The first round of the FA Cup 2011-12 has seen Yeovil Town and Torquay United drawn away and Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City awarded home ties.
The Glovers will be on their travel as they face a trip to League Two side Hereford United. They are currently a number of connections between the two teams as the Bulls are managed by former Glovers' midfielder Jamie Pitman and feature ex Yeovil defender Stefan Stam amongst their ranks.
Yeovil currently have Gavin Williams in their squad who began his first spell at Huish Park in 2002 after leaving Hereford when he was snapped up by Gary Johnson.
Torquay United head north as they look to maintain their recent fine FA Cup pedigree, the Gulls have reached the fourth round twice in the last four years, after being paired with Chesterfield.
Gulls manager Martin Ling described the draw as not being ideal, but believes the tie is not unwinnable.
"We are away to a team in the league above, so it is one of the harder draws we could have got," said Ling.
"It's not ideal but the upside is that Chesterfield are in the bottom four of League 1. They obviously went up from League 2 last year, so there is recent history between the two clubs.
"It's certainly not an unwinnable tie but we would have preferred a home draw.
"The FA Cup is a great competition and always will be. It is a money-making opportunity for clubs at our level."
Meanwhile, Exeter City will play host to fellow League One side Walsall, whilst Plymouth Argyle will be at home to Southern League side Stourbridge.
Sunday 30 October 2011
Saturday 29 October 2011
MAGIC NUMBERS
With the first round draw for the 2011-12 FA Cup due to take place tomorrow, here are a few numbers to watch out for:
19: Exeter City
32: Plymouth Argyle
44: Torquay United
48: Yeovil Town
Friday 28 October 2011
ARGYLE TAKEOVER APPROVED
Following months of negotiations, James Brent's takeover of Plymouth Argyle has been approved by the club's administrators.
After having agreed a deal for Plymouth City Council to buy back Home Park and finalising deals with the club's unpaid staff over unpaid wages, Brent's Akkeron Group have agreed a deal with the club's Administrators, P & A partnership, over fees.
One of Brent's first acts as owner will be to repay the club's staff who had been forced to defer their wages to help keep the club going.
"There's a huge amount to be done to rebuild the club and its finances," said Brent.
"The first focus is to pay the staff their first full month's wages for a very long time."
Argyle, who had been in Administration since March, currently sit bottom of League Two and Brent's efforts will now be focused on rebuilding the club following a period of extreme uncertainty, which saw its very existence threatened.
He added: "We have the financial power to do it, but we've been very open that we would like like-minded people to join us.
"What I won't do is part with control of the club until it's properly stabilised."
After having agreed a deal for Plymouth City Council to buy back Home Park and finalising deals with the club's unpaid staff over unpaid wages, Brent's Akkeron Group have agreed a deal with the club's Administrators, P & A partnership, over fees.
One of Brent's first acts as owner will be to repay the club's staff who had been forced to defer their wages to help keep the club going.
"There's a huge amount to be done to rebuild the club and its finances," said Brent.
"The first focus is to pay the staff their first full month's wages for a very long time."
Argyle, who had been in Administration since March, currently sit bottom of League Two and Brent's efforts will now be focused on rebuilding the club following a period of extreme uncertainty, which saw its very existence threatened.
He added: "We have the financial power to do it, but we've been very open that we would like like-minded people to join us.
"What I won't do is part with control of the club until it's properly stabilised."
Wednesday 26 October 2011
GULLS END WINLESS RUN IN STYLE
After going eight matches without a win in League Two, Torquay United ended the winless streak in style against AFC Wimbledon.
Goals from Danny Stevens and Eunan O'Kane, followed by a brace from Rene Howe secured an emphatic win for Torquay in the first league meeting with the Dons.
Goals from Danny Stevens and Eunan O'Kane, followed by a brace from Rene Howe secured an emphatic win for Torquay in the first league meeting with the Dons.
Sunday 23 October 2011
DI CANIO BACKS PILGRIMS TO STAY UP
Despite seeing his Swindon Town side defeat Plymouth Argyle, Robins boss Paolo Di Canio has backed the Pilgrims to avoid relegation from League Two.
An 82nd minute effort from his fellow country man Raffaele De Vita secured the points for Swindon, but Di Canio backed the Pilgrims to beat the drop and drew parrallels between the Pilgrims' current off-field plight and his own experiences as a player with Napoli that saw him go without pay.
He said: "When I first saw Plymouth, I thought 'I can't wait to play them' because I thought we would easily get three points.
"But, in the last few games, I have realised that Plymouth are a completely different team and they don't deserve to stay at the bottom with the quality and players that they have got.
"If they play with this quality and desire then they will stay up.
"Plymouth, because they play with this quality and this desire, can win many games at home and the job they have to do is finish above two teams.
"When I was at Napoli, we did not get paid for seven months and we qualified for the UEFA Cup and at the end of the season, the fans celebrated like we had won the World Cup.
"It was one of my most incredible seasons in football and I hope Plymouth can do the same."
An 82nd minute effort from his fellow country man Raffaele De Vita secured the points for Swindon, but Di Canio backed the Pilgrims to beat the drop and drew parrallels between the Pilgrims' current off-field plight and his own experiences as a player with Napoli that saw him go without pay.
He said: "When I first saw Plymouth, I thought 'I can't wait to play them' because I thought we would easily get three points.
"But, in the last few games, I have realised that Plymouth are a completely different team and they don't deserve to stay at the bottom with the quality and players that they have got.
"If they play with this quality and desire then they will stay up.
"Plymouth, because they play with this quality and this desire, can win many games at home and the job they have to do is finish above two teams.
"When I was at Napoli, we did not get paid for seven months and we qualified for the UEFA Cup and at the end of the season, the fans celebrated like we had won the World Cup.
"It was one of my most incredible seasons in football and I hope Plymouth can do the same."
Wednesday 19 October 2011
LING SEARCHING FOR WINNING FORMULA
Following the Gulls' defeat against Gillingham last Saturday, Torquay United manager Martin Ling has been left with a serious conunderum to solve ahead of their visit to one of his former side's Southend United.
The Shrimpers, currently managed by former Plymouth Argyle manager, Paul Sturrock, are likely to provide a stern test for the Gulls who conceded five against Gillingham, which included a brace from their former striker Jo Kuffour.
Although Ling arrived at Plainmoor with a reputation as a manager who likes his teams to pass the ball, following his time with Leyton Orient who he led to promotion from League Two in the 2005-06 season.
Nevertheless, he has insisted that the success he has enjoyed as a manager has come with teams who possess a solid defence.
"As a manager, you have a persona that you like to attack and pass the ball, but whenever I have had success, I have always worked with a tight back four to do the job and to do the job properly." said Ling.
He also hinted after the game that Mark Ellis could get his chance in the centre of defence.
“I could hear the crowd calling Mark Ellis’ name." he said.
“I watched him play for our reserves in midweek, and they lost 9-1 at Cheltenham, but changes will have to be made and Mark will get his chance."
During their current run of seven games without a win, the Gulls have been unlucky on a couple of occasions not to have won. In their 3-3 draw with Rotherham United, loanee striker Billy Bodin hit the woodwork in the dying minutes with an effort, if converted, could have grabbed all three points.
Two games later, Chris McPhee was denied a late winner against Morecambe by an outstanding save from Shrimps' keeper Barry Roche.
Any points gained by Torquay this Saturday will surely provide Ling's men with a welcome boost ahead back-to-back home games against AFC Wimbledon and Hereford United, two games which could see a change in fortune for the Gulls.
The Shrimpers, currently managed by former Plymouth Argyle manager, Paul Sturrock, are likely to provide a stern test for the Gulls who conceded five against Gillingham, which included a brace from their former striker Jo Kuffour.
Although Ling arrived at Plainmoor with a reputation as a manager who likes his teams to pass the ball, following his time with Leyton Orient who he led to promotion from League Two in the 2005-06 season.
Nevertheless, he has insisted that the success he has enjoyed as a manager has come with teams who possess a solid defence.
"As a manager, you have a persona that you like to attack and pass the ball, but whenever I have had success, I have always worked with a tight back four to do the job and to do the job properly." said Ling.
He also hinted after the game that Mark Ellis could get his chance in the centre of defence.
“I could hear the crowd calling Mark Ellis’ name." he said.
“I watched him play for our reserves in midweek, and they lost 9-1 at Cheltenham, but changes will have to be made and Mark will get his chance."
During their current run of seven games without a win, the Gulls have been unlucky on a couple of occasions not to have won. In their 3-3 draw with Rotherham United, loanee striker Billy Bodin hit the woodwork in the dying minutes with an effort, if converted, could have grabbed all three points.
Two games later, Chris McPhee was denied a late winner against Morecambe by an outstanding save from Shrimps' keeper Barry Roche.
Any points gained by Torquay this Saturday will surely provide Ling's men with a welcome boost ahead back-to-back home games against AFC Wimbledon and Hereford United, two games which could see a change in fortune for the Gulls.
COUNCIL AGREE TO BUY BACK HOME PARK
Plymouth City Council have agreed to buy back Home Park as part of James Brent's proposed takeover of Plymouth Argyle.
The council, who originally sold the ground to Argyle in 2006 for £2.7million, will pay £1.6million for it and will receive an annual rent of £135,000, which will rise by 150% if Argyle reach the Championship and by 300% if they were to rise to the Premiership, as part of the package.
Brent's takeover is currently awaiting final approval from the Football League, which could be completed by Saturday's home game with Swindon Town.
The council, who originally sold the ground to Argyle in 2006 for £2.7million, will pay £1.6million for it and will receive an annual rent of £135,000, which will rise by 150% if Argyle reach the Championship and by 300% if they were to rise to the Premiership, as part of the package.
Brent's takeover is currently awaiting final approval from the Football League, which could be completed by Saturday's home game with Swindon Town.
Thursday 13 October 2011
D-DAY FOR BRENT BID
Prospective Plymouth Argyle owner James Brent is currently awaiting approval for his takeover of the club from the Football League Board.
Brent's Akkeron Group are the second group to have had a bid for ownership of the Pilgrims after Bishop International Ltd, a Gibraltar based company headed by Kevin Heaney, failed to finalise a deal to take control of Argyle.
In addition to the bid itself, Brent has also reached an agreement with the PFA over paying back outstanding wages to the club's players, which will see the players receive an upfront sum followed by monthly payments and the rest of the remaining balance at a later date. Other office staff who have been without pay during this time will also see money owed to them repaid.
In other news, teenage striker Matt Lecointe has been subject of speculated interest from Premiership giants Arsenal and Manchester United, but no bids have been received by the Pilgrims for his services.
Brent's Akkeron Group are the second group to have had a bid for ownership of the Pilgrims after Bishop International Ltd, a Gibraltar based company headed by Kevin Heaney, failed to finalise a deal to take control of Argyle.
In addition to the bid itself, Brent has also reached an agreement with the PFA over paying back outstanding wages to the club's players, which will see the players receive an upfront sum followed by monthly payments and the rest of the remaining balance at a later date. Other office staff who have been without pay during this time will also see money owed to them repaid.
In other news, teenage striker Matt Lecointe has been subject of speculated interest from Premiership giants Arsenal and Manchester United, but no bids have been received by the Pilgrims for his services.
Wednesday 12 October 2011
HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?
After their first 12 games in League Two under Martin Ling, Torquay United currently lie 14th in the league table.
In recent years, the Gulls' league campaigns have been characterised by a series of peaks and troughs where promotion and play-off challenges have subsequently been following by relegation battles.
Only once in the past 20 years have Torquay only managed a mid-table finish which came in the 1994-95 season when finished 13th under Don O'Riordan.
With this in mind, it could be argued that the Gulls currently find themselves in what could be regarded as unchartered territory.
The last 10 years of the club's history, you will see that Torquay only managed to retain their league status in 2001 by beating Barnet 3-2 in a final day relegation decider.
Three years later in 2004, the Gulls won automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years under Leroy Rosenior, which was followed by an immediate return to League Two in the following season.
This was then followed by relegation from the Football League for the first time in the club's history in 2007.
However far from relegation to the Conference spelling the end for Torquay, they won promotion back to the Football League in 2009 after beating Cambridge United in the Conference Play-Off Final.
Fast forward two years and they followed this up by reaching the League Two Play-Off Final last May at Old Trafford where they were beaten by Stevenage.
So back to the current campaign and the Gulls are currently on a run of six games without defeat and many of the Plainmoor faithful could be wondering if it could be a case of 'here we go again.'
Despite their recent slump, it is worth remembering that Torquay have lost same number of the games, three, as the teams current occupying the three automatic promotion spots, Southend United, Crawley Town and AFC Wimbledon.
Nevertheless, there is a saying in football that is better to win one and lose one than draw two and the Gulls have only managed to win three of their 12 league encounters thus far in the 2011-12 season.
There is no doubting some of the quality of the squad at Plainmoor, which includes Austrian goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik, Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane, who recently agreed two-year extension to stay with the Gulls until 2014, captain Lee Mansell has managed five goals from midfield and up front Rene Howe and loan signing Billy Bodin have looked like decent acquisitions.
So perhaps the ultimate judgment on how well the Gulls' campaign has gone so far comes down to whether you see the glass as being half full or half empty.
In recent years, the Gulls' league campaigns have been characterised by a series of peaks and troughs where promotion and play-off challenges have subsequently been following by relegation battles.
Only once in the past 20 years have Torquay only managed a mid-table finish which came in the 1994-95 season when finished 13th under Don O'Riordan.
With this in mind, it could be argued that the Gulls currently find themselves in what could be regarded as unchartered territory.
The last 10 years of the club's history, you will see that Torquay only managed to retain their league status in 2001 by beating Barnet 3-2 in a final day relegation decider.
Three years later in 2004, the Gulls won automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years under Leroy Rosenior, which was followed by an immediate return to League Two in the following season.
This was then followed by relegation from the Football League for the first time in the club's history in 2007.
However far from relegation to the Conference spelling the end for Torquay, they won promotion back to the Football League in 2009 after beating Cambridge United in the Conference Play-Off Final.
Fast forward two years and they followed this up by reaching the League Two Play-Off Final last May at Old Trafford where they were beaten by Stevenage.
So back to the current campaign and the Gulls are currently on a run of six games without defeat and many of the Plainmoor faithful could be wondering if it could be a case of 'here we go again.'
Despite their recent slump, it is worth remembering that Torquay have lost same number of the games, three, as the teams current occupying the three automatic promotion spots, Southend United, Crawley Town and AFC Wimbledon.
Nevertheless, there is a saying in football that is better to win one and lose one than draw two and the Gulls have only managed to win three of their 12 league encounters thus far in the 2011-12 season.
There is no doubting some of the quality of the squad at Plainmoor, which includes Austrian goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik, Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane, who recently agreed two-year extension to stay with the Gulls until 2014, captain Lee Mansell has managed five goals from midfield and up front Rene Howe and loan signing Billy Bodin have looked like decent acquisitions.
So perhaps the ultimate judgment on how well the Gulls' campaign has gone so far comes down to whether you see the glass as being half full or half empty.
Friday 7 October 2011
A DATE TO REMEMBER
Tomorrow Plymouth Argyle will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club's first ever game as they aim to move off the foot of the League Two table and closer to safety.
Argyle entertain Accrington Stanley at Home Park and will be aiming to recreate the feel good factor of the 'Fans Reunited' day from their previous home match against Macclesfield Town, which they won 2-0.
As part of the festivities, the club are producing a special 120 commemorative programme and have invited fans from Premiership and Championship clubs, who have no game due to the international break, from across the country to attend the match.
Admission prices have also been reduced to £12.50 for adults and £1.25 for under-18's.
Argyle's very first match was against Dunheved College at Launceston on Saturday October 9th 1886. At the time, the result was reported as being 4-1 in the Launceston Weekly News to the College and in the Western Morning News, the score was given as 2-0 to the College.
The two sides have never faced each other since.
With James Brent's takeover of the club set to be completed soon, which will see the Pilgrims exit Administration, life is becoming slightly easier for their new management team of Carl Fletcher and Romain Larrieu. However, the pair did experience a small set back this week when they were prevented from bringing in two loan signings by the Football League as the club are still in Administration.
If tomorrow's match proved to be Argyle's final match in Administration, everyone associated with the Pilgrims would be delighted.
Argyle entertain Accrington Stanley at Home Park and will be aiming to recreate the feel good factor of the 'Fans Reunited' day from their previous home match against Macclesfield Town, which they won 2-0.
As part of the festivities, the club are producing a special 120 commemorative programme and have invited fans from Premiership and Championship clubs, who have no game due to the international break, from across the country to attend the match.
Admission prices have also been reduced to £12.50 for adults and £1.25 for under-18's.
Argyle's very first match was against Dunheved College at Launceston on Saturday October 9th 1886. At the time, the result was reported as being 4-1 in the Launceston Weekly News to the College and in the Western Morning News, the score was given as 2-0 to the College.
The two sides have never faced each other since.
With James Brent's takeover of the club set to be completed soon, which will see the Pilgrims exit Administration, life is becoming slightly easier for their new management team of Carl Fletcher and Romain Larrieu. However, the pair did experience a small set back this week when they were prevented from bringing in two loan signings by the Football League as the club are still in Administration.
If tomorrow's match proved to be Argyle's final match in Administration, everyone associated with the Pilgrims would be delighted.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
SOUTH WEST INTEREST IN JPT ENDED
The South West's interest in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy came to an end last night as Exeter City and Yeovil Town, the regions two remaining clubs in the competition, were knocked out.
Exeter went down 2-1 to Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town at St James Park. A first half brace from Jake Jervis proved to be enough to see off the Grecians, who pulled a goal back through Daniel Nardiello.
Manager Paul Tisdale described their performance as an opportunity missed.
"It feels like a little bit of a giveaway today and that we've really wasted a good opportunity.
"A lot of our play I quite liked, but it just didn't work for us today."
He added: "There was a lot of drive in us today, especially second half, but things just transpired against us."
Yeovil Town found a three goal half-time deficit against AFC Bournemouth to much to overturn as they bowed out of the competition. A Marc Pugh brace and a Bondz N'gala own goal put the Cherries three goals to the good by the half-time interval.
The Glovers struck back with second half efforts from Steven MacLean and Max Ehmer, but it was not enough and manager Terry Skiverton stated that there could have been a few players who never played for him again after their first half showing.
"It nearly cost them their careers. To turn up like that was disgraceful. There could have been a few who never played for me again after that first-half performance."
"I was fuming, that's the first time I've lost it this season. I'm still shaking now because I was ready to have a fight tonight and that's not like me."
Exeter went down 2-1 to Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town at St James Park. A first half brace from Jake Jervis proved to be enough to see off the Grecians, who pulled a goal back through Daniel Nardiello.
Manager Paul Tisdale described their performance as an opportunity missed.
"It feels like a little bit of a giveaway today and that we've really wasted a good opportunity.
"A lot of our play I quite liked, but it just didn't work for us today."
He added: "There was a lot of drive in us today, especially second half, but things just transpired against us."
Yeovil Town found a three goal half-time deficit against AFC Bournemouth to much to overturn as they bowed out of the competition. A Marc Pugh brace and a Bondz N'gala own goal put the Cherries three goals to the good by the half-time interval.
The Glovers struck back with second half efforts from Steven MacLean and Max Ehmer, but it was not enough and manager Terry Skiverton stated that there could have been a few players who never played for him again after their first half showing.
"It nearly cost them their careers. To turn up like that was disgraceful. There could have been a few who never played for me again after that first-half performance."
"I was fuming, that's the first time I've lost it this season. I'm still shaking now because I was ready to have a fight tonight and that's not like me."
TRURO CUP DREAM REMAINS ON COURSE
Truro City made it through to the FA Cup third qualifying round after seeing off Wessex League Bournemouth FC with two late goals.
The White Tigers went a goal behind to a Dave Ewen strike before Barry Hayles grabbed an equaliser. With 15 minutes to go, Bournemouth regained the lead through Jon Blake before they hit back through a penalty from Scott Walker and a late Marcus Martin strike.
Lee Hodges' side now face a trip to Gloucester City in the next round as they bid to become the first Cornish side to reach the FA Cup 1st round since the 1960's.
The result also provides a major boost for the White Tigers, who are facing a winding up order on October 31st over an unpaid tax bill.
The White Tigers went a goal behind to a Dave Ewen strike before Barry Hayles grabbed an equaliser. With 15 minutes to go, Bournemouth regained the lead through Jon Blake before they hit back through a penalty from Scott Walker and a late Marcus Martin strike.
Lee Hodges' side now face a trip to Gloucester City in the next round as they bid to become the first Cornish side to reach the FA Cup 1st round since the 1960's.
The result also provides a major boost for the White Tigers, who are facing a winding up order on October 31st over an unpaid tax bill.
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