Whoever is chosen to succeed Paul Buckle as manager of Torquay United will face a number of immediate challenges.
Firstly, he will be to keep the current squad of players that Buckle and his assistant Shaun North had assembled, the second will be to add to it and thirdly will be to keep the momentum of the previous four years going, which has seen the Gulls go from being a club relegated from the Football League to a thriving League Two side.
We will now take a look at some of the names that have been linked to the post so far.
Paul Trollope
With Buckle heading North to Bristol to take charge of the Pirates, could one of his immediate predecessors be heading South to replace him. Trollope first took charge of Bristol Rovers in 2005 and led them to promotion from League Two in the 2006-07 season via the Play-Offs when they beat Shrewsbury Town in the final, something Buckle will now be trying to emulate.
A former Torquay player, Trollope made 130 appearances for the Gulls during the mid-1990's before going to play for Derby County, Grimsby Town and Fulham and was also capped by Wales.
As a potential candidate, he ticks a lot of boxes as he has been employed recently and possesses good contacts, which could prove to be invaluable should he be chosen by the Torquay board.
However, it remains to be seen if Trollope would be iuterested in the vacancy as he had been heavily linked to the manager's position at Swindon Town, the club where he began his career as a player, before the appointment of Paolo Di Canio.
He is also still under gardening leave at Bristol Rovers and therefore still on their pay-roll.
Chris Hargreaves
Would be a popular appointment amongst the Torquay faithful after he played a influential role as captain of the Gulls' side that won promotion back to the Football League in 2009.
He would also have an immediate knowledge of the current United squad as he is a former team-mate of many of them and he is also an individual who would command immediate respect.
Following a playing career which has seen him play for a range of clubs, including Grimsby Town, Hull City, West Bromwich Albion, Hereford United, Plymouth Argyle, Northampton Town, Brentford and Oxford United, he is not likely to be short of contacts in the game.
One thing that could count against him is his lack of coaching experience at senior level, as his only experience of coaching is with Exeter City's Under-16 side. However, as Terry Skiverton has shown at Yeovil Town, it is possible to make the transition from being an on-field leader to an off-field one.
Alex Russell
One of the most naturally gifted players to have appeared for the Gulls in the quarter of a century, Alex Russell is currently mulling over the offer of a new one-year deal from Yeovil Town at the age of 37.
However, it would be unlikely that the Glovers' would stand in his way if he was offered the position of manager at Plainmoor. The fact that he would still be able to play could be an advantage for him as whoever takes charge of the Gulls will be working with a limited budget. So he could combine the managers' role with playing, whilst working alongside a non-playing assistant.
Bruce Rioch
Following a playing career that saw him captain Scotland and win a league title with Derby County, Bruce Rioch started his managerial career with Torquay in 1982 after spending the previous season as player-coach under Frank O'Farrell.
He stayed at Plainmoor until 1984 as he then moved on to enjoy a managerial career which saw him take charge of Middlesbrough, Millwall, Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal, Norwich City and BK Odense and Aalborg in Denmark.
Career highlights include leading Middlesbrough and Bolton to the top-flight and he was also responsible for bringing Dennis Bergkamp to Arsenal during his one-year reign at Highbury.
In recent years, he led Aalborg to the group stages of the Champions League in the 2007-08 season and was linked with the Plymouth Argyle job last year before they finally decided on appointing Peter Reid.
Although it is often said that lower league management is a young man's game, there are a few exceptions to the rule such as Graham Turner who led Shrewsbury Town, the club where he started his managerial career in 1979, to 4th place in League Two this season after they had finished 12th in the 2009-10 campaign.
There would also be the potential for him to mentor a younger coach or player-coach in the same way that O'Farrell mentored him all those years ago.
Lee Hodges
Another recent member of the Gulls' playing staff, Lee Hodges spent two years at Plainmoor from 2008-2010, after leaving Plymouth Argyle, mainly as a squad player before taking charge at Truro City.
In his first season in charge at Truro, he led the White Tigers to the Zamaretto Southern Premier League title, which means they will be playing in Conference South in the 2011-12 campaign.
Whilst leading the Cornish side to the title in his first season is an impressive achievement, it remains to be seen whether Truro owner Kevin Heaney would allow Hodges to speak to the Gulls as Truro will surely be looking to reach the Blue Square Conference sooner rather than later.
Monday 30 May 2011
BUCKLE TAKES CHARGE AT BRISTOL ROVERS
After four years in charge at Plainmoor, Paul Buckle has left his post as Torquay United to take charge of Bristol Rovers.
During his time as Gulls' boss, Buckle has transformed the fortunes of Torquay who had been relegated to the Conference at the time of his arrival and only had four players under contract.
Upon his arrival, he used his contacts and knowledge of the league to bring players such as Lee Phillips, Chris Todd and Martin Rice from Exeter City, Tim Sills from Hereford United, Chris Hargreaves from Oxfiord and Kevin Nicholson from Forest Green Rovers.
However, such was the transformation of the club under Buckle that the Gulls reached the Conference Play-Off Semi-Finals and the FA Trophy final in his first season in charge, where they were beaten by Exeter City and Ebbsfleet respectively.
In his second season, Buckle once again led Torquay to the Play-Offs where they faced Histon in the Semi-Finals who they beat 2-1 on aggregate to set up a final with Cambridge United at Wembley.
The Gulls defeated Cambridge 2-0 to secure their return to the Football League with skipper Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills finding the target as they pulled off a memorable win.
Buckle's first season as a league manager proved to be a transitional one as a number of the players who had helped Torquay to end their two year exile in the Conference such as Chris Todd, Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills were moved on.
Fresh faces were brought into Plainmoor including Guy Branston and Northern Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane and Chris Zebroski returned to Torquay on a permanent basis as the Gulls ended the season in 17th place after going on a run of eight games without defeat in their final eight matches of the campaign, which included seven wins.
Torquay carried this form into the following season as they won their first four games of the 2010-11 campaign, which earned Buckle the manager of the month award for August 2010.
This provided the Gulls with a foundation to challenge for promotion as they finished the campaign in 7th place thus qualfying for the Play-Offs.
After beating Shrewsbury Town 2-0 on aggregate in the Semis, Torquay were beaten 1-0 in the final by Stevenage in what would ultimately prove to be his final game of his eventful four year reign as manager of Torquay United, which makes him the Gulls' third longest serving post war manager behind Eric Webber and Mike Green.
During his time as Gulls' boss, Buckle has transformed the fortunes of Torquay who had been relegated to the Conference at the time of his arrival and only had four players under contract.
Upon his arrival, he used his contacts and knowledge of the league to bring players such as Lee Phillips, Chris Todd and Martin Rice from Exeter City, Tim Sills from Hereford United, Chris Hargreaves from Oxfiord and Kevin Nicholson from Forest Green Rovers.
However, such was the transformation of the club under Buckle that the Gulls reached the Conference Play-Off Semi-Finals and the FA Trophy final in his first season in charge, where they were beaten by Exeter City and Ebbsfleet respectively.
In his second season, Buckle once again led Torquay to the Play-Offs where they faced Histon in the Semi-Finals who they beat 2-1 on aggregate to set up a final with Cambridge United at Wembley.
The Gulls defeated Cambridge 2-0 to secure their return to the Football League with skipper Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills finding the target as they pulled off a memorable win.
Buckle's first season as a league manager proved to be a transitional one as a number of the players who had helped Torquay to end their two year exile in the Conference such as Chris Todd, Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills were moved on.
Fresh faces were brought into Plainmoor including Guy Branston and Northern Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane and Chris Zebroski returned to Torquay on a permanent basis as the Gulls ended the season in 17th place after going on a run of eight games without defeat in their final eight matches of the campaign, which included seven wins.
Torquay carried this form into the following season as they won their first four games of the 2010-11 campaign, which earned Buckle the manager of the month award for August 2010.
This provided the Gulls with a foundation to challenge for promotion as they finished the campaign in 7th place thus qualfying for the Play-Offs.
After beating Shrewsbury Town 2-0 on aggregate in the Semis, Torquay were beaten 1-0 in the final by Stevenage in what would ultimately prove to be his final game of his eventful four year reign as manager of Torquay United, which makes him the Gulls' third longest serving post war manager behind Eric Webber and Mike Green.
Sunday 29 May 2011
REVIEW OF THE SEASON # EXETER CITY
The 2010-11 campaign for Exeter City will be remembered as one of sadness and one of joy.
At the start of the season, it was announced that striker Adam Stansfield had lost his battle with bowel cancer on August 10th 2010.
Following this tragic announcement, their first game following his death, against Dagenham and Redbridge, was postponed as a mark of respect and there were further tributes held when Exeter faced Yeovil Town, one of Adam's former clubs.
Incidentally, the last time the two clubs had met each other, Adam had found the score sheet in a 2-1 defeat for Exeter, a goal which he refused to celebrate as a mark of respect for the Glovers.
The Grecians also retired Adam's number nine shirt as he had been a key figure iu their rise from the Conference to League One.
As the season progressed, Exeter carried on with the progress they have made since Paul Tisdale took charge in 2006 as they equalled their best ever run in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as they reached the Southern Area final where they were beaten by Brenford.
En route they had beaten Plymouth Argyle 2-1 at Home Park in the Southern Quarter Final stage, which was the first of their three meetings during the campaign with the Pilgrims after having not played their Devon rivals for over nine years.
Goals from Ryan Harley and Daniel Nardiello proved to be enough to see off Argyle who replied through Chris Clark. The game was also notable for crowd trouble, which saw 15 arrests made.
The next meeting between the two sides came in December and the Pilgrims gained revenge with Bradley Wright-Phillips scoring a brace.
Their third encounter, and the only one of the three played at St James' Park, in April was played under very different circumstances.
By this time the Pilgrims had received a ten-point deduction for going into Administration and were fighting against relegation.
The Grecians were to heap further misery on Argyle as they won 1-0 with a goal on the stroke of half-time from James Dunne to underline their new found status as Devon's leading club.
This victory came in a run of seven wins in their final eight games of the season as they finished eighth in League One, equalling their highest ever league finish originally set in the 1979-80 season.
Leading scorer Jamie Cureton finished sixth in the league's highest scorers' chart with 20 goals.
Midfield playmaker Ryan Harley was also off to pastures new as he joined Swansea City on a free transfer during the January transfer window and was subsequently loaned back to the Grecians.
In other news, Bertie Cozic has aaoounced his retirement and coaches Marcus Stewart and Rob Edwards from playing as has manager Paul Tisdale.
Spanish forward Guillem Bauza, formerly of Swansea City and ex Spanish youth international contemporary of Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta, has become the Grecians' first summer signing after joining from Northampton Town.
At the start of the season, it was announced that striker Adam Stansfield had lost his battle with bowel cancer on August 10th 2010.
Following this tragic announcement, their first game following his death, against Dagenham and Redbridge, was postponed as a mark of respect and there were further tributes held when Exeter faced Yeovil Town, one of Adam's former clubs.
Incidentally, the last time the two clubs had met each other, Adam had found the score sheet in a 2-1 defeat for Exeter, a goal which he refused to celebrate as a mark of respect for the Glovers.
The Grecians also retired Adam's number nine shirt as he had been a key figure iu their rise from the Conference to League One.
As the season progressed, Exeter carried on with the progress they have made since Paul Tisdale took charge in 2006 as they equalled their best ever run in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as they reached the Southern Area final where they were beaten by Brenford.
En route they had beaten Plymouth Argyle 2-1 at Home Park in the Southern Quarter Final stage, which was the first of their three meetings during the campaign with the Pilgrims after having not played their Devon rivals for over nine years.
Goals from Ryan Harley and Daniel Nardiello proved to be enough to see off Argyle who replied through Chris Clark. The game was also notable for crowd trouble, which saw 15 arrests made.
The next meeting between the two sides came in December and the Pilgrims gained revenge with Bradley Wright-Phillips scoring a brace.
Their third encounter, and the only one of the three played at St James' Park, in April was played under very different circumstances.
By this time the Pilgrims had received a ten-point deduction for going into Administration and were fighting against relegation.
The Grecians were to heap further misery on Argyle as they won 1-0 with a goal on the stroke of half-time from James Dunne to underline their new found status as Devon's leading club.
This victory came in a run of seven wins in their final eight games of the season as they finished eighth in League One, equalling their highest ever league finish originally set in the 1979-80 season.
Leading scorer Jamie Cureton finished sixth in the league's highest scorers' chart with 20 goals.
Midfield playmaker Ryan Harley was also off to pastures new as he joined Swansea City on a free transfer during the January transfer window and was subsequently loaned back to the Grecians.
In other news, Bertie Cozic has aaoounced his retirement and coaches Marcus Stewart and Rob Edwards from playing as has manager Paul Tisdale.
Spanish forward Guillem Bauza, formerly of Swansea City and ex Spanish youth international contemporary of Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta, has become the Grecians' first summer signing after joining from Northampton Town.
GULLS FALL AT FINAL HURDLE
It was a case of close, but no cigar for Torquay United as they ended they lost out to Stevenage in the League Two Play-Off Final at Old Trafford.
A first half strike from John Mousinho ultimately proved to be the difference between the sides as Stevenage gained their first victory over the Gulls in seven attempts as they won their second consecutive promotion (they won the Blue Square Premier title last season).
After the match, one of the biggest talking points was the future of Torquay manager Paul Buckle who has bee heavily linked with a move to Bristol Rovers.
However, Buckle has refused to comment on whether he would be leaving and said he will not make a decision regarding his future until Monday.
A first half strike from John Mousinho ultimately proved to be the difference between the sides as Stevenage gained their first victory over the Gulls in seven attempts as they won their second consecutive promotion (they won the Blue Square Premier title last season).
After the match, one of the biggest talking points was the future of Torquay manager Paul Buckle who has bee heavily linked with a move to Bristol Rovers.
However, Buckle has refused to comment on whether he would be leaving and said he will not make a decision regarding his future until Monday.
Friday 27 May 2011
GULLS AIM TO FINISH JOB
At the start of the season, Torquay United were written off by many observers and few expected them to mount a serious challenge for promotion.
However, the Gulls now stand on the brink of clinching a place in League One for the 2011-12 campaign if they beat Stevenage in the League Two Play-Off final at Old Trafford.
To be in a position where they are now is an incredible story as four years ago, the club was relegated from the league for the first time in their history and only had four players under contract and things looked bleak at Plainmoor.
Since then, Torquay made a swift return to the league after winning promotion from the Conference and now manager Paul Buckle has assembled a young,vibrant squad who will be hoping to clinch what will be their second promotion in the space of four years.
The fact that they have come so far so quickly is testament to the character of the side, many of whom have experienced the pitfalls of the game and overcome adversity.
For example, goalkeeper Scott Bevan overcame a serious kidney injury when playing for Tamworth against Forest Green Rovers in 2006 and was forced to have a kidney removed.
Central defender and current player of the year Guy Branston joined from Burton Albion in the close season after a successful loan stint during the 2009-10 season. Whilst with the Brewers, he had seen his career tally of red cards rise to 18, but he hasn't been dismissed during his time at Plainmoor and was nominated in the PFA League Two Team of the Season.
Northern Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane arrived at Torquay in January 2009 after he looked to be heading towards obscurity after he was released by Everton and then returned home to sign for Coleraine. He is now a regular in the Gulls' midfield after being handed a second chance in the game by Buckle.
Leading scorer Chris Zebroski was dismissed by the Gulls' devon neighbours Plymouth Argyle earlier in his career for an attack on the then Pilgrims' skipper Paul Wotton.
Earlier this season, he was convicted for assaulting a soldier, which saw him sentenced to 150 hours community service and pay £300 to the soldier.
Nevertheless, Zebroski has scored eight goals in 21 appearances since early February, making him the Gulls' leading scorer overall with 15 strikes in all competitions.
All four players could all have key roles in the outcome of tomorrow's game.
However, the Gulls now stand on the brink of clinching a place in League One for the 2011-12 campaign if they beat Stevenage in the League Two Play-Off final at Old Trafford.
To be in a position where they are now is an incredible story as four years ago, the club was relegated from the league for the first time in their history and only had four players under contract and things looked bleak at Plainmoor.
Since then, Torquay made a swift return to the league after winning promotion from the Conference and now manager Paul Buckle has assembled a young,vibrant squad who will be hoping to clinch what will be their second promotion in the space of four years.
The fact that they have come so far so quickly is testament to the character of the side, many of whom have experienced the pitfalls of the game and overcome adversity.
For example, goalkeeper Scott Bevan overcame a serious kidney injury when playing for Tamworth against Forest Green Rovers in 2006 and was forced to have a kidney removed.
Central defender and current player of the year Guy Branston joined from Burton Albion in the close season after a successful loan stint during the 2009-10 season. Whilst with the Brewers, he had seen his career tally of red cards rise to 18, but he hasn't been dismissed during his time at Plainmoor and was nominated in the PFA League Two Team of the Season.
Northern Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane arrived at Torquay in January 2009 after he looked to be heading towards obscurity after he was released by Everton and then returned home to sign for Coleraine. He is now a regular in the Gulls' midfield after being handed a second chance in the game by Buckle.
Leading scorer Chris Zebroski was dismissed by the Gulls' devon neighbours Plymouth Argyle earlier in his career for an attack on the then Pilgrims' skipper Paul Wotton.
Earlier this season, he was convicted for assaulting a soldier, which saw him sentenced to 150 hours community service and pay £300 to the soldier.
Nevertheless, Zebroski has scored eight goals in 21 appearances since early February, making him the Gulls' leading scorer overall with 15 strikes in all competitions.
All four players could all have key roles in the outcome of tomorrow's game.
Tuesday 24 May 2011
REVIEW OF THE SEASON # YEOVIL TOWN
For Yeovil Town, the 2010-11 campaign will be remembered as being a season of two halves.
On New Year's Eve 2010, the Glovers were rooted to the bottom of League One with 16 points and were six points adrift of safety.
However, come May 7th, the final day of the regular season, Yeovil finished the campaign in 14th place after beating Carlisle United 2-0 at Brunton Park, one place higher than Sheffield Wednesday who lay in second place going into 2011.
After winning their opening game of the season 2-1 at home to Leyton Orient, the Glovers' form soon nosedived as they found themselves in the bottom four by the end of September.
Manager Terry Skiverton had used the loan market to good effect during the 2009-10 season to bring players such as Steven Caulker, who won the majority of the club's Player of the Year awards for the campaign, Ryan Mason, Jon Obika, Shaun MacDonald, Gavin Williams and Alex McCarthy.
Unfortunately for the Glovers', the names of Cameron Stewart, Luke Freeman and Rob Kiernan didn't match the form shown by their predecessors.
One of the key factors in the Glovers' post new year revival was the signings made by manager Terry Skiverton during the January 2011 transfer window.
Making their Yeovil debuts' on New Years' Day against Plymouth Argyle were midfielder Paul Wotton, who joined on loan from Southampton, a deal that was later made permanent, and young German defender Max Ehmer who signed from QPR on loan.
Both proved to be inspired signings as Wotton brought plenty of experience to the Glovers' midfield and Ehmer filled the void left by Steven Caulker, who produced a number of assured performances during his season long-loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the previous campaign.
Other signings during the transfer window included the permanent acquistion of former Torquay, Bristol City and Exeter midfielder Alex Russell who joined from Bath City and demonstrated that despite being 38 years of age, he could still do a job at League One level when called upon.
Striker Oli Johnson and goalkeeper Stephen Henderson joined on loan from Norwich City and Bristol City respectively and both proved to be inspired signings. Henderson, who also had a loan spell with the Glovers earlier in the season, but was recalled his parent club due to injury, virtually swept the board at the club's Player of the Year awards and, at the time of writing, looks set to return to Huish Park on a permanent basis.
Yeovil only lost one game in the month of January from a possible seven and skipper Paul Huntington was awarded the Npower League One Player of the Month award and Skivo was also nominated the Manager of the Month prize.
Following their 2-0 win over Brentford on January 8th, Skivo told the assembled media: "I wanted to know whether the players were with me or not and they have proved that they're up to the challenge over recent games.
"I showed them a picture of a boat leaving the harbour and asked them if they wanted to be on it or left behind.
"They've stayed with us and been rewarded for showing the bravery and desire that I have been demanding"
The Glovers continued to show that desire for the remaining games of the season and ended the campaign with only two defeats in their final 12 matches which included a 5-1 win over Leyton Orient, which saw Shaun MacDonald, returning for his fifth loan spell at Huish Park from Swansea City, score his first career hat-trick.
Their 14th place is also Yeovil's second highest ever league placing since they won promotion from the Conference in 2003.
Skivo has stated his desire to bring MacDonald to Huish Park on a permanent basis and if he was able to sign him and persuade the vast majority of the Glovers' out of contract players to remain with Yeovil, which include 15-goal leading scorer Dean Bowditch, experienced defender Adam Virgo and winger Andy Welsh, then the Glovers could turn out to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2011-12 campaign in League One.
On New Year's Eve 2010, the Glovers were rooted to the bottom of League One with 16 points and were six points adrift of safety.
However, come May 7th, the final day of the regular season, Yeovil finished the campaign in 14th place after beating Carlisle United 2-0 at Brunton Park, one place higher than Sheffield Wednesday who lay in second place going into 2011.
After winning their opening game of the season 2-1 at home to Leyton Orient, the Glovers' form soon nosedived as they found themselves in the bottom four by the end of September.
Manager Terry Skiverton had used the loan market to good effect during the 2009-10 season to bring players such as Steven Caulker, who won the majority of the club's Player of the Year awards for the campaign, Ryan Mason, Jon Obika, Shaun MacDonald, Gavin Williams and Alex McCarthy.
Unfortunately for the Glovers', the names of Cameron Stewart, Luke Freeman and Rob Kiernan didn't match the form shown by their predecessors.
One of the key factors in the Glovers' post new year revival was the signings made by manager Terry Skiverton during the January 2011 transfer window.
Making their Yeovil debuts' on New Years' Day against Plymouth Argyle were midfielder Paul Wotton, who joined on loan from Southampton, a deal that was later made permanent, and young German defender Max Ehmer who signed from QPR on loan.
Both proved to be inspired signings as Wotton brought plenty of experience to the Glovers' midfield and Ehmer filled the void left by Steven Caulker, who produced a number of assured performances during his season long-loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the previous campaign.
Other signings during the transfer window included the permanent acquistion of former Torquay, Bristol City and Exeter midfielder Alex Russell who joined from Bath City and demonstrated that despite being 38 years of age, he could still do a job at League One level when called upon.
Striker Oli Johnson and goalkeeper Stephen Henderson joined on loan from Norwich City and Bristol City respectively and both proved to be inspired signings. Henderson, who also had a loan spell with the Glovers earlier in the season, but was recalled his parent club due to injury, virtually swept the board at the club's Player of the Year awards and, at the time of writing, looks set to return to Huish Park on a permanent basis.
Yeovil only lost one game in the month of January from a possible seven and skipper Paul Huntington was awarded the Npower League One Player of the Month award and Skivo was also nominated the Manager of the Month prize.
Following their 2-0 win over Brentford on January 8th, Skivo told the assembled media: "I wanted to know whether the players were with me or not and they have proved that they're up to the challenge over recent games.
"I showed them a picture of a boat leaving the harbour and asked them if they wanted to be on it or left behind.
"They've stayed with us and been rewarded for showing the bravery and desire that I have been demanding"
The Glovers continued to show that desire for the remaining games of the season and ended the campaign with only two defeats in their final 12 matches which included a 5-1 win over Leyton Orient, which saw Shaun MacDonald, returning for his fifth loan spell at Huish Park from Swansea City, score his first career hat-trick.
Their 14th place is also Yeovil's second highest ever league placing since they won promotion from the Conference in 2003.
Skivo has stated his desire to bring MacDonald to Huish Park on a permanent basis and if he was able to sign him and persuade the vast majority of the Glovers' out of contract players to remain with Yeovil, which include 15-goal leading scorer Dean Bowditch, experienced defender Adam Virgo and winger Andy Welsh, then the Glovers could turn out to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2011-12 campaign in League One.
Saturday 21 May 2011
GULLS REACH OLD TRAFFORD AFTER TAMING THE SHREWS
Torquay United secured their place in this season's League Two Play-Off final after holding Shrewsbury Town to a goalless draw at the Greenhous Meadow.
The Gulls' two goal advantage from the first leg at Plainmoor proved to be enough to see them through to the final at Old Trafford where they will face Stevenage who overcame Accrington Stanley 3-0 on aggregate.
If Torquay's previous Play-Off appearances are anything to go by, the omens are looking good for the Gulls.
In their 1991 triumph over Blackpool, Torquay went into their second leg of their Semi-Final against Burnley after beating the Clarets 2-0 at Plainmoor in the first leg and reached the final despite losing 1-0 to the Clarets.
Fast forward to 2009 and the Gulls beat Histon 2-0 at Plainmoor in the first leg of their Conference Play-Off Semi-Final enroute to clinching their return to the Football League with a 2-0 win over Cambridge United at Wembley.
Should they go on to win promotion, it will Torquay's second promotion in the space of four years, prior to that the Gulls had experienced relegation heartache in two of the three seasons, which, of course, came after their automatic promotion success in 2004 under Leroy Rosenior.
One thing is for sure, life as a Torquay United fan certainly isn't dull!
The Gulls' two goal advantage from the first leg at Plainmoor proved to be enough to see them through to the final at Old Trafford where they will face Stevenage who overcame Accrington Stanley 3-0 on aggregate.
If Torquay's previous Play-Off appearances are anything to go by, the omens are looking good for the Gulls.
In their 1991 triumph over Blackpool, Torquay went into their second leg of their Semi-Final against Burnley after beating the Clarets 2-0 at Plainmoor in the first leg and reached the final despite losing 1-0 to the Clarets.
Fast forward to 2009 and the Gulls beat Histon 2-0 at Plainmoor in the first leg of their Conference Play-Off Semi-Final enroute to clinching their return to the Football League with a 2-0 win over Cambridge United at Wembley.
Should they go on to win promotion, it will Torquay's second promotion in the space of four years, prior to that the Gulls had experienced relegation heartache in two of the three seasons, which, of course, came after their automatic promotion success in 2004 under Leroy Rosenior.
One thing is for sure, life as a Torquay United fan certainly isn't dull!
Friday 20 May 2011
GULLS VS SHREWS PART IV
Torquay United head to the Greenhous Meadow tonight with a two goal advantage over Shrewsbury Town ahead of their Play-Off Semi-Final second leg.
It will be the fourth time that the Gulls have faced the Shrews this season and, in the three meetings between the two sides, they have produced nine goals, including a 5-0 win for Torquay when they face each other in front of the Sky TV cameras.
Of course, their previous encounters during the regular season will count for nothing tonight as a place at Old Trafford in the final against Accrington Stanley or Stevenage is the prize at stake for the Gulls if they can maintain or extend their 2-0 lead of the first leg over 90 minutes.
Two leading protagonists in the three meetings between the Gulls and Shrews have been Nicky Wroe and Jake Robinson who, during those three games, have appeared for both sides.
The first encounter, in early October, at the Greenhous Meadow saw Robinson open the scoring for Shrewsbury before Wroe missed a penalty as the two sides drew 1-1.
When the return fixture was played at Plainmoor in mid March, the duo had, by this time, swapped sides in the January transfer window with Wroe moving to the Shrews for £10,000 and Robinson joining the Gulls on loan until the end of the season.
This decision appeared to have backfired on Shrewsbury boss Graham Turner, who didn't insert any clause in the contract of Robinson prevented him from appearing for the Gulls in any meeting between the two clubs, as Robinson bagged a brace in Torquay's 5-0 demolition of the Shropshire side.
In their Play-Off meeting, Robinson once again appeared on the team sheet for the Gulls, but wasn't amongst the scorers as Torquay gained a 2-0 advantage from the first leg with Chris Zebroski and Eunan O'Kane finding the target.
As they prepare for their fourth meeting of the season tonight, the tale could yet have more twists and turns in what has already proved to be an interesting chain of events.
It will be the fourth time that the Gulls have faced the Shrews this season and, in the three meetings between the two sides, they have produced nine goals, including a 5-0 win for Torquay when they face each other in front of the Sky TV cameras.
Of course, their previous encounters during the regular season will count for nothing tonight as a place at Old Trafford in the final against Accrington Stanley or Stevenage is the prize at stake for the Gulls if they can maintain or extend their 2-0 lead of the first leg over 90 minutes.
Two leading protagonists in the three meetings between the Gulls and Shrews have been Nicky Wroe and Jake Robinson who, during those three games, have appeared for both sides.
The first encounter, in early October, at the Greenhous Meadow saw Robinson open the scoring for Shrewsbury before Wroe missed a penalty as the two sides drew 1-1.
When the return fixture was played at Plainmoor in mid March, the duo had, by this time, swapped sides in the January transfer window with Wroe moving to the Shrews for £10,000 and Robinson joining the Gulls on loan until the end of the season.
This decision appeared to have backfired on Shrewsbury boss Graham Turner, who didn't insert any clause in the contract of Robinson prevented him from appearing for the Gulls in any meeting between the two clubs, as Robinson bagged a brace in Torquay's 5-0 demolition of the Shropshire side.
In their Play-Off meeting, Robinson once again appeared on the team sheet for the Gulls, but wasn't amongst the scorers as Torquay gained a 2-0 advantage from the first leg with Chris Zebroski and Eunan O'Kane finding the target.
As they prepare for their fourth meeting of the season tonight, the tale could yet have more twists and turns in what has already proved to be an interesting chain of events.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
FLETCH PROVIDES PILGRIMS WITH WELCOME BOOST
Plymouth Argyle skipper Carl Fletcher has provided the Pilgrims with a welcome boost following their relegation to League Two by announcing that he will be staying at Home Park for the 2011-12 season.
This represents a major plus for the Argyle faithful who are currently waiting on news regarding the futures of the club's 13 other out-of-contract players and also on the identity of the club's preferred bidder who was selected by Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle.
Fletcher, who has won the club's Player of the Year award for the previous two campaigns, has exercised the option in his contract of extending his two-year stay at Home Park for a further year.
During this time, the Pilgrims have been relegated from the Championship in the 2009-10 season and in the current campaign, they were condemned to a second straight demotion after being deducted ten points for going into Administration in early March.
In his career, Fletcher has won promotion from the level the Pilgrims now find themselves at with AFC Bournemouth in the 2002-03 season when the Cherries defeated Lincoln City in the Division Three Play-Off final at the Millennium Stadium as they bounced back to the Second Division at the first attempt, which is something that Argyle will be aiming to do once the new season starts in August.
This represents a major plus for the Argyle faithful who are currently waiting on news regarding the futures of the club's 13 other out-of-contract players and also on the identity of the club's preferred bidder who was selected by Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle.
Fletcher, who has won the club's Player of the Year award for the previous two campaigns, has exercised the option in his contract of extending his two-year stay at Home Park for a further year.
During this time, the Pilgrims have been relegated from the Championship in the 2009-10 season and in the current campaign, they were condemned to a second straight demotion after being deducted ten points for going into Administration in early March.
In his career, Fletcher has won promotion from the level the Pilgrims now find themselves at with AFC Bournemouth in the 2002-03 season when the Cherries defeated Lincoln City in the Division Three Play-Off final at the Millennium Stadium as they bounced back to the Second Division at the first attempt, which is something that Argyle will be aiming to do once the new season starts in August.
Sunday 15 May 2011
ZEBS AND O'KANE GIVE GULLS TWO GOAL ADVANTAGE
It may not have been a repeat of the five goal classic that occured when the two sides last met in the league in March, but Torquay United have a comfortable advantage over Shrewsbury Town in their League Two Play-Off Semi-Final first leg encounter.
First half goals from Chris Zebroski and Eunan O'Kane gave the Gulls a two goal cushion going into their second leg meeting with the Shrews on Friday night.
This season is the seventh time that Torquay have involved in the end of season drama that is the Play-Offs and the third time in the last four years they have been involved in the end of season finale.
Their first season in the Conference, the 2007-08 campaign, saw the Gulls face local rivals Exeter City in the Blue Square Premier Play-Offs.
After winning the first leg 2-1 at St James' Park with goals from Tim Sills and Chris Zebroski, Torquay were looking comfortable going into the second leg at Plainmoor and when Kevin Hill, who was equalling the club's all-time appearance record on the day, it looked as though a fairytale story was in the process of being written.
However, the Grecians hit back and ended up winning 4-1 and going through the final against Cambridge United.
The following season, Torquay found themselves in the Play-Offs again, this time facing Histon. The Gulls won the first leg 2-0 with Tim Sills and Nicky Wroe finding the target. Despite losing the second leg in Camrbidgeshire 1-0, Torquay won in the final at Wembley 2-0 with Chris Hargreaves and Sills finding the back of the net.
It is also worth noting that it is 20 years since the Gulls won their first Play-Off final when they famously became the first English club to win promotion on penalties when they beat Blackpool at Wembley.
After drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes and extra time with Dean Edwards and Wes Saunders scoring for Torquay. In the penalty shoot-out, the score was poised at 4-4 with Mickey Holmes, Chris Myers, Saunders and Paul Holmes successfully converting their spot-kicks.
In sudden death, Gulls' keeper Gareth Howells stepped up and fired his penalty past his Tangerines' counterpart Steve McIlhargey to make the score on penalties 5-4 in favour of Torquay.
Then Blackpool's leading scorer David Bamber stepped up to take his spot-kick which he drilled wide which meant that Torquay's 19 year exile in the basement division came to an end.
Could history repeat itself 20 years on!
First half goals from Chris Zebroski and Eunan O'Kane gave the Gulls a two goal cushion going into their second leg meeting with the Shrews on Friday night.
This season is the seventh time that Torquay have involved in the end of season drama that is the Play-Offs and the third time in the last four years they have been involved in the end of season finale.
Their first season in the Conference, the 2007-08 campaign, saw the Gulls face local rivals Exeter City in the Blue Square Premier Play-Offs.
After winning the first leg 2-1 at St James' Park with goals from Tim Sills and Chris Zebroski, Torquay were looking comfortable going into the second leg at Plainmoor and when Kevin Hill, who was equalling the club's all-time appearance record on the day, it looked as though a fairytale story was in the process of being written.
However, the Grecians hit back and ended up winning 4-1 and going through the final against Cambridge United.
The following season, Torquay found themselves in the Play-Offs again, this time facing Histon. The Gulls won the first leg 2-0 with Tim Sills and Nicky Wroe finding the target. Despite losing the second leg in Camrbidgeshire 1-0, Torquay won in the final at Wembley 2-0 with Chris Hargreaves and Sills finding the back of the net.
It is also worth noting that it is 20 years since the Gulls won their first Play-Off final when they famously became the first English club to win promotion on penalties when they beat Blackpool at Wembley.
After drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes and extra time with Dean Edwards and Wes Saunders scoring for Torquay. In the penalty shoot-out, the score was poised at 4-4 with Mickey Holmes, Chris Myers, Saunders and Paul Holmes successfully converting their spot-kicks.
In sudden death, Gulls' keeper Gareth Howells stepped up and fired his penalty past his Tangerines' counterpart Steve McIlhargey to make the score on penalties 5-4 in favour of Torquay.
Then Blackpool's leading scorer David Bamber stepped up to take his spot-kick which he drilled wide which meant that Torquay's 19 year exile in the basement division came to an end.
Could history repeat itself 20 years on!
Saturday 14 May 2011
TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT
In a day that could see the Premiership title and relegation outcomes become a little clearer and the FA Cup is to be won, one of the most intriguing matches of the day takes place at Plainmoor.
For the second time this season, Torquay United loanee Jake Robinson will be facing his parent club Shrewsbury Town in the first of two meetings between the Gulls and Shrews that will see who makes it to Old Trafford for the League Two Play-Off final.
Torquay won the last meeting between the two sides 5-0 with Robinson netting a brace, but it is likely Shrewsbury boss Graham Turner will be playing closer to his on loan charge this time around.
Watch this space!
For the second time this season, Torquay United loanee Jake Robinson will be facing his parent club Shrewsbury Town in the first of two meetings between the Gulls and Shrews that will see who makes it to Old Trafford for the League Two Play-Off final.
Torquay won the last meeting between the two sides 5-0 with Robinson netting a brace, but it is likely Shrewsbury boss Graham Turner will be playing closer to his on loan charge this time around.
Watch this space!
Friday 13 May 2011
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS #6
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS 1990’s & 2000’s
St Austell born goalkeeper Nigel Martyn had already created history before he lined up for Crystal Palace against Manchester United in the 1990 FA Cup final after he became Britain’s first £1million keeper when he moved to Selhurst Park from Bristol Rovers.
He has originally joined the Pirates after being spotted by the Rovers’ tea lady who had been holidaying in Cornwall and tipped up the then Pirates boss Gerry Francis of his abilities.
Also in the Eagles’ side that day was midfielder Alan Pardew who had arrived at Selhurst Park in 1987 from Yeovil Town, where he had combined playing for the Glovers’ with working as Glazier. He had also scored the decisive goal in the Eagles’ 4-3 win over Liverpool in the Semi-Finals.
However, there was to be no fairy tale story in the final as, after a creditable 3-3 draw with the Red Devils, they lost the replay 1-0 courtesy of a Lee Martin strike, against a Manchester United side that included former Plymouth Argyle loanee Les Sealey, who was selected ahead of Jim Leighton for the replay.
1994, 1995 & 1996 Lee Sharpe (Manchester United)
After making his breakthrough into professional football as a teenager with Torquay United during the 1987-88 season, Lee Sharpe earned himself a dream move to Manchester United after making 19 appearances and scoring three goals for the Gulls.
Sharpe figured in the Red Devils side as they replaced Liverpool as the dominant force in the English game and was involved in three of United’s cup final appearances of the 1990’s, before injuries, illness and the emergence of Ryan Giggs saw him become a bit part player at Old Trafford
He played in their 1994 and 1995 appearances, which saw them defeat Chelsea 4-0 and lose 1-0 to Everton respectively. Lee was a non-playing substitute in their 1996 final victory over Liverpool before joining Leeds United in the following summer.
Moves to Sampdoria, Bradford City and Portsmouth before Lee made a brief return to Devon to sign for Exeter City in 2002, with the final game of his short stay at St James’ Park coming against Torquay.
1995 Neville Southall (Everton)
Nine years after his last cup final appearance with the Toffees, Neville Southall was back at Wembley as Everton faced Manchester United in the 1995 final.
The Red Devils went into the game as reigning holders and favourites, but it was the Toffees who got their hands on the trophy as they won 1-0 thanks to a Paul Rideout header. The game also saw Neville pull off a number of outstanding saves that saw him clinch the Man of the Match award as Everton lifted their last piece of major silverware to date.
Just over three years later, he would be plying his trade at Plainmoor after moving to Torquay United after a brief spell with Stoke City. He won the Gulls’ Player of the Year award for the 1998-99 season before leaving Plainmoor in January 2000.
1997 Ben Roberts (Middlesbrough)
Former Yeovil Town goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts appeared for Middlesbrough in the 1997 cup final against Chelsea as a replacement for Mark Schwarzer.
Unfortunately for Ben, one of his first acts of the afternoon was to pick the ball out of the net after Roberto Di Matteo scored the second fastest FA Cup final goal of all-time after 42 seconds, as Boro went on to lose the final 2-0.
Spells at a number of clubs followed including Charlton Athletic and Brighton and Hove Albion followed before Ben became goalkeeping coach with Yeovil Town in 2009.
Ben remained at Huish Park until midway through the 2010-11 season when he returned to the Valley to take up a similar position with Charlton. He managed one solitary appearance with the Glovers’ in a 3-3 draw with Swindon Town as a substitute for the injured Stephen Henderson.
2006 Carl Fletcher, Matthew Etherington and Alan Pardew (West Ham United)
The 2006 final, which was the last final to be staged at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff, whilst Wembley was being redeveloped, saw three figures with South West connections involved for West Ham.
Current Plymouth Argyle skipper Carl Fletcher started the game for the Hammers and was replaced by Christian Dailly on 77 minutes.
Truro born winger Matt Etherington also featured for West Ham who were managed by Alan Pardew.
Despite leading the match 3-1 at one stage, Liverpool came back into the game to draw 3-3, courtesy of two Steven Gerrard strikes, after normal time before going on to win 3-1 on penalties.
2008 Tony Capaldi (Cardiff City)
After appearing for Northern Ireland in their 2006 World Cup qualifier win over England in 2005, whilst still a Plymouth Argyle player, Tony Capaldi found himself involved in another big occasion after helping Cardiff reach the 2008 final where they faced Portsmouth.
The Bluebirds became the first team from outside the top-flight to reach the final since 1992, but their dreams of lifting the cup were dashed as Portsmouth won 1-0 through a Nwankwo Kanu effort.
2009 Dan Gosling (Everton)
Brixham born teenager Dan Gosling had already written his name into Everton folklore when he scored the winner in the Toffees’ fourth round victory over Liverpool.
Unfortunately for Dan, who had started his career with Plymouth Argyle, he was unable to repeat those heroics in the final as Everton were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea.
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS #5
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS 1980’s
1981 & 1982 Graham Roberts & Steve Perryman (Tottenham Hotspur)
The early 1980’s saw Tottenham Hotspur establish themselves as one of the leading clubs in England by winning the FA Cup in 1981 and then retained the trophy in the following year.
Central to Spurs’ success were two players who would find their way to the South West later in the respective careers.
Defender Graham Roberts had arrived at White Hart Lane from Weymouth Town several years earlier. He became a regular in the Spurs’ backline before moving on to Glasgow Rangers and Chelsea later in his career.
Graham would later go on to manage Yeovil Town between 1995 and 1998. His time at Huish Park proved to be relatively successful as he guided the Glovers to promotion from the ICIS League in the 1996-97 season.
Steve Perryman, who made a record 854 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, has been Director of Football with Exeter City since their relegation to the Conference in 2003, having originally arrived at St James’ Park as a consultant to the then Grecians’ manager Noel Blake in the 2000-01 season. Incidentally, during their run to the final in 1981, Spurs defeated Exeter in the Quarter Finals.
1981 Milija Aleksic (Tottenham Hotspur) & Gerry Gow (Manchester City)
Goalkeeper Milija Aleksic who appeared for Spurs in the 1981 final, had previously played for Plymouth Argyle from 1973 to 1976. Within a year of appearing at Wembley, he was playing for Barnet.
In the blue corner of Manchester City was Scottish midfielder Gerry Gow who, like Graham Roberts, would go on to manage Yeovil Town. Gow managed the Glovers for three years from 1984 to 1987 and led Yeovil to runners’ up place in the Isthmian League in the 1985-86 & 1986-87 seasons.
1984, 1985 & 1986 Neville Southall and Peter Reid (Everton)
Neville Southall, who would later appear for Torquay United, and Peter Reid, the current Plymouth Argyle manager, were both present in Everton’s three cup final appearances of the mid 1980’s in an era that saw the Toffees match the dominance of their arch rivals Liverpool.
Their first cup appearance came in 1984 against a Watford side who had ended Argyle’s memorable run to the semi-finals that year after defeating them 1-0 at Villa Park. Everton won 2-0 on the day with goals from Graeme Sharp and Andy Gray.
The following season saw the Toffees return to Wembley where they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United.
It was a game that saw Peter Reid at the heart of one of the occasion’s biggest talking points, as Manchester United’s Kevin Moran became the first player ever to be sent off in an FA Cup final as the Irishman saw red for a professional foul on Reid.
A year later, Everton were in the final again in the first all Merseyside affair against Liverpool, which the Reds won 3-1.
During his time in charge at Home Park, Peter Reid put the runners’ up medal he received on that day available to the highest bidder for an auction to raise money to aid the Pilgrims fight for survival.
1987 David Phillips and John Sillett (Coventry City) & Chris Waddle (Tottenham Hotspur)
After missing out on a Wembley final appearance with Argyle in 1984, David Phillips finally made it to a final in 1987 with Coventry City. The Sky Blues’ manager that day was John Sillett, who himself had had a spell as a player at Home Park during the 1960’s.
Coventry upset the odds that day to win 3-2 against a Spurs’ side that included Chris Waddle who would enjoy a short spell with Torquay United towards the end of his career during the 1998-99 season.
1988 Clive Goodyear (Wimbledon)
1988 will go down as the year that the Crazy Gang of Wimbledon humbled the mighty Liverpool just over a decade after gaining entry to the Football League.
Amongst the Dons’ squad that day was Clive Goodyear who had helped Plymouth Argyle to win promotion from the ‘old Third Division under Dave Smith two years earlier.
Wednesday 11 May 2011
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS #4
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS 1970’s
1970 David Webb (Chelsea) & Terry Cooper (Leeds United)
The 1970 FA Cup final Chelsea and Leeds United would go down in history as being the first cup to be decided by a replay.
Featuring on that day were two players who would go on to manage in the South West with varying degrees of success.
Appearing for Chelsea was David Webb, who scored the winner for the Blues in the replay at Old Trafford, would be appointed as manager of Torquay United in 1984. He held the position of manager until 1985 when he became Managing Director and was replaced as manager by John Sims.
During this time, the Gulls were forced to apply for re-election to the Football League for the first time since 1927. Webb remained in his position as Managing Director for just one year before going on to manage Southend United, Chelsea and Brentford.
He returned to the South West in 2000 to take charge of Yeovil Town before returning to Southend later that year.
Starring for Leeds was Terry Cooper who, at the time, was set to feature at left back for England in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Cooper would later become manager of Exeter City in 1988 after previously managing Bristol Rovers and Bristol City. He led the Grecians to the Fourth Division title in the 1989-90 season and remained at St James’ Park for a further year before he was appointed as manager of Birmingham City.
Cooper later returned to Exeter in 1994 following the departure of Alan Ball to Southampton. Unfortunately, he was unable to stop the Grecians from being relegated from Division Two and the following season, they finished bottom of Division Three after going into Administration.
1971 & 1972 Alan Ball & Eddie Kelly (Arsenal)
The 1971 cup saw Arsenal become the second side to win the League and FA Cup double in the 20th century as they beat Liverpool 2-1 to lift the cup.
Scoring the equalising goal for the Gunners was substitute Eddie Kelly who became the first substitute to score a goal in an FA Cup final. Later un his career, he would appear for Torquay United between 1984 and 1986, making 35 appearances.
The win saw future Exeter City boss Alan Ball add an FA Cup winners’ medal to the World Cup winners’ medal he received in 1966.
The pair were back at Wembley a year later when the Gunners were beaten by Leeds United in the 1972 final.
1971 & 1974 Brian Hall (Liverpool)
On the losing side for Liverpool in 1971 was Brian Hall who would later become Plymouth Argyle’s record signing when Tony Waiters paid the Reds £50,000 for his services in 1976.
However, before his arrival at Home Park, Brian, a Mathematics graduate, would collect a winners’ medal in 1974 when Liverpool beat Newcastle United 3-0 with Kevin Keegan netting a brace.
In recent years, he was voted at Number 75 in a poll run by the Liverpool website called 100 players who shook the Kop.
1973 Mick Horswill (Sunderland)
By defeating Leeds United in the 1973 final, Sunderland pulled off one of the biggest cup final shocks ever. The Black Cats won 1-0 courtesy of an Ian Porterfield strike and had goalkeeper Jim Montgomery to thank for pulling off a breath taking save.
Their side also featured a flame-haired midfielder by the name of Mick Horswill who would join Plymouth Argyle two years later following a spell at Manchester City and made over a century of appearances for the Pilgrims’ before moving to Hull City in 1978.
1974 Bobby Moncur (Newcastle United)
After captaining Newcastle United to Fairs Cup glory in 1969, Bobby Moncur was unable lead the Magpies to FA Cup success as they were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool in the 1974.
Following his retirement from playing, Bobby managed Carlisle United and Hearts before he was appointed as Plymouth Argyle manager in 1981 where he stayed for two years before he was replaced by John Hore in 1983.
1978 Paul Mariner (Ipswich Town)
Paul Mariner first arrived at Home Park in 1973 as a 20-year old when Tony Waiters brought him to Plymouth Argyle from Chorley. In his first season with the Pilgrims, Paul helped them to reach the Semi-Finals of the League Cup where they were beaten by Manchester City over two legs.
Two years later , Paul spearheaded Argyle’s promotion from the ‘old’ Third Division with the goals scored by himself and Billy Rafferty being central to the Pilgrims’ success.
In 1976, he left Home Park to join Bobby Robson’s Ipswich Town for £220,000 in preference to a move to West Ham United. Whilst at Ipswich, Paul helped the Tractor Boys to FA Cup glory in 1978 as they defeated Arsenal 1-0 thanks to a Roger Osborne effort.
After helping Ipswich to win the UEFA Cup in 1981, Paul left Portman Road to join Arsenal and would later appear for Portsmouth before winding down his career in America where he first became involved in coaching.
Paul returned to Home Park in October 2009 as assistant to the then Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock before replacing him two months later. Unfortunately, he was unable to prevent the Pilgrims’ from being relegated from the Championship in the 2009-10 season.
Paul remained with Argyle as Head Coach after Peter Reid was appointed as manager in the summer of 2010 before leaving Home Park for a second time in January 2011 to become Player Development coach with MLS side Toronto FC.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS #3
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS 1960’s
1963 Maurice Setters (Manchester United)
Honiton born Maurice Setters started his professional career with Exeter City in 1952 before moving onto West Bromwich Albion in 1955. A move to Old Trafford followed five years later as Sir Matt Busby continued his rebuilding programme of Manchester United following the Munich Air Crash in 1958. Their cup win over Leicester City in the 1963 final, over Leicester City, saw the Red Devils lift their first trophy since the disaster.
Maurice later appeared for Stoke City, Coventry City and Charlton Athletic before entering coaching. He was Jack Charlton’s right hand man at Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United and Maurice also assisted Charlton during his reign as manager of the Republic of Ireland.
1964 John Bond and Ken Brown (West Ham United)
John Bond and Ken Brown had both spent their entire playing careers with West Ham United when they lined up for the 1964 FA Cup final, which saw the Hammers take on Preston North End. West Ham won the game 3-2 with a side that featured future World Cup winners Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst.
After leaving Upton Park, both Bond and Brown were persuaded by their former Hammers’ team-mate Frank O’Farrell to join Torquay United. John Bond arrived at Plainmoor midway through the 1965-66 season and helped Torquay to win promotion from the ‘old Division Four, in a year that saw his former colleagues Moore and Hurst enjoy World Cup glory with England.
After retiring from playing, Bond embarked on a managerial career that saw him take charge of Bournemouth, Norwich City, Manchester City, who he guided to the 1981 FA Cup final, Burnley and Swansea City.
A year later, by which time Torquay had established themselves in the third division, he was joined by Brown who had added a European Cup Winners’ Cup medal to his collection of honours in 1965 after the Hammers defeated Bayern Munich at Wembley. After finishing his league career at Plainmoor in 1969, Brown later returned to the South West in 1987 to manage Plymouth Argyle in a managerial career that also saw him manage Norwich City, who he led to Milk Cup glory in 1985.
1966 Mike Trebilcock (Everton)
After being given his Plymouth Argyle by Malcolm Allison in the 1962-63 campaign, Mike Trebilcock was transferred to Everton in December 1965 for £23,000.
Toffees’ boss Harry Catterick caused a stir before that season’s cup final against Sheffield Wednesday when he selected Mike, who was still a relative unknown at the time, ahead of the experienced Fred Pickering.
However, Mike netted twice in a 3-2 win for Everton and became a hero overnight. He would to South West later in his career when he signed for Torquay United in 1971 and spent one season at Plainmoor.
1967 Cyril Knowles (Tottenham Hotspur)
After joining Tottenham Hotspur from Middlesbrough in 1964, Cyril became a cult hero at White Hart Lane and he even had a song written about him: ‘Nice one Cyril.’
Cyril was part of the Spurs’ side that won the first all London FA Cup final in 1967 which Tottenham defeat Chelsea.
He achieved further success with Spurs as he won the 1971 League Cup and helped them to win the UEFA Cup a year later.
As a manager, he guided Darlington to promotion from Division Four in 1985 before he arrived at Plainmoor in 1987 and masterminded a League Cup win over Spurs courtesy of a Derek Dawkins’ strike before leading the Gulls to the Fourth Division Play-Offs where they were beaten by Swansea City over two legs. During his first season, Cyril also oversaw the development of a young Lee Sharpe who he sold on to Manchester United for £185,000.
A year later, he guided Torquay to their debut Wembley appearance in the Sherpa Van Trophy where the Gulls were beaten 4-1 by Bolton Wanderers after memorably beating Wolves over two legs in their Southern Area Final.
After leaving Plainmoor early in the 1989-90 season, Cyril later took charge of Hartlepool United before his death from a brain tumour in 1991 at the age of 47.
1968 Alan Ball (Everton)
After winning the World Cup in 1966, Alan Ball moved to Everton from Blackpool looking to win further honours. Unfortunately, his 1968 appearance at Wembley didn’t turn out to be as memorable as the one he made in the summer of 1966 as West Bromwich Albion defeated the Toffees’ 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jeff Astle.
Alan would later win a League Championship medal with Everton in 1970 before moving to Arsenal who he helped to win the double in the 1970-71 season.
He found his way to the South West in 1991 when he was appointed as manager of Exeter City. His spell at St James’ Park saw the Grecians flirt with relegation from Division Two, but under his tenure they did win a league double over Plymouth Argyle in the 1992-93 and, in the same season, they reached the Southern Area final of the Autoglass Trophy where they were beaten by Port Vale.
1969 Malcolm Allison and Tony Book (Manchester City) & Frank O’Farrell and Peter Shilton (Leicester City)
The 1969 cup final saw two old friends go face to face with each other, Manchester City assistant manager lined up against his friend and former team-mate Leicester City manager Frank O’Farrell.
Both men had been part of the original West Ham Academy, which spawned a generation of future managers including David Sexton, Noel Cantwell and Malcolm Musgrove.
After being forced to retire from playing due to a bout of tuberculosis, Allison had started his managerial with Bath City before moving onto Plymouth Argyle in 1964. He remained at Home Park for one season before he was appointed as assistant to Joe Mercer in 1965.
Like Allison, O’Farrell had started his managerial career in non-league football and took charge of Weymouth Town before he became manager of Torquay United in 1965. Whilst at Plainmoor, O’Farrell guided the Gulls to promotion in his first season in charge and remained with Torquay until 1968 when he was appointed as manager of the Foxes. O’Farrell would later go on to manager Manchester United, Cardiff City and the Iranian national side before returning for a second spell in charge at Plainmoor in 1981.
On the pitch, Manchester City were captained Tony Book in their side who had become an integral part of their side after playing under Allison at both Bath City and Plymouth Argyle. He led Manchester City to cup glory as they defeated Leicester 1-0 on the day. He was also named as the joint winner of the Football of the Year award with Dave Mackay for 1969.
Playing in goal for Leicester that day was future Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Shilton who won a record 125 caps for England before taking charge of the Pilgrims in an eventful three year spell between 1992 and 1995.
Monday 9 May 2011
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS #2
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS 1940’s &1950’s
1946 & 1947 Don Welsh (Charlton Athletic)
Don Welsh joined Charlton Athletic from Torquay United in 1935 and captained the Addicks to the first post-war FA Cup final in 1946 which saw Charlton face Derby County.
The Addicks were beaten 4-1 by the Rams, but Welsh was back at the home of football a year later as he led Charlton to cup glory as they defeated Burnley 1-0.
After retiring from playing, Don entered management and embarked on spells managing Brighton and Hove Albion, Liverpool, where he became the first manager ever to be sacked by the Anfield club, Bournemouth and Wycombe Wanderers.
1956 Alex Govan, Gordon Astall, Len Boyd & Johnny Newman (Birmingham City)
The 1956 FA Cup, which was won by Manchester City, will always be remembered for their German goalkeeper Bert Trautmann playing through the game with a broken neck, but lining up for Birmingham City that day were four players who spent different stages of their careers in the South West.
Forward Alex Govan started and finished his career with Plymouth Argyle. He first signed for the Pilgrims in 1946 and remained at Home Park until 1953 when he joined the Blues. Alex stayed at St Andrews until 1958 when he joined Portsmouth before returning to Home Park later that year where he finished his career in 1962.
Gordon Astall also joined Plymouth Argyle in 1946 and found his way to Birmingham in 1953, arriving at St Andrews shortly after Govan made the same journey. In an eight-year stint with the Blues, as well as appearing in the 1956 cup final, Gordon won two England caps and featured for the Blues in the 1961 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final, which they lost 4-1 to Barcelona.
In 1961, he returned to Devon to join Torquay United on a free transfer and he stayed at Plainmoor until 1963 when he retired from professional football.
Four years before Govan and Astall joined Birmingham City from the Pilgrims, Len Boyd trod the same path from Home Park to St Andrews in 1949. The 17,500 that the Blues paid Argyle for his services was the first five figure fee that the Pilgrims had ever received for a player. He was capped by England at Under-23 level and later played for Hinckley United after leaving St Andrews in 1959.
Central defender Johnny Newman would later go on to play for Plymouth Argyle (1960-1967) and Exeter City (1967-1972) and he would also manage the Grecians from 1969-1976 before going on to manage Grimsby Town, Derby County and Hereford United.
Sunday 8 May 2011
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS #1
In recognition of former Plymouth Argyle manager Tony Pulis leading a Stoke City side that could also feature Truro-born Matthew Etherington, injury pending, to this year's FA Cup final, we will be looking back this week at former FA Cup finalists with connections to South West Football.
1923 & 1930 David Jack (Bolton Wanderers & Arsenal)
After starting his career with Plymouth Argyle in 1919, David Jack played 45 times for the Pilgrims, where his father Bob Jack was manager, and scored ten goals.
His performances brought him to the attention of his home town club, Bolton Wanderers, who paid £3,500 for his services in 1920. He went on to make football history when he became the first player to score an FA Cup final goal at Wembley in 1923 for the Trotters as they beat West Ham United 2-0 in the ‘White Horse’ final, the first cup to be played at Wembley.
Jack later found further fame in his career when he moved to Arsenal to become the world’s first £10,000 footballer. He appeared for the Gunners in their 1930 final win over Huddersfield Town and he became the first player to win the cup with two different clubs.
1923,1926 &1929 Dick Pym (Bolton Wanderers)
The Bolton side that won the ‘White Horse final’ also featured Topsham-born goalkeeper Dick Pym, who had started his career at the turn of 1920’s with Exeter City. Pym would also win two further cup winners’ medals with Wanderers in 1926 and 1929 before he dropped into non-league football to sign for Yeovil and Petters United, a pre-runner of Yeovil Town, in 1930. In later life, he earned the title of being the longest lived England footballer when he died in 1988 at the age of 95.
1933 Sid Cann (Manchester City)
The next cup finalist with South West connections came in 1933 when former Torquay United full back Sid Cann appeared for Manchester City against Everton.
Cann had started his career with the Magpies, as Torquay were then known, in 1928 before joining City in 1930.
In the 1933 final, which Everton won 3-0 saw former England schoolboy cap Sid found himself lining up alongside future Manchester United manager Matt Busby and facing a Toffees’ side captained by the legendary Dixie Dean.
Following the final, Sid left Maine Road two years later to join Charlton Athletic and he later managed Southampton and Wycombe Wanderers.
1930 & 1936 Cliff Bastin (Arsenal)
Heavitree born Cliff Bastin appeared 17 times for Exeter City and scored six goals before he was enticed away from St James’ Park by Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman in 1928.
Cliff went on to help Arsenal dominate English football during the 1930’s and, by the age of nineteen, he had won a league title, an FA Cup and had been capped by England, becoming the youngest player to achieve all three feats, after picking up a winners' medal in 1930 final which saw the Gunners defeat Huddersfield Town.
He won a second cup winners’ medal in 1936 and he remained with Arsenal for the remainder of his career and he is currently their third all-time leading scorer behind Thierry Henry and Ian Wright.
1936 Ray Bowden (Arsenal)
Looe born Ray Bowden scored 83 goals and 149 games for Plymouth Argyle before he joined Arsenal as a replacement for David Jack in 1933. He was the Gunners’ joint-top scorer with Cliff Bastin in the 1933-34 season. He later added an FA Cup winners’ medal to his collection of honours in 1936 as Arsenal beat Sheffield United.
Ray later joined Newcastle United before retiring from professional football before the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
SOUTH WEST FA CUP FINALISTS
PRE-WAR
1923 & 1930 David Jack (Bolton Wanderers & Arsenal)
After starting his career with Plymouth Argyle in 1919, David Jack played 45 times for the Pilgrims, where his father Bob Jack was manager, and scored ten goals.
His performances brought him to the attention of his home town club, Bolton Wanderers, who paid £3,500 for his services in 1920. He went on to make football history when he became the first player to score an FA Cup final goal at Wembley in 1923 for the Trotters as they beat West Ham United 2-0 in the ‘White Horse’ final, the first cup to be played at Wembley.
Jack later found further fame in his career when he moved to Arsenal to become the world’s first £10,000 footballer. He appeared for the Gunners in their 1930 final win over Huddersfield Town and he became the first player to win the cup with two different clubs.
1923,1926 &1929 Dick Pym (Bolton Wanderers)
The Bolton side that won the ‘White Horse final’ also featured Topsham-born goalkeeper Dick Pym, who had started his career at the turn of 1920’s with Exeter City. Pym would also win two further cup winners’ medals with Wanderers in 1926 and 1929 before he dropped into non-league football to sign for Yeovil and Petters United, a pre-runner of Yeovil Town, in 1930. In later life, he earned the title of being the longest lived England footballer when he died in 1988 at the age of 95.
1933 Sid Cann (Manchester City)
The next cup finalist with South West connections came in 1933 when former Torquay United full back Sid Cann appeared for Manchester City against Everton.
Cann had started his career with the Magpies, as Torquay were then known, in 1928 before joining City in 1930.
In the 1933 final, which Everton won 3-0 saw former England schoolboy cap Sid found himself lining up alongside future Manchester United manager Matt Busby and facing a Toffees’ side captained by the legendary Dixie Dean.
Following the final, Sid left Maine Road two years later to join Charlton Athletic and he later managed Southampton and Wycombe Wanderers.
1930 & 1936 Cliff Bastin (Arsenal)
Heavitree born Cliff Bastin appeared 17 times for Exeter City and scored six goals before he was enticed away from St James’ Park by Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman in 1928.
Cliff went on to help Arsenal dominate English football during the 1930’s and, by the age of nineteen, he had won a league title, an FA Cup and had been capped by England, becoming the youngest player to achieve all three feats, after picking up a winners' medal in 1930 final which saw the Gunners defeat Huddersfield Town.
He won a second cup winners’ medal in 1936 and he remained with Arsenal for the remainder of his career and he is currently their third all-time leading scorer behind Thierry Henry and Ian Wright.
1936 Ray Bowden (Arsenal)
Looe born Ray Bowden scored 83 goals and 149 games for Plymouth Argyle before he joined Arsenal as a replacement for David Jack in 1933. He was the Gunners’ joint-top scorer with Cliff Bastin in the 1933-34 season. He later added an FA Cup winners’ medal to his collection of honours in 1936 as Arsenal beat Sheffield United.
Ray later joined Newcastle United before retiring from professional football before the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
PROMOTION JOY FOR FORMER PILGRIMS
Queens Park Rangers' promotion to the Premiership meant that three former Plymouth Argyle staff would be amongst those celebrating end of the R's 15-year exile from the top-flight.
For Rangers' boss Neil Warnock, it was his seventh career promotion which includes the 1995-96 Division Three Play-Off he achieved during his time at Home Park when he led Argyle to a 1-0 win over Darlington as they escaped the basement at their first attempt.
Amongst his victorious squad was the Pilgrims' former Hungarian playmaker Akos Buszaky, who first arrived at Home Park on loan from Porto during the 2004-05 season. The move was made permanent at the end of the season and Akos stayed with Argyle until midway through the 2007-08 season when he moved to Loftus Road.
Also making a contribution to QPR's success was Jamie Mackie who moved to Loftus Road from Argyle in the summer of 2010. Jamie had scored nine goals in 27 appearances before a serious leg break against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup ruled him out for the season. His performances for Rangers earned him a call-up to the Scotland squad, who he qualifies for through his grandfather. He has received three caps by Craig Levein and has scored one goal.
For Rangers' boss Neil Warnock, it was his seventh career promotion which includes the 1995-96 Division Three Play-Off he achieved during his time at Home Park when he led Argyle to a 1-0 win over Darlington as they escaped the basement at their first attempt.
Amongst his victorious squad was the Pilgrims' former Hungarian playmaker Akos Buszaky, who first arrived at Home Park on loan from Porto during the 2004-05 season. The move was made permanent at the end of the season and Akos stayed with Argyle until midway through the 2007-08 season when he moved to Loftus Road.
Also making a contribution to QPR's success was Jamie Mackie who moved to Loftus Road from Argyle in the summer of 2010. Jamie had scored nine goals in 27 appearances before a serious leg break against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup ruled him out for the season. His performances for Rangers earned him a call-up to the Scotland squad, who he qualifies for through his grandfather. He has received three caps by Craig Levein and has scored one goal.
Saturday 7 May 2011
TORQUAY SECURE PLAY OFF BERTH
Even though they suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium, Torquay United will be involved in the League Two Play-Offs.
As fellow Play-Off challengers Stevenage and Gillingham drew and lost their respective fixtures, the Gulls finished 7th in the table and will play Shrewsbury Town over two legs.
The first meeting between the two sides will take place next Saturday at Plainmoor with a 5:45pm kick off with the return leg being played at the Greenhous Meadow on the following Friday.
In the two meetings between the sides this season have seen a 1-1 draw at the Greenhous Meadow and a 5-0 victory for the Gulls at Plainmoor, which was notable for Torquay loanee Jake Robinson netting two goals against his parent club.
Robinson will be eligible to play against the Shrews this time around and former Torquay United midfielder Nicky Wroe, who moved in the opposite direction to Robinson in last January's transfer window, will once again will facing his former club.
As fellow Play-Off challengers Stevenage and Gillingham drew and lost their respective fixtures, the Gulls finished 7th in the table and will play Shrewsbury Town over two legs.
The first meeting between the two sides will take place next Saturday at Plainmoor with a 5:45pm kick off with the return leg being played at the Greenhous Meadow on the following Friday.
In the two meetings between the sides this season have seen a 1-1 draw at the Greenhous Meadow and a 5-0 victory for the Gulls at Plainmoor, which was notable for Torquay loanee Jake Robinson netting two goals against his parent club.
Robinson will be eligible to play against the Shrews this time around and former Torquay United midfielder Nicky Wroe, who moved in the opposite direction to Robinson in last January's transfer window, will once again will facing his former club.
Friday 6 May 2011
ARGYLE AGREE DEAL WITH CREDITORS
Plymouth Argyle moved a step closer to coming out of Administration after agreeing a deal with the club's creditors.
The CVA (Creditors Voluntary Agreement), which received support from more than the 75% majority required for the deal to accepted, will see the club's creditors receive less than a penny of every pound owed.
Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle also revealed that a deal had been struck with a preferred bidder, stating that it is not anyone with a previous connection with the Pilgrims.
The CVA (Creditors Voluntary Agreement), which received support from more than the 75% majority required for the deal to accepted, will see the club's creditors receive less than a penny of every pound owed.
Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle also revealed that a deal had been struck with a preferred bidder, stating that it is not anyone with a previous connection with the Pilgrims.
GULLS HEAD NORTH IN PLAY OFF BID
Torquay United head into tomorrow's League Two fixture with Rotherham United needing a win to secure a place in the end of season Play-Offs.
A victory for the Gulls at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield would guarantee their involvement in the Play-Offs at the expense of either Stevenage or Gillingham.
Paul Buckle's Gulls go into the meeting with the Millers high on confidence. They are currently unbeaten in their last six games, which have included four straight draws, and have only lost once in their last 12 matches.
It will also be their 53rd match of the season, but that shouldn't be an issue at all for Buckle's men as a heavy workload is something the Gulls have been used to from the two-year exile in the Blue Square Premier.
Torquay's debut season in the division, the 2007-08 campaign, saw the Gulls play 57 matches in the Conference, FA Trophy, FA Cup and Setanta Shield.
The following season, the 2008-09 campaign, Torquay played 58 games in the same competitions as they clinched their return to the Football League with a glorious 2-0 win over Cambridge United at Wembley, courtesy of goals from Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills.
With those memories fresh in the mind of Buckle and the players currently at Plainmoor who were involved on those occasions, there is every chance that this scenario can be replicated in League Two in 2011, this time any final appearance will be at Old Trafford, due to the UEFA Champions League Final being staged at Wembley.
Should they go on to win promotion from League Two, the Gulls will have two further trips to Sheffield to look forward to as both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday will be playing in League One next season.
A victory for the Gulls at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield would guarantee their involvement in the Play-Offs at the expense of either Stevenage or Gillingham.
Paul Buckle's Gulls go into the meeting with the Millers high on confidence. They are currently unbeaten in their last six games, which have included four straight draws, and have only lost once in their last 12 matches.
It will also be their 53rd match of the season, but that shouldn't be an issue at all for Buckle's men as a heavy workload is something the Gulls have been used to from the two-year exile in the Blue Square Premier.
Torquay's debut season in the division, the 2007-08 campaign, saw the Gulls play 57 matches in the Conference, FA Trophy, FA Cup and Setanta Shield.
The following season, the 2008-09 campaign, Torquay played 58 games in the same competitions as they clinched their return to the Football League with a glorious 2-0 win over Cambridge United at Wembley, courtesy of goals from Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills.
With those memories fresh in the mind of Buckle and the players currently at Plainmoor who were involved on those occasions, there is every chance that this scenario can be replicated in League Two in 2011, this time any final appearance will be at Old Trafford, due to the UEFA Champions League Final being staged at Wembley.
Should they go on to win promotion from League Two, the Gulls will have two further trips to Sheffield to look forward to as both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday will be playing in League One next season.
Tuesday 3 May 2011
ARGYLE CONDEMNED TO BASEMENT DIVISION
For the second season in a row, Plymouth Argyle suffered the fate of being relegated in their penultimate home game of the campaign.
In the 2009-10 season, Premiership bound Newcastle United brought the curtain down on the Pilgrims' six year stay in the Championship with a 2-0 victory.
The current campaign, which saw Argyle forced sell prize assets such as Craig Noone and Bradley Wright-Phillips in January, saw Southampton secure their return to English football's second tier, whilst Plymouth were relegated to the basement division of the Football League for the third time in their history.
After selling the aforementioned players to balance the books, the Pilgrims then received a ten point deduction in February for entering Administration. For several months, players and non-playing staff alike have gone without pay and the very existence of the club was under threat.
At the time of writing the long term viability of the club looks set to be secured with Devon based entrepreneur James Brent set to takeover at Home Park, providing he can strike a deal with the club's creditors.
It could be argued that Plymouth Argyle being in League Two is similar to Exeter City or Torquay United being in the Blue Square Premier, it can provide the club with an opportunity to learn from the mistakes made in the past, of which there have been quite a few at Home Park in recent years.
This can provide the manager, whether it be current Pilgrims' boss Peter Reid or whoever the new board decide they want to take charge, a chance of offload some of the club's high earners and build a team of highly motivated, hungry players who want to help Argyle move back up the league's.
Above all else, this will help to provide a feel good factor at Home Park which, during the club's swift decline, has gradually been eroded.
In the 2009-10 season, Premiership bound Newcastle United brought the curtain down on the Pilgrims' six year stay in the Championship with a 2-0 victory.
The current campaign, which saw Argyle forced sell prize assets such as Craig Noone and Bradley Wright-Phillips in January, saw Southampton secure their return to English football's second tier, whilst Plymouth were relegated to the basement division of the Football League for the third time in their history.
After selling the aforementioned players to balance the books, the Pilgrims then received a ten point deduction in February for entering Administration. For several months, players and non-playing staff alike have gone without pay and the very existence of the club was under threat.
At the time of writing the long term viability of the club looks set to be secured with Devon based entrepreneur James Brent set to takeover at Home Park, providing he can strike a deal with the club's creditors.
It could be argued that Plymouth Argyle being in League Two is similar to Exeter City or Torquay United being in the Blue Square Premier, it can provide the club with an opportunity to learn from the mistakes made in the past, of which there have been quite a few at Home Park in recent years.
This can provide the manager, whether it be current Pilgrims' boss Peter Reid or whoever the new board decide they want to take charge, a chance of offload some of the club's high earners and build a team of highly motivated, hungry players who want to help Argyle move back up the league's.
Above all else, this will help to provide a feel good factor at Home Park which, during the club's swift decline, has gradually been eroded.
Sunday 1 May 2011
THE WINNER TAKES ALL
Plymouth Argyle go into their penultimate match of the season against promotion chasing Southampton knowing that defeat will see them relegated to League Two.
Following their defeat at St James' Park and the unfavourable outcome of other results later in the afternoon, a draw or defeat is not an option for the Pilgrims.
Victory over the Saints, followed up a win over Leyton Orient next Saturday will give Argyle a fighting chance of beating the drop. This is achievable providing Walsall lose their final game of the campaign, which, ironically, is away to Southampton and Dagenham and Redbridge are defeated by Peterborough United.
One factor that Argyle can draw on inspiration from is their opening day win over the Saints, courtesy of a Luke Summerfield effort, a result that was achieved without contribution from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Craig Noone.
Both players later became key players for the Pilgrims later on in the season and they were later sold in the Janaury transfer window to help settle the club's debts after Argyle were issued with a winding up order that lead to them appearing in the High Court.
Following their defeat at St James' Park and the unfavourable outcome of other results later in the afternoon, a draw or defeat is not an option for the Pilgrims.
Victory over the Saints, followed up a win over Leyton Orient next Saturday will give Argyle a fighting chance of beating the drop. This is achievable providing Walsall lose their final game of the campaign, which, ironically, is away to Southampton and Dagenham and Redbridge are defeated by Peterborough United.
One factor that Argyle can draw on inspiration from is their opening day win over the Saints, courtesy of a Luke Summerfield effort, a result that was achieved without contribution from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Craig Noone.
Both players later became key players for the Pilgrims later on in the season and they were later sold in the Janaury transfer window to help settle the club's debts after Argyle were issued with a winding up order that lead to them appearing in the High Court.
REMEMBERING ADAM
Tomorrow afternoon will see select sides from both Exeter City and Yeovil Town will meet at St James' Park in a testimonial for the late Adam Stansfield.
Adam, who played for both Exeter and Yeovil in a career in which he helped both clubs win promotion to the Football League, died of bowel cancer last August.
The Grecians' side is being put together by current skipper Steve Tully, whilst the Glovers' team is being organised by former Exeter and Yeovil forward Marcus Stewart.
Both sides will be made up of Adam's former teammates as well as current first team players from both clubs, depending on availability.
The match, which will be refereed by Premiership referee Mark Halsey and he will be assisted by World Cup linesman Mike Mullarkey and local referee Andy Turner, kicks off at 3pm.
Adam, who played for both Exeter and Yeovil in a career in which he helped both clubs win promotion to the Football League, died of bowel cancer last August.
The Grecians' side is being put together by current skipper Steve Tully, whilst the Glovers' team is being organised by former Exeter and Yeovil forward Marcus Stewart.
Both sides will be made up of Adam's former teammates as well as current first team players from both clubs, depending on availability.
The match, which will be refereed by Premiership referee Mark Halsey and he will be assisted by World Cup linesman Mike Mullarkey and local referee Andy Turner, kicks off at 3pm.
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