Following their respective results last night and this afternoon, the fates of Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle for the 2010-11 season remain unresolved.
The Gulls played out an entertaining goalless draw with League Two Championship contenders at Plainmoor, with Player of the Year Guy Branston having two headers cleared off the line.
Results elsewhere leave Torquay needing a win over Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium next weekend to ensure their presence in the Play-Offs.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle go into their Bank Holiday Monday meeting with Southampton needing a win to keep their hopes of staying in League One alive after losing 1-0 to Exeter City at St James Park.
A James Dunne strike in the opening minute of the second half saw the Grecians clinch their second win out of three meetings with the Pilgrims this season, which leaves Argyle needing to beat the Saints on Monday.
Saturday 30 April 2011
Friday 29 April 2011
ARGYLE VERSUS CITY PART THREE
The stakes will be high tomorrow for Plymouth Argyle when they travel to St James Park for their midday meeting with Exeter City .
It will be the third time that the two sides have faced each other this season and a win for the Pilgrims would further boost their chances of staying in League One.
The Argyle side that will face the Grecians will be a much changed team from the one that defeated them 2-0 at Home Park in December when the Pilgrims won 2-0 with Bradley Wright-Phillips scoring both goals.
Wright-Phillips himself has since moved to Charlton Athletic, whilst Craig Noone, who provided the assists for both his efforts, departed for Brighton and Hove Albion. They were followed out of Home Park by Reda Johnson who headed north after being snapped up by Sheffield Wednesday.
A ten point deduction for entering Administration followed, but wins over Dagenham and Redbridge and Milton Keynes Dons over the Easter weekend have given the Pilgrims a fighting chance of beating the drop.
Exeter, on the other hand, saw their Play-Off chances ended by a 4-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers on Easter Monday and now find themselves playing for pride and the opportunity of equalling or bettering their highest ever league finish of eighth place in League One.
It will be the third time that the two sides have faced each other this season and a win for the Pilgrims would further boost their chances of staying in League One.
The Argyle side that will face the Grecians will be a much changed team from the one that defeated them 2-0 at Home Park in December when the Pilgrims won 2-0 with Bradley Wright-Phillips scoring both goals.
Wright-Phillips himself has since moved to Charlton Athletic, whilst Craig Noone, who provided the assists for both his efforts, departed for Brighton and Hove Albion. They were followed out of Home Park by Reda Johnson who headed north after being snapped up by Sheffield Wednesday.
A ten point deduction for entering Administration followed, but wins over Dagenham and Redbridge and Milton Keynes Dons over the Easter weekend have given the Pilgrims a fighting chance of beating the drop.
Exeter, on the other hand, saw their Play-Off chances ended by a 4-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers on Easter Monday and now find themselves playing for pride and the opportunity of equalling or bettering their highest ever league finish of eighth place in League One.
Thursday 28 April 2011
GULLS FACE SPIREITES IN CRUCIAL ENCOUNTER
In the first game in the Football League following the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Torquay United take on League Two leaders Chesterfield at Plainmoor needing a win to strengthen their Play-Off challenge.
Two points from their Easter weekend against Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion ended the Gulls' automatic promotion ambitions, but their Play-Off chances are still very much alive.
A win over the Spireites would move Torquay up to 5th in the table overnight, but the overall outcome of their 2010-11 campaign won't be known until after their final game of the season against Rotherham United.
Meanwhile, Chesterfield go into the game needing a win to help them to clinch the League Two title. An Easter Monday defeat at the hands of second placed Bury now means that extra importance is placed on what result they had get in South Devon.
Tomorrow's encounter will also see four of the division's PFA Team of the Season on show as Gulls' defender Guy Branston lines up against his fellow nominees in the form of Chesterfield's Tommy Lee, Danny Whitaker and Craig Davies.
Two points from their Easter weekend against Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion ended the Gulls' automatic promotion ambitions, but their Play-Off chances are still very much alive.
A win over the Spireites would move Torquay up to 5th in the table overnight, but the overall outcome of their 2010-11 campaign won't be known until after their final game of the season against Rotherham United.
Meanwhile, Chesterfield go into the game needing a win to help them to clinch the League Two title. An Easter Monday defeat at the hands of second placed Bury now means that extra importance is placed on what result they had get in South Devon.
Tomorrow's encounter will also see four of the division's PFA Team of the Season on show as Gulls' defender Guy Branston lines up against his fellow nominees in the form of Chesterfield's Tommy Lee, Danny Whitaker and Craig Davies.
Wednesday 27 April 2011
TALKING YEOVIL #16
At the turn of the year, Yeovil Town found themselves in the League One relegation zone and it seemed as though their stay in the third tier of English football was going to come to an end after six years.
However, after making a number of astute loan signings during January and adding a few more experienced permanent signings, Terry Skiverton has steered the Glovers away from the drop zone.
They currently lie in 18th place in League One and the possibility of equalling or bettering last season's 15th place finish is now a realistic possibility.
Planning for next season is already under way with Skivo announcing that he already has in mind which players he wants to offer contracts to. He has also announced that he is interested in securing the services of on loan Manchester City winger Andrew Tutte, after the young wide man scored his first goal for Yeovil on Easter Monday against Peterborough United.
It was the second time in three days that the Glovers had picked up points against a top six side after Shaun MacDonald scored a dramatic late leveller against Bournemouth.
If Yeovil can take that form into the 2011-12 campaign, they could turn out to be a force to be reckoned with.
However, after making a number of astute loan signings during January and adding a few more experienced permanent signings, Terry Skiverton has steered the Glovers away from the drop zone.
They currently lie in 18th place in League One and the possibility of equalling or bettering last season's 15th place finish is now a realistic possibility.
Planning for next season is already under way with Skivo announcing that he already has in mind which players he wants to offer contracts to. He has also announced that he is interested in securing the services of on loan Manchester City winger Andrew Tutte, after the young wide man scored his first goal for Yeovil on Easter Monday against Peterborough United.
It was the second time in three days that the Glovers had picked up points against a top six side after Shaun MacDonald scored a dramatic late leveller against Bournemouth.
If Yeovil can take that form into the 2011-12 campaign, they could turn out to be a force to be reckoned with.
Monday 25 April 2011
TRURO MAKE HISTORY WITH FIFTH PROMOTION
Truro City became the first team in the history of English football to win five promotions in six years when they clinched the Zamaretto Southern Premier title with a 3-0 win over Banbury United.
Les Afful, Barry Hayles and Andy Watkins were on target for Lee Hodges' side, who will be playing in the Blue Square South next season.
This is the latest chapter in the remarkable rise of a team that were playing in the Jewson South Western League as recently as 2006.
Since then, they have gained promotion through the Western League and they also won the FA Vase in 2007.
This latest promotion means only two leagues separate Truro from the Football League.
Les Afful, Barry Hayles and Andy Watkins were on target for Lee Hodges' side, who will be playing in the Blue Square South next season.
This is the latest chapter in the remarkable rise of a team that were playing in the Jewson South Western League as recently as 2006.
Since then, they have gained promotion through the Western League and they also won the FA Vase in 2007.
This latest promotion means only two leagues separate Truro from the Football League.
Wednesday 20 April 2011
ALLAN BROWN 1926-2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of former Torquay United manager Allan Brown at the age of 84.
Allan made his name as a player with Blackpool and his team-mate included Sir Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen. He also won 14 caps for Scotland.
He managed the Gulls from January 1969 to October 1971 after he was appointed to succeed Frank O'Farrell. Coincidently, Allan had applied for the job that O'Farrell left Plainmoor to take, the Leicester City manager's job, before he arrived at Plainmoor.
Prior to taking charge of United, he had managed Wigan Athletic and Luton Town.
After taking charge of Torquay, Allan found himself busy in the transfer market, bringing in players such as John Rudge from Carlisle United for £7,000 and Tommy Mitchinson from Aston Villa for £6,000. He also sold fans' favourite Robin Stubbs to Bristol Rovers in a deal worth £12,000.
Under Allan's guidance, the Gulls finished 6th, 13th and 10th in the 1968-69, 1969-70 and 1970-71 seasons respectively.
In the 1970-71, they recorded their last league double over Plymouth Argyle to date.
Allan left Plainmoor early in the 1971-72 campaign after publicly stating in a post-match interview: "This team will get me the sack!"
Neverthless, during his tenure in charge of the Gulls, he had made the club in the region of £100,000 in transfer fees in a period that saw the average attendances at Plainmoor shrink from 9,000 to 6,000.
His post Plainmoor career saw him manage Bury, Nottingham Forest, where he was the predecessor of Brian Clough, and Southport.
He also had two spells as manager of Blackpool as well as a stint in Kuwait.
We would like to pass on our sincere condolenses to his family, friends and former team-mates.
Allan made his name as a player with Blackpool and his team-mate included Sir Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen. He also won 14 caps for Scotland.
He managed the Gulls from January 1969 to October 1971 after he was appointed to succeed Frank O'Farrell. Coincidently, Allan had applied for the job that O'Farrell left Plainmoor to take, the Leicester City manager's job, before he arrived at Plainmoor.
Prior to taking charge of United, he had managed Wigan Athletic and Luton Town.
After taking charge of Torquay, Allan found himself busy in the transfer market, bringing in players such as John Rudge from Carlisle United for £7,000 and Tommy Mitchinson from Aston Villa for £6,000. He also sold fans' favourite Robin Stubbs to Bristol Rovers in a deal worth £12,000.
Under Allan's guidance, the Gulls finished 6th, 13th and 10th in the 1968-69, 1969-70 and 1970-71 seasons respectively.
In the 1970-71, they recorded their last league double over Plymouth Argyle to date.
Allan left Plainmoor early in the 1971-72 campaign after publicly stating in a post-match interview: "This team will get me the sack!"
Neverthless, during his tenure in charge of the Gulls, he had made the club in the region of £100,000 in transfer fees in a period that saw the average attendances at Plainmoor shrink from 9,000 to 6,000.
His post Plainmoor career saw him manage Bury, Nottingham Forest, where he was the predecessor of Brian Clough, and Southport.
He also had two spells as manager of Blackpool as well as a stint in Kuwait.
We would like to pass on our sincere condolenses to his family, friends and former team-mates.
Monday 18 April 2011
GRECIANS STRENGTHEN PLAY OFF BID
Following their win over Leyton Orient, Exeter City now lie five points off the League One Play-Off zone, leaving Grecians’ fans dreaming of possibly being involved in the end of the season showdown.
Exeter came out on top against fellow Play-Off hopefuls Orient 2-1 with veteran striker Jamie Cureton scoring twice.
This victory leaves the Grecians level on points (61 points) with their East London opponents, but one place behind them on goal difference, three points behind seventh placed Rochdale and five behind Bournemouth who occupy the final Play-Off spot that the four sides are currently battling it out for.
With four fixtures remaining, which include a home clash with Oldham Athletic, a trip to Tranmere Rovers on Easter Monday, the eagerly awaited Devon Derby clash with Plymouth Argyle before travelling to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the campaign.
To stand any chance of making the top six, the Grecians will probably need to secure at least ten points from the 12 they currently have to play for, which will mean they will need to win at least three of those remaining four matches.
It could also mean that the outcome of their season will come down to a final day decider. However, this is something that Exeter have become used to under Paul Tisdale.
In the 2007-08 season, they clinched promotion to the Football League via the Play-Off after beating Cambridge United at Wembley.
The following campaign saw them defeat Rotherham United on the final day of the regular 2008-09 season, which the Grecians secure automatic promotion from League Two.
These feats were followed up on the final day of last season when Exeter defeated Huddersfield Town to secure their League One status.
It is also worth noting that a top eight finish would see the Grecians equal or better their highest ever league finish.
Exeter came out on top against fellow Play-Off hopefuls Orient 2-1 with veteran striker Jamie Cureton scoring twice.
This victory leaves the Grecians level on points (61 points) with their East London opponents, but one place behind them on goal difference, three points behind seventh placed Rochdale and five behind Bournemouth who occupy the final Play-Off spot that the four sides are currently battling it out for.
With four fixtures remaining, which include a home clash with Oldham Athletic, a trip to Tranmere Rovers on Easter Monday, the eagerly awaited Devon Derby clash with Plymouth Argyle before travelling to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the campaign.
To stand any chance of making the top six, the Grecians will probably need to secure at least ten points from the 12 they currently have to play for, which will mean they will need to win at least three of those remaining four matches.
It could also mean that the outcome of their season will come down to a final day decider. However, this is something that Exeter have become used to under Paul Tisdale.
In the 2007-08 season, they clinched promotion to the Football League via the Play-Off after beating Cambridge United at Wembley.
The following campaign saw them defeat Rotherham United on the final day of the regular 2008-09 season, which the Grecians secure automatic promotion from League Two.
These feats were followed up on the final day of last season when Exeter defeated Huddersfield Town to secure their League One status.
It is also worth noting that a top eight finish would see the Grecians equal or better their highest ever league finish.
MATT HELPS POTTERS TO REACH CUP FINAL
The South West will be represented in this year’s FA Cup final after Stoke City’s Cornish winger Matthew Etherington helped the Potters’ defeat Bolton Wanderers to set up a meeting with big-spending Manchester City at Wembley.
Truro-born Etherington opened the scoring for Stoke as they defeated a crushing 5-0 defeat on the Trotters 5-0 in the Semi-Final meeting at Wembley.
After making his debut for Peterborough United in the 1996-97 season as a 15-year old joined Tottenham Hotspur in a joint deal with Simon Davies in 1999 and has also represented England at Youth and Under-21 level.
In 2003, Etherington joined West Ham United and helped the Hammers win promotion back to the top-flight in the 2005-06 season. He featured the West Ham starting XI in their Championship Play-Off final winning side at the Millennium Stadium.
A year later, he was back in Cardiff after the Hammers reached the FA Cup final where they were beaten on penalties by Liverpool after drawing 3-3 after 90 minutes and extra time.
Midway through the 2008-09 season, Etherington moved on to Stoke City and he has helped Tony Pulis’ side to establish themselves in the top-flight and now has a chance of picking up an FA Cup winners’ medal.
Other South West footballers to have appeared in FA Cup finals in recent include Etherington’s fellow Cornishman Nigel Martyn who kept goal for Crystal Palace in the 1990 final and Devonian Dan Gosling who appeared as a substitute for Everton against Chelsea in the 2009 final.
Truro-born Etherington opened the scoring for Stoke as they defeated a crushing 5-0 defeat on the Trotters 5-0 in the Semi-Final meeting at Wembley.
After making his debut for Peterborough United in the 1996-97 season as a 15-year old joined Tottenham Hotspur in a joint deal with Simon Davies in 1999 and has also represented England at Youth and Under-21 level.
In 2003, Etherington joined West Ham United and helped the Hammers win promotion back to the top-flight in the 2005-06 season. He featured the West Ham starting XI in their Championship Play-Off final winning side at the Millennium Stadium.
A year later, he was back in Cardiff after the Hammers reached the FA Cup final where they were beaten on penalties by Liverpool after drawing 3-3 after 90 minutes and extra time.
Midway through the 2008-09 season, Etherington moved on to Stoke City and he has helped Tony Pulis’ side to establish themselves in the top-flight and now has a chance of picking up an FA Cup winners’ medal.
Other South West footballers to have appeared in FA Cup finals in recent include Etherington’s fellow Cornishman Nigel Martyn who kept goal for Crystal Palace in the 1990 final and Devonian Dan Gosling who appeared as a substitute for Everton against Chelsea in the 2009 final.
BRANSTON NAMED IN PFA LEAGUE TWO XI
Torquay United central defender Guy Branston has seen his performances recognised by his fellow professionals by being selected in the PFA League Two Team of the Season for 2010-11.
Guy has been a rock of stability in the Torquay defence alongside fellow central defensive partners Chris Robertson and Mark Ellis, since he joined the Gulls from Burton Albion last summer, having originally been on loan at Plainmoor in the latter part of the 2009-10 campaign.
In being named in the PFA XI, Guy joins a list of Torquay players to have been named in the PFA Team of the Season in recent years that includes Rodney Jack (1997-98), Alex Russell (2002-03 & 2003-04) and David Graham (2003-04).
The Full League Two Team of the Year is as follows:
League 2 Team of the Year
Tommy Lee - Chesterfield
Damian Batt - Oxford United
Joe Skarz - Bury
Ian Sharps - Shrewsbury Town
Guy Branston - Torquay United
Gareth Ainsworth - Wycombe Wanderers
Danny Whittaker - Chesterfield
Nicky Law - Rotherham United
Ryan Lowe - Bury
Craig Davies - Chesterfield
Jimmy Ryan - Accrington Stanley
Guy has been a rock of stability in the Torquay defence alongside fellow central defensive partners Chris Robertson and Mark Ellis, since he joined the Gulls from Burton Albion last summer, having originally been on loan at Plainmoor in the latter part of the 2009-10 campaign.
In being named in the PFA XI, Guy joins a list of Torquay players to have been named in the PFA Team of the Season in recent years that includes Rodney Jack (1997-98), Alex Russell (2002-03 & 2003-04) and David Graham (2003-04).
The Full League Two Team of the Year is as follows:
League 2 Team of the Year
Tommy Lee - Chesterfield
Damian Batt - Oxford United
Joe Skarz - Bury
Ian Sharps - Shrewsbury Town
Guy Branston - Torquay United
Gareth Ainsworth - Wycombe Wanderers
Danny Whittaker - Chesterfield
Nicky Law - Rotherham United
Ryan Lowe - Bury
Craig Davies - Chesterfield
Jimmy Ryan - Accrington Stanley
Thursday 14 April 2011
CURTIS MAKES ENGLAND BOW
Plymouth Argyle starlet Curtis Nelson made his debut for England Under-18's as a second half substitute against their Italian counterparts on Tuesday.
The side, coached by former Exeter City boss Noel Blake, drew 1-1 against the Italians in Carpi, near Modena. International recognition for the young defender is a well deserved reward for a player whose emergence has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a difficult season for the Pilgrims.
He returns to club duty on Saturday for Argyle when he faces another recent international debutant in the form of Peterborough United striker Craig Mackail-Smith, who featured for Scotland in their recent friendly against Brazil, as the Pilgrims face the Posh at London Road.
The side, coached by former Exeter City boss Noel Blake, drew 1-1 against the Italians in Carpi, near Modena. International recognition for the young defender is a well deserved reward for a player whose emergence has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a difficult season for the Pilgrims.
He returns to club duty on Saturday for Argyle when he faces another recent international debutant in the form of Peterborough United striker Craig Mackail-Smith, who featured for Scotland in their recent friendly against Brazil, as the Pilgrims face the Posh at London Road.
LUKE LOOKS TO MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME
After the opening day of the season, things were looking bright for Plymouth Argyle and Luke Summerfield.
The Pilgrims won their 2010-11 opener against a highly fancied Southampton side 1-0 with Luke scoring the winner.
Since then, the midfielder only made two more appearances for Argyle after injurying his knee in training. At this point, Peter Reid's side were still very much a work in progress.
However, after an abortive comeback in December, Luke is now fit and raring to go as the Pilgrims look to pull off the great escape after receiving a ten-point deduction for going into Administration that has left them at the foot of League One table.
In their next six games, Argyle face trips to Peterborough United and Dagenham and Redbridge before hosting MK Dons on Easter Monday.
Next up after that will be the return league meeting with Exeter City at St James Park before they host Southampton and Leyton Orient in their final two games of the season.
If Luke can repeat his opening day heroics in any of the Pilgrims' remaining fixtures and help them to pull off the great escape, his efforts will be remembered by the Green Army for a long time to come.
The Pilgrims won their 2010-11 opener against a highly fancied Southampton side 1-0 with Luke scoring the winner.
Since then, the midfielder only made two more appearances for Argyle after injurying his knee in training. At this point, Peter Reid's side were still very much a work in progress.
However, after an abortive comeback in December, Luke is now fit and raring to go as the Pilgrims look to pull off the great escape after receiving a ten-point deduction for going into Administration that has left them at the foot of League One table.
In their next six games, Argyle face trips to Peterborough United and Dagenham and Redbridge before hosting MK Dons on Easter Monday.
Next up after that will be the return league meeting with Exeter City at St James Park before they host Southampton and Leyton Orient in their final two games of the season.
If Luke can repeat his opening day heroics in any of the Pilgrims' remaining fixtures and help them to pull off the great escape, his efforts will be remembered by the Green Army for a long time to come.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
GULLS MAKE CHESTERFIELD AN ALL TICKET AFFAIR
Torquay United's final home game of the season has been made all-ticket.
With the Gulls expecting a bumper crowd, as they are currently in contention for a Play-Off spot or automatic promotion, whilst the visiting Spireities could be looking to clinch the League Two title on that day.
Full Details are as follows:
Thursday, April 14 & Friday, April 15: 9.30am - 7pm
Saturday, April 16: 11am - 3pm
·Season-ticket holders and membership personnel who require an extra ticket
·Voucher holders (from the Lincoln City game) who can purchase one ticket only
Saturday, April 16
From 5pm
After the Port Vale game on Saturday, tickets will be available on general sale.
Monday, April 18 - onwards
Tickets become available to the general public either in person or over the telephone
There will be no limit as to how many tickets can be bought.
For any transaction made by credit card/debit card, we will charge a handling fee of £1
Any tickets posted out will incur a charge of £5
Season-ticket holders and membership scheme personnel who do not require an extra ticket can simply turn up on the day of the game as normal.
With the Gulls expecting a bumper crowd, as they are currently in contention for a Play-Off spot or automatic promotion, whilst the visiting Spireities could be looking to clinch the League Two title on that day.
Full Details are as follows:
Thursday, April 14 & Friday, April 15: 9.30am - 7pm
Saturday, April 16: 11am - 3pm
·Season-ticket holders and membership personnel who require an extra ticket
·Voucher holders (from the Lincoln City game) who can purchase one ticket only
Saturday, April 16
From 5pm
After the Port Vale game on Saturday, tickets will be available on general sale.
Monday, April 18 - onwards
Tickets become available to the general public either in person or over the telephone
There will be no limit as to how many tickets can be bought.
For any transaction made by credit card/debit card, we will charge a handling fee of £1
Any tickets posted out will incur a charge of £5
Season-ticket holders and membership scheme personnel who do not require an extra ticket can simply turn up on the day of the game as normal.
Monday 11 April 2011
MARCUS CALLS IT A DAY
Exeter City's away win over Bristol Rovers at the weekend saw player-coach Marcus Stewart bring his playing days to an end against the team he started his career with 1991.
Stewart entered the field of play at the Memorial Stadium in the 66th minute as a substitute for Richard Logan and help set up Daniel Nardiello for the Grecians' opener on 78 minutes.
During his five years with the Pirates, from 1991 to 1996, he scored 57 goals in 171 appearances before joining Huddersfield Town.
Marcus remained with the Terriers until the latter stages of the 1999-00 season when he signed for Ipswich Town where he helped the Tractor Boys win promotion to the Premiership via the Division One Play-Offs.
In his first season in English football's top flight, Marcus scored 19 goals to help Ipswich finish 5th in the Premiership and qualify for the UEFA Cup. He was also the highest scoring English striker in the Premiership that season.
Unfortunately, the Tractor Boys could not sustain their top-flight status and were relegated in the 2001-02 season. However, that would not mean the end for Marcus as current Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid paid £3million to sign him for Sunderland.
His stay on Wearside lasted for three seasons, during which time Sunderland were relegated from the Premiership before bouncing straight back up in 2005, by which time Marcus had decided to join his boyhood heroes Bristol City.
Sadly for Marcus, his time at Ashton Gate didn't prove to be a happy one and, after a loan spell at Preston North End in the 2005-06 campaign, he signed for Yeovil Town.
Whilst with the Glovers, he found the back of the net nine times as Yeovil reached the League One Play-Off final in the 2006-07 season, after beating Nottingham Forest in the Semi-Finals.
After losing the first leg 2-0 at Huish Park, the Glovers shocked Forest in the second leg at the City Ground to win 5-2 with Marcus amongst the scorers. Unfortunately, Yeovil could not repeat the same heroics in the final as they lost 2-0 to Blackpool.
At the end of the following season, Marcus left Huish Park to join Exeter City as he helped the Grecians to win promotion to League One, as they finished as runners-up in League Two in the 2008-09 campaign, before joining Paul Tisdale's coaching team.
Marcus hangs up his boots having won numerous promotions and made a meaningful contribution at every club he has played for. It is likely he will be remembered as the one of the best players that the South West has produced in recent times.
Stewart entered the field of play at the Memorial Stadium in the 66th minute as a substitute for Richard Logan and help set up Daniel Nardiello for the Grecians' opener on 78 minutes.
During his five years with the Pirates, from 1991 to 1996, he scored 57 goals in 171 appearances before joining Huddersfield Town.
Marcus remained with the Terriers until the latter stages of the 1999-00 season when he signed for Ipswich Town where he helped the Tractor Boys win promotion to the Premiership via the Division One Play-Offs.
In his first season in English football's top flight, Marcus scored 19 goals to help Ipswich finish 5th in the Premiership and qualify for the UEFA Cup. He was also the highest scoring English striker in the Premiership that season.
Unfortunately, the Tractor Boys could not sustain their top-flight status and were relegated in the 2001-02 season. However, that would not mean the end for Marcus as current Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid paid £3million to sign him for Sunderland.
His stay on Wearside lasted for three seasons, during which time Sunderland were relegated from the Premiership before bouncing straight back up in 2005, by which time Marcus had decided to join his boyhood heroes Bristol City.
Sadly for Marcus, his time at Ashton Gate didn't prove to be a happy one and, after a loan spell at Preston North End in the 2005-06 campaign, he signed for Yeovil Town.
Whilst with the Glovers, he found the back of the net nine times as Yeovil reached the League One Play-Off final in the 2006-07 season, after beating Nottingham Forest in the Semi-Finals.
After losing the first leg 2-0 at Huish Park, the Glovers shocked Forest in the second leg at the City Ground to win 5-2 with Marcus amongst the scorers. Unfortunately, Yeovil could not repeat the same heroics in the final as they lost 2-0 to Blackpool.
At the end of the following season, Marcus left Huish Park to join Exeter City as he helped the Grecians to win promotion to League One, as they finished as runners-up in League Two in the 2008-09 campaign, before joining Paul Tisdale's coaching team.
Marcus hangs up his boots having won numerous promotions and made a meaningful contribution at every club he has played for. It is likely he will be remembered as the one of the best players that the South West has produced in recent times.
Friday 8 April 2011
SPURS TRACKING NELSON
Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are the latest club to show an interest in young Plymouth Argyle defender Curtis Nelson.
Spurs were believed to have had scouts watching the defender when the Pilgrims played Leyton Orient at the Matchroom Stadium earlier this week.
Nelson has attracted the attentions of a number of clubs after breaking into the Argyle first team this season and, after producing a number of assured performances that seem beyond his 17 years, he has received a call-up to the England Under-18 squad for a friendly against their Italian counterparts next tuesday.
With Argyle's debt level currently standing in the region of £13million, any substantial fee received for any player would likely be welcomed by the club's prospective new owners. At the time of writing, two groups are in the running to takeover the club, one fronted by Devon-based entrepreneur James Brent and the other led by Paul Buttivant.
If Spurs do secure Curtis' signature, there is a possibility that they could loan him to the Pilgrims on a season-long loan deal.
This is a system that Harry Redknapp has employed in recent years with a number of young Tottenham players, including Jon Obika, Andros Townsend, Ryan Mason and Steven Caulker who have had spells at Yeovil, Adam Smith, who was loaned to Torquay last season and Dean Parrett and David Button who, of course, have appeared alongside Curtis this season for Argyle.
Spurs were believed to have had scouts watching the defender when the Pilgrims played Leyton Orient at the Matchroom Stadium earlier this week.
Nelson has attracted the attentions of a number of clubs after breaking into the Argyle first team this season and, after producing a number of assured performances that seem beyond his 17 years, he has received a call-up to the England Under-18 squad for a friendly against their Italian counterparts next tuesday.
With Argyle's debt level currently standing in the region of £13million, any substantial fee received for any player would likely be welcomed by the club's prospective new owners. At the time of writing, two groups are in the running to takeover the club, one fronted by Devon-based entrepreneur James Brent and the other led by Paul Buttivant.
If Spurs do secure Curtis' signature, there is a possibility that they could loan him to the Pilgrims on a season-long loan deal.
This is a system that Harry Redknapp has employed in recent years with a number of young Tottenham players, including Jon Obika, Andros Townsend, Ryan Mason and Steven Caulker who have had spells at Yeovil, Adam Smith, who was loaned to Torquay last season and Dean Parrett and David Button who, of course, have appeared alongside Curtis this season for Argyle.
Wednesday 6 April 2011
GULLS LOSE ONE POINT
Torquay United have received a one point deduction for fielding loan signing Jake Robinson, whilst the player was unregistered, against Hereford United on February 1st 2011.
The Bulls, who fielded Rob Purdie who also wasn't correctly registered, were deducted the three points that they won on the night.
Both clubs also received a £10,000 fine, of which 25% must be paid within seven days. They also 28 days to decide whether to lodge an appeal against the ruling.
Despite losing the single point, the Gulls remain in the League Two Play-Off zone after dropping to 7th in the table, whilst Hereford will drop to 21st place after losing their three points, which will put them five points clear of safety.
The Bulls, who fielded Rob Purdie who also wasn't correctly registered, were deducted the three points that they won on the night.
Both clubs also received a £10,000 fine, of which 25% must be paid within seven days. They also 28 days to decide whether to lodge an appeal against the ruling.
Despite losing the single point, the Gulls remain in the League Two Play-Off zone after dropping to 7th in the table, whilst Hereford will drop to 21st place after losing their three points, which will put them five points clear of safety.
Monday 4 April 2011
THE DAY OF RECKONING APPROACHES FOR THE GULLS AND BULLS
This week will see the Football League decide the course of action for Torquay United and Hereford United in the wake of the 'Plainmoorgate' fiasco in February.
The incident saw the Gulls field striker Jake Robinson and the Bulls select Rob Purdie when both players weren't eligible to play for their respective clubs.
There has been much speculation about what the punishment might be. Many Torquay followers have been fearing a points deduction, which could provide a serious dent to the Gulls' promotion ambitions.
A similar punishment for Hereford would see the Bulls dragged closer to the League Two drop zone, so the League's could have an impact on the league placing of both sides involved.
The incident saw the Gulls field striker Jake Robinson and the Bulls select Rob Purdie when both players weren't eligible to play for their respective clubs.
There has been much speculation about what the punishment might be. Many Torquay followers have been fearing a points deduction, which could provide a serious dent to the Gulls' promotion ambitions.
A similar punishment for Hereford would see the Bulls dragged closer to the League Two drop zone, so the League's could have an impact on the league placing of both sides involved.
Sunday 3 April 2011
SAINT JACK
After turning down a move to Premiership side Fulham, Plymouth Argyle starlet Jack Stephens is set for a move to League One promotion hopefuls Southampton.
The Saints, despite their drop in league status in recent years, have a fine reputation of turning out young talent.
In recent years, they have unearthed players such as Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and, more recently, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain who has been a key player for Nigel Adkins' side this season.
Jack, who became Argyle's third youngest ever player when he made his debut as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday last September, will join the Saints for an initial £145,000 plus add-ons, subject to a medical.
This will provide the Pilgrims' with a welcome financial boost as the talks over the takeover of the club with interested parties continue.
The Saints, despite their drop in league status in recent years, have a fine reputation of turning out young talent.
In recent years, they have unearthed players such as Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and, more recently, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain who has been a key player for Nigel Adkins' side this season.
Jack, who became Argyle's third youngest ever player when he made his debut as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday last September, will join the Saints for an initial £145,000 plus add-ons, subject to a medical.
This will provide the Pilgrims' with a welcome financial boost as the talks over the takeover of the club with interested parties continue.
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