Torquay United manager Chris Hargreaves is facing a series of potentially season defining fixtures as they face four of their five fellow members of the bottom six of League Two.
The phrase 'six-pointer' was probably invented with the Gulls upcoming league encounters with Portsmouth (a), Bury (h), Northampton Town (h) and Accrington Stanley (h) in mind.
For good measure, they are also due to travel to second placed Chesterfield before the month is out as well.
Their re-arranged home fixture with Northampton on February 11th-which had been due to take place in mid January, but was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch- will also have the added spice of an early return to Plainmoor for former manager Alan Knill, who was recently named as assistant to the Cobblers' new manager Chris Wilder.
Home advantage in the games against Bury and Accrington, as well as the Northampton fixture, will almost certainly be a major advantage to the Gulls, and as long as they don't find themselves rooted to the foot of the table by the time March comes around-which would be their worst case scenario-then Hargreaves and his players could be well on course to complete their survival target.
Before then, there is the small matter of Hargreaves's first game in charge at Plainmoor on Tuesday night against Burton Albion; and the Gulls' boss will be looking to make a winning return as manager.
Monday 27 January 2014
Sunday 26 January 2014
GLOVERS CUP RUN ENDED BY FORMER ARGYLE YOUNGSTER
Yeovil Town's latest FA Cup run came to an end against Southampton, partly thanks to a player born around 60 miles from Huish Park.
Saints starlet Sam Gallagher- who was born in Crediton, and was formerly with Plymouth Argyle-scored Southampton's second goal of the tie on 70 minutes, after Guly Do Prado had given Mauricio Pocchettino's men the lead in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot.
It was Gallagher's first senior for the Saints who he joined in 2012 from the Pilgrims, despite interest from Everton and Newcastle, following in the footsteps of another ex Argyle prospect Jack Stephens.
Gallagher had made his debut for Southampton earlier in the season in their Capital One cup fourth round exit at the hands of Sunderland.
Saints starlet Sam Gallagher- who was born in Crediton, and was formerly with Plymouth Argyle-scored Southampton's second goal of the tie on 70 minutes, after Guly Do Prado had given Mauricio Pocchettino's men the lead in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot.
It was Gallagher's first senior for the Saints who he joined in 2012 from the Pilgrims, despite interest from Everton and Newcastle, following in the footsteps of another ex Argyle prospect Jack Stephens.
Gallagher had made his debut for Southampton earlier in the season in their Capital One cup fourth round exit at the hands of Sunderland.
Thursday 23 January 2014
THE APPRENTICE CHALLENGES ONE OF HIS MASTERS
In his second match as Torquay United manager, Chris Hargreaves is set to face one of his former clubs, Oxford United, and one of his former managers- Chris Wilder.
The Gulls travel to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday in the match that will see Hargreaves cross swords- in managerial terms- with Wilder, who signed him for the U's in January 2010; a move which saw him leave Plainmoor after two-and-a-half-years, during which time he had helped inspire Torquay to promotion from the Conference.
Prior to his arrival in south Devon, Hargreaves had spent two years at the Kassam Stadium between 2005 and 2007. There was an element of unfinished business involved in his return to the U's as they had been relegated from the Football League, and missed out on promotion from the Conference by losing to Exeter City on penalties.
Pleasingly during Hargreaves' second stint, Oxford clinched their return to League Two with a Play-Off final victory over York City. Although he didn't play in the final, his experience of winning promotion with the Gulls a year earlier still played a crucial part in the U's success.
As well as facing one of his former managers, Hargreaves will also be up against one of his former Torquay midfield colleagues in the form of Nicky Wroe, who recently joined Oxford on loan from his current club Preston North End.
The Gulls will be particularly keen to return to action after last week's fixture with Northampton Town was postponed, and they will also be eager to take advantage of the U's strangely inconsistent home form, which reads: played 14, won four, drawn five and lost five.
This record is completely at odds with their away record, which makes them the only side yet to lose a league fixture away from home- including a 3-1 win over Torquay at Plainmoor on August 17th 2013.
Footnote: Following Graham Turner's departure from Shrewsbury Town earlier this week, Chris Wilder is the only current Football League manager who Chris Hargreaves played under during his career. The Gulls' boss served under Turner whilst he was at Hereford United between 1996 and 1998.
The Gulls travel to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday in the match that will see Hargreaves cross swords- in managerial terms- with Wilder, who signed him for the U's in January 2010; a move which saw him leave Plainmoor after two-and-a-half-years, during which time he had helped inspire Torquay to promotion from the Conference.
Prior to his arrival in south Devon, Hargreaves had spent two years at the Kassam Stadium between 2005 and 2007. There was an element of unfinished business involved in his return to the U's as they had been relegated from the Football League, and missed out on promotion from the Conference by losing to Exeter City on penalties.
Pleasingly during Hargreaves' second stint, Oxford clinched their return to League Two with a Play-Off final victory over York City. Although he didn't play in the final, his experience of winning promotion with the Gulls a year earlier still played a crucial part in the U's success.
As well as facing one of his former managers, Hargreaves will also be up against one of his former Torquay midfield colleagues in the form of Nicky Wroe, who recently joined Oxford on loan from his current club Preston North End.
The Gulls will be particularly keen to return to action after last week's fixture with Northampton Town was postponed, and they will also be eager to take advantage of the U's strangely inconsistent home form, which reads: played 14, won four, drawn five and lost five.
This record is completely at odds with their away record, which makes them the only side yet to lose a league fixture away from home- including a 3-1 win over Torquay at Plainmoor on August 17th 2013.
Footnote: Following Graham Turner's departure from Shrewsbury Town earlier this week, Chris Wilder is the only current Football League manager who Chris Hargreaves played under during his career. The Gulls' boss served under Turner whilst he was at Hereford United between 1996 and 1998.
Wednesday 15 January 2014
ARGYLE CUP RUNNETH OVER
Despite taking the lead twice, Plymouth Argyle were unable to overcome Port Vale in the FA Cup 3rd round replay as they bowed out of the competition.
In their first meeting at Vale Park, the Pilgrims came from behind to draw 2-2, but in the replay, at Home Park, it was the Pilgrims who sped out of the block as Argentinean midfielder Andres Gurrieri-in the week that his fellow countryman Lionel Messi relinquished his Ballon D'Or award to Cristiano Ronaldo- opened the scoring for Argyle after two minutes.
Jordan Hugill then equalised for Vale with a strike from 18-yards before Pilgrims skipper Conor Hourihane restored Argyle's advantage nine minutes before half-time.
Ben Williamson headed home Vale's equaliser midway through the second half, which gave Vale a platform to take the lead on 75 minutes when Jennison Myrie-Williams struck with what proved to be the game's decisive goal.
However, it could have been a different five minutes later when the Pilgrims were awarded a penalty when Hourihane was felled in the area by Chris Lines, which earned the former Bristol Rovers man a red card.
Argyle's top scorer Reuben Reid- the Pilgrims' top scorer with 13 goals- then stepped up to take the spot-kick, which was saved by Vale keeper Chris Neal, thus denying Argyle a replay and leaving them to concentrate on the league.
In their first meeting at Vale Park, the Pilgrims came from behind to draw 2-2, but in the replay, at Home Park, it was the Pilgrims who sped out of the block as Argentinean midfielder Andres Gurrieri-in the week that his fellow countryman Lionel Messi relinquished his Ballon D'Or award to Cristiano Ronaldo- opened the scoring for Argyle after two minutes.
Jordan Hugill then equalised for Vale with a strike from 18-yards before Pilgrims skipper Conor Hourihane restored Argyle's advantage nine minutes before half-time.
Ben Williamson headed home Vale's equaliser midway through the second half, which gave Vale a platform to take the lead on 75 minutes when Jennison Myrie-Williams struck with what proved to be the game's decisive goal.
However, it could have been a different five minutes later when the Pilgrims were awarded a penalty when Hourihane was felled in the area by Chris Lines, which earned the former Bristol Rovers man a red card.
Argyle's top scorer Reuben Reid- the Pilgrims' top scorer with 13 goals- then stepped up to take the spot-kick, which was saved by Vale keeper Chris Neal, thus denying Argyle a replay and leaving them to concentrate on the league.
Saturday 11 January 2014
HARGREAVES MAKES WINNING START TO GULLS REIGN
The Torquay United board's decision to replace manager Alan Knill with Chris Hargreaves paid immediate dividends as the Gulls beat AFC Wimbledon in their former promotion winning captain's first game in charge.
First half goals from Krystian Pearce and Jayden Stockley, Hargreaves' first signing on taking charge-on loan from his former club, AFC Bournemouth, proved to be enough to enable the Gulls to pick a valuable three points against the Dons.
However, it was not quite enough to lift Torquay out of the League Two relegation zone as Accrington Stanley drew with Newport County and Bristol Rovers beat Exeter City.
This means that the Gulls are locked on 26 points with Stanley and Rovers- occupying 23rd place in the table only on goal difference.
Next up for Torquay is bottom club Northampton next Saturday-who Hargreaves spent four years with between 2000 and 2004, and was considered for their vacant managerial vacancy-and three points for the Gulls in that fixture could have a dramatic effect on their current position.
First half goals from Krystian Pearce and Jayden Stockley, Hargreaves' first signing on taking charge-on loan from his former club, AFC Bournemouth, proved to be enough to enable the Gulls to pick a valuable three points against the Dons.
However, it was not quite enough to lift Torquay out of the League Two relegation zone as Accrington Stanley drew with Newport County and Bristol Rovers beat Exeter City.
This means that the Gulls are locked on 26 points with Stanley and Rovers- occupying 23rd place in the table only on goal difference.
Next up for Torquay is bottom club Northampton next Saturday-who Hargreaves spent four years with between 2000 and 2004, and was considered for their vacant managerial vacancy-and three points for the Gulls in that fixture could have a dramatic effect on their current position.
Friday 10 January 2014
MADDEN ON THE MOVE TO IRON
Almost one year on from permanently signing for Yeovil Town, Paddy Madden is moving again; with League Two leaders Scunthorpe United his new destination.
Madden, 23, signed for the Glovers for a fee of £15,000 from Carlisle United in January 2013, following a successful loan spell.
He then went to top the League One goal scoring charts, with 23 goals in all competitions-including their opening goal in their Play-Off final win over Brentford, as Yeovil won promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history.
However, once the Glovers began their Championship campaign, Madden-despite receiving his first international cap for the Republic of Ireland- failed to find the back of the net with the same frequency that he had done in the previous season.
This, in turn, led to him being transfer listed at the beginning of November.
The move is likely to earn the Glovers in the region of £300,000, some of which will go to Carlisle who had a sell-on clause as part of the deal, which could prove useful to manager Gary Johnson in terms of potential squad strengthening in the current January transfer window.
Madden, 23, signed for the Glovers for a fee of £15,000 from Carlisle United in January 2013, following a successful loan spell.
He then went to top the League One goal scoring charts, with 23 goals in all competitions-including their opening goal in their Play-Off final win over Brentford, as Yeovil won promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history.
However, once the Glovers began their Championship campaign, Madden-despite receiving his first international cap for the Republic of Ireland- failed to find the back of the net with the same frequency that he had done in the previous season.
This, in turn, led to him being transfer listed at the beginning of November.
The move is likely to earn the Glovers in the region of £300,000, some of which will go to Carlisle who had a sell-on clause as part of the deal, which could prove useful to manager Gary Johnson in terms of potential squad strengthening in the current January transfer window.
Thursday 9 January 2014
KEEP CALM AND PASS TO BANTON -AGAIN
The last time Jason Banton appeared at Home Park in a Plymouth Argyle shirt, he scored the decisive goal in Argyle's Devon derby against Exeter City last March.
As part of his celebration, he revealed a T-shirt, which he wore underneath his Pilgrims' jersey that said: "Keep Calm And Pass To Banton."
The goal in question was Banton's sixth goal of his loan spell with Argyle from Crystal Palace, which ensured that he finished the season as the Pilgrims' leading scorer.
It also helped to earn him and Argyle manager John Sheridan their respective monthly League Two player and managerial awards for March 2013.
A week later, he was recalled by the Eagles, but now-after Palace manager, and ex Argyle boss, Tony Pulis- he has made a permanent return to Home Park after putting pen-to-paper on an 18-month deal.
On Saturday, he will be looking to add to those six goals he scored during his loan spell when the Pilgrims take on promotion chasing Southend United.
His return comes after Northern Irish loanee Caolan Lavery returns to his parent club, Sheffield Wednesday, so it is expected that he will slot straight in alongside leading scorer Reuben Reid.
As part of his celebration, he revealed a T-shirt, which he wore underneath his Pilgrims' jersey that said: "Keep Calm And Pass To Banton."
The goal in question was Banton's sixth goal of his loan spell with Argyle from Crystal Palace, which ensured that he finished the season as the Pilgrims' leading scorer.
It also helped to earn him and Argyle manager John Sheridan their respective monthly League Two player and managerial awards for March 2013.
A week later, he was recalled by the Eagles, but now-after Palace manager, and ex Argyle boss, Tony Pulis- he has made a permanent return to Home Park after putting pen-to-paper on an 18-month deal.
On Saturday, he will be looking to add to those six goals he scored during his loan spell when the Pilgrims take on promotion chasing Southend United.
His return comes after Northern Irish loanee Caolan Lavery returns to his parent club, Sheffield Wednesday, so it is expected that he will slot straight in alongside leading scorer Reuben Reid.
NICHOLS NOMINATED
Exeter City striker Tom Nichols has been nominated by Sky Bet for December's League Two Player of the Month Award.
The 20-year-old made his first start of the season for the Grecians on December 14th against Accrington Stanley, and netted twice as Exeter won 3-2.
He then ended the month by netting the opener in his side's 3-1 victory over Torquay United in the Devon derby on December 29th, and will have to overcome strong competition from fellow nominees Scunthorpe United 's Deon Burton, Newport County midfielder Michael Flynn and AFC Wimbledon keeper Ross Worner.
The 20-year-old made his first start of the season for the Grecians on December 14th against Accrington Stanley, and netted twice as Exeter won 3-2.
He then ended the month by netting the opener in his side's 3-1 victory over Torquay United in the Devon derby on December 29th, and will have to overcome strong competition from fellow nominees Scunthorpe United 's Deon Burton, Newport County midfielder Michael Flynn and AFC Wimbledon keeper Ross Worner.
Tuesday 7 January 2014
CHRIS HARGREAVES' CAREER BY NUMBERS
Following Chris Hargreaves' appointment as Torquay United yesterday, we will now look at certain numbers that have a significance to his career so far.
2:
The number of books that he has had published (The Captain's Blog, a book form of his blog on the Herald Express website-published in 2009, and Where's your Caravan?, his autobiography-which hit the bookshelves in 2011.
10:
The number of different clubs that Chris played for during his career: Grimsby Town, Scarborough, Hull City, West Bromwich Albion, Hereford United, Plymouth Argyle, Northampton Town, Brentford, Oxford United (twice) and Torquay United.
21:
The length of his playing career, which lasted from 1989 to 2010, with the clubs mentioned above.
121:
The number of appearances he made at Plainmoor between August 2007 and January 2010, which includes the 2009 Blue Square Premier Play-Off final; where he scored the opening goal in the Gulls' 2-0 victory over Cambridge United.
50,000:
The transfer fee, in pounds sterling, that Hull City manager Terry Dolan paid to bring him to Boothferry Park from Grimsby Town in 1993.
2:
The number of books that he has had published (The Captain's Blog, a book form of his blog on the Herald Express website-published in 2009, and Where's your Caravan?, his autobiography-which hit the bookshelves in 2011.
10:
The number of different clubs that Chris played for during his career: Grimsby Town, Scarborough, Hull City, West Bromwich Albion, Hereford United, Plymouth Argyle, Northampton Town, Brentford, Oxford United (twice) and Torquay United.
21:
The length of his playing career, which lasted from 1989 to 2010, with the clubs mentioned above.
121:
The number of appearances he made at Plainmoor between August 2007 and January 2010, which includes the 2009 Blue Square Premier Play-Off final; where he scored the opening goal in the Gulls' 2-0 victory over Cambridge United.
50,000:
The transfer fee, in pounds sterling, that Hull City manager Terry Dolan paid to bring him to Boothferry Park from Grimsby Town in 1993.
Monday 6 January 2014
HARGREAVES NAMED AS GULLS NEW BOSS
Torquay United have confirmed the appointment of former captain Chris Hargreaves as their new manager following the dismissal of Alan Knill.
Hargreaves, 41, had previously been working as first team Coach at Championship side AFC Bournemouth and the Gulls Board moved swiftly to secure his services following Knill's departure after their New Year's Day defeat at the hands of Plymouth Argyle.
Torquay weren't the only club who made enquiries about Hargreaves' availability, another of his former clubs Northampton Town- who he spent four years with between 2000 and 2004- also made an approach for him to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
His return to Plainmoor comes nearly three years after his two-and-a-half year playing stint with United came to an end when he re-joined Oxford United.
During those two-and-a-half years, between 2007 and 2010, he captained the Gulls to promotion back into the Football League in 2009; and he scored the opening goal in their 2-0 Conference Play-Off final victory over Cambridge United at Wembley.
This is one of the many highlights in a playing career, which included spells with Grimsby Town, Scarborough, Hull City, West Bromwich Albion, Hereford United, Plymouth Argyle, Northampton Town, Brentford, the Gulls and Oxford (twice).
He will be assisted by his former Gulls team-mate Lee Hodges who guided Truro City to the Southern League Premier Division title in the 2010-11 season.
The first task for the duo comes on Saturday when they travel to AFC Wimbledon.
Hargreaves, 41, had previously been working as first team Coach at Championship side AFC Bournemouth and the Gulls Board moved swiftly to secure his services following Knill's departure after their New Year's Day defeat at the hands of Plymouth Argyle.
Torquay weren't the only club who made enquiries about Hargreaves' availability, another of his former clubs Northampton Town- who he spent four years with between 2000 and 2004- also made an approach for him to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
His return to Plainmoor comes nearly three years after his two-and-a-half year playing stint with United came to an end when he re-joined Oxford United.
During those two-and-a-half years, between 2007 and 2010, he captained the Gulls to promotion back into the Football League in 2009; and he scored the opening goal in their 2-0 Conference Play-Off final victory over Cambridge United at Wembley.
This is one of the many highlights in a playing career, which included spells with Grimsby Town, Scarborough, Hull City, West Bromwich Albion, Hereford United, Plymouth Argyle, Northampton Town, Brentford, the Gulls and Oxford (twice).
He will be assisted by his former Gulls team-mate Lee Hodges who guided Truro City to the Southern League Premier Division title in the 2010-11 season.
The first task for the duo comes on Saturday when they travel to AFC Wimbledon.
KIEFFER AND BEN'S EXCELLENT FA CUP ADVENTURE
The FA Cup 3rd round weekend of 2014 proved to be a memorable one for Yeovil Town striker Kieffer Moore and Plymouth Argyle defender Ben Purrington.
Both players were on the score sheet for their respective teams in what was their first taste of FA Cup action.
Moore, 21, came off the bench for the Glovers against Leyton Orient to replace James Hayter. He helped to cap an impressive display for Yeovil as he struck in the 90th minute after Hayter had bagged a brace and Joel Grant had also found the target.
Their victory, which ensures that the Glovers made it through to the fourth round of the cup for the first time in nine years, earned them an away tie against Premiership side Southampton.
The following day, Purrington- the nephew of former England Rugby international Richard Hill- secured a replay for Plymouth Argyle as he scored the Pilgrims' equaliser in their third round tie with Port Vale.
Goals from former Yeovil and Torquay striker Gavin Tomlin and Tom Pope gave Vale a two goal cushion before second half strikes from Glovers loanee Reuben Reid and Purrington ensured the two sides will meet again at Home Park on Tuesday week.
Should the Pilgrims come out on top in the replay, they will be hosting Brighton and Hove Albion in Round Four.
Both players were on the score sheet for their respective teams in what was their first taste of FA Cup action.
Moore, 21, came off the bench for the Glovers against Leyton Orient to replace James Hayter. He helped to cap an impressive display for Yeovil as he struck in the 90th minute after Hayter had bagged a brace and Joel Grant had also found the target.
Their victory, which ensures that the Glovers made it through to the fourth round of the cup for the first time in nine years, earned them an away tie against Premiership side Southampton.
The following day, Purrington- the nephew of former England Rugby international Richard Hill- secured a replay for Plymouth Argyle as he scored the Pilgrims' equaliser in their third round tie with Port Vale.
Goals from former Yeovil and Torquay striker Gavin Tomlin and Tom Pope gave Vale a two goal cushion before second half strikes from Glovers loanee Reuben Reid and Purrington ensured the two sides will meet again at Home Park on Tuesday week.
Should the Pilgrims come out on top in the replay, they will be hosting Brighton and Hove Albion in Round Four.
Saturday 4 January 2014
THE HUNT FOR KNILL'S SUCCESSOR
Given Torquay United's league position at this moment in time, their choice of successor to Alan Knill has to be the right one.
The Gulls lie 23rd in the League Two table, one point adrift of safety with a high goal difference- the new man will have a sizeable task on his hands.
Since they purchased the club from Mike Bateson in 2007, their managerial appointments have generally turned out to be good ones.
Their first appointment on taking over-Paul Buckle-turned out to be a good one. Although Buckle divided the opinions of the fans during his four-year reign as Gulls boss, he did lead United back into the Football League in 2009; and then to the brink of promotion from League Two- two years later- prior to his departure for Bristol Rovers.
His successor Martin Ling built on what Buckle had made and led the Gulls to the Play-Offs in his first campaign in charge, after United had spent a long period challenging for a top three finish.
Before he was struck down by a stress-related illness midway through the 2012-13 season, the Gulls were 13th in the table and still harboured hopes of a last ditch Play-Off bid.
Whilst Ling was off sick, Alan Knill was brought in as interim manager and led the club to safety, following an alarmingly slump that saw them flirt with relegation, before being handed the reigns on a permanent basis.
Unfortunately for a number of reasons, Knill's permanent reign as manager failed to live up to the initial expectations that the board had of him, which leaves them in their current predicament.
Because of where they are in the league, experience and contacts are likely to feature highly on the criteria for the United board in their current search.
The Gulls lie 23rd in the League Two table, one point adrift of safety with a high goal difference- the new man will have a sizeable task on his hands.
Since they purchased the club from Mike Bateson in 2007, their managerial appointments have generally turned out to be good ones.
Their first appointment on taking over-Paul Buckle-turned out to be a good one. Although Buckle divided the opinions of the fans during his four-year reign as Gulls boss, he did lead United back into the Football League in 2009; and then to the brink of promotion from League Two- two years later- prior to his departure for Bristol Rovers.
His successor Martin Ling built on what Buckle had made and led the Gulls to the Play-Offs in his first campaign in charge, after United had spent a long period challenging for a top three finish.
Before he was struck down by a stress-related illness midway through the 2012-13 season, the Gulls were 13th in the table and still harboured hopes of a last ditch Play-Off bid.
Whilst Ling was off sick, Alan Knill was brought in as interim manager and led the club to safety, following an alarmingly slump that saw them flirt with relegation, before being handed the reigns on a permanent basis.
Unfortunately for a number of reasons, Knill's permanent reign as manager failed to live up to the initial expectations that the board had of him, which leaves them in their current predicament.
Because of where they are in the league, experience and contacts are likely to feature highly on the criteria for the United board in their current search.
Thursday 2 January 2014
THE END OF THE ROAD FOR KNILL
It surely wasn't supposed to end like this for Torquay United and Alan Knill.
Cast your minds back to April 27th 2013, when the Gulls secured their League Two status with a 3-3 draw with Bristol Rovers, there seemed to be little doubt in the minds of the Plainmoor faithful that Knill- who had been brought in to replace the ill Martin Ling on an interim basis-was the right man to take the club forward.
However, after picking up one point from their last three matches, which included back-to-back local derby defeats at the hands of Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle-leaving the Gulls in the relegation zone; the board have decided that now was time to act and dispense with the services of former Rotherham, Bury and Scunthorpe boss Knill.
In a statement issued on the club's website, the Torquay board thanked Knill for his efforts in keeping the Gulls in the Football League during the 2012-13 season-but also stated that the first half of the current campaign had not gone to plan.
Knill's reign in the Plainmoor hot seat lasted for 41 matches in all competitions, but only produced nine wins.
Many of the players that he enticed to Plainmoor during his now brief reign have proved to be decent acquisitions.
Winger Jordan Chapell- who made his loan move from Sheffield United permanent during the summer- is currently the Gulls' top scorer with five goals, defenders Krystian Pearce and Anthony O'Connor-who will be remaining with the Gulls for the remainder of the season on loan from Blackburn Rovers-have produced some fine displays in the centre of defence and Damien Mozika has added a different dimension to the midfield.
Nevertheless, there is one area where Torquay have struggled for much of the season, and that is in the front of goal.
The Gulls' highest scoring strikers this season have been Karl Hawley and loan signings Paul McCallum and John Marquis who have managed just three goals each, failing to fill the void left by the summer departures of Rene Howe and Ryan Jarvis, to Burton Albion and York City respectively, who scored 25 goals between them during the 2012-13 campaign.
Also, the loss of Chris Brass, Knill's assistant in both his previous managerial roles at Bury and Scunthorpe, following his return to Gigg Lane to work alongside his former Shakers team-mate David Flitcroft would have served to hinder his long-term plans for the Gulls.
Knill and Brass's working relationship differed to the way many managers and assistant managers work, as Knill did the bulk of the coaching whilst Brass looked after the organisational side of things.
When Brass departed Plainmoor, for what is now the second time in his career-he had a loan spell with Torquay during the 1994-95 season, youth team coach Geoff Harrop stepped into the breach and Harrop is set to take charge of the side for their next league fixture against Morecambe.
With the January transfer window already open, the need for a swift appointment is now an absolute necessity for the Gulls.
Cast your minds back to April 27th 2013, when the Gulls secured their League Two status with a 3-3 draw with Bristol Rovers, there seemed to be little doubt in the minds of the Plainmoor faithful that Knill- who had been brought in to replace the ill Martin Ling on an interim basis-was the right man to take the club forward.
However, after picking up one point from their last three matches, which included back-to-back local derby defeats at the hands of Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle-leaving the Gulls in the relegation zone; the board have decided that now was time to act and dispense with the services of former Rotherham, Bury and Scunthorpe boss Knill.
In a statement issued on the club's website, the Torquay board thanked Knill for his efforts in keeping the Gulls in the Football League during the 2012-13 season-but also stated that the first half of the current campaign had not gone to plan.
Knill's reign in the Plainmoor hot seat lasted for 41 matches in all competitions, but only produced nine wins.
Many of the players that he enticed to Plainmoor during his now brief reign have proved to be decent acquisitions.
Winger Jordan Chapell- who made his loan move from Sheffield United permanent during the summer- is currently the Gulls' top scorer with five goals, defenders Krystian Pearce and Anthony O'Connor-who will be remaining with the Gulls for the remainder of the season on loan from Blackburn Rovers-have produced some fine displays in the centre of defence and Damien Mozika has added a different dimension to the midfield.
Nevertheless, there is one area where Torquay have struggled for much of the season, and that is in the front of goal.
The Gulls' highest scoring strikers this season have been Karl Hawley and loan signings Paul McCallum and John Marquis who have managed just three goals each, failing to fill the void left by the summer departures of Rene Howe and Ryan Jarvis, to Burton Albion and York City respectively, who scored 25 goals between them during the 2012-13 campaign.
Also, the loss of Chris Brass, Knill's assistant in both his previous managerial roles at Bury and Scunthorpe, following his return to Gigg Lane to work alongside his former Shakers team-mate David Flitcroft would have served to hinder his long-term plans for the Gulls.
Knill and Brass's working relationship differed to the way many managers and assistant managers work, as Knill did the bulk of the coaching whilst Brass looked after the organisational side of things.
When Brass departed Plainmoor, for what is now the second time in his career-he had a loan spell with Torquay during the 1994-95 season, youth team coach Geoff Harrop stepped into the breach and Harrop is set to take charge of the side for their next league fixture against Morecambe.
With the January transfer window already open, the need for a swift appointment is now an absolute necessity for the Gulls.
Wednesday 1 January 2014
GULLS FACING CRUCIAL FIXTURES
Before the start of the festive period, the minimum target Torquay United needed was to still be in touch with the teams around them heading into the New Year.
Following their local derby defeats at the hands of Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle, the Gulls find themselves in the bottom two and one point adrift of safety.
This means greater importance is now placed on their home fixtures in the coming two months, which sees them play host to fellow relegation threatened sides; Northampton Town, Bury and Accrington Stanley.
In total, the Gulls need 28 points from their remaining 22 league fixtures to retain their League Two status- but three points in each of the three aforementioned games will make a massive difference to their fortunes, as it will see them improve their own position at their rivals' expense.
Following their local derby defeats at the hands of Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle, the Gulls find themselves in the bottom two and one point adrift of safety.
This means greater importance is now placed on their home fixtures in the coming two months, which sees them play host to fellow relegation threatened sides; Northampton Town, Bury and Accrington Stanley.
In total, the Gulls need 28 points from their remaining 22 league fixtures to retain their League Two status- but three points in each of the three aforementioned games will make a massive difference to their fortunes, as it will see them improve their own position at their rivals' expense.
NEW YEAR, NEW HOPE
What a difference a year makes for Plymouth Argyle.
On New Year's Day 2013, the Pilgrims parted company with manager Carl Fletcher after a 1-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers, but-under the stewardship of current boss John Sheridan- the Pilgrims are now in the top half of the League Two after a Devon Derby victory over Torquay United.
On loan striker Caolan Lavery opened the scoring for Argyle on the hour mark before Lewis Alessandra turned home a cross from skipper Conor Hourihane with five minutes to go.
Torquay's best effort came shortly after Lavery's opener when Jordan Chapell forced a save from Luke McCormick with a long range effort.
The result moves the Pilgrims up to 12th in the table, as they remain on course for their first top finish in any division since the 2007-08 season-when they finished 10th in the Championship.
On New Year's Day 2013, the Pilgrims parted company with manager Carl Fletcher after a 1-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers, but-under the stewardship of current boss John Sheridan- the Pilgrims are now in the top half of the League Two after a Devon Derby victory over Torquay United.
On loan striker Caolan Lavery opened the scoring for Argyle on the hour mark before Lewis Alessandra turned home a cross from skipper Conor Hourihane with five minutes to go.
Torquay's best effort came shortly after Lavery's opener when Jordan Chapell forced a save from Luke McCormick with a long range effort.
The result moves the Pilgrims up to 12th in the table, as they remain on course for their first top finish in any division since the 2007-08 season-when they finished 10th in the Championship.
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