Former Argyle striker Sean McCarthy has re-joined the Pilgrims for a third time-as first team coach as part of John Sheridan's new look backroom staff.
McCarthy first joined Argyle in 1988 from Swansea City and stayed at Home Park for two years before moving to Bradford City.
He then went on to play for Oldham Athletic and Bristol City before returning to Argyle when he was re-signed by his former team-mate Kevin Hodges in 1998.
Sean's second stint at Home Park lasted for three years, during which time he scored his 200th career league goal and bagged himself a brace in Argyle's first ever win under Paul Sturrock-a 2-0 away victory over Exeter City.
Following his release by the Pilgrims-Sean joined the Grecians and was sent-off when the two sides met at Home Park in March 2002 for a challenge on Graham Coughlan in a game Exeter lost 3-0.
After hanging up his boots, Sean enjoyed a successful spell as manager of Truro City, who he guided to the Southern League Division One South and West title in the 2008-09 season.
More recently, Sean has been working as assistant manager to his former Bradford City team-mate Paul Jewell.
He joins a backroom staff that includes assistant manager Gary Owers, fitness coach John Harbin, goalkeeping coach Rhys Wilmot and Chief Scout Darren Sheridan, John Sheridan's brother.
Wednesday 26 June 2013
ONE IN AND TWO OUT FOR THE PILGRIMS
John Sheridan is continuing with re-shaping his Plymouth Argyle squad ahead of the 2013-14 season with the acquisition of midfielder Dominic Blizzard from Yeovil Town.
Blizzard, 27, can play in the centre of midfield and was one of three players released by Gary Johnson following the Glovers' promotion to the Championship.
His arrival now increases the ex-Yeovil contingent at Argyle to three, a group which includes Paul Wotton and Reuben Reid.
Heading in the opposite direction out of the door at Home Park is goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin and forward Paris Cowan-Hall.
Gilmartin leaves the Pilgrims by mutual consent as Luke McCormick's arrival saw him drop down the goalkeeping pecking order.
Cowan-Hall is heading for Wycombe Wanderers after agreeing a two-year deal with Wycombe Wanderers.
The duo's departure now means that Paul Wotton, Maxime Blanchard, Nick Chadwick and Andres Gurrieri, who recently agreed a new deal to stay at Home Park, are the only two current Plymouth Argyle players who were brought to the club by Sheridan's predecessor, as manager, Carl Fletcher.
Blizzard, 27, can play in the centre of midfield and was one of three players released by Gary Johnson following the Glovers' promotion to the Championship.
His arrival now increases the ex-Yeovil contingent at Argyle to three, a group which includes Paul Wotton and Reuben Reid.
Heading in the opposite direction out of the door at Home Park is goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin and forward Paris Cowan-Hall.
Gilmartin leaves the Pilgrims by mutual consent as Luke McCormick's arrival saw him drop down the goalkeeping pecking order.
Cowan-Hall is heading for Wycombe Wanderers after agreeing a two-year deal with Wycombe Wanderers.
The duo's departure now means that Paul Wotton, Maxime Blanchard, Nick Chadwick and Andres Gurrieri, who recently agreed a new deal to stay at Home Park, are the only two current Plymouth Argyle players who were brought to the club by Sheridan's predecessor, as manager, Carl Fletcher.
Sunday 23 June 2013
SHERIDAN ADDS HARBIN TO BACKROOM STAFF
Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan has made a crucial addition to his backroom staff ahead of the 2013-14 season in the form of fitness coach John Harbin.
Australian Harbin, 65, first worked with Sheridan at Oldham Athletic, whilst the Argyle boss was coming towards the end of his playing career, where he was employed, by the then Latics' manager Iain Dowie, as a fitness coach and sports pyschologist after coaching English Rugby League sides Wakefield Wildcats and Oldham Roughyeds.
Following his spell at Boundary Park, Harbin then worked with Dowie at Charlton Athletic, QPR and Coventry City and also worked with Paulo Sousa at Swansea City before returning Down Under in 2009.
Until late 2012, he was the coach of Central Queensland Capras, a semi-professional rugby league side.
More recently, Harbin has been working as the Rockhampton Rustlers coaching development officer over the past six months and is well respected in football circles.
The deal also includes a get-out clause, which would allow him to return to Australia at the end of the season.
This development represents a huge coup for the Pilgrims, who look set to benefit hugely from his experience, just days after they agreed to re-sign striker Reuben Reid on a season-long loan from Yeovil Town.
Australian Harbin, 65, first worked with Sheridan at Oldham Athletic, whilst the Argyle boss was coming towards the end of his playing career, where he was employed, by the then Latics' manager Iain Dowie, as a fitness coach and sports pyschologist after coaching English Rugby League sides Wakefield Wildcats and Oldham Roughyeds.
Following his spell at Boundary Park, Harbin then worked with Dowie at Charlton Athletic, QPR and Coventry City and also worked with Paulo Sousa at Swansea City before returning Down Under in 2009.
Until late 2012, he was the coach of Central Queensland Capras, a semi-professional rugby league side.
More recently, Harbin has been working as the Rockhampton Rustlers coaching development officer over the past six months and is well respected in football circles.
The deal also includes a get-out clause, which would allow him to return to Australia at the end of the season.
This development represents a huge coup for the Pilgrims, who look set to benefit hugely from his experience, just days after they agreed to re-sign striker Reuben Reid on a season-long loan from Yeovil Town.
Wednesday 19 June 2013
TORQUAY TIE UP BRASS AND DOWNES
Torquay United have stepped up their preparation ahead of the 2013-14 campaign by securing the signatures of assistant manager Chris Brass and Player of the Year Aaron Downes.
Brass, 37, worked alongside Gulls' manager Alan Knill at both Bury and Scunthorpe United before joining up with Knill again at Plainmoor when Knill was appointed as interim manager when Martin Ling was on sick leave.
The move marks a permanent return to Torquay for Brass who enjoyed a successful spell on loan with the Gulls during the 1994-95 season from Burnley before returning to Turf Moor where he established himself as a first team regular.
He later joined York City and also managed the Minstermen during the 2003-04 season at the age of 27, which made him the youngest manager in the Football League at the time.
Unfortunately, due to financial problems at Bootham Crescent at the time, Brass was unable to stop York slipping out of the Football League.
After leaving the Minstermen, Chris later had spells with Harrogate Town, Bury and Hyde United he then took charge of Bury's Centre of Excellence before serving as assistant to Chris Casper and Knill.
As the result of this development, former assistant manager Shaun Taylor, who had been placed on gardening leave, will be leaving the club.
Australian defender Downes, 28, who previously worked with Knill at Chesterfield earlier in his career, has committed himself to a two-year deal at Plainmoor.
However, the reigning Gulls' Player of the Year is set to be playing alongside a new central defensive partner as Brian Saah is set to leave Plainmoor as he looks set for a return to his native London.
Brass, 37, worked alongside Gulls' manager Alan Knill at both Bury and Scunthorpe United before joining up with Knill again at Plainmoor when Knill was appointed as interim manager when Martin Ling was on sick leave.
The move marks a permanent return to Torquay for Brass who enjoyed a successful spell on loan with the Gulls during the 1994-95 season from Burnley before returning to Turf Moor where he established himself as a first team regular.
He later joined York City and also managed the Minstermen during the 2003-04 season at the age of 27, which made him the youngest manager in the Football League at the time.
Unfortunately, due to financial problems at Bootham Crescent at the time, Brass was unable to stop York slipping out of the Football League.
After leaving the Minstermen, Chris later had spells with Harrogate Town, Bury and Hyde United he then took charge of Bury's Centre of Excellence before serving as assistant to Chris Casper and Knill.
As the result of this development, former assistant manager Shaun Taylor, who had been placed on gardening leave, will be leaving the club.
Australian defender Downes, 28, who previously worked with Knill at Chesterfield earlier in his career, has committed himself to a two-year deal at Plainmoor.
However, the reigning Gulls' Player of the Year is set to be playing alongside a new central defensive partner as Brian Saah is set to leave Plainmoor as he looks set for a return to his native London.
GLOVERS FACE JOURNEY TO THE LIONS' DEN
For their first league fixture as a Championship side, Yeovil Town travel to the New Den to play Millwall whilst the three Devon sides also face potentially tricky encounters.
The Glovers head to South London on August 3rd for a fixture which will also be Steve Lomas's first game in charge of the Lions after he was appointed to succeed Kenny Jackett during the close season.
A week later, Yeovil host Birmingham City in their first Championship encounter at Huish Park, which they will be expecting a bumper crowd for.
One fixture of note will be their clash with Wigan Athletic at Huish Park on Saturday November 9th, which looks set to be moved to a Sunday as the FA Cup winning Latics are due to be in Europa League action on the Thursday beforehand.
Over the festive season, the Glovers will be making the short journey to Dorset to face fellow promotion winners AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day and on New Years' Day they will be hosting Gianfranco Zola's Watford.
Yeovil will end their campaign on May 3rd 2014 with a home fixture against Middlesbrough.
Exeter City and Torquay United will both be starting their respective League Two campaigns with home fixtures as they entertain Bristol Rovers and AFC Wimbledon respectively.
The following week will see them both head north for the first away fixtures of the season as the Grecians travel to newly promoted Mansfield Town whilst the Gulls face a repeat of their penultimate League Two fixture of last season against Morecambe-which they won 2-0.
They will meet each other over the festive period on Sunday 29th December at Plainmoor and three days later, on New Years' Day, Torquay will travel to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle and the Grecians host Wycombe Wanderers.
On the final day of the season the Gulls play Wycombe at home and the Grecians face their longest away trip of the campaign as they take on Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.
Plymouth Argyle begin their League Two campaign, their first full season under John Sheridan, with a trip to Southend United before playing Fleetwood Town the following week in their first game at Home Park.
On Boxing Day, Argyle travel to Oxford United before they host AFC Wimbledon on December 29th, ahead of their New Years' Day Devon Derby clash with Torquay United.
The Pilgrims will finish their campaign with a trip to Fratton Park for a 'Dockyard Derby' encounter with Portsmouth.
The Glovers head to South London on August 3rd for a fixture which will also be Steve Lomas's first game in charge of the Lions after he was appointed to succeed Kenny Jackett during the close season.
A week later, Yeovil host Birmingham City in their first Championship encounter at Huish Park, which they will be expecting a bumper crowd for.
One fixture of note will be their clash with Wigan Athletic at Huish Park on Saturday November 9th, which looks set to be moved to a Sunday as the FA Cup winning Latics are due to be in Europa League action on the Thursday beforehand.
Over the festive season, the Glovers will be making the short journey to Dorset to face fellow promotion winners AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day and on New Years' Day they will be hosting Gianfranco Zola's Watford.
Yeovil will end their campaign on May 3rd 2014 with a home fixture against Middlesbrough.
Exeter City and Torquay United will both be starting their respective League Two campaigns with home fixtures as they entertain Bristol Rovers and AFC Wimbledon respectively.
The following week will see them both head north for the first away fixtures of the season as the Grecians travel to newly promoted Mansfield Town whilst the Gulls face a repeat of their penultimate League Two fixture of last season against Morecambe-which they won 2-0.
They will meet each other over the festive period on Sunday 29th December at Plainmoor and three days later, on New Years' Day, Torquay will travel to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle and the Grecians host Wycombe Wanderers.
On the final day of the season the Gulls play Wycombe at home and the Grecians face their longest away trip of the campaign as they take on Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.
Plymouth Argyle begin their League Two campaign, their first full season under John Sheridan, with a trip to Southend United before playing Fleetwood Town the following week in their first game at Home Park.
On Boxing Day, Argyle travel to Oxford United before they host AFC Wimbledon on December 29th, ahead of their New Years' Day Devon Derby clash with Torquay United.
The Pilgrims will finish their campaign with a trip to Fratton Park for a 'Dockyard Derby' encounter with Portsmouth.
Monday 17 June 2013
SOUTH WEST SIDES SEARCHING FOR CAPITAL GAINS
The 2013-14 Capital One Cup 1st round will see Devon's three professional sides face former winners of the competition, whilst Championship new boys Yeovil Town travel to a team they are yet to meet in the cup.
Plymouth Argyle who are managed by John Sheridan, the scorer of the winning goal in the 1991 Rumbelows Cup final for Sheffield Wednesday against Manchester United, will travel to face Birmingham City, winners of the competition in 2011.
Argyle have been paired with the Blues twice in the cup before-in the 1993-94 season and again in 1995-96 where they were beaten 3-2 and 3-1 on aggregate respectively.
Incidentally, the Pilgrims did manage to win the second leg of their 1993-94 tie 2-0 at Home Park, a game which saw the late Alan Nicholls handed his debut by then manager Peter Shilton.
Exeter City will play host to Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers, winners in 1967, almost one month after the Grecians host the West London side at St James' Park in a pre-season friendly.
It will also mean a second return to Exeter in the space of a month for former Grecians' striker Jamie Mackie.
Torquay United are on their travels, making the relatively short journey to Wiltshire to play 1969 winners Swindon Town at the County Ground.
The Gulls have previously been drawn against the Robins twice before in the competition-in the 1986-87 and 1992-93 seasons. On each occasion, Torquay suffering heavy aggregate defeats losing 6-2 and 9-2 on aggregate respectively.
Yeovil Town, in their first season as a Championship club, travel to Essex to face Southend United in what will be the first knock out cup meeting between the two clubs.
They have met each other 12 times in the league previously, but this will be their first cup encounter.
Plymouth Argyle who are managed by John Sheridan, the scorer of the winning goal in the 1991 Rumbelows Cup final for Sheffield Wednesday against Manchester United, will travel to face Birmingham City, winners of the competition in 2011.
Argyle have been paired with the Blues twice in the cup before-in the 1993-94 season and again in 1995-96 where they were beaten 3-2 and 3-1 on aggregate respectively.
Incidentally, the Pilgrims did manage to win the second leg of their 1993-94 tie 2-0 at Home Park, a game which saw the late Alan Nicholls handed his debut by then manager Peter Shilton.
Exeter City will play host to Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers, winners in 1967, almost one month after the Grecians host the West London side at St James' Park in a pre-season friendly.
It will also mean a second return to Exeter in the space of a month for former Grecians' striker Jamie Mackie.
Torquay United are on their travels, making the relatively short journey to Wiltshire to play 1969 winners Swindon Town at the County Ground.
The Gulls have previously been drawn against the Robins twice before in the competition-in the 1986-87 and 1992-93 seasons. On each occasion, Torquay suffering heavy aggregate defeats losing 6-2 and 9-2 on aggregate respectively.
Yeovil Town, in their first season as a Championship club, travel to Essex to face Southend United in what will be the first knock out cup meeting between the two clubs.
They have met each other 12 times in the league previously, but this will be their first cup encounter.
Tuesday 11 June 2013
ARGYLE ADD ALESSANDRA
Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan has completed his second close season capture by securing the signature of winger Lewis Alessandra from Morecambe.
Alessandra, 24, who can play on either wing or upfront, is a familiar figure to Sheridan as he handed him his debut as a 18-year-old when he was manager of Oldham Athletic in 2007.
He remained with the Latics until 2011 when he joined Morecambe on a free transfer.
During his stay at the Globe Arena he made 93 appearances and scored eight goals for the Shrimps, including their opener in Morecambe's Capital One Cup 1st round victory over Blackpool.
Lewis has agreed a two-year deal with the Pilgrims.
Alessandra, 24, who can play on either wing or upfront, is a familiar figure to Sheridan as he handed him his debut as a 18-year-old when he was manager of Oldham Athletic in 2007.
He remained with the Latics until 2011 when he joined Morecambe on a free transfer.
During his stay at the Globe Arena he made 93 appearances and scored eight goals for the Shrimps, including their opener in Morecambe's Capital One Cup 1st round victory over Blackpool.
Lewis has agreed a two-year deal with the Pilgrims.
Monday 10 June 2013
ALL QUIET ON THE SOUTH WESTERN FRONT
With the Capital One Cup 1st round draw due to take place a week today and the Football League fixtures due for release next Wednesday-transfer activity for South West clubs has been predictably quiet thus far.
Plymouth Argyle have so far been the only club to acquire a new signing in the shape of the returning Luke McCormick, but the Pilgrims have been linked with several other names.
Striker Reuben Reid, who spent last season on loan at Home Park from Yeovil Town, has been linked with a permanent return to Argyle and midfielder Peter Leven, who played under manager John Sheridan at Chesterfield have both been sounded out as possible transfer targets for the Pilgrims.
However, one name that could be interested in a potential move to Argyle is former Pilgrims' youngster Ryan Dickson who was released by Southampton.
Since leaving Home Park in 2008, Dickson has had spells with Brentford and the Saints as well as loan stints at Yeovil, Leyton Orient and Bradford City.
He can play as a left midfielder or at left back, where he could fill in for Zimbabwean Onismor Bhasera, who is one of several out-of-contract players that Sheridan is waiting on a response from, should he decide his future lies away from Home Park.
Torquay United have been heavily tipped to secure the signature of Elliot Benyon for a second time, following the striker's successful loan spell at the club towards the end of last season.
The Gulls will also be looking to further boost their attacking options as last season's leading scorer Rene Howe is being strongly linked with a number of clubs, including Oxford United, Southend United and even Plymouth Argyle.
Paul Tisdale is playing a waiting game as he looks to find additions to his Exeter City squad ahead of the upcoming 2013-14 campaign.
Tisdale, who is now English football's second longest serving manager, will be working with a reduced budget next term after being forced to let a number of players leave St James' Park, including leading scorer Jamie Cureton as well as Kevin Amankwaah and Mark Moseley, and is set to rely on a number of youngsters.
Ahead of Yeovil Town's maiden season in English football second tier, manager Gary Johnson is on the look out for a number of players he has described as 'Gary's gambles' as he looks for new faces to aid the Glovers' Championship cause.
Johnson has allowed three players to leave Huish Park, fan's favourite Gavin Williams, experienced defender Richard Hinds and midfielder Dominic Blizzard, in his retained list and there is also the possibility of using the loan market- a system that has served the Glovers well in the past.
Names such as Steven Caulker, Alex McCarthy, Shaun MacDonald, Ryan Mason and Jon Obika have used loan spells at Huish Park to help further their careers and before them players such as Leon Best and Asmir Begovic also appeared for the Glovers.
Last season, defender Dan Burn played a starring role for the Glovers whilst on loan from Fulham.
It may seem quiet at the moment, but that silence won't last for long.
Plymouth Argyle have so far been the only club to acquire a new signing in the shape of the returning Luke McCormick, but the Pilgrims have been linked with several other names.
Striker Reuben Reid, who spent last season on loan at Home Park from Yeovil Town, has been linked with a permanent return to Argyle and midfielder Peter Leven, who played under manager John Sheridan at Chesterfield have both been sounded out as possible transfer targets for the Pilgrims.
However, one name that could be interested in a potential move to Argyle is former Pilgrims' youngster Ryan Dickson who was released by Southampton.
Since leaving Home Park in 2008, Dickson has had spells with Brentford and the Saints as well as loan stints at Yeovil, Leyton Orient and Bradford City.
He can play as a left midfielder or at left back, where he could fill in for Zimbabwean Onismor Bhasera, who is one of several out-of-contract players that Sheridan is waiting on a response from, should he decide his future lies away from Home Park.
Torquay United have been heavily tipped to secure the signature of Elliot Benyon for a second time, following the striker's successful loan spell at the club towards the end of last season.
The Gulls will also be looking to further boost their attacking options as last season's leading scorer Rene Howe is being strongly linked with a number of clubs, including Oxford United, Southend United and even Plymouth Argyle.
Paul Tisdale is playing a waiting game as he looks to find additions to his Exeter City squad ahead of the upcoming 2013-14 campaign.
Tisdale, who is now English football's second longest serving manager, will be working with a reduced budget next term after being forced to let a number of players leave St James' Park, including leading scorer Jamie Cureton as well as Kevin Amankwaah and Mark Moseley, and is set to rely on a number of youngsters.
Ahead of Yeovil Town's maiden season in English football second tier, manager Gary Johnson is on the look out for a number of players he has described as 'Gary's gambles' as he looks for new faces to aid the Glovers' Championship cause.
Johnson has allowed three players to leave Huish Park, fan's favourite Gavin Williams, experienced defender Richard Hinds and midfielder Dominic Blizzard, in his retained list and there is also the possibility of using the loan market- a system that has served the Glovers well in the past.
Names such as Steven Caulker, Alex McCarthy, Shaun MacDonald, Ryan Mason and Jon Obika have used loan spells at Huish Park to help further their careers and before them players such as Leon Best and Asmir Begovic also appeared for the Glovers.
Last season, defender Dan Burn played a starring role for the Glovers whilst on loan from Fulham.
It may seem quiet at the moment, but that silence won't last for long.
Monday 3 June 2013
PROMOTED TRIO HELP INCREASE SOUTH WEST PREMIERSHIP QUOTA
Following the promotions of Cardiff City, Hull City and Crystal Palace from the Npower Championship, the number of players with South West footballing connections has dramatically increased.
Malky MacKay's Cardiff clinched the Championship title to end a 51-year wait for top-flight football for the Bluebirds and former Plymouth Argyle duo Craig Noone and Joe Mason made significant contributions to their cause.
Noone, who left Home Park in January 2011 to join Brighton and Hove Albion for a fee in the region of £300,000, joined the Bluebirds at the start of the 2012-13 campaign.
He established himself as a regular for Cardiff and scored seven goals in 36 appearances. Noone also had a loan spell with Exeter City earlier in his career with the Pilgrims.
Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Mason, who joined Cardiff from Argyle at the end of the 2010-11 season whilst the Pilgrims were in Administration, found the back of the net six times in 29 appearances for the Bluebirds.
He will no doubt be relishing the opportunity to play in the Premiership after scoring the Bluebirds' opening goal in their League Cup final appearance last year against Liverpool, which Cardiff lost on penalties after drawing 2-2 after 120 minutes.
Second-placed Hull City boasted three players who have served time with South West clubs amongst their ranks, including two former Plymouth Argyle loanees James Chester and David Stockdale.
Former Manchester United defender Chester made three appearances for the Pilgrims during the 2009-10 season and was a regular in the Tigers' defence this season-appearing on 48 occasions and scoring once.
Goalkeeper David Stockdale arrived on loan from Fulham and made 24 appearances for Steve Bruce's side. He performed a similar role for Argyle during the 2009-10 season after being snapped up by Paul Mariner on loan, as they Pilgrims were relegated from the Championship.
Another mainstay of the Hull backline was Liam Rosenior, the son of former Torquay United manager Leroy Rosenior, who made 36 appearances for the Tigers at right back.
Ex England Under-21 cap Rosenior was brought to Plainmoor on loan by his dad during the 2003-04 season and he appeared 10 times for the Gulls as they won automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years.
However, Play-Off winners Crystal Palace provided the highest number of personnel with South West links.
Perhaps the best known of these is manager Ian Holloway, the former Plymouth Argyle manager and ex Torquay United loanee, who masterminded the Eagles' promotion bid.
Palace are now the second club after Blackpool that Holloway has guided to the top-flight.
His squad contains a number of players with Home Park connections, including winger Yala Bolasie, who arrived at Selhurst Park from Bristol City having left the Pilgrims in the summer 2011, defender Darcy Blake who last appeared for the Eagles last December, Jermaine Easter, the last player signed by Holloway during his time at Home Park who spent the final months of the season on loan at Millwall, and Jason Banton who only appeared for Palace once in the FA Cup against Stoke City, but enjoyed a successful loan spell with Argyle where he scored six goals and won the Npower League Two Player of the Month award for March.
It is likely that Banton will be loaned out again next season by Holloway with Argyle manager John Sheridan admitting he would like to bring him back to the Pilgrims.
One player who will be looking forward to testing himself in the Premiership, particularly when the Eagles visit Old Trafford, will be their former Exeter City defender Dean Moxey.
As a youngster with the Grecians, Exeter-born Moxey was part of the Exeter side which famously drew 0-0 with Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup in the 2004-05 season.
He later helped Exeter win back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One before prior joining Derby County prior to his move to Selhurst Park. Moxey has also been capped by England C.
Fans of Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United will be watching their progress with interest.
Malky MacKay's Cardiff clinched the Championship title to end a 51-year wait for top-flight football for the Bluebirds and former Plymouth Argyle duo Craig Noone and Joe Mason made significant contributions to their cause.
Noone, who left Home Park in January 2011 to join Brighton and Hove Albion for a fee in the region of £300,000, joined the Bluebirds at the start of the 2012-13 campaign.
He established himself as a regular for Cardiff and scored seven goals in 36 appearances. Noone also had a loan spell with Exeter City earlier in his career with the Pilgrims.
Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Mason, who joined Cardiff from Argyle at the end of the 2010-11 season whilst the Pilgrims were in Administration, found the back of the net six times in 29 appearances for the Bluebirds.
He will no doubt be relishing the opportunity to play in the Premiership after scoring the Bluebirds' opening goal in their League Cup final appearance last year against Liverpool, which Cardiff lost on penalties after drawing 2-2 after 120 minutes.
Second-placed Hull City boasted three players who have served time with South West clubs amongst their ranks, including two former Plymouth Argyle loanees James Chester and David Stockdale.
Former Manchester United defender Chester made three appearances for the Pilgrims during the 2009-10 season and was a regular in the Tigers' defence this season-appearing on 48 occasions and scoring once.
Goalkeeper David Stockdale arrived on loan from Fulham and made 24 appearances for Steve Bruce's side. He performed a similar role for Argyle during the 2009-10 season after being snapped up by Paul Mariner on loan, as they Pilgrims were relegated from the Championship.
Another mainstay of the Hull backline was Liam Rosenior, the son of former Torquay United manager Leroy Rosenior, who made 36 appearances for the Tigers at right back.
Ex England Under-21 cap Rosenior was brought to Plainmoor on loan by his dad during the 2003-04 season and he appeared 10 times for the Gulls as they won automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years.
However, Play-Off winners Crystal Palace provided the highest number of personnel with South West links.
Perhaps the best known of these is manager Ian Holloway, the former Plymouth Argyle manager and ex Torquay United loanee, who masterminded the Eagles' promotion bid.
Palace are now the second club after Blackpool that Holloway has guided to the top-flight.
His squad contains a number of players with Home Park connections, including winger Yala Bolasie, who arrived at Selhurst Park from Bristol City having left the Pilgrims in the summer 2011, defender Darcy Blake who last appeared for the Eagles last December, Jermaine Easter, the last player signed by Holloway during his time at Home Park who spent the final months of the season on loan at Millwall, and Jason Banton who only appeared for Palace once in the FA Cup against Stoke City, but enjoyed a successful loan spell with Argyle where he scored six goals and won the Npower League Two Player of the Month award for March.
It is likely that Banton will be loaned out again next season by Holloway with Argyle manager John Sheridan admitting he would like to bring him back to the Pilgrims.
One player who will be looking forward to testing himself in the Premiership, particularly when the Eagles visit Old Trafford, will be their former Exeter City defender Dean Moxey.
As a youngster with the Grecians, Exeter-born Moxey was part of the Exeter side which famously drew 0-0 with Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup in the 2004-05 season.
He later helped Exeter win back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One before prior joining Derby County prior to his move to Selhurst Park. Moxey has also been capped by England C.
Fans of Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United will be watching their progress with interest.
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