Torquay United's involvement in the 2010-11 FA Cup came to an end this afternoon as the Gulls were beaten 1-0 by Blue Square Premier high flyers Crawley Town.
A Matt Tubbs effort in the 39th minute proved to be the difference for the Red Devils who also had two penalties saved by Torquay keeper Scott Bevan in the 61st and 68th minutes by Tubbs and McAllister.
The Gulls also had winger Chris Zebroski sent off for two bookable offences.
In winning the match, Crawley have become the first team from outside the Football League to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup in 17 years.
Saturday 29 January 2011
Friday 28 January 2011
GULLS ON VERGE OF CREATING HISTORY
In many ways Torquay United's FA Cup fourth round clash with Crawley Town typifies what the competition is all about.
Although there will be a number of all Premiership affairs, Saturday's encounter at Plainmoor will see two teams bidding to go further in the competition than either has gone before.
13 places separate the two sides in the football pyramid, the Gulls are currently mid-table in League Two and the Red Devils are challenging for promotion from the Blue Square Premier.
So there is a strong possibility that both teams could be playing in the same league as each other in the 2011-12 season.
Whilst Crawley have spent big during the summer to acquire players such as Richard Brodie and Matt Tubbs, who joined from York City and Salisbury City respectively, Torquay have never lost an FA Cup tie to a team from a league lower than themselves under Paul Buckle's reign.
Indeed, the Gulls have won 15 cup ties in the last six years, which includes five wins over teams in higher divisions, 2006-07 Leyton Orient League One, 2007-08 Yeovil Town League One, 2008-09 Blackpool Championship & this season they have defeated Walsall and Carlisle United of League One enroute to tomorrow's tie.
However, they will not be taking the threat posed by Steve Evans' side lightly. In 2011, Crawley have won six and drawn one of their seven matches and have defeated Swindon Town and Derby County to reach round four.
It may be a meeting of two of the lowest ranked teams left in the competition, but it has all the ingredients to be the tie of the round.
Although there will be a number of all Premiership affairs, Saturday's encounter at Plainmoor will see two teams bidding to go further in the competition than either has gone before.
13 places separate the two sides in the football pyramid, the Gulls are currently mid-table in League Two and the Red Devils are challenging for promotion from the Blue Square Premier.
So there is a strong possibility that both teams could be playing in the same league as each other in the 2011-12 season.
Whilst Crawley have spent big during the summer to acquire players such as Richard Brodie and Matt Tubbs, who joined from York City and Salisbury City respectively, Torquay have never lost an FA Cup tie to a team from a league lower than themselves under Paul Buckle's reign.
Indeed, the Gulls have won 15 cup ties in the last six years, which includes five wins over teams in higher divisions, 2006-07 Leyton Orient League One, 2007-08 Yeovil Town League One, 2008-09 Blackpool Championship & this season they have defeated Walsall and Carlisle United of League One enroute to tomorrow's tie.
However, they will not be taking the threat posed by Steve Evans' side lightly. In 2011, Crawley have won six and drawn one of their seven matches and have defeated Swindon Town and Derby County to reach round four.
It may be a meeting of two of the lowest ranked teams left in the competition, but it has all the ingredients to be the tie of the round.
Thursday 27 January 2011
LIFE AFTER BRAD
One of the challenges facing Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid in the immediate future is how his side can cope without Bradley Wright-Phillips following the striker's departure to Charlton Athletic.
Whilst Bradley's 13 goals in 17 appearances, which saw him lead the League One goalscoring charts in the 2010-11 campaign, were crucial to the Pilgrim's cause, there is evidence to suggest that they can adapt well to life without him.
In their opening two games of the season, Argyle picked up four points from a possible six with Bradley playing no part in either match.
More recently, Argyle stunned Milton Keynes Dons by winning 3-1 at Stadium:mk whilst Bradley was waiting for further advice from a specialist after a failed medical, which had seen a potential move to Reading collapse.
However, with the recent off-the-field troubles that have seen the Pilgrims face a winding up order in the High Court, many Argyle fans will simply be happy in the knowledge that the fee received from the transfer will have provided a major shot in the arm to the club's finances.
Whilst Bradley's 13 goals in 17 appearances, which saw him lead the League One goalscoring charts in the 2010-11 campaign, were crucial to the Pilgrim's cause, there is evidence to suggest that they can adapt well to life without him.
In their opening two games of the season, Argyle picked up four points from a possible six with Bradley playing no part in either match.
More recently, Argyle stunned Milton Keynes Dons by winning 3-1 at Stadium:mk whilst Bradley was waiting for further advice from a specialist after a failed medical, which had seen a potential move to Reading collapse.
However, with the recent off-the-field troubles that have seen the Pilgrims face a winding up order in the High Court, many Argyle fans will simply be happy in the knowledge that the fee received from the transfer will have provided a major shot in the arm to the club's finances.
Wednesday 26 January 2011
BUCKLE JOINS 200 CLUB
Since he was appointed as manager of Torquay United in the summer of 2007, Paul Buckle has helped turn the Gulls into a club almost unrecognisable from the one that he was appointed by.
At that point, Torquay had just been relegated from the Football League for the first time in their history and only had three players under contract and no reserve side or youth set up.
Fast forward to 2011 and Buckle is now the third longest serving post-war Gulls' manager and the club, which returned to the Football League in 2009, is enjoying a level of stability that it hasn't experience for a long time.
On Saturday, he could become the first Gulls manager to lead them into the fifth round of the FA Cup, should they beat Crawley in their fourth round tie.
If he was to achieve this feat, then the only challenge left for Buckle at Plainmoor would be to take Torquay into League One and consolidate their place in the division in the following season, which, if it was to happen, wouldn't go unnoticed by Championship Chairmen with a eye for talented lower league managers.
At that point, Torquay had just been relegated from the Football League for the first time in their history and only had three players under contract and no reserve side or youth set up.
Fast forward to 2011 and Buckle is now the third longest serving post-war Gulls' manager and the club, which returned to the Football League in 2009, is enjoying a level of stability that it hasn't experience for a long time.
On Saturday, he could become the first Gulls manager to lead them into the fifth round of the FA Cup, should they beat Crawley in their fourth round tie.
If he was to achieve this feat, then the only challenge left for Buckle at Plainmoor would be to take Torquay into League One and consolidate their place in the division in the following season, which, if it was to happen, wouldn't go unnoticed by Championship Chairmen with a eye for talented lower league managers.
Monday 24 January 2011
BRADLEY TO JOIN CHARLTON
Plymouth Argyle have agreed to sell striker Bradley Wright-Phillips to Charlton Athletic.
Bradley, who has scored 13 goals in 17 appearances for the Pilgrims this season, has signed an 18-month deal with the Addicks.
The fee, which currently remains undisclosed, will see the Pilgrims move closer to clearing their tax debts that has seen the club hit with a transfer embargo.
It was only a week ago that his proposed move to Reading fell through after the former Manchester City and Southampton striker failed a medical with the Royals.
Bradley, who has scored 13 goals in 17 appearances for the Pilgrims this season, has signed an 18-month deal with the Addicks.
The fee, which currently remains undisclosed, will see the Pilgrims move closer to clearing their tax debts that has seen the club hit with a transfer embargo.
It was only a week ago that his proposed move to Reading fell through after the former Manchester City and Southampton striker failed a medical with the Royals.
TALKING YEOVIL #10
The 2010-11 season could yet have many more twists and turns for Yeovil Town.
After a run of five matches unbeaten, which included three wins and five clean sheets, the Glovers suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of in form Rochdale at Huish Park on Saturday.
That loss saw them drop one place in the table because of results elsewhere.
In his post match interview, Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton revealed that he put two signs on the Glovers’ dressing room wall, A & B.
A, he revealed, was a question mark asking how far they could go this season and B was jagged, windy road which would get them to where they wanted to be, out of the bottom four.
With 26 points to their name, Yeovil will need to double that tally to secure their League One status outright. No team has ever been relegated from League One with 52 points.
Earlier in the season, Skiverton drew parallels with Exeter City, managed by his one-time Glovers team-mate Paul Tisdale, who stayed up last season on the final day with a win over Huddersfield Town.
The way the season has gone in League One so far, Yeovil could yet find themselves in the similar scenario.
After all, they are only 13 points of the Play-Off zone.
After a run of five matches unbeaten, which included three wins and five clean sheets, the Glovers suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of in form Rochdale at Huish Park on Saturday.
That loss saw them drop one place in the table because of results elsewhere.
In his post match interview, Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton revealed that he put two signs on the Glovers’ dressing room wall, A & B.
A, he revealed, was a question mark asking how far they could go this season and B was jagged, windy road which would get them to where they wanted to be, out of the bottom four.
With 26 points to their name, Yeovil will need to double that tally to secure their League One status outright. No team has ever been relegated from League One with 52 points.
Earlier in the season, Skiverton drew parallels with Exeter City, managed by his one-time Glovers team-mate Paul Tisdale, who stayed up last season on the final day with a win over Huddersfield Town.
The way the season has gone in League One so far, Yeovil could yet find themselves in the similar scenario.
After all, they are only 13 points of the Play-Off zone.
Friday 21 January 2011
2011 JANUARY TRANSFER GAMES #4
Exeter City playmaker Ryan Harley has become the latest player to leave St James Park to move up the league after joining Swansea City.
The midfielder, who has scored 11 goals for Exeter this season, will join the Swans on a free transfer, but he will be loaned back to the Grecians for the remainder of the current season.
Ryan will be joining other former City stars who are currently with Championship clubs including Jamie Mackie (QPR), George Friend (Doncaster Rovers) and Dean Moxey (Derby County).
The midfielder, who has scored 11 goals for Exeter this season, will join the Swans on a free transfer, but he will be loaned back to the Grecians for the remainder of the current season.
Ryan will be joining other former City stars who are currently with Championship clubs including Jamie Mackie (QPR), George Friend (Doncaster Rovers) and Dean Moxey (Derby County).
Thursday 20 January 2011
FURPHY’S LAW: KEN FURPHY, PELE AND THE BIG APPLE
In taking up his new role with New York Cosmos, Eric Cantona is following in the footsteps of one time BBC Radio Devon pundit Ken Furphy who managed the previous incarnation of the Cosmos in 1976.
We will now take a look back at Ken’s stint in the Big Apple.
After a distinguished managerial career that saw him take charge of Workington Town, Watford, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United, Ken Furphy became manager of the New York Cosmos in 1976.
In the 1974-75 season he had guided Sheffield United to within a point of European football, but a poor start to the following campaign saw him dismissed by the Blades board.
In the build up to Christmas 1975, Ken received a phone call from Cosmos’ General Manager Clive Toye asking him if he would be interested in becoming manager of the NASL (Northern Americna Soccer League) side.
Following his appointment as manager, Ken outlined a number of ideas, at the suggestion of the club’s Chairman Steve Ross that would make the Cosmos into one of the biggest in the world.
These included signing more world-class players nearing the end of their careers, setting up a reserve team of local American players and buying a club in Ireland to help nurture young talent.
Ken’s first signings for Cosmos included Peruvian midfield Ramon Mifflin and Brazilian Nelsi Morais. They were also complemented with a number of players with football league pedigree such as Northern Ireland international Dave Clements and former Aston Villa full-back Charlie Aitken.
In addition to them, Ken also brought in Terry Garbutt and Keith Eddy who had played under him at both Watford and Sheffield United.
Whilst being fortunate enough to inherit one of the great legends of the game in Pele, the Brazilian didn’t turn up at Ken’s first training session in charge of the Cosmos as he was caught up in a civil war in Nigeria.
It needed the intervention of US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to secure his return to New York.
Ken also found a new role for Pele playing in the hole in a 4-4-1-1 formation as he was becoming a target for a number of American players when he was played as an out and out striker.
The Brazilian was later joined by Italian striker Giorgo Chinaglia to his squad after paying Lazio $750,000 for his services.
Chinaglia, who would later go to become the leading scorer in the history of the NASL, had stated his wish to play in America after a public fall out with Italy manager Ferruccio Valcareggi had made life in his native country intolerable for him.
In his debut game against a Los Angeles Aztecs side that featured George Best, the Cosmos won 6-0 with Chinaglia and Pele both netting twice.
However, following a great deal of unrest within the camp as Ken left the Cosmos before going on to manage Washington Diplomats and Detroit Express as well as managing Team America in the Biccennial Tournament with Brazil, England and Italy in 1977.
He returned to England in 1981 and he would later become a reporter and pundit for BBC Radio Devon.
We will now take a look back at Ken’s stint in the Big Apple.
After a distinguished managerial career that saw him take charge of Workington Town, Watford, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United, Ken Furphy became manager of the New York Cosmos in 1976.
In the 1974-75 season he had guided Sheffield United to within a point of European football, but a poor start to the following campaign saw him dismissed by the Blades board.
In the build up to Christmas 1975, Ken received a phone call from Cosmos’ General Manager Clive Toye asking him if he would be interested in becoming manager of the NASL (Northern Americna Soccer League) side.
Following his appointment as manager, Ken outlined a number of ideas, at the suggestion of the club’s Chairman Steve Ross that would make the Cosmos into one of the biggest in the world.
These included signing more world-class players nearing the end of their careers, setting up a reserve team of local American players and buying a club in Ireland to help nurture young talent.
Ken’s first signings for Cosmos included Peruvian midfield Ramon Mifflin and Brazilian Nelsi Morais. They were also complemented with a number of players with football league pedigree such as Northern Ireland international Dave Clements and former Aston Villa full-back Charlie Aitken.
In addition to them, Ken also brought in Terry Garbutt and Keith Eddy who had played under him at both Watford and Sheffield United.
Whilst being fortunate enough to inherit one of the great legends of the game in Pele, the Brazilian didn’t turn up at Ken’s first training session in charge of the Cosmos as he was caught up in a civil war in Nigeria.
It needed the intervention of US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to secure his return to New York.
Ken also found a new role for Pele playing in the hole in a 4-4-1-1 formation as he was becoming a target for a number of American players when he was played as an out and out striker.
The Brazilian was later joined by Italian striker Giorgo Chinaglia to his squad after paying Lazio $750,000 for his services.
Chinaglia, who would later go to become the leading scorer in the history of the NASL, had stated his wish to play in America after a public fall out with Italy manager Ferruccio Valcareggi had made life in his native country intolerable for him.
In his debut game against a Los Angeles Aztecs side that featured George Best, the Cosmos won 6-0 with Chinaglia and Pele both netting twice.
However, following a great deal of unrest within the camp as Ken left the Cosmos before going on to manage Washington Diplomats and Detroit Express as well as managing Team America in the Biccennial Tournament with Brazil, England and Italy in 1977.
He returned to England in 1981 and he would later become a reporter and pundit for BBC Radio Devon.
Tuesday 18 January 2011
GRECIANS ALL SQUARE AFTER FIRST LEG
Exeter City's Wembley dreams are very much alive after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford in the Southern Area Final first leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Griffin Park.
A first half strike from Jamie Cureton gave the Grecians the lead before the Bees levelled in the second period through former City loanee Gary Alexander.
This result puts the Grecians in the driving ahead of the return leg at St James Park.
A first half strike from Jamie Cureton gave the Grecians the lead before the Bees levelled in the second period through former City loanee Gary Alexander.
This result puts the Grecians in the driving ahead of the return leg at St James Park.
Monday 17 January 2011
GRECIANS TWO GAMES AWAY FROM WEMBLEY
Tonight sees Exeter City take on Brentford in the first leg of their Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Area Final.
It will be the second time in the space of four days that the Grecians have faced the Bees, having a picked up what Paul Tisdale described as a useful point against them on Friday courtesy of a John O'Flynn strike.
Having already emulated their best run in the competition of all time, they previous stage in 1993 and 2000, if they were to go one better this season, it would add to the consistent progress that they have made since Tisdale was appointed in 2006.
It will be the second time in the space of four days that the Grecians have faced the Bees, having a picked up what Paul Tisdale described as a useful point against them on Friday courtesy of a John O'Flynn strike.
Having already emulated their best run in the competition of all time, they previous stage in 1993 and 2000, if they were to go one better this season, it would add to the consistent progress that they have made since Tisdale was appointed in 2006.
Saturday 15 January 2011
SEAN BECOMES A TRACTOR BOY
Following his appointment as Roy Keane’s successor at Ipswich Town, Paul Jewell has made former Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City striker Sean McCarthy one of his first signings.
Sean, who enjoyed two spells at Home Park and one at St James Park during his career, has become part of the backroom staff at Portman Road.
He was a team-mate of Jewell’s at Bradford City during the early 1990’s where the duo formed a prolific strike partnership.
His new role marks a return to the game for Sean after he left his previous position as manager of Truro City in the Southern Premier Division midway through last season.
Sean, who enjoyed two spells at Home Park and one at St James Park during his career, has become part of the backroom staff at Portman Road.
He was a team-mate of Jewell’s at Bradford City during the early 1990’s where the duo formed a prolific strike partnership.
His new role marks a return to the game for Sean after he left his previous position as manager of Truro City in the Southern Premier Division midway through last season.
Wednesday 12 January 2011
2011 JANUARY TRANSFER GAMES #3
This latest update of transfer movements for South West clubs does not concern a deal that has taken place, rather it focuses on one which failed to materialise.
The transfer in focus is the potential move of Bradley Wright-Phillips from Plymouth Argyle to Reading for £300,000, which collapsed because of medical issues that prevented the transfer going ahead.
Royals' Director of Football Nick Hammond said: "We are disappointed as Bradley is a fantastic young man.
"There are currently some medical issues that prevent us from completing the deal at this time.
"I would like to thank Plymouth Argyle for their very professional approach in these discussions."
This means that Bradley will be available for selection for Argyle's League One clash with Oldham Athletic on Saturday. He also has the chance to add to the 13 goals he has scored this season which currently sees him top the league's scoring charts.
The transfer in focus is the potential move of Bradley Wright-Phillips from Plymouth Argyle to Reading for £300,000, which collapsed because of medical issues that prevented the transfer going ahead.
Royals' Director of Football Nick Hammond said: "We are disappointed as Bradley is a fantastic young man.
"There are currently some medical issues that prevent us from completing the deal at this time.
"I would like to thank Plymouth Argyle for their very professional approach in these discussions."
This means that Bradley will be available for selection for Argyle's League One clash with Oldham Athletic on Saturday. He also has the chance to add to the 13 goals he has scored this season which currently sees him top the league's scoring charts.
TALKING YEOVIL #9
Yeovil Town stepped up their bid for League One survival on Saturday with a 2-0 home win over Brentford, which lifts them within three points of safety.
Goals from skipper Paul Huntington and Andrew Williams secured their points for the Glovers and after the match manager Terry Skiverton revealed that a heart-to-heart with his squad helped to bring them closer together.
"I showed them a picture of a boat leaving the harbour and asked them if they wanted to be in it or left behind." said Skiverton.
"They've stayed with us and been rewarded for showing the bravery and desire that I've been demanding."
The win leaves the Glovers, now 21st in the League One table, just three points behind Tranmere Rovers in 20th position and a similar performance when they travel to Swindon Town on Saturday could provide a further boost to Yeovil in their quest to survive another season in the third tier of English football.
Goals from skipper Paul Huntington and Andrew Williams secured their points for the Glovers and after the match manager Terry Skiverton revealed that a heart-to-heart with his squad helped to bring them closer together.
"I showed them a picture of a boat leaving the harbour and asked them if they wanted to be in it or left behind." said Skiverton.
"They've stayed with us and been rewarded for showing the bravery and desire that I've been demanding."
The win leaves the Glovers, now 21st in the League One table, just three points behind Tranmere Rovers in 20th position and a similar performance when they travel to Swindon Town on Saturday could provide a further boost to Yeovil in their quest to survive another season in the third tier of English football.
Monday 10 January 2011
CRAWLEY IT IS THEN
Torquay United will be facing Blue Square Premier high flyers Crawley Town in the fourth round after they beat Derby County 2-1 at the Broadfield Stadium.
Goals from Craig McAllister and Sergio Torres, either side of Miles Addison's effort for the Rams, sealed the win for the Red Devils who will visit Plainmoor on the weekend of the 29th/30th January.
Goals from Craig McAllister and Sergio Torres, either side of Miles Addison's effort for the Rams, sealed the win for the Red Devils who will visit Plainmoor on the weekend of the 29th/30th January.
Sunday 9 January 2011
DERBY OR CRAWLEY NEXT FOR TORQUAY
Torquay United will have to wait until Monday evening, at the earliest, to discover the identity of their FA Cup fourth round opponents.
The Gulls were paired at home to either big spending Blue Square Premier outfit Crawley Town or Nigel Clough's Derby County who meet on Monday night at the Broadfield Stadium.
Gulls boss Paul Buckle has pitted his wits against both Crawley boss Steve Evans and Clough, when he was in charge of Burton Albion, during Torquay's two year spell in the Conference and promises to be an exciting encounter.
The Gulls were paired at home to either big spending Blue Square Premier outfit Crawley Town or Nigel Clough's Derby County who meet on Monday night at the Broadfield Stadium.
Gulls boss Paul Buckle has pitted his wits against both Crawley boss Steve Evans and Clough, when he was in charge of Burton Albion, during Torquay's two year spell in the Conference and promises to be an exciting encounter.
COULD 32 BE THE MAGIC NUMBER FOR THE GULLS?
A sixth minute strike from Northern Irish starlet Eunan O'Kane sealed Torquay United's place in the FA Cup fourth round for the second time in 21 years.
The Gulls will be number 32 in the draw which takes place this afternoon and the possibility of a plum draw against the likes Manchester United or Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs et al awaits Paul Buckle's side.
The Gulls will be number 32 in the draw which takes place this afternoon and the possibility of a plum draw against the likes Manchester United or Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs et al awaits Paul Buckle's side.
Saturday 8 January 2011
WHERE ARE THEY NOW-EXETER CITY VS MAN UTD 2005
Six years ago today, Exeter City famously held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford before losing 2-0 in the replay at St James Park.
I will now take a look at the Grecians side that appeared that day and how their careers have panned out since then.
Paul Jones:
Goalkeeper Paul is the only player who appeared for the Grecians that day who is still at St James Park. He played a significant role during the Grecians back to back promotion successes during Paul Tisdale.
Scott Hiley:
Former Manchester City defender Scott Hiley went down in Grecians folklore for nutmegging Cristiano Ronaldo during the game at Old Trafford and went to appear for Tiverton Town and Cullompton Rangers after leaving St James Park.
Alex Jeannin:
French man joined Hereford United at the end of the campaign and later moved on to Oxford United. Currently playing for Truro City in the Zamaretto Southern Premier.
Andy Taylor:
Former Manchester United youngster turned his back to chance to join Team Bath and joined the former Grecians contingent at Truro City.
Santos Gaia:
Brazilian centre back played for a number of Conference clubs including Grays Athletic, Weymouth and Crawley before returning to South West to join Truro.
Gary Sawyer:
Plymouth Argyle loanee returned to Home Park where he became a regular for the Pilgrims before joining Bristol Rovers last summer.
Danny Clay:
Left the Grecians in 2007 and had spells with Salisbury City and Dorchester Town and joined Truro in 2009 and he is a regular for the White Tigers.
Marcus Martin:
The Plymouth Argyle loanee became another former Grecian who moved to Truro and is currently skipper of the Cornish side where he won an FA Vase winners medal in 2007.
Dean Moxey:
Helped the Grecians win promotion back to the Football League before he was snapped up by Nigel Clough for Derby County. He is now a regular for the Rams in the Championship.
Steve Flack:
Long serving striker was awarded a testimonial in 2006 against Torquay United. He later played for Tiverton Town and Dorchester and is currently playing for Tipton St John in the Devon and Exeter League.
Sean Devine:
Emigrated to New Zealand at the end of the 2004-05 season where he appeared for the New Zealand Knights and currently plays for Lyon-Avon United in the Northern Region Football League Division One in New Zealand.
Subs:
Jake Edwards:
Played for Burton Albion, Tamworth and Solihull Moors before retiring in 2010.
Kwame Ampadu:
Became a youth coach at St James Park after finishing his career with Tiverton.
Les Afful:
Currently playing for Truro after spells with Forest Green Rovers and Torquay United.
Manager: Alex Inglethorpe
Became Youth Coach at Tottenham Hotspur after leaving St James Park in 2006, when he was replaced by Paul Tisdale, a position which he still holds today.
I will now take a look at the Grecians side that appeared that day and how their careers have panned out since then.
Paul Jones:
Goalkeeper Paul is the only player who appeared for the Grecians that day who is still at St James Park. He played a significant role during the Grecians back to back promotion successes during Paul Tisdale.
Scott Hiley:
Former Manchester City defender Scott Hiley went down in Grecians folklore for nutmegging Cristiano Ronaldo during the game at Old Trafford and went to appear for Tiverton Town and Cullompton Rangers after leaving St James Park.
Alex Jeannin:
French man joined Hereford United at the end of the campaign and later moved on to Oxford United. Currently playing for Truro City in the Zamaretto Southern Premier.
Andy Taylor:
Former Manchester United youngster turned his back to chance to join Team Bath and joined the former Grecians contingent at Truro City.
Santos Gaia:
Brazilian centre back played for a number of Conference clubs including Grays Athletic, Weymouth and Crawley before returning to South West to join Truro.
Gary Sawyer:
Plymouth Argyle loanee returned to Home Park where he became a regular for the Pilgrims before joining Bristol Rovers last summer.
Danny Clay:
Left the Grecians in 2007 and had spells with Salisbury City and Dorchester Town and joined Truro in 2009 and he is a regular for the White Tigers.
Marcus Martin:
The Plymouth Argyle loanee became another former Grecian who moved to Truro and is currently skipper of the Cornish side where he won an FA Vase winners medal in 2007.
Dean Moxey:
Helped the Grecians win promotion back to the Football League before he was snapped up by Nigel Clough for Derby County. He is now a regular for the Rams in the Championship.
Steve Flack:
Long serving striker was awarded a testimonial in 2006 against Torquay United. He later played for Tiverton Town and Dorchester and is currently playing for Tipton St John in the Devon and Exeter League.
Sean Devine:
Emigrated to New Zealand at the end of the 2004-05 season where he appeared for the New Zealand Knights and currently plays for Lyon-Avon United in the Northern Region Football League Division One in New Zealand.
Subs:
Jake Edwards:
Played for Burton Albion, Tamworth and Solihull Moors before retiring in 2010.
Kwame Ampadu:
Became a youth coach at St James Park after finishing his career with Tiverton.
Les Afful:
Currently playing for Truro after spells with Forest Green Rovers and Torquay United.
Manager: Alex Inglethorpe
Became Youth Coach at Tottenham Hotspur after leaving St James Park in 2006, when he was replaced by Paul Tisdale, a position which he still holds today.
Friday 7 January 2011
TALKING TORQUAY #7
Torquay United have the opportunity to put any speculation over the future of manager Paul Buckle and a number of their talented young players to one side as they prepare to take on Carlisle United at Plainmoor in the FA Cup third round.
As both sides have to contend a number of re-arranged fixtures in the second half of the season following the recent cold snap, they will both be looking to win the tie on the day.
For the Gulls will be playing in the third round for the fifth time in six seasons, which is an impressive feat for a club of their size.
The only slight disappointment has been the fact that during that time they have only been drawn against Premiership opposition once.
That came in the 2005-06 when Torquay famously drew 0-0 with the Blues at Plainmoor before bowing out 2-0 in the replay at St Andrews.
Hiowever, in the years leading up to their current good spell in the competition it is worth remembering that the Gulls were eliminated from the Cup by Burton Albion and Hinckley United.
In the 90's, they fell victim to Farnborough, Yeovil Town, Sutton United and Enfield, the fact the days when exiting the competition at the hands of non-league giantkillers now currently looks like a distant memory should be celebrated.
Now here's hoping for a plum tie in the fourth round should they defeat the Cumbrians tomorrow afternoon.
As both sides have to contend a number of re-arranged fixtures in the second half of the season following the recent cold snap, they will both be looking to win the tie on the day.
For the Gulls will be playing in the third round for the fifth time in six seasons, which is an impressive feat for a club of their size.
The only slight disappointment has been the fact that during that time they have only been drawn against Premiership opposition once.
That came in the 2005-06 when Torquay famously drew 0-0 with the Blues at Plainmoor before bowing out 2-0 in the replay at St Andrews.
Hiowever, in the years leading up to their current good spell in the competition it is worth remembering that the Gulls were eliminated from the Cup by Burton Albion and Hinckley United.
In the 90's, they fell victim to Farnborough, Yeovil Town, Sutton United and Enfield, the fact the days when exiting the competition at the hands of non-league giantkillers now currently looks like a distant memory should be celebrated.
Now here's hoping for a plum tie in the fourth round should they defeat the Cumbrians tomorrow afternoon.
Thursday 6 January 2011
2011 JANUARY TRANSFER GAMES #2
Benin international defender Reda Johnson became the second player to leave Home Park in January when he joined Sheffield Wednesday for a fee believed to be in the region of £500,000.
This sum has enabled the Pilgrims to settle the tax bill with the Inland Revenue that saw the club face a winding-up order in the High Court in December.
However, as Plymouth have another outstanding debt with HMRC, they will still find themselves under a transfer embargo for the time being.
Also expecting to leave Home Park shortly are strikers George Donnelly and Steven MacLean who are currently on loan at Stockport County and Oxford United respectively. It is believed Donnelly has attracted interest from Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town and Stevenage of League Two.
MacLean is looking set to make his switch to the Kassam Stadium a permanent one.
In other business, Torquay United defender Kieran Charnock has joined Morecambe after spending two months on loan at the Globe Arena.
This sum has enabled the Pilgrims to settle the tax bill with the Inland Revenue that saw the club face a winding-up order in the High Court in December.
However, as Plymouth have another outstanding debt with HMRC, they will still find themselves under a transfer embargo for the time being.
Also expecting to leave Home Park shortly are strikers George Donnelly and Steven MacLean who are currently on loan at Stockport County and Oxford United respectively. It is believed Donnelly has attracted interest from Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town and Stevenage of League Two.
MacLean is looking set to make his switch to the Kassam Stadium a permanent one.
In other business, Torquay United defender Kieran Charnock has joined Morecambe after spending two months on loan at the Globe Arena.
Wednesday 5 January 2011
TALKING YEOVIL #8
During this current transfer window, Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton has been busier in the transfer market than most managers and has now secured five additions to his squad.
Loan signings Max Ehmer and Paul Wotton both joined on loan from Queens Park Rangers and Southampton and the pair made their debuts on New Years Day against Wotton's former club Plymouth Argyle.
Indeed it would have been interesting to see what the outcome of that game would have been if Wotton had taken the Glovers' first half penalty, which was taken by Sam Williams, that was saved by Argyle keeper David Button as Wotton himself has been a prolific scorer from penalties and free-kicks during his time with the Pilgrims.
They have also been joined by goalkeepers Richard Martin and Stephen Henderson. Martin was released by the Glovers in the summer, but has re-joined on a non-contract basis whilst Henderson has arrived at Huish Park for the second loan spell from Bristol City and is set to take over goalkeeping duties from John Sullivan who returns to Millwall.
These new recruits have now been joined by former Torquay United and Bristol City midfielder Alex Russell who has been training with Yeovil and playing for Bath City in the Blue Square Premier. Russell is a direct replacement for Shaun MacDonald who has returned to Swansea City following the end of his fourth loan stint at Huish Park.
As well as securing the signatures of these new signings, the Glovers also received the welcome boost of three points as they defeated MK Dons 1-0, courtesy of a strike from Paul Huntington, on Monday to become the first South West side to win a game in 2011.
The win moves the Glovers up to third from bottom in the League One table and gives them a fighting chance of beating the drop.
Loan signings Max Ehmer and Paul Wotton both joined on loan from Queens Park Rangers and Southampton and the pair made their debuts on New Years Day against Wotton's former club Plymouth Argyle.
Indeed it would have been interesting to see what the outcome of that game would have been if Wotton had taken the Glovers' first half penalty, which was taken by Sam Williams, that was saved by Argyle keeper David Button as Wotton himself has been a prolific scorer from penalties and free-kicks during his time with the Pilgrims.
They have also been joined by goalkeepers Richard Martin and Stephen Henderson. Martin was released by the Glovers in the summer, but has re-joined on a non-contract basis whilst Henderson has arrived at Huish Park for the second loan spell from Bristol City and is set to take over goalkeeping duties from John Sullivan who returns to Millwall.
These new recruits have now been joined by former Torquay United and Bristol City midfielder Alex Russell who has been training with Yeovil and playing for Bath City in the Blue Square Premier. Russell is a direct replacement for Shaun MacDonald who has returned to Swansea City following the end of his fourth loan stint at Huish Park.
As well as securing the signatures of these new signings, the Glovers also received the welcome boost of three points as they defeated MK Dons 1-0, courtesy of a strike from Paul Huntington, on Monday to become the first South West side to win a game in 2011.
The win moves the Glovers up to third from bottom in the League One table and gives them a fighting chance of beating the drop.
Sunday 2 January 2011
THE 2011 JANUARY TRANSFER GAMES #1
We are now two days into the January transfer window and Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town are the only teams to be actively involved in the market thus far.
The Pilgrims have already parted with Craig Noone who has joined Brighton and Hove Albion for a fee believed to be in the region of £300,000 and a number of other players could also be set to leave Home Park as the club seeks to settle a petition from the Inland Revenue for a sum of £760,000.
Yeovil Town have been busy in the loan market and have signed former Argyle midfielder Paul Wotton, QPR starlet Max Ehmer and goalkeeper Richard Martin has re-joined on non-contract terms.
Terry Skiverton has also revealed that he is in advanced discussions with Bristol City regarding a second loan spell at Huish Park for goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.
The Pilgrims have already parted with Craig Noone who has joined Brighton and Hove Albion for a fee believed to be in the region of £300,000 and a number of other players could also be set to leave Home Park as the club seeks to settle a petition from the Inland Revenue for a sum of £760,000.
Yeovil Town have been busy in the loan market and have signed former Argyle midfielder Paul Wotton, QPR starlet Max Ehmer and goalkeeper Richard Martin has re-joined on non-contract terms.
Terry Skiverton has also revealed that he is in advanced discussions with Bristol City regarding a second loan spell at Huish Park for goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.
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