After losing their first league encounter with Torquay United in nearly 40 years and knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Stourbridge, Plymouth Argyle gave their fans something to shout about by recording a comprehensive victory over Northampton Town.
A Simon Walton penalty set the Pilgrims on their way before Nick Chadwick, who was marking his return to Home Park after joining on loan from Stockport County, added a second. Hull City loanee Will Atkinson then scored his fourth of the season before Ashley Hemmings marked his debut, after joining on loan from Wolves, with a goal. Former Torquay United striker Adebayo Akinfenwa added a late consolation for the Cobblers.
Other new faces on show for Argyle included experienced centre back Darren Purse who brought more stability to the Pilgrims backline after joining on loan from Championship side Millwall. He was partnered in the centre of defence by Frenchman Maxim Blanchard who was making his debut after joining the Pilgrims on a free transfer.
Chadwick's ninth minute strike is his 12th goal in his two spells with the Pilgrims, after scoring 11 times in 83 appearances, during his previous spell at Home Park between 2005 and 2008. He also provided the assist for Hemmings' debut effort on 44 minutes.
One strength that both Purse and Chadwick brought to the Pilgrims' side is that they both arrived at Home Park match fit. Purse had recently completed a five match loan spell at Yeovil Town and Chadwick has been playing regularly in the Blue Square Premier for Stockport County this season.
As well as the new boys giving a good account of themselves, two of the more established members of Carl Fletcher's squad, Simon Walton and Will Atkinson, received recognition for their performances by being named in the League Two Team of the Week.
Following their break from action due to their early exit from the FA Cup, Argyle face matches against their fellow strugglers Bradford City and Hereford United in quick succession.
If they can take their performance against the Cobblers into those two games, they will give their chances of staying up a major boost.
Wednesday 30 November 2011
CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
With Christmas just around the corner, we will now take a look at some of the football books currently available in any good high street bookshop or online with links with football in the South West.
One book likely to receive plenty of interest is All Change at Old Trafford, the long awaited autobiography of former Torquay United and Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrell.
The book charts the story of how O'Farrell came to manage the Red Devils in the post-Matt Busby era after winning promotion at Plainmoor earlier in his career. It is of particular interest with regards to the succession of Busby as it is likely that the Old Trafford hierarchy will be looking for Sir Alex Ferguson's successor in the next few years.
Plymouth Argyle fans with memories of seeing Andy 'Jock' Morrison in action will no doubt be interested in reading his autobiography, The Good, the Mad and the Ugly, the Andy Morrison Story, which charts his battles with alcoholism as well as the early years of his professional career at Home Park.
Another book which is currentlty available is Where's Your Caravan, the life story of ex Argyle and Torquay United midfielder Chris Hargreaves. The book, which is the second book to be written by Chris following the publication of his Herald Express blog, follows a chronological narrative and charts his days as a young hopeful with Grimsby Town to when he skippered the Gulls to promotion back to the Football League at the twilight of his career.
One book likely to receive plenty of interest is All Change at Old Trafford, the long awaited autobiography of former Torquay United and Manchester United manager Frank O'Farrell.
The book charts the story of how O'Farrell came to manage the Red Devils in the post-Matt Busby era after winning promotion at Plainmoor earlier in his career. It is of particular interest with regards to the succession of Busby as it is likely that the Old Trafford hierarchy will be looking for Sir Alex Ferguson's successor in the next few years.
Plymouth Argyle fans with memories of seeing Andy 'Jock' Morrison in action will no doubt be interested in reading his autobiography, The Good, the Mad and the Ugly, the Andy Morrison Story, which charts his battles with alcoholism as well as the early years of his professional career at Home Park.
Another book which is currentlty available is Where's Your Caravan, the life story of ex Argyle and Torquay United midfielder Chris Hargreaves. The book, which is the second book to be written by Chris following the publication of his Herald Express blog, follows a chronological narrative and charts his days as a young hopeful with Grimsby Town to when he skippered the Gulls to promotion back to the Football League at the twilight of his career.
Thursday 24 November 2011
SOUTH WEST CLUBS IN LOAN DEADLINE BUSINESS
Today sees the closing of the window for completing loan signings and free transfers before the transfer window reopens in January.
All four South West league sides have been involved in transfer window activity, making last minute addition to their squads.
Following the loan acquisition of experienced central defender Darren Purse, Plymouth Argyle have added former striker Nick Chadwick, who scored 11 goals in 83 games for them between 2005 and 2008, on a short term deal to boost their attacking options and have borrowed Ashley Hemmings, who had another loan spell in Devon last season with Torquay United, from Wolves.
Exeter City have drafted in wide man Chris Hackett on loan from Millwall. Hackett has featured in 143 games for the Lions, but hasn't appeared for them this season since their Carling Cup tie with Morecambe.
Yeovil Town have recruited goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin on loan from from Watford until January 3rd. Dublin-born Gilmartin, who has made three appearances for the Hornets this season, joins Watford team-mate Gavin Massey who is also on loan at Huish Park.
Martin Ling has also made a solitary addition to his Torquay United squad with the loan signing of central defender Tom Aldred as cover for the injured Brian Saah.
All four South West league sides have been involved in transfer window activity, making last minute addition to their squads.
Following the loan acquisition of experienced central defender Darren Purse, Plymouth Argyle have added former striker Nick Chadwick, who scored 11 goals in 83 games for them between 2005 and 2008, on a short term deal to boost their attacking options and have borrowed Ashley Hemmings, who had another loan spell in Devon last season with Torquay United, from Wolves.
Exeter City have drafted in wide man Chris Hackett on loan from Millwall. Hackett has featured in 143 games for the Lions, but hasn't appeared for them this season since their Carling Cup tie with Morecambe.
Yeovil Town have recruited goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin on loan from from Watford until January 3rd. Dublin-born Gilmartin, who has made three appearances for the Hornets this season, joins Watford team-mate Gavin Massey who is also on loan at Huish Park.
Martin Ling has also made a solitary addition to his Torquay United squad with the loan signing of central defender Tom Aldred as cover for the injured Brian Saah.
Tuesday 22 November 2011
ARGYLE CUP DREAM SHATTERED BY GLASSBOYS
Plymouth Argyle's involvement in this year's FA Cup came to an end as they lost their replay against Southern Premier side Stourbridge.
Goals from Paul McCone and Sean Evans secured the Glassboys' place in the second round of the Cup, for the first time in their history, at the expense of an Argyle side that were reduced to ten men following the first half dismissal of right back Paul Bignot.
This defeat comes as a major blow for the Pilgrims who are five points of safety at the bottom of League Two.
One ray of light for Argyle is the proposed signing of experienced central defender Darren Purse which is set to completed in the next few days.
Goals from Paul McCone and Sean Evans secured the Glassboys' place in the second round of the Cup, for the first time in their history, at the expense of an Argyle side that were reduced to ten men following the first half dismissal of right back Paul Bignot.
This defeat comes as a major blow for the Pilgrims who are five points of safety at the bottom of League Two.
One ray of light for Argyle is the proposed signing of experienced central defender Darren Purse which is set to completed in the next few days.
EUNAN NAMED IN TEAM OF THE WEEK
Following his Devon derby exploits against Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United playmaker Eunan O'Kane has been named in the League Two Team of the Week.
Eunan bagged a brace for the Gulls as they recorded their biggest ever win over the Pilgrims, and their first in the league since 1972. He follows in the footsteps of team-mates Lee Mansell, Brian Saah, Kevin Nicholson and Rene Howe who have all featured in the division's weekly XI so far this season.
Eunan bagged a brace for the Gulls as they recorded their biggest ever win over the Pilgrims, and their first in the league since 1972. He follows in the footsteps of team-mates Lee Mansell, Brian Saah, Kevin Nicholson and Rene Howe who have all featured in the division's weekly XI so far this season.
Full Team
Dean Brill - Barnet
Sido Jombati - Cheltenham Town
Steve Elliott - Cheltenham Town
Clovis Kamdjo - Barnet
Dean Howell - Crawley Town
Chris Whelpdale - Gillingham
Kane Ferdinand - Southend United
Eunan O'Kane - Torquay United
Mark Wright - Shrewsbury Town
Liam Dickinson - Southend United
Tyrone Barnett - Crawley Town
TRURO DUO JOIN TIVVY
Tiverton Town have acted quickly to secure the signatures of Danny Clay and Andy Taylor after the pair left Truro City earlier this week.
The duo, who were both part of the Exeter City who famously drew with Manchester United in 2005, left Treyew Road earlier due to the financial troubles affecting the Cornish side, which has seen them face a winding up order from the Inland Revenue over unpaid taxes.
They will both go straight into the Tivvy squad for their FA Trophy clash with Swindon Supermarine on Saturday.
The duo, who were both part of the Exeter City who famously drew with Manchester United in 2005, left Treyew Road earlier due to the financial troubles affecting the Cornish side, which has seen them face a winding up order from the Inland Revenue over unpaid taxes.
They will both go straight into the Tivvy squad for their FA Trophy clash with Swindon Supermarine on Saturday.
Saturday 19 November 2011
EUNAN BEAUTY
Torquay United were helped to their first league victory over Plymouth Argyle in 39 years by a brace from Eunan O'Kane.
The Irishman opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area on 47 minute. He then added a second two minutes later when he beat Pilgrims' keeper Romain Larrieu with an unstoppable 35-yard effort that clipped the underside of the cross bar as it rattled into the back of the net.
Danny Stevens later added a third for the Gulls before Hull City loanee Will Atkinson scored a late consolation for Argyle.
It was Torquay's biggest win over their Devon rivals and their fifth straight win in all competitions, three behind the club record set under the reign of Kevin Hodges in the 1997-98 season.
The Irishman opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area on 47 minute. He then added a second two minutes later when he beat Pilgrims' keeper Romain Larrieu with an unstoppable 35-yard effort that clipped the underside of the cross bar as it rattled into the back of the net.
Danny Stevens later added a third for the Gulls before Hull City loanee Will Atkinson scored a late consolation for Argyle.
It was Torquay's biggest win over their Devon rivals and their fifth straight win in all competitions, three behind the club record set under the reign of Kevin Hodges in the 1997-98 season.
Friday 18 November 2011
A TORQUAY-ARGYLE XI PART TWO
After looking at the backline for our Torquay-Argyle XI yesterday, we will now switch our attentions to the midfield and forward line of this team.
RM: Martin 'Buster' Phillips
Hailed as 'Britain's first £10million footballer' by Alan Ball when he was a youngster at Exeter City, Buster Phillips followed Ball from St James' Park to Maine Road as he joined Manchester City in 1995.
He remained with City until 1998 when he linked up with Ball again at Portsmouth before he returned two years later to sign for Argyle. Whilst at Home Park, he played a role in the Pilgrims' Division Three and Division Two title successes under Paul Sturrock in 2002 and 2004 before moving to Plainmoor.
Buster's stay with Torquay lasted for three years, during which time he made 70 appearances and scored six goals before he was forced to retire after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2007.
CM: Steve McCall
After making his name with Ipswich Town in the early 1980's where he won a UEFA Cup Winners' medal in 1981, Steve McCall found his way to the South West in 1992 when Peter Shilton persuaded him to join the Pilgrims from Sheffield Wednesday. He formed an impressive cemtral midfield partnership with Steve Castle and was part of the Pilgrims' side that narrowly missed out on promotion to Division One in the 1993-94 season.
Two years later, Steve made the move from Home Park to Plainmoor when he joined Kevin Hodges' coaching team, which he combined with playing in the Gulls' midfield. He played a key role in helping Torquay reach the 1998 Division Three Play-Off final before following Hodges back to Home Park to become his assistant on the eve of the 1998-99 season.
CM: Chris Hargreaves
Chris Hargreaves arrived at Plymouth Argyle in 1998 after spells with his home town club Grimsby Town, Scarborough, Hull City, West Bromwich Albion and Hereford United. His stay at Home Park lasted for two years before he was on his travels again joining Northampton Town in 2000.
He returned to Devon in 2007 when he joined Torquay where he would play an influential role in helping the Gulls win promotion back into the Football League in 2009, scoring their opening goal in the 2009 Conference Play-Off final against Cambridge United. He stayed at Plainmoor until midway through the 2009-10 season when he re-joined Oxford United, the team he originally joined the Gulls from. He is currently coaching Exeter City's Under-16 side and appears as a pundit on BBC Radio Devon.
LM: Brian McGlinchey
Ulsterman Brian McGlinchey started his career with Manchester City before he appeared for Port Vale and Gillingham prior to his move to Home Park in 2000. He played a key role in helping the Pilgrims to win promotion from Division Three in 2002 before he made the move to Plainmoor during the 2003-04 season following an initial loan spell. He proved to the missing piece in the jigsaw for Leroy Rosenior's side as they clinched automatic promotion on the final day of the season. He remained with Torquay for a further two years before he was forced to retire through injury.
FC: Tommy Tynan
One of the finest centre-forwards never to play in the top-flight, Tommy Tynan had confirmed his status as a Plymouth Argyle legend by the time he was persuaded to make the move to Plainmoor by Dave Smith in 1990.
Once at Plainmoor, Tommy continued to find the back of the net and scored his 300th career goal in a league game against Carlisle United in October 1990. Following the appointment of John Impey as manager in succession to Smith later in the 1990-91 season, Tommy fell out of favour and left Plainmoor at the end of the campaign and later had spells with Doncaster Rovers and Goole Town.
FC: Martin Gritton
Glasgow born, but Cornwall raised, Martin Gritton was given his first taste of professional football in 1999 when Kevin Hodges handed him his first professional contract after he spotted him playing in the South Western League for Portheleven, for whom he combined studying at the University of Portsmouth.
Three years later, he became one of Leroy Rosenior's first signings as Torquay United manager and formed a potent partnership with fellow Scot David Graham and finished the 2002-03 season as Torquay's leading scorer with 16 goals.
In the following season, he helped the Gulls win automatic promotion from Division Three for the first time in 38 years. Martin left Plainmoor in December 2004 to join Grimsby Town, but returned for a six-month loan spell in the 2010-11 season after appearing for Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Macclesfield and Chesterfield.
He is currently appearing for Stockport County in the Blue Square Premier.
Other players who narrowly missed the cut include Garry Nelson, Mickey Evans, Kevin Blackwell, Chris Zebroski, Steve Woods, Peter Whiston, Scott Partridge, Chris Leadbitter, Lee Hodges, Steve Adams, Darren Garner, Chris Curran, Ian Stonebridge, Darren Rowbotham, Jason Rowbotham, Gary Clayton, Matt Villis, Ryan Dickson, Reuben Reid, Ashley Barnes, Scott Laird, Ray Newland, John Matthews, Rhys Wilmot, Dave Walter, Blair Sturrock, Joe Broad, Kevin Wills, Osvaldo Lopes and Paul Adcock.
RM: Martin 'Buster' Phillips
Hailed as 'Britain's first £10million footballer' by Alan Ball when he was a youngster at Exeter City, Buster Phillips followed Ball from St James' Park to Maine Road as he joined Manchester City in 1995.
He remained with City until 1998 when he linked up with Ball again at Portsmouth before he returned two years later to sign for Argyle. Whilst at Home Park, he played a role in the Pilgrims' Division Three and Division Two title successes under Paul Sturrock in 2002 and 2004 before moving to Plainmoor.
Buster's stay with Torquay lasted for three years, during which time he made 70 appearances and scored six goals before he was forced to retire after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2007.
CM: Steve McCall
After making his name with Ipswich Town in the early 1980's where he won a UEFA Cup Winners' medal in 1981, Steve McCall found his way to the South West in 1992 when Peter Shilton persuaded him to join the Pilgrims from Sheffield Wednesday. He formed an impressive cemtral midfield partnership with Steve Castle and was part of the Pilgrims' side that narrowly missed out on promotion to Division One in the 1993-94 season.
Two years later, Steve made the move from Home Park to Plainmoor when he joined Kevin Hodges' coaching team, which he combined with playing in the Gulls' midfield. He played a key role in helping Torquay reach the 1998 Division Three Play-Off final before following Hodges back to Home Park to become his assistant on the eve of the 1998-99 season.
CM: Chris Hargreaves
Chris Hargreaves arrived at Plymouth Argyle in 1998 after spells with his home town club Grimsby Town, Scarborough, Hull City, West Bromwich Albion and Hereford United. His stay at Home Park lasted for two years before he was on his travels again joining Northampton Town in 2000.
He returned to Devon in 2007 when he joined Torquay where he would play an influential role in helping the Gulls win promotion back into the Football League in 2009, scoring their opening goal in the 2009 Conference Play-Off final against Cambridge United. He stayed at Plainmoor until midway through the 2009-10 season when he re-joined Oxford United, the team he originally joined the Gulls from. He is currently coaching Exeter City's Under-16 side and appears as a pundit on BBC Radio Devon.
LM: Brian McGlinchey
Ulsterman Brian McGlinchey started his career with Manchester City before he appeared for Port Vale and Gillingham prior to his move to Home Park in 2000. He played a key role in helping the Pilgrims to win promotion from Division Three in 2002 before he made the move to Plainmoor during the 2003-04 season following an initial loan spell. He proved to the missing piece in the jigsaw for Leroy Rosenior's side as they clinched automatic promotion on the final day of the season. He remained with Torquay for a further two years before he was forced to retire through injury.
FC: Tommy Tynan
One of the finest centre-forwards never to play in the top-flight, Tommy Tynan had confirmed his status as a Plymouth Argyle legend by the time he was persuaded to make the move to Plainmoor by Dave Smith in 1990.
Once at Plainmoor, Tommy continued to find the back of the net and scored his 300th career goal in a league game against Carlisle United in October 1990. Following the appointment of John Impey as manager in succession to Smith later in the 1990-91 season, Tommy fell out of favour and left Plainmoor at the end of the campaign and later had spells with Doncaster Rovers and Goole Town.
FC: Martin Gritton
Glasgow born, but Cornwall raised, Martin Gritton was given his first taste of professional football in 1999 when Kevin Hodges handed him his first professional contract after he spotted him playing in the South Western League for Portheleven, for whom he combined studying at the University of Portsmouth.
Three years later, he became one of Leroy Rosenior's first signings as Torquay United manager and formed a potent partnership with fellow Scot David Graham and finished the 2002-03 season as Torquay's leading scorer with 16 goals.
In the following season, he helped the Gulls win automatic promotion from Division Three for the first time in 38 years. Martin left Plainmoor in December 2004 to join Grimsby Town, but returned for a six-month loan spell in the 2010-11 season after appearing for Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Macclesfield and Chesterfield.
He is currently appearing for Stockport County in the Blue Square Premier.
Other players who narrowly missed the cut include Garry Nelson, Mickey Evans, Kevin Blackwell, Chris Zebroski, Steve Woods, Peter Whiston, Scott Partridge, Chris Leadbitter, Lee Hodges, Steve Adams, Darren Garner, Chris Curran, Ian Stonebridge, Darren Rowbotham, Jason Rowbotham, Gary Clayton, Matt Villis, Ryan Dickson, Reuben Reid, Ashley Barnes, Scott Laird, Ray Newland, John Matthews, Rhys Wilmot, Dave Walter, Blair Sturrock, Joe Broad, Kevin Wills, Osvaldo Lopes and Paul Adcock.
Thursday 17 November 2011
A TORQUAY-ARGYLE XI PART ONE
Saturday's meeting between Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle will be the first encounter between the two sides in nearly ten years.
We will now look at an XI comprised entirely of players to have donned the Yellow of Torquay and the Green of Argyle during the last quarter of the century.
Today we look at the back line of this team.
GK: Kenny Veysey
Current Gulls' goalkeeping coach Kenny returned to Plainmoor for a second spell during the 1997-98 season after spells with Oxford United, Exeter City, Sheffield United and Dorchester Town. He helped the Gulls to reach the Division Three Play-Off final in 1998, but missed the final through suspension. Kenny remained with Torquay for a further season before he was released by Wes Saunders at the end of the 1998-99 campaign when he joined Plymouth before retiring through injury a year later.
RB: Kevin Hodges
Plymouth Argyle's record appearance holder Kevin originally joined Torquay from Argyle on loan during the 1991-92 campaign before making the move permanent during the following season. After finishing his playing career with the Gulls, Kevin coached the club's youth side before becoming manager in 1996.
During his two years in charge at Torquay, Kevin led the Gulls to brink of promotion from Division Three as they were beaten in the 1998 Play-Off final by Colchester United before he took charge of the Pilgrims.
His reign in charge at Home Park lasted until 2000 when he was replaced by Paul Sturrock.
CB: Danis Salman
After making his league debut for Brentford as a 15-year-old, Danis Salman went on to help Millwall win promotion to the top-flight of English football for the first time in 1988, where he appeared alongside the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino.
He found his way to the South West in 1990 when he joined Plymouth and he remained with the Pilgrims until 1992 after he was released by Peter Shilton. Danis later joined Torquay as a replacement for Wes Saunders at the start of the 1992-93 campaign and made 22 appearances before leaving at the end of the season. He currently attends Home Park as a Match Analyst for the Press Association and also has a column in the Plymouth Herald.
CB: Craig Taylor
The brother of current Torquay assistant manager, Shaun Taylor, Craig Taylor arrived at Home Park from Swindon Town in the 1999-00 season and he remained with the Pilgrims until 2003 when he made the move to Plainmoor following a successful loan spell.
Whilst at Plainmoor, Craig became the first player to lead the Gulls to automatic promotion in 38 years as he captained Torquay to automatic promotion in the 2003-04 season. Craig remained with the Gulls for 3 more years before he was released.
LB: John Uzzell
During his 12-year stint with Plymouth Argyle, John Uzzell helped the Pilgrims to reach the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup in 1984 and win promotion to the 'old' Division Two in 1986. During his brief stay at Plainmoor, John helped the Gulls to win promotion from the 'old' Division Four in 1991 before he was forced to retire following a challenge with Gary Blissett in a match between the Gulls and Brentford that left him with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket. He currently attends Plainmoor as a Match Analyst for the Press Association.
Tomorrow, we will be looking at the midfield and forward line of this team.
We will now look at an XI comprised entirely of players to have donned the Yellow of Torquay and the Green of Argyle during the last quarter of the century.
Today we look at the back line of this team.
GK: Kenny Veysey
Current Gulls' goalkeeping coach Kenny returned to Plainmoor for a second spell during the 1997-98 season after spells with Oxford United, Exeter City, Sheffield United and Dorchester Town. He helped the Gulls to reach the Division Three Play-Off final in 1998, but missed the final through suspension. Kenny remained with Torquay for a further season before he was released by Wes Saunders at the end of the 1998-99 campaign when he joined Plymouth before retiring through injury a year later.
RB: Kevin Hodges
Plymouth Argyle's record appearance holder Kevin originally joined Torquay from Argyle on loan during the 1991-92 campaign before making the move permanent during the following season. After finishing his playing career with the Gulls, Kevin coached the club's youth side before becoming manager in 1996.
During his two years in charge at Torquay, Kevin led the Gulls to brink of promotion from Division Three as they were beaten in the 1998 Play-Off final by Colchester United before he took charge of the Pilgrims.
His reign in charge at Home Park lasted until 2000 when he was replaced by Paul Sturrock.
CB: Danis Salman
After making his league debut for Brentford as a 15-year-old, Danis Salman went on to help Millwall win promotion to the top-flight of English football for the first time in 1988, where he appeared alongside the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino.
He found his way to the South West in 1990 when he joined Plymouth and he remained with the Pilgrims until 1992 after he was released by Peter Shilton. Danis later joined Torquay as a replacement for Wes Saunders at the start of the 1992-93 campaign and made 22 appearances before leaving at the end of the season. He currently attends Home Park as a Match Analyst for the Press Association and also has a column in the Plymouth Herald.
CB: Craig Taylor
The brother of current Torquay assistant manager, Shaun Taylor, Craig Taylor arrived at Home Park from Swindon Town in the 1999-00 season and he remained with the Pilgrims until 2003 when he made the move to Plainmoor following a successful loan spell.
Whilst at Plainmoor, Craig became the first player to lead the Gulls to automatic promotion in 38 years as he captained Torquay to automatic promotion in the 2003-04 season. Craig remained with the Gulls for 3 more years before he was released.
LB: John Uzzell
During his 12-year stint with Plymouth Argyle, John Uzzell helped the Pilgrims to reach the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup in 1984 and win promotion to the 'old' Division Two in 1986. During his brief stay at Plainmoor, John helped the Gulls to win promotion from the 'old' Division Four in 1991 before he was forced to retire following a challenge with Gary Blissett in a match between the Gulls and Brentford that left him with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket. He currently attends Plainmoor as a Match Analyst for the Press Association.
Tomorrow, we will be looking at the midfield and forward line of this team.
Sunday 13 November 2011
FA CUP 2ND ROUND DRAW REVIEW
The clocks have gone back, the guy has been burned and after today's second round FA Cup draw, all four South West league sides are dreaming of a possibly money-spinning third round tie.
Torquay United's reward for beating League One side Chesterfield at the B2net Stadium is another trip north to face League One fallen giants Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The Blades reached the Semi-Finals of the competition in 2003 under the guidance of former Gulls' caretaker manager Neil Warnock and will provide a stern test for Martin Ling's side.
Yeovil Town will also be on their travels as they head to Lancashire for a meeting with Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town who defeated the Glovers' League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers.
Should Plymouth Argyle overcome Southern Premier side Stourbridge in the replay a week on Tuesday, they will be rewarded with a home tie with Stevenage.
Exeter City will also need a replay to reach the second round after they secured a draw with Walsall courtesy of a late David Noble strike and a trip to either Dagenham and Redbridge or Bath City awaits them if they are able to defeat the Saddlers at the Bescot Stadium.
Torquay United's reward for beating League One side Chesterfield at the B2net Stadium is another trip north to face League One fallen giants Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The Blades reached the Semi-Finals of the competition in 2003 under the guidance of former Gulls' caretaker manager Neil Warnock and will provide a stern test for Martin Ling's side.
Yeovil Town will also be on their travels as they head to Lancashire for a meeting with Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town who defeated the Glovers' League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers.
Should Plymouth Argyle overcome Southern Premier side Stourbridge in the replay a week on Tuesday, they will be rewarded with a home tie with Stevenage.
Exeter City will also need a replay to reach the second round after they secured a draw with Walsall courtesy of a late David Noble strike and a trip to either Dagenham and Redbridge or Bath City awaits them if they are able to defeat the Saddlers at the Bescot Stadium.
Thursday 10 November 2011
FA CUP 1ST ROUND PREVIEW
The major talking point in football this week has been the debate whether the home nations should be allowed to wear poppies on their shirts.
However, on Saturday afternoon, attentions will temporarily be diverted away from that argument and towards the first round of the FA Cup, which sees the four South West league sides in action.
With £18,500 worth of prize money at stake for the winners of the round, each of the four ties involving Exeter City, Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle promise to be eye-catching encounters.
The Grecians host fellow League One side Walsall at St James Park, manager Paul Tisdale has called on his side to recreate the form they showed in last season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy which saw them reach the Southern Area Final.
Yeovil Town are set to hand a start to goalkeeping coach Gareth Stewart, in their meeting with Hereford United, after current first choice keeper Marek Stech, who is currently on loan from West Ham, was called up by the Czech Republic Under-21 squad.
Another side who will be losing a key player to international is Torquay United who will be travelling to Chesterfield without the services of striker Billy Bodin who will be on international duty with the Wales Under-21 squad.
However, Gulls boss Martin Ling will be hoping to field midfielder Ian Morris, who played 19 games on loan with the Spireites last season, after he came through a reserve team game with Brighton during the week.
Plymouth Argyle will be playing host to Evo-Stik Southern Premier side Stourbridge and Pilgrims player-manager Carl Fletcher has threatened to get rid of any players to fail to take the tie seriously.
Argyle haven't won an FA Cup tie since the 2007-08 season when they beat Hull City in the Third Round.
However, on Saturday afternoon, attentions will temporarily be diverted away from that argument and towards the first round of the FA Cup, which sees the four South West league sides in action.
With £18,500 worth of prize money at stake for the winners of the round, each of the four ties involving Exeter City, Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle promise to be eye-catching encounters.
The Grecians host fellow League One side Walsall at St James Park, manager Paul Tisdale has called on his side to recreate the form they showed in last season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy which saw them reach the Southern Area Final.
Yeovil Town are set to hand a start to goalkeeping coach Gareth Stewart, in their meeting with Hereford United, after current first choice keeper Marek Stech, who is currently on loan from West Ham, was called up by the Czech Republic Under-21 squad.
Another side who will be losing a key player to international is Torquay United who will be travelling to Chesterfield without the services of striker Billy Bodin who will be on international duty with the Wales Under-21 squad.
However, Gulls boss Martin Ling will be hoping to field midfielder Ian Morris, who played 19 games on loan with the Spireites last season, after he came through a reserve team game with Brighton during the week.
Plymouth Argyle will be playing host to Evo-Stik Southern Premier side Stourbridge and Pilgrims player-manager Carl Fletcher has threatened to get rid of any players to fail to take the tie seriously.
Argyle haven't won an FA Cup tie since the 2007-08 season when they beat Hull City in the Third Round.
Monday 7 November 2011
A WESTCOUNTRY FLAVOUR
The latest Npower League Two team of the week has a strong Westcountry feel to it as it contains five players with connections to the South West.
Torquay United duo Brian Saah and Lee Mansell are included following their part in the Gulls' 3-0 away over Crewe Alexandra, in which Mansell scored his seventh goal of the season.
Plymouth Argyle captain Simon Walton is also featured after scoring a stunning long range effort for the Pilgrims in their 1-1 draw with Morecambe.
Also selected are former Torquay pair Guy Branston and Jo Kuffour who are both currently on loan at Rotherham United and Gillingham respectively.
Branston, who won the Gulls' Player of the Year award last season, joined the Millers on loan earlier in the season after falling down the pecking order at his parent club, Bradford City, following the arrival of Phil Parkinson after Peter Jackson, the manager who persuaded Branston to head north in the close season, resigned.
Kuffour is currently on loan at Gillingham from Bristol Rovers, with a view to making the move to Priestfield permanent in January, and scored a hat-trick for the Gills against Northampton Town.
This follows the brace he scored against the Gulls earlier in the season when Gillingham beat Torquay 5-2 at Plainmoor.
Torquay United duo Brian Saah and Lee Mansell are included following their part in the Gulls' 3-0 away over Crewe Alexandra, in which Mansell scored his seventh goal of the season.
Plymouth Argyle captain Simon Walton is also featured after scoring a stunning long range effort for the Pilgrims in their 1-1 draw with Morecambe.
Also selected are former Torquay pair Guy Branston and Jo Kuffour who are both currently on loan at Rotherham United and Gillingham respectively.
Branston, who won the Gulls' Player of the Year award last season, joined the Millers on loan earlier in the season after falling down the pecking order at his parent club, Bradford City, following the arrival of Phil Parkinson after Peter Jackson, the manager who persuaded Branston to head north in the close season, resigned.
Kuffour is currently on loan at Gillingham from Bristol Rovers, with a view to making the move to Priestfield permanent in January, and scored a hat-trick for the Gills against Northampton Town.
This follows the brace he scored against the Gulls earlier in the season when Gillingham beat Torquay 5-2 at Plainmoor.
Npower League Two Team of the Week for 05/11/2011 in full:
Ross Atkins - Burton Albion
Jermaine Grandison - Shrewsbury Town
Guy Branston - Rotherham United
Brian Saah - Torquay United
Liam Ridehalgh - Swindon Town
Andy Drury - Crawley Town
Lee Mansell - Torquay United
Simon Walton - Plymouth Argyle
Ryan Hall - Southend United
Saido Berahino - Northampton Town
Jo Kuffour - Gillingham
Sunday 6 November 2011
GREENS THAT BECAME GLOVERS
The recent loan signing of Conor Clifford for Yeovil Town has increased the contingent of former Plymouth Argyle currently at Huish Park to four.
Conor, who joined the Glovers on loan from Chelsea, played eight games for the Pilgrims last season but was forced to return to Stamford Bridge due to a transfer embargo placed on Argyle for an unpaid tax bill.
He made his debut in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Chesterfield at the B2net Stadium.
Amongst his new team-mates are three former Argyle players in the form of Paul Wotton, Steven MacLean and Bondz N'gala.
Wotton, of course, was an inspirational figure during his time with Argyle as he captained his home town club to Division Three and Division Two title triumphs in 2002 and 2004 respectively.
MacLean became Argyle's record signing when he arrived at Home Park during the 2007-08 season. However, he failed to repeat the form he showed earlier in his career for Scunthorpe United and Sheffield Wednesday whilst with the Pilgrims and he was loaned out to Aberdeen and Oxford United before he was released by Peter Reid in the summer.
N'gala also joined Yeovil in the summer after leaving Home Park because of the Pilgrims' previous financial issues.
Another former Pilgrim who was previously with Yeovil was Kiwi striker Rory Fallon who had a brief spell at Huish Park before heading North of the Border to join Aberdeen, where his team-mates include another pair of ex Pilgrims, Chris Clark and Kari Arnason.
Conor, who joined the Glovers on loan from Chelsea, played eight games for the Pilgrims last season but was forced to return to Stamford Bridge due to a transfer embargo placed on Argyle for an unpaid tax bill.
He made his debut in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Chesterfield at the B2net Stadium.
Amongst his new team-mates are three former Argyle players in the form of Paul Wotton, Steven MacLean and Bondz N'gala.
Wotton, of course, was an inspirational figure during his time with Argyle as he captained his home town club to Division Three and Division Two title triumphs in 2002 and 2004 respectively.
MacLean became Argyle's record signing when he arrived at Home Park during the 2007-08 season. However, he failed to repeat the form he showed earlier in his career for Scunthorpe United and Sheffield Wednesday whilst with the Pilgrims and he was loaned out to Aberdeen and Oxford United before he was released by Peter Reid in the summer.
N'gala also joined Yeovil in the summer after leaving Home Park because of the Pilgrims' previous financial issues.
Another former Pilgrim who was previously with Yeovil was Kiwi striker Rory Fallon who had a brief spell at Huish Park before heading North of the Border to join Aberdeen, where his team-mates include another pair of ex Pilgrims, Chris Clark and Kari Arnason.
Wednesday 2 November 2011
FLETCH LOOKING TO HELP PILGRIMS PROGRESS
Following the news that Plymouth Argyle have exited Administration, the Caretaker duo of Carl Fletcher and Romain Larrieu have been installed as Player-Manager and Player-Coach respectively on a permanent basis.
One of Fletcher's first acts as manager was to extend the loan of Billy Gibson, from Middlesbrough, until January.
He has also warned any potential new recruits that they must possess the right attiude and desire if they want to be part of his squad.
He said: "We want people that are here to prove something, that are hungry, that want to do well, because we've got those players in the changing room now.
"If we are going to make any additions they've got to be the right people."
The Argyle starting line-up named by Fletcher in their recent 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham Town included seven players under the age of 21, which illustrates the need to recruit players with the necessary experience of the demands of lower league football as the Pilgrims look to progress up the League Two table.
Fletcher's first test as permanent manager comes on Saturday against promotion chasing Morecambe.
One of Fletcher's first acts as manager was to extend the loan of Billy Gibson, from Middlesbrough, until January.
He has also warned any potential new recruits that they must possess the right attiude and desire if they want to be part of his squad.
He said: "We want people that are here to prove something, that are hungry, that want to do well, because we've got those players in the changing room now.
"If we are going to make any additions they've got to be the right people."
The Argyle starting line-up named by Fletcher in their recent 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham Town included seven players under the age of 21, which illustrates the need to recruit players with the necessary experience of the demands of lower league football as the Pilgrims look to progress up the League Two table.
Fletcher's first test as permanent manager comes on Saturday against promotion chasing Morecambe.
Tuesday 1 November 2011
FATHERS, SONS AND FOOTBALL
Former Torquay United midfielder Paul Trollope and current Gulls' loanee Billy Bodin have quite a few things in common.
Both of them started their careers with Swindon Town and both have famous fathers who made a big impact whilst playing for the Robins. Paul's father, John Trollope, is Swindon's record appearance holder with 770 appearances, a league record made by a player for one club. John also appeared for the Robins in the 1969 League Cup final when they famously beat Arsenal.
Billy's father, Paul Bodin, enjoyed two spells at the County Ground during his career, from 1988 to 1991 and from 1992-1996. His second stint with the Robins saw them win promotion to the Premiership for the first time in their history in the 1992-93 season, when his teammates included the current Gulls' management team of Martin Ling and Shaun Taylor.
Now, on to the second generation of Trollope's and Bodin's.
Paul came to Plainmoor on loan from Swindon in the 1991-92, after being deemed surplus to requirements by the then Robins' boss Glenn Hoddle, before joining Torquay permanently in the following summer. He later went on to enjoy a good career in the game with Derby County, Fulham, Grimsby Town, Northampton and Bristol Rovers and was also capped by Wales.
Billy is currently on loan at Plainmoor and has scored three goals in ten appearances. Martin Ling has stated that he would like to sign him on a permanent basis and current Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio has hinted that he would be willing to accept the right offer for Billy.
Whilst Ling has also admitted that a lot of water has to pass under the bridge for any potential move to happen, it will be a case of 'wait and see' until Billy's current loan deal runs out on January 8th 2012.
Both of them started their careers with Swindon Town and both have famous fathers who made a big impact whilst playing for the Robins. Paul's father, John Trollope, is Swindon's record appearance holder with 770 appearances, a league record made by a player for one club. John also appeared for the Robins in the 1969 League Cup final when they famously beat Arsenal.
Billy's father, Paul Bodin, enjoyed two spells at the County Ground during his career, from 1988 to 1991 and from 1992-1996. His second stint with the Robins saw them win promotion to the Premiership for the first time in their history in the 1992-93 season, when his teammates included the current Gulls' management team of Martin Ling and Shaun Taylor.
Now, on to the second generation of Trollope's and Bodin's.
Paul came to Plainmoor on loan from Swindon in the 1991-92, after being deemed surplus to requirements by the then Robins' boss Glenn Hoddle, before joining Torquay permanently in the following summer. He later went on to enjoy a good career in the game with Derby County, Fulham, Grimsby Town, Northampton and Bristol Rovers and was also capped by Wales.
Billy is currently on loan at Plainmoor and has scored three goals in ten appearances. Martin Ling has stated that he would like to sign him on a permanent basis and current Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio has hinted that he would be willing to accept the right offer for Billy.
Whilst Ling has also admitted that a lot of water has to pass under the bridge for any potential move to happen, it will be a case of 'wait and see' until Billy's current loan deal runs out on January 8th 2012.
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