Friday 12 August 2011

GULLS TO FACE FAMILIAR FACES

Tomorrow's meeting between Torquay United and Bristol Rovers will be the first encounter between current Gulls' boss Martin Ling and his predecessor Paul Buckle.

Ling was appointed as Buckle's successor during the close season after he made the move to the Memorial Stadium, following a season in which he led Torquay to the League Two Play-Off final where they were beaten by Stevenage.

Upon taking charge of the Pirates, Buckle has surrounded himself with a number of familiar faces, including his assistant Shaun North, Scott Bevan and Chris Zebroski who all followed him directly from Plainmoor as well as former Gulls' loanee Craig Stanley, whom Buckle recruited from Morecambe.

Ex Torquay winger Mustapha Carayol linked up with Buckle again after spending a season with Lincoln City.

Amongst the players that Buckle inherited is former Torquay striker Jo Kuffour who arrived at Plainmoor as an unknown quantity when Leroy Rosenior signed him in 2002. He then went on spend four years at with the Gulls, during which time he helped Torquay to win automatic promotion from Division Three in 2004.

Lining up for the Gulls is Rene Howe, who was on loan at the Memorial Stadium last season. After marking his debut last week against Burton Albion with a goal, he will be looking to add to his tally against the Pirates.

Overall, it is a hugely important game for both sides, which will see a number of former teammates face each other.