Following his confirmation as Plymouth Argyle manager for the 2012-13 season, Carl Fletcher has completed his signing of the close season in the form of striker Paris Cowan-Hall.
The striker, 21, who was born in London, joins from Blue Square Bet South champions, Woking, for whom he scored 11 goals in 27 appearances during the 2011-12 campaign.
Prior to joining the Cards, Paris had started his career with Portsmouth, he had also had trials with Chelsea and Manchester United as a 16-year old, before appearing for Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe United and Rushden & Diamonds.
Due to his age, as he is under 24, Woking will be receiving an appropriate amount of compensation.
Paris joins a roster of strikers that currently includes experienced figures such as Nick Chadwick and Warren Feeney and the raw, young talents of Matt Lecointe and Jared Sims.
If Paris needs any inspiration on joining the Pilgrims, he need look no further than the number of players that Argyle have plucked from non-league football over the years who have gone on to enjoy fruitful careers in the game.
This list includes Tony Book, Paul Mariner, Dwight Marshall, Jamie Mackie and Craig Noone amongst others.
Also, Paris can also look at the impact two of his fellow ex-Portsmouth graduates have made in the lower leagues in recent seasons after being released by Pompey, such as Swindon's Matt Ritchie and Cheltenham Town's Marlon Pack.
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Tuesday 29 May 2012
EUNAN'S EIRE DEBUT ENDS IN DEFEAT
Torquay United midfielder Eunan O'Kane's debut for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side ended in defeat as they went down to a narrow loss against Denmark.
Eunan was one of two debutants on the night, the other being Sunderland's John Egan, as the Irish were undone by a late penalty as they went down 2-1 against their Danish counterparts in at theTallaght Stadium, Dublin.
The Gulls' playmaker was an impressive figure for his new side as he picked out Arsenal's Rhys Murphy for the first chance of the night on 18 minutes, which he fired at Danish keeper Nicolai Oppen Larsen.
Ireland later took the lead through Manchester United's Robbie Brady before the visitors levelled through captain Mads Allbaek who struck from a free-kick.
Allbaek later completed a brace for the evening when he converted from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, which proved to be enough to clinch victory.
Former Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town loanee Conor Clifford went close for Ireland late on, who will now face Italy on June 4th in a 2013 European Under-21 Championship qualifier at the Showgrounds in Sligo.
Eunan was one of two debutants on the night, the other being Sunderland's John Egan, as the Irish were undone by a late penalty as they went down 2-1 against their Danish counterparts in at theTallaght Stadium, Dublin.
The Gulls' playmaker was an impressive figure for his new side as he picked out Arsenal's Rhys Murphy for the first chance of the night on 18 minutes, which he fired at Danish keeper Nicolai Oppen Larsen.
Ireland later took the lead through Manchester United's Robbie Brady before the visitors levelled through captain Mads Allbaek who struck from a free-kick.
Allbaek later completed a brace for the evening when he converted from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, which proved to be enough to clinch victory.
Former Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town loanee Conor Clifford went close for Ireland late on, who will now face Italy on June 4th in a 2013 European Under-21 Championship qualifier at the Showgrounds in Sligo.
Sunday 27 May 2012
JARVIS REUNITED WITH LING
Striker Ryan Jarvis has become Torquay United's first summer signing after agreeing a one-year deal to stay at Plainmoor for the 2012-13 campaign.
During a loan spell towards the end of last season from Walsall, Jarvis scored a number of crucial goals, which included the decisive goal in the Gulls' 201 win over Port Vale in March and also found the target in the final defeat against Hereford United.
After he was released by the Saddlers, Torquay manager Martin Ling acted quickly to offer him a full time deal.
Jarvis, 25, who has also played for England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 levels, first worked with Ling in the 2006-07 season when Ling signed him on loan for Leyton Orient.
In this spell, Jarvis enjoyed what is probably the most prolific goal scoring spell of his career as he scored six times in 14 games before returning to Carrow Road.
He later had loan stints with Kilmarnock and Notts County before joining Orient permanently in 2008 where he stayed for two years before joining Walsall.
1. During the 2004-05 season, Ryan found the back of the net for Norwich in their 2-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield with a spectacular 20-yard strike on January 3rd 2005.
2. He was part of the England Under-19 squad that reached the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2005.
3. His brother, Rossi Jarvis, who also played for Norwich City, also appeared for the Gulls during the 2006-07 season.
During a loan spell towards the end of last season from Walsall, Jarvis scored a number of crucial goals, which included the decisive goal in the Gulls' 201 win over Port Vale in March and also found the target in the final defeat against Hereford United.
After he was released by the Saddlers, Torquay manager Martin Ling acted quickly to offer him a full time deal.
Jarvis, 25, who has also played for England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 levels, first worked with Ling in the 2006-07 season when Ling signed him on loan for Leyton Orient.
In this spell, Jarvis enjoyed what is probably the most prolific goal scoring spell of his career as he scored six times in 14 games before returning to Carrow Road.
He later had loan stints with Kilmarnock and Notts County before joining Orient permanently in 2008 where he stayed for two years before joining Walsall.
Three Facts about Ryan Jarvis:
2. He was part of the England Under-19 squad that reached the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2005.
3. His brother, Rossi Jarvis, who also played for Norwich City, also appeared for the Gulls during the 2006-07 season.
Friday 25 May 2012
ATIENO LEAVES AS GULLS' EVOLUTION CONTINUES
Kenyan international striker Taiwo Atieno has been released by Torquay United manager Martin Ling as the Gulls boss continues to rebuild his squad.
Atieno chipped in with a number of crucial goals for the Gulls in the 2011-12 campaign, including one of the goals against Bristol Rovers in Torquay's 2-1 win over the Pirates and the decisive strike in the Gulls' Boxing Day triumph over Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town.
The vacancy in the Gulls squad left by him is likely to be filled by Ryan Jarvis who, after a successful loan spell from Walsall, has been offered a permanent deal following his release by the Saddlers.
Atieno chipped in with a number of crucial goals for the Gulls in the 2011-12 campaign, including one of the goals against Bristol Rovers in Torquay's 2-1 win over the Pirates and the decisive strike in the Gulls' Boxing Day triumph over Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town.
The vacancy in the Gulls squad left by him is likely to be filled by Ryan Jarvis who, after a successful loan spell from Walsall, has been offered a permanent deal following his release by the Saddlers.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
LING STARTS GULLS' REBUILDING JOB
Following their defeat in last week's League Two Play-Off Semi Final defeat at the hands of Cheltenham Town, Martin Ling has set about rebuilding his Torquay United side ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.
One of his first acts was to release defenders Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Ed Palmer, who are currently the only two players who have officially left Plainmoor in the close season.
Left back Rowe-Turner leaves after spending 18 months with the Gulls, following his move from Leicester City, mainly as understudy to Kevin Nicholson.
Centre back Palmer, who spent six months on loan at Truro City earlier in the season, leaves Torquay after two years in which he has been unable to break into the first team.
Extending their stays at Plainmoor are former Everton starlet Nathan Craig and Damon Lathrope who have both agreed two-year deals, which will tie them down until the year 2014.
Despite not making a first team appearance since his move from Caenarfon Town last January, Craig, who has been capped by Wales at Youth and Under-21 level, has been described by Ling as a 'pearl in the harbour'.
The path taken by Craig is similar to that of Eunan O'Kane who also started out with the Toffees before returning to his native land before moving forward again in his career.
Lathrope has become an integral part of the Gulls' starting XI since he was recalled by Ling to play in a midfield holding role, which allows skipper Lee Mansell and O'Kane greater attacking freedom in the centre of midfield.
Ling has also moved to strengthen the Gulls' attacking options by giving rookie striker Ashley Yeoman an extra year and he has also given loanee forward Ryan Jarvis, a player familiar to Ling from his time as Leyton Orient manager, a permanent deal following his release from Walsall.
The Gulls' boss has also stated that he will be delaying the decision on Taiwo Atieno's future until the striker has returned from international duty with Kenya, central defender Mark Ellis has been given 28 days to decide if he wants to remain with the Gulls for a further two years whilst Lloyd Macklin and Chris McPhee have been transfer listed.
One of his first acts was to release defenders Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Ed Palmer, who are currently the only two players who have officially left Plainmoor in the close season.
Left back Rowe-Turner leaves after spending 18 months with the Gulls, following his move from Leicester City, mainly as understudy to Kevin Nicholson.
Centre back Palmer, who spent six months on loan at Truro City earlier in the season, leaves Torquay after two years in which he has been unable to break into the first team.
Extending their stays at Plainmoor are former Everton starlet Nathan Craig and Damon Lathrope who have both agreed two-year deals, which will tie them down until the year 2014.
Despite not making a first team appearance since his move from Caenarfon Town last January, Craig, who has been capped by Wales at Youth and Under-21 level, has been described by Ling as a 'pearl in the harbour'.
The path taken by Craig is similar to that of Eunan O'Kane who also started out with the Toffees before returning to his native land before moving forward again in his career.
Lathrope has become an integral part of the Gulls' starting XI since he was recalled by Ling to play in a midfield holding role, which allows skipper Lee Mansell and O'Kane greater attacking freedom in the centre of midfield.
Ling has also moved to strengthen the Gulls' attacking options by giving rookie striker Ashley Yeoman an extra year and he has also given loanee forward Ryan Jarvis, a player familiar to Ling from his time as Leyton Orient manager, a permanent deal following his release from Walsall.
The Gulls' boss has also stated that he will be delaying the decision on Taiwo Atieno's future until the striker has returned from international duty with Kenya, central defender Mark Ellis has been given 28 days to decide if he wants to remain with the Gulls for a further two years whilst Lloyd Macklin and Chris McPhee have been transfer listed.
Sunday 20 May 2012
BLIZZARD EXTENDS GLOVERS' STAY
Midfielder Dominic Blizzard has agreed a new one-year deal with Yeovil Town after it looked as though he was set to leave Huish Park.
Glovers' boss Gary Johnson had originally stated that Blizzard was set to leave after failing to respond to his contract offer by the given deadline, but he has now extended his stay at Huish Park by a further year.
Johnson will now be hoping that skipper Paul Huntington will also commit to signing a new deal with Yeovil after the former Newcastle and Leeds defender was given more time to consider his options following a bereavement.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Franks, who was on loan at Huish Park towards the end of last season from Middlesbrough, has signed for the Glovers' League One rivals, Hartlepool United, after stating that he wished to remain in the North East after his partner gave birth to their first child.
Glovers' boss Gary Johnson had originally stated that Blizzard was set to leave after failing to respond to his contract offer by the given deadline, but he has now extended his stay at Huish Park by a further year.
Johnson will now be hoping that skipper Paul Huntington will also commit to signing a new deal with Yeovil after the former Newcastle and Leeds defender was given more time to consider his options following a bereavement.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Franks, who was on loan at Huish Park towards the end of last season from Middlesbrough, has signed for the Glovers' League One rivals, Hartlepool United, after stating that he wished to remain in the North East after his partner gave birth to their first child.
Friday 18 May 2012
EUNAN RECEIVES FIRST EIRE UNDER-21 CALL-UP
Torquay United midfielder Eunan O'Kane can put the disappointment of missing out on a trip to Wembley with the Gulls behind him after being named in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for their latest round of international matches.
Whilst the Republic's senior are preparing themselves for their summer exploits in Poland and Ukraine, the Under-21's face Denmark and Italy on May 28th and June 4th respectively.
Their first encounter with the Danes is a friendly match and their meeting with the Italians is a UEFA 2013 European Under-21 Championship Qualifier.
It is the first time that Eunan has been selected for the Republic squad since his international 'transfer' from Northern Ireland and he is set to make his debut.
He is also one of only to uncapped players in the squad, the other is Sunderland's John Egan, in a squad that also includes Plymouth Argyle midfielder Conor Hourihane, who is fresh from helping the Pilgrims secure their status as a Football League club, former Argyle loanee Conor Clifford and Eunan's ex-Everton teammate Shane Duffy.
Whilst the Republic's senior are preparing themselves for their summer exploits in Poland and Ukraine, the Under-21's face Denmark and Italy on May 28th and June 4th respectively.
Their first encounter with the Danes is a friendly match and their meeting with the Italians is a UEFA 2013 European Under-21 Championship Qualifier.
It is the first time that Eunan has been selected for the Republic squad since his international 'transfer' from Northern Ireland and he is set to make his debut.
He is also one of only to uncapped players in the squad, the other is Sunderland's John Egan, in a squad that also includes Plymouth Argyle midfielder Conor Hourihane, who is fresh from helping the Pilgrims secure their status as a Football League club, former Argyle loanee Conor Clifford and Eunan's ex-Everton teammate Shane Duffy.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad in full:
Ian McLoughlin (MK Dons )
Aaron McCarey (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Mark Connolly (Unattached)
Shane Duffy (Everton)
Greg Cunningham (Manchester City)
Niall Canavan (Scunthorpe United)
Lanre Oyebanjo (York City)
John Egan (Sunderland )
Jeff Hendrick (Derby County)
Eunan O'Kane (Torquay United )
Richie Towell (Hibernian - on loan from Celtic )
Aidan White (Leeds United)
Conor Clifford (Chelsea)
Samir Carruthers (Aston Villa)
Conor Hourihane (Plymouth Argyle)
Sean Murray (Watford)
James Collins (Shrewsbury Town)
Rhys Murphy (Arsenal)
Aaron Doran (Inverness Caledonian Thistle )
Robbie Brady (Manchester United ).
ROBINS CLIP GULLS' WINGS TO REACH WEMBLEY
Torquay United's promotion dreams were ended at the final hurdle at Plainmoor as they went down to a second leg defeat against Cheltenham Town in the League Two Play-Offs.
Eunan O'Kane and Mark Ellis both forced saves from Robins' keeper Scott Brown in the opening 45 minutes and Kevin Nicholson rattled the woodwork just before the half-time break.
On 74 minutes, Jermaine McGlashan extended the Robins' aggregate lead to three goals when he slotted home following good work from former Gulls' loanee Kaid Mohammed.
Torquay gained some reward for their efforts on 85 minutes when substitute Taiwo Atieno headed home a corner from O'Kane.
However, Cheltenham restored their aggregate advantage to three, two minutes later, when Marlon Pack struck with a wonder strike from a free-kick, which Gulls' keeper Bobby Olejnik was helpless to prevent finding the back of the net, to seal their place in the final against Crewe Alexandra.
However, Martin Ling stated that he was proud of his players and believes that they can keep on over-achieving and outperforming the division's better resourced teams.
"I've been really proud of the players, they've done wonders this season, but we've not pulled off what we wanted to do. " said Ling.
"We've over-achieved in the last two years.
"Let's be fair, Paul Buckle over-achieved last year by coming seventh and getting to the final, and we've over-achieved this year by being fifth and being knocked out in the semi-finals.
"Can you keep over-achieving? Of course you can, we go into next year knowing we're not going to be one of the big spenders, we know the people coming into the league are going to have money.
"But we were expected to be mid-table and below this year and we proved them wrong and I quite like proving people wrong so I hope we can do it again."
Eunan O'Kane and Mark Ellis both forced saves from Robins' keeper Scott Brown in the opening 45 minutes and Kevin Nicholson rattled the woodwork just before the half-time break.
On 74 minutes, Jermaine McGlashan extended the Robins' aggregate lead to three goals when he slotted home following good work from former Gulls' loanee Kaid Mohammed.
Torquay gained some reward for their efforts on 85 minutes when substitute Taiwo Atieno headed home a corner from O'Kane.
However, Cheltenham restored their aggregate advantage to three, two minutes later, when Marlon Pack struck with a wonder strike from a free-kick, which Gulls' keeper Bobby Olejnik was helpless to prevent finding the back of the net, to seal their place in the final against Crewe Alexandra.
However, Martin Ling stated that he was proud of his players and believes that they can keep on over-achieving and outperforming the division's better resourced teams.
"I've been really proud of the players, they've done wonders this season, but we've not pulled off what we wanted to do. " said Ling.
"We've over-achieved in the last two years.
"Let's be fair, Paul Buckle over-achieved last year by coming seventh and getting to the final, and we've over-achieved this year by being fifth and being knocked out in the semi-finals.
"Can you keep over-achieving? Of course you can, we go into next year knowing we're not going to be one of the big spenders, we know the people coming into the league are going to have money.
"But we were expected to be mid-table and below this year and we proved them wrong and I quite like proving people wrong so I hope we can do it again."
Wednesday 16 May 2012
MANSE SET TO JOIN GULLS' 300 CLUB
Thursday's League Two Play-Off Semi Final second leg will doubly significant for Torquay United skipper Lee Mansell become part of the select band of players to have made 300 appearances for the club.
The Gloucester-born midfielder, who has been named as the Gulls Player of the Year for the 2011-12 campaign and selected in the PFA League Two Team of the season, will also striving to become one of the handful of Torquay players who have appeared in two promotion winning sides.
During his six years at Plainmoor, he arrived from Oxford United in 2006, Mansell, who also stands 14th in the club's all-time appearance list, has seen a series of highs and lows in this time.
From relegation to the Conference in his first season, missing out in the Play-Offs against Exeter City in his second, the Gulls' return to the Football League in his third campaign and missing out against Stevenage last season.
Overcoming the Gulls' two goal deficit and going on to win promotion this time around would be the icing on the cake in what has turned out to be a dream season for him.
However, he will have some way to go to match his former team-mate Kevin Hill's all-time club appearance record of 474 games.
Footnote: Should Torquay reach Wembley, the final will be Kevin Nicholson's 250th appearance in a Gulls' shirt.
The Gloucester-born midfielder, who has been named as the Gulls Player of the Year for the 2011-12 campaign and selected in the PFA League Two Team of the season, will also striving to become one of the handful of Torquay players who have appeared in two promotion winning sides.
During his six years at Plainmoor, he arrived from Oxford United in 2006, Mansell, who also stands 14th in the club's all-time appearance list, has seen a series of highs and lows in this time.
From relegation to the Conference in his first season, missing out in the Play-Offs against Exeter City in his second, the Gulls' return to the Football League in his third campaign and missing out against Stevenage last season.
Overcoming the Gulls' two goal deficit and going on to win promotion this time around would be the icing on the cake in what has turned out to be a dream season for him.
However, he will have some way to go to match his former team-mate Kevin Hill's all-time club appearance record of 474 games.
Torquay United's top four all-time record appearance makers (includes appearances made in the Football League, Conference, FA Cup, League Cup, Football League Trophy, FA Trophy and Setanta Shield)
1. Kevin Hill (1997-2008) 474
2. Dennis Lewis (1947-1958) 473
3. Tommy Northcott (1949-1952 & 1957-1966) 443
4. Ian Twitchin (1970-1981) 435
5. Ron Shaw (1947-1958) 412
6. Sammy Collins (1948-1958) 380
7. Tony Bedeau (1995-2006 & 2007-2008) 373
8. Don Mills (1949 &1952-1962) 367
9. Colin Bettany (1957-1965) 361
10. Albert Hutchinson (1930-1939) 338
11. Mark Loram (1984-1986, 1986-1992 & 1993) 332
12. Ernie Pym (1957-1964) 307
13. Alan Smith (1957-1968) 303
14. Lee Mansell (2006-present date) 299
Footnote: Should Torquay reach Wembley, the final will be Kevin Nicholson's 250th appearance in a Gulls' shirt.
Tuesday 15 May 2012
HALF TIME IN TIE
To overcome Cheltenham Town in this year's League Two Play Off Semi-Finals, Torquay United will need to do something that they haven't done since 1989, which is to overturn a first leg deficit to reach Wembley.
In 1989, the Gulls faced Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Sherpa Van Trophy Southern Area Final over two legs.
Following a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at Plainmoor, which saw Torquay take the lead through Dean Edwards, who is now the club's Commercial Manager, before Steve Bull bagged a brace for Wolves to seemingly put them one step away from Wembley.
However, Wolves, who were then managed by current Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner, were dealt a massive shock in the second leg at Molineux.
After eight minutes, Edwards, who incidentally hails from Wolverhampton and had had a spell at Molineux earlier in his career, latched on to a pass from Mark Loram to slot home a chance that would level the tie on aggregate.
Two minutes before half-time the Gulls were in dreamland when Loram curled a 25-yard free-kick past Wolves keeper Roger Hansbury into the back of the net, which put Torquay in front.
The second half saw Torquay produce a stunning defensive displays, aided by a top notch performance from Kenny Allen, who had been called out of retirement following an injury suffered by Kenny Veysey to book their first ever appearance at Wembley.
In 1989, the Gulls faced Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Sherpa Van Trophy Southern Area Final over two legs.
Following a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at Plainmoor, which saw Torquay take the lead through Dean Edwards, who is now the club's Commercial Manager, before Steve Bull bagged a brace for Wolves to seemingly put them one step away from Wembley.
However, Wolves, who were then managed by current Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner, were dealt a massive shock in the second leg at Molineux.
After eight minutes, Edwards, who incidentally hails from Wolverhampton and had had a spell at Molineux earlier in his career, latched on to a pass from Mark Loram to slot home a chance that would level the tie on aggregate.
Two minutes before half-time the Gulls were in dreamland when Loram curled a 25-yard free-kick past Wolves keeper Roger Hansbury into the back of the net, which put Torquay in front.
The second half saw Torquay produce a stunning defensive displays, aided by a top notch performance from Kenny Allen, who had been called out of retirement following an injury suffered by Kenny Veysey to book their first ever appearance at Wembley.
THREE IN AND FOUR OUT AT HUISH
After confirming that Ed Upson, Gavin Williams and Luke Ayling have pledged their futures to Yeovil Town, Glovers' boss Gary Johnson has announced that another four of the players which he offered deals to will be leaving.
Dominic Blizzard, Andy Williams, Jonathan Grounds and Jonathan Franks are all set to leave Huish Park after failing to agree terms with the club.
Former Bristol Rovers midfielder Blizzard failed to make contact with Johnson before the necessary time limit on making a decision, Williams has told Johnson that he will be heading for pastures new, Grounds stated that he wishes to remain in the north after the recent birth of his son and Franks did not inform Johnson of whether he wished to sign a new deal.
Captain Paul Huntington has been given an extended deadline to decide following a bereavement and it is hoped that he will be remaining at Huish Park.
Dominic Blizzard, Andy Williams, Jonathan Grounds and Jonathan Franks are all set to leave Huish Park after failing to agree terms with the club.
Former Bristol Rovers midfielder Blizzard failed to make contact with Johnson before the necessary time limit on making a decision, Williams has told Johnson that he will be heading for pastures new, Grounds stated that he wishes to remain in the north after the recent birth of his son and Franks did not inform Johnson of whether he wished to sign a new deal.
Captain Paul Huntington has been given an extended deadline to decide following a bereavement and it is hoped that he will be remaining at Huish Park.
Saturday 12 May 2012
TORQUAY UNITED'S PLAY-OFF CAMPAIGNS: A BRIEF HISTORY PART THREE
2007-08
Following the disastrous 2006-07 season, which saw them relegated from the Football League after 80 years , Torquay United kicked off the 2007-08 campaign as a non-league team in the Blue Square Premier, the Conference in 'old money'.
With only three players under contract (Kevin Hill, Steve Woods and Lee Mansell) the new consortium that purchased the club from Mike Bateson acted quickly to halt the Gulls’ decline in fortunes. Colin Lee was appointed as Chief Executive before Exeter City assistant manager Paul Buckle was brought in as manager.
Buckle wasted no time in building a new team with Martin Rice, Chris Todd and Lee Phillips following him from St James Park.
Former Torquay stalwart Tony Bedeau rejoined the Gulls, after a season with Walsall, and Chris Robertson, Simon Rayner and Matt Hockley all signed new deals with the club.
Experienced midfielder Chris Hargreaves was signed from Oxford United, former England Schools left back Kevin Nicholson joined from Forest Green Rovers and Buckle persuaded his former Aldershot team-mate Tim Sills to move to Plainmoor following his release from Hereford United.
Other new faces included Elliot Benyon and Danny Stevens and former Plymouth striker Chris Zebroski joined on a season-long loan from Millwall.
Buckle's newly assembled squad seemed to click straight away as they lost lost two of their first 17 matches.
The Gulls finished the season in third spot, which, following the introduction of the two up-two down system between League Two and the Conference, set them up for a two-legged affair with local rivals Exeter City, who were looking to escape the Conference five years after their own relegation from the Football League.
Everything seemed to be going to plan after the first leg at St James' Park, which the Gulls won 2-1 through goals from Tim Sills and Chris Zebroski.
In the second leg, everything seemed to be going to plan and when Kevin Hill popped up to mark his club appearance record equalling 473rd game with the goal that put Torquay 3-1 up on aggregate.
A double Wembley appearance looked to be on the horizon for the Gulls, they had also booked their place in that season's FA Trophy final, but the Grecians had other ideas.
Both Hilly and the Gulls were denied a fairytale ending to the afternoon as Exeter struck four times in the last 20 minutes through Ryan Harley, Ben Watson, Richard Logan and Wayne Carlisle to reach the final at Torquay’s expense.
2008-09
After missing out on promotion in his first season in charge, Paul Buckle set about strengthening his squad in a bid to win promotion from the Blue Square Premier League.
Young defender Mark Ellis, who joined the Gulls on loan from Bolton Wanderers during Buckle’s first season, moved to Plainmoor on a permanent basis.
Buckle also moved to strengthen the Gulls’ midfield with the signing of Nicky Wroe, Tyrone Thompson, Lee Hodges and Michael Brough from York City, Crawley Town Plymouth Argyle and Forest Green Rovers respectively.
Northern Irish winger Wayne Carlisle joined from Exeter City after having scored three times for the Grecians in their four meetings with Torquay during the 2007-08 season.
Other new arrivals included goalkeeper Michael Poke, who joined on a season-long loan from Southampton, winger Mustapha Carayol and striker Matt Green.
There were also a number of departures from Plainmoor as Lee Phillips joined Rushden & Diamonds, Kevin Hill signed for Dorchester Town and goalkeeper Simon Rayner moved to Crawley.
After a slow start, Torquay embarked on a 14-match unbeaten run, which started with a 2-1 win over NorthwichVictoria
A final day victory over champions elect Burton Albion confirmed the Gulls’ entry into the Play-Offs where they would face Histon over two legs.
Goals from Nicky Wroe and Tim Sills gave Torquay a 2-0 advantage after the first leg at Plainmoor. They reached the final despite losing 1-0 to Histon in the return fixture as they prepared to face Cambridge United in the final at Wembley.
The Gulls went into the second visit to the home of football in the space of a year with a side that featured a goalkeeper which a broken jaw, Michael Poke, a centre half in Chris Todd who had returned to action after being diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia earlier in the season and a centre forward with a cracked cheekbone (Tim Sills, who was wearing a protective face mask towards the end of the campaign).
It proved to be a glorious occasion as skipper Chris Hargreaves opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area in the first half before Sills rubberstamped the Gulls' return to the Football League when he headed home a cross from Wayne Carlisle to end their two-year exile in the Conference.
2010-11
After setting a club record for the longest run for consecutive clean sheets (seven) towards the end of their first season back in the Football League, Torquay United hit the ground running in the 2010-11 campaign.
The Gulls won their opening four matches of the season, which earned Paul Buckle the Manager of the Month award for August.
Torquay remained in the top half of the table for most of the season and the introduction of a number of loan signings, including Jake Robinson, Gavin Tomlin and Craig Stanley during the January transfer window brought a freshness to the Gulls' squad.
The acquisition of Robinson would provide the Plainmoor faithful with a number of talking points.
Firstly, he marked his debut with a goal against Hereford United in a 3-1 defeat at Plainmoor and after the game it emerged that he wasn't eligible to play as the paperwork for his move from parent club, Shrewsbury Town, hadn't been processed.
It later transpired that Hereford had also fielded an ineligible player (Rob Purdie) and the Bulls received a three point deduction whilst the Gulls had one point chalked off.
Secondly, there was no clause in his loan agreement which prevented him from playing against his parent club, therefore he was free to play against the Shrews when the two sides met in March.
It was a decision that would backfire on Shrews' boss Graham Turner as Robinson netted a brace in the Gulls' 5-0 win over the Shropshire side.
Ironically, the two sides would face each other again in the Play-Offs as the Gulls finished their league campaign in 7th place.
It was Torquay who seized the first leg advantage as they won 2-0 at Plainmoor with goals from Eunan O'Kane and Chris Zebroski.
After playing out a goalless draw at the Greenhous Meadow in the second leg, the Gulls were through to the final where they would face Stevenage, which would be staged at Old Trafford due the Champions League final being staged at Wembley.
Unfortunately for the Gulls, the Play-Off final would be a bridge too far for Torquay, as they lost out 1-0 through a John Mousinho effort, in what would be Paul Buckle's final game in charge before he left to take charge of Bristol Rovers before he was replaced by Martin Ling.
Following the disastrous 2006-07 season, which saw them relegated from the Football League after 80 years , Torquay United kicked off the 2007-08 campaign as a non-league team in the Blue Square Premier, the Conference in 'old money'.
With only three players under contract (Kevin Hill, Steve Woods and Lee Mansell) the new consortium that purchased the club from Mike Bateson acted quickly to halt the Gulls’ decline in fortunes. Colin Lee was appointed as Chief Executive before Exeter City assistant manager Paul Buckle was brought in as manager.
Buckle wasted no time in building a new team with Martin Rice, Chris Todd and Lee Phillips following him from St James Park.
Former Torquay stalwart Tony Bedeau rejoined the Gulls, after a season with Walsall, and Chris Robertson, Simon Rayner and Matt Hockley all signed new deals with the club.
Experienced midfielder Chris Hargreaves was signed from Oxford United, former England Schools left back Kevin Nicholson joined from Forest Green Rovers and Buckle persuaded his former Aldershot team-mate Tim Sills to move to Plainmoor following his release from Hereford United.
Other new faces included Elliot Benyon and Danny Stevens and former Plymouth striker Chris Zebroski joined on a season-long loan from Millwall.
Buckle's newly assembled squad seemed to click straight away as they lost lost two of their first 17 matches.
The Gulls finished the season in third spot, which, following the introduction of the two up-two down system between League Two and the Conference, set them up for a two-legged affair with local rivals Exeter City, who were looking to escape the Conference five years after their own relegation from the Football League.
Everything seemed to be going to plan after the first leg at St James' Park, which the Gulls won 2-1 through goals from Tim Sills and Chris Zebroski.
In the second leg, everything seemed to be going to plan and when Kevin Hill popped up to mark his club appearance record equalling 473rd game with the goal that put Torquay 3-1 up on aggregate.
A double Wembley appearance looked to be on the horizon for the Gulls, they had also booked their place in that season's FA Trophy final, but the Grecians had other ideas.
Both Hilly and the Gulls were denied a fairytale ending to the afternoon as Exeter struck four times in the last 20 minutes through Ryan Harley, Ben Watson, Richard Logan and Wayne Carlisle to reach the final at Torquay’s expense.
2008-09
After missing out on promotion in his first season in charge, Paul Buckle set about strengthening his squad in a bid to win promotion from the Blue Square Premier League.
Young defender Mark Ellis, who joined the Gulls on loan from Bolton Wanderers during Buckle’s first season, moved to Plainmoor on a permanent basis.
Buckle also moved to strengthen the Gulls’ midfield with the signing of Nicky Wroe, Tyrone Thompson, Lee Hodges and Michael Brough from York City, Crawley Town Plymouth Argyle and Forest Green Rovers respectively.
Northern Irish winger Wayne Carlisle joined from Exeter City after having scored three times for the Grecians in their four meetings with Torquay during the 2007-08 season.
Other new arrivals included goalkeeper Michael Poke, who joined on a season-long loan from Southampton, winger Mustapha Carayol and striker Matt Green.
There were also a number of departures from Plainmoor as Lee Phillips joined Rushden & Diamonds, Kevin Hill signed for Dorchester Town and goalkeeper Simon Rayner moved to Crawley.
After a slow start, Torquay embarked on a 14-match unbeaten run, which started with a 2-1 win over Northwich
A final day victory over champions elect Burton Albion confirmed the Gulls’ entry into the Play-Offs where they would face Histon over two legs.
Goals from Nicky Wroe and Tim Sills gave Torquay a 2-0 advantage after the first leg at Plainmoor. They reached the final despite losing 1-0 to Histon in the return fixture as they prepared to face Cambridge United in the final at Wembley.
The Gulls went into the second visit to the home of football in the space of a year with a side that featured a goalkeeper which a broken jaw, Michael Poke, a centre half in Chris Todd who had returned to action after being diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia earlier in the season and a centre forward with a cracked cheekbone (Tim Sills, who was wearing a protective face mask towards the end of the campaign).
It proved to be a glorious occasion as skipper Chris Hargreaves opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area in the first half before Sills rubberstamped the Gulls' return to the Football League when he headed home a cross from Wayne Carlisle to end their two-year exile in the Conference.
2010-11
After setting a club record for the longest run for consecutive clean sheets (seven) towards the end of their first season back in the Football League, Torquay United hit the ground running in the 2010-11 campaign.
The Gulls won their opening four matches of the season, which earned Paul Buckle the Manager of the Month award for August.
Torquay remained in the top half of the table for most of the season and the introduction of a number of loan signings, including Jake Robinson, Gavin Tomlin and Craig Stanley during the January transfer window brought a freshness to the Gulls' squad.
The acquisition of Robinson would provide the Plainmoor faithful with a number of talking points.
Firstly, he marked his debut with a goal against Hereford United in a 3-1 defeat at Plainmoor and after the game it emerged that he wasn't eligible to play as the paperwork for his move from parent club, Shrewsbury Town, hadn't been processed.
It later transpired that Hereford had also fielded an ineligible player (Rob Purdie) and the Bulls received a three point deduction whilst the Gulls had one point chalked off.
Secondly, there was no clause in his loan agreement which prevented him from playing against his parent club, therefore he was free to play against the Shrews when the two sides met in March.
It was a decision that would backfire on Shrews' boss Graham Turner as Robinson netted a brace in the Gulls' 5-0 win over the Shropshire side.
Ironically, the two sides would face each other again in the Play-Offs as the Gulls finished their league campaign in 7th place.
It was Torquay who seized the first leg advantage as they won 2-0 at Plainmoor with goals from Eunan O'Kane and Chris Zebroski.
After playing out a goalless draw at the Greenhous Meadow in the second leg, the Gulls were through to the final where they would face Stevenage, which would be staged at Old Trafford due the Champions League final being staged at Wembley.
Unfortunately for the Gulls, the Play-Off final would be a bridge too far for Torquay, as they lost out 1-0 through a John Mousinho effort, in what would be Paul Buckle's final game in charge before he left to take charge of Bristol Rovers before he was replaced by Martin Ling.
TORQUAY UNITED'S PLAY-OFF CAMPAIGNS: A BRIEF HISTORY PART TWO
1993-94
After winning promotion at Wembley against Blackpool, the Gulls' stay in the third tier of English football lasted just one season as they returned to whence they came from after one season.
The following campaign, the 1992-93 season, saw them flirt with a second successive relegation before the timely intervention of Neil Warnock steered Torquay to safety.
Warnock's successor, Irishman Don O'Riordan, who had previously served under the current Leeds United manager at Notts County, built on the foundations which he had laid as he guided the Gulls to a sixth-place finish in the newly created Division Three (following the inception of the Premier League in 1992).
A 2-0 win in the first leg through goals from Duane Darby and Darren Moore looked to have given Torquay a comfortable advantage going into the second leg at Deepdale, which was to be the last ever competitive fixture in English football to be played on an artificial pitch.
However, the Gulls looked to be heading for a third trip to Wembley before a theatricial turn from Paul Raynor in the presence of Moore, which helped to get the young defender dismissed, and the balance of power soon swung back in the Lilywhite's favour.
With a numerical advantage, Preston led 3-1 after 90 minutes and clinched victory in extra time through a strike from Raynor, which booked them a place in the final against Wycombe Wanderers, then managed by Martin O'Neill, at the Gulls' expense.
Also amongst the goalscorer's for Preston that night was current Everton manager David Moyes.
1997-98
Fast forward four years and to Torquay's next tilt at the Play-Offs, a lot of changes had happened during this time at Plainmoor.
Only two years earlier, the Gulls had only stayed in the league by virtue of Stevenage's ground not meeting Football League requirements in the 1995-96 season.
Following this reprieve, Kevin Hodges was handed the task of overhauling the Torquay squad and by the time of the 1997-98 Play-Offs, only captain, Alex Watson, Rodney Jack and young hopefuls Matthew Gregg, Wayne Thomas and Tony Bedeau remained from the class of '96.
After winning promotion at Wembley against Blackpool, the Gulls' stay in the third tier of English football lasted just one season as they returned to whence they came from after one season.
The following campaign, the 1992-93 season, saw them flirt with a second successive relegation before the timely intervention of Neil Warnock steered Torquay to safety.
Warnock's successor, Irishman Don O'Riordan, who had previously served under the current Leeds United manager at Notts County, built on the foundations which he had laid as he guided the Gulls to a sixth-place finish in the newly created Division Three (following the inception of the Premier League in 1992).
A 2-0 win in the first leg through goals from Duane Darby and Darren Moore looked to have given Torquay a comfortable advantage going into the second leg at Deepdale, which was to be the last ever competitive fixture in English football to be played on an artificial pitch.
However, the Gulls looked to be heading for a third trip to Wembley before a theatricial turn from Paul Raynor in the presence of Moore, which helped to get the young defender dismissed, and the balance of power soon swung back in the Lilywhite's favour.
With a numerical advantage, Preston led 3-1 after 90 minutes and clinched victory in extra time through a strike from Raynor, which booked them a place in the final against Wycombe Wanderers, then managed by Martin O'Neill, at the Gulls' expense.
Also amongst the goalscorer's for Preston that night was current Everton manager David Moyes.
1997-98
Fast forward four years and to Torquay's next tilt at the Play-Offs, a lot of changes had happened during this time at Plainmoor.
Only two years earlier, the Gulls had only stayed in the league by virtue of Stevenage's ground not meeting Football League requirements in the 1995-96 season.
Following this reprieve, Kevin Hodges was handed the task of overhauling the Torquay squad and by the time of the 1997-98 Play-Offs, only captain, Alex Watson, Rodney Jack and young hopefuls Matthew Gregg, Wayne Thomas and Tony Bedeau remained from the class of '96.
The new arrivals at Plainmoor included Andy Gurney, Paul Gibbs and Jamie Robinson and they were later joined by former Plymouth Dorchester Town
One of the finds of the season turned out to be a young midfielder by the name of Kevin Hill whom Hodges signed from Torrington Town on the recommendation of former Plymouth
However, perhaps the most inspired of Hodges' acquisitions was the loan of signing of future Premiership striker Jason Roberts from Wolverhampton Wanderers who played a key role in helping the Gulls put together a club record eight-match winning run between January and March and lifted them into second place.
Unfortunately for the Gulls, they couldn't sustain that form once Roberts returned to Molineux and they ended up needing to clinch a point against Leyton Orient, whose side included a certain Martin Ling, to seal promotion.
However, as in 1988 and 1991, Torquay were forced to settle for the Play-Offs as they went down 2-1 to Orient.
This left the Gulls needing to overcome Scarborough over two legs to stand a chance of reaching Wembley for a second shot at promotion.
They overcame Scarborough in emphatic fashion after winning the the first leg at the McCain Stadium 3-1 with goals from Rodney Jack, Jon Gittens and Andy McFarlane, which gave them a comfortable advantage ahead of the the return fixture at Plainmoor.
A brace from Jack set the Gulls on their way before a wonder strike from Steve McCall and a fourth from Paul Gibbs helped to give Torquay a comprehensive 7-2 aggregate victory to set up a final clash at Wembley with Colchester United.
Sadly, there was to be no Wembley celebrations for the Gulls who travelled to the game as the Essex side came out on top courtesy of a first half penalty from David Gregory.
TORQUAY UNITED'S PLAY-OFF CAMPAIGNS: A BRIEF HISTORY PART ONE
Tomorrow will see Torquay United embark on their eighth Play-Off campaign as they take on Cheltenham Town in the Play-Off Semi-Final first leg.
We will now look back at their previous seven campaigns.
1987-88
After missing out automatic promotion on the final day of the regular season following a defeat against Scunthorpe United, Cyril Knowles' Gulls side were set for their first ever Play-Off adventure with a two-legged Semi-Final affair against, ironically, Scunthorpe.
A crowd of 4,602 poured into Plainmoor to witness Torquay's first foray into the new end of season format and they saw the Gulls come out on top with a 2-1 win through goals from Dave Caldwell and Paul Dobson.
The game proved to be a temptestuous affair as six players were booked and Scunthorpe's Paul Nicholl was awarded a red by referee Tony Ward.
For the second leg at the Iron's Old Show Ground, their last at the ground before their move to Glanford Park, Caldwell was left out of the Gulls' starting eleven by Cyril Knowles after an incident in the first leg that saw Caldwell and two Scunthorpe defender's require treatment at the A & E department of Torbay Hospital.
The Gulls drew 1-1 with Mark Loram finding the target which set them up for a two-legged final with Swansea City, this was the days before the one-off Wembley showpiece event, and they found themselves trailing 2-1 after the first leg.
In the second leg at Plainmoor, Torquay looked to be down and out after Paul Raynor, a figure that would soon be well acquainted with Gulls' followers, and Sean McCarthy struck with early goals which gave the Swans a 4-1 lead on aggregate.
However, the introduction of Lee Sharpe, who by this time was bound for a big money move to Manchester United, sparked a comeback from the hosts as Jim McNichol scored twice, he has also scored in the first leg, which brought the Gulls back on level before Alan Davies restored the Swans' advantage.
Caldwell scored a third for Torquay, but they couldn't overturn Swansea's lead as they were forced to wait longer for their first promotion since 1966.
1990-91
The 1990-91 season, Torquay's first under the Chairmanship of Mike Bateson, was a campaign of great peaks and troughs.
After splashing out £60,000, a club record transfer fee, on former Newcastle United and Carlisle defender Wes Saunders and recruiting Plymouth Argyle goal scoring legend Tommy Tynan in the close season, Torquay raced to the top of the table after 14 games and manager Dave Smith picked up the Manager of the Month award for October 1990.
However, following a slump in form, which saw the Gulls drop into the bottom half, Smith resigned and was replaced by Youth Coach John Impey. Results soon picked up as Torquay finished the season in 7th place, thus securing a Play-Off spot.
The Tangerines took the lead through Paul Groves before Gulls skipper Wes Saunders levelled. United edged ahead in the second half through a Dean Edwards penalty but an unfortunate Chris Curran own goal saw Blackpool restore parity, sending the final to extra time.
With no further goals in extra time, the match went to a penalty shoot out. Mark Loram stepped up to take Torquay’s first penalty, which was saved. Then Mickey Holmes, Saunders, Paul Holmes and Chris Myers all successfully converted their spot-kicks as the shoot-out went to sudden death at 4-4.
Then goalkeeper Gareth Howells stepped up to take the Gulls’ sixth penalty, which he dispatched past his Blackpool counterpart Steve McIlhargey to give United a 5-4 lead.
David Bamber then took the Tangerines’ sixth penalty that he drilled wide. His miss, as well as ending the Gulls’ 19-year exile in the Fourth Division, inspired the name of the popular fanzine, Bamber’s Right Foot, several years later.
We will now look back at their previous seven campaigns.
1987-88
After missing out automatic promotion on the final day of the regular season following a defeat against Scunthorpe United, Cyril Knowles' Gulls side were set for their first ever Play-Off adventure with a two-legged Semi-Final affair against, ironically, Scunthorpe.
A crowd of 4,602 poured into Plainmoor to witness Torquay's first foray into the new end of season format and they saw the Gulls come out on top with a 2-1 win through goals from Dave Caldwell and Paul Dobson.
The game proved to be a temptestuous affair as six players were booked and Scunthorpe's Paul Nicholl was awarded a red by referee Tony Ward.
For the second leg at the Iron's Old Show Ground, their last at the ground before their move to Glanford Park, Caldwell was left out of the Gulls' starting eleven by Cyril Knowles after an incident in the first leg that saw Caldwell and two Scunthorpe defender's require treatment at the A & E department of Torbay Hospital.
The Gulls drew 1-1 with Mark Loram finding the target which set them up for a two-legged final with Swansea City, this was the days before the one-off Wembley showpiece event, and they found themselves trailing 2-1 after the first leg.
In the second leg at Plainmoor, Torquay looked to be down and out after Paul Raynor, a figure that would soon be well acquainted with Gulls' followers, and Sean McCarthy struck with early goals which gave the Swans a 4-1 lead on aggregate.
However, the introduction of Lee Sharpe, who by this time was bound for a big money move to Manchester United, sparked a comeback from the hosts as Jim McNichol scored twice, he has also scored in the first leg, which brought the Gulls back on level before Alan Davies restored the Swans' advantage.
Caldwell scored a third for Torquay, but they couldn't overturn Swansea's lead as they were forced to wait longer for their first promotion since 1966.
1990-91
The 1990-91 season, Torquay's first under the Chairmanship of Mike Bateson, was a campaign of great peaks and troughs.
After splashing out £60,000, a club record transfer fee, on former Newcastle United and Carlisle defender Wes Saunders and recruiting Plymouth Argyle goal scoring legend Tommy Tynan in the close season, Torquay raced to the top of the table after 14 games and manager Dave Smith picked up the Manager of the Month award for October 1990.
However, following a slump in form, which saw the Gulls drop into the bottom half, Smith resigned and was replaced by Youth Coach John Impey. Results soon picked up as Torquay finished the season in 7th place, thus securing a Play-Off spot.
The Gulls then faced Burnley in the Semi-Finals and won the first leg 2-0 at Plainmoor with goals from Dean Edwards and Matt Elliott.
In the second leg at Turf Moor, Torquay defended their lead resolutely as the Clarets were unable to overturn the two goal deficit albeit winning 1-0. This meant the Gulls would be appearing at Wembley for the second time in the space of three years, after reaching the Sherpa Van Trophy in 1989.
Their opponents at Wembley would be another Lancashire club, Blackpool, which was watched by a crowd of 21,615.
The Tangerines took the lead through Paul Groves before Gulls skipper Wes Saunders levelled. United edged ahead in the second half through a Dean Edwards penalty but an unfortunate Chris Curran own goal saw Blackpool restore parity, sending the final to extra time.
With no further goals in extra time, the match went to a penalty shoot out. Mark Loram stepped up to take Torquay’s first penalty, which was saved. Then Mickey Holmes, Saunders, Paul Holmes and Chris Myers all successfully converted their spot-kicks as the shoot-out went to sudden death at 4-4.
Then goalkeeper Gareth Howells stepped up to take the Gulls’ sixth penalty, which he dispatched past his Blackpool counterpart Steve McIlhargey to give United a 5-4 lead.
David Bamber then took the Tangerines’ sixth penalty that he drilled wide. His miss, as well as ending the Gulls’ 19-year exile in the Fourth Division, inspired the name of the popular fanzine, Bamber’s Right Foot, several years later.
Tuesday 8 May 2012
BRYN THE POLICE DOG AND ALL THAT 25 YEARS ON
A quarter of a century ago, Torquay United retained their Football League status by the skin of their teeth as they drew with Crewe Alexandra to avoid relegation from Division Four.
Whilst trailing 2-1 and with time running out, Bryn the Police Dog sunk his teeth into defender Jim McNichol and the time added on, following the incident, allowed Paul Dobson to score the crucial equaliser the Gulls needed to stay in the Football League.
25 years on, we now look at that side who featured for Torquay that day.
Kenny Allen:
Goalkeeper Kenny Allen remained at Plainmoor for a further season before he was released by Cyril Knowles, but he would later make a brief return in 1989 to play in the Sherpa Van Trophy Southern Area Final 2nd leg against Wolves and in the final itself against Bolton Wanderers. Currently living in South Devon after working for the Ambulance service.
Jim McNichol:
Despite being constantly referred to as the player who was bitten by Bryn, it is worth noting that Jim had scored Torquay's first goal that afternoon against Crewe.
He would also remain at Plainmoor for another two years, during which time the Gulls almost won promotion from Division Four in 1988 and lost in the Sherpa Van final in 1989.
After leaving Plainmoor, Jim joined Exeter City before making a brief return to Torquay in the 1991-92 season. He is currently the Landlord of the Exeter Inn in Ashburton.
Dave Cole:
Dave remained with Torquay until the end of the 1988-89 season, when he joined Rochdale, but didn't feature in the Sherpa Van Trophy final at Wembley. He would later return to Devon for a brief spell with Exeter City.
Derek Dawkins:
One of the most popular Gulls players of the 1980's, Derek 'the Dude' Dawkins also combined playing with coaching the club's youth team, which included a certain Lee Sharpe.
Derek would go down in Torquay United folklore when he scored the winning goal in a Littlewoods Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in the 1987-88 season.
In 2005, Derek was voted as the Gulls' all-time cult hero in a poll held by the BBC's Football Focus. He is currently working for the Sheffield United Soccer Academy in Torreveija, Southern Spain.
Tom Kelly:
One of a number of players who left Plainmoor at the end of the 1988-89 season, Tom would later return to Torquay in the 1992-93 season following spells with York City and Exeter City. He was part of the Gulls' side that reached the Play-Offs in the 1993-94 where they were beaten by Preston North End.
After leaving Plainmoor in 1996, Tom dropped down into South West non-league football and appeared for Weymouth Town, Ilfracombe Town, Taunton Town where he won an FA Vase winners' medal in 2001, Bideford, Bridgwater Town and in more recent years Bovey Tracey and Buckland Athletic along with his son, Cameron.
Chris Myers:
The son of former Gulls' midfielder, Cliff Myers, Chris would drop into non-league football with Dawlish Town and Barnstaple Town before he was brought back to Plainmoor by Dave Smith in 1990.
Chris appeared for Torquay in their 1991 Division Four Play-Off final victory over Blackpool and was one of the Gulls successful spot-kick takers in their 5-4 shoot-out win.
He stayed at Plainmoor until 1993 when he signed for Dundee United but brieftly returned to Plainmoor on loan during the 1993-94 season. Spells with Exeter City and Dorchester Town followed before Chris entered management at non-league level with Dawlish Town and laterly with Burscough in the North West after relocating to the area.
Alan McLoughlin:
Appearing as a loan player from Swindon Town, Alan McLoughlin would later find fame as the man who scored the goal that secured the Republic of Ireland's passage to the 1994 World Cup when he netted for the Republic against Northern Ireland in a qualifer between the two nations.
He also appeared for Southampton, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic and returned to Plainmoor for a second loan spell in the 1987-88 season.
Mark Gardiner:
Young winger Mark remained with the Gulls for a further season and ironically joined Crewe Alexandra on his release from Plainmoor.
He would spent much of his career in the North West, apart from a brief spell in Norway, and was part of the Macclesfield Town side that faced Torquay in the Silkmen's first ever league fixture on the opening day of the 1997-98 season.
Mario Walsh:
The Crewe fixture proved to be Mario's final appearance for the Gulls in his three-year stint at Plainmoor.
He was the club's leading scorer in the 1984-85 season and joined Colchester United after leaving South Devon.
Paul Dobson:
After scoring the crucial goal that kept the Gulls in the league, Paul Dobson followed this up in the 1987-88 campaign by becoming the first Torquay United player to score 20 goals or more in a season since Robin Stubbs achieved the feat in the 1966-67 season.
He found the target 22 times as Torquay reached the Division Four Play-Off final against Swansea City where they were beaten 5-4 over two legs.
In 1988, Paul headed north to join Doncaster Rovers in a deal that saw Paul Holmes and Sean Joyce sign for the Gulls. He later appeared for Scarborough before winding up his career in his native North East with Darlington, Gateshead and Spennymoor United.
Mark Loram:
A mercurial talent, Brixham-born Mark Loram had returned to Torquay on loan from Queens Park Rangers after failing to settle in West London.
Such was his talent that the then Rangers boss Jim Smith was on the brink of handing him his debut against Liverpool before he went AWOL and the then Gulls boss Stuart Morgan negotiated a loan move back to South Devon for him.
After the Crewe game, Mark returned to Plainmoor and became a regular fixture in the Gulls' side until the 1991-92 season, during which time he helped Torquay to reach the Sherpa Van Trophy final in 1989 and clinch promotion from Division Four for the first time in 25 years in the 1990-91 season.
His final appearance for Torquay came as a substitute in the 1993-94 season against Colchester United.
Adie Mann:
Signed on loan from Northampton Town, Adie Mann became the Cobblers' youngest ever player when he made his debut in the 1983-84 season. As well as his spell at Plainmoor, Adie also had spells with several other clubs, including Barnet and Newport County and a fledging Rushden & Diamonds where he scored their first ever FA Cup goal in August 1992.
Stuart Morgan (Manager):
Following the game with Crewe, Stuart Morgan resigned as manager of Torquay United and was later replaced by Cyril Knowles.
A month after leaving the Plainmoor hotseat, Stuart embarked on a second spell as manager of Weymouth Town, a position which he held until 1989 when he linked up with Harry Redknapp at Bournemouth where he became Chief Scout.
He returned to management with Dorchester Town in August 1993 and remained at the Avenue Stadium until his dismissal in September 1999. He later performed scouting again for Redknapp at West Ham, Portsmouth and more recently at Tottenham.
Whilst trailing 2-1 and with time running out, Bryn the Police Dog sunk his teeth into defender Jim McNichol and the time added on, following the incident, allowed Paul Dobson to score the crucial equaliser the Gulls needed to stay in the Football League.
25 years on, we now look at that side who featured for Torquay that day.
Kenny Allen:
Goalkeeper Kenny Allen remained at Plainmoor for a further season before he was released by Cyril Knowles, but he would later make a brief return in 1989 to play in the Sherpa Van Trophy Southern Area Final 2nd leg against Wolves and in the final itself against Bolton Wanderers. Currently living in South Devon after working for the Ambulance service.
Jim McNichol:
Despite being constantly referred to as the player who was bitten by Bryn, it is worth noting that Jim had scored Torquay's first goal that afternoon against Crewe.
He would also remain at Plainmoor for another two years, during which time the Gulls almost won promotion from Division Four in 1988 and lost in the Sherpa Van final in 1989.
After leaving Plainmoor, Jim joined Exeter City before making a brief return to Torquay in the 1991-92 season. He is currently the Landlord of the Exeter Inn in Ashburton.
Dave Cole:
Dave remained with Torquay until the end of the 1988-89 season, when he joined Rochdale, but didn't feature in the Sherpa Van Trophy final at Wembley. He would later return to Devon for a brief spell with Exeter City.
Derek Dawkins:
One of the most popular Gulls players of the 1980's, Derek 'the Dude' Dawkins also combined playing with coaching the club's youth team, which included a certain Lee Sharpe.
Derek would go down in Torquay United folklore when he scored the winning goal in a Littlewoods Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in the 1987-88 season.
In 2005, Derek was voted as the Gulls' all-time cult hero in a poll held by the BBC's Football Focus. He is currently working for the Sheffield United Soccer Academy in Torreveija, Southern Spain.
Tom Kelly:
One of a number of players who left Plainmoor at the end of the 1988-89 season, Tom would later return to Torquay in the 1992-93 season following spells with York City and Exeter City. He was part of the Gulls' side that reached the Play-Offs in the 1993-94 where they were beaten by Preston North End.
After leaving Plainmoor in 1996, Tom dropped down into South West non-league football and appeared for Weymouth Town, Ilfracombe Town, Taunton Town where he won an FA Vase winners' medal in 2001, Bideford, Bridgwater Town and in more recent years Bovey Tracey and Buckland Athletic along with his son, Cameron.
Chris Myers:
The son of former Gulls' midfielder, Cliff Myers, Chris would drop into non-league football with Dawlish Town and Barnstaple Town before he was brought back to Plainmoor by Dave Smith in 1990.
Chris appeared for Torquay in their 1991 Division Four Play-Off final victory over Blackpool and was one of the Gulls successful spot-kick takers in their 5-4 shoot-out win.
He stayed at Plainmoor until 1993 when he signed for Dundee United but brieftly returned to Plainmoor on loan during the 1993-94 season. Spells with Exeter City and Dorchester Town followed before Chris entered management at non-league level with Dawlish Town and laterly with Burscough in the North West after relocating to the area.
Alan McLoughlin:
Appearing as a loan player from Swindon Town, Alan McLoughlin would later find fame as the man who scored the goal that secured the Republic of Ireland's passage to the 1994 World Cup when he netted for the Republic against Northern Ireland in a qualifer between the two nations.
He also appeared for Southampton, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic and returned to Plainmoor for a second loan spell in the 1987-88 season.
Mark Gardiner:
Young winger Mark remained with the Gulls for a further season and ironically joined Crewe Alexandra on his release from Plainmoor.
He would spent much of his career in the North West, apart from a brief spell in Norway, and was part of the Macclesfield Town side that faced Torquay in the Silkmen's first ever league fixture on the opening day of the 1997-98 season.
Mario Walsh:
The Crewe fixture proved to be Mario's final appearance for the Gulls in his three-year stint at Plainmoor.
He was the club's leading scorer in the 1984-85 season and joined Colchester United after leaving South Devon.
Paul Dobson:
After scoring the crucial goal that kept the Gulls in the league, Paul Dobson followed this up in the 1987-88 campaign by becoming the first Torquay United player to score 20 goals or more in a season since Robin Stubbs achieved the feat in the 1966-67 season.
He found the target 22 times as Torquay reached the Division Four Play-Off final against Swansea City where they were beaten 5-4 over two legs.
In 1988, Paul headed north to join Doncaster Rovers in a deal that saw Paul Holmes and Sean Joyce sign for the Gulls. He later appeared for Scarborough before winding up his career in his native North East with Darlington, Gateshead and Spennymoor United.
Mark Loram:
A mercurial talent, Brixham-born Mark Loram had returned to Torquay on loan from Queens Park Rangers after failing to settle in West London.
Such was his talent that the then Rangers boss Jim Smith was on the brink of handing him his debut against Liverpool before he went AWOL and the then Gulls boss Stuart Morgan negotiated a loan move back to South Devon for him.
After the Crewe game, Mark returned to Plainmoor and became a regular fixture in the Gulls' side until the 1991-92 season, during which time he helped Torquay to reach the Sherpa Van Trophy final in 1989 and clinch promotion from Division Four for the first time in 25 years in the 1990-91 season.
His final appearance for Torquay came as a substitute in the 1993-94 season against Colchester United.
Adie Mann:
Signed on loan from Northampton Town, Adie Mann became the Cobblers' youngest ever player when he made his debut in the 1983-84 season. As well as his spell at Plainmoor, Adie also had spells with several other clubs, including Barnet and Newport County and a fledging Rushden & Diamonds where he scored their first ever FA Cup goal in August 1992.
Stuart Morgan (Manager):
Following the game with Crewe, Stuart Morgan resigned as manager of Torquay United and was later replaced by Cyril Knowles.
A month after leaving the Plainmoor hotseat, Stuart embarked on a second spell as manager of Weymouth Town, a position which he held until 1989 when he linked up with Harry Redknapp at Bournemouth where he became Chief Scout.
He returned to management with Dorchester Town in August 1993 and remained at the Avenue Stadium until his dismissal in September 1999. He later performed scouting again for Redknapp at West Ham, Portsmouth and more recently at Tottenham.
Monday 7 May 2012
LE GRANDE FINALE POUR LE KEEPER
Plymouth Argyle's final game of the 2011-12 season will always be remembered by the Green Army as the last career appearance of long-serving goalkeeper Romain Larrieu.
Le Keeper brought down the curtain on his 11-year playing stint at Home Park with his 318th appearance for the Pilgrims as a 85th minute substitute for Jake Cole.
The Frenchman first arrived at Home Park in December 2000, making his debut in an LDV Vans Trophy match against Bristol City.
He became the first choice for the Pilgrims as they won the Division Three title with a record 102 points in the 2001-02 season, a campaign that also saw him named in the PFA Division Three Team of the Season.
A second championship winners' medal would follow in the 2003-04 campaign as Argyle won the Division Two title as they returned to the second tier of English Football, following a 12-year absence.
Romain remained the Pilgrims' first choice keeper under the reigns of Bobby Williamson, Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway, whilst contesting with Luke McCormick for the goalkeeper's jersey, before he was struck by testicular cancer during the 2006-07 campaign.
Following his recovery he was allowed to go on loan to Gillingham to aid his return to match fitness and he also spent a brief spell on loan at Yeovil Town in the 2007-08 season.
However, he would regain his spot in the Argyle side during the 2008-09 season and went on to win the club's Player of the Year award for the campaign. Romain was then named as club captain for the subsequent 2009-10 season.
He remained at Home Park during the Pilgrims' back-to-back relegations, which saw them return to the Football League's basement division, during which time he celebrated his testimonial match against QPR in the summer of 2011.
Later on in the same year, he was asked to take on a different role when, following the dismissal of Peter Reid, Romain was named as assistant-manager to Carl Fletcher.
With the club periously close to dropping out of the league, they had one point to their name when the pair took charge and were still in Administration and hadn't been paid for several months, they managed to steer the Pilgrims to safety with two games remaining.
The timing of his last game was probably apt as it coincides with the beginning of a new era for both club and player as Romain is expected to stay at Home Park as part of the club's backroom staff.
Le Keeper brought down the curtain on his 11-year playing stint at Home Park with his 318th appearance for the Pilgrims as a 85th minute substitute for Jake Cole.
The Frenchman first arrived at Home Park in December 2000, making his debut in an LDV Vans Trophy match against Bristol City.
He became the first choice for the Pilgrims as they won the Division Three title with a record 102 points in the 2001-02 season, a campaign that also saw him named in the PFA Division Three Team of the Season.
A second championship winners' medal would follow in the 2003-04 campaign as Argyle won the Division Two title as they returned to the second tier of English Football, following a 12-year absence.
Romain remained the Pilgrims' first choice keeper under the reigns of Bobby Williamson, Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway, whilst contesting with Luke McCormick for the goalkeeper's jersey, before he was struck by testicular cancer during the 2006-07 campaign.
Following his recovery he was allowed to go on loan to Gillingham to aid his return to match fitness and he also spent a brief spell on loan at Yeovil Town in the 2007-08 season.
However, he would regain his spot in the Argyle side during the 2008-09 season and went on to win the club's Player of the Year award for the campaign. Romain was then named as club captain for the subsequent 2009-10 season.
He remained at Home Park during the Pilgrims' back-to-back relegations, which saw them return to the Football League's basement division, during which time he celebrated his testimonial match against QPR in the summer of 2011.
Later on in the same year, he was asked to take on a different role when, following the dismissal of Peter Reid, Romain was named as assistant-manager to Carl Fletcher.
With the club periously close to dropping out of the league, they had one point to their name when the pair took charge and were still in Administration and hadn't been paid for several months, they managed to steer the Pilgrims to safety with two games remaining.
The timing of his last game was probably apt as it coincides with the beginning of a new era for both club and player as Romain is expected to stay at Home Park as part of the club's backroom staff.
Saturday 5 May 2012
GULLS FORCED TO SETTLE FOR PLAY-OFFS
Torquay United will need to gear themselves up for the possibility of another three matches to secure promotion from League Two.
The Gulls will now face Cheltenham Town over two legs after slipping to 5th place, following their 3-2 defeat at the hands of Hereford United, in the table as Crawley Town and Southend United both leapfrogged them to secure automatic promotion and 4th place respectively.
Delroy Facey opened the scoring for the Bulls before Harry Pell doubled their advantage from the penalty spot before Rob Purdie added a third before half-time.
In the second half, substitutes Ryan Jarvis and Taiwo Atieno pulled goals back for the Gulls, but it wasn't quite enough for Torquay as the hosts hung on to win.
Sadly for Hereford, their victory proved to be a bittersweet one for them as they were relegated to the Blue Square Premier as Barnet defeated Burton Albion to condemn the Bulls to a second relegation from the Football League.
Martin Ling's side travel to Whaddon Road next Sunday for the first leg and the two sides meet again four days later on Thursday 17th May.
The Gulls will now face Cheltenham Town over two legs after slipping to 5th place, following their 3-2 defeat at the hands of Hereford United, in the table as Crawley Town and Southend United both leapfrogged them to secure automatic promotion and 4th place respectively.
Delroy Facey opened the scoring for the Bulls before Harry Pell doubled their advantage from the penalty spot before Rob Purdie added a third before half-time.
In the second half, substitutes Ryan Jarvis and Taiwo Atieno pulled goals back for the Gulls, but it wasn't quite enough for Torquay as the hosts hung on to win.
Sadly for Hereford, their victory proved to be a bittersweet one for them as they were relegated to the Blue Square Premier as Barnet defeated Burton Albion to condemn the Bulls to a second relegation from the Football League.
Martin Ling's side travel to Whaddon Road next Sunday for the first leg and the two sides meet again four days later on Thursday 17th May.
Friday 4 May 2012
A DATE WITH DESTINY
Torquay United head into their clash with Hereford United knowing that only a win will be good enough as they aim to secure automatic promotion.
Following their 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra last week, the Gulls are now level on 81 points with third placed Crawley Town and need to better the Red Devils result against Accrington Stanley at Edgar Street.
The fixture also has the added spice as the Bulls also head into the game needing to secure victory as they aim to ensure that they remain in League Two for the 2012-13 campaign.
As well as Crawley, Torquay will also need to be wary of Paul Sturrock's Southend United who are hosting already relegated Macclesfield Town at Roots Hall and are in prime position to pounce to any slip ups made by the Gulls or Crawley.
Should the Gulls secure promotion, their Football League 'share' would increase by £300,000 in League One and there would also be the prospect of increased gates against the likes of Coventry City and Portsmouth as well as Westcountry based sides such as AFC Bournemouth, Yeovil Town and newly promoted Swindon Town.
Following their 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra last week, the Gulls are now level on 81 points with third placed Crawley Town and need to better the Red Devils result against Accrington Stanley at Edgar Street.
The fixture also has the added spice as the Bulls also head into the game needing to secure victory as they aim to ensure that they remain in League Two for the 2012-13 campaign.
As well as Crawley, Torquay will also need to be wary of Paul Sturrock's Southend United who are hosting already relegated Macclesfield Town at Roots Hall and are in prime position to pounce to any slip ups made by the Gulls or Crawley.
Should the Gulls secure promotion, their Football League 'share' would increase by £300,000 in League One and there would also be the prospect of increased gates against the likes of Coventry City and Portsmouth as well as Westcountry based sides such as AFC Bournemouth, Yeovil Town and newly promoted Swindon Town.
GRECIANS BRING DOWN CURTAIN AGAINST BLADES
Exeter City will bring the curtain down on their three year stay in League One tomorrow with a home clash with promotion chasing Sheffield United at St James Park.
The Grecians' tenure in English football's third tier from 2009 to 2012 has been characterised by a number of great highs and great lows.
From their win over Leeds United in January 2010, their Devon derby successes over Plymouth Argyle in the league and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy respectively and their record equalling highest ever league finish last season to the untimely death of Adam Stansfield in August 2010 from bowel cancer to the 4-1 defeat to Carlisle United, which confirmed their relegation last week, Exeter's spell in League One has been eventful.
The challenge now facing manager Paul Tisdale is build a team that can bounce back to that level sooner rather than later.
One of his biggest challenges will be persuading many of key performers to stay at St James Park. Defender Billy Jones has already indicated that he is willing to remain with the Grecians and striker Daniel Nardiello has stated that he is willing to stay.
However, skipper David Noble has admitted he is unsure of where his future lies.
Nevertheless, on a positive note, in League Two the Grecians will be able to renew their rivalry with county neighbours Plymouth Argyle. The pair have faced each other four times in the past two seasons, in the league and Johnstone's Paint Trophy, with the Grecians on three occasions.
The Grecians' tenure in English football's third tier from 2009 to 2012 has been characterised by a number of great highs and great lows.
From their win over Leeds United in January 2010, their Devon derby successes over Plymouth Argyle in the league and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy respectively and their record equalling highest ever league finish last season to the untimely death of Adam Stansfield in August 2010 from bowel cancer to the 4-1 defeat to Carlisle United, which confirmed their relegation last week, Exeter's spell in League One has been eventful.
The challenge now facing manager Paul Tisdale is build a team that can bounce back to that level sooner rather than later.
One of his biggest challenges will be persuading many of key performers to stay at St James Park. Defender Billy Jones has already indicated that he is willing to remain with the Grecians and striker Daniel Nardiello has stated that he is willing to stay.
However, skipper David Noble has admitted he is unsure of where his future lies.
Nevertheless, on a positive note, in League Two the Grecians will be able to renew their rivalry with county neighbours Plymouth Argyle. The pair have faced each other four times in the past two seasons, in the league and Johnstone's Paint Trophy, with the Grecians on three occasions.
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