Joe Oastler's red card, which he received during Torquay United's clash with Gillingham, has been lifted and passed on to Brian Saah.
Referee Jock Waugh dismissed Gulls' right back Oastler for a challenge that he believed that he had committed on Gills striker Danny Kedwell, but the foul had actually been made by Saah.
After viewing video evidence of the challenge, former Leyton Orient defender Saah was adjudged to have been the culprit and will miss Torquay's trip to Crawley on Saturday.
On-loan Reading defender Angus MacDonald is on stand-by to take his place.
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Monday 27 February 2012
JOE ON TARGET AS BLUEBIRDS MISS OUT ON PENS
Despite seeing his team lose on penalties, Joe Mason gave a good account of himself by opening the scoring for Cardiff City against Liverpool in the Carling Cup final.
The Plymouth-born starlet, who joined the Bluebirds during the close summer from Plymouth Argyle for £250,000, gave the Welsh side the lead in the 19th minute when he slotted home from close range after being sent through by Kenny Miller.
Joe remained on the pitch until the 91st minute when he was replaced by Slovakian Filip Kiss on 91 minutes, by this stage the score was 1-1 after Martin Skrtel equalised for the Reds, so therefore he wasn't able to contribute to the penalty shoot-out, which Cardiff lost 3-2 after drawing 2-2 after 120 minutes.
Although they missed out by the narrowest of margins, Joe and his teammates, which include former Argyle Darcy Blake, who made a late cameo appearance at right back, could appear at Wembley again later on in the season as they are currently on course to reach the Play-Offs in the Championship .
The Plymouth-born starlet, who joined the Bluebirds during the close summer from Plymouth Argyle for £250,000, gave the Welsh side the lead in the 19th minute when he slotted home from close range after being sent through by Kenny Miller.
Joe remained on the pitch until the 91st minute when he was replaced by Slovakian Filip Kiss on 91 minutes, by this stage the score was 1-1 after Martin Skrtel equalised for the Reds, so therefore he wasn't able to contribute to the penalty shoot-out, which Cardiff lost 3-2 after drawing 2-2 after 120 minutes.
Although they missed out by the narrowest of margins, Joe and his teammates, which include former Argyle Darcy Blake, who made a late cameo appearance at right back, could appear at Wembley again later on in the season as they are currently on course to reach the Play-Offs in the Championship .
Saturday 25 February 2012
JOE AIMING TO HELP BLUEBIRDS CAUSE FINAL SHOCK
When former Plymouth Argyle starlet Joe Mason left the Pilgrims to join Cardiff City last summer, few would have entertained the possibility that he could possibly feature in one of this season's major domestic cup finals.
However, tomorrow afternoon, he is set to line-up against Liverpool, in the 2012 Carling Cup final, as Malky McKay's Bluebirds, who are aiming to pull off what would be one of the biggest shocks in an English cup final since Wimbledon beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final.
Cardiff paid £250,000 for Joe's services during the close season, which provided a major boost to the then financially stricken Pilgrims' finances, after he had finished the 2010-11 campaign as Argyle's joint second top goal scorer.
His displays for the Pilgrims provided a bright spot in what was ultimately a season to forget for everyone associated with Argyle. From January 2011 onwards, Joe and his teammates were forced to defer their wages as Argyle slid into Administration and received a subsequent ten-point deduction, which saw them relegated from League One.
If Joe was able to help the Bluebirds upset the form book and defeat Kenny Dalglish's Reds, he could attract the attentions of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trappatoni ahead of this summer's Euroepan Championship.
After representing the Republic, who he qualifies to play for through his mother, at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level, a senior call-up might not be beyond the realm of possibility in the coming years.
In the meantime, should he play any part in tomorrow's final at Wembley, he will become the first former Pilgrim to appear in a major Wembley final since Dan Gosling made a cameo appearance for Everton in the 2009 FA Cup final.
At the very least, he will be hoping for a better outcome than the one two of his former Pilgrims' colleagues, Ashley Barnes and Craig Noone, experienced when their Brighton and Hove Albion side were beaten 6-1 by the Reds in the FA Cup fifth round.
However, tomorrow afternoon, he is set to line-up against Liverpool, in the 2012 Carling Cup final, as Malky McKay's Bluebirds, who are aiming to pull off what would be one of the biggest shocks in an English cup final since Wimbledon beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final.
Cardiff paid £250,000 for Joe's services during the close season, which provided a major boost to the then financially stricken Pilgrims' finances, after he had finished the 2010-11 campaign as Argyle's joint second top goal scorer.
His displays for the Pilgrims provided a bright spot in what was ultimately a season to forget for everyone associated with Argyle. From January 2011 onwards, Joe and his teammates were forced to defer their wages as Argyle slid into Administration and received a subsequent ten-point deduction, which saw them relegated from League One.
If Joe was able to help the Bluebirds upset the form book and defeat Kenny Dalglish's Reds, he could attract the attentions of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trappatoni ahead of this summer's Euroepan Championship.
After representing the Republic, who he qualifies to play for through his mother, at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level, a senior call-up might not be beyond the realm of possibility in the coming years.
In the meantime, should he play any part in tomorrow's final at Wembley, he will become the first former Pilgrim to appear in a major Wembley final since Dan Gosling made a cameo appearance for Everton in the 2009 FA Cup final.
At the very least, he will be hoping for a better outcome than the one two of his former Pilgrims' colleagues, Ashley Barnes and Craig Noone, experienced when their Brighton and Hove Albion side were beaten 6-1 by the Reds in the FA Cup fifth round.
Wednesday 22 February 2012
ARGYLE THROUGH, BUT GULLS BOW OUT
Plymouth Argyle made it to the Semi-Finals of the Devon St Lukes Bowl after beating Elburton Villa, but Torquay United bowed out of the competition at the hands of Buckland Athletic.
A Luke Daley brace and an Isaac Vassell helped the Pilgrims to see off their Peninsula League opponents, who replied with efforts from Justin Crowley and Tony Biddle.
However, Torquay United failed to get the better of local neighbours Buckland Athletic as they were beaten 3-0 at Homers Heath. Gavin Hammon opened the scoring for Bucks before Player-Boss Anthony Lynch and former Gulls' youngster Dean Stevens added a third. Torquay were also reduced to ten men after Lathaniel Rowe-Turner was dismissed on 58 minutes.
A Luke Daley brace and an Isaac Vassell helped the Pilgrims to see off their Peninsula League opponents, who replied with efforts from Justin Crowley and Tony Biddle.
However, Torquay United failed to get the better of local neighbours Buckland Athletic as they were beaten 3-0 at Homers Heath. Gavin Hammon opened the scoring for Bucks before Player-Boss Anthony Lynch and former Gulls' youngster Dean Stevens added a third. Torquay were also reduced to ten men after Lathaniel Rowe-Turner was dismissed on 58 minutes.
Tuesday 21 February 2012
BOWLING FOR DEVON
After tonight, the Semi-Final line-up of the St Lukes Cup (Devon Bowl) will be a little clearer.
Two of the competitions' Quarter Finals take place tonight as Elburton Villa travel to Plymouth Argyle, whilst competition holders, Buckland Athletic, host Torquay United.
West Devon side Elburton, of the South West Peninsula League, are the only team left in the cup who started out in the first round stage. After beating Western League side Elmore in the first round, they then received a bye in the second round after their prospective opponents Dawlish Town folded.
Defending champions Buckland, who are based in Newton Abbot, once again face Torquay in the Quarter final stage and will be looking to record another win over their local neighbours.
The winners of that tie will play the winner of next week's all East Devon clash between Exeter City and Cullompton Rangers.
Already assured of a place in the next stage are last season's runners-up Tiverton Town who sealed their place in the last four by beating Bideford.
St Lukes Cup (Devon Bowl) Semi Finals:
Two of the competitions' Quarter Finals take place tonight as Elburton Villa travel to Plymouth Argyle, whilst competition holders, Buckland Athletic, host Torquay United.
West Devon side Elburton, of the South West Peninsula League, are the only team left in the cup who started out in the first round stage. After beating Western League side Elmore in the first round, they then received a bye in the second round after their prospective opponents Dawlish Town folded.
Defending champions Buckland, who are based in Newton Abbot, once again face Torquay in the Quarter final stage and will be looking to record another win over their local neighbours.
The winners of that tie will play the winner of next week's all East Devon clash between Exeter City and Cullompton Rangers.
Already assured of a place in the next stage are last season's runners-up Tiverton Town who sealed their place in the last four by beating Bideford.
St Lukes Cup (Devon Bowl) Semi Finals:
Exeter City or Cullompton Rangers vs Buckland Athletic or Torquay United
Tiverton Town vs Plymouth Argyle or Elburton Villa
Monday 20 February 2012
INTERNATIONAL GULLS #2
In the second of our series looking at Torquay United players who have played international football, we now turn our attentions to Rodney Jack
Rodney Jack (St Vincent and the Grenadines) 1995-1998
Rodney Jack first caught the attention of the Plainmoor faithful when he was playing for Lambada FC, the same club that the Gulls had previously signed Gregory Goodridge from, during a pre-season tour match.
The then Gulls manager Don O'Riordan offered him a deal and he signed for the Gulls in October 1995.
His skill and pace proved to be one of the bright spots in the disappointing 1995-96 season, which saw Torquay only maintain their League status by virtue of Stevenage's ground not being up to Football League requirements.
In the 1996-97 season, his form stepped up a gear as he finished the season as the Gulls' top scorer and his talents drew the attentions of several Premiership clubs as he had trials with both Newcastle United and Sunderland.
However, the 1997-98 season, his final campaign at Plainmoor, saw him come into his own as once again led the Gulls' scoring charts as Torquay reached the Division Three Play-Off Final, where they lost to Colchester United.
His farewell to the Plainmoor faithful came in the Play-Off semi-final second leg against Scarborough, which the Gulls won 4-1 with Rodney finding the back of the net twice.
He was also nominated in the PFA Division Three team of the season for the 1997-98 season before his £650,000 move to Crewe Alexandra.
Whilst at Crewe, Rodney helped the Railwaymen secure an instant return to Division One in the 2002-03 campaign, following their relegation in 2001-02.
He left Gresty Road in 2003 and then had spells with Rushden & Diamonds, Oldham Athletic and Irish side Waterford United before briefly returning to Crewe for a short spell in the 2006-07 season.
Since then, he has appeared for Southport and Nantwich Town.
Rodney also won 45 caps for St Vincent during his career, 15 of them whilst at Plainmoor, and appeared for them in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 1996.
Rodney Jack (St Vincent and the Grenadines) 1995-1998
Rodney Jack first caught the attention of the Plainmoor faithful when he was playing for Lambada FC, the same club that the Gulls had previously signed Gregory Goodridge from, during a pre-season tour match.
The then Gulls manager Don O'Riordan offered him a deal and he signed for the Gulls in October 1995.
His skill and pace proved to be one of the bright spots in the disappointing 1995-96 season, which saw Torquay only maintain their League status by virtue of Stevenage's ground not being up to Football League requirements.
In the 1996-97 season, his form stepped up a gear as he finished the season as the Gulls' top scorer and his talents drew the attentions of several Premiership clubs as he had trials with both Newcastle United and Sunderland.
However, the 1997-98 season, his final campaign at Plainmoor, saw him come into his own as once again led the Gulls' scoring charts as Torquay reached the Division Three Play-Off Final, where they lost to Colchester United.
His farewell to the Plainmoor faithful came in the Play-Off semi-final second leg against Scarborough, which the Gulls won 4-1 with Rodney finding the back of the net twice.
He was also nominated in the PFA Division Three team of the season for the 1997-98 season before his £650,000 move to Crewe Alexandra.
Whilst at Crewe, Rodney helped the Railwaymen secure an instant return to Division One in the 2002-03 campaign, following their relegation in 2001-02.
He left Gresty Road in 2003 and then had spells with Rushden & Diamonds, Oldham Athletic and Irish side Waterford United before briefly returning to Crewe for a short spell in the 2006-07 season.
Since then, he has appeared for Southport and Nantwich Town.
Rodney also won 45 caps for St Vincent during his career, 15 of them whilst at Plainmoor, and appeared for them in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 1996.
Sunday 19 February 2012
ARGYLE OLD BOYS IN CONTRASTING CUP FORTUNES
Three former Plymouth Argyle players enjoyed mixed fortunes in this afternoon's FA Cup fifth round ties.
Former Argyle defender Scott Laird was part of a Stevenage side that held Harry Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur to a goalless draw at the Lamex Stadium.
Laird, who has also had loan spells with Tiverton Town and Torquay United, failed to make an appearance for the Pilgrims before he moved to the Hertfordshire club in 2008.
During his stay with Stevenage, he has won an FA Trophy winners' medal and has also helped the club to win back-to-back promotions from the Blue Square Premier to League One.
Meanwhile, Ashley Barnes and Craig Noone were part of a Brighton and Hove Albion side which were on the end of a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool.
Barnes played the full 90 minutes of the tie, whilst Noone came on as a half-time substitute for Will Buckley.
Both players joined the Seagulls from Argyle, Barnes moved in the summer of 2010 and Noone made the switch from Home Park in January 2011. They played key roles in helping Brighton win promotion to the Championship last season.
Former Argyle defender Scott Laird was part of a Stevenage side that held Harry Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur to a goalless draw at the Lamex Stadium.
Laird, who has also had loan spells with Tiverton Town and Torquay United, failed to make an appearance for the Pilgrims before he moved to the Hertfordshire club in 2008.
During his stay with Stevenage, he has won an FA Trophy winners' medal and has also helped the club to win back-to-back promotions from the Blue Square Premier to League One.
Meanwhile, Ashley Barnes and Craig Noone were part of a Brighton and Hove Albion side which were on the end of a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool.
Barnes played the full 90 minutes of the tie, whilst Noone came on as a half-time substitute for Will Buckley.
Both players joined the Seagulls from Argyle, Barnes moved in the summer of 2010 and Noone made the switch from Home Park in January 2011. They played key roles in helping Brighton win promotion to the Championship last season.
INTERNATIONAL GULLS #1
Following Taiwo Atieno's international call-up for Kenya for their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo, we will now look back at the other Torquay United players who have represented their respective countries during their time at Plainmoor, starting with Gregory Goodridge.
Gregory Goodridge (Barbados) 1994-1995 & 2001-2002
Barbadian winger Gregory Goodridge first arrived at Plainmoor during the 1993-94 season when he joined the Gulls from Bajan side, Lambada, on the recommendation of former Torquay resident, Ken Millard.
He appeared eight times for Torquay during his first campaign with the club, as they missed out on promotion from Division Three after losing to Preston North End in the Play-Offs.
The following season, Gregory became a firm favourite amongst the Plainmoor faithful and established himself as a first team regular before earning himself a £100,000 move to Queens Park Rangers, who were playing in the Premiership at the time.
His stay in West London only lasted one year, during which time Rangers were relegated from the top-flight, as he joined Bristol City in August 1996.
Whilst with the Robins, he helped them to win promotion from Division Two in the 1997-98 season. Gregory scored 17 goals in 149 appearances prior to his return to Plainmoor in December 2001.
Unfortunately, he failed to recapture the form that he displayed during his first spell with the Gulls as he was released at the end of the 2001-02 campaign after scoring once in 17 games.
After leaving Plainmoor, he returned to Barbados where he has appeared for Ellerton United and Brittons Hill FC.
Gregory Goodridge (Barbados) 1994-1995 & 2001-2002
Barbadian winger Gregory Goodridge first arrived at Plainmoor during the 1993-94 season when he joined the Gulls from Bajan side, Lambada, on the recommendation of former Torquay resident, Ken Millard.
He appeared eight times for Torquay during his first campaign with the club, as they missed out on promotion from Division Three after losing to Preston North End in the Play-Offs.
The following season, Gregory became a firm favourite amongst the Plainmoor faithful and established himself as a first team regular before earning himself a £100,000 move to Queens Park Rangers, who were playing in the Premiership at the time.
His stay in West London only lasted one year, during which time Rangers were relegated from the top-flight, as he joined Bristol City in August 1996.
Whilst with the Robins, he helped them to win promotion from Division Two in the 1997-98 season. Gregory scored 17 goals in 149 appearances prior to his return to Plainmoor in December 2001.
Unfortunately, he failed to recapture the form that he displayed during his first spell with the Gulls as he was released at the end of the 2001-02 campaign after scoring once in 17 games.
After leaving Plainmoor, he returned to Barbados where he has appeared for Ellerton United and Brittons Hill FC.
Wednesday 15 February 2012
INTO AFRICA
Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United are set to lose the services Onismor Bhasera and Taiwo Atieno later this month when the African Cup of Nations 2013 qualifiers get under way.
The services of Pilgrims’ left back Bhasera and Gulls’ striker Atieno will be required by their respective countries, Zimbabwe and Kenya, for the first leg of the first round of the competition, which is switching to non-World Cup years.
Bhasera is wanted by Zimbabwe for their away match against Burundi on February 29th, which means he is likely to miss Argyle’s league meetings with Dagenham and Redbridge and Macclesfield Town.
Atieno, who has found the back of the net three times for Torquay this season, looks set to be unavailable for the Gulls’ trip to Gillingham on February 25th, following his first call-up in three years, as Kenya host Togo in Nairobi on February 29.
Thankfully for Argyle and Torquay, the next round of qualifiers won’t be taking place until mid-June.
The services of Pilgrims’ left back Bhasera and Gulls’ striker Atieno will be required by their respective countries, Zimbabwe and Kenya, for the first leg of the first round of the competition, which is switching to non-World Cup years.
Bhasera is wanted by Zimbabwe for their away match against Burundi on February 29th, which means he is likely to miss Argyle’s league meetings with Dagenham and Redbridge and Macclesfield Town.
Atieno, who has found the back of the net three times for Torquay this season, looks set to be unavailable for the Gulls’ trip to Gillingham on February 25th, following his first call-up in three years, as Kenya host Togo in Nairobi on February 29.
Thankfully for Argyle and Torquay, the next round of qualifiers won’t be taking place until mid-June.
Tuesday 14 February 2012
LECOINTE IN ENGLAND YOUTH CALL
Plymouth Argyle youngster Matt Lecointe has been called up to the England Under-18 squad for a friendly against Poland next month.
Lecointe, 17, who came through Argyle's Centre of Excellence, is the only non-Academy club player in the squad, which also includes former Pilgrims' protege Jack Stephens, who left Home Park last summer to join Southampton.
The match takes place on March 7th at Crewe Alexandra's Gresty Road ground and Lecointe will be hoping to celebrate his call-up helping to clinch three points tonight against Barnet.
Lecointe, 17, who came through Argyle's Centre of Excellence, is the only non-Academy club player in the squad, which also includes former Pilgrims' protege Jack Stephens, who left Home Park last summer to join Southampton.
The match takes place on March 7th at Crewe Alexandra's Gresty Road ground and Lecointe will be hoping to celebrate his call-up helping to clinch three points tonight against Barnet.
Monday 13 February 2012
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
After enhancing their promotion credentials with a victory over Shrewsbury Town, their sixth in succession, Torquay United are now only outside the League Two automatic promotion places by the slenderest of margins.
Their 1-0 win over the Shrews, which is Torquay's third success over the Shrews in the space of the last 12 months, courtesy of a goal, eventually accredited to Taiwo Atieno, moves the Gulls into fourth place in the table.
The win also came after Martin Ling was presented with the League's Manager of the Month award for January. However, the 'curse' so often associated with the prize clearly had no effect on the Gulls as they clinched their sixtth straight win.
Ling has experience of the situation that Torquay currently find themselves in from his days as Leyton Orient manager. During his tenure in charge of Orient, Ling led them to automatic promotion from League Two in the 2005-06, ending their ten year exile in the basement division.
Part of his squad during that campaign was Brian Saah, who became one of Ling's first signings when he was appointed as successor to Paul Buckle last summer.
Other players in the Torquay squad who have won promotion from this level before include captain Lee Mansell who was part of the Luton Town who finished as runners-up to Plymouth Argyle in Division Three during the 2001-02 season.
Irish midfielder Ian Morris has also experienced promotion at this level as last season he made 19 appearances on loan at Chesterfield as they clinched the League Two title. In addition to this, he was also part of the Scunthorpe squad that won promotion from League One in the 2006-07 and 2008-09 campaigns.
Their experience will prove vital to the Gulls fortunes during the coming weeks and months.
Their 1-0 win over the Shrews, which is Torquay's third success over the Shrews in the space of the last 12 months, courtesy of a goal, eventually accredited to Taiwo Atieno, moves the Gulls into fourth place in the table.
The win also came after Martin Ling was presented with the League's Manager of the Month award for January. However, the 'curse' so often associated with the prize clearly had no effect on the Gulls as they clinched their sixtth straight win.
Ling has experience of the situation that Torquay currently find themselves in from his days as Leyton Orient manager. During his tenure in charge of Orient, Ling led them to automatic promotion from League Two in the 2005-06, ending their ten year exile in the basement division.
Part of his squad during that campaign was Brian Saah, who became one of Ling's first signings when he was appointed as successor to Paul Buckle last summer.
Other players in the Torquay squad who have won promotion from this level before include captain Lee Mansell who was part of the Luton Town who finished as runners-up to Plymouth Argyle in Division Three during the 2001-02 season.
Irish midfielder Ian Morris has also experienced promotion at this level as last season he made 19 appearances on loan at Chesterfield as they clinched the League Two title. In addition to this, he was also part of the Scunthorpe squad that won promotion from League One in the 2006-07 and 2008-09 campaigns.
Their experience will prove vital to the Gulls fortunes during the coming weeks and months.
Friday 10 February 2012
LING AND ELLIS IN DOUBLE AWARD SCOOP
Torquay United boss Martin Ling and central defender Mark Ellis have named as League Manager of Month and Player of the Month for January respectively.
This outstanding double award success comes on the back of five straight wins during the month, which has moved the Gulls firmly into the promotion and Play-Off mix.
Ling was quick to praise his backroom staff, who he believes have all played a role in helping Torquay maintain their current form.
"If I could split the award into six pieces, I would," said Ling. "One piece would go to the players and the other four to [video analyst] Lee Dunn, [coach] Ken Veysey, [physio] Damian Davey, [assistant manager] Shaun Taylor and I'll have a little bit myself.
"Every one of these components has allowed me to get this award. My name will be on the award but the players and four staff members of our management team deserve just as much praise.
"I've been in a situation at Orient where I had to dismantle the management team I'd put together because it didn't work.
"Coming to this situation, I knew Shaun and Kenny but had never worked with them. I'd met Damian once as well and Lee Dunn was brought in by us, and it's worked perfectly.
"We all get on very well, which is a big factor. We all laugh together and cry together when it doesn't go right, but we all prop each other up. A manager is only as good as his management team because you need the support structure around you."
Ling also reserved a special mention for Ellis who scored three times for the Gulls during their five match winning sequence, as well as being part of a defence that only conceded three goals during their impressive run.
He said: "It is an exceptional award for Mark and one that he fully deserves. He is a wholehearted player and showed tremendous patience at the start of the year.
"He's been a revelation since he came back in the team and has added goalscoring in recent times, which I'm sure has helped him to get the award."
This outstanding double award success comes on the back of five straight wins during the month, which has moved the Gulls firmly into the promotion and Play-Off mix.
Ling was quick to praise his backroom staff, who he believes have all played a role in helping Torquay maintain their current form.
"If I could split the award into six pieces, I would," said Ling. "One piece would go to the players and the other four to [video analyst] Lee Dunn, [coach] Ken Veysey, [physio] Damian Davey, [assistant manager] Shaun Taylor and I'll have a little bit myself.
"Every one of these components has allowed me to get this award. My name will be on the award but the players and four staff members of our management team deserve just as much praise.
"I've been in a situation at Orient where I had to dismantle the management team I'd put together because it didn't work.
"Coming to this situation, I knew Shaun and Kenny but had never worked with them. I'd met Damian once as well and Lee Dunn was brought in by us, and it's worked perfectly.
"We all get on very well, which is a big factor. We all laugh together and cry together when it doesn't go right, but we all prop each other up. A manager is only as good as his management team because you need the support structure around you."
Ling also reserved a special mention for Ellis who scored three times for the Gulls during their five match winning sequence, as well as being part of a defence that only conceded three goals during their impressive run.
He said: "It is an exceptional award for Mark and one that he fully deserves. He is a wholehearted player and showed tremendous patience at the start of the year.
"He's been a revelation since he came back in the team and has added goalscoring in recent times, which I'm sure has helped him to get the award."
Thursday 9 February 2012
BOUNCEBACKABILITY THE NAME OF THE GAME FOR ARGYLE
After bouncing back from the brink of liquidation off the pitch, Plymouth Argyle are showing a resolve to snatch points from losing positions.
On the opening day of the season, the Pilgrims secured a late point against Shrewsbury Town through a 90th strike from then skipper Carl Fletcher.
Since Fletcher's appointment as manager, Argyle have shown the determination to come from behind on several occasions to win points, a trait that will stand them in good stead for the remainder of their Npower League Two campaign, as they aim to beat the drop into the Conference.
Under Fletcher's reign, the Pilgrims have picked up three draws against Hereford United, Crawley Town and, most recently, against Paul Sturrock's Southend United when Nick Chadwick and debutant loan signing Alex MacDonald scored in the last five minutes to cancel out the Shrimpers' two earlier efforts.
In addition to this, the Pilgrims defeated Bristol Rovers 3-2 on Boxing Day after trailing by a Matt Harrold brace at half-time. In the second half, Warren Feeney, Chadwick and Ashley Hemmings all found the target as Argyle recovered to clinch a memorable win.
If the Pilgrims are to secure their Football League status for next season, similar displays of grit and determination will play a large part in ensuring that they are able to prevent them falling into the Blue Square Premier.
On the opening day of the season, the Pilgrims secured a late point against Shrewsbury Town through a 90th strike from then skipper Carl Fletcher.
Since Fletcher's appointment as manager, Argyle have shown the determination to come from behind on several occasions to win points, a trait that will stand them in good stead for the remainder of their Npower League Two campaign, as they aim to beat the drop into the Conference.
Under Fletcher's reign, the Pilgrims have picked up three draws against Hereford United, Crawley Town and, most recently, against Paul Sturrock's Southend United when Nick Chadwick and debutant loan signing Alex MacDonald scored in the last five minutes to cancel out the Shrimpers' two earlier efforts.
In addition to this, the Pilgrims defeated Bristol Rovers 3-2 on Boxing Day after trailing by a Matt Harrold brace at half-time. In the second half, Warren Feeney, Chadwick and Ashley Hemmings all found the target as Argyle recovered to clinch a memorable win.
If the Pilgrims are to secure their Football League status for next season, similar displays of grit and determination will play a large part in ensuring that they are able to prevent them falling into the Blue Square Premier.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
DOUBLE AWARD NOMINATION FOR GULLS DUO
Torquay United manager Martin Ling and defender Mark Ellis are in line to receive recognition for the Gulls excellent form in January.
Ling has been nominated for the League Two Manager of the Month award for January 2012, after leading Torquay to victory in all five of their league encounters during the month.
This impressive sequence started with a 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in their Devon derby on January 2nd, before the Gulls won their next four league games, which has helped them rise to 6th in the League Two table.
This run has also included back-to-back away wins in the North West against Macclesfield Town and Morecambe respectively, which was followed by home wins over Dagenham and Redbridge and Northampton Town.
The winner will be announced on Friday and Ling faces stiff opposition from Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio and Barnet manager Lawrie Sanchez.
Meanwhile, defender Mark Ellis has been shortlisted for the Npower League Two Player of the Month award, alongside Swindon's Paul Caddis and Barnet midfielder Ricky Holmes.
Ellis has featured for the Gulls in all five of their January fixtures and found the back of the net three times during this spell, with goals against Macclesfield, Morecambe and Northampton. as well as being a key figure in a defence which has only conceded three goals.
Ling has been nominated for the League Two Manager of the Month award for January 2012, after leading Torquay to victory in all five of their league encounters during the month.
This impressive sequence started with a 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in their Devon derby on January 2nd, before the Gulls won their next four league games, which has helped them rise to 6th in the League Two table.
This run has also included back-to-back away wins in the North West against Macclesfield Town and Morecambe respectively, which was followed by home wins over Dagenham and Redbridge and Northampton Town.
The winner will be announced on Friday and Ling faces stiff opposition from Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio and Barnet manager Lawrie Sanchez.
Meanwhile, defender Mark Ellis has been shortlisted for the Npower League Two Player of the Month award, alongside Swindon's Paul Caddis and Barnet midfielder Ricky Holmes.
Ellis has featured for the Gulls in all five of their January fixtures and found the back of the net three times during this spell, with goals against Macclesfield, Morecambe and Northampton. as well as being a key figure in a defence which has only conceded three goals.
Friday 3 February 2012
ARGYLE LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK AGAINST STURROCK'S SHRIMPERS
Pitch inspection pending, tomorrow's League Two encounter between Plymouth Argyle and Southend United will mark Paul Sturrock's first visit to Home Park since the end of his second spell in charge of the Pilgrims.
In his first stint in charge, Sturrock led Argyle to consecutive league titles, in 2002 and 2004 respectively, as the Pilgrims rose from the 'old' Division Three, League Two in new money, to the Championship.
When he returned to Home Park, during the 2007-08 season , following spells with Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town, as successor to Ian Holloway.
However, he failed to replicate the successes of his first spell and the club gradually slipped into what would become a rapid decline.
The masterclass of mis-management off-the-field which followed eventually saw the Pilgrims enter Administration and slide towards near oblivion before being rescued by James Brent.
His Southend squad, which are challenging for promotion from League Two, contains several former Argyle players, including Chris Barker, Ryan Leonard, Peter Gilbert, Blair Sturrock as well as Player-Coach Graham Coughlan and striker Liam Dickinson, who nearly joined the Pilgrims last summer.
The current Argyle side also includes a number of players who worked under Sturrock, including Paul Wotton, Nick Chadwick and Simon Walton and Manager Carl Fletcher and his assistant Romain Larrieu. In fact three of those five (Walton, Fletcher and Larrieu) were first brought to Home Park by Sturrock.
It promises to be an interesting encounter and one that could shape the destiny of both side's fortunes this season.
Providing it passes the pitch inspection at 8am of course.
In his first stint in charge, Sturrock led Argyle to consecutive league titles, in 2002 and 2004 respectively, as the Pilgrims rose from the 'old' Division Three, League Two in new money, to the Championship.
When he returned to Home Park, during the 2007-08 season , following spells with Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town, as successor to Ian Holloway.
However, he failed to replicate the successes of his first spell and the club gradually slipped into what would become a rapid decline.
The masterclass of mis-management off-the-field which followed eventually saw the Pilgrims enter Administration and slide towards near oblivion before being rescued by James Brent.
His Southend squad, which are challenging for promotion from League Two, contains several former Argyle players, including Chris Barker, Ryan Leonard, Peter Gilbert, Blair Sturrock as well as Player-Coach Graham Coughlan and striker Liam Dickinson, who nearly joined the Pilgrims last summer.
The current Argyle side also includes a number of players who worked under Sturrock, including Paul Wotton, Nick Chadwick and Simon Walton and Manager Carl Fletcher and his assistant Romain Larrieu. In fact three of those five (Walton, Fletcher and Larrieu) were first brought to Home Park by Sturrock.
It promises to be an interesting encounter and one that could shape the destiny of both side's fortunes this season.
Providing it passes the pitch inspection at 8am of course.
Thursday 2 February 2012
CRAIG TO STAY LONGER
Torquay United manager Martin Ling has extended the stay of Welsh midfielder Nathan Craig until the end of the 2011-12 campaign, so he can assess the former Everton prospect more closely.
Craig came through the ranks at Goodison Park before he was released by the Toffees at the end of last season.
Despite never playing a Premier League game for Everton, he made one appearance in the Europa League against BATE Borisov.
Since then, he had been appearing for his hometown club Caenarfon Town in the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance before he was brought to Ling's attention.
A regular for Wales youth side's in his younger days, he appeared for his country in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2008. Craig has also appeared for the principality at Under-21 level where he appeared alongside the likes of Andy King, Darcy Blake, Neil Taylor and Ched Evans, all of whom have progressed to the Wales senior side.
Before then, his talents were being widely recognised as he won a national football skills competition on the BBC's Football Focus show as a 12 year-old.
His longer stay at Plainmoor will give Ling the chance to assess his young charge closer and give him a taste of first team action at the same time.
"Nathan has done really well in his trial and deserves the opportunity to show us what he can do over an extended period," said the Gulls boss.
"This arrangement allows us to make a proper assessment on whether to offer Nathan a long-term deal in the summer."
This arrangement is similar to the one used when one of Craig's new teammates, and fellow former Everton starlet, Eunan O'Kane was first brought to South Devon.
O'Kane arrived at Plainmoor during the January 2010 transfer window from Northern Irish side Coleraine, like Nathan Eunan had also returned to his home land following his release by the Toffees.
He impressed the then Torquay manager Paul Buckle sufficiently to be offered a two-year contract at the end of the campaign. Eunan is currently under contract with the Gulls until 2014 after establishing himself as one of the most talented young players in the lower leagues.
Now there is a source of inspiration if ever there was one.
Craig came through the ranks at Goodison Park before he was released by the Toffees at the end of last season.
Despite never playing a Premier League game for Everton, he made one appearance in the Europa League against BATE Borisov.
Since then, he had been appearing for his hometown club Caenarfon Town in the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance before he was brought to Ling's attention.
A regular for Wales youth side's in his younger days, he appeared for his country in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2008. Craig has also appeared for the principality at Under-21 level where he appeared alongside the likes of Andy King, Darcy Blake, Neil Taylor and Ched Evans, all of whom have progressed to the Wales senior side.
Before then, his talents were being widely recognised as he won a national football skills competition on the BBC's Football Focus show as a 12 year-old.
His longer stay at Plainmoor will give Ling the chance to assess his young charge closer and give him a taste of first team action at the same time.
"Nathan has done really well in his trial and deserves the opportunity to show us what he can do over an extended period," said the Gulls boss.
"This arrangement allows us to make a proper assessment on whether to offer Nathan a long-term deal in the summer."
This arrangement is similar to the one used when one of Craig's new teammates, and fellow former Everton starlet, Eunan O'Kane was first brought to South Devon.
O'Kane arrived at Plainmoor during the January 2010 transfer window from Northern Irish side Coleraine, like Nathan Eunan had also returned to his home land following his release by the Toffees.
He impressed the then Torquay manager Paul Buckle sufficiently to be offered a two-year contract at the end of the campaign. Eunan is currently under contract with the Gulls until 2014 after establishing himself as one of the most talented young players in the lower leagues.
Now there is a source of inspiration if ever there was one.
Wednesday 1 February 2012
ROBERTSON JOINS PRESTON
The sole transfer activity involving Torquay United on deadline day was the departure of long-serving defender Chris Robertson to Preston North End.
Robertson, who was out of contract at the end of the current season, leaves Plainmoor for Deepdale for an undiclosed fee.
He had been with the Gulls since March 2007, making him their second longest serving player behind captain Lee Mansell and marked his debut for the Gulls with a goal in their 3-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers on March 10th 2007, after joining from Sheffield United.
However. he was unable to prevent Torquay from losing their league status.
Following the Gulls' relegation to the Conference, Robertson remained at Plainmoor and helped the club win promotion back to the Football League two years later. He was part of the Torquay side that defeated Cambridge United to win the Conference Play-Off final in 2009.
Despite being deployed as a right-back for a time under Paul Buckle, he re-gained his preferred position of centre back where he featured alongside a range of central defensive partners including Steve Woods, Chris Todd, Mark Ellis, Kieran Charnock, Guy Branston and Brian Saah.
Current Gulls' boss Martin Ling is disappointed to lose a valued member of his squad, but believes he has the strength in depth to cover for his departure and also has the option of dipping into the loan market.
He said: "Chris was offered top wages at our football club, equivalent to the top earners on our books," said Martin. "Even with that offer on the table, Chris was adamant that he would be heading north in the summer.
"He is on a Bosman-free in the summer and felt it was time to move back north. His girlfriend is from Sheffield and he is a Nottingham lad, so he made it pretty clear that he wouldn't stay here beyond the summer.
"The options were to either run him until the end of the season, which I was prepared to do, or see what interest was out there.
"A couple of League 2 clubs made enquiries, which we explained to Robbo, but we felt we could compete with them. Once Preston became part of the equation, there was no way a club of our standing could compete with them.
"It is a similar scenario to having a valuable car sitting on your drive, which you know will depreciate to nothing within a few months. Sometimes, a business decision overtakes a football decision, and there was very little we could do once Preston had come in because we can't compete with the wages they offer. Robbo also felt the timing was right for him to go.
"I don't think this move will weaken the team because we have Brian Saah on the bench and I felt our team was just as strong when Brian was playing at centre-back with Mark Ellis as we were with Robbo playing.
"It does, however, weaken the squad, and there will be a case for delving into the loan market.
"We will certainly be working in the February loan market for an extra forward player but we might wait until a problem arises for the centre-half position. For the meantime, we have back-up in the position with Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, Ed Palmer, Joe Oastler and Daniel Leadbitter, all of whom have played at centre-half.
"These players could plug a short-term gap but if we pick up an injury and need to fill the void for a longer period, then I would explore the loan market for a more permanent solution."
Robertson, who was out of contract at the end of the current season, leaves Plainmoor for Deepdale for an undiclosed fee.
He had been with the Gulls since March 2007, making him their second longest serving player behind captain Lee Mansell and marked his debut for the Gulls with a goal in their 3-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers on March 10th 2007, after joining from Sheffield United.
However. he was unable to prevent Torquay from losing their league status.
Following the Gulls' relegation to the Conference, Robertson remained at Plainmoor and helped the club win promotion back to the Football League two years later. He was part of the Torquay side that defeated Cambridge United to win the Conference Play-Off final in 2009.
Despite being deployed as a right-back for a time under Paul Buckle, he re-gained his preferred position of centre back where he featured alongside a range of central defensive partners including Steve Woods, Chris Todd, Mark Ellis, Kieran Charnock, Guy Branston and Brian Saah.
Current Gulls' boss Martin Ling is disappointed to lose a valued member of his squad, but believes he has the strength in depth to cover for his departure and also has the option of dipping into the loan market.
He said: "Chris was offered top wages at our football club, equivalent to the top earners on our books," said Martin. "Even with that offer on the table, Chris was adamant that he would be heading north in the summer.
"He is on a Bosman-free in the summer and felt it was time to move back north. His girlfriend is from Sheffield and he is a Nottingham lad, so he made it pretty clear that he wouldn't stay here beyond the summer.
"The options were to either run him until the end of the season, which I was prepared to do, or see what interest was out there.
"A couple of League 2 clubs made enquiries, which we explained to Robbo, but we felt we could compete with them. Once Preston became part of the equation, there was no way a club of our standing could compete with them.
"It is a similar scenario to having a valuable car sitting on your drive, which you know will depreciate to nothing within a few months. Sometimes, a business decision overtakes a football decision, and there was very little we could do once Preston had come in because we can't compete with the wages they offer. Robbo also felt the timing was right for him to go.
"I don't think this move will weaken the team because we have Brian Saah on the bench and I felt our team was just as strong when Brian was playing at centre-back with Mark Ellis as we were with Robbo playing.
"It does, however, weaken the squad, and there will be a case for delving into the loan market.
"We will certainly be working in the February loan market for an extra forward player but we might wait until a problem arises for the centre-half position. For the meantime, we have back-up in the position with Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, Ed Palmer, Joe Oastler and Daniel Leadbitter, all of whom have played at centre-half.
"These players could plug a short-term gap but if we pick up an injury and need to fill the void for a longer period, then I would explore the loan market for a more permanent solution."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)