will not be tolerated whilst he is in charge at Huish Park.

“There will be a few home truths and there will be people who are maybe looking elsewhere in January on the back of that, because that’s just not on for players of this football club,” he said.

“It’s a case of having to pick up the pieces and make sure that we turn it around in the league.”

One plus point from Tuesday's cup exit is the continuing return to fitness, following a ruptured knee ligament, of talismanic midfielder Gavin Williams.

The Welshman followed up the 33 minutes he featured for against Notts County at Huish Park on the previous Saturday by playing through the entire second half after replacing Chelsea loanee Conor Clifford at half-time.

Terry Skiverton has already described his return to fitness as like having a new signing on board.

If Williams can remain fit for the remainder of the campaign, then there every chance that the Glovers could go on to better their 14th place league finish of last season.

ARGYLE LOOK TO REPLACE RIDSDALE

Following the recent departure of Peter Ridsdale to become Chairman of Preston North End, Plymouth Argyle owner James Brent is facing his first major off-the-field related decision.

Whilst Ridsdale had his critics, after his well documented reigns as Chairman of Leeds United and Cardiff City, he was a man vastly experienced in the world of football with a considerable number of contacts.

Indeed, he played a key role in helping the Pilgrims secure the services of veteran defender Darren Purse on loan from Millwall with a view to a permanent deal when the January transfer window.

It is imperative that Brent appoints an experienced individual, with a similar level of contacts to Ridsdale, due to the club's position, at the time of writing, of second from bottom in League Two.

Recent results have shown that Argyle, under the management of Carl Fletcher, with a win over Northampton Town and a draw away at Bradford City to show from their last two league outings.

It is also vital that they get three points from their game with Hereford United on Saturday and continue to pick up points from their festive games against Bristol Rovers, Aldershot Town and Torquay United.

MANSE AND NICO AGREE NEW DEALS

Torquay United have agreed new two-year deals with long serving duo Lee Mansell amd Kevin Nicholson that will keep the pair at Plainmoor until the summer of 2014.

Mansell, who replaced Nicky Wroe as captain last season, has been with the Gulls since 2006 when he signed from Oxford United. He is currently Torquay's second highest scorer has scored seven goals from midfield in the 2011-12 campaign.

Nicholson first arrived at Plainmoor from Forest Green Rovers in 2007 and has continued to be an integral part of the Gulls side since their return to the Football League. His ability from set pieces and his defensive displays have helped to establish him as one of the best left-backs in League Two.

Gulls boss Martin Ling was delighted to have secured the signatures of the duo as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for promotion to League One.

"I spoke to both of them in the summer and they had done really well last year, so I told them they were a big part of where I wanted to go," said Ling.

"They've both accepted two-and-a-half year deals and I'm delighted to have them on board. They're a big part of Torquay United. They are brilliant on the training ground and they've both had superb seasons so far.

"I have always thought of Manse as a midfield player, although I didn't expect him to get so many goals as quickly as he has, but his energy and enthusiasm around the club is there for everyone to see. The goals have been an added bonus and he has been a big, big plus for us."

"Nico gives you quality going forward and he defends very well in a back-four unit. He's been superb for us and they are two big components in having the right players at the club for seasons to come.

"Eunan O'Kane signed earlier in the season and now we have Manse and Nico. There are a few more to deal with at the right times and the building blocks are being put in the right place."

THE GULLS BOW OUT, BUT THE GLOVERS REMAIN

The South West's representatives in the 2011-12 FA Cup is now down to one following Torquay United's defeat at the hands of Sheffield United.

A 3rd minute striker from Rene Howe gave the Gulls an early lead before the Blades struck back in the second half following an own goal from Torquay defender Mark Ellis.

Welsh striker Ched Evans, a player who played under the late Gary Speed for both club and country, then scored a brace, as a timely tribute to his former boss, to give the League One side a 3-1 lead before Danny Stevens grabbed a late consolation for the Gulls.

This now means that Yeovil Town are the only South West side remaining in the competition as they drew 2-2 with Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town on Friday night.

Goals from Ed Upson and Conor Clifford gave the Glovers a two goal lead before the Trawlermen levelled through ex Torquay defender Kieran Charnock and a late penalty from Jamie Milligan.

Should Yeovil win their replay, which takes place a week on Tuesday, their reward will be a home tie with Blackpool, who are managed by former Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Holloway, in a repeat of the 2007 League One Play-Off final which the Tangerines won 2-0.

FA CUP 2ND ROUND PREVIEW

Following the elimination of Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City in the first round, Torquay United and Yeovil Town remain as the South West's sole representatives in the 2011-12 FA Cup.

The Gulls travel to Sheffield United in what will be the Blades' first competitive match following the untimely death of Wales manager Gary Speed.

Prior to taking his role with the Welsh national side, Speed had ended his playing career and started his managerial career at Bramall Lane. Many of the current Blades squad have strong links with the former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Wales midfielder and the match will be an emotional occasion.

Martin Ling has one selection headache ahead of the tie as midfielder Damon Lathrope will be suspended for the clash after receiving five yellow cards. Gulls defender Chris Robertson will also be facing his former club.

On Friday night, Yeovil Town travel to Lancashire to face Blue Square Premier high flyers Fleetwood Town.

After winning their last two away matches against Hereford United, in the first round of the cup, and Hartlepool United respectively, Terry Skiverton's Glovers will be looking to replicate those performances.

The match, which is being televised live on ESPN, could see talismanic midfielder Gavin Williams' return to action for the first time since early September as he looks set to recover from knee ligament damage.

NEW FACES GIVE ARGYLE A LIFT

After losing their first league encounter with Torquay United in nearly 40 years and knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Stourbridge, Plymouth Argyle gave their fans something to shout about by recording a comprehensive victory over Northampton Town.

A Simon Walton penalty set the Pilgrims on their way before Nick Chadwick, who was marking his return to Home Park after joining on loan from Stockport County, added a second. Hull City loanee Will Atkinson then scored his fourth of the season before Ashley Hemmings marked his debut, after joining on loan from Wolves, with a goal. Former Torquay United striker Adebayo Akinfenwa added a late consolation for the Cobblers.

Other new faces on show for Argyle included experienced centre back Darren Purse who brought more stability to the Pilgrims backline after joining on loan from Championship side Millwall. He was partnered in the centre of defence by Frenchman Maxim Blanchard who was making his debut after joining the Pilgrims on a free transfer.

Chadwick's ninth minute strike is his 12th goal in his two spells with the Pilgrims, after scoring 11 times in 83 appearances, during his previous spell at Home Park between 2005 and 2008. He also provided the assist for Hemmings' debut effort on 44 minutes.

One strength that both Purse and Chadwick brought to the Pilgrims' side is that they both arrived at Home Park match fit. Purse had recently completed a five match loan spell at Yeovil Town and Chadwick has been playing regularly in the Blue Square Premier for Stockport County this season.

As well as the new boys giving a good account of themselves, two of the more established members of Carl Fletcher's squad, Simon Walton and Will Atkinson, received recognition for their performances by being named in the League Two Team of the Week.

Following their break from action due to their early exit from the FA Cup, Argyle face matches against their fellow strugglers Bradford City and Hereford United in quick succession.

If they can take their performance against the Cobblers into those two games, they will give their chances of staying up a major boost.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

With Christmas just around the corner, we will now take a look at some of the football books currently available in any good high street bookshop or online with links with football in the South West.

One book likely to receive plenty of interest is All Change at Old Trafford, the long awaited autobiography of former Torquay United and Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrell.

The book charts the story of how O'Farrell came to manage the Red Devils in the post-Matt Busby era after winning promotion at Plainmoor earlier in his career. It is of particular interest with regards to the succession of Busby as it is likely that the Old Trafford hierarchy will be looking for Sir Alex Ferguson's successor in the next few years.

Plymouth Argyle fans with memories of seeing Andy 'Jock' Morrison in action will no doubt be interested in reading his autobiography, The Good, the Mad and the Ugly, the Andy Morrison Story, which charts his battles with alcoholism as well as the early years of his professional career at Home Park.

Another book which is currentlty available is Where's Your Caravan, the life story of ex Argyle and Torquay United midfielder Chris Hargreaves. The book, which is the second book to be written by Chris following the publication of his Herald Express blog, follows a chronological narrative and charts his days as a young hopeful with Grimsby Town to when he skippered the Gulls to promotion back to the Football League at the twilight of his career.

SOUTH WEST CLUBS IN LOAN DEADLINE BUSINESS

Today sees the closing of the window for completing loan signings and free transfers before the transfer window reopens in January.

All four South West league sides have been involved in transfer window activity, making last minute addition to their squads.

Following the loan acquisition of experienced central defender Darren Purse, Plymouth Argyle have added former striker Nick Chadwick, who scored 11 goals in 83 games for them between 2005 and 2008, on a short term deal to boost their attacking options and have borrowed Ashley Hemmings, who had another loan spell in Devon last season with Torquay United, from Wolves.

Exeter City have drafted in wide man Chris Hackett on loan from Millwall. Hackett has featured in 143 games for the Lions, but hasn't appeared for them this season since their Carling Cup tie with Morecambe.

Yeovil Town have recruited goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin on loan from from Watford until January 3rd. Dublin-born Gilmartin, who has made three appearances for the Hornets this season, joins Watford team-mate Gavin Massey who is also on loan at Huish Park.

Martin Ling has also made a solitary addition to his Torquay United squad with the loan signing of central defender Tom Aldred as cover for the injured Brian Saah.

ARGYLE CUP DREAM SHATTERED BY GLASSBOYS

Plymouth Argyle's involvement in this year's FA Cup came to an end as they lost their replay against Southern Premier side Stourbridge.

Goals from Paul McCone and Sean Evans secured the Glassboys' place in the second round of the Cup, for the first time in their history, at the expense of an Argyle side that were reduced to ten men following the first half dismissal of right back Paul Bignot.

This defeat comes as a major blow for the Pilgrims who are five points of safety at the bottom of League Two.

One ray of light for Argyle is the proposed signing of experienced central defender Darren Purse which is set to completed in the next few days.

EUNAN NAMED IN TEAM OF THE WEEK

Following his Devon derby exploits against Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United playmaker Eunan O'Kane has been named in the League Two Team of the Week.

Eunan bagged a brace for the Gulls as they recorded their biggest ever win over the Pilgrims, and their first in the league since 1972. He follows in the footsteps of team-mates Lee Mansell, Brian Saah, Kevin Nicholson and Rene Howe who have all featured in the division's weekly XI so far this season.

Full Team

Dean Brill - Barnet

Sido Jombati - Cheltenham Town

Steve Elliott - Cheltenham Town

Clovis Kamdjo - Barnet

Dean Howell - Crawley Town

Chris Whelpdale - Gillingham

Kane Ferdinand - Southend United

Eunan O'Kane - Torquay United

Mark Wright - Shrewsbury Town

Liam Dickinson - Southend United

Tyrone Barnett - Crawley Town

TRURO DUO JOIN TIVVY

Tiverton Town have acted quickly to secure the signatures of Danny Clay and Andy Taylor after the pair left Truro City earlier this week.

The duo, who were both part of the Exeter City who famously drew with Manchester United in 2005, left Treyew Road earlier due to the financial troubles affecting the Cornish side, which has seen them face a winding up order from the Inland Revenue over unpaid taxes.

They will both go straight into the Tivvy squad for their FA Trophy clash with Swindon Supermarine on Saturday.

EUNAN BEAUTY

Torquay United were helped to their first league victory over Plymouth Argyle in 39 years by a brace from Eunan O'Kane.

The Irishman opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area on 47 minute. He then added a second two minutes later when he beat Pilgrims' keeper Romain Larrieu with an unstoppable 35-yard effort that clipped the underside of the cross bar as it rattled into the back of the net.

Danny Stevens later added a third for the Gulls before Hull City loanee Will Atkinson scored a late consolation for Argyle.

It was Torquay's biggest win over their Devon rivals and their fifth straight win in all competitions, three behind the club record set under the reign of Kevin Hodges in the 1997-98 season.

A TORQUAY-ARGYLE XI PART TWO

After looking at the backline for our Torquay-Argyle XI yesterday, we will now switch our attentions to the midfield and forward line of this team.

RM: Martin 'Buster' Phillips

Hailed as 'Britain's first £10million footballer' by Alan Ball when he was a youngster at Exeter City, Buster Phillips followed Ball from St James' Park to Maine Road as he joined Manchester City in 1995.
He remained with City until 1998 when he linked up with Ball again at Portsmouth before he returned two years later to sign for Argyle. Whilst at Home Park, he played a role in the Pilgrims' Division Three and Division Two title successes under Paul Sturrock in 2002 and 2004 before moving to Plainmoor.
Buster's stay with Torquay lasted for three years, during which time he made 70 appearances and scored six goals before he was forced to retire after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2007.

CM: Steve McCall

After making his name with Ipswich Town in the early 1980's where he won a UEFA Cup Winners' medal in 1981, Steve McCall found his way to the South West in 1992 when Peter Shilton persuaded him to join the Pilgrims from Sheffield Wednesday. He formed an impressive cemtral midfield partnership with Steve Castle and was part of the Pilgrims' side that narrowly missed out on promotion to Division One in the 1993-94 season.
Two years later, Steve made the move from Home Park to Plainmoor when he joined Kevin Hodges' coaching team, which he combined with playing in the Gulls' midfield. He played a key role in helping Torquay reach the 1998 Division Three Play-Off final before following Hodges back to Home Park to become his assistant on the eve of the 1998-99 season.

CM: Chris Hargreaves

Chris Hargreaves arrived at Plymouth Argyle in 1998 after spells with his home town club Grimsby Town, Scarborough, Hull City, West Bromwich Albion and Hereford United. His stay at Home Park lasted for two years before he was on his travels again joining Northampton Town in 2000.
He returned to Devon in 2007 when he joined Torquay where he would play an influential role in helping the Gulls win promotion back into the Football League in 2009, scoring their opening goal in the 2009 Conference Play-Off final against Cambridge United. He stayed at Plainmoor until midway through the 2009-10 season when he re-joined Oxford United, the team he originally joined the Gulls from. He is currently coaching Exeter City's Under-16 side and appears as a pundit on BBC Radio Devon.

LM: Brian McGlinchey

Ulsterman Brian McGlinchey started his career with Manchester City before he appeared for Port Vale and Gillingham prior to his move to Home Park in 2000. He played a key role in helping the Pilgrims to win promotion from Division Three in 2002 before he made the move to Plainmoor during the 2003-04 season following an initial loan spell. He proved to the missing piece in the jigsaw for Leroy Rosenior's side as they clinched automatic promotion on the final day of the season. He remained with Torquay for a further two years before he was forced to retire through injury.

FC: Tommy Tynan

One of the finest centre-forwards never to play in the top-flight, Tommy Tynan had confirmed his status as a Plymouth Argyle legend by the time he was persuaded to make the move to Plainmoor by Dave Smith in 1990.
Once at Plainmoor, Tommy continued to find the back of the net and scored his 300th career goal in a league game against Carlisle United in October 1990. Following the appointment of John Impey as manager in succession to Smith later in the 1990-91 season, Tommy fell out of favour and left Plainmoor at the end of the campaign and later had spells with Doncaster Rovers and Goole Town.

FC: Martin Gritton

Glasgow born, but Cornwall raised, Martin Gritton was given his first taste of professional football in 1999 when Kevin Hodges handed him his first professional contract after he spotted him playing in the South Western League for Portheleven, for whom he combined studying at the University of Portsmouth.
Three years later, he became one of Leroy Rosenior's first signings as Torquay United manager and formed a potent partnership with fellow Scot David Graham and finished the 2002-03 season as Torquay's leading scorer with 16 goals.
In the following season, he helped the Gulls win automatic promotion from Division Three for the first time in 38 years. Martin left Plainmoor in December 2004 to join Grimsby Town, but returned for a six-month loan spell in the 2010-11 season after appearing for Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Macclesfield and Chesterfield.
He is currently appearing for Stockport County in the Blue Square Premier.

Other players who narrowly missed the cut include Garry Nelson, Mickey Evans, Kevin Blackwell, Chris Zebroski, Steve Woods, Peter Whiston, Scott Partridge, Chris Leadbitter, Lee Hodges, Steve Adams, Darren Garner, Chris Curran, Ian Stonebridge, Darren Rowbotham, Jason Rowbotham, Gary Clayton, Matt Villis, Ryan Dickson, Reuben Reid, Ashley Barnes, Scott Laird, Ray Newland, John Matthews, Rhys Wilmot, Dave Walter, Blair Sturrock, Joe Broad, Kevin Wills, Osvaldo Lopes and Paul Adcock.

A TORQUAY-ARGYLE XI PART ONE

Saturday's meeting between Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle will be the first encounter between the two sides in nearly ten years.

We will now look at an XI comprised entirely of players to have donned the Yellow of Torquay and the Green of Argyle during the last quarter of the century.

Today we look at the back line of this team.

GK: Kenny Veysey

Current Gulls' goalkeeping coach Kenny returned to Plainmoor for a second spell during the 1997-98 season after spells with Oxford United, Exeter City, Sheffield United and Dorchester Town. He helped the Gulls to reach the Division Three Play-Off final in 1998, but missed the final through suspension. Kenny remained with Torquay for a further season before he was released by Wes Saunders at the end of the 1998-99 campaign when he joined Plymouth before retiring through injury a year later.

RB: Kevin Hodges

Plymouth Argyle's record appearance holder Kevin originally joined Torquay from Argyle on loan during the 1991-92 campaign before making the move permanent during the following season. After finishing his playing career with the Gulls, Kevin coached the club's youth side before becoming manager in 1996.
During his two years in charge at Torquay, Kevin led the Gulls to brink of promotion from Division Three as they were beaten in the 1998 Play-Off final by Colchester United before he took charge of the Pilgrims.
His reign in charge at Home Park lasted until 2000 when he was replaced by Paul Sturrock.

CB: Danis Salman

After making his league debut for Brentford as a 15-year-old, Danis Salman went on to help Millwall win promotion to the top-flight of English football for the first time in 1988, where he appeared alongside the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino.
He found his way to the South West in 1990 when he joined Plymouth and he remained with the Pilgrims until 1992 after he was released by Peter Shilton. Danis later joined Torquay as a replacement for Wes Saunders at the start of the 1992-93 campaign and made 22 appearances before leaving at the end of the season. He currently attends Home Park as a Match Analyst for the Press Association and also has a column in the Plymouth Herald.



CB: Craig Taylor

The brother of current Torquay assistant manager, Shaun Taylor, Craig Taylor arrived at Home Park from Swindon Town in the 1999-00 season and he remained with the Pilgrims until 2003 when he made the move to Plainmoor following a successful loan spell.
Whilst at Plainmoor, Craig became the first player to lead the Gulls to automatic promotion in 38 years as he captained Torquay to automatic promotion in the 2003-04 season. Craig remained with the Gulls for 3 more years before he was released.

LB: John Uzzell

During his 12-year stint with Plymouth Argyle, John Uzzell helped the Pilgrims to reach the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup in 1984 and win promotion to the 'old' Division Two in 1986. During his brief stay at Plainmoor, John helped the Gulls to win promotion from the 'old' Division Four in 1991 before he was forced to retire following a challenge with Gary Blissett in a match between the Gulls and Brentford that left him with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket. He currently attends Plainmoor as a Match Analyst for the Press Association.

Tomorrow, we will be looking at the midfield and forward line of this team.

FA CUP 2ND ROUND DRAW REVIEW

The clocks have gone back, the guy has been burned and after today's second round FA Cup draw, all four South West league sides are dreaming of a possibly money-spinning third round tie.

Torquay United's reward for beating League One side Chesterfield at the B2net Stadium is another trip north to face League One fallen giants Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

The Blades reached the Semi-Finals of the competition in 2003 under the guidance of former Gulls' caretaker manager Neil Warnock and will provide a stern test for Martin Ling's side.

Yeovil Town will also be on their travels as they head to Lancashire for a meeting with Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town who defeated the Glovers' League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers.

Should Plymouth Argyle overcome Southern Premier side Stourbridge in the replay a week on Tuesday, they will be rewarded with a home tie with Stevenage.

Exeter City will also need a replay to reach the second round after they secured a draw with Walsall courtesy of a late David Noble strike and a trip to either Dagenham and Redbridge or Bath City awaits them if they are able to defeat the Saddlers at the Bescot Stadium.

FA CUP 1ST ROUND PREVIEW

The major talking point in football this week has been the debate whether the home nations should be allowed to wear poppies on their shirts.

However, on Saturday afternoon, attentions will temporarily be diverted away from that argument and towards the first round of the FA Cup, which sees the four South West league sides in action.

With £18,500 worth of prize money at stake for the winners of the round, each of the four ties involving Exeter City, Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle promise to be eye-catching encounters.

The Grecians host fellow League One side Walsall at St James Park, manager Paul Tisdale has called on his side to recreate the form they showed in last season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy which saw them reach the Southern Area Final.

Yeovil Town are set to hand a start to goalkeeping coach Gareth Stewart, in their meeting with Hereford United, after current first choice keeper Marek Stech, who is currently on loan from West Ham, was called up by the Czech Republic Under-21 squad.

Another side who will be losing a key player to international is Torquay United who will be travelling to Chesterfield without the services of striker Billy Bodin who will be on international duty with the Wales Under-21 squad.

However, Gulls boss Martin Ling will be hoping to field midfielder Ian Morris, who played 19 games on loan with the Spireites last season, after he came through a reserve team game with Brighton during the week.

Plymouth Argyle will be playing host to Evo-Stik Southern Premier side Stourbridge and Pilgrims player-manager Carl Fletcher has threatened to get rid of any players to fail to take the tie seriously.

Argyle haven't won an FA Cup tie since the 2007-08 season when they beat Hull City in the Third Round.

A WESTCOUNTRY FLAVOUR

The latest Npower League Two team of the week has a strong Westcountry feel to it as it contains five players with connections to the South West.

Torquay United duo Brian Saah and Lee Mansell are included following their part in the Gulls' 3-0 away over Crewe Alexandra, in which Mansell scored his seventh goal of the season.

Plymouth Argyle captain Simon Walton is also featured after scoring a stunning long range effort for the Pilgrims in their 1-1 draw with Morecambe.

Also selected are former Torquay pair Guy Branston and Jo Kuffour who are both currently on loan at Rotherham United and Gillingham respectively.

Branston, who won the Gulls' Player of the Year award last season, joined the Millers on loan earlier in the season after falling down the pecking order at his parent club, Bradford City, following the arrival of Phil Parkinson after Peter Jackson, the manager who persuaded Branston to head north in the close season, resigned.

Kuffour is currently on loan at Gillingham from Bristol Rovers, with a view to making the move to Priestfield permanent in January, and scored a hat-trick for the Gills against Northampton Town.

This follows the brace he scored against the Gulls earlier in the season when Gillingham beat Torquay 5-2 at Plainmoor.

Npower League Two Team of the Week for 05/11/2011 in full:

Ross Atkins - Burton Albion

Jermaine Grandison - Shrewsbury Town

Guy Branston - Rotherham United

Brian Saah - Torquay United

Liam Ridehalgh - Swindon Town

Andy Drury - Crawley Town

Lee Mansell - Torquay United

Simon Walton - Plymouth Argyle

Ryan Hall - Southend United

Saido Berahino - Northampton Town

Jo Kuffour - Gillingham

GREENS THAT BECAME GLOVERS

The recent loan signing of Conor Clifford for Yeovil Town has increased the contingent of former Plymouth Argyle currently at Huish Park to four.

Conor, who joined the Glovers on loan from Chelsea, played eight games for the Pilgrims last season but was forced to return to Stamford Bridge due to a transfer embargo placed on Argyle for an unpaid tax bill.

He made his debut in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Chesterfield at the B2net Stadium.

Amongst his new team-mates are three former Argyle players in the form of Paul Wotton, Steven MacLean and Bondz N'gala.

Wotton, of course, was an inspirational figure during his time with Argyle as he captained his home town club to Division Three and Division Two title triumphs in 2002 and 2004 respectively.

MacLean became Argyle's record signing when he arrived at Home Park during the 2007-08 season. However, he failed to repeat the form he showed earlier in his career for Scunthorpe United and Sheffield Wednesday whilst with the Pilgrims and he was loaned out to Aberdeen and Oxford United before he was released by Peter Reid in the summer.

N'gala also joined Yeovil in the summer after leaving Home Park because of the Pilgrims' previous financial issues.

Another former Pilgrim who was previously with Yeovil was Kiwi striker Rory Fallon who had a brief spell at Huish Park before heading North of the Border to join Aberdeen, where his team-mates include another pair of ex Pilgrims, Chris Clark and Kari Arnason.

FLETCH LOOKING TO HELP PILGRIMS PROGRESS

Following the news that Plymouth Argyle have exited Administration, the Caretaker duo of Carl Fletcher and Romain Larrieu have been installed as Player-Manager and Player-Coach respectively on a permanent basis.

One of Fletcher's first acts as manager was to extend the loan of Billy Gibson, from Middlesbrough, until January.

He has also warned any potential new recruits that they must possess the right attiude and desire if they want to be part of his squad.

He said: "We want people that are here to prove something, that are hungry, that want to do well, because we've got those players in the changing room now.

"If we are going to make any additions they've got to be the right people."

The Argyle starting line-up named by Fletcher in their recent 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham Town included seven players under the age of 21, which illustrates the need to recruit players with the necessary experience of the demands of lower league football as the Pilgrims look to progress up the League Two table.

Fletcher's first test as permanent manager comes on Saturday against promotion chasing Morecambe.

FATHERS, SONS AND FOOTBALL

Former Torquay United midfielder Paul Trollope and current Gulls' loanee Billy Bodin have quite a few things in common.

Both of them started their careers with Swindon Town and both have famous fathers who made a big impact whilst playing for the Robins. Paul's father, John Trollope, is Swindon's record appearance holder with 770 appearances, a league record made by a player for one club. John also appeared for the Robins in the 1969 League Cup final when they famously beat Arsenal.

Billy's father, Paul Bodin, enjoyed two spells at the County Ground during his career, from 1988 to 1991 and from 1992-1996. His second stint with the Robins saw them win promotion to the Premiership for the first time in their history in the 1992-93 season, when his teammates included the current Gulls' management team of Martin Ling and Shaun Taylor.

Now, on to the second generation of Trollope's and Bodin's.

Paul came to Plainmoor on loan from Swindon in the 1991-92, after being deemed surplus to requirements by the then Robins' boss Glenn Hoddle, before joining Torquay permanently in the following summer. He later went on to enjoy a good career in the game with Derby County, Fulham, Grimsby Town, Northampton and Bristol Rovers and was also capped by Wales.

Billy is currently on loan at Plainmoor and has scored three goals in ten appearances. Martin Ling has stated that he would like to sign him on a permanent basis and current Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio has hinted that he would be willing to accept the right offer for Billy.

Whilst Ling has also admitted that a lot of water has to pass under the bridge for any potential move to happen, it will be a case of 'wait and see' until Billy's current loan deal runs out on January 8th 2012.

FA CUP DRAW ROUND-UP

The first round of the FA Cup 2011-12 has seen Yeovil Town and Torquay United drawn away and Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City awarded home ties.

The Glovers will be on their travel as they face a trip to League Two side Hereford United. They are currently a number of connections between the two teams as the Bulls are managed by former Glovers' midfielder Jamie Pitman and feature ex Yeovil defender Stefan Stam amongst their ranks.

Yeovil currently have Gavin Williams in their squad who began his first spell at Huish Park in 2002 after leaving Hereford when he was snapped up by Gary Johnson.

Torquay United head north as they look to maintain their recent fine FA Cup pedigree, the Gulls have reached the fourth round twice in the last four years, after being paired with Chesterfield.

Gulls manager Martin Ling described the draw as not being ideal, but believes the tie is not unwinnable.

"We are away to a team in the league above, so it is one of the harder draws we could have got," said Ling.


"It's not ideal but the upside is that Chesterfield are in the bottom four of League 1. They obviously went up from League 2 last year, so there is recent history between the two clubs.

"It's certainly not an unwinnable tie but we would have preferred a home draw.

"The FA Cup is a great competition and always will be. It is a money-making opportunity for clubs at our level."

Meanwhile, Exeter City will play host to fellow League One side Walsall, whilst Plymouth Argyle will be at home to Southern League side Stourbridge.

MAGIC NUMBERS

With the first round draw for the 2011-12 FA Cup due to take place tomorrow, here are a few numbers to watch out for:

19: Exeter City

32: Plymouth Argyle

44: Torquay United

48: Yeovil Town

ARGYLE TAKEOVER APPROVED

Following months of negotiations, James Brent's takeover of Plymouth Argyle has been approved by the club's administrators.

After having agreed a deal for Plymouth City Council to buy back Home Park and finalising deals with the club's unpaid staff over unpaid wages, Brent's Akkeron Group have agreed a deal with the club's Administrators, P & A partnership, over fees.

One of Brent's first acts as owner will be to repay the club's staff who had been forced to defer their wages to help keep the club going.

"There's a huge amount to be done to rebuild the club and its finances," said Brent.

"The first focus is to pay the staff their first full month's wages for a very long time."

Argyle, who had been in Administration since March, currently sit bottom of League Two and Brent's efforts will now be focused on rebuilding the club following a period of extreme uncertainty, which saw its very existence threatened.

He added: "We have the financial power to do it, but we've been very open that we would like like-minded people to join us.

"What I won't do is part with control of the club until it's properly stabilised."

GULLS END WINLESS RUN IN STYLE

After going eight matches without a win in League Two, Torquay United ended the winless streak in style against AFC Wimbledon.

Goals from Danny Stevens and Eunan O'Kane, followed by a brace from Rene Howe secured an emphatic win for Torquay in the first league meeting with the Dons.

DI CANIO BACKS PILGRIMS TO STAY UP

Despite seeing his Swindon Town side defeat Plymouth Argyle, Robins boss Paolo Di Canio has backed the Pilgrims to avoid relegation from League Two.

An 82nd minute effort from his fellow country man Raffaele De Vita secured the points for Swindon, but Di Canio backed the Pilgrims to beat the drop and drew parrallels between the Pilgrims' current off-field plight and his own experiences as a player with Napoli that saw him go without pay.

He said: "When I first saw Plymouth, I thought 'I can't wait to play them' because I thought we would easily get three points.

"But, in the last few games, I have realised that Plymouth are a completely different team and they don't deserve to stay at the bottom with the quality and players that they have got.

"If they play with this quality and desire then they will stay up.

"Plymouth, because they play with this quality and this desire, can win many games at home and the job they have to do is finish above two teams.

"When I was at Napoli, we did not get paid for seven months and we qualified for the UEFA Cup and at the end of the season, the fans celebrated like we had won the World Cup.

"It was one of my most incredible seasons in football and I hope Plymouth can do the same."

LING SEARCHING FOR WINNING FORMULA

Following the Gulls' defeat against Gillingham last Saturday, Torquay United manager Martin Ling has been left with a serious conunderum to solve ahead of their visit to one of his former side's Southend United.

The Shrimpers, currently managed by former Plymouth Argyle manager, Paul Sturrock, are likely to provide a stern test for the Gulls who conceded five against Gillingham, which included a brace from their former striker Jo Kuffour.

Although Ling arrived at Plainmoor with a reputation as a manager who likes his teams to pass the ball, following his time with Leyton Orient who he led to promotion from League Two in the 2005-06 season.

Nevertheless, he has insisted that the success he has enjoyed as a manager has come with teams who possess a solid defence.

"As a manager, you have a persona that you like to attack and pass the ball, but whenever I have had success, I have always worked with a tight back four to do the job and to do the job properly." said Ling.

He also hinted after the game that Mark Ellis could get his chance in the centre of defence.

“I could hear the crowd calling Mark Ellis’ name." he said.

“I watched him play for our reserves in midweek, and they lost 9-1 at Cheltenham, but changes will have to be made and Mark will get his chance."

During their current run of seven games without a win, the Gulls have been unlucky on a couple of occasions not to have won. In their 3-3 draw with Rotherham United, loanee striker Billy Bodin hit the woodwork in the dying minutes with an effort, if converted, could have grabbed all three points.

Two games later, Chris McPhee was denied a late winner against Morecambe by an outstanding save from Shrimps' keeper Barry Roche.

Any points gained by Torquay this Saturday will surely provide Ling's men with a welcome boost ahead back-to-back home games against AFC Wimbledon and Hereford United, two games which could see a change in fortune for the Gulls.

COUNCIL AGREE TO BUY BACK HOME PARK

Plymouth City Council have agreed to buy back Home Park as part of James Brent's proposed takeover of Plymouth Argyle.

The council, who originally sold the ground to Argyle in 2006 for £2.7million, will pay £1.6million for it and will receive an annual rent of £135,000, which will rise by 150% if Argyle reach the Championship and by 300% if they were to rise to the Premiership, as part of the package.

Brent's takeover is currently awaiting final approval from the Football League, which could be completed by Saturday's home game with Swindon Town.

D-DAY FOR BRENT BID

Prospective Plymouth Argyle owner James Brent is currently awaiting approval for his takeover of the club from the Football League Board.

Brent's Akkeron Group are the second group to have had a bid for ownership of the Pilgrims after Bishop International Ltd, a Gibraltar based company headed by Kevin Heaney, failed to finalise a deal to take control of Argyle.

In addition to the bid itself, Brent has also reached an agreement with the PFA over paying back outstanding wages to the club's players, which will see the players receive an upfront sum followed by monthly payments and the rest of the remaining balance at a later date. Other office staff who have been without pay during this time will also see money owed to them repaid.

In other news, teenage striker Matt Lecointe has been subject of speculated interest from Premiership giants Arsenal and Manchester United, but no bids have been received by the Pilgrims for his services.

HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?

After their first 12 games in League Two under Martin Ling, Torquay United currently lie 14th in the league table.

In recent years, the Gulls' league campaigns have been characterised by a series of peaks and troughs where promotion and play-off challenges have subsequently been following by relegation battles.

Only once in the past 20 years have Torquay only managed a mid-table finish which came in the 1994-95 season when finished 13th under Don O'Riordan.

With this in mind, it could be argued that the Gulls currently find themselves in what could be regarded as unchartered territory.

The last 10 years of the club's history, you will see that Torquay only managed to retain their league status in 2001 by beating Barnet 3-2 in a final day relegation decider.

Three years later in 2004, the Gulls won automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years under Leroy Rosenior, which was followed by an immediate return to League Two in the following season.

This was then followed by relegation from the Football League for the first time in the club's history in 2007.

However far from relegation to the Conference spelling the end for Torquay, they won promotion back to the Football League in 2009 after beating Cambridge United in the Conference Play-Off Final.

Fast forward two years and they followed this up by reaching the League Two Play-Off Final last May at Old Trafford where they were beaten by Stevenage.

So back to the current campaign and the Gulls are currently on a run of six games without defeat and many of the Plainmoor faithful could be wondering if it could be a case of 'here we go again.'

Despite their recent slump, it is worth remembering that Torquay have lost same number of the games, three, as the teams current occupying the three automatic promotion spots, Southend United, Crawley Town and AFC Wimbledon.

Nevertheless, there is a saying in football that is better to win one and lose one than draw two and the Gulls have only managed to win three of their 12 league encounters thus far in the 2011-12 season.

There is no doubting some of the quality of the squad at Plainmoor, which includes Austrian goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik, Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane, who recently agreed two-year extension to stay with the Gulls until 2014, captain Lee Mansell has managed five goals from midfield and up front Rene Howe and loan signing Billy Bodin have looked like decent acquisitions.

So perhaps the ultimate judgment on how well the Gulls' campaign has gone so far comes down to whether you see the glass as being half full or half empty.

A DATE TO REMEMBER

Tomorrow Plymouth Argyle will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club's first ever game as they aim to move off the foot of the League Two table and closer to safety.

Argyle entertain Accrington Stanley at Home Park and will be aiming to recreate the feel good factor of the 'Fans Reunited' day from their previous home match against Macclesfield Town, which they won 2-0.

As part of the festivities, the club are producing a special 120 commemorative programme and have invited fans from Premiership and Championship clubs, who have no game due to the international break, from across the country to attend the match.

Admission prices have also been reduced to £12.50 for adults and £1.25 for under-18's.

Argyle's very first match was against Dunheved College at Launceston on Saturday October 9th 1886. At the time, the result was reported as being 4-1 in the Launceston Weekly News to the College and in the Western Morning News, the score was given as 2-0 to the College.


The two sides have never faced each other since.

With James Brent's takeover of the club set to be completed soon, which will see the Pilgrims exit Administration, life is becoming slightly easier for their new management team of Carl Fletcher and Romain Larrieu. However, the pair did experience a small set back this week when they were prevented from bringing in two loan signings by the Football League as the club are still in Administration.

If tomorrow's match proved to be Argyle's final match in Administration, everyone associated with the Pilgrims would be delighted.

SOUTH WEST INTEREST IN JPT ENDED

The South West's interest in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy came to an end last night as Exeter City and Yeovil Town, the regions two remaining clubs in the competition, were knocked out.

Exeter went down 2-1 to Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town at St James Park. A first half brace from Jake Jervis proved to be enough to see off the Grecians, who pulled a goal back through Daniel Nardiello.

Manager Paul Tisdale described their performance as an opportunity missed.

"It feels like a little bit of a giveaway today and that we've really wasted a good opportunity.

"A lot of our play I quite liked, but it just didn't work for us today."

He added: "There was a lot of drive in us today, especially second half, but things just transpired against us."


Yeovil Town found a three goal half-time deficit against AFC Bournemouth to much to overturn as they bowed out of the competition. A Marc Pugh brace and a Bondz N'gala own goal put the Cherries three goals to the good by the half-time interval.

The Glovers struck back with second half efforts from Steven MacLean and Max Ehmer, but it was not enough and manager Terry Skiverton stated that there could have been a few players who never played for him again after their first half showing.

"It nearly cost them their careers. To turn up like that was disgraceful. There could have been a few who never played for me again after that first-half performance."

"I was fuming, that's the first time I've lost it this season. I'm still shaking now because I was ready to have a fight tonight and that's not like me."

TRURO CUP DREAM REMAINS ON COURSE

Truro City made it through to the FA Cup third qualifying round after seeing off Wessex League Bournemouth FC with two late goals.

The White Tigers went a goal behind to a Dave Ewen strike before Barry Hayles grabbed an equaliser. With 15 minutes to go, Bournemouth regained the lead through Jon Blake before they hit back through a penalty from Scott Walker and a late Marcus Martin strike.

Lee Hodges' side now face a trip to Gloucester City in the next round as they bid to become the first Cornish side to reach the FA Cup 1st round since the 1960's.

The result also provides a major boost for the White Tigers, who are facing a winding up order on October 31st over an unpaid tax bill.

PATERSON EARNS HIS SPURS FOR SHAMROCK

Former Plymouth Argyle defender Jim Paterson was in Europa League action last night for Shamrock Rovers against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dublin outfit gave the North London side a run for their money eventually going down 3-1 after taking the lead early in the second half through midfielder Stephen Rice.

Paterson, who released by the Pilgrims in the summer and had a ttrial with Yeovil Town in the close season, started the game at left back ahead of the Aston Villa bound Enda Stevens and was given the task of marking England winger Aaron Lennon.

He dealt well with Spurs' moves down the right hand side before he was replaced at the interval by Stevens.

PILGRIMS LOOKING TO PROGRESS UNDER NEW STEWARDSHIP

Following Plymouth Argyle's first win of the season against Macclesfield Town, caretaker boss Carl Fletcher revealed he would have been happy with a clean sheet.

After eight successive league defeats, the immediate task for Fletcher and his assistant Romain Larrieu was to stop the rot and give the Pilgrims' fans, who were joined by supporters across the country as part of a 'Fans Reunited' Day, something to shout about.

Fletcher said: "I am pleased for them because we have worked hard, it shows that when you put the hard work in during the week you get the rewards at the weekend.

“Myself and Ro (Romain Larrieu) said before the game that we would take a clean sheet.

“It was nice to get the clean sheet and it was a bonus to get the win.

“It’s our responsibility to get the fans behind us, we don’t really need to do that because they are so good and we gave them something to shout about.

"It's obviously a bonus we got the win on Saturday because it instils in the lads that what we are asking them to do actually works.

“We are working on a day to day basis to be the best we can be.”

Since then, Fletcher has received the backing his former teammate, and current Burnley manager, Eddie Howe who, at 33, is two years older than Fletcher and took over as Bournemouth manager in 2008 when the Cherries were in Administration and facing 17 point deduction ahead of the 2008-09 campaign when he was the age Fletcher is now.

Howe kept Bournemouth clear of relegation to the Conference during the 2008-09 season before leading the Cherries to promotion from League Two in the following campaign before accepting the Burnley job in 2010.

He said : "Fletch and I were team-mates at Bournemouth and we lived together for a couple of years, so I know him well.

"I have spoken to him a couple of times since he has taken the job, just to wish him luck.

"He has taken on a huge challenge but it's one I think he can succeed in.

"When I took over at Bournemouth it was in a similar situation, so I know what he's facing. I think he can get Plymouth to safety.

"He's a great character, and has always been a leader, even from a young age.

"He will have the respect of the players in the dressing room, which is half the battle, and I think Fletch will do a great job."

The Pilgrims have also received another major boost following the announcement that the club's Administrators have agreed in principle to sell the club to James Brent's Akkeron Group.

Once the takeover, which is expected to be completed next month, is agreed, Brent will be looking to provide stability off the field to match the determination on the field of Fletcher's men.

EUNAN EXTENDS STAY WITH GULLS

Torquay United's Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane has agreed a new deal with the club that will keep him contracted to the Gulls until the summer of 2014.

Eunan , who first arrived at Plainmoor in January 2010, has continued the progression that he has made since he was first brought to South Devon from Irish League side Coleraine, by former Torquay boss Paul Buckle, following the appointment of Martin Ling as manager of the Gulls in the summer.

Ling expressed his delight at securing the future of Eunan, who started his career with Premiership side Everton, and believes Plainmoor is the best place for him to display his talents.

"When I came here, I was told an awful lot of good things about Eunan O'Kane," said Ling.

"He has done all the things people have said he could. He is a tremendous player and a real asset, so getting him signed for the next three seasons is a big coup for this football club.

"I feel he is better than League 2 and we've convinced Eunan there is a future for him to display his talents here.

"When I spoke to him in July, we agreed to reconvene in September, which is what we've done. We know an awful lot more about each other and we obviously feel it is a marriage that works perfectly well for both parties.

"He wanted to see what I was about and how I was going to play the game. He is a certain type of footballer, who needs a manager to play to his strengths."

During his time at Plainmoor, Eunan has scored nine goals in 69 appearances for the Gulls and won the club's Young Player of the Year award last season.

RIDSDALE TO LEAVE HOME PARK

Plymouth Argyle Acting Chairman Peter Ridsdale has announced that his involvement will end once James Brent's takeover of the club is completed.

Former Leeds and Cardiff Chairman Ridsdale has been in charge of the day-to-day running of the Pilgrims since March 2011, when the club entered Administration, after previously working in an advisory position at the club from December 2010.

"My role as acting chairman of Plymouth Argyle Football Club on behalf of the administrator will finish on the completion of James Brent's takeover," Ridsdale said.

He added:  "Whilst I have agreed to make myself available to assist James for a limited period of time on a consultancy basis, my job will essentially be complete".

Under the terms of the sale and purchase of the club by Bishop International Ltd, a off-shore company headed by Truro City Chairman Kevin Heaney, Ridsdale was set to purchase the club for £1 from BIL, who retain ownership of Home Park, thus becoming Argyle's landlords.

However, Brent's Akkeron Group appear to be the clear favourites to take over the financially stricken Pilgrims with a deal expected to be completed in the middle of October.

DI CANIO WILLING TO LET BODIN REMAIN WITH GULLS

Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio has revealed that he would be willing to allow Billy Bodin remain at Plainmoor beyond his current loan spell.

Bodin, 19, joined the Gulls on loan from the Robins in a deal that expires on January 8th 2012, but Di Canio has hinted that he is prepared to allow the Wales Under-21 striker to stay with Torquay United after that date.

"If he comes back and says 'I want to stay there' then we will discuss the price," said Di Canio.

"We'll get good money because he's young and a talent. Once Torquay come to us we will discuss the price and see if it can go through," he added.

Gulls boss Martin Ling, a former Swindon teammate of Billy's father, Paul Bodin, has admitted that he would like to keep hold of Billy.

"He's a real talent and I've seen him since he could first kick a ball, he can score with his left foot and he can score with his right." said Ling

"When I brought him here I thought he'd be a good signing for us, which he has proven to be.

"I'd love to keep him here longer term but there's an awful lot of water to pass under the bridge".

FLETCH STEPS INTO BREACH

Plymouth Argyle captain Carl Fletcher will take temporary charge of the Pilgrims with Romain Larrieu as his assistant in the wake of the departure of Peter Reid.

Argyle are currently still in Administration with takeover talks continuing with three interested bidders in the running.

On the pitch, the Pilgrims have suffered eight consecutive defeats, which has left them bottom of League Two and Fletcher will be looking galvanise them.

As one of the club's longest serving players, Fletcher is one of several Argyle players who has been forced to defer his wages during 2011 and will be looking to help lay the foundations for a better future for the Pilgrims.

"We want to get this dark cloud away from the football club and have a bright future," said Fletcher.


"Everyone who is involved with Argyle wants everyone to do well.

"It's a big change personally, but I've been thinking about management for a few years now.

"With everything that's gone on off the field it's been very difficult for everyone involved," he said.


"It's a new challenge now, me and Ro (Romain Larrieu) will try and do things our own way and put in 100% effort.

"For us to achieve anything it's not going to be me and Ro or me, Ro and the players, it's going to be everyone," he added.


Fletcher originally arrived at Home Park in February 2009 on loan from Crystal Palace before joining the Pilgrims permanently in the summer of 2009.

He has made 103 appearances and scored eight goals during that time, including the equalising goal against Shrewsbury Town on the opening day of the current season, which has given the Pilgrims their solitary point in the 2011-12 campaign.

His next task will be to try and lead Argyle to three points against Macclesfield Town this coming Saturday.

LARRIEU WOULD CONSIDER CARETAKER ROLE

Plymouth Argyle club captain Romain Larrieu has revealed he would be interested in taking over from Peter Reid on an interim basis.

Larrieu, who has been at Home Park for 11 years, celebrated his testimonial season during the close season and is prepared to take charge of the side until a permanent replacement for Reid is found.

"I would [want it] because that is part of the game that I'm interested in," said Larrieu.

"You always feel sad for the manager because part of me wishes he could have been in the club in a better position because he could have done justice to himself," Larrieu said.

"There was a feeling of inevitability because whatever we tried we kept on losing."

He also believes that the squad are strong enough to get out of their current on-field crisis.

"There is a lot of young players and I feel that it is unfair because they were asked to do men's jobs and they've been thrown in at the deep end.

"But I can see enough quality in them to turn it around, so we shall see," he added.

REID LEAVES ARGYLE

Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid has been sacked following his side's dismal start to the season.

His dismissal brings the curtain down on 15 turbulent months during which time the club has faced winding up orders with from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, been forced to sell their best players to pay debts.

There has also been a lengthy spell in administration, which saw the Pilgrims docked ten points and subsequently relegated from League One and a threatened player strike over unpaid wages.

However, during this time, Reid conducted himself in a dignified manner. He paid the club's heating bill in November of last year after he noticed the club's office staff were working in the cold after the bill had gone unpaid.

When young fan Jack Wilkinson offered to donate his savings off 53p to help save the club, Reid invited seven-year-old Jack to meet the players before their game against Colchester last February and made him a mascot for the day and, of course, returned his 53p.

Reid also made his 1986 FA Cup Runners-up medal available to auction in a bid to raise funds to save the club towards the end of last season.

On the pitch, Reid has inherited an unsustainable wage bill, which included a number of wantaway players who were earning big money.

Players such as Damien Johnson, Steven MacLean and Marcel Seip found themselves loaned out as Argyle desperately tried to cut the cloth.

The task of team building was made impossible as in the January 2011 Transfer window Craig Noone, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Reda Johnson were sold in an attempt to settle their debts.

Administration eventually came in early March and with it the inevitable ten point penalty, which helped condemn Argyle to a second consecutive relegation.

In the summer, with talks over the sale of the club ongoing, Reid was forced to sell Joe Mason to Cardiff City and Yala Bolasie to Bristol City and was unable to agree terms with a number of his transfer targets, including Liam Dickinson and Anthony Elding, who both went elsewhere in search of better offers, because of the club's financial situation.

Reid was forced to start the season with a squad mainly made up of untried youngsters and loan signings as Argyle now find themselves bottom of League Two and five points adrift of safety.

Peter Reid has had to deal with more challenges in 15 months than many managers have or will face in 15 years.

When he asked about his reaction to the Pilgrims breaking a club record of seven consecutive home defeats following their 2-0 home defeat against Port Vale, he replied: "The club have been in Administration since March, and that hasn't happened before. That tells it's own story."

Indeed it does.

O'KANE COMPLETES REPUBLIC SWITCH

Torquay United midfielder Eunan O'Kane has completed his international 'transfer' from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.

The former Everton starlet made the move under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998-which allows residents of Northern Ireland to claim either British or Irish nationality.

By taking this step, Eunan is following in the footsteps of Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson and Everton defender Shane Duffy, a former teammate of O'Kane's at Goodison Park.

Eunan has outlined that his decision had nothing to do with religion, as he is from the Catholic community.

“They obviously go straight to religion but I can't stress enough that that's got nothing to do with it.

“I just felt my opportunity wasn't going to come playing for Northern Ireland and the Republic have come and asked me to come and join them, so it's kind of a no-brainer to take the decision to the country that want you.

“I just want to play football and if the Republic are going to give me that chance then I'm prepared to take it.”

He added: “If people are going to go down that line and say that it's a religious thing for me then I'm not worried.

“Anybody that knows me or has grown up with me knows that that's got nothing to do with it.”

After being capped at every level by Northern Ireland from Under-16 level to Under-21 level, O'Kane is now available for selection by the Republic of Ireland for the next round of international matches.

His new teammates will include Shane Duffy, former Plymouth Argyle striker Joe Mason and ex Pilgrims loanee Conor Clifford.

BRENT SETS FRIDAY DEADLINE

Devon based entrepreneur James Brent has stated that he will have a clearer idea by Friday whether he will be in a position to make a bid to buy Plymouth Argyle.

Brent, who tabled a bid to buy the Pilgrims earlier in the year, has been meeting a number of the club's key creditors this week.

He has stated that he will have a clearer idea by Friday whether he can launch a deal which will rescue the club.

"We're spending this week gathering views of key stakeholders," said Brent.


"We hope to be in a position by the end of this week to know whether to participate in the rescue of the club.

 "I've promised by Friday morning that I'll let people know if there is anything I can do after discussing it with the key stakeholders."

This news comes after speculation that the current preferred bidder, Bishop International Ltd, a Gibraltar based backed by Truro City Chairman Kevin Heaney had pulled out of the running.

However, Heaney insists that BIL have not walked away from the deal to buy Argyle.
"The administrators are entitled to consider other bids and we have not quit," said Heaney.

SAAH MAKES TEAM OF THE WEEK AGAIN

For the second week in succession, Torquay United defender Brian Saah has been named in the League Two Team of the Week.

After a slow start to his career at Plainmoor, Saah, a former England C international, has become an integral part of a Torquay defence which has now kept two consecutive clean sheets.

During the previous week, Brian also opened his goal scoring account for the Gulls when he headed home a Kevin Nicholson corner to score Torquay's opening goal in their 3-0 win over Macclesfield Town last week.

Following Martin Ling's appointment as Gulls' manager in the summer, Brian become one of his first signings and he was quickly appointed as club captain and vice-captain to Lee Mansell.

It was Ling who gave Brian his league debut for Leyton Orient as a 16-year old and he went on to help Orient win promotion from League Two under Ling's guidance in the 2005-06 season, before going on to serve Ling again at Cambridge United.

If the Gulls can maintain their current form, don't rule out both manager and player celebrating a second promotion in the near future.

INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP

This weeks' latest round of internationals saw a number of players with South West connections feature for their respective countries.

Plymouth Argyle striker Warren Feeney appeared as a substitute for Northern Ireland in their defeats at hands of Serbia and Estonia.

His Pilgrims teammate, Conor Hourihane, came off the bench to play a cameo role for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side as they were beaten by their Turkish counterparts.

Torquay United loanee Billy Bodin, who joined the Gulls recently on a six-month loan deal from Swindon Town, started for Wales Under-21 side as they were defeated 3-1 by Montnegro.

Elsewhere, Brixham born teenager and ex Plymouth Argyle starlet Dan Gosling and former Yeovil Town loanee Steven Caulker appeared for the England Under-21's in their victories over Azerbaijan and Israel.

Caulker, who is currently on loan at Premiership new boys Swansea City, started against Azerbaijan, as England won 6-0, and appeared as a second half substitute against the Israelis. whilst Gosling, now of Newcastle United, started against Israel.

The following night saw former Argyle loanee Darcy Blake appear for Wales against England at Wembley, where he was given the task of marking Wayne Rooney.

Darcy, who made seven appearances for the Pilgrims in the 2009-10 season, kept his place in the side after an impressive showing against Montnegro and came out of the game against England with some considerable credit.

PILGRIMS' STRIKE AVERTED

Plymouth Argyle will be fielding a full strength team at Burton Albion after the players received 40% of their salary for September.

The Pilgrims had threatened to go on strike and refuse to play in the match over the money which was owed to them. This comes after several of their squad haven't been paid in full since December 2010 and many of them were considering selling their homes in a bid to lower their own personal living expenses.

Skipper Carl Fletcher said: "The worrying thing from our point of view is why did it have to take us to come out and say what we said yesterday to stump up some money?

"Surely the players and staff should be one of their priorities and it shouldn't have to take the threat of not playing for them to do that.

"They're taking advantage of our professionalism and our desire to keep the club going,"

Talks between the Administrators and Bishop International Ltd, the club's preferred bidder, are still ongoing.

Meanwhile, Stephane Zubar, who left Home Park last month after having his contract terminated, is in training with Yeovil Town.

ARGYLE PLAYERS CONSIDER STRIKE ACTION

A number of senior Plymouth Argyle players are considering not playing against Burton Albion on Saturday in protest at not being paid again.

Many of the Pilgrims' squad have not been paid in full since December 2010 and this latest development comes despite the recent confirmation that the preferred bidder, Bishop International Ltd, have the funds to complete the £6million purchase of the club and the surrounding land.

Manager Peter Reid has announced that he will be sending out a side to face Burton at the Pirrelli Stadium, regardless of whether the players decide to strike or not.

He said:"Whatever happens I'll put a team out, but I wouldn't hold anything against these players if they decided they weren't in the right state of mind to play.


"We're talking about people's livelihoods. As much as we love football and it's important to win matches, sometimes that comes second best."

Meanwhile, the club's Supporters' Trust have called for a meeting with the club's Administrators to discuss alternatives should the deal with Bishop International Ltd is not completed.

JOHNSTONE'S PAINT REVIEW

Exeter City will join Yeovil Town in the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after defeating Plymouth Argyle on penalties.

The fourth meeting between the two Devon rivals in the space ended a goal apiece after 90 minutes after Argyle winger Luke Daley cancelled out James Dunne's opener for the Grecians.

This ensured that the tie would go to penalties and Daniel Nardiello, David Noble and Dunne successfully converted their spot-kicks to ensure the Grecians' passage to the next round. Goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley also emerged as a hero for Exeter, saving penalties from Argyle captain Carl Fletcher and Tom Hitchcock. Young Grecians' striker Chris Shepherd also had his penalty saved by Pilgrims' keeper Romain Larrieu.

Elsewhere, Torquay United also bowed out of the competition as they were beaten 2-1 by Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road. Goals from Jimmy Spencer and Jeff Goulding set the Robins on their way before Lloyd Macklin pulled one back for the Gulls.

DEAL AGREED FOR ARGYLE

The future of Plymouth Argyle looks to have been secured following the announcement that Bishop International Ltd has secured the necessary funding to complete the purchase of the club.

A statement on the club's official website said: "The joint administrators of Plymouth Argyle Football Company Limited (in administration) are satisfied that Bishop International Limited has secured the necessary funding and everything is agreed between the numerous parties.


"Solicitors are now working to finalise the documentation and complete the sale to Bishop International Limited/Plymouth Argyle (125) Limited.

Brendan Guilfoyle said: "This has been a complex deal involving a dozen stakeholders. I am very grateful for the assistance I have received from everyone involved in the sale.

"I can now look forward to the new club obtaining the share from the Football League and retaining their status as a Football League member club."

The deal is now awaiting the final approval from the Football League.

KEE JOINS BURTON

Torquay United have sold striker Billy Kee to League Two rivals Burton Albion after it was revealed that he had been suffering from homesickness.

Kee had raised the issue with Gulls' boss Martin Ling who decided it was best for Billy to leave Plainmoor for a club nearer to his hometown, Leicester, and a transfer to Burton provided an ideal solution for both parties.

"He came to see me last week and said that he was massively homesick," said Ling. "He had spoken about the situation to players within the club before and also to Paul Buckle and the staff from last year.


"It was not a case of this being the first time and I told Billy that I didn't want him to go. I asked him to think about it for a few days and he did that, but still felt that he wanted go.

"It was down to location and location only. The only way to cure homesickness is to go home. Some people cope ok and I remember moving away myself at 16, and for the first three months, the pain of homesickness was immense.

"I managed to get through it but if a player is not happy in his personal life, you won't get the best out of him on the pitch. I feel that has been the case with Billy and he has said as much himself.

"The situation was made worse this year by going home for the summer and some of the players have said it was always a problem for Billy.

"We have found a solution in Burton Albion. It is disappointing to lose Billy but it is no good keeping somebody against their will.

"I'm happy with the money we've received. There were a couple of clubs in the right area of the country that were interested in Billy.

"It is fair to say that Billy Bodin has come in as a direct replacement for Billy Kee. We told Billy Kee that we could not let him go until we had a replacement secured.

"The process has been very quick because Billy Kee is a good player and we wish him all the very best with Burton."

During his time at Plainmoor, Billy scored ten goals in 54 appearances. He also helped the Gulls to reach the League Two Play-Off final and the fourth round of the FA Cup last season.

In addition to this, Billy also represented Northern Ireland twice at Under-21 level .

TORQUAY LOAN BODIN

Torquay United manager Martin Ling has made his first foray into the loan market since taking over at Plainmoor to bring in Billy Bodin from Swindon Town.

Billy, the son of former Swindon and Wales full back Paul Bodin, has made three starts for the Robins this season, but, following an influx of new signings by Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio, he has fallen down the pecking order at the County Ground.

"Obviously know his Dad very well and I have watched Billy for many years," said Ling.

"He is a precocious talent, who needs first-team action.

"He started Swindon's first three games of this season and I think that proves to everyone the quality he has and the talent he is.

"He has dropped down the pecking order because they have made some big-name signings down at Swindon and we can give him the platform to express that talent."

Billy, who has been capped by Wales at Under-18 and Under-21 level, goes straight into the squad for the Gulls' trip to Dagenham and Redbridge and will wear the Number 15 shirt.

His loan deal runs until January 8th.

As well as Ling, Billy will be working alongside another of his dad's former teammates at Plainmoor in the form of Gulls' assistant manager Shaun Taylor who also played alongside Paul Bodin at Swindon during the early 1990's.

FINAL DEADLINE LOOMS FOR ARGYLE

Today is the final deadline for the takeover deal of Plymouth Argyle with Bishop International Ltd, an offshore company led by Truro City Chairman Kevin Heaney, to be completed.

The club's administrators have stated that they will turn the back on the deal, which will see former Leeds United and Cardiff City Chairman Peter Ridsdale buy the club from Bishop International who will then become the Pilgrims' landlords.

An alternative bid led by Devon-based Businessman James Brent remains in place should the deal with Bishop International fail, but fears remain as Brent maybe faced with a tight deadline to complete the takeover.

GRECIANS BOW OUT DESPITE SPIRITED PERFORMANCE

Exeter City have a good account of themselves against Premiership giants Liverpool despite going down to defeat.

Goals from Luis Suarez, Maxi Rodriguez and Andy Carroll proved to be enough to seal victory for the Reds before Daniel Nardiello scored a late consolation from the penalty spot for the Grecians.

GRECIANS AWAIT REDS TEST

Exeter City go into their Carling Cup second round tie with Premiership giants Liverpool dreaming of an upset.

In the past ten years, the Grecians have experienced a number of tremendous highs, which have included drawing with Manchester United in the FA Cup Third Round in the 2004-05 season and winning back-to-back promotions under Paul Tisdale.

This clash will provide a welcome boost to the club's finances and it will also give Tisdale the opportunity to pit his managerial wits against Kenny Dalglish.

It has also been confirmed that the tie, which is also being shown live on Sky TV, is a sell-out.

Tommorrow's meeting will be the fifth time the two sides have played in each other and their fourth meeting in the League Cup, with Liverpool winning each of those encounters.

The Grecians last knocked out top-flight opposition from the competition in 1978 when they defeated Bolton Wanderers in the third round. Ironically 1978 was also the year the Reds were last beaten in the second round when they bowed out to Sheffield United.

Dalglish's men will also be hoping lightning doesn't strike twice as they were eliminated from the competition by lower league opposition last season when Northampton Town defeated them on penalties in the third round, a fact that Paul Tisdale will no doubt be keen to remind his players of.