Now, as the end of 2013 is nigh-we will now look back at the very best which the year had to offer, as well as looking at some of the faces who could make a big impact in 2014.
Player of the Year: Ed Upson (Yeovil Town)
The year 2013 has proved to be a memorable for Yeovil Town and Ed Upson has played a pivotal role in the south Somerset club's successes in the last 12 months. Last April, he scored the winning goal in the Glovers' Play-Off semi-final second leg victory over Sheffield United, which gave Yeovil a 2-1 aggregate victory over the Blades.
In their first ever fixture in the Championship against Millwall at the New Den on August 3rd 2013, Upson scored the decisive as the Glovers defeated the Lions 1-0. He is currently Yeovil's top scorer with five goals and looks set to continue playing a key role for the Glovers in their battle to consolidate their status in English football's second tier.
Manager of the Year: Gary Johnson (Yeovil Town)
In 2008, Gary Johnson was 90 minutes away from becoming a Premier League manager when he led Bristol City out in the Championship Play-Off final against Hull City. However, the Robins lost 1-0 to the Tigers-courtesy of a Dean Windass strike- and Johnson left Ashton Gate two years later.
Mixed spells at Peterborough and Northampton then followed before he returned to Huish Park in January 2012 where he set about re-creating the magic of his first spell with the Glovers.
Last May, he surpassed his previous achievements at Huish Park-which included winning the FA Trophy as well as the Conference and League Two titles- by leading the Glovers to the Championship for the first time ever. After finishing 4th in the League One table, the Glovers defeated Sheffield United 2-1 over two legs in the Play-Off semi-finals before beating Brentford 2-1 in the final at Wembley.
Goal of the Year: Jason Banton (Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City March 30th 2013)
Billed as one of the most crucial Devon derbies ever, the 60th league meeting between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City was decided by a strike from Jason Banton on the stroke of half-time.
It was Banton's sixth goal of his 14 match loan spell at Home Park, which boosted the Pilgrims' survival hopes and dented the Grecians promotion aspirations.
Loan Signing of the Year: Jason Banton (Plymouth Argyle)
When Jason Banton scored the goal mentioned above against Exeter City, he lifted up his shirt which revealed a T-shirt, which bore the message: 'Keep Calm and Pass to Banton.' It was Banton's sixth goal for the Pilgrims, which ensured that he finished the campaign as Argyle's top scorer.
It also helped to earn him the League Two Player of the Month award for March 2013 and his manager John Sheridan the managerial monthly prize.
Ones to Watch in 2014:
Jordan Chapell (Torquay United)
Since making his loan move to Plainmoor from Sheffield United permanent, Jordan Chapell has proved to be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise largely disappointing year for Torquay United. So far this season, he has found the back of the net five times, with his most recent strike coming on October 26th against Portsmouth after 17 seconds-which is the fastest goal ever scored by a Torquay United player. Heading into 2014, Chapell could have a big influence in helping the Gulls in their bid to beat the drop.
Tom Nicholls (Exeter City)
In recent years, Exeter City have produced a number of players through their youth policy who have gone on to have good careers in the game, including Dean Moxey, George Friend and Dan Seaborne, who have all gone to play at Championship level; as well as Liam Sercombe and Scott Bennett who are currently regulars in Paul Tisdale's side. All the signs are suggesting that Tom Nicholls could follow in their footsteps. Following loan spells at Dorchester Town (twice), Hereford United and Bath City, Nicholls is now on the verge of becoming a regular for the Grecians. His recent strike for Exeter in the Devon derby victory over Torquay United demonstrated his undoubted ability.
Ben Purrington (Plymouth Argyle)
It is fair to say that sport is definitely in Ben Purrington's blood. His uncle Richard Hill was part of the England Rugby Union side that won the World Cup in 2003, and now Purrington is starting to create some sporting history of his own.
After making his debut in the Pilgrims' Boxing Day victory over Oxford United, and he made his first start in their 1-1 draw against AFC Wimbledon three days later. Argyle manager John Sheridan has already stated that he will be starting on New Years Day against Torquay.
Tuesday 31 December 2013
Monday 30 December 2013
LOCAL CUP GLORIES
Prior to the double Torquay United completed over Plymouth Argyle in the 2011-12 season, the Gulls hadn't won a league game against the Pilgrims since 1972.
However, they had beaten the Pilgrims twice in the Autoglass Trophy and the Auto Windscreens Shield during that time.
With the two sides due to meet on New Years Day, in what will be their first fixture of 2014, we will now take a closer look at those successes.
February 2nd 1993 Torquay United 2 Plymouth Argyle 1- Autoglass Trophy
This fixture had been due to take place in December, but was postponed. It saw the Gulls, who were under caretaker control of future Argyle manager Neil Warnock, take on the Pilgrims who were then managed by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Former and future Greens Kevin Hodges and Kevin Blackwell were named in Torquay's starting eleven, and former Argyle defender Danis Salman was also with the Gulls at that time.
Steve McCall, who would later serve Torquay as a Player-Coach, started for the Pilgrims.
Hodges, who still holds the Pilgrims' all-time appearance- and released by the club weeks' earlier by Shilton- scored the winning goal in the 81st minute after Paul Hall and Dwight Marshall had struck for their respective sides.
The result saw the Pilgrims knocked out of the competition and angered their then Chairman Dan McCauley, himself a former Torquay director, as he described the result as 'an absolute disgrace to the supporters, the club and the city of Plymouth.'
Torquay, meanwhile, were eliminated from the competition in the next round as they lost to West Bromwich Albion.
Torquay United: Kevin Blackwell; Matthew Gardiner, Aaron Davis, Dudley Lewis, Darren Moore, Kevin Hodges, Paul Hall, Adrian Foster, Duane Darby, Paul Trollope, Scott Colcombe
Goals: Hall, Hodges
Plymouth Argyle: Peter Shilton; Steve McCall, Steve Morgan, Keith Hill, Andy Morrison, Adrian Burrows, Warren Joyce, Steve Castle, Kevin Nugent, Dwight Marshall, Paul Dalton.
Goal: Marshall
January 8th 2000 Plymouth Argyle 0 Torquay United 1- Auto Windscreens Shield
The next meeting between the two sides in the competition came seven years later, and, by this time, Kevin Hodges was now manager of the Pilgrims, following a two-year spell in charge at Plainmoor.
Argyle had received a bye in the first round and the Gulls had defeated Gillingham-then managed by Peter Taylor- 3-0 to set up this encounter.
The Pilgrims' line-up included three players who would later find their way to Plainmoor (Martin Gritton, Chris Hargreaves and Lee Phillips) and one former Gull in the form of midfielder Chris Leadbitter. Future Gulls loanee Ian Stonebridge also came on as a substitute.
A first half effort from O'Neill Donaldson proved to be enough to separate the two sides as Torquay secured their place in the next round, where they were beaten by Exeter City.
Argyle went on to gain a small measure of revenge on the Gulls when they beat them 4-0 in the league in March of that year.
However, it would be the Gulls who finished the season as Devon's highest placed league side, as they finished 9th in the Division Three table, with the Pilgrims in 12th place and Exeter in a distant 21st.
Plymouth Argyle: Jon Sheffield, Jon Ashton, Jon Beswetherick, Chris Leadbitter, Adam Barrett, Jamie Morrison-Hill (Ian Stonebridge), Wayne O'Sullivan, Martin Gritton, Lee Phillips, Chris Hargreaves, Paul Wotton
Torquay United: Ryan Northmore, Steve Tully, Kevin Hill (Paul Holmes), Jimmy Aggrey, Gary Neil, Wayne Thomas, Chris Brandon, Brian Healy, O'Neill Donaldson (Tony Bedeau), Michael Griffiths, Mark Platts,
Goal: Donaldson
However, they had beaten the Pilgrims twice in the Autoglass Trophy and the Auto Windscreens Shield during that time.
With the two sides due to meet on New Years Day, in what will be their first fixture of 2014, we will now take a closer look at those successes.
February 2nd 1993 Torquay United 2 Plymouth Argyle 1- Autoglass Trophy
This fixture had been due to take place in December, but was postponed. It saw the Gulls, who were under caretaker control of future Argyle manager Neil Warnock, take on the Pilgrims who were then managed by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Former and future Greens Kevin Hodges and Kevin Blackwell were named in Torquay's starting eleven, and former Argyle defender Danis Salman was also with the Gulls at that time.
Steve McCall, who would later serve Torquay as a Player-Coach, started for the Pilgrims.
Hodges, who still holds the Pilgrims' all-time appearance- and released by the club weeks' earlier by Shilton- scored the winning goal in the 81st minute after Paul Hall and Dwight Marshall had struck for their respective sides.
The result saw the Pilgrims knocked out of the competition and angered their then Chairman Dan McCauley, himself a former Torquay director, as he described the result as 'an absolute disgrace to the supporters, the club and the city of Plymouth.'
Torquay, meanwhile, were eliminated from the competition in the next round as they lost to West Bromwich Albion.
Torquay United: Kevin Blackwell; Matthew Gardiner, Aaron Davis, Dudley Lewis, Darren Moore, Kevin Hodges, Paul Hall, Adrian Foster, Duane Darby, Paul Trollope, Scott Colcombe
Goals: Hall, Hodges
Plymouth Argyle: Peter Shilton; Steve McCall, Steve Morgan, Keith Hill, Andy Morrison, Adrian Burrows, Warren Joyce, Steve Castle, Kevin Nugent, Dwight Marshall, Paul Dalton.
Goal: Marshall
January 8th 2000 Plymouth Argyle 0 Torquay United 1- Auto Windscreens Shield
The next meeting between the two sides in the competition came seven years later, and, by this time, Kevin Hodges was now manager of the Pilgrims, following a two-year spell in charge at Plainmoor.
Argyle had received a bye in the first round and the Gulls had defeated Gillingham-then managed by Peter Taylor- 3-0 to set up this encounter.
The Pilgrims' line-up included three players who would later find their way to Plainmoor (Martin Gritton, Chris Hargreaves and Lee Phillips) and one former Gull in the form of midfielder Chris Leadbitter. Future Gulls loanee Ian Stonebridge also came on as a substitute.
A first half effort from O'Neill Donaldson proved to be enough to separate the two sides as Torquay secured their place in the next round, where they were beaten by Exeter City.
Argyle went on to gain a small measure of revenge on the Gulls when they beat them 4-0 in the league in March of that year.
However, it would be the Gulls who finished the season as Devon's highest placed league side, as they finished 9th in the Division Three table, with the Pilgrims in 12th place and Exeter in a distant 21st.
Plymouth Argyle: Jon Sheffield, Jon Ashton, Jon Beswetherick, Chris Leadbitter, Adam Barrett, Jamie Morrison-Hill (Ian Stonebridge), Wayne O'Sullivan, Martin Gritton, Lee Phillips, Chris Hargreaves, Paul Wotton
Torquay United: Ryan Northmore, Steve Tully, Kevin Hill (Paul Holmes), Jimmy Aggrey, Gary Neil, Wayne Thomas, Chris Brandon, Brian Healy, O'Neill Donaldson (Tony Bedeau), Michael Griffiths, Mark Platts,
Goal: Donaldson
Sunday 29 December 2013
GRECIANS END 2013 WITH DERBY WIN OVER THE GULLS
Last season, Exeter City failed to claim victory in any of their competitive fixtures against Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United and Bristol Rovers.
Now, after claiming a festive 3-1 win over the Gulls, the Grecians have now recorded wins against all three of their main local rivals in the 2013-14 campaign.
It is often said that goals can change matches and if Karl Hawley had converted the early penalty for Torquay, which was awarded after Billy Bodin was felled by Liam Sercombe; who was making his 200th appearance for the Grecians, then it could have been a different story.
Despite Torquay's early pressure, the Grecians took the lead -against the run of play- on 38 minutes when Tom Nichols long-range effort beat Torquay custodian Michael Poke.
Exeter doubled their lead in the second half when David Wheeler capped off a superb solo run by slotting the ball comfortably past Poke on the hour mark.
The Gulls threatened a comeback when Hawley eventually found the back of the net when he turned home a cross from substitute Elliot Benyon, but it proved to be in vain as Alan Gow wrapped up all three points with a late finish with five minutes of normal time remaining.
As a consequence of the result, the Grecians move up to 11th in the table whilst Torquay drop back into the relegation zone.
Now, after claiming a festive 3-1 win over the Gulls, the Grecians have now recorded wins against all three of their main local rivals in the 2013-14 campaign.
It is often said that goals can change matches and if Karl Hawley had converted the early penalty for Torquay, which was awarded after Billy Bodin was felled by Liam Sercombe; who was making his 200th appearance for the Grecians, then it could have been a different story.
Despite Torquay's early pressure, the Grecians took the lead -against the run of play- on 38 minutes when Tom Nichols long-range effort beat Torquay custodian Michael Poke.
Exeter doubled their lead in the second half when David Wheeler capped off a superb solo run by slotting the ball comfortably past Poke on the hour mark.
The Gulls threatened a comeback when Hawley eventually found the back of the net when he turned home a cross from substitute Elliot Benyon, but it proved to be in vain as Alan Gow wrapped up all three points with a late finish with five minutes of normal time remaining.
As a consequence of the result, the Grecians move up to 11th in the table whilst Torquay drop back into the relegation zone.
Saturday 28 December 2013
TORQUAY-EXETER TRIVIA
Ahead of Torquay United's and Exeter City's Devon derby clash tomorrow, we will now look at few statistics that the Gulls share with the Grecians.
111:
Tomorrow's match will be the 111th competitive meeting between the two sides in all competitions.
6:
The number of different competitions that the Gulls and the Grecians have played each other in: Division Three South, Division Three (now League One), Division Four (now League Two), League Cup, Associate Members Cup (now Johnstone's Paint Trophy) and the Conference.
2:
The number of managers who have managed both club's. Jack Edwards (Grecians 1963 to 1965 & Gulls 1971 to 1973) and John Cornforth (Grecians 2002-2003 & Gulls 2006).
34:
The number of matches that Torquay have won against Exeter since their first meeting in 1927.
43:
The number of matches Exeter have won against Torquay since their first meeting in 1927.
126:
The total number of goals scored by the Gulls against the Grecians since 1927.
168:
The total number of goals scored by the Grecians against the Gulls since 1927.
111:
Tomorrow's match will be the 111th competitive meeting between the two sides in all competitions.
6:
The number of different competitions that the Gulls and the Grecians have played each other in: Division Three South, Division Three (now League One), Division Four (now League Two), League Cup, Associate Members Cup (now Johnstone's Paint Trophy) and the Conference.
2:
The number of managers who have managed both club's. Jack Edwards (Grecians 1963 to 1965 & Gulls 1971 to 1973) and John Cornforth (Grecians 2002-2003 & Gulls 2006).
34:
The number of matches that Torquay have won against Exeter since their first meeting in 1927.
43:
The number of matches Exeter have won against Torquay since their first meeting in 1927.
126:
The total number of goals scored by the Gulls against the Grecians since 1927.
168:
The total number of goals scored by the Grecians against the Gulls since 1927.
Dates to Remember:
August 27th 1927:
The first ever league meeting between Torquay United and Exeter City, after Torquay-then know as the Magpies- were elected to the Football League. The final result was 1-1.
October 3rd 1987 & August 26th 2002
The dates of Lee Sharpe's first and last matches in English football. On October 3rd 1987, he was handed his debut for the Gulls against the Grecians by Cyril Knowles as a 16-year old. Fast forward 15 years to 2002, and he made his final appearance in England for Exeter against Torquay, which brought down the curtain on a career that saw him represent Manchester United and Leeds, and receive eight England caps.
Thursday 26 December 2013
ARGYLE PULL LEVEL WITH GRECIANS THANKS TO BOXING DAY CRACKER
John Sheridan's Plymouth Argyle drew level on points with Exeter City thanks a victory in a five goal thriller over League Two high flyers Oxford United.
Caolan Lavery opened the scoring for the Pilgrims early in the second half before Asa Hall equalised for the U's. Reuben Reid then struck twice; firstly from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, and struck again on 87 minutes with his 11th of the season before a Curtis Nelson reduced Oxford's deficit to a single goal.
The win moves Argyle level on points with Exeter City, who lost 1-0 to Cheltenham Town; courtesy of a 13th minute strike from former Grecians' striker Jamie Cureton. However, City remain above the Pilgrims on goal difference.
Exeter's opponents on Sunday, Torquay United, picked up a useful point with a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at Plainmoor.
A sixth minute penalty from on-loan striker John Marquis- his third goal in five matches- which was awarded after a Billy Bodin free-kick was handled by the Rovers' wall, set the Gulls on their way before former Yeovil striker Matt Harrold headed home his fifth goal of the season on 25 minutes, as the points were shared.
Yeovil Town remain in the Championship relegation zone after losing 3-0 to Bournemouth at Dean Court. A Matt Ritchie brace and a third from ex Torquay midfield schemer Eunan O'Kane helped to give the Cherries their first back-to-back victories in the Championship since 1990.
Caolan Lavery opened the scoring for the Pilgrims early in the second half before Asa Hall equalised for the U's. Reuben Reid then struck twice; firstly from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, and struck again on 87 minutes with his 11th of the season before a Curtis Nelson reduced Oxford's deficit to a single goal.
The win moves Argyle level on points with Exeter City, who lost 1-0 to Cheltenham Town; courtesy of a 13th minute strike from former Grecians' striker Jamie Cureton. However, City remain above the Pilgrims on goal difference.
Exeter's opponents on Sunday, Torquay United, picked up a useful point with a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at Plainmoor.
A sixth minute penalty from on-loan striker John Marquis- his third goal in five matches- which was awarded after a Billy Bodin free-kick was handled by the Rovers' wall, set the Gulls on their way before former Yeovil striker Matt Harrold headed home his fifth goal of the season on 25 minutes, as the points were shared.
Yeovil Town remain in the Championship relegation zone after losing 3-0 to Bournemouth at Dean Court. A Matt Ritchie brace and a third from ex Torquay midfield schemer Eunan O'Kane helped to give the Cherries their first back-to-back victories in the Championship since 1990.
Tuesday 24 December 2013
SEASON'S GREETINGS
Good afternoon folks, and it's that time of the year when we wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
We'd also like to say that we hope your respective teams win their festive fixtures, and conquer the weather at the same time following the recent rain that has hit the South West of England.
As the year draws to a close, we will be looking back at the highlights of 2013 as well as looking ahead to 2014 to see what that brings us.
Season's Greetings to you all.
South West Football
We'd also like to say that we hope your respective teams win their festive fixtures, and conquer the weather at the same time following the recent rain that has hit the South West of England.
As the year draws to a close, we will be looking back at the highlights of 2013 as well as looking ahead to 2014 to see what that brings us.
Season's Greetings to you all.
South West Football
Sunday 22 December 2013
A FIRST FOR CAOLAN
Caolan Lavery's first goal in senior professional football helped Plymouth Argyle to secure a crucial victory over Bury.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international, currently on loan at Home Park from Sheffield Wednesday, struck in the 11th minute for the Pilgrims before Chris Sedgwick equalised for the Shakers with a stunning lob in the 49th minute. However, Argyle struck back to clinch victory when Reuben Reid fired home with his ninth of the season from close range with 12 minutes to go.
It was also Lavery's first start during his loan period, which expires on January 1st 2014.
To date, Lavery, who was born in Canada; but qualifies to represent Northern Ireland through his parents, has made three appearances for the Owls and is a key member of their Development Squad, which is managed by former Argyle winger David Byrne.
His previous taste of League Two football came last season when he had a brief stint at Southend United. Prior to his move to Argyle, he had been lined up for a loan move to Scunthorpe United, which failed to materialise following the sacking of Brian Laws.
If he can maintain the level of performance that he showed against the Shakers for Argyle, then there is every chance that Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan will be keen to extend his loan agreement beyond New Year's Day.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international, currently on loan at Home Park from Sheffield Wednesday, struck in the 11th minute for the Pilgrims before Chris Sedgwick equalised for the Shakers with a stunning lob in the 49th minute. However, Argyle struck back to clinch victory when Reuben Reid fired home with his ninth of the season from close range with 12 minutes to go.
It was also Lavery's first start during his loan period, which expires on January 1st 2014.
To date, Lavery, who was born in Canada; but qualifies to represent Northern Ireland through his parents, has made three appearances for the Owls and is a key member of their Development Squad, which is managed by former Argyle winger David Byrne.
His previous taste of League Two football came last season when he had a brief stint at Southend United. Prior to his move to Argyle, he had been lined up for a loan move to Scunthorpe United, which failed to materialise following the sacking of Brian Laws.
If he can maintain the level of performance that he showed against the Shakers for Argyle, then there is every chance that Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan will be keen to extend his loan agreement beyond New Year's Day.
COME ON AUSSIE
Australian sport has been undergoing a resurgence of late.
The Kangaroos recently won the Rugby League World Cup, Neil Robertson lifted the UK Championship in snooker, and thus retained his World No.1 ranking in the process; Australia's cricketers then won back the Ashes, and now Torquay United Aussie defender Aaron Downes is also getting in on the act.
Downes, who won the Gulls' Player of the Year award last season, scored his third goal of the season, in Torquay's 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge, a fixture in which he was sent off in last season, which now makes him the Gulls' second highest scorer for the campaign.
Their victory over the Daggers was Torquay's second win on the bounce, and it lifts Alan Knill's side out of the relegation zone ahead of their Boxing Day encounter with Bristol Rovers, a club who Downes had a brief loan spell with during the 2011-12 season.
If the Gulls are going to retain their League Two status come next May, they will need a few more displays of Aussie grit and determination from Downes to help ensure that it happens.
The Kangaroos recently won the Rugby League World Cup, Neil Robertson lifted the UK Championship in snooker, and thus retained his World No.1 ranking in the process; Australia's cricketers then won back the Ashes, and now Torquay United Aussie defender Aaron Downes is also getting in on the act.
Downes, who won the Gulls' Player of the Year award last season, scored his third goal of the season, in Torquay's 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge, a fixture in which he was sent off in last season, which now makes him the Gulls' second highest scorer for the campaign.
Their victory over the Daggers was Torquay's second win on the bounce, and it lifts Alan Knill's side out of the relegation zone ahead of their Boxing Day encounter with Bristol Rovers, a club who Downes had a brief loan spell with during the 2011-12 season.
If the Gulls are going to retain their League Two status come next May, they will need a few more displays of Aussie grit and determination from Downes to help ensure that it happens.
Monday 16 December 2013
BRASS RETURNS NORTH
Torquay United assistant manager Chris Brass will be leaving his post to rejoin his former club, and the Gulls' League Two rivals, Bury.
Brass, 38, has had three spells with the Shakers, as a player, Academy coach and-most recently-as assistant manager to Alan Knill between 2009 and 2011.
Prior to Knill's appointment, he also had a brief spell as Caretaker Manager following the dismissal of Chris Casper.
Aside from a seven-match loan spell with the Gulls during the 1994-95 season, Brass had spent his entire career, both a player and as coach, based in the north with Burnley, who he joined Torquay on loan from, York City, who he managed briefly in the 2003-04 campaign, and Bury before working alongside Knill at Scunthorpe.
In his new role, he will be working as assistant to his former Shakers' teammate David Flitcroft.
His final match with the Gulls; alongside Knill, ended on a high with Torquay beating Southend 1-0, and he will be making a quick return to the South West on Saturday when Bury travel to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle.
He will be returning to south Devon next year on February 8th, when the Shakers travel to Plainmoor for their away fixture with the Gulls.
Brass, 38, has had three spells with the Shakers, as a player, Academy coach and-most recently-as assistant manager to Alan Knill between 2009 and 2011.
Prior to Knill's appointment, he also had a brief spell as Caretaker Manager following the dismissal of Chris Casper.
Aside from a seven-match loan spell with the Gulls during the 1994-95 season, Brass had spent his entire career, both a player and as coach, based in the north with Burnley, who he joined Torquay on loan from, York City, who he managed briefly in the 2003-04 campaign, and Bury before working alongside Knill at Scunthorpe.
In his new role, he will be working as assistant to his former Shakers' teammate David Flitcroft.
His final match with the Gulls; alongside Knill, ended on a high with Torquay beating Southend 1-0, and he will be making a quick return to the South West on Saturday when Bury travel to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle.
He will be returning to south Devon next year on February 8th, when the Shakers travel to Plainmoor for their away fixture with the Gulls.
MARQUIS OF PLAINMOOR
Loanee striker John Marquis's second goal in three games for Torquay United ensured that the Gulls ended their three-month wait for a home win against Southend United on Saturday.
Marquis, 20, who is currently on loan at Plainmoor from Millwall, struck in the 59th minute, after being sent through by the returning Billy Bodin; with the decisive goal of the game against Phil Brown's Shrimpers, which secured Torquay's first home win since they defeated Cheltenham Town on September 21st.
After making his debut in the Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle in November, Marquis then went on to open his account for the Gulls in their 3-1 defeat against Scunthorpe United.
Earlier in the season, he lined up against Torquay when they hosted Portsmouth-who he was previously on loan with- at Plainmoor in October.
However, despite their win, the Gulls still remain bottom of the League Two; but only on goal difference behind Northampton Town in 23rd spot, as five points separate Torquay and 16th-placed Argyle.
Marquis, 20, who is currently on loan at Plainmoor from Millwall, struck in the 59th minute, after being sent through by the returning Billy Bodin; with the decisive goal of the game against Phil Brown's Shrimpers, which secured Torquay's first home win since they defeated Cheltenham Town on September 21st.
After making his debut in the Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle in November, Marquis then went on to open his account for the Gulls in their 3-1 defeat against Scunthorpe United.
Earlier in the season, he lined up against Torquay when they hosted Portsmouth-who he was previously on loan with- at Plainmoor in October.
However, despite their win, the Gulls still remain bottom of the League Two; but only on goal difference behind Northampton Town in 23rd spot, as five points separate Torquay and 16th-placed Argyle.
Thursday 12 December 2013
FESTIVE POINTS A MUST FOR GULLS
Nearly ten years ago, Torquay United faced Southend United on the final day of the 2003-04 requiring three points to secure automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years.
Goals from Steve Woods and David Graham helped to give the Gulls a 2-1 victory over the Shrimpers and, as their promotion rivals Huddersfield Town had failed to beat Cheltenham Town, Leroy Rosenior's side clinched United's first automatic promotion since the mid-1960's.
However, when Alan Knill's Gulls of 2013-14 take on Southend on Saturday at Plainmoor, in a season defining game; they head into the fixture knowing that three points could be enough to lift them off the bottom of the League Two table.
Saturday's meeting with the Shrimpers is the first of a number of festive fixtures, which includes a visit to Dagenham and Redbridge and a return fixture with Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Day; as well as home clashes with Bristol Rovers and Exeter City on Boxing Day and December 29th respectively.
With home games against fellow strugglers Northampton Town, Bury and Accrington Stanley coming up in the early part of the new year, a minimum of two victories from their next five games would give them an excellent foundation heading into those matches.
The evidence of the importance of the Gulls winning their December and New Year fixtures can be found in the ill-fated 2006-07 season when, under the disastrous Chairmanship of Chris Roberts, Torquay failed to win four fixtures that could have helped save them.
In December 2006 and January 2007, the Gulls only picked up two points from a possible 12 from home matches against Wrexham, Boston United, Macclesfield Town and Bury.
Maximum points from those four games would have given Torquay a fighting chance of beating the drop heading into their final few fixtures of the campaign in question, which is why the Gulls must ensure that they get a healthy points return during the festive period.
Goals from Steve Woods and David Graham helped to give the Gulls a 2-1 victory over the Shrimpers and, as their promotion rivals Huddersfield Town had failed to beat Cheltenham Town, Leroy Rosenior's side clinched United's first automatic promotion since the mid-1960's.
However, when Alan Knill's Gulls of 2013-14 take on Southend on Saturday at Plainmoor, in a season defining game; they head into the fixture knowing that three points could be enough to lift them off the bottom of the League Two table.
Saturday's meeting with the Shrimpers is the first of a number of festive fixtures, which includes a visit to Dagenham and Redbridge and a return fixture with Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Day; as well as home clashes with Bristol Rovers and Exeter City on Boxing Day and December 29th respectively.
With home games against fellow strugglers Northampton Town, Bury and Accrington Stanley coming up in the early part of the new year, a minimum of two victories from their next five games would give them an excellent foundation heading into those matches.
The evidence of the importance of the Gulls winning their December and New Year fixtures can be found in the ill-fated 2006-07 season when, under the disastrous Chairmanship of Chris Roberts, Torquay failed to win four fixtures that could have helped save them.
In December 2006 and January 2007, the Gulls only picked up two points from a possible 12 from home matches against Wrexham, Boston United, Macclesfield Town and Bury.
Maximum points from those four games would have given Torquay a fighting chance of beating the drop heading into their final few fixtures of the campaign in question, which is why the Gulls must ensure that they get a healthy points return during the festive period.
Monday 9 December 2013
JOHNSON TO FACE SLADE AGAIN
Yeovil manager Gary Johnson will be testing his managerial wits against one of predecessors Russell Slade, again, in the FA Cup third round after the Glovers were paired with Leyton Orient.
During his reign as Yeovil manager, between 2006 and 2009, Slade led the Glovers to the League One Play-Off final in the 2006-07 season, where they were beaten by Blackpool; after famously beating Nottingham Forest in the Semis.
However, last season, Johnson went one better when he guided Yeovil to victory over Brentford last May, as the south Somerset club celebrated their 10th anniversary as a football league club with their first ever promotion to the Championship.
Orient are currently top of League One and will probably be looking upon the tie as a yardstick to assess whether they have what it takes to make the set up to the second tier of English football.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle were dealt a disappointing draw as they were handed an away tie against Port Vale, who they faced in League Two last season.
There is also the strong possibility of their tie being moved as Stoke City, the Valiants Premier League neighbours, were drawn at home to Leicester City.
During his reign as Yeovil manager, between 2006 and 2009, Slade led the Glovers to the League One Play-Off final in the 2006-07 season, where they were beaten by Blackpool; after famously beating Nottingham Forest in the Semis.
However, last season, Johnson went one better when he guided Yeovil to victory over Brentford last May, as the south Somerset club celebrated their 10th anniversary as a football league club with their first ever promotion to the Championship.
Orient are currently top of League One and will probably be looking upon the tie as a yardstick to assess whether they have what it takes to make the set up to the second tier of English football.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle were dealt a disappointing draw as they were handed an away tie against Port Vale, who they faced in League Two last season.
There is also the strong possibility of their tie being moved as Stoke City, the Valiants Premier League neighbours, were drawn at home to Leicester City.
Sunday 8 December 2013
GREENS AND GLOVERS AWAIT FA CUP DRAW
Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town will be eagerly awaiting this season's FA Cup third round draw for many positive reasons.
For the Pilgrims, it will be the first time that they have featured in the draw for the competition's third round proper draw since the 2009-10 season when, as a Championship club, they were paired with Newcastle United; when they were beaten 3-0 in a replay after a goalless draw at Home Park .
In the years that followed, prior to the current season, Argyle failed to win a match in the competition and were beaten by non-league opposition in the form of Stourbridge and Dorchester Town in the past two years before they finally got their act together in this campaign to see off Lincoln City and Welling United in rounds one and two.
As a former finalist as a player in the competition-with Sheffield Wednesday in 1993, manager John Sheridan will be looking forward to the draw, as with his assistant Gary Owers, who appeared for Sunderland in the 1992 final against Liverpool.
The Pilgrims will be number 58.
Yeovil Town, meanwhile, will be starting the competition at the third round stage for the first time ever due to their current status as a Championship club.
During their days as a non-league side, the Glovers knocked out more football league opposition than any other club outside the league.
At present, Gary Johnson's men are currently enjoying a three-match unbeaten run in English football's second tier, following wins over Watford and Blackpool, as well as a draw Charlton, they will be fancying their chances of adding to that history, as they go into the draw as number 44.
For the Pilgrims, it will be the first time that they have featured in the draw for the competition's third round proper draw since the 2009-10 season when, as a Championship club, they were paired with Newcastle United; when they were beaten 3-0 in a replay after a goalless draw at Home Park .
In the years that followed, prior to the current season, Argyle failed to win a match in the competition and were beaten by non-league opposition in the form of Stourbridge and Dorchester Town in the past two years before they finally got their act together in this campaign to see off Lincoln City and Welling United in rounds one and two.
As a former finalist as a player in the competition-with Sheffield Wednesday in 1993, manager John Sheridan will be looking forward to the draw, as with his assistant Gary Owers, who appeared for Sunderland in the 1992 final against Liverpool.
The Pilgrims will be number 58.
Yeovil Town, meanwhile, will be starting the competition at the third round stage for the first time ever due to their current status as a Championship club.
During their days as a non-league side, the Glovers knocked out more football league opposition than any other club outside the league.
At present, Gary Johnson's men are currently enjoying a three-match unbeaten run in English football's second tier, following wins over Watford and Blackpool, as well as a draw Charlton, they will be fancying their chances of adding to that history, as they go into the draw as number 44.
Thursday 28 November 2013
KNILL READY FOR SCUNTHORPE RETURN
Following Tuesday's spirited Devon derby display against Plymouth Argyle, Alan Knill's next challenge as Torquay United manager will be a trip to his former club Scunthorpe United.
Knill has had two spells at Glanford Park, firstly as a player-between 1994 and 1997- and then his most recent stint as manager from March 2011 to October 2012.
Whilst in charge of the Iron, Knill was unable to stop Scunthorpe sliding out of the Championship and when he was relieved of his duties last year, the Iron found themselves in the League One relegation zone.
Shortly before his departure, Knill was involved in an unfortunate accident-which attracted national media attention-when he was out cycling and collided with a squirrel. He was sent crashing off his bike, but- luckily - he escaped from the incident with cuts and bruises.
However, Scunthorpe fans have been asked by the club to refrain from dressing in squirrel attire when Knill leads the Gulls back to Glanford Park for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
As well as Knill, his assistant Chris Brass, who also worked as his number two during his stint in charge at Glanford Park, will be making his return to North Lincolnshire as will Karl Hawley and Damien Mozika, who both served under Knill.
Footnote: When Scunthorpe defeated the Gulls 8-1 during the 1995-96 season at Plainmoor on October 28th 1995, to equal their club record victory, Alan Knill was amongst the scorers for the Iron.
Knill has had two spells at Glanford Park, firstly as a player-between 1994 and 1997- and then his most recent stint as manager from March 2011 to October 2012.
Whilst in charge of the Iron, Knill was unable to stop Scunthorpe sliding out of the Championship and when he was relieved of his duties last year, the Iron found themselves in the League One relegation zone.
Shortly before his departure, Knill was involved in an unfortunate accident-which attracted national media attention-when he was out cycling and collided with a squirrel. He was sent crashing off his bike, but- luckily - he escaped from the incident with cuts and bruises.
However, Scunthorpe fans have been asked by the club to refrain from dressing in squirrel attire when Knill leads the Gulls back to Glanford Park for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
As well as Knill, his assistant Chris Brass, who also worked as his number two during his stint in charge at Glanford Park, will be making his return to North Lincolnshire as will Karl Hawley and Damien Mozika, who both served under Knill.
Footnote: When Scunthorpe defeated the Gulls 8-1 during the 1995-96 season at Plainmoor on October 28th 1995, to equal their club record victory, Alan Knill was amongst the scorers for the Iron.
THREE IN AT YEOVIL AS MADDEN STAYS PUT
Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson was a busy man ahead of today's loan window deadline as he drafted in three new recruits in a bid to boost the Glovers' survival prospects.
The loan trio includes Nottingham Forest striker Ishmael Miller, Everton's John Lundstram and Liverpool's Adam Morgan, who will make his move to south Somerset into a permanent one in January.
Miller, 26, started his career with Manchester City and he has also spells in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough.
Lundstram, 19, joins Toffees' team-mate Shane Duffy, who is already on loan with the Glovers, at Huish Park and has represented England at various youth levels. Last season, he played 14 games on loan at Doncaster Rovers.
Morgan, also 19, has experienced Europa League football during his time at Anfield and has previously spent time on loan at Rotherham United.
Central defender Danny Seaborne is the only departure from Huish Park as he heads to the Midlands to join Coventry City on loan, but last season's transfer listed top scorer Paddy Madden remains with Yeovil for the time being.
The Irishman also netted the winning goal in the League One Play-Off last season, but he has failed to find the target in the Championship.
The loan trio includes Nottingham Forest striker Ishmael Miller, Everton's John Lundstram and Liverpool's Adam Morgan, who will make his move to south Somerset into a permanent one in January.
Miller, 26, started his career with Manchester City and he has also spells in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough.
Lundstram, 19, joins Toffees' team-mate Shane Duffy, who is already on loan with the Glovers, at Huish Park and has represented England at various youth levels. Last season, he played 14 games on loan at Doncaster Rovers.
Morgan, also 19, has experienced Europa League football during his time at Anfield and has previously spent time on loan at Rotherham United.
Central defender Danny Seaborne is the only departure from Huish Park as he heads to the Midlands to join Coventry City on loan, but last season's transfer listed top scorer Paddy Madden remains with Yeovil for the time being.
The Irishman also netted the winning goal in the League One Play-Off last season, but he has failed to find the target in the Championship.
Wednesday 27 November 2013
HONOURS SHARED
The points were shared between Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle as two goals in the first ten minutes decided the contest.
Torquay edged ahead on six minutes after the Argyle defence failed to clear a cross from Nathan Craig, which allowed Damien Mozika time to fire a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which was parried by Pilgrims keeper Luke McCormick into the path of Elliot Benyon, who found the back of the net with a predatory poacher's finish.
Argyle levelled three minutes later from the penalty spot after Craig was adjudged to have handled a free-kick from Luke Young by referee Roger East. Former Gulls loanee Reuben Reid then stepped up to convert the spot-kick to score his eighth goal of the season.
Both sides had chances to add to their respective tallies as Torquay's Jordan Chapell had a shot from outside of the box tipped onto the crossbar by McCormick on 41st minute, whilst Argyle substitute Caolan Lavery hit the post on 75 minutes.
The draw ends a run of three straight defeats for the Gulls, but still leaves in the relegation zone, and the Pilgrims have now extended their unbeaten to eight matches in all competitions.
Torquay edged ahead on six minutes after the Argyle defence failed to clear a cross from Nathan Craig, which allowed Damien Mozika time to fire a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which was parried by Pilgrims keeper Luke McCormick into the path of Elliot Benyon, who found the back of the net with a predatory poacher's finish.
Argyle levelled three minutes later from the penalty spot after Craig was adjudged to have handled a free-kick from Luke Young by referee Roger East. Former Gulls loanee Reuben Reid then stepped up to convert the spot-kick to score his eighth goal of the season.
Both sides had chances to add to their respective tallies as Torquay's Jordan Chapell had a shot from outside of the box tipped onto the crossbar by McCormick on 41st minute, whilst Argyle substitute Caolan Lavery hit the post on 75 minutes.
The draw ends a run of three straight defeats for the Gulls, but still leaves in the relegation zone, and the Pilgrims have now extended their unbeaten to eight matches in all competitions.
Monday 25 November 2013
GREENS AND GULLS
Tomorrow's Devon Derby between Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle sees a number of the key protagonists going head-to-head with one of their former colleagues or clubs.
We will now take a closer look at the key contests:
Aaron Downes & John Sheridan- Facing a former boss
During the eight years that Torquay's Aussie defender Aaron Downes spent at Chesterfield; three of those came under John Sheridan's managerial reign at the Proact Stadium (2009-2012).
Sadly for Aaron, a series of injury problems meant that he was only able to make 16 leaague appearances for Sheridan and scored once, before he was released at the end of the 2011-12 campaign, so the former Republic of Ireland midfielder will be aware of what he can do.
Guy Branston & Reuben Reid - The old boys return
At different stages of their careers, Guy Branston and Reuben Reid have both turned out for Torquay United. Branston spent 18 months at Plainmoor after initially joining the Gulls on loan from Burton Albion mid way through the 2009-10 season. During the following summer, Guy joined Torquay on a permanent basis and helped the Gulls to reach the 2011 League Two Play-Off final, where they lost to Stevenage, and was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Season.
Reuben Reid spent a seven game loan stint at Plainmoor during the 2006-07, when Torquay's 80-year stay in the Football League came to an end, and found the back of the net twice. During their individual stints at Plainmoor, both players appeared alongside current Gulls skipper Lee Mansell.
Tyler Harvey, Matt Lecointe and Danny Sullivan - School-friends re-united
Long before they entered professional football, Tyler Harvey, Matt Lecointe and Danny Sullivan all attended Ivybridge Community College and represented Plymouth schools together. Tomorrow night, they will be on opposite sides of the Devon derby divide, with Harvey and Lecointe on the green side and Sullivan on the yellow of Torquay.
After being released by Argyle as a schoolboy, Danny has worked his way back into the professional game with the Gulls, and signed his first professional contract last summer. Meanwhile, Tyler and Matt have both tasted first team football with the Pilgrims, and Tyler scored Argyle's equaliser against Torquay on Boxing Day last year; to secure a 1-1 draw for the Pilgrims.
We will now take a closer look at the key contests:
Aaron Downes & John Sheridan- Facing a former boss
During the eight years that Torquay's Aussie defender Aaron Downes spent at Chesterfield; three of those came under John Sheridan's managerial reign at the Proact Stadium (2009-2012).
Sadly for Aaron, a series of injury problems meant that he was only able to make 16 leaague appearances for Sheridan and scored once, before he was released at the end of the 2011-12 campaign, so the former Republic of Ireland midfielder will be aware of what he can do.
Guy Branston & Reuben Reid - The old boys return
At different stages of their careers, Guy Branston and Reuben Reid have both turned out for Torquay United. Branston spent 18 months at Plainmoor after initially joining the Gulls on loan from Burton Albion mid way through the 2009-10 season. During the following summer, Guy joined Torquay on a permanent basis and helped the Gulls to reach the 2011 League Two Play-Off final, where they lost to Stevenage, and was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Season.
Reuben Reid spent a seven game loan stint at Plainmoor during the 2006-07, when Torquay's 80-year stay in the Football League came to an end, and found the back of the net twice. During their individual stints at Plainmoor, both players appeared alongside current Gulls skipper Lee Mansell.
Tyler Harvey, Matt Lecointe and Danny Sullivan - School-friends re-united
Long before they entered professional football, Tyler Harvey, Matt Lecointe and Danny Sullivan all attended Ivybridge Community College and represented Plymouth schools together. Tomorrow night, they will be on opposite sides of the Devon derby divide, with Harvey and Lecointe on the green side and Sullivan on the yellow of Torquay.
After being released by Argyle as a schoolboy, Danny has worked his way back into the professional game with the Gulls, and signed his first professional contract last summer. Meanwhile, Tyler and Matt have both tasted first team football with the Pilgrims, and Tyler scored Argyle's equaliser against Torquay on Boxing Day last year; to secure a 1-1 draw for the Pilgrims.
Wednesday 20 November 2013
ARGYLE END FA CUP DROUGHT WITH FIVE STAR DISPLAY
Plymouth Argyle's barren FA Cup run has come to an end as the Pilgrims produced a five-star display to defeat Lincoln City.
Reuben Reid scored a hat-trick as Argyle defeated the Imps at the second attempt, following their goalless draw at Sincil Bank a week last Saturday.
Lewis Alessandra opened the scoring before Reid doubled their lead with his first of the night. The Yeovil Town loanee then bagged a brace from the penalty spot-following a foul by Tom Miller- before completing his treble before half-time.
An Andrew Boyce own goal extended the Pilgrims' lead to five in the second half as they secured their place in round two, where Welling United-another Conference outfit- await them.
The win was Argyle's first success in the FA Cup since they beat Hull City in the third round of the competition in the 2007-08 season, and their first victory over non-league opposition in three attempts after being eliminated from the competition by Stourbridge and Dorchester Town in the past two years.
Reid's hat-trick was the first by an Argyle since Vincent Pericard netted three times against Coventry City in February 2006.
Reuben Reid scored a hat-trick as Argyle defeated the Imps at the second attempt, following their goalless draw at Sincil Bank a week last Saturday.
Lewis Alessandra opened the scoring before Reid doubled their lead with his first of the night. The Yeovil Town loanee then bagged a brace from the penalty spot-following a foul by Tom Miller- before completing his treble before half-time.
An Andrew Boyce own goal extended the Pilgrims' lead to five in the second half as they secured their place in round two, where Welling United-another Conference outfit- await them.
The win was Argyle's first success in the FA Cup since they beat Hull City in the third round of the competition in the 2007-08 season, and their first victory over non-league opposition in three attempts after being eliminated from the competition by Stourbridge and Dorchester Town in the past two years.
Reid's hat-trick was the first by an Argyle since Vincent Pericard netted three times against Coventry City in February 2006.
Sunday 17 November 2013
GULLS BELOW THE LINE
For only the second time since winning promotion back to the Football League in 2009, Torquay United find themselves in the League Two relegation zone.
Results elsewhere meant that their 2-0 loss to Chesterfield sees them drop into the bottom two of the division.
The last time they found themselves in this situation was in October 2009, which was shortly after they won promotion, of course, and were still adjusting to playing at a new level.
Things remained touch and go for Torquay up until the beginning of April; when a run of eight matches unbeaten, which club record run of seven clean sheets, saw them eventually pull comfortably clear of danger.
Back to the present situation, which is still salvageable as they are level on 14 points with Accrington Stanley and Bury, with only goal difference ensuring that the Gulls occupy the final relegation spot, and one point behind 20th-placed Bristol Rovers, who have 15 points.
However, Torquay are now facing a tricky run of fixtures between now and the turn of the year.
In their next three matches, they will be travelling to Accrington Stanley and Scunthorpe United, and sandwiched in between those two matches is a local derby with Plymouth Argyle.
After that, in December, is a home game with Phil Brown's Southend United and then a trip to Dagenham and Redbridge before a West country derby double header at Plainmoor against Bristol Rovers and Exeter City.
It would be a brave person to predict how many points the Gulls would gain from that run of games, but-given the nature of League Two- surprise results do occur.
By my reckoning, the Gulls need 37 points from all of their remaining fixtures to retain their League Two status and that has to be goal everyone at the club needs to focus on.
If they were to fall short of that, and lose their league status; the outcome of their failure to do so could potentially be catastrophic.
Results elsewhere meant that their 2-0 loss to Chesterfield sees them drop into the bottom two of the division.
The last time they found themselves in this situation was in October 2009, which was shortly after they won promotion, of course, and were still adjusting to playing at a new level.
Things remained touch and go for Torquay up until the beginning of April; when a run of eight matches unbeaten, which club record run of seven clean sheets, saw them eventually pull comfortably clear of danger.
Back to the present situation, which is still salvageable as they are level on 14 points with Accrington Stanley and Bury, with only goal difference ensuring that the Gulls occupy the final relegation spot, and one point behind 20th-placed Bristol Rovers, who have 15 points.
However, Torquay are now facing a tricky run of fixtures between now and the turn of the year.
In their next three matches, they will be travelling to Accrington Stanley and Scunthorpe United, and sandwiched in between those two matches is a local derby with Plymouth Argyle.
After that, in December, is a home game with Phil Brown's Southend United and then a trip to Dagenham and Redbridge before a West country derby double header at Plainmoor against Bristol Rovers and Exeter City.
It would be a brave person to predict how many points the Gulls would gain from that run of games, but-given the nature of League Two- surprise results do occur.
By my reckoning, the Gulls need 37 points from all of their remaining fixtures to retain their League Two status and that has to be goal everyone at the club needs to focus on.
If they were to fall short of that, and lose their league status; the outcome of their failure to do so could potentially be catastrophic.
Thursday 14 November 2013
ARNASON'S WORLD CUP HOPES
Former Plymouth Argyle defender Kari Arnason will be dreaming of reaching the 2014 World Cup in Brazil next summer with Iceland when the European Play-Off matches get underway.
Standing in the way of the Scandinavian island reaching their first major tournament final is a two-legged tie with Croatia, and for Arnason it would indeed be a rags-to-riches journey if Iceland were to make it to Brazil.
His two-years at Home Park were not the best of times for the Pilgrims, the club's financial meltdown saw them enter Administration as well as back-to-back relegations. His departure from Argyle was triggered by a refusal to defer his wages- Arnason and the rest of the Pilgrims' squad were forced to defer their wages during 2011; up until James Brent's takeover of the club was completed- which led to him joining Aberdeen.
He is currently plying his trade with Rotherham United in League One, and made a return to Home Park in Argyle's final home match of the 2012-13 season, which Rotherham won 1-0.
However despite the problems Arnason faced during his stay with the Pilgrims, he still proved to be one of Argyle's better performers during those two years, and he became the 500th player to score a league goal for the Pilgrims when he found the target in their 4-1 win over Reading on December 28th 2009.
If Iceland were to overcome the Croats and make it to Brazil next summer, if would represent a huge upsurge in their footballing fortunes that has seen them rise from being ranked 131st in the FIFA rankings to their current standing of 46th.
It would also see Arnason join the likes of Paul Mariner, Tony Waiters and Billy Bingham on the list of former Pilgrims' personnel who have been involved in the finals of a World Cup.
Footnote: Arnason's former Pilgrims' teammate Rory Fallon-who became the first Plymouth Argyle contracted player to appear in a major finals when he played for New Zealand in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa- is unlikely to be making a second appearance at the finals after New Zealand lost the opening leg of their Play-Off match with Mexico 5-1.
Standing in the way of the Scandinavian island reaching their first major tournament final is a two-legged tie with Croatia, and for Arnason it would indeed be a rags-to-riches journey if Iceland were to make it to Brazil.
His two-years at Home Park were not the best of times for the Pilgrims, the club's financial meltdown saw them enter Administration as well as back-to-back relegations. His departure from Argyle was triggered by a refusal to defer his wages- Arnason and the rest of the Pilgrims' squad were forced to defer their wages during 2011; up until James Brent's takeover of the club was completed- which led to him joining Aberdeen.
He is currently plying his trade with Rotherham United in League One, and made a return to Home Park in Argyle's final home match of the 2012-13 season, which Rotherham won 1-0.
However despite the problems Arnason faced during his stay with the Pilgrims, he still proved to be one of Argyle's better performers during those two years, and he became the 500th player to score a league goal for the Pilgrims when he found the target in their 4-1 win over Reading on December 28th 2009.
If Iceland were to overcome the Croats and make it to Brazil next summer, if would represent a huge upsurge in their footballing fortunes that has seen them rise from being ranked 131st in the FIFA rankings to their current standing of 46th.
It would also see Arnason join the likes of Paul Mariner, Tony Waiters and Billy Bingham on the list of former Pilgrims' personnel who have been involved in the finals of a World Cup.
Footnote: Arnason's former Pilgrims' teammate Rory Fallon-who became the first Plymouth Argyle contracted player to appear in a major finals when he played for New Zealand in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa- is unlikely to be making a second appearance at the finals after New Zealand lost the opening leg of their Play-Off match with Mexico 5-1.
Sunday 10 November 2013
WELLING POTENTIALLY AWAIT ARGYLE
Should Plymouth Argyle overcome Lincoln City in their FA Cup first round replay next Wednesday, they will face Conference opposition again-this time in the form of Welling United.
Argyle were held to a goalless draw by the Imps-with their best chance falling to Luke Young who fired with eight minutes remaining- in what was their first meeting with Lincoln since the 2001-02 season and will have another crack at them at Home Park a week on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Exeter City and Torquay United both bowed out of the competition as they were beaten by Peterborough United and Rochdale.
Goals from Britt Assombalonga and Nathan Mendez-Laing gave Peterborough a two-goal victory over the Grecians, whilst two late strikes from Scott Hogan and Peter Vincenti condemned the Gulls to defeat against Keith Hill's Dale.
Their respective losses mean that Exeter and Torquay have both failed to win a single match in either the Capital One Cup, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy or the FA Cup.
Argyle were held to a goalless draw by the Imps-with their best chance falling to Luke Young who fired with eight minutes remaining- in what was their first meeting with Lincoln since the 2001-02 season and will have another crack at them at Home Park a week on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Exeter City and Torquay United both bowed out of the competition as they were beaten by Peterborough United and Rochdale.
Goals from Britt Assombalonga and Nathan Mendez-Laing gave Peterborough a two-goal victory over the Grecians, whilst two late strikes from Scott Hogan and Peter Vincenti condemned the Gulls to defeat against Keith Hill's Dale.
Their respective losses mean that Exeter and Torquay have both failed to win a single match in either the Capital One Cup, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy or the FA Cup.
Friday 8 November 2013
FA CUP 1ST ROUND 2013-14 PREVIEW
As tomorrow sees Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United begin their FA Cup campaigns, we will take a closer look at the challenge they will be facing as they aim to make progress in the competition.
Lincoln City vs Plymouth Argyle
For the third season in a row, Plymouth Argyle begin their FA Cup campaign with a tie against non-league opposition, and aiming to improve to what has been a disappointing recent record in the competition.
Not since they beat Hull City 3-2 in the third round of the 2007-08 season have the Pilgrims won a match in the cup. They have lost six of their eight FA Cup ties since then, which includes exits in the last two years against non-leaguers Stourbridge and Dorchester Town.
However in current boss John Sheridan, they have a manager who has reached a cup final as a player-he was part of the Sheffield Wednesday that lost in the 1993 final to Arsenal after a replay- and no doubt he will be keen to improve upon that record as they head to Sincil Bank for the first time since the 2001-02 season.
One change in personnel that will be made by Sheridan for tomorrow will be the selection of Jake Cole, who has played in all three of Argyle's other cup ties this season, in goal instead of Luke McCormick.
Peterborough United vs Exeter City
Nearly eight years have passed since the Grecians famously took Manchester United-then managed by Sir Alex Ferguson- to a replay after drawing 0-0 at Old Trafford.
That was the last time to date that Exeter reached the third stage of the competition and Peterborough United- managed by Ferguson's son, Darren- currently stand in the way of Paul Tisdale's sides making progress in the competition this season.
The Grecians set to include three players who have previously for the Posh in the squad in the form of Aaron Davies, John O'Flynn and Matt Gill, who returned to St James Park recently on loan from Bristol Rovers.
Peterborough's side will also feature two names that are familiar with fans of the game in the South West in the form of former Torquay keeper Bobby Olejnik and ex Yeovil full-back Craig Alcock.
Torquay United vs Rochdale
There will be a feeling of familiarity when Torquay United play Rochdale tomorrow afternoon.
It will be the second time that the Gulls have faced Dale this season, as they met at Spotland on September 14th, a clash that Dale- managed by former Plymouth Argyle defender Keith Hill- won courtesy of a late strike from Ian Henderson.
However, Torquay's recent record in the FA Cup is good as they have only failed to reach the second round once- last season when they were beaten by Harrogate Town- since the 2004-05 campaign.
During this run, they have reached the third round three times and the fourth round twice and beaten Blackpool, Notts County, Walsall and Carlisle United along the way.
Also, they have won their last two competitive matches with Dale, who are currently 4th in League Two, 5-0 and 4-2 in the 2009-10 and 2012-13 seasons respectively.
Lincoln City vs Plymouth Argyle
For the third season in a row, Plymouth Argyle begin their FA Cup campaign with a tie against non-league opposition, and aiming to improve to what has been a disappointing recent record in the competition.
Not since they beat Hull City 3-2 in the third round of the 2007-08 season have the Pilgrims won a match in the cup. They have lost six of their eight FA Cup ties since then, which includes exits in the last two years against non-leaguers Stourbridge and Dorchester Town.
However in current boss John Sheridan, they have a manager who has reached a cup final as a player-he was part of the Sheffield Wednesday that lost in the 1993 final to Arsenal after a replay- and no doubt he will be keen to improve upon that record as they head to Sincil Bank for the first time since the 2001-02 season.
One change in personnel that will be made by Sheridan for tomorrow will be the selection of Jake Cole, who has played in all three of Argyle's other cup ties this season, in goal instead of Luke McCormick.
Peterborough United vs Exeter City
Nearly eight years have passed since the Grecians famously took Manchester United-then managed by Sir Alex Ferguson- to a replay after drawing 0-0 at Old Trafford.
That was the last time to date that Exeter reached the third stage of the competition and Peterborough United- managed by Ferguson's son, Darren- currently stand in the way of Paul Tisdale's sides making progress in the competition this season.
The Grecians set to include three players who have previously for the Posh in the squad in the form of Aaron Davies, John O'Flynn and Matt Gill, who returned to St James Park recently on loan from Bristol Rovers.
Peterborough's side will also feature two names that are familiar with fans of the game in the South West in the form of former Torquay keeper Bobby Olejnik and ex Yeovil full-back Craig Alcock.
Torquay United vs Rochdale
There will be a feeling of familiarity when Torquay United play Rochdale tomorrow afternoon.
It will be the second time that the Gulls have faced Dale this season, as they met at Spotland on September 14th, a clash that Dale- managed by former Plymouth Argyle defender Keith Hill- won courtesy of a late strike from Ian Henderson.
However, Torquay's recent record in the FA Cup is good as they have only failed to reach the second round once- last season when they were beaten by Harrogate Town- since the 2004-05 campaign.
During this run, they have reached the third round three times and the fourth round twice and beaten Blackpool, Notts County, Walsall and Carlisle United along the way.
Also, they have won their last two competitive matches with Dale, who are currently 4th in League Two, 5-0 and 4-2 in the 2009-10 and 2012-13 seasons respectively.
Monday 4 November 2013
KNILL'S LOANS
Following Paul McCallum's brace for Torquay United in their 3-1 win against Bury on Saturday, we will now take a closer look at the loan players currently at Plainmoor.
PAUL MCCALLUM:
Age: 20
Position: Striker
Parent club: West Ham United
After making a promising debut for Torquay at home to Portsmouth, Paul McCallum netted twice in his second game for the Gulls in their 3-1 victory against Bury, after returning skipper Aaron Downes opened the scoring. His current stint at Plainmoor is his fourth loan spell in the lower divisions following spells at Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon and Aldershot Town.
Ironically, the first goal of his career came for AFC Wimbledon against Torquay on New Year's Day when he opened the scoring for the Dons in their 3-2 victory over the Gulls.
ANTHONY O'CONNOR
Age: 21
Position: Central Defender
Parent club: Blackburn Rovers
An ever-present for Burton Albion in League Two in the 2012-13 campaign during a loan spell that was to last for the full season, Anthony O'Connor is no stranger to the Football League's basement division. He has made a further five appearances for the Gulls thus far, in addition to the 53 he made for the Brewers last term, acting as cover whilst Aaron Downes and Krystian Pearce were absent through injury and illness and is set to remain at Plainmoor, at least until the end of November.
He will be looking to use his current spell with the Gulls to help improve his chances to breaking into the Blackburn side on his return to Ewood Park and, in the long term, enhance his prospects of receiving senior international honours with the Republic of Ireland, having previously represented them at youth and Under-21 level.
JAK MCCOURT
Age: 18
Position: Central Midfielder
Parent club: Leicester City
After being handed his first taste of professional football by Alan Knill, following his arrival from the Walkers Stadium, Jak McCourt has forced his way into the Gulls' starting XI.
A regular in the heart of the Torquay midfield, alongside skipper Lee Mansell, McCourt's career is now going from strength to strength after only signing his first professional contract with the Foxes in the summer.
ADE ADEEZ
Age: 19
Position: Striker
Parent club: Charlton Athletic
Two pieces of history were made when Ade Azeez made his debut for Torquay United against Newport County on September 28th. Firstly, he became the 1,000th player to appear for the Gulls and secondly, he scored his first goal in professional football.
Since then Azeez has made a further six appearances for the Gulls, and found the target for a second time last month against Wycombe Wanderers, who he had a loan spell with last season, as well as Leyton Orient. He has also been capped by England at Under-19 level and was a promising gymnast in his youth.
PAUL MCCALLUM:
Age: 20
Position: Striker
Parent club: West Ham United
After making a promising debut for Torquay at home to Portsmouth, Paul McCallum netted twice in his second game for the Gulls in their 3-1 victory against Bury, after returning skipper Aaron Downes opened the scoring. His current stint at Plainmoor is his fourth loan spell in the lower divisions following spells at Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon and Aldershot Town.
Ironically, the first goal of his career came for AFC Wimbledon against Torquay on New Year's Day when he opened the scoring for the Dons in their 3-2 victory over the Gulls.
ANTHONY O'CONNOR
Age: 21
Position: Central Defender
Parent club: Blackburn Rovers
An ever-present for Burton Albion in League Two in the 2012-13 campaign during a loan spell that was to last for the full season, Anthony O'Connor is no stranger to the Football League's basement division. He has made a further five appearances for the Gulls thus far, in addition to the 53 he made for the Brewers last term, acting as cover whilst Aaron Downes and Krystian Pearce were absent through injury and illness and is set to remain at Plainmoor, at least until the end of November.
He will be looking to use his current spell with the Gulls to help improve his chances to breaking into the Blackburn side on his return to Ewood Park and, in the long term, enhance his prospects of receiving senior international honours with the Republic of Ireland, having previously represented them at youth and Under-21 level.
JAK MCCOURT
Age: 18
Position: Central Midfielder
Parent club: Leicester City
After being handed his first taste of professional football by Alan Knill, following his arrival from the Walkers Stadium, Jak McCourt has forced his way into the Gulls' starting XI.
A regular in the heart of the Torquay midfield, alongside skipper Lee Mansell, McCourt's career is now going from strength to strength after only signing his first professional contract with the Foxes in the summer.
ADE ADEEZ
Age: 19
Position: Striker
Parent club: Charlton Athletic
Two pieces of history were made when Ade Azeez made his debut for Torquay United against Newport County on September 28th. Firstly, he became the 1,000th player to appear for the Gulls and secondly, he scored his first goal in professional football.
Since then Azeez has made a further six appearances for the Gulls, and found the target for a second time last month against Wycombe Wanderers, who he had a loan spell with last season, as well as Leyton Orient. He has also been capped by England at Under-19 level and was a promising gymnast in his youth.
ARGYLE LEAVE IT LATE AGAIN
For the second week in a row, Plymouth Argyle clinched victory with a last minute winner.
Last week, central defender Neal Trotman grabbed a last minute winner against Mansfield Town and this week, it was the turn of Lewis Alessandra to take the plaudits as he struck in the dying minutes against Northampton Town at Home Park.
It was the first time that Argyle had clinched back-to-back victories since last March and it was also their first win in front of their own fans since September 7th, when they beat Bristol Rovers 1-0.
Next for the Pilgrims is a trip to Lincoln City where the Pilgrims will be looking to win their first match in the competition since the third round of the 2007-08 season, when they beat Hull City.
Last week, central defender Neal Trotman grabbed a last minute winner against Mansfield Town and this week, it was the turn of Lewis Alessandra to take the plaudits as he struck in the dying minutes against Northampton Town at Home Park.
It was the first time that Argyle had clinched back-to-back victories since last March and it was also their first win in front of their own fans since September 7th, when they beat Bristol Rovers 1-0.
Next for the Pilgrims is a trip to Lincoln City where the Pilgrims will be looking to win their first match in the competition since the third round of the 2007-08 season, when they beat Hull City.
Monday 28 October 2013
GLOVERS UP AND RUNNING AFTER FELLING FOREST
Yeovil Town recorded their first home win as a Championship club in style as they defeated Nottingham Forest at Huish Park thanks to virtuoso displays from Ed Upson and Wayne Hennessey.
Midfielder Upson-who also got the winner when the Glovers beat Millwall on the opening day of the campaign- bagged a first half brace and Hennessey denied Forest's Republic of Ireland striker Simon Cox from the penalty spot and then saved the rebound.
On loan midfielder Nathan Chalobah pulled one back for Forest, but they were unable to find a second as a goalkeeping masterclass from Hennessey before Byron Webster added a second to ensure Gary Johnson's men sealed all three points.
The result boosts the Glovers' survival hopes and moves them onto nine points and up 22nd place. They are also one point behind 21st placed Bolton Wanderers.
Midfielder Upson-who also got the winner when the Glovers beat Millwall on the opening day of the campaign- bagged a first half brace and Hennessey denied Forest's Republic of Ireland striker Simon Cox from the penalty spot and then saved the rebound.
On loan midfielder Nathan Chalobah pulled one back for Forest, but they were unable to find a second as a goalkeeping masterclass from Hennessey before Byron Webster added a second to ensure Gary Johnson's men sealed all three points.
The result boosts the Glovers' survival hopes and moves them onto nine points and up 22nd place. They are also one point behind 21st placed Bolton Wanderers.
ARGYLE TO FACE NON-LEAGUE OPPOSITION
For the third year in a row, Plymouth Argyle will be facing non-league opposition in the 1st round of the FA Cup after they were drawn away to Worcester City or Lincoln City.
The Pilgrims haven't won a match in the cup since they beat Hull City in the third round during the 2007-08 season, and they will also hoping it will be a third time lucky for them after losing to Southern League Stourbridge and Dorchester Town, of Conference South, in the last two seasons respectively.
Manager John Sheridan and his assistant Gary Owers will be keen to do well in the competition as they have both appeared in the final of the competition as players with Sheffield Wednesday-in 1993- and Sunderland-in 1992.
Exeter City will also be on their travels as they were drawn away to Peterborough United and Torquay United are the only of the three Devon sides who are beginning their cup campaign with a home tie, as they were paired with League Two high-flyers Rochdale, who are managed by former Argyle defender Keith Hill.
The Pilgrims haven't won a match in the cup since they beat Hull City in the third round during the 2007-08 season, and they will also hoping it will be a third time lucky for them after losing to Southern League Stourbridge and Dorchester Town, of Conference South, in the last two seasons respectively.
Manager John Sheridan and his assistant Gary Owers will be keen to do well in the competition as they have both appeared in the final of the competition as players with Sheffield Wednesday-in 1993- and Sunderland-in 1992.
Exeter City will also be on their travels as they were drawn away to Peterborough United and Torquay United are the only of the three Devon sides who are beginning their cup campaign with a home tie, as they were paired with League Two high-flyers Rochdale, who are managed by former Argyle defender Keith Hill.
Saturday 26 October 2013
CHAPELL HITS FIVE
Torquay United manager Alan Knill is backing winger Jordan Chapell to hit double figures for the Gulls after scoring his fifth goal of the season in their draw against Portsmouth.
Chapell opened the scoring after 17 seconds of the kick-off with the fastest goal scored by any Torquay player and Knill believes that there is more to come from the former Sheffield United starlet.
"We set a target with Jordan at the start of the season and he is well on the way to achieving it," said Knill.
"If players want to develop and want to move on, and wide players especially, they have to chip in with goals and a lot of people look for that first.
"If you can score 10 to 11 goals from a wide position that's what teams higher up are looking for.
"We've set some targets for him and his overall game we think is getting better, every now and again we have to rest him because he is high energy all the time."
Chapell opened the scoring after 17 seconds of the kick-off with the fastest goal scored by any Torquay player and Knill believes that there is more to come from the former Sheffield United starlet.
"We set a target with Jordan at the start of the season and he is well on the way to achieving it," said Knill.
"If players want to develop and want to move on, and wide players especially, they have to chip in with goals and a lot of people look for that first.
"If you can score 10 to 11 goals from a wide position that's what teams higher up are looking for.
"We've set some targets for him and his overall game we think is getting better, every now and again we have to rest him because he is high energy all the time."
Friday 25 October 2013
FACING A FALLEN GIANT
Five years ago Torquay United were playing in the Conference and reached the final of the FA Trophy, whilst Portsmouth were in the Premiership and won the FA Cup.
Tomorrow at Plainmoor, they face each other as equals in League Two for the first time in over 30 years.
The two sides met each other earlier this season in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy when Pompey won 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw during the 90 minutes, and they also played each other in the Worthington Cup with Portsmouth winning 3-0 on aggregate.
Their last League meeting came on October 10th 1980, a game that the Gulls won 2-1 with Les Lawrence and Peter Coffill scoring the decisive goals.
Fast forward back to the present day and both sides' respective managers- Alan Knill and Guy Whittingham- are facing different challenges.
Knill, who succeeded Martin Ling in the close season following a spell as interim manager, is looking to arrest a run of five matches without a win-in the face of injuries problems and financial uncertainties.
The former Bury and Scunthorpe manager is currently without a number of senior players, including goalkeeper Michael Poke, last season's Player of the Year Aaron Downes and summer signing Ben Harding.
He currently has four loan players at the club, including central defender Anthony O'Connor, midfielder Jak McCourt and forwards Ade Azeez and Paul McCallum, who made his debut on Tuesday night after joining from West Ham United.
As well as this, he also recruited French midfielder Damien Mozika who played under him at Bury and Scunthorpe on a short term deal.
Like with many clubs in League Two at the moment, money is tight for the Gulls, which reflected the recent decision by the Gulls' board to make three staff redundant, including Club Secretary Kerry Haggan.
However, a good run in the FA Cup, the first round starts on November 9th, could provide the Gulls with some breathing space.
Pompey boss Guy Whittingham is starting a re-building job as they look to climb their way back up the leagues after a financial meltdown, which has seen them relegated three times in as many seasons.
Now under the ownership of their Supporters' Trust, Pompey are currently unbeaten in the current month of October and have reached the Quarter Finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as the re-building process at Fratton Park continues.
Tomorrow at Plainmoor, they face each other as equals in League Two for the first time in over 30 years.
The two sides met each other earlier this season in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy when Pompey won 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw during the 90 minutes, and they also played each other in the Worthington Cup with Portsmouth winning 3-0 on aggregate.
Their last League meeting came on October 10th 1980, a game that the Gulls won 2-1 with Les Lawrence and Peter Coffill scoring the decisive goals.
Fast forward back to the present day and both sides' respective managers- Alan Knill and Guy Whittingham- are facing different challenges.
Knill, who succeeded Martin Ling in the close season following a spell as interim manager, is looking to arrest a run of five matches without a win-in the face of injuries problems and financial uncertainties.
The former Bury and Scunthorpe manager is currently without a number of senior players, including goalkeeper Michael Poke, last season's Player of the Year Aaron Downes and summer signing Ben Harding.
He currently has four loan players at the club, including central defender Anthony O'Connor, midfielder Jak McCourt and forwards Ade Azeez and Paul McCallum, who made his debut on Tuesday night after joining from West Ham United.
As well as this, he also recruited French midfielder Damien Mozika who played under him at Bury and Scunthorpe on a short term deal.
Like with many clubs in League Two at the moment, money is tight for the Gulls, which reflected the recent decision by the Gulls' board to make three staff redundant, including Club Secretary Kerry Haggan.
However, a good run in the FA Cup, the first round starts on November 9th, could provide the Gulls with some breathing space.
Pompey boss Guy Whittingham is starting a re-building job as they look to climb their way back up the leagues after a financial meltdown, which has seen them relegated three times in as many seasons.
Now under the ownership of their Supporters' Trust, Pompey are currently unbeaten in the current month of October and have reached the Quarter Finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as the re-building process at Fratton Park continues.
Monday 14 October 2013
EX GLOVERS FIND TARGET ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Last Friday's World Cup qualifiers saw two former Yeovil Town loanees score important goals for the Home Nations, which could be of great value to their respective international futures.
Andros Townsend, who appeared 10 times for the Glovers on loan from Tottenham Hotspur during the 2008-09 season, marked his England debut with the Three Lions' third goal in their 4-1 victory over Montenegro.
Should England qualify for the finals in Brazil next summer, there is every chance that Townsend, 22, could be on the plane as part of Roy Hodgson's 23 man squad.
After establishing himself as a regular at Spurs, there is no reason why he can't go on to become a regular for his country as well.
In scoring on his England debut, he emulated another former Yeovil loanee Steven Caulker who also completed that feat when he netted on his first start for Hodgson's men in their 4-2 friendly defeat against Sweden last year.
That appearance remains Caulker's only international cap to date, he also received four for Team GB at last summer's Olympics, but there is no reason to suggest why he and Townsend couldn't one day line-up for the Three Lions together.
Caulker is currently 21-and at the same age Rio Ferdinand had only won seven caps and Sol Campbell had been capped just the once.
Also, at 21-John Terry was still waiting for his first cap, which he didn't received until he turned 22.
Caulker's summer move to Cardiff shouldn't act as hindrance to his long-term prospects as Gary Cahill was transferred by Aston Villa to Bolton, but he is now a regular at Chelsea alongside Terry-and a Champions League winner to boot.
A year before Townsend arrived at Huish Park, Welsh striker Simon Church appeared six times for the Glovers on loan from Reading.
On Friday, he scored Wales' decisive goal in their qualifier with Macedonia, which ensured that they avoided finishing bottom of their group and possibly kept manager Chris Coleman in a job.
The qualifier also marked the final home international for talismanic striker Craig Bellamy, and Church, who is currently plying his trade at Charlton Athletic, could potentially fill the void left by the former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham forward.
Andros Townsend, who appeared 10 times for the Glovers on loan from Tottenham Hotspur during the 2008-09 season, marked his England debut with the Three Lions' third goal in their 4-1 victory over Montenegro.
Should England qualify for the finals in Brazil next summer, there is every chance that Townsend, 22, could be on the plane as part of Roy Hodgson's 23 man squad.
After establishing himself as a regular at Spurs, there is no reason why he can't go on to become a regular for his country as well.
In scoring on his England debut, he emulated another former Yeovil loanee Steven Caulker who also completed that feat when he netted on his first start for Hodgson's men in their 4-2 friendly defeat against Sweden last year.
That appearance remains Caulker's only international cap to date, he also received four for Team GB at last summer's Olympics, but there is no reason to suggest why he and Townsend couldn't one day line-up for the Three Lions together.
Caulker is currently 21-and at the same age Rio Ferdinand had only won seven caps and Sol Campbell had been capped just the once.
Also, at 21-John Terry was still waiting for his first cap, which he didn't received until he turned 22.
Caulker's summer move to Cardiff shouldn't act as hindrance to his long-term prospects as Gary Cahill was transferred by Aston Villa to Bolton, but he is now a regular at Chelsea alongside Terry-and a Champions League winner to boot.
A year before Townsend arrived at Huish Park, Welsh striker Simon Church appeared six times for the Glovers on loan from Reading.
On Friday, he scored Wales' decisive goal in their qualifier with Macedonia, which ensured that they avoided finishing bottom of their group and possibly kept manager Chris Coleman in a job.
The qualifier also marked the final home international for talismanic striker Craig Bellamy, and Church, who is currently plying his trade at Charlton Athletic, could potentially fill the void left by the former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham forward.
Thursday 10 October 2013
LET BATTLE COMMENCE
This Saturday, the naval cities of Plymouth and Portsmouth go head-to-head as Plymouth Argyle entertain Portsmouth for the first 'Dockyard Derby' in the league in over 20 years.
Their last meeting was on New Years' Day 1992 when the Pilgrims won 3-2 with goals from Robbie Turner, Dwight Marshall and Andy 'Jock' Morrison, whilst Mark Chamberlain, the father of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and future England midfielder Darren Anderton replied for Pompey.
Since then, they have meet three times in very different circumstances.
The first time came in the 1998-99 season, when they faced each other over two legs in a Worthington Cup first round tie, which Pompey won 6-3 on aggregate.
During the 2007-08 season, they met at Fratton Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup. By this time, Pompey were an established Premiership side and Argyle were in the Championship.
Despite the Pilgrims taking an early lead through Chris Clark, Pompey hit back with goals from Lassana Diarra and Niko Krancjar as they secured a 2-1 win as they booked their place in the next round, before eventually going on to win the cup after beating Cardiff City in the final.
The most recent meeting between the two sides came in the first round of the Capital One Cup, when Argyle now back in League Two, after a lengthy spell in Administration, faced what was a virtual Pompey youth side as they were in Administration themselves.
Goals from Wolves loanee, Johnny Gorman, Paris Cowan-Hall and Nick Chadwick booked the Pilgrims' place in the second round, where they were beaten on penalties by Burnley.
With Argyle and Pompey currently 17th and 15th in the League Two table, respective managers John Sheridan and Guy Whittingham will both be seeing Saturday's clash, which is being televised on Sky Sports, as an opportunity to kick-start their individual seasons.
Their last meeting was on New Years' Day 1992 when the Pilgrims won 3-2 with goals from Robbie Turner, Dwight Marshall and Andy 'Jock' Morrison, whilst Mark Chamberlain, the father of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and future England midfielder Darren Anderton replied for Pompey.
Since then, they have meet three times in very different circumstances.
The first time came in the 1998-99 season, when they faced each other over two legs in a Worthington Cup first round tie, which Pompey won 6-3 on aggregate.
During the 2007-08 season, they met at Fratton Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup. By this time, Pompey were an established Premiership side and Argyle were in the Championship.
Despite the Pilgrims taking an early lead through Chris Clark, Pompey hit back with goals from Lassana Diarra and Niko Krancjar as they secured a 2-1 win as they booked their place in the next round, before eventually going on to win the cup after beating Cardiff City in the final.
The most recent meeting between the two sides came in the first round of the Capital One Cup, when Argyle now back in League Two, after a lengthy spell in Administration, faced what was a virtual Pompey youth side as they were in Administration themselves.
Goals from Wolves loanee, Johnny Gorman, Paris Cowan-Hall and Nick Chadwick booked the Pilgrims' place in the second round, where they were beaten on penalties by Burnley.
With Argyle and Pompey currently 17th and 15th in the League Two table, respective managers John Sheridan and Guy Whittingham will both be seeing Saturday's clash, which is being televised on Sky Sports, as an opportunity to kick-start their individual seasons.
Saturday 5 October 2013
WHEN MANCHESTER UNITED CAME TO HOME PARK
It is a commonly held view that the Exeter Chiefs' recent exploits in Rugby Union's Heineken Cup are the only major European campaigns with links to Devon since the Spanish Armada.
Wrong.
On October 5th 1977, Plymouth Argyle's Home Park ground hosted a European Cup Winners' Cup first round tie between Manchester United and St Etienne in the only competitive European football match to be played in England to the west of Southampton.
The first leg of the tie was played on Wednesday September 1977, in France, and was marred by crowd trouble 45 minutes before the kick-off of the match, which ended 1-1.
As an initial punishment, the Red Devils were banned from the competition and St Etienne were awarded a bye into the second round.
However, United appealed against the ban and were later re-instated in the competition on one condition: that the second leg of the tie was played at a ground 200 miles or more from Old Trafford.
Keen to avoid a repeat of the trouble that had occurred in the first meeting, the Red Devils' board were keen to seek out a ground in a remote location, which ticketless fans would think twice about travelling to.
In the end they finally plumped on Plymouth Argyle's Home Park, the most southerly and westerly ground in the Football League, as their chosen location.
At that time Argyle were managed by Mike Kelly and had just been relegated to the 'old' Third Division.
So keen the Red Devils were to avoid any crowd trouble that the Pilgrims were even put in charge of the distribution and sale of the match tickets.
As part of their distribution plans, the Pilgrims introduced a scheme whereby any fans who attended their league fixture on October 1st 1977 against Gillingham would be entitled to a voucher that would enable the holder to buy two tickets for the match.
With neither side being able to claim home advantage, St Etienne made a promising start to the match as they looked to involve their French international playmaker Dominque Rocheteau at every opportunity.
However, United grew in confidence as the half wore on and took the lead on 33 minutes when Stuart Pearson connected with a Steve Coppell cross to give the Red Devils a 2-1 lead on aggregate.
In the 65th minute, Coppell went from being provider to scorer when he slotted home after latching onto a long, inch-perfect pass from Arthur Albiston to give United a 2-0 win on the night and a 3-1 victory on aggregate.
Whilst Manchester United bowed out of the competition in the next round against Porto, the official attendance of 31,634 the potential of football as a spectator sport in the South West.
Only Argyle's 1984 FA Cup Quarter Final against Derby County, which attracted a crowd of 34,365, has surpassed the crowd figure for the visit of the Red Devils.
The Manchester United side that played against St Etienne at Home Park: (4-4-2)
Alex Stepney, Jimmy Nicholl, Arthur Albiston, Sammy McIlroy (Ashley Grimes), Brian Greenhoff, Martin Buchan, Steve Coppell, Jimmy Greenhoff, Stuart Pearson (Chris McGrath), Lou Macari, Gordon Hill
Footnote:
In May 2012, two of that Manchester United side who played at Home Park that night-Arthur Albiston and Sammy McIlroy- returned to Home Park to play a team of Plymouth Argyle legends in a match organised by the Green Taverners to help to raise funds for the club's staff who went without pay whilst Argyle were in Administration.
During the period in between, Jimmy Nicholl, Steve Coppell and Lou Macari all returned to Home Park as managers of Millwall, Crystal Palace and Stoke City respectively.
Wrong.
On October 5th 1977, Plymouth Argyle's Home Park ground hosted a European Cup Winners' Cup first round tie between Manchester United and St Etienne in the only competitive European football match to be played in England to the west of Southampton.
The first leg of the tie was played on Wednesday September 1977, in France, and was marred by crowd trouble 45 minutes before the kick-off of the match, which ended 1-1.
As an initial punishment, the Red Devils were banned from the competition and St Etienne were awarded a bye into the second round.
However, United appealed against the ban and were later re-instated in the competition on one condition: that the second leg of the tie was played at a ground 200 miles or more from Old Trafford.
Keen to avoid a repeat of the trouble that had occurred in the first meeting, the Red Devils' board were keen to seek out a ground in a remote location, which ticketless fans would think twice about travelling to.
In the end they finally plumped on Plymouth Argyle's Home Park, the most southerly and westerly ground in the Football League, as their chosen location.
At that time Argyle were managed by Mike Kelly and had just been relegated to the 'old' Third Division.
So keen the Red Devils were to avoid any crowd trouble that the Pilgrims were even put in charge of the distribution and sale of the match tickets.
As part of their distribution plans, the Pilgrims introduced a scheme whereby any fans who attended their league fixture on October 1st 1977 against Gillingham would be entitled to a voucher that would enable the holder to buy two tickets for the match.
With neither side being able to claim home advantage, St Etienne made a promising start to the match as they looked to involve their French international playmaker Dominque Rocheteau at every opportunity.
However, United grew in confidence as the half wore on and took the lead on 33 minutes when Stuart Pearson connected with a Steve Coppell cross to give the Red Devils a 2-1 lead on aggregate.
In the 65th minute, Coppell went from being provider to scorer when he slotted home after latching onto a long, inch-perfect pass from Arthur Albiston to give United a 2-0 win on the night and a 3-1 victory on aggregate.
Whilst Manchester United bowed out of the competition in the next round against Porto, the official attendance of 31,634 the potential of football as a spectator sport in the South West.
Only Argyle's 1984 FA Cup Quarter Final against Derby County, which attracted a crowd of 34,365, has surpassed the crowd figure for the visit of the Red Devils.
The Manchester United side that played against St Etienne at Home Park: (4-4-2)
Alex Stepney, Jimmy Nicholl, Arthur Albiston, Sammy McIlroy (Ashley Grimes), Brian Greenhoff, Martin Buchan, Steve Coppell, Jimmy Greenhoff, Stuart Pearson (Chris McGrath), Lou Macari, Gordon Hill
Footnote:
In May 2012, two of that Manchester United side who played at Home Park that night-Arthur Albiston and Sammy McIlroy- returned to Home Park to play a team of Plymouth Argyle legends in a match organised by the Green Taverners to help to raise funds for the club's staff who went without pay whilst Argyle were in Administration.
During the period in between, Jimmy Nicholl, Steve Coppell and Lou Macari all returned to Home Park as managers of Millwall, Crystal Palace and Stoke City respectively.
GRECIANS WIN THE FIRST OF SIX
Exeter City claimed the three points in the first of the 2013-14 season's six Devon derbies thanks to two late goals from Alan Gow and Scott Bennett.
Aaron Davies had given the Grecians the lead before Luke Young equalised with a free-kick, but former Pilgrim Gow and Bennett, who netted twice last week against Fleetwood, struck for the Grecians in the last ten minutes of the match to wrap up all three points.
The win represents an improvement for the Grecians as they failed to record wins against the Pilgrims, Torquay or Bristol Rovers last season.
However,in the current campaign, Exeter have now beaten two of those teams as they defeated Bristol Rovers on the opening day of the season.
Aaron Davies had given the Grecians the lead before Luke Young equalised with a free-kick, but former Pilgrim Gow and Bennett, who netted twice last week against Fleetwood, struck for the Grecians in the last ten minutes of the match to wrap up all three points.
The win represents an improvement for the Grecians as they failed to record wins against the Pilgrims, Torquay or Bristol Rovers last season.
However,in the current campaign, Exeter have now beaten two of those teams as they defeated Bristol Rovers on the opening day of the season.
Thursday 3 October 2013
THE FIRST OF THE SEASON
The first Devon derby of the 2013-14 season between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle will be the third meeting between the two sides in the space of a year, and promises to be as keenly contested as the other two.
Their first encounter, last December, at St James Park ended in a 1-1 draw with Liam Sercombe and Joe Lennox finding the score sheet for the Grecians and the Pilgrims respectively.
Three months later-in what was the 60th league meeting between the two sides- Argyle came out on top thanks to a first half injury time winner from on-loan winger Jason Banton, which boosted the Pilgrims' survival hopes and dented Exeter's Play-Off hopes.
It also helped Banton to secure the Npower League Two Player of the Month award for March 2013, as well as the Manager of the Month prize for Argyle boss John Sheridan.
On Saturday, the Grecians will be looking to continue their impressive early season form and a home win over their fierce local rivals would be the perfect way to follow up their 2-1 away last week against high flying Fleetwood Town.
Argyle, on the other hand, are heading into the match looking for a performance to kick-start their league campaign and a timely boost ahead of their first league encounter in over 20 years with Portsmouth next weekend, which is being broadcasted live on Sky Sports.
With the Grecians in sixth place in the League Two table and the Pilgrims in 15th place, recent form would indicate that on current form the Grecians would be favourites.
However, in local derbies form can often disappear out of the window.
Their first encounter, last December, at St James Park ended in a 1-1 draw with Liam Sercombe and Joe Lennox finding the score sheet for the Grecians and the Pilgrims respectively.
Three months later-in what was the 60th league meeting between the two sides- Argyle came out on top thanks to a first half injury time winner from on-loan winger Jason Banton, which boosted the Pilgrims' survival hopes and dented Exeter's Play-Off hopes.
It also helped Banton to secure the Npower League Two Player of the Month award for March 2013, as well as the Manager of the Month prize for Argyle boss John Sheridan.
On Saturday, the Grecians will be looking to continue their impressive early season form and a home win over their fierce local rivals would be the perfect way to follow up their 2-1 away last week against high flying Fleetwood Town.
Argyle, on the other hand, are heading into the match looking for a performance to kick-start their league campaign and a timely boost ahead of their first league encounter in over 20 years with Portsmouth next weekend, which is being broadcasted live on Sky Sports.
With the Grecians in sixth place in the League Two table and the Pilgrims in 15th place, recent form would indicate that on current form the Grecians would be favourites.
However, in local derbies form can often disappear out of the window.
Sunday 29 September 2013
AZEEZ BECOMES TORQUAY'S 1,000TH PLAYER
Ade Azeez's debut for Torquay United against Newport County proved to be a memorable one for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, the Charlton Athletic starlet marked his first appearance for the Gulls with a goal, which was also his first as a professional footballer.
Secondly, he became the 1,000th player to appear for Torquay since they first entered the Football League in 1927.
Former trainee Danny Sullivan became the 999th to appear for United when he was handed his professional debut by Alan Knill against Morecambe at the Globe Arena on August 10th, and there was some anticipation as to who the 1,000th player to appear for Torquay would be.
Firstly, the Charlton Athletic starlet marked his first appearance for the Gulls with a goal, which was also his first as a professional footballer.
Secondly, he became the 1,000th player to appear for Torquay since they first entered the Football League in 1927.
Former trainee Danny Sullivan became the 999th to appear for United when he was handed his professional debut by Alan Knill against Morecambe at the Globe Arena on August 10th, and there was some anticipation as to who the 1,000th player to appear for Torquay would be.
A list of other significant numbers and a few randoms:
100: Don Welsh
211: Sammy Collins
308: Robin Stubbs
538: Mark Loram
592: Lee Sharpe
601: Dean Edwards
705: Rodney Jack
899: Lee Mansell
925: Kevin Nicholson
Friday 27 September 2013
GULLS ADD ADEEZ
Torquay United manager Alan Knill has moved to boost the attacking options available to him with the signing of young striker Ade Azeez on a one-month's youth loan from Charlton Athletic.
Azeez, 19, has made one appearance for the Addicks so far in his career, against Huddersfield Town on January 5th 2013, and has also had loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers and Leyton Orient previously in his career.
In addition to this, Ade has represented England at Under-19 level and last season helped the Addicks' Under-21 squad win the Professional Development League.
Azeez, 19, has made one appearance for the Addicks so far in his career, against Huddersfield Town on January 5th 2013, and has also had loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers and Leyton Orient previously in his career.
In addition to this, Ade has represented England at Under-19 level and last season helped the Addicks' Under-21 squad win the Professional Development League.
GLOVERS DRAFT IN DUFFY
Following the re-opening of the loan transfer window for Football League clubs, Yeovil Town have swooped to bring in Irish defender Shane Duffy from Everton.
Duffy, 21, joins the Glovers for an initial one-month loan and provides manager Gary Johnson with cover for the injured Liam Fontaine and the suspended Byron Webster.
He has made five appearances for the Toffees thus far in his career, and will be looking to show Everton manager Roberto Martinez that he has the potential to challenge the likes of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin for a place in the Toffees' first team on his return to Goodison Park.
As well as using the move to enhance his future club prospects, Shane will also be looking to use his time at Huish Park to improve his chances of winning his first full cap for the Republic of Ireland.
A few facts about Shane Duffy:
1) Shane first arrived at Everton in November 2008 when he joined the Toffees' Academy from Northern Irish side Foyle Harps.
2) After appearing for Northern Ireland from Under-16 to Under-21 level, Shane switched his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland in 2009, a move which has also been made by his Goodison team-mate Darren Gibson and former Torquay United midfielder Eunan O'Kane.
3) In May 2010, he suffered a freak injury after colliding with goalkeeper Adrian Walsh, during a match between a Republic of Ireland development squad and the Irish Amateur side, and had to have emergency life-saving surgery on his liver.
4) The Glovers are the third club that Shane has joined on loan, he has previously had loan spells with Burnley, for whom he made a solitary appearance, and Scunthorpe United where he played under Torquay manager Alan Knill.
5) He made his debut for Everton in the Europa League in the 2009-10 season against AEK Athens when he came on as a substitute for Sylvain Distin.
Duffy, 21, joins the Glovers for an initial one-month loan and provides manager Gary Johnson with cover for the injured Liam Fontaine and the suspended Byron Webster.
He has made five appearances for the Toffees thus far in his career, and will be looking to show Everton manager Roberto Martinez that he has the potential to challenge the likes of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin for a place in the Toffees' first team on his return to Goodison Park.
As well as using the move to enhance his future club prospects, Shane will also be looking to use his time at Huish Park to improve his chances of winning his first full cap for the Republic of Ireland.
A few facts about Shane Duffy:
1) Shane first arrived at Everton in November 2008 when he joined the Toffees' Academy from Northern Irish side Foyle Harps.
2) After appearing for Northern Ireland from Under-16 to Under-21 level, Shane switched his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland in 2009, a move which has also been made by his Goodison team-mate Darren Gibson and former Torquay United midfielder Eunan O'Kane.
3) In May 2010, he suffered a freak injury after colliding with goalkeeper Adrian Walsh, during a match between a Republic of Ireland development squad and the Irish Amateur side, and had to have emergency life-saving surgery on his liver.
4) The Glovers are the third club that Shane has joined on loan, he has previously had loan spells with Burnley, for whom he made a solitary appearance, and Scunthorpe United where he played under Torquay manager Alan Knill.
5) He made his debut for Everton in the Europa League in the 2009-10 season against AEK Athens when he came on as a substitute for Sylvain Distin.
Sunday 22 September 2013
BALL ON TARGET FOR THE GULLS
After waiting nine matches to open his account for Torquay United, Callum Ball bagged a brace as the Gulls secured their first home win of the campaign against Cheltenham Town.
The Derby County loanee, who had previously had efforts ruled out for offside against AFC Wimbledon and Oxford United, edged Torquay in front inside three minutes, and struck again before half-time after Byron Harrison had levelled for the Robins.
Ball's strike partner Karl Hawley added a third shortly after the break before Terry Gornell pulled one back for Cheltenham and Jordan Chappell scored the Gulls' fourth goal, and his fourth of the season, to round off an impressive display.
With Ball's youth loan with the Rams due to expire next month, it surely can't be long before Torquay manager Alan Knill meets with his Derby counterpart Nigel Clough to discuss extending Ball's stay at Plainmoor.
The Derby County loanee, who had previously had efforts ruled out for offside against AFC Wimbledon and Oxford United, edged Torquay in front inside three minutes, and struck again before half-time after Byron Harrison had levelled for the Robins.
Ball's strike partner Karl Hawley added a third shortly after the break before Terry Gornell pulled one back for Cheltenham and Jordan Chappell scored the Gulls' fourth goal, and his fourth of the season, to round off an impressive display.
With Ball's youth loan with the Rams due to expire next month, it surely can't be long before Torquay manager Alan Knill meets with his Derby counterpart Nigel Clough to discuss extending Ball's stay at Plainmoor.
Thursday 12 September 2013
BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS
Just like Ancient Rome, a League Two promotion winning side isn't something that can be built in the space of a single day.
It's something that requires careful, sound judgment and- even in the current climate of managerial upheaval- a supportive board of directors.
This is a task that Alan Knill, John Sheridan and Paul Tisdale are all undertaking at the moment at Torquay United, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City respectively.
All three men have previous experience of performing such a task, Knill with Bury in the 2010-11 season (before he handed the reigns to Ritchie Barker to take charge at Scunthorpe), Sheridan with Chesterfield during the same campaign and Tisdale with the Grecians in the 2008-09 season.
Now all three men are looking to repeat their previous feat in the South West.
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Sheridan is currently looking to help the Pilgrims to live up to a word so often associated with the club- potential.
Since he replaced Carl Fletcher last January, Sheridan has successfully steered Argyle away from the foot of the League Two and dreaded drop into the Conference.
This season, for the first time in the space of five years, the 'Green Army' can now look towards the top half of the table and dream of top ten finish or even the possibility of a Play-Off spot after five consecutive relegation battles across three different leagues.
The Pilgrims currently lie in 12th place, following a 1-0 home victory over Bristol Rovers, and now have a settled squad, much of which has been put together by Sheridan himself.
At Plainmoor, Alan Knill became Torquay United on a permanent basis during the summer after the dismissal of Martin Ling.
Knill had taken charge on a interim basis in February, after Ling went on a leave of absence suffering from a stress-related illness, and, with the help of his assistant- ex-Gulls loanee- Chris Brass, guided Torquay away from the drop zone.
Given the level of investment in the club from the Consortium, which purchased the club from former Chairman Mike Bateson, relegation from the Football League last season would have had serious consequences for the club.
Following the end of the campaign, Knill released seven players and also saw Ryan Jarvis, Brian Saah and Rene Howe leave Plainmoor for pastures new.
However, Knill has spent the summer rebuilding the Gulls squad and with the addition of a number of new faces, including exciting wide men Jordan Chapell and Courtney Cameron, experienced striker Karl Hawley and promising defender Krystian Pearce, Torquay are now aiming to improve on last season's 19th place finish and eventually assemble a side that will challenge for promotion in the future.
Whilst Sheridan and Knill chose major surgery during the close season, Paul Tisdale opted for a nip-and-tuck job at St James Park.
Sam Parkin and Doug Bergvist, who was later loaned out to Welling United, were Tisdale's only summer captures, and they were later followed with the signing in August-after the season started- with the arrival of David Wheeler from Staines Town.
The Grecians have clearly benefited from this level of continuity as they currently lie in 5th place in League Two with an unbeaten home record, which so far reads as played three, won three.
Going into the current campaign, fans of Devon football will no doubt view the achievements last season of Yeovil Town, who reached the Championship for the first time in their history, and Bradford City, who became the first club from the Football League's bottom tier to reach the League Cup for over 50 years, as a cause for optimism for their own team's aspirations.
Between now and the end of May, we will find out whether those dreams will come true or not.
It's something that requires careful, sound judgment and- even in the current climate of managerial upheaval- a supportive board of directors.
This is a task that Alan Knill, John Sheridan and Paul Tisdale are all undertaking at the moment at Torquay United, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City respectively.
All three men have previous experience of performing such a task, Knill with Bury in the 2010-11 season (before he handed the reigns to Ritchie Barker to take charge at Scunthorpe), Sheridan with Chesterfield during the same campaign and Tisdale with the Grecians in the 2008-09 season.
Now all three men are looking to repeat their previous feat in the South West.
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Sheridan is currently looking to help the Pilgrims to live up to a word so often associated with the club- potential.
Since he replaced Carl Fletcher last January, Sheridan has successfully steered Argyle away from the foot of the League Two and dreaded drop into the Conference.
This season, for the first time in the space of five years, the 'Green Army' can now look towards the top half of the table and dream of top ten finish or even the possibility of a Play-Off spot after five consecutive relegation battles across three different leagues.
The Pilgrims currently lie in 12th place, following a 1-0 home victory over Bristol Rovers, and now have a settled squad, much of which has been put together by Sheridan himself.
At Plainmoor, Alan Knill became Torquay United on a permanent basis during the summer after the dismissal of Martin Ling.
Knill had taken charge on a interim basis in February, after Ling went on a leave of absence suffering from a stress-related illness, and, with the help of his assistant- ex-Gulls loanee- Chris Brass, guided Torquay away from the drop zone.
Given the level of investment in the club from the Consortium, which purchased the club from former Chairman Mike Bateson, relegation from the Football League last season would have had serious consequences for the club.
Following the end of the campaign, Knill released seven players and also saw Ryan Jarvis, Brian Saah and Rene Howe leave Plainmoor for pastures new.
However, Knill has spent the summer rebuilding the Gulls squad and with the addition of a number of new faces, including exciting wide men Jordan Chapell and Courtney Cameron, experienced striker Karl Hawley and promising defender Krystian Pearce, Torquay are now aiming to improve on last season's 19th place finish and eventually assemble a side that will challenge for promotion in the future.
Whilst Sheridan and Knill chose major surgery during the close season, Paul Tisdale opted for a nip-and-tuck job at St James Park.
Sam Parkin and Doug Bergvist, who was later loaned out to Welling United, were Tisdale's only summer captures, and they were later followed with the signing in August-after the season started- with the arrival of David Wheeler from Staines Town.
The Grecians have clearly benefited from this level of continuity as they currently lie in 5th place in League Two with an unbeaten home record, which so far reads as played three, won three.
Going into the current campaign, fans of Devon football will no doubt view the achievements last season of Yeovil Town, who reached the Championship for the first time in their history, and Bradford City, who became the first club from the Football League's bottom tier to reach the League Cup for over 50 years, as a cause for optimism for their own team's aspirations.
Between now and the end of May, we will find out whether those dreams will come true or not.
Thursday 5 September 2013
ARGYLE MAKE JOHNSTONE'S PAINT PROGRESS
Plymouth Argyle are now the South West's sole representative in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after they overcame Cheltenham Town on penalties.
Rommy Boco, Lewis Alessandra and debutant Hamza Bencherif all found the target for the Pilgrims during 90 minutes against the Robins at the Abbey Business Stadium as the tie headed to a spot-kick decider.
Boco and Alessandra were on target again for Argyle with their opening two penalties before skipper Conor Hourihane and another debutant Jamie Reckord successfully converted their respective kicks before Marvin Morgan coolly slotted home the fifth and decisive penalty.
Torquay United didn't enjoy the same fortune as they were eliminated 5-3 on penalties by Portsmouth after drawing 0-0 after 90 minutes. Gulls' captain Lee Mansell missed Torquay's third penalty, after Karl Hawley and Callum Ball had scored the Gulls' first two spot-kicks, which ultimately proved to be costly.
However, Torquay do have a chance for revenge on October 26th when they host Pompey in their first league fixture between the two sides in over 30 years.
Exeter City were also knocked out of the competition after they were beaten 2-0 by Wycombe Wanderers at St James' Park. with Matt McClure and Anthony Stewart scoring for the Chairboys.
Elsewhere in the competition, former Argyle loanee Joe Bryan scored the winner for Bristol City in their 2-1 win over City rivals Rovers at Ashton Gate, in the game that was marred by crowd trouble.
Rommy Boco, Lewis Alessandra and debutant Hamza Bencherif all found the target for the Pilgrims during 90 minutes against the Robins at the Abbey Business Stadium as the tie headed to a spot-kick decider.
Boco and Alessandra were on target again for Argyle with their opening two penalties before skipper Conor Hourihane and another debutant Jamie Reckord successfully converted their respective kicks before Marvin Morgan coolly slotted home the fifth and decisive penalty.
Torquay United didn't enjoy the same fortune as they were eliminated 5-3 on penalties by Portsmouth after drawing 0-0 after 90 minutes. Gulls' captain Lee Mansell missed Torquay's third penalty, after Karl Hawley and Callum Ball had scored the Gulls' first two spot-kicks, which ultimately proved to be costly.
However, Torquay do have a chance for revenge on October 26th when they host Pompey in their first league fixture between the two sides in over 30 years.
Exeter City were also knocked out of the competition after they were beaten 2-0 by Wycombe Wanderers at St James' Park. with Matt McClure and Anthony Stewart scoring for the Chairboys.
Elsewhere in the competition, former Argyle loanee Joe Bryan scored the winner for Bristol City in their 2-1 win over City rivals Rovers at Ashton Gate, in the game that was marred by crowd trouble.
Monday 2 September 2013
JUST FONTAINE FOR THE GLOVERS
Bristol City defender Liam Fontaine has linked up with Gary Johnson for a third time in his career after agreeing a loan move to Yeovil Town.
Fontaine, 27, first joined the Glovers in the 2004-05 season when Johnson brought him to Huish Park on loan from Fulham, where he made 15 appearances.
He later returned to South Somerset for a second loan spell during the following season, the 2005-06 campaign, and made a further 10 appearances for Yeovil.
After Johnson left Huish Park for Bristol City, he loaned Fontaine again from Craven Cottage later for the Robins before later making the move into a permanent one.
Whilst at Ashton Gate, Fontaine helped City win promotion to the Championship in the 2006-07 season and remained a regular for the Robins as they missed out on promotion to the Championship when they were beaten 1-0 by Hull City in the Championship Play-Off final in 2008.
His arrival now means that the Glovers currently have six loan players at the club with Wayne Hennessey, Alan Tate, Joe Ralls, Michael Ngoo and another Huish Park returnee Andy Williams all on their books, as well as Fontaine.
This now means Johnson faces the conundrum of leaving one of those six out of his squad of 18 on a match day, as Football League rules permit that only five loanees can be named in any one squad for any competitive fixture.
Fontaine, 27, first joined the Glovers in the 2004-05 season when Johnson brought him to Huish Park on loan from Fulham, where he made 15 appearances.
He later returned to South Somerset for a second loan spell during the following season, the 2005-06 campaign, and made a further 10 appearances for Yeovil.
After Johnson left Huish Park for Bristol City, he loaned Fontaine again from Craven Cottage later for the Robins before later making the move into a permanent one.
Whilst at Ashton Gate, Fontaine helped City win promotion to the Championship in the 2006-07 season and remained a regular for the Robins as they missed out on promotion to the Championship when they were beaten 1-0 by Hull City in the Championship Play-Off final in 2008.
His arrival now means that the Glovers currently have six loan players at the club with Wayne Hennessey, Alan Tate, Joe Ralls, Michael Ngoo and another Huish Park returnee Andy Williams all on their books, as well as Fontaine.
This now means Johnson faces the conundrum of leaving one of those six out of his squad of 18 on a match day, as Football League rules permit that only five loanees can be named in any one squad for any competitive fixture.
ARGYLE MAKE DOUBLE SWOOP
Whilst many clubs are busy concluding last minute deadline day deals, the only of the four South West professional clubs involved in signing any players, so far, has been Plymouth Argyle.
Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan has made two acquisitions in the form of Algerian midfielder Hamza Bencherif and the loan signing of left back Jamie Reckord from Wolves.
Bencherif, 25, has played in England since 2007 and put pen to paper on a short-term deal following a successful trial spell.
He has previously had stints with Nottingham Forest, Lincoln City, Macclesfield Town and Notts County.
Reckord, 21, has represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 levels and also had loan spells with Northampton Town, Scunthorpe United and Coventry City and will remain at Home Park until the beginning of January 2014.
Both players will be available for tomorrow night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Cheltenham Town.
Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan has made two acquisitions in the form of Algerian midfielder Hamza Bencherif and the loan signing of left back Jamie Reckord from Wolves.
Bencherif, 25, has played in England since 2007 and put pen to paper on a short-term deal following a successful trial spell.
He has previously had stints with Nottingham Forest, Lincoln City, Macclesfield Town and Notts County.
Reckord, 21, has represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 levels and also had loan spells with Northampton Town, Scunthorpe United and Coventry City and will remain at Home Park until the beginning of January 2014.
Both players will be available for tomorrow night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Cheltenham Town.
Sunday 1 September 2013
JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY PREVIEW
All three of Devon's professional sides may have crashed out of the Capital One Cup at the first round, but they will have another chance-and arguably a more genuine one- of reaching Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
We will now take an individual look at the prospects of Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United.
The Pilgrims travel to Whaddon Road in what will be manager John Sheridan's first match in the competition since he took charge at Home Park.
Sheridan has won the Trophy before, in 2012, whilst he was in charge of Chesterfield when the Spireites defeated Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town 1-0 in the final at Wembley.
He stated after the draw was made that he would be taking the competition 'very seriously' as it was a tournament that the Pilgrims stood a realistic chance of winning.
It will also be the second time that Argyle have faced the Robins in the competition. Their first meeting came in the 2001-02 season, when Argyle lost 2-1 after taking the lead through David Friio.
The second came in the 2010-11 campaign, under Peter Reid, when the Pilgrims won 2-0 with Steven MacLean and Craig Noone finding the target.
Another similar run in the competition this year would come as a timely boost to the club's finances which would, along with the windfall they recently received from Scott Golbourne's transfer to Wolves, possibly give manager Paul Tisdale extra room for manoeuvre in terms of squad strengthening.
The prospect of the Grecians making initial progress in the competition this term look particularly good as they currently have a 100% home record from their three home games this season.
However, five years on they play each other in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
on equal terms as members of Skybet League Two.
The Gulls famously reached the final of the competition, under one of it's many previous guises as the Sherpa Van Trophy, in 1989 when they lost to Bolton Wanderers, after shocking Wolves in the Southern Area final second leg at Molineux, and would surely love to do so again.
It will also provide manager Alan Knill with a dress rehearsal for their league meeting at Plainmoor, which is due to take place at the end of October.
For Pompey a good run in the competition could help with their long term revival, as they aim to join the list of previous winners that includes Wolves, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic as well as their fierce local rivals Southampton.
Footnote: When Wolverhampton Wanderers enter the competition at the next stage, it will be the first time that they would have played in the competition since their Southern Area final defeat at the hands of the Gulls at Molineux in 1989.
We will now take an individual look at the prospects of Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United.
CHELTENHAM TOWN VS PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
The Pilgrims travel to Whaddon Road in what will be manager John Sheridan's first match in the competition since he took charge at Home Park.
Sheridan has won the Trophy before, in 2012, whilst he was in charge of Chesterfield when the Spireites defeated Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town 1-0 in the final at Wembley.
He stated after the draw was made that he would be taking the competition 'very seriously' as it was a tournament that the Pilgrims stood a realistic chance of winning.
It will also be the second time that Argyle have faced the Robins in the competition. Their first meeting came in the 2001-02 season, when Argyle lost 2-1 after taking the lead through David Friio.
The second came in the 2010-11 campaign, under Peter Reid, when the Pilgrims won 2-0 with Steven MacLean and Craig Noone finding the target.
EXETER CITY VS WYCOMBE WANDERERS
Exeter City's record in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy has seen them reach the Southern Area Final three times (1993, 2000 & 2011) but they have never reached the final. Another similar run in the competition this year would come as a timely boost to the club's finances which would, along with the windfall they recently received from Scott Golbourne's transfer to Wolves, possibly give manager Paul Tisdale extra room for manoeuvre in terms of squad strengthening.
The prospect of the Grecians making initial progress in the competition this term look particularly good as they currently have a 100% home record from their three home games this season.
TORQUAY UNITED VS PORTSMOUTH
In 2008, Torquay United and Portsmouth both played at Wembley, the Gulls
contested the FA Trophy final, which they lost to Ebbsfleet United, whilst
Portsmouth won the FA Cup against Cardiff City. The Gulls famously reached the final of the competition, under one of it's many previous guises as the Sherpa Van Trophy, in 1989 when they lost to Bolton Wanderers, after shocking Wolves in the Southern Area final second leg at Molineux, and would surely love to do so again.
It will also provide manager Alan Knill with a dress rehearsal for their league meeting at Plainmoor, which is due to take place at the end of October.
For Pompey a good run in the competition could help with their long term revival, as they aim to join the list of previous winners that includes Wolves, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic as well as their fierce local rivals Southampton.
Footnote: When Wolverhampton Wanderers enter the competition at the next stage, it will be the first time that they would have played in the competition since their Southern Area final defeat at the hands of the Gulls at Molineux in 1989.
Wednesday 28 August 2013
KNILL'S PASSING OUT PARADE
So far in his career in football, Torquay United manager Alan Knill has surpassed rapper Tinie Tempah, but has yet to emulate Leroy Rosenior.
In case the first part of the opening paragraph has left you stumped- here's an explanation. In his single, Pass Out Mr Tempah stated he had been to Southampton, but hadn't been to Scunthorpe- whereas Knill started his playing career with the Saints and went on to serve Scunny both as a player and as a manager.
The second part of the paragraph refers to the task he is undertaking at Plainmoor in trying to build a side that can lead the Gulls out of League Two and, of course, the last manager to this was Leroy Rosenior in the 2003-04 season.
However, if Saturday's result at the Sixfields Stadium, where Torquay beat Northampton Town 2-1 when a brace from Jordan Chapell cancelled out Jacob Blyth's early opener for the Cobblers, is an indicator of the progress made by the Gulls under Knill, then promotion could be an achievable goal in the long term.
Ironically, the last time the Gulls returned from Northampton victorious was on the opening day of the 2003-04 campaign, when a solitary Jason Fowler proved to be enough to seal the points.
Also, let's not forget that Knill knows what it takes to build a team capable of winning promotion from League Two. After all, he assembled the Bury side that won promotion in the 2010-11 season before he departed for a return to Glanford Park.
However, if Torquay can follow up their victory at the Sixfields Stadium with another three points against Hartlepool then they would further strengthen their credentials as possible dark horses this season.
In case the first part of the opening paragraph has left you stumped- here's an explanation. In his single, Pass Out Mr Tempah stated he had been to Southampton, but hadn't been to Scunthorpe- whereas Knill started his playing career with the Saints and went on to serve Scunny both as a player and as a manager.
The second part of the paragraph refers to the task he is undertaking at Plainmoor in trying to build a side that can lead the Gulls out of League Two and, of course, the last manager to this was Leroy Rosenior in the 2003-04 season.
However, if Saturday's result at the Sixfields Stadium, where Torquay beat Northampton Town 2-1 when a brace from Jordan Chapell cancelled out Jacob Blyth's early opener for the Cobblers, is an indicator of the progress made by the Gulls under Knill, then promotion could be an achievable goal in the long term.
Ironically, the last time the Gulls returned from Northampton victorious was on the opening day of the 2003-04 campaign, when a solitary Jason Fowler proved to be enough to seal the points.
Also, let's not forget that Knill knows what it takes to build a team capable of winning promotion from League Two. After all, he assembled the Bury side that won promotion in the 2010-11 season before he departed for a return to Glanford Park.
However, if Torquay can follow up their victory at the Sixfields Stadium with another three points against Hartlepool then they would further strengthen their credentials as possible dark horses this season.
Friday 23 August 2013
RENEWING A PREVIOUS ACQUAINTANCE
Many of Yeovil Town's fixtures in the Championship this season will reflect just how far the Glovers have come in the last ten years, but their meeting Derby County will have its own added significance.
During their 2002-03 Conference title winning season, current Derby boss Nigel Clough brought his Burton Albion side, who he had lifted the Northern Premier League with in the previous season, to Huish Park.
Yeovil drew 1-1 with the Brewers at their old Eton Park ground before demolishing them 6-1 in the return fixture in Somerset in April 2003 as they looked to bring their 108-year wait for league football to an end.
Back to the present and today's Glovers will be handing a debut to Wales international goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey who arrived at Huish Park on loan from Wolves.
He was manager Gary Johnson's original target to replace broken hand victim Marek Stech, but Hennessey sustained an injury in the warm-up during Wales' recent friendly with the Republic of Ireland, in which Glovers' striker Paddy Madden made his debut for the Republic, forcing Johnson to look elsewhere.
Next on his list of targets was Manchester United rookie Sam Johnstone who, like Hennessey, then became the most recent victim of the Yeovil Town 'goalkeeper injury jinx', as he picked up a knock in the warm-up ahead of their visit to Burnley, but played the full 90 minutes through the pain barrier.
The fact that the Glovers have been able to attract this calibre of goalkeeper further illustrates just how far the club have come in recent times.
During their 2002-03 Conference title winning season, current Derby boss Nigel Clough brought his Burton Albion side, who he had lifted the Northern Premier League with in the previous season, to Huish Park.
Yeovil drew 1-1 with the Brewers at their old Eton Park ground before demolishing them 6-1 in the return fixture in Somerset in April 2003 as they looked to bring their 108-year wait for league football to an end.
Back to the present and today's Glovers will be handing a debut to Wales international goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey who arrived at Huish Park on loan from Wolves.
He was manager Gary Johnson's original target to replace broken hand victim Marek Stech, but Hennessey sustained an injury in the warm-up during Wales' recent friendly with the Republic of Ireland, in which Glovers' striker Paddy Madden made his debut for the Republic, forcing Johnson to look elsewhere.
Next on his list of targets was Manchester United rookie Sam Johnstone who, like Hennessey, then became the most recent victim of the Yeovil Town 'goalkeeper injury jinx', as he picked up a knock in the warm-up ahead of their visit to Burnley, but played the full 90 minutes through the pain barrier.
The fact that the Glovers have been able to attract this calibre of goalkeeper further illustrates just how far the club have come in recent times.
Thursday 15 August 2013
MADDEN EARNS TRAP PRAISE ON IRELAND DEBUT
Yeovil Town striker Paddy Madden earned the praise of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trappatoni after the legendary Italian boss handed him his debut for Eire against Wales.
On the same night that Rickie Lambert scored on his England debut against Scotland, Madden, 23, came on as a sub for Norwich City winger Wes Hoolahan in the 68th minute and came close to finding the target himself for his own international debut.
He forced a strong save from Wales keeper Boaz Myhill, which forced him into a low save to his right, which was one of the best chances in a game that finished goalless draw.
Despite not finding the target, Madden received glowing from former AC Milan, Juventus and Inter manager Trappatoni who hinted that he could receive more caps in the future.
"He looked good, Paddy is a bit like Simon Cox in that he is quick,"said Trappatoni.
"He does not have the same level of experience as Cox but he has a nose for goal. It gives us another offensive possibility. We have three or four strikers. It was good to see him in this friendly and we will continue to follow him as he is fast and he invites passes with how he drifts off defenders. He can be very useful for us."
By appearing for the Irish, Madden joins Andreijs Stolcers and Arron Davies, who both represented Latvia and Wales during their Huish Park tenure, on the list of players who've received international recognition whilst with the Glovers.
On the same night that Rickie Lambert scored on his England debut against Scotland, Madden, 23, came on as a sub for Norwich City winger Wes Hoolahan in the 68th minute and came close to finding the target himself for his own international debut.
He forced a strong save from Wales keeper Boaz Myhill, which forced him into a low save to his right, which was one of the best chances in a game that finished goalless draw.
Despite not finding the target, Madden received glowing from former AC Milan, Juventus and Inter manager Trappatoni who hinted that he could receive more caps in the future.
"He looked good, Paddy is a bit like Simon Cox in that he is quick,"said Trappatoni.
"He does not have the same level of experience as Cox but he has a nose for goal. It gives us another offensive possibility. We have three or four strikers. It was good to see him in this friendly and we will continue to follow him as he is fast and he invites passes with how he drifts off defenders. He can be very useful for us."
By appearing for the Irish, Madden joins Andreijs Stolcers and Arron Davies, who both represented Latvia and Wales during their Huish Park tenure, on the list of players who've received international recognition whilst with the Glovers.
Sunday 11 August 2013
MADDEN CALLED UP TO IRELAND SQUAD
Yeovil Town striker Paddy Madden has been drafted into Giovanni Trappatoni's Republic of Ireland squad for their forthcoming friendly against Wales.
Madden, 23, was previously on stand-by for the squad, but sufficiently impressed Trappatoni's assistant, the legendary former Juventus and Italy midfielder, Marco Tardelli- who was watching Yeovil's home game against Birmingham City- to receive a call-up after Sean St Ledger withdrew through injury.
Millwall's Andy Keogh also joins Madden in being included in the Eire squad.
For Madden, his inclusion represents the fulfillment of a childhood dream after previously representing the Republic at Under-19, Under-21 and Under-23 level.
He topped the League One scoring charts last season, scoring 22 times during the regular league season and also found the back of the net in their Play-Off final victory over Brentford at Wembley, after making his loan move to the Glovers from Carlisle United permanent for a fee of £15,000 in January 2013.
Madden, 23, was previously on stand-by for the squad, but sufficiently impressed Trappatoni's assistant, the legendary former Juventus and Italy midfielder, Marco Tardelli- who was watching Yeovil's home game against Birmingham City- to receive a call-up after Sean St Ledger withdrew through injury.
Millwall's Andy Keogh also joins Madden in being included in the Eire squad.
For Madden, his inclusion represents the fulfillment of a childhood dream after previously representing the Republic at Under-19, Under-21 and Under-23 level.
He topped the League One scoring charts last season, scoring 22 times during the regular league season and also found the back of the net in their Play-Off final victory over Brentford at Wembley, after making his loan move to the Glovers from Carlisle United permanent for a fee of £15,000 in January 2013.
Wednesday 7 August 2013
GLOVERS THROUGH BUT GULLS, PILGRIMS AND GRECIANS OUT
Yeovil Town will be the South West's sole representative in the second round of the Capital One Cup after beating Southend United at Roots Hall.
A first half strike from Irish midfielder Kevin Dawson sealed victory for the Glovers, as manager Gary Johnson gained revenge on Shrimpers' manager Phil Brown for his 2008 Championship Play-Off final loss to Brown's Hull City when he was in charge of Bristol City.
The possibility of drawing Everton or Liverpool now awaits Yeovil.
Plymouth Argyle took Birmingham City- winners of the competition in 2011-to a extra-time after drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes. A Scott Allan brace for the Blues and a double from Lewis Alessandra sent extended the tie by another 30 minutes before Kyle Bartley scored the game's decisive goal on 93 minutes.
Goals from Charlie Austin and Danny Simpson gave Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers victory over Exeter City, whilst Torquay United's barren run in the competition increased to 12 years after they lost 1-0 to Swindon Town, courtesy of a late Andy Williams effort.
A first half strike from Irish midfielder Kevin Dawson sealed victory for the Glovers, as manager Gary Johnson gained revenge on Shrimpers' manager Phil Brown for his 2008 Championship Play-Off final loss to Brown's Hull City when he was in charge of Bristol City.
The possibility of drawing Everton or Liverpool now awaits Yeovil.
Plymouth Argyle took Birmingham City- winners of the competition in 2011-to a extra-time after drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes. A Scott Allan brace for the Blues and a double from Lewis Alessandra sent extended the tie by another 30 minutes before Kyle Bartley scored the game's decisive goal on 93 minutes.
Goals from Charlie Austin and Danny Simpson gave Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers victory over Exeter City, whilst Torquay United's barren run in the competition increased to 12 years after they lost 1-0 to Swindon Town, courtesy of a late Andy Williams effort.
Monday 5 August 2013
IN SEARCH OF CAPITAL GAINS
Now that the opening fixtures of the 2013-14 season are out of the way, the next item on the campaign agenda for the South West sides is the opening round of the Capital One Cup.
After beating Millwall in their first ever Championship fixture-courtesy of an Ed Upson strike- Yeovil Town travel to Southend United who beat Plymouth Argyle thanks to a single effort from former Exeter City striker Barry Corr.
Throughout their history, the Glovers have carved out a reputation as cup giant-killers, but on this occasion they go into the game as the giant as they are currently a Championship side, whilst Southend are in League Two.
Argyle, however, will assume the mantle of the underdog as they head to the West Midlands to face Birmingham City.
Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan knows what it's like to triumph in the League Cup as an underdog as he famously scored the winner for Sheffield Wednesday.
Their opponents-Birmingham- lifted the cup in 2011 when they beat Arsenal, but currently find themselves in a difficult financial off-the-field and have been forced to sell prize assets such as England Under-21 stars Jack Butland and Nathan Redmond.
Sheridan could also hand a debut to new signing Neal Trotman, a central defender who has signed a deal to remain at Home Park until January 2014.
Exeter City will be looking to follow up their 2-1 opening day win for Bristol Rovers, which was sealed with a debut goal from striker Sam Parkin, with a positive display against Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers.
The R's visited St James' Park in pre-season, so the two sides will be familiar with each other.
If Torquay United can replicate the character they showed to recover from being a goal down to snatch a draw against AFC Wimbledon, then the Gulls could pose a number of problems for Swindon Town.
Aussie defender Aaron Downes inadvertently deflected a long range shot from Harry Pell past Martin Rice before he connected with a cross from substitute Niall Thompson to secure a point for Torquay.
The tie will also see Gulls' winger Billy Bodin and striker Elliot Benyon face their former club.
After beating Millwall in their first ever Championship fixture-courtesy of an Ed Upson strike- Yeovil Town travel to Southend United who beat Plymouth Argyle thanks to a single effort from former Exeter City striker Barry Corr.
Throughout their history, the Glovers have carved out a reputation as cup giant-killers, but on this occasion they go into the game as the giant as they are currently a Championship side, whilst Southend are in League Two.
Argyle, however, will assume the mantle of the underdog as they head to the West Midlands to face Birmingham City.
Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan knows what it's like to triumph in the League Cup as an underdog as he famously scored the winner for Sheffield Wednesday.
Their opponents-Birmingham- lifted the cup in 2011 when they beat Arsenal, but currently find themselves in a difficult financial off-the-field and have been forced to sell prize assets such as England Under-21 stars Jack Butland and Nathan Redmond.
Sheridan could also hand a debut to new signing Neal Trotman, a central defender who has signed a deal to remain at Home Park until January 2014.
Exeter City will be looking to follow up their 2-1 opening day win for Bristol Rovers, which was sealed with a debut goal from striker Sam Parkin, with a positive display against Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers.
The R's visited St James' Park in pre-season, so the two sides will be familiar with each other.
If Torquay United can replicate the character they showed to recover from being a goal down to snatch a draw against AFC Wimbledon, then the Gulls could pose a number of problems for Swindon Town.
Aussie defender Aaron Downes inadvertently deflected a long range shot from Harry Pell past Martin Rice before he connected with a cross from substitute Niall Thompson to secure a point for Torquay.
The tie will also see Gulls' winger Billy Bodin and striker Elliot Benyon face their former club.
Friday 2 August 2013
SEASON PREVIEW 2013-14 # YEOVIL TOWN
Last season's league finish: 4th in League One (promoted via the Play-Offs)
Promotion Odds: 250-1
The 2013-14 season will be one of many firsts for Yeovil Town.
For the first time in their history, they will compete in the second tier of English football for the first time ever. They will also start the season as the highest placed league club in the South West-following Bristol City’s relegation to League One and finally they will enter the FA Cup at the third round stage for the first time ever.
In winning promotion last summer, after beating Brentford in the League One Play-Off final last May, the Glovers become the third team to reach the Championship after winning promotion from the Conference- the other two are Colchester and Doncaster.
It was also ironic that Yeovil won promotion last season along with Doncaster, as the duo both won promotion together in the 2002-03 season when the Glovers won the Conference title.
Their promotion to the league was masterminded by Gary Johnson and it was Johnson who guided Yeovil to the Championship in his second coming to Huish Park.
Once again, Johnson has been active in the transfer market and has brought in eight new faces-including three loan signings in the form Billy Clifford, Michael Ngoo and Alan Tate who arrived from Chelsea, Liverpool and Swansea City respectively.
He has kept faith with much of the squad that helped get them there and individuals such as Paddy Madden, James Hayter, Kevin Dawson, Ed Upson and Marek Stech will be looking forward to testing themselves at a higher level.
The phrase 'little old Yeovil' has been used many times to describe the Glovers, but they have a number of factors that they can use to their advantage.
Huish Park will be the only stadium in the Championship with terracing, Yeovil have been given three years to turn the ground into an all-seater stadium should they survive, which is something that many clubs won't be used to over the course of the season.
So if the Glovers can turn Huish Park into a fortress, where many higher-placed and better resourced clubs won't look forward to visiting, then 'little old Yeovil' could cause a few big surprises.
In: Joel Grant (Wycombe Wanderers), Sam Hoskins (Southampton), Kieffer Moore (Dorchester Town), Joey Jones (Leicester City), Michael Ngoo (Liverpool) loan, Billy Clifford (Chelsea) loan, Dan Seaborne (Southampton), Alan Tate (Swansea City) loan
Promotion Odds: 250-1
The 2013-14 season will be one of many firsts for Yeovil Town.
For the first time in their history, they will compete in the second tier of English football for the first time ever. They will also start the season as the highest placed league club in the South West-following Bristol City’s relegation to League One and finally they will enter the FA Cup at the third round stage for the first time ever.
In winning promotion last summer, after beating Brentford in the League One Play-Off final last May, the Glovers become the third team to reach the Championship after winning promotion from the Conference- the other two are Colchester and Doncaster.
It was also ironic that Yeovil won promotion last season along with Doncaster, as the duo both won promotion together in the 2002-03 season when the Glovers won the Conference title.
Their promotion to the league was masterminded by Gary Johnson and it was Johnson who guided Yeovil to the Championship in his second coming to Huish Park.
Once again, Johnson has been active in the transfer market and has brought in eight new faces-including three loan signings in the form Billy Clifford, Michael Ngoo and Alan Tate who arrived from Chelsea, Liverpool and Swansea City respectively.
He has kept faith with much of the squad that helped get them there and individuals such as Paddy Madden, James Hayter, Kevin Dawson, Ed Upson and Marek Stech will be looking forward to testing themselves at a higher level.
The phrase 'little old Yeovil' has been used many times to describe the Glovers, but they have a number of factors that they can use to their advantage.
Huish Park will be the only stadium in the Championship with terracing, Yeovil have been given three years to turn the ground into an all-seater stadium should they survive, which is something that many clubs won't be used to over the course of the season.
So if the Glovers can turn Huish Park into a fortress, where many higher-placed and better resourced clubs won't look forward to visiting, then 'little old Yeovil' could cause a few big surprises.
In: Joel Grant (Wycombe Wanderers), Sam Hoskins (Southampton), Kieffer Moore (Dorchester Town), Joey Jones (Leicester City), Michael Ngoo (Liverpool) loan, Billy Clifford (Chelsea) loan, Dan Seaborne (Southampton), Alan Tate (Swansea City) loan
Out: Richard Hinds (Bury), Gavin Williams (Woking), Dominic Blizzard
(Plymouth Argyle), Reuben Reid (Plymouth Argyle) season long loan
The 2013-14 season will be one of many firsts for Yeovil Town.
KNILL COMPLETES DOUBLE SWOOP FOR STRIKE DUO
Ahead of Torquay United's opening game against AFC Wimbledon, Alan Knill has boosted his attacking options with the double signing of Karl Hawley and Callum Ball.
Hawley, 31, comes with bags of lower league experience, which includes helping Carlisle United to win back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One.
After starting his career with home-town club Walsall, he later had loan spells with Raith Rovers and Hereford United and a short stint with Hednesford United before he signed for the Cumbrians in 2004.
In his first season at Brunton Park, the 2004-05 campaign, he helped Carlisle, who were then managed by Paul Simpson, win promotion from the Conference via the Play-Offs.
Further success followed a year later as he helped the Cumbrians win the League Two title, which earned him a nomination in the PFA League Two team of the season for the 2005-06 campaign.
He then followed Simpson to Preston North End, where he remained for two seasons- and was loaned out to Northampton Town and Colchester United- before he signed for Notts County in 2009, where he remained for three years.
Scunthorpe United was his next port of call when he was snapped up by Alan Knill and he scored 11 times in 39 appearances for the Iron last season.
Ball, 20, has made 29 appearances for Derby County and has scored three times after making his full debut for the Rams on the final day of the 2009-10 season against Cardiff City.
He spent last season on loan at Coventry City, where he made 21 appearances and scored three goals, one of which came against Arsenal in a Capital One Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium.
Hawley, 31, comes with bags of lower league experience, which includes helping Carlisle United to win back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One.
After starting his career with home-town club Walsall, he later had loan spells with Raith Rovers and Hereford United and a short stint with Hednesford United before he signed for the Cumbrians in 2004.
In his first season at Brunton Park, the 2004-05 campaign, he helped Carlisle, who were then managed by Paul Simpson, win promotion from the Conference via the Play-Offs.
Further success followed a year later as he helped the Cumbrians win the League Two title, which earned him a nomination in the PFA League Two team of the season for the 2005-06 campaign.
He then followed Simpson to Preston North End, where he remained for two seasons- and was loaned out to Northampton Town and Colchester United- before he signed for Notts County in 2009, where he remained for three years.
Scunthorpe United was his next port of call when he was snapped up by Alan Knill and he scored 11 times in 39 appearances for the Iron last season.
Ball, 20, has made 29 appearances for Derby County and has scored three times after making his full debut for the Rams on the final day of the 2009-10 season against Cardiff City.
He spent last season on loan at Coventry City, where he made 21 appearances and scored three goals, one of which came against Arsenal in a Capital One Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium.
Thursday 1 August 2013
SEASON PREVIEW 2013-14 # PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Last season's League finish: 21st in League Two
Promotion odds: 33-1
After five relegation battles in consecutive seasons across three different divisions, Plymouth Argyle are looking forward to a brighter future as manager John Sheridan embarks on his first full season in charge.
Since Sheridan replaced Carl Fletcher in the Home Park hot seat in January, the Pilgrims' fortunes have dramatically improved and, after busy spells of recruitment in January and the close season, the Argyle squad is now very much his own.
Amongst his summer recruits was goalkeeper Luke McCormick who returns to the Pilgrims five years after he was dismissed for causing death by dangerous driving.
McCormick was part of the Argyle squad that clinched the 'old' Division Three title in the 2001-02 season, when he spent much of the season battling for the goalkeeper's spot with Romain Larrieu.
He will spend this season challenging Jake Cole for the position, which will ensure a level of competition for the role not seen at Home Park since McCormick and Larrieu battled it out for selection.
Sheridan has also looked bolster his goal scoring options, which was an area of concern for the Pilgrims last season as loan signing Jason Banton finished last season as Argyle's top scorer with only six goals.
Marvin Morgan joined from Shrewsbury whilst Reuben Reid returns to Home Park again from Yeovil-this time on a season-long loan and Lewis Alessandra and Rommy Boco, signed from Morecambe and Accrington Stanley respectively, will also offer an extra goal threat.
Youngster Tyler Harvey, who was linked with Cardiff City and Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer, will also be looking to build on a promising season last term, which saw him nominated for the League Two apprentice of the year award.
Skipper Conor Hourihane will also be looking to chip in with a few goals from midfield after finding the back of the net five times last season from the middle of the park.
In defence, experienced Guy Branston looks set to partner Curtis Nelson in the middle of the back line with Durrell Berry being deployed at right back with new signing Andre Blackman, who is under contract until January 2014, filling the void left by Onismor Bhasera on the left hand side.
If the Pilgrims can replicate their home form under Sheridan shown in the 2012-13 season-which read played ten, won five, drawn three, lost two-in the forthcoming campaign, then a top ten finish, or even a Play-Off challenge may not be beyond them.
In: Luke McCormick (Oxford United), Lewis Alessandra (Morecambe),
Reuben Reid (Yeovil Town ) season long loan, Dominic Blizzard (Yeovil Town ),
Marvin Morgan (Shrewsbury
Town
Out: Anthony Charles (Luton Town ), Paris Cowan-Hall (Wycombe Wanderers), Rene
Gilmartin (St Patrick’s Athletic), Jared Sims (Truro City
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