JAKE PEGS HIS NAME INTO HISTORY BOOKS

Former Exeter City starlet Jake Gosling picked the perfect way to put himself in the shop window this summer- following his release by the Grecians- by scoring on his international debut for Gibraltar against Estonia.

Gosling, whose previous career highlight was scoring for Dorchester Town- whilst on loan with the Magpies- in the FA Cup 1st round live on ESPN against Plymouth Argyle- the club that released him as a 16-year old, netted what was the island's first away international friendly goal, which enabled them to draw 1-1 with the Estonians in Tallinn.

Born in Newquay, Gosling qualifies to play for Gibraltar through his father, who was born on the island, but was let go by Paul Tisdale at the end of the 2013-14 season- and now finds himself looking for a new club.

Despite currently being a free agent, Gosling, a left midfielder by trade, will have the chance to test himself against some of the world's leading full-backs when Gibraltar start their maiden qualifying competition in September for the Euro 2016 finals, which are due to be held in France.

Gibraltar have been drawn with Germany, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Scotland and Georgia, which means Gosling could potentially be lining-up against Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm and Everton's Seamus Coleman, which gives the former Grecian the opportunity to test himself against world-class opposition.

Prior to their draw with Estonia, the British Overseas Territory had held Slovakia to a draw in their maiden international fixture- so the signs are that the island- famous for its Rock- could be set to produce a few more solid displays.

JOHNSON STARTS REBUILDING JOB AT HUISH

Following Yeovil Town's relegation from the Championship, manager Gary Johnson has set about rebuilding his squad ahead of the return to life in League One.

Johnson has completed his first signing of the summer in the form of left back Nathan Smith, who returns to Huish after three years with Chesterfield, in the wake of the news that goalkeeper Marek Stech, central defender Byron Webster and right back Luke Ayling all turned down new deals with the Glovers.

Watford appears to be a likely destination for Stech, who has also attracted interest from Sparta Prague in his native Czech Republic, whilst Ayling would earn Yeovil a fee from any future transfer as he is under the age of 24.

Nevertheless, veteran James Hayter, 35, has agreed a new one-year deal, which sees remain on a roster of strikers that includes Kieffer Moore and former Liverpool starlet Adam Morgan.

Loan signings could be attracted to Huish Park as the Glovers once again after Everton defender Shane Duffy joined the list of loan players who have enhanced their career prospects following a loan spell with Yeovil Town, which includes the likes of Andros Townsend, Alex McCarthy and Steven Caulker.

Duffy, 22, will spent this summer at a Republic of Ireland training camp, under the watchful gaze of manager Martin O'Neill- who monitored his progress at Huish Park this season, and could be set to feature in a series of friendly matches against Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica and Portugal.

LIAM'S WEMBLEY DATE

Ten years after helping Torquay United win promotion from Division Three, Liam Rosenior is now on the verge of making his first FA Cup final appearance with Hull City tomorrow when the Tigers take on Arsenal.

Rosenior, 29, has appeared for Fulham, Ipswich and Reading and represented England Under-21s since his ten-match loan spell at Plainmoor under his father, Leroy Rosenior, during the 2003-04 season when the Gulls clinched their first automatic promotion for 38 years.

Now, a decade on, Liam now has the opportunity to deny Arsene Wenger's Gunners the chance to win their first trophy since 2005 and earn the Tigers their first ever senior domestic trophy.

If Hull need inspiration ahead of tomorrow's showdown with the Gunners, they only need to look at Wigan's heroics against Manchester City- when Ben Watson struck with a late winner for Roberto Martinez's Latics.

Tigers manager Steve Bruce has also won the competition three times as a player with Manchester United in 1990, 1994 and 1996; and Liam himself also has his own memories of playing in big occasions to draw on.

Prior to his loan spell with the Gulls, he was on the score sheet for Bristol City in their 2-0 LDV Vans Trophy final win over Carlisle United in 2003 at the Millennium Stadium.

If he could repeat and find the target for the Tigers tomorrow afternoon at Wembley against Arsenal, then his name would be secure in Hull City folklore, as well as FA Cup folklore, forever.

ARGYLE SET TO BUILD ON REASONABLE ACHIEVEMENT

On the day Roy Hodgson named his England for the forthcoming World Cup in Brazil- Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan made his first summer signing in the form of midfielder Lee Cox.

The central midfielder, 23, made ten appearances for the Pilgrims during the 2012-13 season during a loan spell from Swindon Town, which was cut short by injury in their Devon derby victory over Exeter City on March 31st 2013.

In addition to his spell with Swindon, Cox has also appeared for Leicester City-where he started his career, Yeovil Town and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

He is the first summer signing for Sheridan ahead of a season where he will be expected to be amongst the front-runners for promotion.

After several years fighting relegation battles across a number of different leagues, last season's 10th placed finish could be seen a respite from their previous struggles.

However, the Pilgrims also finished the season 11 points off the Play-Off spots- which they briefly flirted with in mid-March- and ten points clear of the relegation zone.

Also, with Argyle finishing the campaign in second place (with 7,304) in the average home attendances behind Portsmouth (15,460) expectations will be greater in the 2014-15 season.

Another former loan signing that the Green Army would surely love to see return to Home Park on a permanent basis is last season's leading scorer Reuben Reid, who has recently been released by Yeovil after Glovers' boss Gary Johnson recently announced their retained list.

Last season, Reid became the first Argyle striker to net 20 goals or more in season since Tommy Tynan managed the feat in the 1988-89 campaign- so if Sheridan was able to snap him up on a permanent basis, then there is every chance that Argyle could be able to build on what can be regarded a reasonable achievement.

If the Pilgrims needed any inspiration for next season, then they only need to look at the achievements of Swansea City who - ten years ago- finished 10th in Division Three, after avoiding relegation the year before, before going on to win automatic promotion.

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT- TORQUAY UNITED'S 2003-04 PROMOTION WIN

Each year since 1945, May 8th is commemorated across Europe as VE day (Victory in Europe day) to mark the formal surrender of Nazi Germany to allied forces, thus ending the Second World War in Europe, in 2004- for Torquay United fans that date gained an extra significance as the Gulls ended their 38-year wait for automatic promotion as they defeated Southend United on the final day of the 2003-04 season to pip Huddersfield Town to third place in Division Three.

Leroy Rosenior's side headed into the game at Roots Hall on the back of a four match unbeaten run (three wins and a draw), and needed to win against the Shrimpers and hope that Huddersfield failed to win at Cheltenham Town.

After missing out on the Play-Offs altogether in the previous season when they fell away after Easter, Rosenior's men had become more solid at the back- following the signings of Craig Taylor and Brian McGlinchey from Plymouth Argyle- but the attacking talents of David Graham and Alex Russell were once again making the team tick, and the Gulls were winning plaudits and admirers in equal measure for their style of football.

Both men were named in the PFA Division Three team of the season for the 2003-04 campaign (it was Russell's second nomination in a row) and Graham had also become the first Torquay striker to score 20 goals or more in a season since Paul Dobson in the 1987-88 campaign under Cyril Knowles.

More than 2,500 of the Plainmoor faithful poured into Roots Hall and they were soon given something to cheer about when, after only three minutes, Steve Woods volleyed home a corner from Alex Russell to give the Gulls the lead.

Eight minutes later- in the 11th minute-Torquay's lead was doubled when David Graham nodded home a cross from Jo Kuffour for his 23rd goal of the campaign to put the Gulls firmly in the driving seat.

However, the Shrimpers hit back seven minutes later when striker Lawrie Dudfield smashed home a rebounded effort from his strike partner Tesfaye Bramble, after Bramble had been denied by Gulls' keeper Arjan Van Heusden, to reduce the Gulls' advantage to a single point.

At this point, Huddersfield were leading Cheltenham 1-0 at Whaddon Road through an Andy Booth strike, but the footballing gods smiled on Rosenior's side as Shane Duff equalised for the Robins.

Nevertheless, the Gulls held onto their win- despite surviving a late penalty appeal for a challenge from Reuben Hazell on Southend's Drewe Broughton- and Huddersfield couldn't force a winner at Whaddon Road.

This was enough to ensure that Torquay brought their 38-year wait for automatic promotion to an end in the most dramatic of fashion.

As Danny Blanchflower, the former Spurs and Northern Ireland midfielder, once said "the game is about glory, it is about doing things with a style and a flourish", and Rosenior's Gulls had certainly managed that over the course of their 46-match Third Division campaign.

Torquay: (4-4-2) Arjan Van Heusden, Reuben Hazell, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey, Liam Rosenior (Tony Bedeau 90), Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Kevin Hill, David Graham (David Woozley 90), Jo Kuffour (Martin Gritton 84)

Subs not used: Lee Canoville, Jason Fowler

FAREWELL TO NICHO

Following Torquay United's relegation from the Football League, the Gulls have confirmed that long-serving left back Kevin Nicholson will be amongst those being released from Plainmoor.

During his seven-year stint with Torquay, which began in 2007 when he joined from Forest Green Rovers, Nicholson was a key member of the Torquay side that won promotion back to the Football League in 2009 under Paul Buckle, as many players benefited from his delivery from set pieces and long throws.

Once the Gulls were back in League Two, Nicholson remained an integral part of the plans of Buckle and his successor Martin Ling, and he quickly established himself as one of the best left backs in the division.

This was reflected when he was named in the PFA League Two team of the season for the 2011-12 season, alongside his teammates Bobby Olejnik, Lee Mansell and Eunan O'Kane.

Unfortunately time awaits for no man and at the age of 33, with manager Chris Hargreaves looking to the future, Nicholson's time at Plainmoor has sadly run its course.

Over the years, Torquay United have been served by some fantastic left backs; John Uzzell (1989-1991), Tom Kelly (1986-1989 & 1993-1996), Paul Gibbs (1997-1998), Robbie Herrera (1998-2001) and Brian McGlinchey (2003-2006) and Nicholson belongs in their company.

So, whoever Chris Hargreaves signs to replace him will have a very tough act to follow.

Kevin Nicholson Torquay United honours 2007 to 2014:

 

FA Trophy runner-up 2007-08
England C cap 2008

Conference Play-Off winner 2008-09

PFA League Two team of the season nominee 2011-12

WOTTON STAYS BUT SEVEN LEAVE HOME PARK

Following their 10th place finish in League Two, Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan has offered new deals to a number of players-including the long serving Paul Wotton- but has released seven players.

Paul Wotton, who recently made his 491st appearance for the Pilgrims- putting him level with Sammy Black in joint second place in the club's all-time appearance list, is one of six players offered fresh terms along with Andres Gurrieri, Curtis Nelson, Matt Lecointe, Durrell Berry and Nathan Thomas. 

Amongst those seven released are several players who have served the Pilgrims well during what have been some very dark times in recent seasons, including Jake Cole, Maxime Blanchard and Luke Young.

Goalkeeper Cole was brought to Home Park by Peter Reid at the start of the 2011-12 season-whilst the Pilgrims were still in Administration- and produced some memorable displays in the Pilgrims' goal, including a penalty save against Rochdale last season.

However, the return to Argyle of Luke McCormick meant that Cole was often playing second fiddle, and prior to McCormick's finger injury in the latter part of the campaign was only used in cup matches by Sheridan.

French defender Blanchard was a number of players drafted in by Carl Fletcher after the Pilgrims had exited Administration. He played a key role in helping Argyle stave off relegation, and was recognised for his efforts by the Green Army as he won the club's Player of the Year award for the 2011-12 season.

Despite making 108 first team appearances by the age of 21, midfielder Young finds himself also heading for pastures new after being released by Sheridan.

Although Young was a goal scoring threat from free-kicks and Sheridan, himself a highly gifted midfield player, recognised his ability, he still couldn't hold a regular first team spot alongside the likes of skipper Conor Hourihane and Dominic Blizzard.

Speaking after the Pilgrims' 2-0 defeat against Oxford, Sheridan said: “He’s the only one who can pass it; even if Youngy is having a bad game, he might play that killer pass.”

However, one option open to Young now could be a move to Devon neighbours Torquay United as they look to bounce back into the Football League following their recent relegation.

The Gulls have lacked a creative spark in midfield since the departure of Eunan O'Kane to AFC Bournemouth for £175,000 in July 2012, and Young could be a player who could potentially fill that void.

Also let go by the Pilgrims were defender Neal Trotman, Benin international Rommy Boco, Matt Parsons and Isaac Vassell.

LES LIEVESLEY: TORQUAY UNITED'S TORINO CONNECTION

As today marks the 65th anniversary of the Superga Air Disaster that claimed the lives of the Il Grande Torino, we will now take a look back at the career of Les Lievesley, their English coach who also had a spell as a player with Torquay United.

Les Lievesley joined Torquay United in 1933 on a free transfer from Manchester United and stayed at Plainmoor for four years before moving to Crystal Palace where he remained until the outbreak of the Second World War.

After the war, he embarked on a coaching career that would see him coach Torino, who at the time were one of the most successful club sides in Europe.

Sadly, his career was cut short by his untimely death in the Superga air disaster that would also claim the lives of the entire Torino side.

The son of former Arsenal and England goalkeeper Joe Lievesley, Les made his debut for the Magpies on the opening day of the 1933-34 Division Three South campaign against Aldershot at Plainmoor.

A strong, committed, fearless player, he formed a solid half-back partnership with future England international Don Welsh, who would later captain Charlton Athletic to FA Cup success in 1947.

On Boxing Day 1933, Les picked up the dubious distinction of becoming the first Torquay United player ever to receive a red card when he was dismissed in the Magpies’ home clash with Swindon Town.

In his first full campaign at Plainmoor, Les helped Torquay to reach the final of the Division Three South Cup.

He left Plainmoor in April 1937, after playing 144 games for the club and scoring five goals, to sign for Crystal Palace where he would remain until 1939 when Europe became engulfed in conflict with the outbreak of the Second World War.

During the War, he served in the RAF and rose to the rank of Squadron Leader. At the end of the conflict he embarked on a coaching career in Holland before Torino President Ferrucio Novo approached him in 1947.

Torino had enjoyed great success under Novo’s reign in Italian wartime football, and he was looking for foreign expertise to help to sustain their successes in the post war era. Hungarian Egri Erbstein was appointed as Technical Director and Les became Trainer.

The team became known as Il Grande Torino and they won consecutive Serie A titles and provided ten players for the Italian national side that beat Hungary in a friendly in 1947.

However, an unfortunate twist of fate, in the most tragic of circumstances, prevented that team from achieving its true potential.

On May 4^th 1949, the team was travelling home by plane from Portugal, after playing against Benfica in a testimonial game when disaster struck. The plane carrying the side diverted from a planned landing in Milan and headed straight for Turin.

A thick fog enveloped the city and the mountains around it as the pilots tried in vain to find the airfield. The plane crashed into the Superga church on a nearby hill overlooking Turin; there were no survivors as all passengers on board the plane perished.

Les was buried with his teammates, including Valentino Mazzola- father of future Inter Milan midfielder Sandro Mazzola- in Turin. The team’s funeral was attended by 500,000 mourners from across Italy and Europe.

Torino completed the season with a team assembled of reserve players and every team in Serie A followed suit as a mark of respect. They won the Scuddetto at the end of the 1948-49 campaign. It would be the last title that they would win for over a quarter of a century.

The repercussions of the tragedy were also felt by the Italian national side ahead of the 1950 World Cup. The Azzurri had won the last two World Cup tournaments before the war in 1934 and 1938, and were looking to win a hat-trick of titles. They would not win the World Cup again until 1982.

Nine years later, English Football would experience a similar tragedy when Manchester United- another of Les’ former sides- lost eight players in the Munich Air Crash.

An abridged version of this article appeared in the Torquay United versus Grimsby Town programme on January 26th, 2007.