Torquay United manager Martin Ling has made the first flurry of signings since he was appointed as successor to Paul Buckle.
Joe Oastler, who was with the Gulls last season on loan from Queens Park Rangers, has joined Torquay on a permanent basis. He was soon followed by the returning Chris McPhee who previously played for the Gulls during the 2006-07 season, the campaign that saw Torquay lose their league status.
The trio is completed by Daniel Leadbitter, a young right back who has recently been released from Newcastle United., whom Ling had been monitoring during scouting missions for Hibernian and Walsall
Out of the three signings the one that will probably raise the most eyebrows amongst the Gulls' faithful is the acquisition of McPhee who, of course, made 43 appearances in all competitions (26 as a sub) and scored one goal as the Gulls plummetted out of the Football League.
It was a campaign which both player and supporters alike would prefer to forget and McPhee has already stated his desire to right what he considers to be a wrong in his career. It is probably fair to say that few were able to thrive professionally in the environment at Plainmoor at that time as the club had three managers and three chairmen in the space of a season.
Since leaving Plainmoor in 2007, McPhee has enjoyed successful spells with Ebbsfleet United and Kidderminster Harriers in the Blue Square Premier and he was on the score sheet for Ebbsfleet when they beat the Gulls 1-0 in the FA Trophy final in 2008.
The trio could be joined very soon by former Leyton Orient central defender Brian Saah and former midfield favourite Alex Russell looks set to return to the Gulls in a player-coach after announcing he will be leaving Yeovil Town.
Both players are known to have been in talks with Martin Ling.
Tuesday 28 June 2011
Monday 27 June 2011
SKIVO CREATES TWANSFER HISTORY
In recent years, the use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have had an impact on everyday life.
But now, for the first time, it may have played a key role in the transfer of a footballer as Yeovil Town manager Terry Skiverton snapped up former Everton striker Kieran Agard, following his release from the Toffees, after being made aware of his availability via his Twitter account. thus creating the world's first 'twansfer'.
Whether the signing of Agard was solely down to the suggestions of fans on the social networking site remains to be seen. Indeed Agard had previously been on loan at Peterborough United, where, at the time, former Glovers' boss Gary Johnson had been in charge and would therefore been in a position to give his former captain a second opinion on him.
If nothing else, the move is a good PR move for a club that has been battling falling attendance figures during the previous campaign and could be seen as a good way of bridging the gap between the playing staff and the supporters.
Also, in a close seseen a number of star names leave Huish Park, including last season's leading scorer Dean Bowditch, a player who Agard is likely to be regarded as a replacement for, Andy Welsh, Nathan Smith and Adam Virgo as well as a possible departure of Craig Alcock, it will give the Glovers' faithful something to smile about at the very least.
But now, for the first time, it may have played a key role in the transfer of a footballer as Yeovil Town manager Terry Skiverton snapped up former Everton striker Kieran Agard, following his release from the Toffees, after being made aware of his availability via his Twitter account. thus creating the world's first 'twansfer'.
Whether the signing of Agard was solely down to the suggestions of fans on the social networking site remains to be seen. Indeed Agard had previously been on loan at Peterborough United, where, at the time, former Glovers' boss Gary Johnson had been in charge and would therefore been in a position to give his former captain a second opinion on him.
If nothing else, the move is a good PR move for a club that has been battling falling attendance figures during the previous campaign and could be seen as a good way of bridging the gap between the playing staff and the supporters.
Also, in a close seseen a number of star names leave Huish Park, including last season's leading scorer Dean Bowditch, a player who Agard is likely to be regarded as a replacement for, Andy Welsh, Nathan Smith and Adam Virgo as well as a possible departure of Craig Alcock, it will give the Glovers' faithful something to smile about at the very least.
Friday 24 June 2011
GULLS' BACKROOM STAFF BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE
Torquay United manager Martin Ling is set to make his most important signings since becoming manager of the Gulls by unveiling his former Swindon team-mate Shaun Taylor as his assistant.
He is also hoping to bring in former Plainmoor favourite Alex Russell in as a player-coach.
After a career that took in spells with Exeter City, Swindon and Bristol City, Taylor, brother of the Gulls' 2004 promotion winning captain Craig, held a number of coaching roles at Bristol City before he became assistant manager at Forest Green Rovers.
In recent years, he has been on the youth coaching staff at Exeter City, a role which he will now vacate to return to senior level coaching with Ling, who he appeared alongside in the Swindon side that won promotion to the Premier League in 1993.
Any return by Russell would prove to be a popular one as he is still held in high regard by the Plainmoor faithful from his four year spell with the Gulls between 2001 and 2005.
He is currently considering a one-year playing deal with Yeovil Town and a lot will depend on whether Ling is able to offer him a suitable deal within the Gulls' budget.
He is also hoping to bring in former Plainmoor favourite Alex Russell in as a player-coach.
After a career that took in spells with Exeter City, Swindon and Bristol City, Taylor, brother of the Gulls' 2004 promotion winning captain Craig, held a number of coaching roles at Bristol City before he became assistant manager at Forest Green Rovers.
In recent years, he has been on the youth coaching staff at Exeter City, a role which he will now vacate to return to senior level coaching with Ling, who he appeared alongside in the Swindon side that won promotion to the Premier League in 1993.
Any return by Russell would prove to be a popular one as he is still held in high regard by the Plainmoor faithful from his four year spell with the Gulls between 2001 and 2005.
He is currently considering a one-year playing deal with Yeovil Town and a lot will depend on whether Ling is able to offer him a suitable deal within the Gulls' budget.
Wednesday 22 June 2011
DEAL TO BUY PILGRIMS AGREED
A deal to buy Plymouth Argyle out of administration has been agreed between Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle and the club's preferred bidder, a consortium of property developers.
The group believed to be headed by a millionaire Irish property developer is believed to be paying in the region of £5million that will controversially see the club's land assets parted from the football club itself with the club being sold to current acting Chairman Peter Ridsdale.
Once the deal has gone through, the Pilgrims will then face a race against time to be ready for the forthcoming season as manager Peter Reid has much work to do to assemble a squad capable of competing in League Two.
As things stand, Argyle only have a squad of between 12 and 14 players as Reid was forced to make a mass clearout because of the situation at the club.
Now he will be looking up his lists of contacts as he looks to build a team of his own, something which, until now, he has been unable to since he replaced Paul Mariner last summer.
The group believed to be headed by a millionaire Irish property developer is believed to be paying in the region of £5million that will controversially see the club's land assets parted from the football club itself with the club being sold to current acting Chairman Peter Ridsdale.
Once the deal has gone through, the Pilgrims will then face a race against time to be ready for the forthcoming season as manager Peter Reid has much work to do to assemble a squad capable of competing in League Two.
As things stand, Argyle only have a squad of between 12 and 14 players as Reid was forced to make a mass clearout because of the situation at the club.
Now he will be looking up his lists of contacts as he looks to build a team of his own, something which, until now, he has been unable to since he replaced Paul Mariner last summer.
Monday 20 June 2011
SUPER GAV RETURNS BUT OTHERS OPT TO LEAVE
After seeing his Glovers' side beat Carlisle United in their final league game of the 2010-11 campaign, which helped them to secure a 14th place finish, Yeovil Town boss Terry Skiverton could have been forgiven for looking ahead to the forthcoming close season with optimism.
However, Skiverton is now facing an extensive rebuilding programme ahead of the opening game of the 2011-12 season. A number of players have departed from Huish Park, including winger Andy Welsh who has signed for Carlisle United, defender Adam Virgo has joined the Paul Buckle revolution at Bristol Rovers, left back Nathan Smith has headed north after he was snapped up by League One champions Chesterfield.
Right back Craig Alcock is currently in negotiations with Peterborough United and as he is under 24, a fee will need to be agreed between the two clubs.
Skiverton is also waiting to hear from midfielders Alex Russell and Billy Gibson and there is strong speculation linking Russell with a coaching role at his former club, Torquay United.
Leading scorer Dean Bowditch has also turned down a new deal with Yeovil, but his destination remains unclear at the time of writing.
Nevertheless, Skiverton has been able to tempt his former team-mate Gavin Williams back to Huish Park for a fourth spell. Williams first joined the Glovers in 2002 from Hereford United and helped Yeovil win promotion to the Football League in his first season before moving on to West Ham United in 2004.
Spells at Ipswich Town, Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, plus two loan spells back at Huish Park, then followed for the Welshman before he became Skiverton's first summer 2011 signing.
One player tipped to follow him through the door at Huish Park is goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, who enjoyed two loan spells from Bristol City last season and virtually swept the board at the Glovers' Player of the Year awards, but his future at Ashton Gate still remains unclear.
Two other of last season's successful loanees Max Ehmer and Oli Johnson, whose respective parent club's QPR and Norwich City both won promotion to the Premiership last season, which means they could both find themselves being made available for loans.
Since he was appointed to succeed Russell Slade in February 2009, Skiverton has proved himself to be a shrewd investor in the loan market.
One of his best loan acquistions to date remains Spurs' starlet Steven Caulker, who is currently the subject of a loan bid from Premiership new boys Swansea City after having starred for Bristol City in a season-long loan spell, which also earned him his first cap for the England Under-21 side.
During his one-year stay in Somerset, Caulker pratically swept the boards in the Glovers' Player of the Year awards and remains a great example to any young hopeful considering a short stint at Huish Park.
However, Skiverton is now facing an extensive rebuilding programme ahead of the opening game of the 2011-12 season. A number of players have departed from Huish Park, including winger Andy Welsh who has signed for Carlisle United, defender Adam Virgo has joined the Paul Buckle revolution at Bristol Rovers, left back Nathan Smith has headed north after he was snapped up by League One champions Chesterfield.
Right back Craig Alcock is currently in negotiations with Peterborough United and as he is under 24, a fee will need to be agreed between the two clubs.
Skiverton is also waiting to hear from midfielders Alex Russell and Billy Gibson and there is strong speculation linking Russell with a coaching role at his former club, Torquay United.
Leading scorer Dean Bowditch has also turned down a new deal with Yeovil, but his destination remains unclear at the time of writing.
Nevertheless, Skiverton has been able to tempt his former team-mate Gavin Williams back to Huish Park for a fourth spell. Williams first joined the Glovers in 2002 from Hereford United and helped Yeovil win promotion to the Football League in his first season before moving on to West Ham United in 2004.
Spells at Ipswich Town, Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, plus two loan spells back at Huish Park, then followed for the Welshman before he became Skiverton's first summer 2011 signing.
One player tipped to follow him through the door at Huish Park is goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, who enjoyed two loan spells from Bristol City last season and virtually swept the board at the Glovers' Player of the Year awards, but his future at Ashton Gate still remains unclear.
Two other of last season's successful loanees Max Ehmer and Oli Johnson, whose respective parent club's QPR and Norwich City both won promotion to the Premiership last season, which means they could both find themselves being made available for loans.
Since he was appointed to succeed Russell Slade in February 2009, Skiverton has proved himself to be a shrewd investor in the loan market.
One of his best loan acquistions to date remains Spurs' starlet Steven Caulker, who is currently the subject of a loan bid from Premiership new boys Swansea City after having starred for Bristol City in a season-long loan spell, which also earned him his first cap for the England Under-21 side.
During his one-year stay in Somerset, Caulker pratically swept the boards in the Glovers' Player of the Year awards and remains a great example to any young hopeful considering a short stint at Huish Park.
Friday 17 June 2011
GULLS START WITH BURTON CLASH
Martin Ling's managerial bow as Torquay United manager will come against Burton Albion on August 6th after the fixture list for the 2011-12 campaign was unveiled.
The Gulls will host the Brewers before travelling to the St Mary's Stadium where they will face Southampton in the Carling Cup, which will be followed by a trip to the Memorial Stadium for a meeting with Bristol Rovers who, of course, are now managed by former Torquay boss Paul Buckle.
Buckle will be return to Plainmoor on March 10th 2012 alongwith his assistant Shaun North, former keeper Scott Bevan and ex loanee midfielder Craig Stanley. By which time the new grandstand, which will named in tribute to the late Paul Bristow, the Gulls' former Vice-Chairman, will be completed.
Local derbies will recently relegated Plymouth Argyle will take place on November 19th 2011 and January 3rd 2012 at Plainmoor and Home Park respectively.
Argyle, who will be plying their trade in the fourth tier of English football for the first time since 2002, will start the new campaign with a trip to Shrewsbury Town ahead of their Carling Cup tie at home to Championship side Millwall. This will be followed by their first home game of the season against Rotherham United on the following Saturday.
Exeter City will kicking off their campaign with a journey to Stevenage, who defeated Torquay in the League Two Play-Off final. The game is also likely to see Paul Tisdale's summer signings Guilleum Bauza, Danny Coles and Lenny Pidgeley make their debuts for the Grecians.
Next up for Exeter will be a Carling Cup tie at home to Yeovil Town, which will be almost a year to the day that former Grecians' and Glovers' hero Adam Stansfield sadly lost his battle with bowel cancer.
Meanwhile, the Glovers will begin their campaign with a trip to Brentford, a journey that they will make with a much changed side following the summer departures of Andy Welsh, Dean Bowditch, Adam Virgo and Nathan Smith.
The Gulls will host the Brewers before travelling to the St Mary's Stadium where they will face Southampton in the Carling Cup, which will be followed by a trip to the Memorial Stadium for a meeting with Bristol Rovers who, of course, are now managed by former Torquay boss Paul Buckle.
Buckle will be return to Plainmoor on March 10th 2012 alongwith his assistant Shaun North, former keeper Scott Bevan and ex loanee midfielder Craig Stanley. By which time the new grandstand, which will named in tribute to the late Paul Bristow, the Gulls' former Vice-Chairman, will be completed.
Local derbies will recently relegated Plymouth Argyle will take place on November 19th 2011 and January 3rd 2012 at Plainmoor and Home Park respectively.
Argyle, who will be plying their trade in the fourth tier of English football for the first time since 2002, will start the new campaign with a trip to Shrewsbury Town ahead of their Carling Cup tie at home to Championship side Millwall. This will be followed by their first home game of the season against Rotherham United on the following Saturday.
Exeter City will kicking off their campaign with a journey to Stevenage, who defeated Torquay in the League Two Play-Off final. The game is also likely to see Paul Tisdale's summer signings Guilleum Bauza, Danny Coles and Lenny Pidgeley make their debuts for the Grecians.
Next up for Exeter will be a Carling Cup tie at home to Yeovil Town, which will be almost a year to the day that former Grecians' and Glovers' hero Adam Stansfield sadly lost his battle with bowel cancer.
Meanwhile, the Glovers will begin their campaign with a trip to Brentford, a journey that they will make with a much changed side following the summer departures of Andy Welsh, Dean Bowditch, Adam Virgo and Nathan Smith.
Monday 13 June 2011
LING GETS THE NOD
After weeks of speculation, Martin Ling has been unveiled as the successor to Paul Buckle as manager of Torquay United.
Following a playing career which saw him appear for Exeter City, Southend United, two spells with Swindon Town (in the second of which he helped the Robins win promotion to the Premier League in 1993 under Glenn Hoddle), Leyton Orient and Brighton and Hove Albion.
He started his managerial career at Brisbane Road with Leyton Orient in December 2003, following a spell as Caretaker Manager, and within three years he guided Orient to automatic promotion from League Two.
Martin then helped to establish Orient in League One and they even topped the table in the opening months of the 2007-08 season.
His reign at Brisbane Road came to an end in January 2009 when he left Orient by mutual consent.
After a brief spell setting up a network of scouts in England for Scottish Premier League side Hibernian, he returned to management later that year when he was appointed as manager of Blue Square Premier side Cambridge United.
However, after only eight days following his arrival at the Abbey Stadium he resigned from his post followuing a disagreement with U's Chairman George Rolls. A month later, he was re-appointed after Rolls left the club and he guided Cambridge to a 10th place finish.
Martin remained as Cambridge manager until February 2011 and will now be hoping to carry on where Paul Buckle left off in his new role at Plainmoor.
Following a playing career which saw him appear for Exeter City, Southend United, two spells with Swindon Town (in the second of which he helped the Robins win promotion to the Premier League in 1993 under Glenn Hoddle), Leyton Orient and Brighton and Hove Albion.
He started his managerial career at Brisbane Road with Leyton Orient in December 2003, following a spell as Caretaker Manager, and within three years he guided Orient to automatic promotion from League Two.
Martin then helped to establish Orient in League One and they even topped the table in the opening months of the 2007-08 season.
His reign at Brisbane Road came to an end in January 2009 when he left Orient by mutual consent.
After a brief spell setting up a network of scouts in England for Scottish Premier League side Hibernian, he returned to management later that year when he was appointed as manager of Blue Square Premier side Cambridge United.
However, after only eight days following his arrival at the Abbey Stadium he resigned from his post followuing a disagreement with U's Chairman George Rolls. A month later, he was re-appointed after Rolls left the club and he guided Cambridge to a 10th place finish.
Martin remained as Cambridge manager until February 2011 and will now be hoping to carry on where Paul Buckle left off in his new role at Plainmoor.
Sunday 12 June 2011
EX SCUNNY BOSS LINKED WITH GULLS VACANCY
Former Scunthorpe United boss Ian Baraclough has emerged as a possible candidate for the managerial vacancy at Torquay United.
Baraclough, who played over 600 games in a 20-year career that saw him appear for Wigan Athletic, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Notts County (twice), QPR and Scunthorpe United, has emerged from the pack as a leading contender to replace Paul Buckle.
Ian started his coaching career with the Iron in November 2006 when he was appointed as Joint Assistant Manager to Nigel Adkins following Brian Laws' departure to Sheffield Wednesday.
Four years later, Ian was appointed as Caretaker Manager after Adkins left to take charge of Southampton. Two weeks after his appointment as Caretaker, he took over the reigns on a permanent basis and held the position until his dismissal last March.
During his time at Glanford Park, Scunny won the League One title in the 2006-07 season, which saw them reach the second tier of English football for the first time in over 40 years.
Their stay in the Championship proved to be a short one as they were relegated at the end of the 2007-08 campaigm. However, they made an immediate return in the following season after beating Millwall in the League One Play-Off football and consolidated their position in the Championship in the preceding campaign.
Baraclough, who played over 600 games in a 20-year career that saw him appear for Wigan Athletic, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Notts County (twice), QPR and Scunthorpe United, has emerged from the pack as a leading contender to replace Paul Buckle.
Ian started his coaching career with the Iron in November 2006 when he was appointed as Joint Assistant Manager to Nigel Adkins following Brian Laws' departure to Sheffield Wednesday.
Four years later, Ian was appointed as Caretaker Manager after Adkins left to take charge of Southampton. Two weeks after his appointment as Caretaker, he took over the reigns on a permanent basis and held the position until his dismissal last March.
During his time at Glanford Park, Scunny won the League One title in the 2006-07 season, which saw them reach the second tier of English football for the first time in over 40 years.
Their stay in the Championship proved to be a short one as they were relegated at the end of the 2007-08 campaigm. However, they made an immediate return in the following season after beating Millwall in the League One Play-Off football and consolidated their position in the Championship in the preceding campaign.
Friday 10 June 2011
SCOTS AMONGST CONTENDERS FOR GULLS POST
Since Paul Buckle's departure from Plainmoor to become manager of Bristol Rovers, there have been a number of Scottish candidates emerging as possible replacements to take charge of Torquay United.
For a number of decades, Scottish managers have been in charge of a number of the leading sides in English football, including Sir Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Sir Alex Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish and David Moyes to name but a few.
Indeed Torquay United themselves have had a number of Scottish managers such as John McNeil, Bob John, Alex Massie, Allan Brown, Bruce Rioch and Dave Smith and they could be joined on that list by either Ian McParland, John Hughes or Lee Bullen.
McParland made his name as player with Notts County before embarking on coaching career that has seen him manage the Magpies from 2007-2009 before he was replaced by Hans Backe. He has also had Caretaker spells in charge of Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town.
Leith born Hughes appeared for Berwick Rangers, Swansea City, Falkirk (twice), Celtic, Hibernian and Ayr United as a player before cutting his managerial teeth in tandem with current Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle at Falkirk in 2003.
Hughes led Falkirk to promotion to the Scottish Premier League in 2005, the same year in which he took sole charge after Coyle moved to St Johnstone, and four years later led them to a Scottish Cup Final, which they lost 1-0 to Rangers.
In the summer of 2009, he became manager of his boyhood heroes Hibs who guided to a Europa League place in his first full season in charge. However, following a poor start to last season, he left Easter Road on October 4th 2010 after a 2-0 defeat to St Johnstone.
Bullen is currently coaching at Falkirk following a globe-trotting playing career, which has seen him play in Australia, Greece and Hong Kong, in addition to his native Scotland, as well as a spell in England with Sheffield Wednesday between 2004 and 2008.
All three men have their own respective strengths and attributes to back their claims for being the right manager to succeed Paul Buckle and one of them could yet prove to be the chosen one from the field of potential candidates.
For a number of decades, Scottish managers have been in charge of a number of the leading sides in English football, including Sir Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Sir Alex Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish and David Moyes to name but a few.
Indeed Torquay United themselves have had a number of Scottish managers such as John McNeil, Bob John, Alex Massie, Allan Brown, Bruce Rioch and Dave Smith and they could be joined on that list by either Ian McParland, John Hughes or Lee Bullen.
McParland made his name as player with Notts County before embarking on coaching career that has seen him manage the Magpies from 2007-2009 before he was replaced by Hans Backe. He has also had Caretaker spells in charge of Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town.
Leith born Hughes appeared for Berwick Rangers, Swansea City, Falkirk (twice), Celtic, Hibernian and Ayr United as a player before cutting his managerial teeth in tandem with current Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle at Falkirk in 2003.
Hughes led Falkirk to promotion to the Scottish Premier League in 2005, the same year in which he took sole charge after Coyle moved to St Johnstone, and four years later led them to a Scottish Cup Final, which they lost 1-0 to Rangers.
In the summer of 2009, he became manager of his boyhood heroes Hibs who guided to a Europa League place in his first full season in charge. However, following a poor start to last season, he left Easter Road on October 4th 2010 after a 2-0 defeat to St Johnstone.
Bullen is currently coaching at Falkirk following a globe-trotting playing career, which has seen him play in Australia, Greece and Hong Kong, in addition to his native Scotland, as well as a spell in England with Sheffield Wednesday between 2004 and 2008.
All three men have their own respective strengths and attributes to back their claims for being the right manager to succeed Paul Buckle and one of them could yet prove to be the chosen one from the field of potential candidates.
Tuesday 7 June 2011
GULLS BOARD SET TO ANNOUNCE SHORTLIST
The Torquay United board of directors have indicated that they will be looking to interview up to five candidates as they look to find a replacement for Paul Buckle.
Chairman Simon Baker has also revealed that they plan to unveil Buckle's successor by next Monday.
New names to be linked with the vacancy include former Mansfield Town manager David Holdsworth, brother of Ex-Wimbledon striker and current Aldershot manager Dean Holdsworth, and Falkirk coach Lee Bullen.
With goalkeeper Scott Bevan and former loanee Craig Stanley linking up again with Buckle at Bristol Rovers, the new man will need to find replacements for them and further strengthen other areas of the Gulls' squad.
Chairman Simon Baker has also revealed that they plan to unveil Buckle's successor by next Monday.
New names to be linked with the vacancy include former Mansfield Town manager David Holdsworth, brother of Ex-Wimbledon striker and current Aldershot manager Dean Holdsworth, and Falkirk coach Lee Bullen.
With goalkeeper Scott Bevan and former loanee Craig Stanley linking up again with Buckle at Bristol Rovers, the new man will need to find replacements for them and further strengthen other areas of the Gulls' squad.
Monday 6 June 2011
BOLASIE LEAVES THE PILGRIMS FOR THE ROBINS
Yala Bolasie became the latest player to leave Home Park this summer as he left Plymouth Argyle for Bristol City.
The Congolese born winger's departure comes after the Pilgrims released nine first team players, which included Rory Fallon, Jim Paterson, Marcel Seip, Karl Duguid, Steven MacLean, Luke Summerfield, Kristzian Timar, Anton Peterlin and Chris Clark, as the club prepare for life in League Two.
Bolasie, who made 38 appearances and scored seven goals for Argyle as they were relegated following a ten-point deduction for going into Administration in March, joins the Robins on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Following this move, there are now only ten players under contract at Home Park, namely Romain Larrieu, Curtis Nelson, Bondz N'gala, Simon Walton, Damien Johnson, Onisomor Bhasera, Kari Arnason, Joe Mason, Jed Harper-Penman and Rory Patterson.
Next week, the name of the club's preferred bidder is set to be announced by Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle, a move that will see the Pilgrims exit Administration.
This will finally give the green light to manager Peter Reid to strengthen his squad, he has been working under the constraints of a transfer embargo since before the turn of the year, which is expected to begin with the re-signings of Stephane Zubar and Luke Young, who have both been offered new deals by Reid, and captain Carl Fletcher who has already announced his intention of taking up an extra one-year deal on his previous contract.
The Congolese born winger's departure comes after the Pilgrims released nine first team players, which included Rory Fallon, Jim Paterson, Marcel Seip, Karl Duguid, Steven MacLean, Luke Summerfield, Kristzian Timar, Anton Peterlin and Chris Clark, as the club prepare for life in League Two.
Bolasie, who made 38 appearances and scored seven goals for Argyle as they were relegated following a ten-point deduction for going into Administration in March, joins the Robins on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Following this move, there are now only ten players under contract at Home Park, namely Romain Larrieu, Curtis Nelson, Bondz N'gala, Simon Walton, Damien Johnson, Onisomor Bhasera, Kari Arnason, Joe Mason, Jed Harper-Penman and Rory Patterson.
Next week, the name of the club's preferred bidder is set to be announced by Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle, a move that will see the Pilgrims exit Administration.
This will finally give the green light to manager Peter Reid to strengthen his squad, he has been working under the constraints of a transfer embargo since before the turn of the year, which is expected to begin with the re-signings of Stephane Zubar and Luke Young, who have both been offered new deals by Reid, and captain Carl Fletcher who has already announced his intention of taking up an extra one-year deal on his previous contract.
Friday 3 June 2011
LE TESTIMONIAL POUR LE KEEPER
This summer, Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Romain Larrieu has been rewarded for ten years' service with the Pilgrims with a testimonial that will take place this summer.
Le Keeper's testimonial season is being marked with a series of events, which will culminate with a match between Argyle and Neil Warnock's Queens Park Rangers' side, that is likely to include Romain's former team-mates Akos Buszaky and Jamie Mackie, on July 20th.
The match will be officiated by Premiership referee Mark Halsey.
Other events include a Guest Speaker Evening, a Gala Ball and a Celebrity Golf Day.
During his time at Home Park, Le Keeper has made over 300 appearances, something that only 24 other former Pilgrims' have emulated and includes only three goalkeepers: Fred Craig, Geoff Crudgington and Bill Shortt.
In the 2001-02 season, he starred in Argyle's Division Three title winning side and made 27 clean sheets, a club record, during the campaign.
Romain also played a key role in the Pilgrims' Division Two championship winning team in the 2003-04 season and was voted as club's Player of the Year in the 2008-09 campaign.
He could also have a key role in helping Argyle bounce back from League Two, following their relegation from League One last season.
Le Keeper's testimonial season is being marked with a series of events, which will culminate with a match between Argyle and Neil Warnock's Queens Park Rangers' side, that is likely to include Romain's former team-mates Akos Buszaky and Jamie Mackie, on July 20th.
The match will be officiated by Premiership referee Mark Halsey.
Other events include a Guest Speaker Evening, a Gala Ball and a Celebrity Golf Day.
During his time at Home Park, Le Keeper has made over 300 appearances, something that only 24 other former Pilgrims' have emulated and includes only three goalkeepers: Fred Craig, Geoff Crudgington and Bill Shortt.
In the 2001-02 season, he starred in Argyle's Division Three title winning side and made 27 clean sheets, a club record, during the campaign.
Romain also played a key role in the Pilgrims' Division Two championship winning team in the 2003-04 season and was voted as club's Player of the Year in the 2008-09 campaign.
He could also have a key role in helping Argyle bounce back from League Two, following their relegation from League One last season.
Thursday 2 June 2011
HARGREAVES EMERGES AS EARLY FAVOURITE
Former Gulls captain Chris Hargreaves has emerged as the early favourite with bookmaker Victor Chandler to succeed Paul Buckle as Torquay United.
Hargreaves leads the way in the odds stakes at 5/2, whilst former Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope lies second at 3/1.
Experienced defender Guy Branston, the current Gulls Player of the Year, is priced at 8/1 as is Bruce Rioch.
Ex Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy is a new name being thrown into the hat at 6/1, alongwith Torquay Chief Scout John Milton.
Current outsiders include former Brentford Caretaker boss Nicky Forster and the recently released Birmingham City striker Kevin Phillips at 12/1.
The Full list (Courtesy of Victor Chandler):
Chris Hargreaves 5/2
Paul Trollope 3/1
Sammy McIlroy, John Milton 6/1
Guy Branston, Bruce Rioch 8/1
Alex Russell 10/1
Nicky Forster, Kevin Phillips, Lee Hodges 12/1
Hargreaves leads the way in the odds stakes at 5/2, whilst former Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope lies second at 3/1.
Experienced defender Guy Branston, the current Gulls Player of the Year, is priced at 8/1 as is Bruce Rioch.
Ex Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy is a new name being thrown into the hat at 6/1, alongwith Torquay Chief Scout John Milton.
Current outsiders include former Brentford Caretaker boss Nicky Forster and the recently released Birmingham City striker Kevin Phillips at 12/1.
The Full list (Courtesy of Victor Chandler):
Chris Hargreaves 5/2
Paul Trollope 3/1
Sammy McIlroy, John Milton 6/1
Guy Branston, Bruce Rioch 8/1
Alex Russell 10/1
Nicky Forster, Kevin Phillips, Lee Hodges 12/1
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