Former Plymouth Argyle defender Jim Paterson was in Europa League action last night for Shamrock Rovers against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Dublin outfit gave the North London side a run for their money eventually going down 3-1 after taking the lead early in the second half through midfielder Stephen Rice.
Paterson, who released by the Pilgrims in the summer and had a ttrial with Yeovil Town in the close season, started the game at left back ahead of the Aston Villa bound Enda Stevens and was given the task of marking England winger Aaron Lennon.
He dealt well with Spurs' moves down the right hand side before he was replaced at the interval by Stevens.
Friday 30 September 2011
Wednesday 28 September 2011
PILGRIMS LOOKING TO PROGRESS UNDER NEW STEWARDSHIP
Following Plymouth Argyle's first win of the season against Macclesfield Town, caretaker boss Carl Fletcher revealed he would have been happy with a clean sheet.
After eight successive league defeats, the immediate task for Fletcher and his assistant Romain Larrieu was to stop the rot and give the Pilgrims' fans, who were joined by supporters across the country as part of a 'Fans Reunited' Day, something to shout about.
Fletcher said: "I am pleased for them because we have worked hard, it shows that when you put the hard work in during the week you get the rewards at the weekend.
“Myself and Ro (Romain Larrieu) said before the game that we would take a clean sheet.
“It was nice to get the clean sheet and it was a bonus to get the win.
“It’s our responsibility to get the fans behind us, we don’t really need to do that because they are so good and we gave them something to shout about.
"It's obviously a bonus we got the win on Saturday because it instils in the lads that what we are asking them to do actually works.
“We are working on a day to day basis to be the best we can be.”
Since then, Fletcher has received the backing his former teammate, and current Burnley manager, Eddie Howe who, at 33, is two years older than Fletcher and took over as Bournemouth manager in 2008 when the Cherries were in Administration and facing 17 point deduction ahead of the 2008-09 campaign when he was the age Fletcher is now.
Howe kept Bournemouth clear of relegation to the Conference during the 2008-09 season before leading the Cherries to promotion from League Two in the following campaign before accepting the Burnley job in 2010.
He said : "Fletch and I were team-mates at Bournemouth and we lived together for a couple of years, so I know him well.
"I have spoken to him a couple of times since he has taken the job, just to wish him luck.
"He has taken on a huge challenge but it's one I think he can succeed in.
"When I took over at Bournemouth it was in a similar situation, so I know what he's facing. I think he can get Plymouth to safety.
"He's a great character, and has always been a leader, even from a young age.
"He will have the respect of the players in the dressing room, which is half the battle, and I think Fletch will do a great job."
The Pilgrims have also received another major boost following the announcement that the club's Administrators have agreed in principle to sell the club to James Brent's Akkeron Group.
Once the takeover, which is expected to be completed next month, is agreed, Brent will be looking to provide stability off the field to match the determination on the field of Fletcher's men.
After eight successive league defeats, the immediate task for Fletcher and his assistant Romain Larrieu was to stop the rot and give the Pilgrims' fans, who were joined by supporters across the country as part of a 'Fans Reunited' Day, something to shout about.
Fletcher said: "I am pleased for them because we have worked hard, it shows that when you put the hard work in during the week you get the rewards at the weekend.
“Myself and Ro (Romain Larrieu) said before the game that we would take a clean sheet.
“It was nice to get the clean sheet and it was a bonus to get the win.
“It’s our responsibility to get the fans behind us, we don’t really need to do that because they are so good and we gave them something to shout about.
"It's obviously a bonus we got the win on Saturday because it instils in the lads that what we are asking them to do actually works.
“We are working on a day to day basis to be the best we can be.”
Since then, Fletcher has received the backing his former teammate, and current Burnley manager, Eddie Howe who, at 33, is two years older than Fletcher and took over as Bournemouth manager in 2008 when the Cherries were in Administration and facing 17 point deduction ahead of the 2008-09 campaign when he was the age Fletcher is now.
Howe kept Bournemouth clear of relegation to the Conference during the 2008-09 season before leading the Cherries to promotion from League Two in the following campaign before accepting the Burnley job in 2010.
He said : "Fletch and I were team-mates at Bournemouth and we lived together for a couple of years, so I know him well.
"I have spoken to him a couple of times since he has taken the job, just to wish him luck.
"He has taken on a huge challenge but it's one I think he can succeed in.
"When I took over at Bournemouth it was in a similar situation, so I know what he's facing. I think he can get Plymouth to safety.
"He's a great character, and has always been a leader, even from a young age.
"He will have the respect of the players in the dressing room, which is half the battle, and I think Fletch will do a great job."
The Pilgrims have also received another major boost following the announcement that the club's Administrators have agreed in principle to sell the club to James Brent's Akkeron Group.
Once the takeover, which is expected to be completed next month, is agreed, Brent will be looking to provide stability off the field to match the determination on the field of Fletcher's men.
Monday 26 September 2011
EUNAN EXTENDS STAY WITH GULLS
Torquay United's Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane has agreed a new deal with the club that will keep him contracted to the Gulls until the summer of 2014.
Eunan , who first arrived at Plainmoor in January 2010, has continued the progression that he has made since he was first brought to South Devon from Irish League side Coleraine, by former Torquay boss Paul Buckle, following the appointment of Martin Ling as manager of the Gulls in the summer.
Ling expressed his delight at securing the future of Eunan, who started his career with Premiership side Everton, and believes Plainmoor is the best place for him to display his talents.
"When I came here, I was told an awful lot of good things about Eunan O'Kane," said Ling.
"He has done all the things people have said he could. He is a tremendous player and a real asset, so getting him signed for the next three seasons is a big coup for this football club.
"I feel he is better than League 2 and we've convinced Eunan there is a future for him to display his talents here.
"When I spoke to him in July, we agreed to reconvene in September, which is what we've done. We know an awful lot more about each other and we obviously feel it is a marriage that works perfectly well for both parties.
"He wanted to see what I was about and how I was going to play the game. He is a certain type of footballer, who needs a manager to play to his strengths."
During his time at Plainmoor, Eunan has scored nine goals in 69 appearances for the Gulls and won the club's Young Player of the Year award last season.
Eunan , who first arrived at Plainmoor in January 2010, has continued the progression that he has made since he was first brought to South Devon from Irish League side Coleraine, by former Torquay boss Paul Buckle, following the appointment of Martin Ling as manager of the Gulls in the summer.
Ling expressed his delight at securing the future of Eunan, who started his career with Premiership side Everton, and believes Plainmoor is the best place for him to display his talents.
"When I came here, I was told an awful lot of good things about Eunan O'Kane," said Ling.
"He has done all the things people have said he could. He is a tremendous player and a real asset, so getting him signed for the next three seasons is a big coup for this football club.
"I feel he is better than League 2 and we've convinced Eunan there is a future for him to display his talents here.
"When I spoke to him in July, we agreed to reconvene in September, which is what we've done. We know an awful lot more about each other and we obviously feel it is a marriage that works perfectly well for both parties.
"He wanted to see what I was about and how I was going to play the game. He is a certain type of footballer, who needs a manager to play to his strengths."
During his time at Plainmoor, Eunan has scored nine goals in 69 appearances for the Gulls and won the club's Young Player of the Year award last season.
Friday 23 September 2011
RIDSDALE TO LEAVE HOME PARK
Plymouth Argyle Acting Chairman Peter Ridsdale has announced that his involvement will end once James Brent's takeover of the club is completed.
Former Leeds and Cardiff Chairman Ridsdale has been in charge of the day-to-day running of the Pilgrims since March 2011, when the club entered Administration, after previously working in an advisory position at the club from December 2010.
"My role as acting chairman of Plymouth Argyle Football Club on behalf of the administrator will finish on the completion of James Brent's takeover," Ridsdale said.
He added: "Whilst I have agreed to make myself available to assist James for a limited period of time on a consultancy basis, my job will essentially be complete".
Under the terms of the sale and purchase of the club by Bishop International Ltd, a off-shore company headed by Truro City Chairman Kevin Heaney, Ridsdale was set to purchase the club for £1 from BIL, who retain ownership of Home Park, thus becoming Argyle's landlords.
However, Brent's Akkeron Group appear to be the clear favourites to take over the financially stricken Pilgrims with a deal expected to be completed in the middle of October.
Former Leeds and Cardiff Chairman Ridsdale has been in charge of the day-to-day running of the Pilgrims since March 2011, when the club entered Administration, after previously working in an advisory position at the club from December 2010.
"My role as acting chairman of Plymouth Argyle Football Club on behalf of the administrator will finish on the completion of James Brent's takeover," Ridsdale said.
He added: "Whilst I have agreed to make myself available to assist James for a limited period of time on a consultancy basis, my job will essentially be complete".
Under the terms of the sale and purchase of the club by Bishop International Ltd, a off-shore company headed by Truro City Chairman Kevin Heaney, Ridsdale was set to purchase the club for £1 from BIL, who retain ownership of Home Park, thus becoming Argyle's landlords.
However, Brent's Akkeron Group appear to be the clear favourites to take over the financially stricken Pilgrims with a deal expected to be completed in the middle of October.
Thursday 22 September 2011
DI CANIO WILLING TO LET BODIN REMAIN WITH GULLS
Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio has revealed that he would be willing to allow Billy Bodin remain at Plainmoor beyond his current loan spell.
Bodin, 19, joined the Gulls on loan from the Robins in a deal that expires on January 8th 2012, but Di Canio has hinted that he is prepared to allow the Wales Under-21 striker to stay with Torquay United after that date.
"If he comes back and says 'I want to stay there' then we will discuss the price," said Di Canio.
"We'll get good money because he's young and a talent. Once Torquay come to us we will discuss the price and see if it can go through," he added.
Gulls boss Martin Ling, a former Swindon teammate of Billy's father, Paul Bodin, has admitted that he would like to keep hold of Billy.
"He's a real talent and I've seen him since he could first kick a ball, he can score with his left foot and he can score with his right." said Ling
"When I brought him here I thought he'd be a good signing for us, which he has proven to be.
"I'd love to keep him here longer term but there's an awful lot of water to pass under the bridge".
Bodin, 19, joined the Gulls on loan from the Robins in a deal that expires on January 8th 2012, but Di Canio has hinted that he is prepared to allow the Wales Under-21 striker to stay with Torquay United after that date.
"If he comes back and says 'I want to stay there' then we will discuss the price," said Di Canio.
"We'll get good money because he's young and a talent. Once Torquay come to us we will discuss the price and see if it can go through," he added.
Gulls boss Martin Ling, a former Swindon teammate of Billy's father, Paul Bodin, has admitted that he would like to keep hold of Billy.
"He's a real talent and I've seen him since he could first kick a ball, he can score with his left foot and he can score with his right." said Ling
"When I brought him here I thought he'd be a good signing for us, which he has proven to be.
"I'd love to keep him here longer term but there's an awful lot of water to pass under the bridge".
Monday 19 September 2011
FLETCH STEPS INTO BREACH
Plymouth Argyle captain Carl Fletcher will take temporary charge of the Pilgrims with Romain Larrieu as his assistant in the wake of the departure of Peter Reid.
Argyle are currently still in Administration with takeover talks continuing with three interested bidders in the running.
On the pitch, the Pilgrims have suffered eight consecutive defeats, which has left them bottom of League Two and Fletcher will be looking galvanise them.
As one of the club's longest serving players, Fletcher is one of several Argyle players who has been forced to defer his wages during 2011 and will be looking to help lay the foundations for a better future for the Pilgrims.
"We want to get this dark cloud away from the football club and have a bright future," said Fletcher.
"Everyone who is involved with Argyle wants everyone to do well.
"It's a big change personally, but I've been thinking about management for a few years now.
"With everything that's gone on off the field it's been very difficult for everyone involved," he said.
"It's a new challenge now, me and Ro (Romain Larrieu) will try and do things our own way and put in 100% effort.
"For us to achieve anything it's not going to be me and Ro or me, Ro and the players, it's going to be everyone," he added.
Fletcher originally arrived at Home Park in February 2009 on loan from Crystal Palace before joining the Pilgrims permanently in the summer of 2009.
He has made 103 appearances and scored eight goals during that time, including the equalising goal against Shrewsbury Town on the opening day of the current season, which has given the Pilgrims their solitary point in the 2011-12 campaign.
His next task will be to try and lead Argyle to three points against Macclesfield Town this coming Saturday.
Argyle are currently still in Administration with takeover talks continuing with three interested bidders in the running.
On the pitch, the Pilgrims have suffered eight consecutive defeats, which has left them bottom of League Two and Fletcher will be looking galvanise them.
As one of the club's longest serving players, Fletcher is one of several Argyle players who has been forced to defer his wages during 2011 and will be looking to help lay the foundations for a better future for the Pilgrims.
"We want to get this dark cloud away from the football club and have a bright future," said Fletcher.
"Everyone who is involved with Argyle wants everyone to do well.
"It's a big change personally, but I've been thinking about management for a few years now.
"With everything that's gone on off the field it's been very difficult for everyone involved," he said.
"It's a new challenge now, me and Ro (Romain Larrieu) will try and do things our own way and put in 100% effort.
"For us to achieve anything it's not going to be me and Ro or me, Ro and the players, it's going to be everyone," he added.
Fletcher originally arrived at Home Park in February 2009 on loan from Crystal Palace before joining the Pilgrims permanently in the summer of 2009.
He has made 103 appearances and scored eight goals during that time, including the equalising goal against Shrewsbury Town on the opening day of the current season, which has given the Pilgrims their solitary point in the 2011-12 campaign.
His next task will be to try and lead Argyle to three points against Macclesfield Town this coming Saturday.
LARRIEU WOULD CONSIDER CARETAKER ROLE
Plymouth Argyle club captain Romain Larrieu has revealed he would be interested in taking over from Peter Reid on an interim basis.
Larrieu, who has been at Home Park for 11 years, celebrated his testimonial season during the close season and is prepared to take charge of the side until a permanent replacement for Reid is found.
"I would [want it] because that is part of the game that I'm interested in," said Larrieu.
"You always feel sad for the manager because part of me wishes he could have been in the club in a better position because he could have done justice to himself," Larrieu said.
"There was a feeling of inevitability because whatever we tried we kept on losing."
He also believes that the squad are strong enough to get out of their current on-field crisis.
"There is a lot of young players and I feel that it is unfair because they were asked to do men's jobs and they've been thrown in at the deep end.
"But I can see enough quality in them to turn it around, so we shall see," he added.
Larrieu, who has been at Home Park for 11 years, celebrated his testimonial season during the close season and is prepared to take charge of the side until a permanent replacement for Reid is found.
"I would [want it] because that is part of the game that I'm interested in," said Larrieu.
"You always feel sad for the manager because part of me wishes he could have been in the club in a better position because he could have done justice to himself," Larrieu said.
"There was a feeling of inevitability because whatever we tried we kept on losing."
He also believes that the squad are strong enough to get out of their current on-field crisis.
"There is a lot of young players and I feel that it is unfair because they were asked to do men's jobs and they've been thrown in at the deep end.
"But I can see enough quality in them to turn it around, so we shall see," he added.
Sunday 18 September 2011
REID LEAVES ARGYLE
Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid has been sacked following his side's dismal start to the season.
His dismissal brings the curtain down on 15 turbulent months during which time the club has faced winding up orders with from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, been forced to sell their best players to pay debts.
There has also been a lengthy spell in administration, which saw the Pilgrims docked ten points and subsequently relegated from League One and a threatened player strike over unpaid wages.
However, during this time, Reid conducted himself in a dignified manner. He paid the club's heating bill in November of last year after he noticed the club's office staff were working in the cold after the bill had gone unpaid.
When young fan Jack Wilkinson offered to donate his savings off 53p to help save the club, Reid invited seven-year-old Jack to meet the players before their game against Colchester last February and made him a mascot for the day and, of course, returned his 53p.
Reid also made his 1986 FA Cup Runners-up medal available to auction in a bid to raise funds to save the club towards the end of last season.
On the pitch, Reid has inherited an unsustainable wage bill, which included a number of wantaway players who were earning big money.
Players such as Damien Johnson, Steven MacLean and Marcel Seip found themselves loaned out as Argyle desperately tried to cut the cloth.
The task of team building was made impossible as in the January 2011 Transfer window Craig Noone, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Reda Johnson were sold in an attempt to settle their debts.
Administration eventually came in early March and with it the inevitable ten point penalty, which helped condemn Argyle to a second consecutive relegation.
In the summer, with talks over the sale of the club ongoing, Reid was forced to sell Joe Mason to Cardiff City and Yala Bolasie to Bristol City and was unable to agree terms with a number of his transfer targets, including Liam Dickinson and Anthony Elding, who both went elsewhere in search of better offers, because of the club's financial situation.
Reid was forced to start the season with a squad mainly made up of untried youngsters and loan signings as Argyle now find themselves bottom of League Two and five points adrift of safety.
Peter Reid has had to deal with more challenges in 15 months than many managers have or will face in 15 years.
When he asked about his reaction to the Pilgrims breaking a club record of seven consecutive home defeats following their 2-0 home defeat against Port Vale, he replied: "The club have been in Administration since March, and that hasn't happened before. That tells it's own story."
Indeed it does.
His dismissal brings the curtain down on 15 turbulent months during which time the club has faced winding up orders with from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, been forced to sell their best players to pay debts.
There has also been a lengthy spell in administration, which saw the Pilgrims docked ten points and subsequently relegated from League One and a threatened player strike over unpaid wages.
However, during this time, Reid conducted himself in a dignified manner. He paid the club's heating bill in November of last year after he noticed the club's office staff were working in the cold after the bill had gone unpaid.
When young fan Jack Wilkinson offered to donate his savings off 53p to help save the club, Reid invited seven-year-old Jack to meet the players before their game against Colchester last February and made him a mascot for the day and, of course, returned his 53p.
Reid also made his 1986 FA Cup Runners-up medal available to auction in a bid to raise funds to save the club towards the end of last season.
On the pitch, Reid has inherited an unsustainable wage bill, which included a number of wantaway players who were earning big money.
Players such as Damien Johnson, Steven MacLean and Marcel Seip found themselves loaned out as Argyle desperately tried to cut the cloth.
The task of team building was made impossible as in the January 2011 Transfer window Craig Noone, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Reda Johnson were sold in an attempt to settle their debts.
Administration eventually came in early March and with it the inevitable ten point penalty, which helped condemn Argyle to a second consecutive relegation.
In the summer, with talks over the sale of the club ongoing, Reid was forced to sell Joe Mason to Cardiff City and Yala Bolasie to Bristol City and was unable to agree terms with a number of his transfer targets, including Liam Dickinson and Anthony Elding, who both went elsewhere in search of better offers, because of the club's financial situation.
Reid was forced to start the season with a squad mainly made up of untried youngsters and loan signings as Argyle now find themselves bottom of League Two and five points adrift of safety.
Peter Reid has had to deal with more challenges in 15 months than many managers have or will face in 15 years.
When he asked about his reaction to the Pilgrims breaking a club record of seven consecutive home defeats following their 2-0 home defeat against Port Vale, he replied: "The club have been in Administration since March, and that hasn't happened before. That tells it's own story."
Indeed it does.
Thursday 15 September 2011
O'KANE COMPLETES REPUBLIC SWITCH
Torquay United midfielder Eunan O'Kane has completed his international 'transfer' from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
The former Everton starlet made the move under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998-which allows residents of Northern Ireland to claim either British or Irish nationality.
By taking this step, Eunan is following in the footsteps of Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson and Everton defender Shane Duffy, a former teammate of O'Kane's at Goodison Park.
Eunan has outlined that his decision had nothing to do with religion, as he is from the Catholic community.
“They obviously go straight to religion but I can't stress enough that that's got nothing to do with it.
“I just felt my opportunity wasn't going to come playing for Northern Ireland and the Republic have come and asked me to come and join them, so it's kind of a no-brainer to take the decision to the country that want you.
“I just want to play football and if the Republic are going to give me that chance then I'm prepared to take it.”
He added: “If people are going to go down that line and say that it's a religious thing for me then I'm not worried.
“Anybody that knows me or has grown up with me knows that that's got nothing to do with it.”
After being capped at every level by Northern Ireland from Under-16 level to Under-21 level, O'Kane is now available for selection by the Republic of Ireland for the next round of international matches.
His new teammates will include Shane Duffy, former Plymouth Argyle striker Joe Mason and ex Pilgrims loanee Conor Clifford.
The former Everton starlet made the move under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998-which allows residents of Northern Ireland to claim either British or Irish nationality.
By taking this step, Eunan is following in the footsteps of Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson and Everton defender Shane Duffy, a former teammate of O'Kane's at Goodison Park.
Eunan has outlined that his decision had nothing to do with religion, as he is from the Catholic community.
“They obviously go straight to religion but I can't stress enough that that's got nothing to do with it.
“I just felt my opportunity wasn't going to come playing for Northern Ireland and the Republic have come and asked me to come and join them, so it's kind of a no-brainer to take the decision to the country that want you.
“I just want to play football and if the Republic are going to give me that chance then I'm prepared to take it.”
He added: “If people are going to go down that line and say that it's a religious thing for me then I'm not worried.
“Anybody that knows me or has grown up with me knows that that's got nothing to do with it.”
After being capped at every level by Northern Ireland from Under-16 level to Under-21 level, O'Kane is now available for selection by the Republic of Ireland for the next round of international matches.
His new teammates will include Shane Duffy, former Plymouth Argyle striker Joe Mason and ex Pilgrims loanee Conor Clifford.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
BRENT SETS FRIDAY DEADLINE
Devon based entrepreneur James Brent has stated that he will have a clearer idea by Friday whether he will be in a position to make a bid to buy Plymouth Argyle.
Brent, who tabled a bid to buy the Pilgrims earlier in the year, has been meeting a number of the club's key creditors this week.
He has stated that he will have a clearer idea by Friday whether he can launch a deal which will rescue the club.
"We're spending this week gathering views of key stakeholders," said Brent.
"We hope to be in a position by the end of this week to know whether to participate in the rescue of the club.
"I've promised by Friday morning that I'll let people know if there is anything I can do after discussing it with the key stakeholders."
This news comes after speculation that the current preferred bidder, Bishop International Ltd, a Gibraltar based backed by Truro City Chairman Kevin Heaney had pulled out of the running.
However, Heaney insists that BIL have not walked away from the deal to buy Argyle.
"The administrators are entitled to consider other bids and we have not quit," said Heaney.
Brent, who tabled a bid to buy the Pilgrims earlier in the year, has been meeting a number of the club's key creditors this week.
He has stated that he will have a clearer idea by Friday whether he can launch a deal which will rescue the club.
"We're spending this week gathering views of key stakeholders," said Brent.
"We hope to be in a position by the end of this week to know whether to participate in the rescue of the club.
"I've promised by Friday morning that I'll let people know if there is anything I can do after discussing it with the key stakeholders."
This news comes after speculation that the current preferred bidder, Bishop International Ltd, a Gibraltar based backed by Truro City Chairman Kevin Heaney had pulled out of the running.
However, Heaney insists that BIL have not walked away from the deal to buy Argyle.
"The administrators are entitled to consider other bids and we have not quit," said Heaney.
Monday 12 September 2011
SAAH MAKES TEAM OF THE WEEK AGAIN
For the second week in succession, Torquay United defender Brian Saah has been named in the League Two Team of the Week.
After a slow start to his career at Plainmoor, Saah, a former England C international, has become an integral part of a Torquay defence which has now kept two consecutive clean sheets.
During the previous week, Brian also opened his goal scoring account for the Gulls when he headed home a Kevin Nicholson corner to score Torquay's opening goal in their 3-0 win over Macclesfield Town last week.
Following Martin Ling's appointment as Gulls' manager in the summer, Brian become one of his first signings and he was quickly appointed as club captain and vice-captain to Lee Mansell.
It was Ling who gave Brian his league debut for Leyton Orient as a 16-year old and he went on to help Orient win promotion from League Two under Ling's guidance in the 2005-06 season, before going on to serve Ling again at Cambridge United.
If the Gulls can maintain their current form, don't rule out both manager and player celebrating a second promotion in the near future.
After a slow start to his career at Plainmoor, Saah, a former England C international, has become an integral part of a Torquay defence which has now kept two consecutive clean sheets.
During the previous week, Brian also opened his goal scoring account for the Gulls when he headed home a Kevin Nicholson corner to score Torquay's opening goal in their 3-0 win over Macclesfield Town last week.
Following Martin Ling's appointment as Gulls' manager in the summer, Brian become one of his first signings and he was quickly appointed as club captain and vice-captain to Lee Mansell.
It was Ling who gave Brian his league debut for Leyton Orient as a 16-year old and he went on to help Orient win promotion from League Two under Ling's guidance in the 2005-06 season, before going on to serve Ling again at Cambridge United.
If the Gulls can maintain their current form, don't rule out both manager and player celebrating a second promotion in the near future.
Friday 9 September 2011
INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP
This weeks' latest round of internationals saw a number of players with South West connections feature for their respective countries.
Plymouth Argyle striker Warren Feeney appeared as a substitute for Northern Ireland in their defeats at hands of Serbia and Estonia.
His Pilgrims teammate, Conor Hourihane, came off the bench to play a cameo role for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side as they were beaten by their Turkish counterparts.
Torquay United loanee Billy Bodin, who joined the Gulls recently on a six-month loan deal from Swindon Town, started for Wales Under-21 side as they were defeated 3-1 by Montnegro.
Elsewhere, Brixham born teenager and ex Plymouth Argyle starlet Dan Gosling and former Yeovil Town loanee Steven Caulker appeared for the England Under-21's in their victories over Azerbaijan and Israel.
Caulker, who is currently on loan at Premiership new boys Swansea City, started against Azerbaijan, as England won 6-0, and appeared as a second half substitute against the Israelis. whilst Gosling, now of Newcastle United, started against Israel.
The following night saw former Argyle loanee Darcy Blake appear for Wales against England at Wembley, where he was given the task of marking Wayne Rooney.
Darcy, who made seven appearances for the Pilgrims in the 2009-10 season, kept his place in the side after an impressive showing against Montnegro and came out of the game against England with some considerable credit.
Plymouth Argyle striker Warren Feeney appeared as a substitute for Northern Ireland in their defeats at hands of Serbia and Estonia.
His Pilgrims teammate, Conor Hourihane, came off the bench to play a cameo role for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side as they were beaten by their Turkish counterparts.
Torquay United loanee Billy Bodin, who joined the Gulls recently on a six-month loan deal from Swindon Town, started for Wales Under-21 side as they were defeated 3-1 by Montnegro.
Elsewhere, Brixham born teenager and ex Plymouth Argyle starlet Dan Gosling and former Yeovil Town loanee Steven Caulker appeared for the England Under-21's in their victories over Azerbaijan and Israel.
Caulker, who is currently on loan at Premiership new boys Swansea City, started against Azerbaijan, as England won 6-0, and appeared as a second half substitute against the Israelis. whilst Gosling, now of Newcastle United, started against Israel.
The following night saw former Argyle loanee Darcy Blake appear for Wales against England at Wembley, where he was given the task of marking Wayne Rooney.
Darcy, who made seven appearances for the Pilgrims in the 2009-10 season, kept his place in the side after an impressive showing against Montnegro and came out of the game against England with some considerable credit.
Friday 2 September 2011
PILGRIMS' STRIKE AVERTED
Plymouth Argyle will be fielding a full strength team at Burton Albion after the players received 40% of their salary for September.
The Pilgrims had threatened to go on strike and refuse to play in the match over the money which was owed to them. This comes after several of their squad haven't been paid in full since December 2010 and many of them were considering selling their homes in a bid to lower their own personal living expenses.
Skipper Carl Fletcher said: "The worrying thing from our point of view is why did it have to take us to come out and say what we said yesterday to stump up some money?
"Surely the players and staff should be one of their priorities and it shouldn't have to take the threat of not playing for them to do that.
"They're taking advantage of our professionalism and our desire to keep the club going,"
Talks between the Administrators and Bishop International Ltd, the club's preferred bidder, are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Stephane Zubar, who left Home Park last month after having his contract terminated, is in training with Yeovil Town.
The Pilgrims had threatened to go on strike and refuse to play in the match over the money which was owed to them. This comes after several of their squad haven't been paid in full since December 2010 and many of them were considering selling their homes in a bid to lower their own personal living expenses.
Skipper Carl Fletcher said: "The worrying thing from our point of view is why did it have to take us to come out and say what we said yesterday to stump up some money?
"Surely the players and staff should be one of their priorities and it shouldn't have to take the threat of not playing for them to do that.
"They're taking advantage of our professionalism and our desire to keep the club going,"
Talks between the Administrators and Bishop International Ltd, the club's preferred bidder, are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Stephane Zubar, who left Home Park last month after having his contract terminated, is in training with Yeovil Town.
Thursday 1 September 2011
ARGYLE PLAYERS CONSIDER STRIKE ACTION
A number of senior Plymouth Argyle players are considering not playing against Burton Albion on Saturday in protest at not being paid again.
Many of the Pilgrims' squad have not been paid in full since December 2010 and this latest development comes despite the recent confirmation that the preferred bidder, Bishop International Ltd, have the funds to complete the £6million purchase of the club and the surrounding land.
Manager Peter Reid has announced that he will be sending out a side to face Burton at the Pirrelli Stadium, regardless of whether the players decide to strike or not.
He said:"Whatever happens I'll put a team out, but I wouldn't hold anything against these players if they decided they weren't in the right state of mind to play.
"We're talking about people's livelihoods. As much as we love football and it's important to win matches, sometimes that comes second best."
Meanwhile, the club's Supporters' Trust have called for a meeting with the club's Administrators to discuss alternatives should the deal with Bishop International Ltd is not completed.
Many of the Pilgrims' squad have not been paid in full since December 2010 and this latest development comes despite the recent confirmation that the preferred bidder, Bishop International Ltd, have the funds to complete the £6million purchase of the club and the surrounding land.
Manager Peter Reid has announced that he will be sending out a side to face Burton at the Pirrelli Stadium, regardless of whether the players decide to strike or not.
He said:"Whatever happens I'll put a team out, but I wouldn't hold anything against these players if they decided they weren't in the right state of mind to play.
"We're talking about people's livelihoods. As much as we love football and it's important to win matches, sometimes that comes second best."
Meanwhile, the club's Supporters' Trust have called for a meeting with the club's Administrators to discuss alternatives should the deal with Bishop International Ltd is not completed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)