Monday 23 April 2012

FOUR GULLS SELECTED

Torquay United have received further recognition for the fine season they are currently enjoying after having four players selected in the League Two PFA Select XI for the 2011-12 campaign.

Goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik, left back Kevin Nicholson, skipper Lee Mansell and midfield playmaker Eunan O'Kane were all chosen by their fellow professionals, providing the largest contingent from any one club in League Two in the side.

All four individuals have enjoyed excellent seasons under the guidance of Martin Ling.

Olejnik has been described by Ling as 'the best goalkeeper he has ever worked with' and has kept 20 clean sheets this season, which is a club record.

Nicholson has established himself as one of the leading left backs in League Two and has chipped in with his fair share of goals, including his wonder strike against Barnet at Plainmoor last December.

Mansell has been a revelation since Ling switched him back to the centre of midfield, after spending two and a half seasons deployed at right back under Paul Buckle.

He has scored an incredible 13 goals from midfield and lifted the Npower Player of the Month award for March.

O'Kane's inclusion in the side also represents fiurther recognition for the young Irishman after he was voted fifth in a poll of the best players in Npower League Two, which was voted for by the division's managers.

Highlights for O'Kane this season include his stunning brace in the Gulls' 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in November, which was their biggest ever victory over the Pilgrims and their first in the league in nearly 40 years.

THE FULL TEAM


Bobby Olejnik - Torquay United

Paul Caddis - Swindon Town

Kyle McFadzean - Crawley Town

Ian Sharps - Shrewsbury Town

Kevin Nicholson - Torquay United

Matt Ritchie - Swindon Town

Marlon Pack - Cheltenham Town

Eunan O'Kane - Torquay United

Lee Mansell - Torquay United

Izale McLeod - Barnet

Tyrone Barnett - Crawley Town