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.
Thursday 28 November 2013
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.
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