Torquay United will be facing a bigger fixture pile up in 2013 after their second fixture of the festive period was postponed.
The Gulls were due to meet Aldershot Town at the EBB Stadium, but due to a waterlogged pitch the match has been called off.
Following the postponement of the Devon derby with Exeter City on December 22nd, Torquay now have a second fixture which they are looking to re-arrange.
However, their league clash with Rotherham United that was due to take place on January 5th, but had to be re-arranged because of the Millers' continued involvement in the FA Cup, will now take place on February 12th 2013.
Friday 28 December 2012
DAVIDS TAKE SOLE CONTROL ON EVE ON HIS FIRST TRIP TO DEVON
Former Netherlands international Edgar Davids will begin his reign as sole head coach of Barnet against Exeter City tomorrow following the departure from Underhill of former Grecians winger Mark Robson.
Since mid-October the former Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Inter and Spurs midfielder had been in joint charge of the Bees with Robso. During this time the Bees have moved three points clear of the relegation zone following their 1-0 win over high flying Gillingham on Boxing Day.
Tomorrow will be Davids' first visit to Devon during his illustrious career and he will also be visiting the county twice more later on in the season when the Bees face Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United.
Meanwhile, the Grecians will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing 3-1 to Oxford United on Boxing Day and drawing with Plymouth on December 15th.
Since mid-October the former Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus, Inter and Spurs midfielder had been in joint charge of the Bees with Robso. During this time the Bees have moved three points clear of the relegation zone following their 1-0 win over high flying Gillingham on Boxing Day.
Tomorrow will be Davids' first visit to Devon during his illustrious career and he will also be visiting the county twice more later on in the season when the Bees face Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United.
Meanwhile, the Grecians will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing 3-1 to Oxford United on Boxing Day and drawing with Plymouth on December 15th.
Wednesday 26 December 2012
GULLS SET NEW RECORD FOR UNBEATEN RUN OF LEAGUE MATCHES AGAINST THE PILGRIMS
In drawing with Plymouth Argyle on Boxing Day 2012, Torquay United set a new record of unbeaten league matches against the Pilgrims.
The Gulls are now unbeaten in their last five league encounters with the Pilgrims, a run that started, ironically, on Boxing Day 2001 when Torquay drew 2-2 with Paul Sturrock's promotion bound Pilgrims.
Fast forward a decade, to last season, and the Gulls completed their first double over Argyle in over 40 years as they won 3-1 at Plainmoor in November 2011 with Eunan O'Kane scoring a brace before Danny Stevens prior to Will Atkinson pulling one back for the Pilgrims.
This is Torquay's biggest ever winning margin over Argyle in a competitive game.
The double was completed on January 2nd 2012 when Billy Bodin and Lee Mansell struck to give the Gulls a two goal cushion before Luke Young reduced the Pilgrims arrears to a single goal.
Earlier this season, the two sides played out a goalless draw at Plainmoor before the return meeting in the festive period which saw Tyler Harvey write his name into South West footballing folklore with a late equaliser for Argyle.
Plymouth Argyle 2 (Graham Coughlan, Ian Stonebridge) Torquay United 2 (Brian McGlinchey og, Richard Logan pen)
Torquay United 3 (Eunan O'Kane (2), Danny Stevens) Plymouth Argyle 1 (Will Atkinson)
Plymouth Argyle 1 (Luke Young) Torquay United 2 (Billy Bodin, Lee Mansell)
Plymouth Argyle 1 (Tyler Harvey) Torquay United 1 (Aaron Downes)
The Gulls are now unbeaten in their last five league encounters with the Pilgrims, a run that started, ironically, on Boxing Day 2001 when Torquay drew 2-2 with Paul Sturrock's promotion bound Pilgrims.
Fast forward a decade, to last season, and the Gulls completed their first double over Argyle in over 40 years as they won 3-1 at Plainmoor in November 2011 with Eunan O'Kane scoring a brace before Danny Stevens prior to Will Atkinson pulling one back for the Pilgrims.
This is Torquay's biggest ever winning margin over Argyle in a competitive game.
The double was completed on January 2nd 2012 when Billy Bodin and Lee Mansell struck to give the Gulls a two goal cushion before Luke Young reduced the Pilgrims arrears to a single goal.
Earlier this season, the two sides played out a goalless draw at Plainmoor before the return meeting in the festive period which saw Tyler Harvey write his name into South West footballing folklore with a late equaliser for Argyle.
December 26th 2001
Plymouth Argyle 2 (Graham Coughlan, Ian Stonebridge) Torquay United 2 (Brian McGlinchey og, Richard Logan pen)
November 19th 2011
Torquay United 3 (Eunan O'Kane (2), Danny Stevens) Plymouth Argyle 1 (Will Atkinson)
January 2nd 2012
Plymouth Argyle 1 (Luke Young) Torquay United 2 (Billy Bodin, Lee Mansell)
September 8th 2012
Torquay United 0 Plymouth Argyle 0
December 26th 2012
Plymouth Argyle 1 (Tyler Harvey) Torquay United 1 (Aaron Downes)
HARVEY SECURES DERBY POINT ON FULL DEBUT
Tyler Harvey picked the perfect time to score his first goal for Plymouth Argyle as he netted a late equaliser on his full debut in the Pilgrims Boxing Day Devon derby encounter with Torquay United.
The encounter between the two sides was goalless when Aaron Downes headed home his fourth of the season for the Gulls when he headed home a Kevin Nicholson corner on 78 minutes.
However, Torquay were denied all three points when 17-year-old Harvey struck from close range in the dying minutes of the game, following good work from Luke Young, to secure a valuable point for Argyle.
The encounter between the two sides was goalless when Aaron Downes headed home his fourth of the season for the Gulls when he headed home a Kevin Nicholson corner on 78 minutes.
However, Torquay were denied all three points when 17-year-old Harvey struck from close range in the dying minutes of the game, following good work from Luke Young, to secure a valuable point for Argyle.
Monday 24 December 2012
YULETIDE GREETINGS
On this Christmas Eve, I would like to wish a heartfelt Yuletide greeting to all readers of South West Football and a prosperous 2013.
The last few days have seen many football fixtures across the South West postponed due to the adverse wet weather conditions that have affected the region in recent days.
I would like to wish all of your respective teams the best of luck in their corresponding fixtures over the festive period and the blog will continue to be updated right up until New Years’ Eve.
The last few days have seen many football fixtures across the South West postponed due to the adverse wet weather conditions that have affected the region in recent days.
I would like to wish all of your respective teams the best of luck in their corresponding fixtures over the festive period and the blog will continue to be updated right up until New Years’ Eve.
Sunday 23 December 2012
ARGYLE LOOK TO KEEP MINI RUN GOING
After failing to record a win in any kind of competition for nine matches, Plymouth Argyle are currently on a run of three games without defeat.
Between October 6th when they defeated Rochdale 3-1 at Home Park and their 2-0 home victory over York City, Argyle failed to record a win in all competitions.
During this period they exited the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the hands of Dorchester Town and Oxford United respectively.
However, the Pilgrims have now followed up their win over the Minstermen with a draw in their Devon derby against Exeter City at St James Park before coming away from Accrington Stanley with a point, which could have been all three had Warren Feeney not been denied from the penalty spot by Stanley keeper Paul Rabchubka.
Argyle boss Carl Fletcher will now be hoping that his side can keep that run going during their remaining festive fixtures which see the Pilgrims take on Torquay United on Boxing Day before they meet Wycombe Wanderers on December 29th before travelling to Bristol Rovers on New Years' Day.
Between October 6th when they defeated Rochdale 3-1 at Home Park and their 2-0 home victory over York City, Argyle failed to record a win in all competitions.
During this period they exited the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the hands of Dorchester Town and Oxford United respectively.
However, the Pilgrims have now followed up their win over the Minstermen with a draw in their Devon derby against Exeter City at St James Park before coming away from Accrington Stanley with a point, which could have been all three had Warren Feeney not been denied from the penalty spot by Stanley keeper Paul Rabchubka.
Argyle boss Carl Fletcher will now be hoping that his side can keep that run going during their remaining festive fixtures which see the Pilgrims take on Torquay United on Boxing Day before they meet Wycombe Wanderers on December 29th before travelling to Bristol Rovers on New Years' Day.
Saturday 22 December 2012
GULLS FACING FIXTURE CONGESTION
Following the postponement of today's Devon derby against Exeter City, Torquay United are now facing a potential fixture back log in the New Year.
Despite the best efforts of the groundsmen of both the Gulls and the Grecians during the week to make sure that the game could go ahead, the decision was taken call off the fixture due a waterlogged pitch.
Both sides will be keen to get the game replayed as soon as possible as they due to meet each other again at the end of January in a game which is being televised live on Sky Sports on Monday January 28th.
It won't the only fixture which Torquay will need to re-arrange as their home clash with Rotherham United, which was due to take place January 5th, as the Millers will be involved in FA Cup third round action with fellow League Two side Aldershot Town.
All eyes now will be on Boxing Day's meeting between the Gulls and Plymouth Argyle.
Despite the best efforts of the groundsmen of both the Gulls and the Grecians during the week to make sure that the game could go ahead, the decision was taken call off the fixture due a waterlogged pitch.
Both sides will be keen to get the game replayed as soon as possible as they due to meet each other again at the end of January in a game which is being televised live on Sky Sports on Monday January 28th.
It won't the only fixture which Torquay will need to re-arrange as their home clash with Rotherham United, which was due to take place January 5th, as the Millers will be involved in FA Cup third round action with fellow League Two side Aldershot Town.
All eyes now will be on Boxing Day's meeting between the Gulls and Plymouth Argyle.
Thursday 20 December 2012
SKY (WIND)FALL FOR GRECIANS AND GULLS
Torquay United and Exeter City have both received a welcone boost in the build up to their Devon derby clash on Saturday following the announcement that their January re-match is being shown live on Sky Sports.
The match, which was due to take place on January 26th, will now be shown on a Monday night (January 28th) with a 7:45pm kick off.
It will be the first time that a meeting between the two sides has been shown on national television since the Blue Square Conference Play-Off semi-final clashes in the 2007-08 season.
The match, which was due to take place on January 26th, will now be shown on a Monday night (January 28th) with a 7:45pm kick off.
It will be the first time that a meeting between the two sides has been shown on national television since the Blue Square Conference Play-Off semi-final clashes in the 2007-08 season.
Wednesday 19 December 2012
THE GULLS' GRECIANS CONNECTIONS
This Saturday will see Torquay United take part in their first Devon derby with Exeter City since winning promotion back to the Football League in 2009.
It will also see Gulls' manager Martin Ling face the club where he started his playing career.
Ling first joined the Grecians in 1982 as an apprentice after impressing during a week's trial after being spotted playing in a junior tournament in Devon.
He remained at St James Park until 1986 when he moved onto Swindon Town (twice), Southend United, Mansfield Town (loan), Leyton Orient and Brighton and Hove Albion.
During his second spell with Swindon, Ling helped the Robins to win promotion to the Premier League in 1993 alongside current Gulls assistant boss Shaun Taylor who also had a spell with the Grecians earlier in his career.
Taylor arrived at St James Park in 1986, after he was signed for Western League side Bideford, and remained with Exeter until 1991 during which time he was part of the Grecians side that won the Division Four title in the 1989-90 season.
Ling and Taylor aren't the only members of the Gulls' coaching team to have appeared for Exeter during their careers. Goalkeeper coach Kenny Veysey made a dozen appearances for the Grecians during the 1993-94 season and is also one of a select band of players to have appeared for all three of Devon's professional sides.
In addition to this, Torquay Physio Damian Davey also had a spell as Physio at St James Park at the turn of the century and goalkeeper Martin Rice made several appearances for the Grecians during their time in the Conference.
It will also see Gulls' manager Martin Ling face the club where he started his playing career.
Ling first joined the Grecians in 1982 as an apprentice after impressing during a week's trial after being spotted playing in a junior tournament in Devon.
He remained at St James Park until 1986 when he moved onto Swindon Town (twice), Southend United, Mansfield Town (loan), Leyton Orient and Brighton and Hove Albion.
During his second spell with Swindon, Ling helped the Robins to win promotion to the Premier League in 1993 alongside current Gulls assistant boss Shaun Taylor who also had a spell with the Grecians earlier in his career.
Taylor arrived at St James Park in 1986, after he was signed for Western League side Bideford, and remained with Exeter until 1991 during which time he was part of the Grecians side that won the Division Four title in the 1989-90 season.
Ling and Taylor aren't the only members of the Gulls' coaching team to have appeared for Exeter during their careers. Goalkeeper coach Kenny Veysey made a dozen appearances for the Grecians during the 1993-94 season and is also one of a select band of players to have appeared for all three of Devon's professional sides.
In addition to this, Torquay Physio Damian Davey also had a spell as Physio at St James Park at the turn of the century and goalkeeper Martin Rice made several appearances for the Grecians during their time in the Conference.
Tuesday 18 December 2012
DIRECTOR SEARCH CONTINUES AS WARD CHOOSES PIRATES ROLE
Plymouth Argyle are still on the look out for a Director of Football after the Pilgrims' preferred candidate, John Ward, opted to return to Bristol Rovers as manager.
Ward, 61, had previously managed the Pirates between 1993 and 1996 and, in succeeding Mark McGhee, becomes Rovers' fourth permanent manager in two years and their seventh if Caretaker manager are taken into the equation.
He was one of more than 20 applicants for the role at Home Park and the Pilgrims have announced that they wish to appoint someone to the role sooner than later.
In the meantime, manager Carl Fletcher will be looking ahead to the challenges of a trip to Accrington Stanley and a Boxing Day Devon derby with Torquay United.
He will also be looking to secure the signature of their Exeter derby hero Joe Lennox on a longer deal as his contract expires in January.
Ward, 61, had previously managed the Pirates between 1993 and 1996 and, in succeeding Mark McGhee, becomes Rovers' fourth permanent manager in two years and their seventh if Caretaker manager are taken into the equation.
He was one of more than 20 applicants for the role at Home Park and the Pilgrims have announced that they wish to appoint someone to the role sooner than later.
In the meantime, manager Carl Fletcher will be looking ahead to the challenges of a trip to Accrington Stanley and a Boxing Day Devon derby with Torquay United.
He will also be looking to secure the signature of their Exeter derby hero Joe Lennox on a longer deal as his contract expires in January.
Sunday 16 December 2012
LENNOX EARNS ARGYLE A SHARE OF THE SPOILS
Plymouth Argyle winger Joe Lennox picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the Pilgrims to earn his side a point in their Devon derby encounter with Exeter City.
Liam Sercombe had given the Grecians the lead in the 34th minute, but Argyle struck back through Lennox on 73 minutes.
This proved to be enough to secure a point for the Pilgrims who were reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Maxime Blanchard who received a second yellow card for a foul on John O'Flynn in the 88th minute.
The attention now switches to Plainmoor next week where the Grecians take on Torquay United in the second installment of December's three match Devon derby special.
Liam Sercombe had given the Grecians the lead in the 34th minute, but Argyle struck back through Lennox on 73 minutes.
This proved to be enough to secure a point for the Pilgrims who were reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Maxime Blanchard who received a second yellow card for a foul on John O'Flynn in the 88th minute.
The attention now switches to Plainmoor next week where the Grecians take on Torquay United in the second installment of December's three match Devon derby special.
Friday 14 December 2012
THE DEVON MINI LEAGUE RESUMES
The seasonal run of Devon derby games starts tomorrow at St James Park as Exeter City host Plymouth Argyle in the first of three such meetings during the month of December.
A week later, the Grecians travel to Plainmoor to face Torquay United and then on Boxing Day the Gulls take on Argyle at Home Park.
These are three games where the formbook is likely to go out of the window as it often does on such occasions.
Also, due to the time of year that these games are taking place, they are likely to generate high interest from the Devon football public and therefore higher crowds than for your run-of-the-mill League Two encounter.
Tomorrow's clash between the Grecians and the Pilgrims will have great significance for Exeter striker Alan Gow who was released by the Pilgrims at the 2009-10 season.
He arrived at St James Park last March and has earned rave reviews for his performances as a striker or playing behind the front two.
The Pilgrims will also be looking to build on last week's 2-0 win over York City, their first in nine matches in all competitions.
It will also be the fifth time that Argyle have played the Grecians in the past three seasons, after having gone ten years without playing each other. Of those five encounters the Pilgrims have only won one of those games, which came in December 2010 when Argyle won 2-0 courtesy of a Bradley Wright-Phillips brace.
That is a statistic that Pilgrims boss Carl Fletcher will be looking to improve upon.
A week later, the Grecians travel to Plainmoor to face Torquay United and then on Boxing Day the Gulls take on Argyle at Home Park.
These are three games where the formbook is likely to go out of the window as it often does on such occasions.
Also, due to the time of year that these games are taking place, they are likely to generate high interest from the Devon football public and therefore higher crowds than for your run-of-the-mill League Two encounter.
Tomorrow's clash between the Grecians and the Pilgrims will have great significance for Exeter striker Alan Gow who was released by the Pilgrims at the 2009-10 season.
He arrived at St James Park last March and has earned rave reviews for his performances as a striker or playing behind the front two.
The Pilgrims will also be looking to build on last week's 2-0 win over York City, their first in nine matches in all competitions.
It will also be the fifth time that Argyle have played the Grecians in the past three seasons, after having gone ten years without playing each other. Of those five encounters the Pilgrims have only won one of those games, which came in December 2010 when Argyle won 2-0 courtesy of a Bradley Wright-Phillips brace.
That is a statistic that Pilgrims boss Carl Fletcher will be looking to improve upon.
Wednesday 12 December 2012
THE BINMAN COMETH
Fourteen years ago today, former Everton and Wales goalkeeper Neville Southall made his debut for Torquay United against Hull City.
At the time, the Gulls were second bottom in the Football League and were without a goalkeeper due to an injury sustained by first choice keeper Kenny Veysey.
Manager Wes Saunders acted quickly to bring in the former Wales goalkeeper who had been working as a goalkeeper coach at Huddersfield Town, who, at the time, were managed by Saunders' former Newcastle United teammate Peter Jackson.
Southall had previously appeared at Plainmoor once earlier in his career during the 1980-81 season with Bury before going on to win two League titles, two FA Cups, a European Cup Winners Cup with Everton, along with a record 92 caps for Wales.
He soon made himself at home as he marked his debut with a clean sheet as Torquay defeated the Tigers, who incidentally were bottom of the league and one place below the Gulls, 2-0.
His arrival coincided with an upturn in Torquay's fortunes as they moved away from the foot of the table before eventually reaching safety.
At the end of the season, his efforts were recognised by the Plainmoor faithful as he won the club's Player of the Year award.
The following season saw Torquay challenging for promotion with Southall as the club's first choice keeper with a team that contained a number of strong connections with his former club Everton.
During the close season, the Gulls signed one of Southall's former Goodison teammates Paul Holmes, who had appeared for Torquay earlier in his career, and Everton's FA Youth Cup winning captain of 1998, Mick O'Brien, also signed.
The Gulls captain at the time was Alex Watson, brother of Dave who had appeared alongside Southall during many of his 578 appearances for the Toffees.
In the first half of the season saw Torquay mount a promotion challenge and enjoy their first run to the third round of the FA Cup in a decade.
Their reward for reaching the third round was an away tie against QPR at Loftus Road, a game which saw Southall roll back the years with a virtuoso display as the Gulls drew 1-1 to take the R's to a replay back at Plainmoor, which they lost 3-2.
Southall eventually left Plainmoor on February 2nd 2000 and went on to enjoy a Premiership swansong with Bradford City a month later in the Bantams 2-1 defeat at the hands of Leeds United.
He later have spells as a manager of Dover Athletic, where he signed his former Gulls' teammate Jimmy Aggrey, Hastings United and a caretaker spell in charge of Margate.
Southall is currently working as a teacher in the Kent area, after qualifying for the professional in 2006, and specialises with working with excluded children.
Debut: 12 December 1998 vs Hull City (Home)
Farewell: 29 January 2000 vs Chester City (Away)
Apperances: 53 League, 4 FA Cup, 2 Worthington Cup, 2 Auto Windscreens Shield.
Honours: 1998-99 Player of the Year.
At the time, the Gulls were second bottom in the Football League and were without a goalkeeper due to an injury sustained by first choice keeper Kenny Veysey.
Manager Wes Saunders acted quickly to bring in the former Wales goalkeeper who had been working as a goalkeeper coach at Huddersfield Town, who, at the time, were managed by Saunders' former Newcastle United teammate Peter Jackson.
Southall had previously appeared at Plainmoor once earlier in his career during the 1980-81 season with Bury before going on to win two League titles, two FA Cups, a European Cup Winners Cup with Everton, along with a record 92 caps for Wales.
He soon made himself at home as he marked his debut with a clean sheet as Torquay defeated the Tigers, who incidentally were bottom of the league and one place below the Gulls, 2-0.
His arrival coincided with an upturn in Torquay's fortunes as they moved away from the foot of the table before eventually reaching safety.
At the end of the season, his efforts were recognised by the Plainmoor faithful as he won the club's Player of the Year award.
The following season saw Torquay challenging for promotion with Southall as the club's first choice keeper with a team that contained a number of strong connections with his former club Everton.
During the close season, the Gulls signed one of Southall's former Goodison teammates Paul Holmes, who had appeared for Torquay earlier in his career, and Everton's FA Youth Cup winning captain of 1998, Mick O'Brien, also signed.
The Gulls captain at the time was Alex Watson, brother of Dave who had appeared alongside Southall during many of his 578 appearances for the Toffees.
In the first half of the season saw Torquay mount a promotion challenge and enjoy their first run to the third round of the FA Cup in a decade.
Their reward for reaching the third round was an away tie against QPR at Loftus Road, a game which saw Southall roll back the years with a virtuoso display as the Gulls drew 1-1 to take the R's to a replay back at Plainmoor, which they lost 3-2.
Southall eventually left Plainmoor on February 2nd 2000 and went on to enjoy a Premiership swansong with Bradford City a month later in the Bantams 2-1 defeat at the hands of Leeds United.
He later have spells as a manager of Dover Athletic, where he signed his former Gulls' teammate Jimmy Aggrey, Hastings United and a caretaker spell in charge of Margate.
Southall is currently working as a teacher in the Kent area, after qualifying for the professional in 2006, and specialises with working with excluded children.
NEVILLE SOUTHALL TUFC STATS:
Debut: 12 December 1998 vs Hull City (Home)
Farewell: 29 January 2000 vs Chester City (Away)
Apperances: 53 League, 4 FA Cup, 2 Worthington Cup, 2 Auto Windscreens Shield.
Honours: 1998-99 Player of the Year.
Tuesday 11 December 2012
AN ABLE UNDERSTUDY
This time last week, Tom Cruise featured for Torquay United in their St Lukes Devon Bowl victory over Liverton United.
Four years earlier, Cruise had been appearing for Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League against Olympiakos, a tie that incidentally took place again on the same night as the Gulls' Devon Bowl encounter at Coach Road.
Cruise scored Torquay's equaliser on the night against their South West Peninsular League opponents, which levelled the score at 2-2 and sent the tie to penalties.
His performance earned him praise from manager Martin Ling who described his attitude as being 'spot on' in a match that was being played on a difficult surface.
During his time at the Emirates Stadium, he had served as understudy to Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs, whilst currently at Plainmoor, he is serving as the second choice left back behind Kevin Nicholson who, of course, was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Season for the 2011-12 campaign.
So far this season, Cruise has made several cameo appearances for the Gulls and the signs are that he could yet prove to be the long term successor to Nicholson in the left back role.
Over the last 20 years, Torquay United have had a number of fine left-backs, including John Uzzell, Tom Kelly, Paul Gibbs, Robbie Herrera, Brian McGlinchey and, in recent years, Nicholson.
It is also no coincidence that they have all played in some of the Gulls' most successful teams over the years and if the future proves to be bright for Tom Cruise, it could also prove to be bright for Torquay United as well.
Four years earlier, Cruise had been appearing for Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League against Olympiakos, a tie that incidentally took place again on the same night as the Gulls' Devon Bowl encounter at Coach Road.
Cruise scored Torquay's equaliser on the night against their South West Peninsular League opponents, which levelled the score at 2-2 and sent the tie to penalties.
His performance earned him praise from manager Martin Ling who described his attitude as being 'spot on' in a match that was being played on a difficult surface.
During his time at the Emirates Stadium, he had served as understudy to Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs, whilst currently at Plainmoor, he is serving as the second choice left back behind Kevin Nicholson who, of course, was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Season for the 2011-12 campaign.
So far this season, Cruise has made several cameo appearances for the Gulls and the signs are that he could yet prove to be the long term successor to Nicholson in the left back role.
Over the last 20 years, Torquay United have had a number of fine left-backs, including John Uzzell, Tom Kelly, Paul Gibbs, Robbie Herrera, Brian McGlinchey and, in recent years, Nicholson.
It is also no coincidence that they have all played in some of the Gulls' most successful teams over the years and if the future proves to be bright for Tom Cruise, it could also prove to be bright for Torquay United as well.
Monday 10 December 2012
SLADE AND JOHNSON TO BATTLE IT OUT ON ROAD TO WEMBLEY
Yeovil Town's next step along their road to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final will see the two most successful managers of the Glovers' Football League era go head to head.
As a reward for beating Wycombe Wanderers in the Southern Area Quarter Finals, Gary Johnson's side will now travel to Leyton Orient who, of course, are managed by Russell Slade, the architect behind Yeovil's last Wembley visit in 2007.
On that occasion, the Glovers faced Blackpool in the League One Play-Off final, where they were beaten 2-0 after disposing of Nottingham Forest in the Semis.
Yeovil's debut Wembley appearance as football league side came four years following their promotion from the Conference (2003) and two years after their League Two title triumph, (2005), both of which were achieved under the guidance of Johnson.
Fast forward to the present and Johnson will no doubt be aware that the Johnstone's Paint Trophy represents a genuine chance for the Glovers to secure a trip to Wembley and, possibly, to lift some silverware.
Should the Glovers defeat Orient, then next up, in the Southern Area final, will be a two-legged encounter with either Southend United or Oxford United, both of whom play in League Two.
So whoever comes out on top between Slade and Johnson will be geniunely feeling that they have a good chance of reaching Wembley should their respective side come out on top when they meet in January.
As a reward for beating Wycombe Wanderers in the Southern Area Quarter Finals, Gary Johnson's side will now travel to Leyton Orient who, of course, are managed by Russell Slade, the architect behind Yeovil's last Wembley visit in 2007.
On that occasion, the Glovers faced Blackpool in the League One Play-Off final, where they were beaten 2-0 after disposing of Nottingham Forest in the Semis.
Yeovil's debut Wembley appearance as football league side came four years following their promotion from the Conference (2003) and two years after their League Two title triumph, (2005), both of which were achieved under the guidance of Johnson.
Fast forward to the present and Johnson will no doubt be aware that the Johnstone's Paint Trophy represents a genuine chance for the Glovers to secure a trip to Wembley and, possibly, to lift some silverware.
Should the Glovers defeat Orient, then next up, in the Southern Area final, will be a two-legged encounter with either Southend United or Oxford United, both of whom play in League Two.
So whoever comes out on top between Slade and Johnson will be geniunely feeling that they have a good chance of reaching Wembley should their respective side come out on top when they meet in January.
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