Following Scott Golbourne's departure to Championship side Barnsley, Exeter City have snapped up as a direct replacement in the form of Bradford City's Luke O'Brien.
The Grecians have taken over the contract of O'Brien, who has made over 120 appearances for the Bantams since turning pro in 2007.
He will take over the left block vacated by Golbourne who has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Tykes, who are managed by former Plymouth Argyle defender Keith Hill.
City have so far been the busiest movers in the transfer market as the transfer deadline approaches and it remains to be seen if Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle will be involved in any last minute transfer activity.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Monday 30 January 2012
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
In the Premiership, it is often said that having a water tight defence will help to win the league title at the end of the season.
However, in the lower leagues it is often the side with the meanest attack that goes on to win the title and promotion. Indeed, in recent years, a feature of many promotion winning sides from League Two has been a strike partnership that have provided their team with a 30-40 goal a season contribution.
Despite the fact that Torquay's formation, deployed by Martin Ling since October last year, is often described some observers as a 4-3-3 system, is essentially a lone striker formation, with joint top scorer Rene Howe, who has nine goals to his name, playing role of the lone forward.
For this system to work, it requires the rest of the side to chip in with goals, which they have done to great effect.
Skipper Lee Mansell is Gulls joint top scorer with Howe with nine. Next on the list is Danny Stevens who has found the back of the net six times.
Loan signing Billy Bodin, who returned to Swindon earlier this month, and Kevin Nicholson have both scored five.
Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane has chipped in with four during the course of the season and defender Mark Ellis scored his third of the campaign on Saturday against Northampton.
With 11 wins in 14 games and 35 points from a possible 42, Torquay are now up to ffith in the Npower League Two table.
Similarities can be found with the current Gulls' side and the team that Kevin Hodges led to the Division Three Play-Off final in the 1997-98 season.
That team also shared the responsibility of finding the back of the net through out the team. Rodney Jack led the way with 16 goals, whilst Andy Gurney and Paul Gibbs scored 10 each and Jon Gittens, Andy McFarlane and Kevin Hill all hit seven.
As well as reaching the Play-Offs that season, the class of 1997-98 were also in contention for automatic promotion right up until the final day of the campaign.
They also set a new club record of eight consecutive wins from January 29th 1998 and March 3rd 1998, Ling's men have currently won their last five on the trot.
Footnote: In the 1997-98 season, Rodney Jack was voted in the PFA Third Division team of the season, alongside current Torquay manager Martin Ling, who was then playing for Leyton Orient.
However, in the lower leagues it is often the side with the meanest attack that goes on to win the title and promotion. Indeed, in recent years, a feature of many promotion winning sides from League Two has been a strike partnership that have provided their team with a 30-40 goal a season contribution.
Despite the fact that Torquay's formation, deployed by Martin Ling since October last year, is often described some observers as a 4-3-3 system, is essentially a lone striker formation, with joint top scorer Rene Howe, who has nine goals to his name, playing role of the lone forward.
For this system to work, it requires the rest of the side to chip in with goals, which they have done to great effect.
Skipper Lee Mansell is Gulls joint top scorer with Howe with nine. Next on the list is Danny Stevens who has found the back of the net six times.
Loan signing Billy Bodin, who returned to Swindon earlier this month, and Kevin Nicholson have both scored five.
Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane has chipped in with four during the course of the season and defender Mark Ellis scored his third of the campaign on Saturday against Northampton.
With 11 wins in 14 games and 35 points from a possible 42, Torquay are now up to ffith in the Npower League Two table.
Similarities can be found with the current Gulls' side and the team that Kevin Hodges led to the Division Three Play-Off final in the 1997-98 season.
That team also shared the responsibility of finding the back of the net through out the team. Rodney Jack led the way with 16 goals, whilst Andy Gurney and Paul Gibbs scored 10 each and Jon Gittens, Andy McFarlane and Kevin Hill all hit seven.
As well as reaching the Play-Offs that season, the class of 1997-98 were also in contention for automatic promotion right up until the final day of the campaign.
They also set a new club record of eight consecutive wins from January 29th 1998 and March 3rd 1998, Ling's men have currently won their last five on the trot.
Footnote: In the 1997-98 season, Rodney Jack was voted in the PFA Third Division team of the season, alongside current Torquay manager Martin Ling, who was then playing for Leyton Orient.
Wednesday 25 January 2012
DEEHAN CONFIRMED AS FLETCHER'S MENTOR
Former Norwich City and Aston Villa striker John Deehan has been confirmed as Plymouth Argyle's new Director of Football.
Deehan, 54, will be assisting manager Carl Fletcher and his coaching staff until the end of the season.
A former England Under-21 international, Deehan won League Cup winners' medals with Aston Villa and Norwich, in 1977 and 1985 respectively, and also played for West Brom, Ipswich and Barnsley.
As a manager, he began his career as a player-coach with the Canaries before becoming assistant manager to Mike Walker in 1992. Deehan helped guide them to third place in the inaugural Premier League season, the 1992-93 season.
The following season saw them reach the third round of the UEFA Cup after they famously defeated German giants Bayern Munich in round two.
He briefly managed the Canaries during the 1993-94 season after Walker left to take charge of Everton, but left the post in April 1995, shortly before Norwich were relegated from the Premiership.
His next port of call was Wigan Athletic, where he helped to start their rise through the leagues and led them to the Division Three title in the 1996-97 campaign with a team that included current Latic's boss Roberto Martinez.
Deehan then assisted Steve Bruce at Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town before returning to Villa Park to work under John Gregory in July 2001. He briefly held the post of Caretaker Manager during the 2001-02 season before Graham Taylor was appointed as manager for a second time.
In the 2003-04 season, he was appointed as Director of Football at Northampton Town where he provided assistance to Cobblers manager Colin Calderwood. He held the position at the Sixfields' Stadium until the end of the 2005-06 campaign, during which time Northampton won automatic promotion from League Two.
Since then he also worked as Director of Football at Lincoln City, been employed as assistant manager at non-league Kettering Town with his most recent position being that of Head of Recruitment at Grimsby Town.
His vast coaching experience and contacts will no doubt prove to been invaluable to Carl Ftetcher and Plymouth Argyle.
Deehan, 54, will be assisting manager Carl Fletcher and his coaching staff until the end of the season.
A former England Under-21 international, Deehan won League Cup winners' medals with Aston Villa and Norwich, in 1977 and 1985 respectively, and also played for West Brom, Ipswich and Barnsley.
As a manager, he began his career as a player-coach with the Canaries before becoming assistant manager to Mike Walker in 1992. Deehan helped guide them to third place in the inaugural Premier League season, the 1992-93 season.
The following season saw them reach the third round of the UEFA Cup after they famously defeated German giants Bayern Munich in round two.
He briefly managed the Canaries during the 1993-94 season after Walker left to take charge of Everton, but left the post in April 1995, shortly before Norwich were relegated from the Premiership.
His next port of call was Wigan Athletic, where he helped to start their rise through the leagues and led them to the Division Three title in the 1996-97 campaign with a team that included current Latic's boss Roberto Martinez.
Deehan then assisted Steve Bruce at Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town before returning to Villa Park to work under John Gregory in July 2001. He briefly held the post of Caretaker Manager during the 2001-02 season before Graham Taylor was appointed as manager for a second time.
In the 2003-04 season, he was appointed as Director of Football at Northampton Town where he provided assistance to Cobblers manager Colin Calderwood. He held the position at the Sixfields' Stadium until the end of the 2005-06 campaign, during which time Northampton won automatic promotion from League Two.
Since then he also worked as Director of Football at Lincoln City, been employed as assistant manager at non-league Kettering Town with his most recent position being that of Head of Recruitment at Grimsby Town.
His vast coaching experience and contacts will no doubt prove to been invaluable to Carl Ftetcher and Plymouth Argyle.
Monday 23 January 2012
GULLS LOOKING TO EMULATE AWAY FORM AT PLAINMOOR
Following two away victories in the frozen north, which has lifted them into the League Two Play-Off zone, Torquay United will now be looking to replicate that form in their next two home games.
Wins over Macclesfield Town and Morecambe have seen the Gulls rise to sixth in the table. The same points haul from their two home games this week against strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge, on Tuesday night, and Northampton Town, on Saturday, would see Martin Ling's side close the gap on the division's top three, which currently stands at eight points, yet further.
Ling's men haven't been beaten at home since their 5-2 reverse against fellow Play-Off chasers Gillingham in mid-October and have only lost one other match at home during the current season.
Indeed during the first two seasons of Leroy Rosenior's reign as manager, during which the Plainmoor faithful witnessed another Gulls' side that played free-flowing, attacking football, Torquay were only beaten five times in the league, three times in the 2002-03 campaign and twice in the promotion season of 2003-04.
Ensuring that Plainmoor remains a fortress for the Gulls will be provide a solid foundation for any success which Martin Ling's Torquay side achieve.
Should they be six points better off this time next week, he could well be vying for the League Two Manager of the Month award for January with Paolo Di Canio who is currently in charge of his former club, Swindon Town.
The Robins are the only team in League Two with a better record than the Gulls in their last six league games.
Wins over Macclesfield Town and Morecambe have seen the Gulls rise to sixth in the table. The same points haul from their two home games this week against strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge, on Tuesday night, and Northampton Town, on Saturday, would see Martin Ling's side close the gap on the division's top three, which currently stands at eight points, yet further.
Ling's men haven't been beaten at home since their 5-2 reverse against fellow Play-Off chasers Gillingham in mid-October and have only lost one other match at home during the current season.
Indeed during the first two seasons of Leroy Rosenior's reign as manager, during which the Plainmoor faithful witnessed another Gulls' side that played free-flowing, attacking football, Torquay were only beaten five times in the league, three times in the 2002-03 campaign and twice in the promotion season of 2003-04.
Ensuring that Plainmoor remains a fortress for the Gulls will be provide a solid foundation for any success which Martin Ling's Torquay side achieve.
Should they be six points better off this time next week, he could well be vying for the League Two Manager of the Month award for January with Paolo Di Canio who is currently in charge of his former club, Swindon Town.
The Robins are the only team in League Two with a better record than the Gulls in their last six league games.
Friday 20 January 2012
THE SEARCH FOR FLETCHER'S MENTOR CONTINUES
Plymouth Argyle's search for an experienced mentor to assist rookie manager Carl Fletcher continues.
Ex Bournemouth and Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll had been linked with the role, after acting as advisor to Fletcher for a number of months.
The pair knew each other from Fletcher's playing days with the Cherries where O'Driscoll was youth manager and first team manager during his time at Dean Court.
However, it was announced this week that O'Driscoll would heading to Nottingham Forest to take up a coaching role alongside Forest manager, and former Bournemouth team-mate, Steve Cotterill.
Two other names mention in relation to the vacancy are ex Walsall manager Richard Money and former Wolves manager Colin Lee.
In his most recent role in the game, Lee served Torquay United as Chief Executive where he acted as a mentor to Paul Buckle. He also has experience of being in a similar situation to the one Fletcher finds himself in now as he saved the Gulls from relegation to the Conference during the 2000-01 season.
Another name heavily linked to the position is former Argyle boss Neil Warnock, who still owns a house in South East Cornwall. following his sacking by Queens Park Rangers.
Ex Bournemouth and Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll had been linked with the role, after acting as advisor to Fletcher for a number of months.
The pair knew each other from Fletcher's playing days with the Cherries where O'Driscoll was youth manager and first team manager during his time at Dean Court.
However, it was announced this week that O'Driscoll would heading to Nottingham Forest to take up a coaching role alongside Forest manager, and former Bournemouth team-mate, Steve Cotterill.
Two other names mention in relation to the vacancy are ex Walsall manager Richard Money and former Wolves manager Colin Lee.
In his most recent role in the game, Lee served Torquay United as Chief Executive where he acted as a mentor to Paul Buckle. He also has experience of being in a similar situation to the one Fletcher finds himself in now as he saved the Gulls from relegation to the Conference during the 2000-01 season.
Another name heavily linked to the position is former Argyle boss Neil Warnock, who still owns a house in South East Cornwall. following his sacking by Queens Park Rangers.
LING FACING SELECTION HEADACHE FOR GULLS
As they head to the North West for the second time in the space of a fortnight, Torquay United manager Martin Ling is facing a selection dilemma on the eve of the Gulls' clash with Morecambe.
Leading scorer Rene Howe is available for first team duty after completing a four match suspension.
In his absence, Torquay have picked up ten points from a possible 12, which included wins over Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle, with Kenyan striker Taiwo Atieno playing as the lone front man.
Atieno was also on the score sheet in their Boxing Day victory over Paolo Di Canio's Robins.
More pleasingly for Gulls' fans, Ling has also stated that he is yet to receive any substanial offers for Bobby Olejnik, Mark Ellis or Eunan O'Kane.
The only movement involving Torquay so far in the current transfer window is the return of striker Billy Bodin to Swindon after his loan agreement expired on January 8th.
Ling had previously stated that he wished to retain the services of the Wales Under-21 forward, who scored the Gulls' opener against Plymouth on January 2nd, but if he wasn't able to, he would be looking to sign a replacement for him.
Leading scorer Rene Howe is available for first team duty after completing a four match suspension.
In his absence, Torquay have picked up ten points from a possible 12, which included wins over Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle, with Kenyan striker Taiwo Atieno playing as the lone front man.
Atieno was also on the score sheet in their Boxing Day victory over Paolo Di Canio's Robins.
More pleasingly for Gulls' fans, Ling has also stated that he is yet to receive any substanial offers for Bobby Olejnik, Mark Ellis or Eunan O'Kane.
The only movement involving Torquay so far in the current transfer window is the return of striker Billy Bodin to Swindon after his loan agreement expired on January 8th.
Ling had previously stated that he wished to retain the services of the Wales Under-21 forward, who scored the Gulls' opener against Plymouth on January 2nd, but if he wasn't able to, he would be looking to sign a replacement for him.
Wednesday 18 January 2012
EX GULLS HELPING ROBINS SCALE NEW HEIGHTS
Bideford currently find themselves top of the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West and two former Torquay United stalwarts are playing key roles in their success.
Robins manager Sean Joyce, who played for the Gulls between 1988 and 1993, has been in charge since 1998. During this time he has overseen Bideford's rise from the Western League to the Southern League, which they won promotion to at the end of the 2009-10 season.
Under the stewardship of Joyce, who appeared for Torquay in the 1989 Sherpa Van Trophy final & the Division Four Play-Off final in 1991, the Robins have also enjoyed several impressive runs in the FA Vase, including the Semi-Final appearance in the 2003-04 campaign.
On the pitch, Bideford are led by another former Gull in the form of Matt Hockley who, like Joyce, was a tough tackling midfielder during his time at Plainmoor. He was a regular for the Gulls in their automatic promotion winning side in the 2003-04 season, in a midfield that featured the likes of Alex Russell and Jason Fowler.
At the time of writing, Bideford are currently six points clear of second placed Hungerford Town with a game in hand and look to be in the driving seat.
If they can maintain their current form then Joyce and Hockley will be soon be adding to what they achieved during the respective careers at Plainmoor.
Robins manager Sean Joyce, who played for the Gulls between 1988 and 1993, has been in charge since 1998. During this time he has overseen Bideford's rise from the Western League to the Southern League, which they won promotion to at the end of the 2009-10 season.
Under the stewardship of Joyce, who appeared for Torquay in the 1989 Sherpa Van Trophy final & the Division Four Play-Off final in 1991, the Robins have also enjoyed several impressive runs in the FA Vase, including the Semi-Final appearance in the 2003-04 campaign.
On the pitch, Bideford are led by another former Gull in the form of Matt Hockley who, like Joyce, was a tough tackling midfielder during his time at Plainmoor. He was a regular for the Gulls in their automatic promotion winning side in the 2003-04 season, in a midfield that featured the likes of Alex Russell and Jason Fowler.
At the time of writing, Bideford are currently six points clear of second placed Hungerford Town with a game in hand and look to be in the driving seat.
If they can maintain their current form then Joyce and Hockley will be soon be adding to what they achieved during the respective careers at Plainmoor.
TRURO SETTLE TAX DEBT
Truro City have staved off the threat of closure after settling an unpaid tax bill with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
The White Tigers, who play in Blue Square Bet South, were due to face a winding up order next monday over an unpaid bill, in the region of £100,000.
If the debt had not been paid it is likely that Truro would have faced liquidation.
This also leaves the club free to apply to have a transfer embargo, which was placed on the club during their financial plight, lifted to enable manager Lee Hodges to strengthen his squad.
The White Tigers, who play in Blue Square Bet South, were due to face a winding up order next monday over an unpaid bill, in the region of £100,000.
If the debt had not been paid it is likely that Truro would have faced liquidation.
This also leaves the club free to apply to have a transfer embargo, which was placed on the club during their financial plight, lifted to enable manager Lee Hodges to strengthen his squad.
Monday 16 January 2012
WOTTON GLAD TO BE BACK
Returning hero Paul Wotton said he was pleased to back at Home Park after making his second 'debut' for Plymouth Argyle against Burton Albion.
The Pilgrims won 2-1 courtesy of two goals from Simon Walton and Wotton couldn't hide his delight at returning to familiar surroundings following his release from Yeovil Town.
"It happened so quickly:" said Wotton. "I'm not a great believer in fate, but if Terry Skiverton had still been the Yeovil manager, I don't think I would be sat here at Home Park now.
"It has all been so quick, I am still on a high now.
"Everyone knows my history with Plymouth and I am lucky to be a fan and do something about the club's league position on the pitch.
"This is not a bottom of the table side, there is a great spirit in the changing room, all the staff and the players are all together and it feels like I've never been away.
"My heart was always here."
The Pilgrims won 2-1 courtesy of two goals from Simon Walton and Wotton couldn't hide his delight at returning to familiar surroundings following his release from Yeovil Town.
"It happened so quickly:" said Wotton. "I'm not a great believer in fate, but if Terry Skiverton had still been the Yeovil manager, I don't think I would be sat here at Home Park now.
"It has all been so quick, I am still on a high now.
"Everyone knows my history with Plymouth and I am lucky to be a fan and do something about the club's league position on the pitch.
"This is not a bottom of the table side, there is a great spirit in the changing room, all the staff and the players are all together and it feels like I've never been away.
"My heart was always here."
Thursday 12 January 2012
WOTTON BACK TO AID SURVIVAL BID
Former Plymouth Argyle skipper Paul Wotton has returned to Home Park to aid the Pilgrims' fight against relegation from League Two.
Wotton, 34, made 438 appearances for Argyle between 1995 and 2008 and has signed an 18-month deal following his release from Yeovil Town.
During that time Wotton captained the Pilgrims to the Division Three title in the 2001-02 campaign, which they won with a record 102 points.
Two years later, he led Argyle to the Second Division title, before it was re-named League One, before playing a key role in helping to establish the Pilgrims as a Championship side before he was released in 2008.
Following his departure from Home Park, Wotton joined Southampton and had a loan spell with Oxford United before he signed for Yeovil in January 2010. Incidentally, he made his debut for the Glovers on New Year's Day 2010 against Argyle at Home Park.
In other business, the Pilgrims have also signed midfielder Joe Lennox from Bristol City whilst French defender Maxim Blanchard has agreed a longer term deal. Loanee Will Atkinson has returned to his parent club Hull City after Tigers' boss Nick Barmby activated a release clause as part of his loan agreement.
Wotton, 34, made 438 appearances for Argyle between 1995 and 2008 and has signed an 18-month deal following his release from Yeovil Town.
During that time Wotton captained the Pilgrims to the Division Three title in the 2001-02 campaign, which they won with a record 102 points.
Two years later, he led Argyle to the Second Division title, before it was re-named League One, before playing a key role in helping to establish the Pilgrims as a Championship side before he was released in 2008.
Following his departure from Home Park, Wotton joined Southampton and had a loan spell with Oxford United before he signed for Yeovil in January 2010. Incidentally, he made his debut for the Glovers on New Year's Day 2010 against Argyle at Home Park.
In other business, the Pilgrims have also signed midfielder Joe Lennox from Bristol City whilst French defender Maxim Blanchard has agreed a longer term deal. Loanee Will Atkinson has returned to his parent club Hull City after Tigers' boss Nick Barmby activated a release clause as part of his loan agreement.
Wednesday 11 January 2012
LING HAS GULLS FLYING AGAIN
During the close season, it was predicted that Martin Ling faced a season of rebuilding as Torquay United after taking over at Plainmoor following the departure of Paul Buckle to Bristol Rovers.
However, as we head past the half way point of the campaign, Buckle has since faced a mutiny whilst in charge of the Pirates, following his recent departure, whilst Ling appears to have claimed the bounty on the English Riviera.
The Gulls are now closing in on the League Two Play-Off berths following a frutiful festive period, which saw them pick up seven points from a possible, which included wins over Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town and a second Devon derby win over Plymouth Argyle.
This was achieved despite the absence of talismanic striker Rene Howe who received a four match ban after receiving a red card against Accrington Stanley in December.
At the time of writing, they are currently 10th in the League Two table.
After securing the services of Eunan O'Kane, Lee Mansell and Kevin Nicholson until the end of the 2013-14 season, Ling is currently in negotiations with Chris Robertson, Mark Ellis and Damon Lathrope with similar length deals in order to lay the foundations for further success.
Even if the Gulls were to miss out on the Play-Offs this season, Ling would still be able to take pride in helping Torquay achieve two consecutive top half finishes, something that they have not achieved as a league side since the reign of Leroy Rosenior, when they finished 9th and 3rd in the 2002-03 & 2003-04 seasons.
However, as we head past the half way point of the campaign, Buckle has since faced a mutiny whilst in charge of the Pirates, following his recent departure, whilst Ling appears to have claimed the bounty on the English Riviera.
The Gulls are now closing in on the League Two Play-Off berths following a frutiful festive period, which saw them pick up seven points from a possible, which included wins over Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town and a second Devon derby win over Plymouth Argyle.
This was achieved despite the absence of talismanic striker Rene Howe who received a four match ban after receiving a red card against Accrington Stanley in December.
At the time of writing, they are currently 10th in the League Two table.
After securing the services of Eunan O'Kane, Lee Mansell and Kevin Nicholson until the end of the 2013-14 season, Ling is currently in negotiations with Chris Robertson, Mark Ellis and Damon Lathrope with similar length deals in order to lay the foundations for further success.
Even if the Gulls were to miss out on the Play-Offs this season, Ling would still be able to take pride in helping Torquay achieve two consecutive top half finishes, something that they have not achieved as a league side since the reign of Leroy Rosenior, when they finished 9th and 3rd in the 2002-03 & 2003-04 seasons.
Monday 9 January 2012
GARY JOHNSON RETURNS FOR SECOND SPELL WITH GLOVERS
Gary Johnson's mission, now he has chosen to accept it, is to keep Yeovil Town in League One following his return to the Huish Park hotseat.
He will succeed Terry Skiverton as manager of the Glovers and Skiverton will remain with Yeovil as his assistant.
After being linked to the Bristol Rovers vacancy, Johnson has returned to a place he still holds very dear to his heart and enjoyed great success with during his first reign in charge between 2001-2005.
In his first season with the Glovers, the 2001-02 campaign, Johnson led Yeovil to FA Trophy glory as they defeated Stevenage at Villa Park in the final.
A year later, Johnson ended their 108 wait for league football as they won promotion from the Nationwide Conference as champions.
Yeovil's first season as a football league club, the 2002-03 campaign, proved to be one of consolidation as they finished 8th in Division Three.
This proved to be the foundation for further success as they won promotion again in the following the season, the 2004-05 campaign, as winners of the newly named Coca-Cola League Two.
Several months after their rise to the third tier of English football, Johnson left Huish Park to take charge of Bristol City who he led to promotion from League One in 2007.
He then led the Robins to the brink of the Premiership a year later when they were defeated in the Championship Play-Off final in 2008 by Hull City.
After leaving Ashton Gate in 2010, spells at Peterborough United and Northampton Town followed before making the return to the club he led to the promised land of the Football League in 2003.
As well as Skiverton, who captained the Glovers for all of their triumphs under his reign, Johnson will also be working alongside coaches Nathan Jones and Darren Way, who both served under him as did midfielder Gavin Williams, who is currently in his fourth spell at Huish Park.
He will also be familiar with Kieran Agard and Jon Obika, who recently agreed to extend his current loan stint at Yeovil until the end of the season, as they both played under him at Peterborough.
It is also worth noting that this is not the first time that Yeovil had entered into such an agreement regarding appointing a new manager whilst demoting the incumbant manager. Johnson's successor in 2005, Steve Thompson, became the assistant manager to Russell Slade in 2006 and remained in the role until Slade's departure in 2009 to make way for Skiverton.
He will succeed Terry Skiverton as manager of the Glovers and Skiverton will remain with Yeovil as his assistant.
After being linked to the Bristol Rovers vacancy, Johnson has returned to a place he still holds very dear to his heart and enjoyed great success with during his first reign in charge between 2001-2005.
In his first season with the Glovers, the 2001-02 campaign, Johnson led Yeovil to FA Trophy glory as they defeated Stevenage at Villa Park in the final.
A year later, Johnson ended their 108 wait for league football as they won promotion from the Nationwide Conference as champions.
Yeovil's first season as a football league club, the 2002-03 campaign, proved to be one of consolidation as they finished 8th in Division Three.
This proved to be the foundation for further success as they won promotion again in the following the season, the 2004-05 campaign, as winners of the newly named Coca-Cola League Two.
Several months after their rise to the third tier of English football, Johnson left Huish Park to take charge of Bristol City who he led to promotion from League One in 2007.
He then led the Robins to the brink of the Premiership a year later when they were defeated in the Championship Play-Off final in 2008 by Hull City.
After leaving Ashton Gate in 2010, spells at Peterborough United and Northampton Town followed before making the return to the club he led to the promised land of the Football League in 2003.
As well as Skiverton, who captained the Glovers for all of their triumphs under his reign, Johnson will also be working alongside coaches Nathan Jones and Darren Way, who both served under him as did midfielder Gavin Williams, who is currently in his fourth spell at Huish Park.
He will also be familiar with Kieran Agard and Jon Obika, who recently agreed to extend his current loan stint at Yeovil until the end of the season, as they both played under him at Peterborough.
It is also worth noting that this is not the first time that Yeovil had entered into such an agreement regarding appointing a new manager whilst demoting the incumbant manager. Johnson's successor in 2005, Steve Thompson, became the assistant manager to Russell Slade in 2006 and remained in the role until Slade's departure in 2009 to make way for Skiverton.
Saturday 7 January 2012
JOHNSON SET FOR HUISH RETURN
Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson is being lined up for a return to Huish Park, six years after he left the Glovers to manage Bristol City.
Johnson, who has been out of work since November following his departure from Northampton Town, has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Bristol Rovers in the wake of the recent sacking of Paul Buckle.
It is not clear what role Johnson, who guided the Glovers into the Football League in 2003 before leading them to League One two years, will be taking on.
An official announcement will be made at a press conference at Huish Park on Monday afternoon, which is expected to confirm Johnson's return and clarify what his role at the club will be.
Johnson, who has been out of work since November following his departure from Northampton Town, has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Bristol Rovers in the wake of the recent sacking of Paul Buckle.
It is not clear what role Johnson, who guided the Glovers into the Football League in 2003 before leading them to League One two years, will be taking on.
An official announcement will be made at a press conference at Huish Park on Monday afternoon, which is expected to confirm Johnson's return and clarify what his role at the club will be.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
CHADWICK MAKES RETURN PERMANENT
Nick Chadwick has re-joined Plymouth Argyle on a permanent basis following a successful loan stint from Stockport County.
Chadwick, who originally joined the Pilgrims for £250,000 from Everton in 2005, has scored three goals in six appearances since returning to Home Park from Stockport in November after agreeing a deal which runs until the end of the 2012-13 season.
His first spell with Argyle saw him score 10 goals in 83 appearances and scored the club's fastest ever goal in December 2005 against Crystal Palace.
He becomes Carl Fletcher's first signing of the January 2011 transfer window and a number of other moves are expected to be completed after the window slams shut on January 31st.
Chadwick, who originally joined the Pilgrims for £250,000 from Everton in 2005, has scored three goals in six appearances since returning to Home Park from Stockport in November after agreeing a deal which runs until the end of the 2012-13 season.
His first spell with Argyle saw him score 10 goals in 83 appearances and scored the club's fastest ever goal in December 2005 against Crystal Palace.
He becomes Carl Fletcher's first signing of the January 2011 transfer window and a number of other moves are expected to be completed after the window slams shut on January 31st.
Monday 2 January 2012
GULLS SECURE FIRST DOUBLE FOR FOUR DECADES
Goals from Billy Bodin and Lee Mansell set Torquay United on their way to achieving their first league double over Plymouth Argyle since the 1970-71 season.
Swindon loanee Bodin gave the Gulls the lead on 58 minutes before captain Mansell added a second eight minutes later when he drilled home a pass from Danny Stevens.
Luke Young pulled one back for the Pilgrims with a headed effort on 72 minutes, but they could not force an equaliser as their five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
The result leaves Torquay two points off the Play-Offs and the Pilgrims three points from safety.
Swindon loanee Bodin gave the Gulls the lead on 58 minutes before captain Mansell added a second eight minutes later when he drilled home a pass from Danny Stevens.
Luke Young pulled one back for the Pilgrims with a headed effort on 72 minutes, but they could not force an equaliser as their five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
The result leaves Torquay two points off the Play-Offs and the Pilgrims three points from safety.
Sunday 1 January 2012
THE TALE OF BINGHAM'S BOX
Ahead of the second league meeting this season between Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle, we will now look back at an encounter featuring the two sides from the late 1960's.
For a brief period in the late 1960's and early 1970's, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle met on a regular basis in what is now League One to battle out for the status of the number one team in Devon.
The Gulls had won promotion under Frank O'Farrell from 'old' Division Four in 1966 and established themselves as a force in Division Three.
In the 1967-68 season, in which Torquay recorded their highest ever league finish of 4th in the Third Division, the Pilgrims were relegated from Division Two. This ensured that the two sides would be meeting each other for the first time since the abolition of Division Three South in 1958.
Ahead of their first league meeting in over ten years at Home Park on October 5th 1968, Argyle boss, and future Northern Ireland manager, Billy Bingham added some extra spice to the affair by claiming that Torquay were a lucky side.
History was against the Gulls going into the game as they had never won at Home Park in nine attempts in the League or Cup, but they took the lead through Jimmy Dunne before Fred Molyneux equalised for the Pilgrims.
In the second half, O'Farrell pulled off a masterstroke when he sent on Alan Welsh as a substitute for Ken Sandercock. Welsh, who would later go on to play for the Pilgrims, latched on to a pass from Robin Stubbs before firing into the back of the net to clinch victory for the Gulls.
After the game, Bingham stated that Torquay would the return fixture on Boxing Day 'over my dead body', which prompted some fans to construct a coffin for him.
As it happened, the Boxing Day fixture was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and the Pilgrims won the re-arranged fixture 1-0 on February 5th 1969, by which time O'Farrell had left Plainmoor to take charge of Leicester City and been succeeded by Allan Brown.
At the end of the season, Plymouth finished fifth in the Third Division table, whilst the Gulls finished one place below in sixth.The two sides would meet each other six times in the league, and twice in the League Cup, up until 1972, when Torquay were relegated back to the 'old' Fourth Division, with the Gulls winning three of those six league encounters.
They also knocked the Pilgrims out of the League Cup in the 1969-70 season. During those six league meetings, they would twice emulate the 2-1 result, which prompted Bingham who say 'over my dead body', which would remain as the Gulls' biggest ever winning margin over the Pilgrims until their 3-1 Eunan O'Kane inspired victory over them earlier this season.
For a brief period in the late 1960's and early 1970's, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle met on a regular basis in what is now League One to battle out for the status of the number one team in Devon.
The Gulls had won promotion under Frank O'Farrell from 'old' Division Four in 1966 and established themselves as a force in Division Three.
In the 1967-68 season, in which Torquay recorded their highest ever league finish of 4th in the Third Division, the Pilgrims were relegated from Division Two. This ensured that the two sides would be meeting each other for the first time since the abolition of Division Three South in 1958.
Ahead of their first league meeting in over ten years at Home Park on October 5th 1968, Argyle boss, and future Northern Ireland manager, Billy Bingham added some extra spice to the affair by claiming that Torquay were a lucky side.
History was against the Gulls going into the game as they had never won at Home Park in nine attempts in the League or Cup, but they took the lead through Jimmy Dunne before Fred Molyneux equalised for the Pilgrims.
In the second half, O'Farrell pulled off a masterstroke when he sent on Alan Welsh as a substitute for Ken Sandercock. Welsh, who would later go on to play for the Pilgrims, latched on to a pass from Robin Stubbs before firing into the back of the net to clinch victory for the Gulls.
After the game, Bingham stated that Torquay would the return fixture on Boxing Day 'over my dead body', which prompted some fans to construct a coffin for him.
As it happened, the Boxing Day fixture was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and the Pilgrims won the re-arranged fixture 1-0 on February 5th 1969, by which time O'Farrell had left Plainmoor to take charge of Leicester City and been succeeded by Allan Brown.
At the end of the season, Plymouth finished fifth in the Third Division table, whilst the Gulls finished one place below in sixth.The two sides would meet each other six times in the league, and twice in the League Cup, up until 1972, when Torquay were relegated back to the 'old' Fourth Division, with the Gulls winning three of those six league encounters.
They also knocked the Pilgrims out of the League Cup in the 1969-70 season. During those six league meetings, they would twice emulate the 2-1 result, which prompted Bingham who say 'over my dead body', which would remain as the Gulls' biggest ever winning margin over the Pilgrims until their 3-1 Eunan O'Kane inspired victory over them earlier this season.
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