A 48th minute strike from Danny Stevens gave Torquay United club league record equalling 11th away win and boosted their automatic promotion bid.
Stevens' strike just after the break proved to be enough to separate the two sides and gave the Gulls a temporary four point cushion over Shrewsbury and Crawley going into Saturday's fixtures.
Following Saturday's matches, that four point advantage became three as the Shrews and Red Devils both drew their respective games against Aldershot and Burton Albion.
They now only trail Swindon by two points as the Robins shared the points in their encounter with Bristol Rovers as the League Two promotion race hots up going into the closing stages of the regular campaign.
Saturday 31 March 2012
Thursday 29 March 2012
GULLS AIMING TO EQUAL RECORD AT UNDERHILL
Torquay United head into Friday night's encounter against Barnet at Underhill seeking a victory, which would maintain their promotion challenge and equal a club record.
Three points against the Bees would increase the gap between themselves and fellow promotion chasers, Shrewsbury Town and Crawley, to four points until 5pm on Saturday at least.
It would also see them equal a club league record of 11 away wins in a season, which was set in Cyril Knowles's first campaign in charge in the 1987-88 season.
The Gulls reached the Division Four Play-Off final during that campaign, which they lost to Swansea City 5-4 over two legs.
However, in the present day, Martin Ling's side are currently second in the League Two table and have automatic promotion firmly in their sights.
Anyone who knows the history of the encounters between these two teams will no doubt be aware of the final day relegation decider that the two sides contested in the 2000-01 season.
Torquay came out on top that day winning 3-2, courtesy of goals from Jason Rees, Kevin Hill and David Graham, with a Stuart Jones penalty save thrown in as well. Similar heroics on Friday night will see the Gulls take a closer step towards the possibility of a fourth automatic promotion, and sixth promotion overall.
Three points against the Bees would increase the gap between themselves and fellow promotion chasers, Shrewsbury Town and Crawley, to four points until 5pm on Saturday at least.
It would also see them equal a club league record of 11 away wins in a season, which was set in Cyril Knowles's first campaign in charge in the 1987-88 season.
The Gulls reached the Division Four Play-Off final during that campaign, which they lost to Swansea City 5-4 over two legs.
However, in the present day, Martin Ling's side are currently second in the League Two table and have automatic promotion firmly in their sights.
Anyone who knows the history of the encounters between these two teams will no doubt be aware of the final day relegation decider that the two sides contested in the 2000-01 season.
Torquay came out on top that day winning 3-2, courtesy of goals from Jason Rees, Kevin Hill and David Graham, with a Stuart Jones penalty save thrown in as well. Similar heroics on Friday night will see the Gulls take a closer step towards the possibility of a fourth automatic promotion, and sixth promotion overall.
Sunday 25 March 2012
GRITTS GOES FULL CIRCLE ON WHITE TIGERS' DEBUT
During his career, Martin Gritton has gained the unique distinction of having piled his trade as a footballer in the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.
Although born in Glasgow, Gritts was raised in the Duchy and first came to prominence with Cornish side, Porthleven, who he helped to reach the Quarter Finals of FA Vase in the late 1990's, for whom he combined playing for with completing a Degree in Sports Science at Portsmouth University, which alerted Plymouth Argyle to his potential.
Gritts joined the Pilgrims in the 1998-99 season but, unfortunately, never established himself as a regular at Home Park and was loaned out to Yeovil Town and Shelbourne before he arrived at Plainmoor as one of Leroy Rosenior's first signings as Torquay United manager.
After initially joining the Gulls on loan, Gritts netted on his debut for Torquay against Bristol Rovers on the opening day of the 2002-03 before the move was later made permanent.
He enjoyed a productive debut season at Plainmoor and finished the season as the Gulls' top scorer with 16 goals in all competitions and was runner-up in the club's Player of the Year award behind Alex Russell.
The following season saw him in and out of the team due to injury, but he still managed to score four goals in 31 appearances, which included the decisive in a 1-0 win away at fellow promotion contenders, Hull City, as the Gulls clinched automatic promotion on the final day of the campaign with a 2-1 win over Southend United.
This would prove to be Gritts' last full season at Plainmoor as he headed north to join Grimsby Town in December 2004.
Spells with Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Macclesfield Town and Chesterfield then followed before he returned to Plainmoor for a second spell when Paul Buckle signed him on a six-month loan deal from the Spireites on the eve of the 2009-10 season.
However, his second spell with the Gulls, which was hampered by injury, didn't prove to be as fruitful as his first and returned to the B2net Stadium in January 2011 without finding the back of the net.
After a brief stint with FC Chester, Gritts was back in the South West again later on that campaign as he signed a short-term deal with Yeovil Town, where he made two appearances before leaving Huish Park again in the summer.
Stockport County were his next port of call, a spell which briefly saw him work under former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Didi Hamann, before he headed back to Cornwall recently to sign for Truro City. It is also worth noting this is a very different Truro City to the one that he faced during his days at Portheleven, following their rapid rise through the football pyramid under the ownership of Kevin Heaney, which now sees them completing in the Blue Square Bet South.
His debut for the White Tigers proved to be a memorable one as he found the score sheet in their 3-0 home win over Thurrock and another highlight in a career, which in a geographically sense, has almost gone full circle.
Although born in Glasgow, Gritts was raised in the Duchy and first came to prominence with Cornish side, Porthleven, who he helped to reach the Quarter Finals of FA Vase in the late 1990's, for whom he combined playing for with completing a Degree in Sports Science at Portsmouth University, which alerted Plymouth Argyle to his potential.
Gritts joined the Pilgrims in the 1998-99 season but, unfortunately, never established himself as a regular at Home Park and was loaned out to Yeovil Town and Shelbourne before he arrived at Plainmoor as one of Leroy Rosenior's first signings as Torquay United manager.
After initially joining the Gulls on loan, Gritts netted on his debut for Torquay against Bristol Rovers on the opening day of the 2002-03 before the move was later made permanent.
He enjoyed a productive debut season at Plainmoor and finished the season as the Gulls' top scorer with 16 goals in all competitions and was runner-up in the club's Player of the Year award behind Alex Russell.
The following season saw him in and out of the team due to injury, but he still managed to score four goals in 31 appearances, which included the decisive in a 1-0 win away at fellow promotion contenders, Hull City, as the Gulls clinched automatic promotion on the final day of the campaign with a 2-1 win over Southend United.
This would prove to be Gritts' last full season at Plainmoor as he headed north to join Grimsby Town in December 2004.
Spells with Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Macclesfield Town and Chesterfield then followed before he returned to Plainmoor for a second spell when Paul Buckle signed him on a six-month loan deal from the Spireites on the eve of the 2009-10 season.
However, his second spell with the Gulls, which was hampered by injury, didn't prove to be as fruitful as his first and returned to the B2net Stadium in January 2011 without finding the back of the net.
After a brief stint with FC Chester, Gritts was back in the South West again later on that campaign as he signed a short-term deal with Yeovil Town, where he made two appearances before leaving Huish Park again in the summer.
Stockport County were his next port of call, a spell which briefly saw him work under former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Didi Hamann, before he headed back to Cornwall recently to sign for Truro City. It is also worth noting this is a very different Truro City to the one that he faced during his days at Portheleven, following their rapid rise through the football pyramid under the ownership of Kevin Heaney, which now sees them completing in the Blue Square Bet South.
His debut for the White Tigers proved to be a memorable one as he found the score sheet in their 3-0 home win over Thurrock and another highlight in a career, which in a geographically sense, has almost gone full circle.
Thursday 22 March 2012
GRECIANS SNAP UP RICKETTS AND GOW
'Have boots, will travel', that is the career story of Exeter City's two latest recruits, Rohan Ricketts and Alan Gow, who have agreed deals that will keep them at St James' Park until the end of the season.
Former Arsenal and Tottenham midfielder Ricketts, 29, also counts Barnsley and Wolves amongst his former clubs in a career that has seen him ply his trade in countries as diverse as Canada, Hungary, Moldova and the Republic of Ireland.
His career highlights include two FA Youth Cup wins whilst with the Gunners and a Irish League title, which he won with his most recent club, prior to his arrival at St James' Park, Shamrock Rovers.
Ex Rangers forward Gow, also 29, is no stranger to the South West after spending the 2009-10 campaign with Plymouth Argyle before he was released at the end of the season.
Since then, he returned to Scotland to join Motherwell before moving back to England to sign for Notts County. He then headed East to join Indian side East Bengal before agreeing to join the Grecians.
Former Arsenal and Tottenham midfielder Ricketts, 29, also counts Barnsley and Wolves amongst his former clubs in a career that has seen him ply his trade in countries as diverse as Canada, Hungary, Moldova and the Republic of Ireland.
His career highlights include two FA Youth Cup wins whilst with the Gunners and a Irish League title, which he won with his most recent club, prior to his arrival at St James' Park, Shamrock Rovers.
Ex Rangers forward Gow, also 29, is no stranger to the South West after spending the 2009-10 campaign with Plymouth Argyle before he was released at the end of the season.
Since then, he returned to Scotland to join Motherwell before moving back to England to sign for Notts County. He then headed East to join Indian side East Bengal before agreeing to join the Grecians.
ARGYLE BRING IN BIG FLETCH
Plymouth Argyle manager Carl Fletcher has moved to strengthen his attacking options by bringing in his namesake and former colleague, Steve Fletcher, from Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season.
Steve, 39, is the Cherries all-time record appearance holder after turning out 714 times for the club and also has a stand named after him at the Fitness First Stadium.
He joins a roster of strikers that currently includes Nick Chadwick, Alex MacDonald, who is on loan from Burnley, Warren Feeney, another former Bournemouth of 'Big Fletch' and youngsters Matt Lecointe and Jared Sims.
Both Steve and Carl were part of the Bournemouth side that won promotion from Division Three during the 2002-03 season after beating Lincoln City 5-2 in the Division's Play-Off final.
He also scored the winner for the Cherries in their 2-1 league victory over the Pilgrims in January of last year.
Steve, 39, is the Cherries all-time record appearance holder after turning out 714 times for the club and also has a stand named after him at the Fitness First Stadium.
He joins a roster of strikers that currently includes Nick Chadwick, Alex MacDonald, who is on loan from Burnley, Warren Feeney, another former Bournemouth of 'Big Fletch' and youngsters Matt Lecointe and Jared Sims.
Both Steve and Carl were part of the Bournemouth side that won promotion from Division Three during the 2002-03 season after beating Lincoln City 5-2 in the Division's Play-Off final.
He also scored the winner for the Cherries in their 2-1 league victory over the Pilgrims in January of last year.
Monday 19 March 2012
IN RECOGNITION
Following their respective successes at the weekend, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle are well represented in the latest Npower League Two Team of the Week.
Gulls' duo Kevin Nicholson and Rene Howe were both selected for their roles in helping Torquay defeat Burton 4-1 at the Pirrelli Stadium. The result moves the Gulls up to second in the table, ahead of tomorrow night's trip to the County Ground to face leaders Swindon Town.
The Pilgrims' midfielder Paul Wotton is also included after he scored the only goal of the game in Argyle's 1-0 win over Torquay's fellow promotion chasers, Shrewsbury Town, at Home Park.
Gulls' duo Kevin Nicholson and Rene Howe were both selected for their roles in helping Torquay defeat Burton 4-1 at the Pirrelli Stadium. The result moves the Gulls up to second in the table, ahead of tomorrow night's trip to the County Ground to face leaders Swindon Town.
The Pilgrims' midfielder Paul Wotton is also included after he scored the only goal of the game in Argyle's 1-0 win over Torquay's fellow promotion chasers, Shrewsbury Town, at Home Park.
The Full Team:
Jamie Young - Aldershot Town
Michael Spillane - Dagenham & Redbridge
Cian Bolger - Bristol Rovers
Connor Essam - Gillingham
Kevin Nicholson - Torquay United
Jordan Obita - Gillingham
Paul Wotton - Plymouth Argyle
Ashley Westwood - Crewe Alexandra
Medy Elito - Dagenham & Redbridge
Rene Howe - Torquay United
Gary Alexander - Crawley Town
Sunday 18 March 2012
JOHNSON JUNIOR HELPS KILLIE UPSET CELTIC
Lee Johnson, son of Yeovil Town boss Gary, played a key role in helping Kilmarnock defy the odds by beating Celtic to lift the Scottish League Cup.
Johnson junior, who left Huish Park in 2006 after spending five years with the Glovers, came off the bench for Kille as a 20th minute substitute for Danny Buijs and provided the cross for Dieter Van Tornhout to score the game's decisive goal with six minutes to go.
It is the first time that Kilmarnock have won the Scottish League Cup final and it will be a double celebration in the Johnson household as Gary's Yeovil have now moved up into the top half of the League One table following their 2-1 win over Walsall on Saturday.
Johnson junior, who left Huish Park in 2006 after spending five years with the Glovers, came off the bench for Kille as a 20th minute substitute for Danny Buijs and provided the cross for Dieter Van Tornhout to score the game's decisive goal with six minutes to go.
It is the first time that Kilmarnock have won the Scottish League Cup final and it will be a double celebration in the Johnson household as Gary's Yeovil have now moved up into the top half of the League One table following their 2-1 win over Walsall on Saturday.
Wednesday 14 March 2012
EUNAN MAKES TOP FIVE
Torquay United's Eunan O'Kane has been voted as the fifth best player in Npower League Two.
All managers in League Two were asked to nominate their personal top five players in the division, excluding players from their own club, and the young Irishman made the division's top five overall.
Top of the list was Swindon Town right winger Matt Ritchie and Eunan's former Gulls teammate, Billy Kee, who started the season at Plainmoor before making the switch to Burton Albion, came ninth.
Eunan has found the back of the net five times for the Gulls, which included a brace in the Gulls' home local derby win over Plymouth Argyle last November.
3. Marlon Pack - Cheltenham Town
4. Izale McLeod - Barnet
5. Eunan O'Kane - Torquay United
All managers in League Two were asked to nominate their personal top five players in the division, excluding players from their own club, and the young Irishman made the division's top five overall.
Top of the list was Swindon Town right winger Matt Ritchie and Eunan's former Gulls teammate, Billy Kee, who started the season at Plainmoor before making the switch to Burton Albion, came ninth.
Eunan has found the back of the net five times for the Gulls, which included a brace in the Gulls' home local derby win over Plymouth Argyle last November.
The full list is as follows:
1. Matt Ritchie - Swindon Town
2. Tyrone Barnett - Crawley Town (on loan at Peterborough United)
3. Marlon Pack - Cheltenham Town
4. Izale McLeod - Barnet
5. Eunan O'Kane - Torquay United
6. Kyle McFadzean - Crawley Town
7. Ryan Hall - Southend United
8. Paul Caddis - Swindon Town
9. Billy Kee - Burton Albion
10. Matt Tubbs - Crawley Town (on loan at AFC Bournemouth)
Tuesday 13 March 2012
COLES SUSTAINS FREAK TRAINING INJURY
Exeter City have been dealt a blow after defender Danny Coles fractured a bone in his spine during training.
Coles, who arrived at St James' Park from Bristol Rovers in the summer, suffered the injury following a collision with goalkeeper Artur Krysiak at the club's Cat and Fiddle training ground.
He was taken to the Royal and Devon Exeter Hospital and is now set to miss the rest of the season, although more tests are due to be carried out to assess the full extent of his injury.
Exeter's Director of Football Steve Perryman said: "It was an accidental collision, it was just one of those things that happens.
"Normally people get a scrape or a bruise in training, but this was a bit more serious."
Coles, who arrived at St James' Park from Bristol Rovers in the summer, suffered the injury following a collision with goalkeeper Artur Krysiak at the club's Cat and Fiddle training ground.
He was taken to the Royal and Devon Exeter Hospital and is now set to miss the rest of the season, although more tests are due to be carried out to assess the full extent of his injury.
Exeter's Director of Football Steve Perryman said: "It was an accidental collision, it was just one of those things that happens.
"Normally people get a scrape or a bruise in training, but this was a bit more serious."
GULLS HIT THE ROAD AS THEY AIM TO KEEP PROMOTION RUN GOING
Following two successive home games, Torquay United now find themselves on the travels as they aim to keep their promotion bid on track.
After defeating Aldershot Town 1-0 and clinching a last gasp draw with Bristol Rovers, the Gulls head to Sheffield tonight where they will face Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium.
This will be then followed by a trip to Burton Albion, who they drew 2-2 with on the opening day of the season in Martin Ling's first game in charge.
Next up for Ling's men, a week today, is an encounter with League Two's in form team at the moment, Swindon Town, who are currently managed by Paolo Di Canio. For Ling and his assistant, Shaun Taylor, it will be their first trip to the County Ground as a managerial team to face the side they helped to win promotion to the Premiership during their playing days in 1993.
With eight wins from 16 league matches this season, Torquay currently have the third best away record in League Two. They are also four victories away from equalling their all-time record for away victories in their Conference promotion winning season of 2008-09.
After defeating Aldershot Town 1-0 and clinching a last gasp draw with Bristol Rovers, the Gulls head to Sheffield tonight where they will face Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium.
This will be then followed by a trip to Burton Albion, who they drew 2-2 with on the opening day of the season in Martin Ling's first game in charge.
Next up for Ling's men, a week today, is an encounter with League Two's in form team at the moment, Swindon Town, who are currently managed by Paolo Di Canio. For Ling and his assistant, Shaun Taylor, it will be their first trip to the County Ground as a managerial team to face the side they helped to win promotion to the Premiership during their playing days in 1993.
With eight wins from 16 league matches this season, Torquay currently have the third best away record in League Two. They are also four victories away from equalling their all-time record for away victories in their Conference promotion winning season of 2008-09.
Monday 12 March 2012
GREEN AND WHITE GOAL MACHINE
Npower League One currently contains of some of the best strikers outside the Premiership in the form of Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes, Sheffield United's Ched Evans and Charlton's Bradley Wright-Phillips.
However, Yeovil Town currently have a hitman on their books who is displaying the sort of form that those aforementioned individuals in the shape of Andy Williams.
The former Hereford and Bristol Rovers striker netted his ninth goal in ten matches in the Glovers 2-1 victory over Oldham Athletic, which helped take Yeovil up to 15th in the League One table.
His form has also helped to take the Glovers eight points clear of the bottom four and should they maintain their current run, a top half finish would not be out of the question for Gary Johnson's side.
However, Yeovil Town currently have a hitman on their books who is displaying the sort of form that those aforementioned individuals in the shape of Andy Williams.
The former Hereford and Bristol Rovers striker netted his ninth goal in ten matches in the Glovers 2-1 victory over Oldham Athletic, which helped take Yeovil up to 15th in the League One table.
His form has also helped to take the Glovers eight points clear of the bottom four and should they maintain their current run, a top half finish would not be out of the question for Gary Johnson's side.
Thursday 8 March 2012
INJURY BOOST FOR DANNY
The injury which Danny Stevens sustained during the Gulls' recent win over Crawley is not as bad as first feared.
Stevens left the pitch on a stretcher in the 23rd minute and was replaced by new loan signing Ryan Jarvis, but scan results have confirmed that the ankle is not broken and could yet appear for the Gulls again before the end of the season as they look to maintain their promotion challenge.
Stevens left the pitch on a stretcher in the 23rd minute and was replaced by new loan signing Ryan Jarvis, but scan results have confirmed that the ankle is not broken and could yet appear for the Gulls again before the end of the season as they look to maintain their promotion challenge.
LECOINTE MAKES SCORING DEBUT IN INTERNATIONAL BOW
Plymouth Argyle starlet Matt Lecointe marked his debut for England's Under-18 with a goal as the young lions put three goals past their Polish counterparts at Gresty Road.
After replacing Liverpool's Jordan Lussey, Lecointe struck in the 62nd minute when he lobbed the Polish keeper in a crowded penalty area to score England's third of the night as they ran out as 3-0 winners.
Lecointe's fellow Pilgrim's Centre of Excellence product, Jack Stephens, now of Southampton, also featured in the match.
After replacing Liverpool's Jordan Lussey, Lecointe struck in the 62nd minute when he lobbed the Polish keeper in a crowded penalty area to score England's third of the night as they ran out as 3-0 winners.
Lecointe's fellow Pilgrim's Centre of Excellence product, Jack Stephens, now of Southampton, also featured in the match.
Tuesday 6 March 2012
FORTRESS HUISH PARK
Following their victory over Brentford on Saturday, Yeovil Town now find themselves three points clear of the League One relegation zone.
The Glovers currently lie 17th in the table with 36 points and, since the return of Gary Johnson to Huish Park hot seat on January 9th 2012, and now have survival firmly in their sights.
There is a saying that you should never go back, but after spells with Bristol City, Peterborough and Northampton, Johnson has returned to the club where he made his name as a manager and is reaping the benefits of his decision.
One pleasing aspect of Yeovil's form since the turn of the year has been their 100% home record. This sequence has included wins over Tranmere Rovers, Preston North End, Colchester United and Brentford.
Another is the form of striker Andy Williams who has scored seven of his 12 goals for Yeovil this season since Johnson's return.
With Scunthorpe, Walsall, Hartlepool, Rochdale, Stevenage and Chesterfield all to visit Huish Park between now and the end of the campaign, the Glovers have a real chance of maintaining their impressive home form and cement their League One status before we reach May.
The Glovers currently lie 17th in the table with 36 points and, since the return of Gary Johnson to Huish Park hot seat on January 9th 2012, and now have survival firmly in their sights.
There is a saying that you should never go back, but after spells with Bristol City, Peterborough and Northampton, Johnson has returned to the club where he made his name as a manager and is reaping the benefits of his decision.
One pleasing aspect of Yeovil's form since the turn of the year has been their 100% home record. This sequence has included wins over Tranmere Rovers, Preston North End, Colchester United and Brentford.
Another is the form of striker Andy Williams who has scored seven of his 12 goals for Yeovil this season since Johnson's return.
With Scunthorpe, Walsall, Hartlepool, Rochdale, Stevenage and Chesterfield all to visit Huish Park between now and the end of the campaign, the Glovers have a real chance of maintaining their impressive home form and cement their League One status before we reach May.
Sunday 4 March 2012
CONCERN FOR DANNY
Torquay United could be set to lose the services of Danny Stevens for the remainder of the 2011-12 campaign after he sustained an ankle injury against Crawley Town.
Stevens, who has scored seven goals for the Gulls this season, was substituted in the 23rd minute of Torquay's 1-0 win at Crawley yesterday. He was sent straight to hospital after he was stretched off.
The club are awaiting the results of an x-ray and scan on his injured ankle, which will be confirmed later this week.
Danny's unfortunate injury overshadowed what was a successful weekend for the Gulls as they avenged their five previous defeats at the hands of the Red Devils by winning 1-0 courtesy of a late Eunan O'Kane strike.
Stevens, who has scored seven goals for the Gulls this season, was substituted in the 23rd minute of Torquay's 1-0 win at Crawley yesterday. He was sent straight to hospital after he was stretched off.
The club are awaiting the results of an x-ray and scan on his injured ankle, which will be confirmed later this week.
Danny's unfortunate injury overshadowed what was a successful weekend for the Gulls as they avenged their five previous defeats at the hands of the Red Devils by winning 1-0 courtesy of a late Eunan O'Kane strike.
Friday 2 March 2012
REINFORCEMENTS MADE
Torquay United manager Martin Ling has moved to bolster his attacking options by signing former Norwich City starlet Ryan Jarvis on loan from Walsall.
Ryan started his career with the Canaries and represented England at youth level before he first came into contact with Ling during a loan spell with Leyton Orient, where he scored six goals in 14 games.
"We were struggling in the league and he had a great impact on us."said Ling. "He scored lots of goals very quickly and set us up for the rest of the season."
"It was actually six goals from 14 games and we would happily take that return in the final 14 games of our season.
“He then went back to Norwich and they wanted big money for him, more than we had. His career has meandered a bit since then. He has England credentials and it hasn't materialised how he hoped. He was at Orient again last season and has been at Walsall this season.
"He hasn't really found a home but I've worked with him, and my best mate, Dean Smith, is manager at Walsall, and he feels Ryan needs a fresh environment."
Ryan, whose brother, Rossi Jarvis, also had a loan spell with the Gulls during the 2006-07 season, will remain at Plainmoor until the end of the season.
Since playing under Ling at Leyton Orient, Ryan later joined the East London side on a permanent basis after experiencing further loan spells with Kilmarnock and Notts County.
He joined Walsall at the start of this season and the Gulls boss also stated that he believes that Ryan will give the Gulls fresh options in attack, following Billy Bodin's return to Swindon.
Ling said: "He will be with us for three months and has everything that we need to join the front three of our squad. When Billy Kee left, we replaced him with Billy Bodin but we've not replaced Bodin since he left.
"The squad has managed to make up for Billy's absence but when I've looked behind me to the bench in the last couple of games I've felt we needed another attacking option.
"Ryan will be that attacking option and will put pressure on the front three. He adds competition to the front three berths and he can play any position in that front three."
Jarvis will go straight into the Gulls squad for their trip to Crawley Town tomorrow.
Ryan started his career with the Canaries and represented England at youth level before he first came into contact with Ling during a loan spell with Leyton Orient, where he scored six goals in 14 games.
"We were struggling in the league and he had a great impact on us."said Ling. "He scored lots of goals very quickly and set us up for the rest of the season."
"It was actually six goals from 14 games and we would happily take that return in the final 14 games of our season.
“He then went back to Norwich and they wanted big money for him, more than we had. His career has meandered a bit since then. He has England credentials and it hasn't materialised how he hoped. He was at Orient again last season and has been at Walsall this season.
"He hasn't really found a home but I've worked with him, and my best mate, Dean Smith, is manager at Walsall, and he feels Ryan needs a fresh environment."
Ryan, whose brother, Rossi Jarvis, also had a loan spell with the Gulls during the 2006-07 season, will remain at Plainmoor until the end of the season.
Since playing under Ling at Leyton Orient, Ryan later joined the East London side on a permanent basis after experiencing further loan spells with Kilmarnock and Notts County.
He joined Walsall at the start of this season and the Gulls boss also stated that he believes that Ryan will give the Gulls fresh options in attack, following Billy Bodin's return to Swindon.
Ling said: "He will be with us for three months and has everything that we need to join the front three of our squad. When Billy Kee left, we replaced him with Billy Bodin but we've not replaced Bodin since he left.
"The squad has managed to make up for Billy's absence but when I've looked behind me to the bench in the last couple of games I've felt we needed another attacking option.
"Ryan will be that attacking option and will put pressure on the front three. He adds competition to the front three berths and he can play any position in that front three."
Jarvis will go straight into the Gulls squad for their trip to Crawley Town tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)