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.
Wednesday 28 August 2013
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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