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.