Yeovil Town boss Terry Skiverton celebrated his 100th game in charge of Yeovil Town with a 1-0 away win over Tranmere Rovers that edges the Glovers closer to League One safety.
A speculative second half lob from Oli Johnson was enough to clinch the three points for Yeovil, who are now on 36 points for the season.
Another five wins between now and the end of the campaign would see the Glovers secure their status in the third tier of English football for a seventh season.
Working on a limited budget, Skivo has made good use of the loan market and has made a number of shrewd temporary acqisitions since he was appointed as Russell Slade's successor in February 2009.
These have included Spurs trio Jon Obika, Ryan Mason and Steven Caulker and the latter impressed the Huish Park faithful enough to virtually sweep the board at the Glovers' Player of the Year awards last season.
Other impressive loans have included Shaun MacDonald, who returned to Huish park for a third loan spell this season, Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and Skivo's ex-Glovers' team-mates Chris Weale and Gavin Williams have also returned to help the Yeovil cause before returning to their parent clubs.
This season's loan stars have included goalkeeper Stephen Henderson who joined from Bristol City, Max Ehmer, a young German defender who joined from QPR, and striker Oli Johnson who has chipped in with a few important goals since arriving from Norwich City.
Whilst Skivo's record in the loan market is well documented, his record in signing permanent players shouldn't be ignored either as, with the additions of players such as Paul Huntington, Paul Wotton, Dean Bowditch and Andrew Williams, the current Glovers' side is very much his own.
In an era where clubs change their manager on a regular basis, the fact that Skivo has been able to reach the 100 game mark is an achievement in itself.
If he can take what he has learnt from his first century of games as manager of Yeovil Town into the rest of his managerial career, then there is no reason why he cannot remain at Huish Park for a long time to come.
Sunday 27 February 2011
Friday 25 February 2011
TRURO CONTINUE METEORIC RISE
Truro City pulled off arguably the result of the week on tuesday night when they defeated fellow Zamaretto Southern Premier League title challengers Salisbury City 6-0 at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.
Veteran former Plymouth Argyle striker Barry Hayles scored a hat-trick, whilst substitute Les Afful bagged a brace and former Exeter City starlet Andy Taylor completed the scoring.
The win puts Truro back on top of the Southern League table, a point clear of their Wiltshire opponents, as they continue the fine progress they have made under the guidance of Lee Hodges and his assistant Steve Adams.
Generously backed by owner Kevin Heaney, the White Tigers have become one of the most talked about sides in non-league football in recent years.
From the winning the FA Vase and the Western League One title in 2007, they followed this up in 2008 by winning the Western League Premier Division.
This helped them gain entry into the Southern League and they lifted the Southern League South and West League in the 2008-09 season and should Truro win promotion this season they will become the first Cornish team to play in the Blue Square South.
Their squad includes a number of the Exeter City side that famously held Manchester United to a goalless draw in 2005, including Danny Clay, Andy Taylor, Marcus Martin and Santos Gaia, and manager Lee Hodges has also been able to add his former Plymouth Argyle team mate Barry Hayles to his side.
If they continue at their current rate, who knows they might even become the first side from Cornwall to play in the Football League.
Veteran former Plymouth Argyle striker Barry Hayles scored a hat-trick, whilst substitute Les Afful bagged a brace and former Exeter City starlet Andy Taylor completed the scoring.
The win puts Truro back on top of the Southern League table, a point clear of their Wiltshire opponents, as they continue the fine progress they have made under the guidance of Lee Hodges and his assistant Steve Adams.
Generously backed by owner Kevin Heaney, the White Tigers have become one of the most talked about sides in non-league football in recent years.
From the winning the FA Vase and the Western League One title in 2007, they followed this up in 2008 by winning the Western League Premier Division.
This helped them gain entry into the Southern League and they lifted the Southern League South and West League in the 2008-09 season and should Truro win promotion this season they will become the first Cornish team to play in the Blue Square South.
Their squad includes a number of the Exeter City side that famously held Manchester United to a goalless draw in 2005, including Danny Clay, Andy Taylor, Marcus Martin and Santos Gaia, and manager Lee Hodges has also been able to add his former Plymouth Argyle team mate Barry Hayles to his side.
If they continue at their current rate, who knows they might even become the first side from Cornwall to play in the Football League.
Tuesday 22 February 2011
TONY KELLOW 1952-2011
Fans of South West football will no doubt be saddened to hear of the passing away of legendary former Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle striker Tony Kellow, who passed away yesterday at the age of 58.
After starting his career in Cornish non-league circles with Penzance FC before joining Falmouth Town, Tony signed for Exeter City in 1976 and he stayed at St James Park for two years before he was snapped up by Blackpool.
Two years later, Tony returned to Devon to re-join the Grecians in 1980 for a club record fee of £65,000, a figure that remains a record to this day.
In the 1980-81 season, Tony's goals proved to be instrumental in helping Exeter reach the Quarter Finals of the the FA Cup as they defeated Leicester City and Newcastle United before bowing out to Tottenham Hotspur after a replay.
Tony left Home Park in 1983 to join Plymouth Argyle, but spent much of his time at Home Park in the shadow of Tommy Tynan and only ten appearances in which he scored twice for the Pilgrims.
Moves to Swansea City and Newport County followed before Tony returned to St James Park for a third spell before he hung up his boots in 1988.
His goalscoring return of 129 goals from 332 games is a club record for the Grecians in recent years he had a radio show named in his honour, the critically acclaimed Kellow's Bootlaces.
I would pass on my sincere condolences to Tony's friends and family.
After starting his career in Cornish non-league circles with Penzance FC before joining Falmouth Town, Tony signed for Exeter City in 1976 and he stayed at St James Park for two years before he was snapped up by Blackpool.
Two years later, Tony returned to Devon to re-join the Grecians in 1980 for a club record fee of £65,000, a figure that remains a record to this day.
In the 1980-81 season, Tony's goals proved to be instrumental in helping Exeter reach the Quarter Finals of the the FA Cup as they defeated Leicester City and Newcastle United before bowing out to Tottenham Hotspur after a replay.
Tony left Home Park in 1983 to join Plymouth Argyle, but spent much of his time at Home Park in the shadow of Tommy Tynan and only ten appearances in which he scored twice for the Pilgrims.
Moves to Swansea City and Newport County followed before Tony returned to St James Park for a third spell before he hung up his boots in 1988.
His goalscoring return of 129 goals from 332 games is a club record for the Grecians in recent years he had a radio show named in his honour, the critically acclaimed Kellow's Bootlaces.
I would pass on my sincere condolences to Tony's friends and family.
Monday 21 February 2011
ARGYLE TO LOSE TEN POINTS
Following the news that Plymouth Argyle intend to appoint an Administrator, the Pilgrims have been deducted ten points, leaving Argyle rooted to the bottom of League One.
Deputy Chairman Paul Stapleton announced the proposal as a means of giving the club protection against insolvency and David Hinchcliffe, of Walker Morris solicitors, will be working alongside Peter Ridsdale, who is still involved with the Pilgrims as an independent consultant.
The ten point deduction leaves Argyle at the foot of the League One table and ten points from safety. It also places greater importance on their trip to league leaders Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow night.
This latest development represents a new low for the club since the departure of Ian Holloway when Argyle were fourth in the Championship and the idea of Premiership football seemed like more than just a dream.
However, life in the Championship is a gamble for many clubs, especially for those without the luxury of Premiership parachute payments, and it is a gamble that the Pilgrims have lost in spectacular fashion.
Already this season, the club has survived a Winding Up Order in the High Court over unpaid taxes, which was settled following the sales a number of players in the January transfer window including leading scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips and Craig Noone.
Money promised by the club's Japanese majority shareholders, which would provided the club with a serious shot in the arm also failed to materialise.
If the worse situation was to come to pass and they were relegated to League Two, the level which the Pilgrims started the previous decade at, they still have ten players under contract.
One of those players goalkeeper Romain Larrieu was part of the Argyle squad that won the Division Three title with a record 102 points in the 2001-02 season and, for him, relegation would see his career at Home Park go full circle.
For the time being, at least, there are enough points to play for which would give the Pilgrims a chance of remaining in League One for the 2011-02 campaign and manager Peter Reid could use their predicament as a means of creating a siege mentality.
If they were to upset the form book at the Withdean Stadium, he would be doing a massive favour to his former Sunderland charge Lee Clark who is currently managing Huddersfield Town, one of the Seagulls' promotion rivals.
Deputy Chairman Paul Stapleton announced the proposal as a means of giving the club protection against insolvency and David Hinchcliffe, of Walker Morris solicitors, will be working alongside Peter Ridsdale, who is still involved with the Pilgrims as an independent consultant.
The ten point deduction leaves Argyle at the foot of the League One table and ten points from safety. It also places greater importance on their trip to league leaders Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow night.
This latest development represents a new low for the club since the departure of Ian Holloway when Argyle were fourth in the Championship and the idea of Premiership football seemed like more than just a dream.
However, life in the Championship is a gamble for many clubs, especially for those without the luxury of Premiership parachute payments, and it is a gamble that the Pilgrims have lost in spectacular fashion.
Already this season, the club has survived a Winding Up Order in the High Court over unpaid taxes, which was settled following the sales a number of players in the January transfer window including leading scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips and Craig Noone.
Money promised by the club's Japanese majority shareholders, which would provided the club with a serious shot in the arm also failed to materialise.
If the worse situation was to come to pass and they were relegated to League Two, the level which the Pilgrims started the previous decade at, they still have ten players under contract.
One of those players goalkeeper Romain Larrieu was part of the Argyle squad that won the Division Three title with a record 102 points in the 2001-02 season and, for him, relegation would see his career at Home Park go full circle.
For the time being, at least, there are enough points to play for which would give the Pilgrims a chance of remaining in League One for the 2011-02 campaign and manager Peter Reid could use their predicament as a means of creating a siege mentality.
If they were to upset the form book at the Withdean Stadium, he would be doing a massive favour to his former Sunderland charge Lee Clark who is currently managing Huddersfield Town, one of the Seagulls' promotion rivals.
Friday 18 February 2011
LUGGY RETURNS TO DEVON TO FACE GULLS
This weekend's encounter between Torquay United and Southend United will be the first time that Shrimpers' manager Paul Sturrock has returned to Devon since he stood down as Plymouth Argyle boss in December 2009.
Luggy, as he was affectionately known to the Green Army, accepted a Business Support Manager's position at Home Park, as Paul Mariner took charge of first team affairs, before he left the Pilgrims towards the end of the 2009-10 campaign.
Since taking charge at Roots Hall, Paul has signed a number of former Argyle players including Peter Gilbert, Graham Coughlan, Chris Barker and his son Blair.
A number of players from Paul's Argyle squad that won the Division Three title in the 2001-02 campaign would find their way to Plainmoor later in their careers.
Many of them were in the Gulls' side when they defeated the Shrimpers to win automatic promotion in 2004.
Amongst the ex-Argyle contingnent in action on that day at Roots Hall were Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey and Martin Gritton.
Joe Broad and Kevin Wills were non-playing members of the Torquay playing on the day.
They would be later joined on the trail from Home Park to Plainmoor by Matt Villis, Martin 'Buster' Phillips, Ian Stonebridge (via Wycombe Wanderers), Mickey Evans, Steve Adams (via Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town), Lee Hodges and Blair Sturrock (via Kidderminster, Rochdale and Swindon).
If the Gulls were to record a win over the Essex side, it would be the first time that they have come out on top against a team managed by Paul in what would be a seventh attempt.
Luggy, as he was affectionately known to the Green Army, accepted a Business Support Manager's position at Home Park, as Paul Mariner took charge of first team affairs, before he left the Pilgrims towards the end of the 2009-10 campaign.
Since taking charge at Roots Hall, Paul has signed a number of former Argyle players including Peter Gilbert, Graham Coughlan, Chris Barker and his son Blair.
A number of players from Paul's Argyle squad that won the Division Three title in the 2001-02 campaign would find their way to Plainmoor later in their careers.
Many of them were in the Gulls' side when they defeated the Shrimpers to win automatic promotion in 2004.
Amongst the ex-Argyle contingnent in action on that day at Roots Hall were Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey and Martin Gritton.
Joe Broad and Kevin Wills were non-playing members of the Torquay playing on the day.
They would be later joined on the trail from Home Park to Plainmoor by Matt Villis, Martin 'Buster' Phillips, Ian Stonebridge (via Wycombe Wanderers), Mickey Evans, Steve Adams (via Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town), Lee Hodges and Blair Sturrock (via Kidderminster, Rochdale and Swindon).
If the Gulls were to record a win over the Essex side, it would be the first time that they have come out on top against a team managed by Paul in what would be a seventh attempt.
Wednesday 16 February 2011
ARGYLE YOUNG GUNS
Due to the off-the-field problems that have affected Plymouth Argyle this season, manager Peter Reid has been forced to give opportunities to a number of young players as he has been unable to dip into the transfer market.
Argyle are currently under a transfer embargo, which has prevented Reid from making any signings at all, so his squad currently has a very youthful backbone to it.
The cream of this crop is striker Joe Mason who, following the sale of Bradley Wright-Phillips to Charlton Athletic, is the Pilgrims’ leading scorer with six goals.
Joe was handed his debut against Sheffield United last season by Paul Sturrock and he continued to make fine progress for the Pilgrims following the appointment of Paul Mariner as Sturrock’s successor,
His rise to prominence proved to be a bright spot in a very difficult season for Argyle and he is now a regular under Peter Reid who has spoken highly of him on a number of occasions.
Joe’s exploits have also earned him international recognition from the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, who he qualifies to play for through his grandmother
He was also the subject of a transfer bid from Swindon Town during the January transfer window, but Joe turned down the move stating that he wanted to stay and help the Pilgrims through their current plight.
Since taking charge of the Pilgrims Reid has also given debuts to Jack Stephens and Curtis Nelson, two players who have both seen action on a regular basis.
Nelson arrived at Home Park in 2009 when he signed apprentice forms after he was released by Stoke City and can play in defence or midfield.
He made his debut earlier in the season against Notts County in the Carling Cup and has become a regular in the centre of the Pilgrims’ defence.
Such has been the problems facing the Pilgrims that Nelson has had four different partners at centre back in the 18 appearances he has made in that position this season- Marcel Seip, Bondz N’gala, Reda Johnson and Carl Fletcher.
It is believed a number of Premier League scouts have been to Home Park to assess his credentials and will no doubt continue to monitor his progress.
Stephens, who hails from Torpoint, made his Argyle debut as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday. He has since been used by Reid on several other occasions after impressing the former Manchester City and Sunderland boss with his performance against the Owls.
In recent weeks they have been joined in the Argyle first team squad by Matt Rickard and Luke Young and, assuming the Pilgrims can recover from their present predicament, these players could be central to building a new Plymouth Argyle side for the future.
Argyle are currently under a transfer embargo, which has prevented Reid from making any signings at all, so his squad currently has a very youthful backbone to it.
The cream of this crop is striker Joe Mason who, following the sale of Bradley Wright-Phillips to Charlton Athletic, is the Pilgrims’ leading scorer with six goals.
Joe was handed his debut against Sheffield United last season by Paul Sturrock and he continued to make fine progress for the Pilgrims following the appointment of Paul Mariner as Sturrock’s successor,
His rise to prominence proved to be a bright spot in a very difficult season for Argyle and he is now a regular under Peter Reid who has spoken highly of him on a number of occasions.
Joe’s exploits have also earned him international recognition from the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, who he qualifies to play for through his grandmother
He was also the subject of a transfer bid from Swindon Town during the January transfer window, but Joe turned down the move stating that he wanted to stay and help the Pilgrims through their current plight.
Since taking charge of the Pilgrims Reid has also given debuts to Jack Stephens and Curtis Nelson, two players who have both seen action on a regular basis.
Nelson arrived at Home Park in 2009 when he signed apprentice forms after he was released by Stoke City and can play in defence or midfield.
He made his debut earlier in the season against Notts County in the Carling Cup and has become a regular in the centre of the Pilgrims’ defence.
Such has been the problems facing the Pilgrims that Nelson has had four different partners at centre back in the 18 appearances he has made in that position this season- Marcel Seip, Bondz N’gala, Reda Johnson and Carl Fletcher.
It is believed a number of Premier League scouts have been to Home Park to assess his credentials and will no doubt continue to monitor his progress.
Stephens, who hails from Torpoint, made his Argyle debut as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday. He has since been used by Reid on several other occasions after impressing the former Manchester City and Sunderland boss with his performance against the Owls.
In recent weeks they have been joined in the Argyle first team squad by Matt Rickard and Luke Young and, assuming the Pilgrims can recover from their present predicament, these players could be central to building a new Plymouth Argyle side for the future.
Monday 14 February 2011
HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE PLAINMOORGATE
With the outcome of the punishment for Torquay United and Hereford United for fielding ineligible players in their league encounter last month likely to be known shortly, let's take a look at the possible outcomes of the hearing.
Both teams committed the same offence, the Gulls' Jake Robinson and the Bulls' Rob Purdie weren't registered by the deadline of the transfer window, and the League will want to be seen as being fair and strong on both teams in equal measure.
If the game was replayed, which, in an ideal world, would seem like a reasonable option as both teams committed the same offence. However, if the original result was declared void and Torquay were to win the re-arranged fixture, they would be in a better position as a consequence of it.
Should they decide to deduct three points from each side then Hereford will still have the points advantage which they gained on the night.
Perhaps the fairest, and an option the League may decide is in everyone's best interests, would be to deduct one goal off Torquay's goals for column as Robinson also scored for the Gulls on the night and then chalk off the three gained by Hereford.
This would mean the advantage's obtained by both sides on the night would be removed.
It is important that the League make a decision quickly as the Bulls are involved in the relegation mix at the bottom of the table and the Gulls, following their 3-0 win at Barnet on Saturday, have eyes on making the end of the season Play-Offs.
Another radical option, something which game's greater authorities may wish to consider to avoid such an incident happening again would be to scrap the transfer windows and return to the old system when the deadline for all transfer dealings was the last Friday in March.
It would save club officials frantically rushing around trying to push late deals through in a short space of time.
Both teams committed the same offence, the Gulls' Jake Robinson and the Bulls' Rob Purdie weren't registered by the deadline of the transfer window, and the League will want to be seen as being fair and strong on both teams in equal measure.
If the game was replayed, which, in an ideal world, would seem like a reasonable option as both teams committed the same offence. However, if the original result was declared void and Torquay were to win the re-arranged fixture, they would be in a better position as a consequence of it.
Should they decide to deduct three points from each side then Hereford will still have the points advantage which they gained on the night.
Perhaps the fairest, and an option the League may decide is in everyone's best interests, would be to deduct one goal off Torquay's goals for column as Robinson also scored for the Gulls on the night and then chalk off the three gained by Hereford.
This would mean the advantage's obtained by both sides on the night would be removed.
It is important that the League make a decision quickly as the Bulls are involved in the relegation mix at the bottom of the table and the Gulls, following their 3-0 win at Barnet on Saturday, have eyes on making the end of the season Play-Offs.
Another radical option, something which game's greater authorities may wish to consider to avoid such an incident happening again would be to scrap the transfer windows and return to the old system when the deadline for all transfer dealings was the last Friday in March.
It would save club officials frantically rushing around trying to push late deals through in a short space of time.
Friday 11 February 2011
WHAT NEXT FOR ARGYLE?
After seeing the winding up order brought against them by HMRC dismissed in the High Court, this week Plymouth Argyle continue the fight for their existence.
The club are believed to be owed £2million by Japanese based directors George Synan and Yasuaki Kagami, which would secure the Pilgrims' future until the end of the season.
A fire sale of players during the January transfer window, which saw a number of players leave Home Park, including Craig Noone, Reda Johnson and Bradley Wright-Phillips, helped the club to pay off their debts to the Inland Revenue, but they remain in the region of £9million in the red.
Administration and, or, Liquidation of Argyle are still threats that loom large.
One way the club could secure their immediate would be the possible sale of Home Park which, following the closing of the transfer window, is the Pilgrims' most valuable asset as Argyle are no longer in the position to sell any more players.
The Leader of Plymouth City Council Vivien Pengilly has ruled out the possibility of buying back the ground from the club.
With the current recession seeing local authorities making cut backs across the board, it is perhaps unrealistic to pining the future of the club solely on the bail out by the council.
However, if the council did decide to change their mind on buying the stadium, it would potentially be a win-win situation for all.
When the council sold the ground to Argyle, it was for a figure of £2.7million. But, say, if the council bought the ground from the club for a figure that was slightly less than the sum which they received for it, the monies raised would able to keep the club going until the end of the season.
The survival of the club would be of benefit to the city and the local council and they would receive a rental income from the stadium and the wider community would benefit from the club's continuing existence in many varied ways.
In the meantime, the current board of directors, both those based locally and elsewhere, could plan an exit strategy and sale of the club.
Also, the transfer embargo which manager Peter Reid is currently operating under would be lifted and would see the former Sunderland boss able to make new loan signings to strengthen his squad.
One player that Reid was keen on previously was midfielder Conor Clifford, who was with Argyle earlier in the season on loan from Chelsea, has joined Notts County for an initial one month loan deal.
The club are believed to be owed £2million by Japanese based directors George Synan and Yasuaki Kagami, which would secure the Pilgrims' future until the end of the season.
A fire sale of players during the January transfer window, which saw a number of players leave Home Park, including Craig Noone, Reda Johnson and Bradley Wright-Phillips, helped the club to pay off their debts to the Inland Revenue, but they remain in the region of £9million in the red.
Administration and, or, Liquidation of Argyle are still threats that loom large.
One way the club could secure their immediate would be the possible sale of Home Park which, following the closing of the transfer window, is the Pilgrims' most valuable asset as Argyle are no longer in the position to sell any more players.
The Leader of Plymouth City Council Vivien Pengilly has ruled out the possibility of buying back the ground from the club.
With the current recession seeing local authorities making cut backs across the board, it is perhaps unrealistic to pining the future of the club solely on the bail out by the council.
However, if the council did decide to change their mind on buying the stadium, it would potentially be a win-win situation for all.
When the council sold the ground to Argyle, it was for a figure of £2.7million. But, say, if the council bought the ground from the club for a figure that was slightly less than the sum which they received for it, the monies raised would able to keep the club going until the end of the season.
The survival of the club would be of benefit to the city and the local council and they would receive a rental income from the stadium and the wider community would benefit from the club's continuing existence in many varied ways.
In the meantime, the current board of directors, both those based locally and elsewhere, could plan an exit strategy and sale of the club.
Also, the transfer embargo which manager Peter Reid is currently operating under would be lifted and would see the former Sunderland boss able to make new loan signings to strengthen his squad.
One player that Reid was keen on previously was midfielder Conor Clifford, who was with Argyle earlier in the season on loan from Chelsea, has joined Notts County for an initial one month loan deal.
Thursday 10 February 2011
SUPER SCOTT
In spite of Torquay United's disappointing FA Cup Fourth Round exit at the hands of Crawley Town, goalkeeper Scott Bevan has been nominated for the player of the round award.
Scott, who made two penalty saves for the Gulls in the tie, finds himself up against some of the leading players of the modern game, including Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and Birmingham City's Kevin Phillips.
Voting closes on Monday 14th February and you can vote by visiting http://www.fa.com/ to cast your vote.
Here is a full list of the nominees for Round Four award:
Ryan Giggs - Manchester United
Victor Obinna - West Ham United
Kevin Phillips - Birmingham City
Neal Bishop - Notts County
Scott Bevan - Torquay United
Scott, who made two penalty saves for the Gulls in the tie, finds himself up against some of the leading players of the modern game, including Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and Birmingham City's Kevin Phillips.
Voting closes on Monday 14th February and you can vote by visiting http://www.fa.com/ to cast your vote.
Here is a full list of the nominees for Round Four award:
Ryan Giggs - Manchester United
Victor Obinna - West Ham United
Kevin Phillips - Birmingham City
Neal Bishop - Notts County
Scott Bevan - Torquay United
Tuesday 8 February 2011
GRECIANS STUNG BY BEES
Exeter City's bid to reach the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final for the first time in their history came to an end last night as they lost in the Southern Area Final second leg to Brentford at St James Park.
Goals from Sam Saunders and former Grecians' loanee Gary Alexander secured the Bees' place in the final at the Grecians' expense.
However, Paul Tisdale's men can console themselves with the fact that they emulated their longest run in the competition.
Now all their attentions will be on recording their highest league finish since the 1990-91 season, when they finished 16th in the 'old' Division Three.
Goals from Sam Saunders and former Grecians' loanee Gary Alexander secured the Bees' place in the final at the Grecians' expense.
However, Paul Tisdale's men can console themselves with the fact that they emulated their longest run in the competition.
Now all their attentions will be on recording their highest league finish since the 1990-91 season, when they finished 16th in the 'old' Division Three.
Monday 7 February 2011
NEW INVESTORS EYEING UP ARGYLE BID
The off-the-field activities at Plymouth Argyle have taken a new turn as three groups of investors are believed to be in discussions with football consultant Peter Ridsdale with an interest in buying the club.
With the cash injection that was promised to the club by Japan based director George Synan no closer to arriving, an outright sale of the club now looks like the best chance of securing Argyle's survival.
This could see the Pilgrims sold for £1 with the new owners taking on the club's cash flow problems and other liabilities.
With the cash injection that was promised to the club by Japan based director George Synan no closer to arriving, an outright sale of the club now looks like the best chance of securing Argyle's survival.
This could see the Pilgrims sold for £1 with the new owners taking on the club's cash flow problems and other liabilities.
Thursday 3 February 2011
SKIVO NOMINATED FOR MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD
Yeovil Town boss Terry Skiverton has been nominated for the League One Manager of the Month award after leading the Glovers out of the relegation zone.
In the month of January, Yeovil won four, drew two and lost one of their seven league fixtures and a win over Plymouth on February 1st saw them move above the line.
With 33 points to the name, another six wins from their remaining 19 games will be enough for them to secure their League One status.
Other nominees include Huddersfield's Lee Clark, Brighton's Gustavo Poyet and Rochdale's Keith Hill. Ineterestingly, Hill's Dale were the only side to beat the Glovers during January.
In the month of January, Yeovil won four, drew two and lost one of their seven league fixtures and a win over Plymouth on February 1st saw them move above the line.
With 33 points to the name, another six wins from their remaining 19 games will be enough for them to secure their League One status.
Other nominees include Huddersfield's Lee Clark, Brighton's Gustavo Poyet and Rochdale's Keith Hill. Ineterestingly, Hill's Dale were the only side to beat the Glovers during January.
ARGYLE CASH INJECTION ON THE WAY
After losing their sixth league game out of seven following their 1-0 defeat at Yeovil Town on Tuesday night, Plymouth Argyle have been promised by Japan based Director George Synan that a cash injection that will help the Pilgrims to stay afloat will arrive on Monday.
With Peter Reid now admitting that his side are facing a relegation dogfight, the funds will be a welcome to Argyle as it would help to lift the transfer embargo that the club have been under since before the turn of the year.
In a bid to settle their tax bill with the Inland Revenue, the Pilgrims sold Craig Noone, Reda Johnson, George Donnelly and Bradley Wright-Phillips in the January transfer window to settle a winding up petition brought by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, which is expected to be dismissed on February 9th 2011.
The club's football consultant Peter Ridsdale had been threatening to leave Home Park had the money from Japan not been forthcoming.
As well as staving off the threat of Administration and the ten point deduction that would come with it, the injection of funds would also enable Peter Reid to make a number of loan signings to strengthen his squad.
With Peter Reid now admitting that his side are facing a relegation dogfight, the funds will be a welcome to Argyle as it would help to lift the transfer embargo that the club have been under since before the turn of the year.
In a bid to settle their tax bill with the Inland Revenue, the Pilgrims sold Craig Noone, Reda Johnson, George Donnelly and Bradley Wright-Phillips in the January transfer window to settle a winding up petition brought by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, which is expected to be dismissed on February 9th 2011.
The club's football consultant Peter Ridsdale had been threatening to leave Home Park had the money from Japan not been forthcoming.
As well as staving off the threat of Administration and the ten point deduction that would come with it, the injection of funds would also enable Peter Reid to make a number of loan signings to strengthen his squad.
MAXIMUM EFFORT, MINIMUM REFRESHMENT
This time last week, Torquay United were looking forward to facing Crawley Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup and the possibility of winning through to round five and the prospect of a money spinning tie.
In the seven days that have passed since then, the Gulls have been knocked out of the cup and seen their victors drawn away to Manchester United, lost their leading scorer to a higher division club and are facing a possible points deduction for fielding an ineligible player.
Crawley came out on top, winning 1-0 courtesy of a first half strike from Matt Tubbs, in a match that saw goalkeeper Scott Bevan make two penalty saves for Torquay.
It was their first FA Cup defeat to a side from a lower league since Paul Buckle took charge in 2007.
To make matters worse, Crawley were then handed a dream tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The final day of the January transfer window saw leading scorer Elliot Benyon leave for Swindon Town for an initial £125,000 and Nicky Wroe move to Shrewsbury Town for a fee in the region of £10,000 with Jake Robinson moving in the opposite direction on loan until the end of the season.
Both deals represent good business for the Gulls as the Benyon fee was the first six figure sum the club have earned in the transfer market since David Graham moved to Wigan Athletic for £215,000 in 2004. The fee that they received for Wroe was believed to be slightly higher than the fee paid to York City for his services in 2008.
Then came a 3-1 home defeat by Hereford United, which will now always be remembered as the game when the Gulls fielded the unregistered Jake Robinson, who scored Torquay's only goal of the night, which could leave the club facing a potential points deduction.
The club have since offered an explanation to the Football League and are awaiting a response from them on the matter.
In other cases where clubs have fielded an ineligible player they have been docked points, but as the Gulls did not obtain any advantage points wise from Robinson being on the field, the Football League may decide to reduce the goals for column by taking off the goal that Robinson scored.
However, if the Football League decided on a points deduction, the Gulls would seriously undermine any Play-Off ambitions they may have had.
In the seven days that have passed since then, the Gulls have been knocked out of the cup and seen their victors drawn away to Manchester United, lost their leading scorer to a higher division club and are facing a possible points deduction for fielding an ineligible player.
Crawley came out on top, winning 1-0 courtesy of a first half strike from Matt Tubbs, in a match that saw goalkeeper Scott Bevan make two penalty saves for Torquay.
It was their first FA Cup defeat to a side from a lower league since Paul Buckle took charge in 2007.
To make matters worse, Crawley were then handed a dream tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The final day of the January transfer window saw leading scorer Elliot Benyon leave for Swindon Town for an initial £125,000 and Nicky Wroe move to Shrewsbury Town for a fee in the region of £10,000 with Jake Robinson moving in the opposite direction on loan until the end of the season.
Both deals represent good business for the Gulls as the Benyon fee was the first six figure sum the club have earned in the transfer market since David Graham moved to Wigan Athletic for £215,000 in 2004. The fee that they received for Wroe was believed to be slightly higher than the fee paid to York City for his services in 2008.
Then came a 3-1 home defeat by Hereford United, which will now always be remembered as the game when the Gulls fielded the unregistered Jake Robinson, who scored Torquay's only goal of the night, which could leave the club facing a potential points deduction.
The club have since offered an explanation to the Football League and are awaiting a response from them on the matter.
In other cases where clubs have fielded an ineligible player they have been docked points, but as the Gulls did not obtain any advantage points wise from Robinson being on the field, the Football League may decide to reduce the goals for column by taking off the goal that Robinson scored.
However, if the Football League decided on a points deduction, the Gulls would seriously undermine any Play-Off ambitions they may have had.
Wednesday 2 February 2011
JANUARY 2011 TRANSFER GAMES ROUND-UP
The January 2011 closed on Monday with South West clubs involved in a number of last ditch deals.
Torquay United sold leading scorer Elliot Benyon to Swindon Town for a fee believed to be in the region of £125,000 and midfielder Nicky Wroe also exited Plainmoor for £10,000 to Shrewsbury Town in a move that saw Jake Robinson travel in the opposite direction on a season-long loan deal.
The Gulls also signed midfielder Craig Stanley on a season long loan from Morecambe. However, as Stanley amd Robinson both featured against Hereford before they were registered to play, Torquay could be facing a points deduction.
Yeovil Town were also involved in late transfer activity as Congolese midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala left to join Bristol Rovers and England Under-20 international Andrew Tutte arrived on a youth loan from Manchester City.
Exeter City saw goalkeeper Paul Jones snapped up by Peterborough United on loan and Plymouth Argyle were not involved in any further transfer activity in a month which saw them lose Craig Noone, Reda Johnson, George Donnelly and Bradley Wright-Phillips as they look to combat their off-the-field problems.
Torquay United sold leading scorer Elliot Benyon to Swindon Town for a fee believed to be in the region of £125,000 and midfielder Nicky Wroe also exited Plainmoor for £10,000 to Shrewsbury Town in a move that saw Jake Robinson travel in the opposite direction on a season-long loan deal.
The Gulls also signed midfielder Craig Stanley on a season long loan from Morecambe. However, as Stanley amd Robinson both featured against Hereford before they were registered to play, Torquay could be facing a points deduction.
Yeovil Town were also involved in late transfer activity as Congolese midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala left to join Bristol Rovers and England Under-20 international Andrew Tutte arrived on a youth loan from Manchester City.
Exeter City saw goalkeeper Paul Jones snapped up by Peterborough United on loan and Plymouth Argyle were not involved in any further transfer activity in a month which saw them lose Craig Noone, Reda Johnson, George Donnelly and Bradley Wright-Phillips as they look to combat their off-the-field problems.
Tuesday 1 February 2011
TALKING YEOVIL#11
During his 14-year career with Plymouth Argyle, Paul Wotton developed a fine reputation for finding the back of the net from free-kicks and penalties.
He opened his account for Yeovil Town against Brentford with a thunderous free-kick from the edge of the area to give the Glovers a 2-1 win which moves them level on 28 points with Tranmere Rovers and Swindon Town.
Although Terry Skiverton's men still find themselves in the relegation zone in League One, their improved showing in January means they are only in that position by virtue of goal difference.
Tonight's encounter with Plymouth will Wotton go head to head with his former team for the second time in the space of a month.
With Peter Reid's men needing the three points as they look to battle through their off-field worries, it promises to be an interesting encounter that Wotton could have a major influence on.
He opened his account for Yeovil Town against Brentford with a thunderous free-kick from the edge of the area to give the Glovers a 2-1 win which moves them level on 28 points with Tranmere Rovers and Swindon Town.
Although Terry Skiverton's men still find themselves in the relegation zone in League One, their improved showing in January means they are only in that position by virtue of goal difference.
Tonight's encounter with Plymouth will Wotton go head to head with his former team for the second time in the space of a month.
With Peter Reid's men needing the three points as they look to battle through their off-field worries, it promises to be an interesting encounter that Wotton could have a major influence on.
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