Exeter City's Northern Ireland Under-21 starlet Jamie Reid will be training alongside Spanish Giants Barcelona in a bid to overcome a debilitating groin problem.
Reid, 20, only made four appearances for the Grecians last season due to the condition, and will be training at St George's Park in Burton, the Football Association's new training HQ, where Barca, now managed by former Spain midfielder Luis Enrique, are staying on a pre-season training camp.
For Reid, this surely represents an excellent consolation prize for missing out on the Grecians' historic tour of Brazil and a chance to get his international prospects with Northern Ireland back on track.
At the time of writing, due to the transfer embargo the Grecians are currently under after taking out a short term loan from the PFA, Reid is one of only two recognised strikers on their books along with fellow youth team product Tom Nicholls- so his return to fitness would also a timely boost to manager Paul Tisdale.
Monday 28 July 2014
Sunday 27 July 2014
HARGREAVES'S SQUAD BEGINNING TO LOOK MORE COMPLETE
Torquay United manager Chris Hargreaves has completed his seventh summer signing with the acquisition of former Brighton midfielder Courtney Richards.
Ex Seagulls midfielder Richards, 20, who was team-mate of former Gulls' loanee Shamir Goodwin- now Fenelon- at the Amex Stadium, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal after impressing in a trial spell.
Richards's arrival brings the number of new signings made by Hargreaves during the close season up to seven, after his fellow trialists Angus MacDonald and Toby Ajala impressed sufficiently to both earn one year deals- joining a list of arrivals that includes Louis Briscoe, Luke Young, Ryan Bowman and Jordan Seabright.
Richards proved to be an excellent foil for fellow new arrival Young in the centre of midfield during Torquay's recent pre-season friendlies matches against Yeovil Town, Walsall and Plymouth Argyle, and it is hoped he can carry those displays into the new season.
His arrival also comes after the Gulls received a financial boost from the sale of young goalkeeping prospect Neal Osborn to Southampton, which has earned the club a five-figure sum plus future add-ons.
Ex Seagulls midfielder Richards, 20, who was team-mate of former Gulls' loanee Shamir Goodwin- now Fenelon- at the Amex Stadium, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal after impressing in a trial spell.
Richards's arrival brings the number of new signings made by Hargreaves during the close season up to seven, after his fellow trialists Angus MacDonald and Toby Ajala impressed sufficiently to both earn one year deals- joining a list of arrivals that includes Louis Briscoe, Luke Young, Ryan Bowman and Jordan Seabright.
Richards proved to be an excellent foil for fellow new arrival Young in the centre of midfield during Torquay's recent pre-season friendlies matches against Yeovil Town, Walsall and Plymouth Argyle, and it is hoped he can carry those displays into the new season.
His arrival also comes after the Gulls received a financial boost from the sale of young goalkeeping prospect Neal Osborn to Southampton, which has earned the club a five-figure sum plus future add-ons.
Friday 25 July 2014
EUROPEAN ADVENTURE OVER FOR RICHARDS
One thing Plymouth Argyle starlet Jamie Richards will be able to claim when he looks back on his career as that he did something that the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie didn't do in the 2014-15 season: experience European football.
The Pilgrims left back is currently on loan with Belfast-based side Linfield, who are currently managed by former Argyle striker Warren Feeney- who is also former teammate of Richards, appeared in all four of the Blues' matches in their Europa League campaign as they made it through two rounds of the competition.
In the first round, Linfield saw off b36 Torshavn of the Faroe Islands before putting up a brave fight against AIK Solna, one of the leading sides in Sweden, losing 2-1 on aggregate after winning the first leg by a solitary goal.
Richards is set to remain with the Blues until January, when his loan period expires, and then it will be up to both Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan and Feeney to decide what happens next with him.
The Pilgrims left back is currently on loan with Belfast-based side Linfield, who are currently managed by former Argyle striker Warren Feeney- who is also former teammate of Richards, appeared in all four of the Blues' matches in their Europa League campaign as they made it through two rounds of the competition.
In the first round, Linfield saw off b36 Torshavn of the Faroe Islands before putting up a brave fight against AIK Solna, one of the leading sides in Sweden, losing 2-1 on aggregate after winning the first leg by a solitary goal.
Richards is set to remain with the Blues until January, when his loan period expires, and then it will be up to both Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan and Feeney to decide what happens next with him.
Wednesday 23 July 2014
YOUNGY LOOKING TO FOLLOW EXAMPLE OF OTHER EX-PILGRIMS
When Luke Young was released by Plymouth Argyle at the end of last season, he said that it could be the making of him as a player.
Now- having signed for Torquay United- 'Youngy' will be looking to try and emulate the achievements of other former Argyle starlets who have carved out successful careers for themselves in the game after leaving Home Park for pastures new.
One such player is Ryan Leonard who made just one appearance for the Pilgrims- a substitute appearance against Blackpool in Ian Holloway's return to Home Park on March 27th 2010- before he was released by Peter Reid at the end of the 2010-11 season, whilst the Pilgrims were still in Administration.
Following his release by Argyle, Ryan- the son of former Truro City and Plymouth Parkway boss, Dave Leonard- was snapped up by Southend United by former Pilgrims' boss Paul Sturrock; he has since gone on to become a regular fixture at Roots Hall under Sturrock's successor, Phil Brown, and in March 2014, he committed himself to a new three-and-a-half year contract with the Shrimpers.
Another player to have thrived as a footballer after being released by the Pilgrims is Scott Laird.
The son of former Bridgwater Town and Weston Super Mare manager, Craig Laird, Scott failed to make an appearance for Argyle, and was loaned out to Tiverton Town and Torquay before moving to Stevenage in 2008.
Whilst at the Amex Stadium, Scott helped The Boro to win back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One under Graham Westley between 2010 and 2011, and later followed Westley to Preston North End- who he currently turns out for.
Moving away from Home Park also gave Luke Summerfield a fresh lease of life.
Like 'Youngy', Luke- the son of former Argyle midfielder and assistant manager Kevin Summerfield- made several appearances in the centre of the Pilgrims' midfield before he was released by the club in the summer of 2011.
On leaving Argyle, Summerfield junior signed for Cheltenham Town and helped the Robins reach the League Two Play-Off final in 2012, where they lost to Crewe Alexandra.
After their Play-Off final defeat, he joined Shrewsbury Town- another of his father's former clubs- before signing for York City, one of the Pilgrims' rivals in League Two this season.
Lastly, but by no means least, is Ryan Dickson who, after leaving Home Park in 2007, helped Brentford to win promotion from League Two in the 2008-09 campaign before he was snapped up by Southampton in 2010; he helped the Saints to win promotion from League One in the 2010-11 season and since appeared for Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient, Bradford City, Colchester United and Crawley Town.
So, all in all, Luke Young has a number of fine examples to follow as he looks to build his career away from Home Park.
Now- having signed for Torquay United- 'Youngy' will be looking to try and emulate the achievements of other former Argyle starlets who have carved out successful careers for themselves in the game after leaving Home Park for pastures new.
One such player is Ryan Leonard who made just one appearance for the Pilgrims- a substitute appearance against Blackpool in Ian Holloway's return to Home Park on March 27th 2010- before he was released by Peter Reid at the end of the 2010-11 season, whilst the Pilgrims were still in Administration.
Following his release by Argyle, Ryan- the son of former Truro City and Plymouth Parkway boss, Dave Leonard- was snapped up by Southend United by former Pilgrims' boss Paul Sturrock; he has since gone on to become a regular fixture at Roots Hall under Sturrock's successor, Phil Brown, and in March 2014, he committed himself to a new three-and-a-half year contract with the Shrimpers.
Another player to have thrived as a footballer after being released by the Pilgrims is Scott Laird.
The son of former Bridgwater Town and Weston Super Mare manager, Craig Laird, Scott failed to make an appearance for Argyle, and was loaned out to Tiverton Town and Torquay before moving to Stevenage in 2008.
Whilst at the Amex Stadium, Scott helped The Boro to win back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One under Graham Westley between 2010 and 2011, and later followed Westley to Preston North End- who he currently turns out for.
Moving away from Home Park also gave Luke Summerfield a fresh lease of life.
Like 'Youngy', Luke- the son of former Argyle midfielder and assistant manager Kevin Summerfield- made several appearances in the centre of the Pilgrims' midfield before he was released by the club in the summer of 2011.
On leaving Argyle, Summerfield junior signed for Cheltenham Town and helped the Robins reach the League Two Play-Off final in 2012, where they lost to Crewe Alexandra.
After their Play-Off final defeat, he joined Shrewsbury Town- another of his father's former clubs- before signing for York City, one of the Pilgrims' rivals in League Two this season.
Lastly, but by no means least, is Ryan Dickson who, after leaving Home Park in 2007, helped Brentford to win promotion from League Two in the 2008-09 campaign before he was snapped up by Southampton in 2010; he helped the Saints to win promotion from League One in the 2010-11 season and since appeared for Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient, Bradford City, Colchester United and Crawley Town.
So, all in all, Luke Young has a number of fine examples to follow as he looks to build his career away from Home Park.
Monday 21 July 2014
GRECIANS DRAW IN BRAZIL
Just over a week after the end of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Exeter City commemorated the host nation's first ever match against the Grecians with a goalless draw with Fluminese's Under-23 side.
The encounter took place at the Stade de Llanjeiras in Rio De Janeiro, the scene of the original meeting between City and the 'Selecao'- the nickname for the Brazilian national side- in 1914.
Over 150 travelling Grecians' fans watched their side gain some revenge for their 2-0 defeat a century ago and they received a trophy, which was collected by captain Scot Bennett.
City now have two more matches against Tupi and Rio Cricket e Associação Atlética before they return home to Devon where they will face Swansea City at St James Park.
The encounter took place at the Stade de Llanjeiras in Rio De Janeiro, the scene of the original meeting between City and the 'Selecao'- the nickname for the Brazilian national side- in 1914.
Over 150 travelling Grecians' fans watched their side gain some revenge for their 2-0 defeat a century ago and they received a trophy, which was collected by captain Scot Bennett.
City now have two more matches against Tupi and Rio Cricket e Associação Atlética before they return home to Devon where they will face Swansea City at St James Park.
Friday 4 July 2014
A PROPER CENTRE FORWARD
One of Torquay United's biggest Achilles heels of their 2013-14 campaign was the lack of a prolific centre forward.
Winger Jordan Chapell topped the Gulls' goal scoring charts with five goals- the last of which came against Portsmouth last October- and central defenders Aaron Downes and Krystian Pearce finished joint-second with four apiece.
However, no striker managed more than three with Elliot Benyon, Karl Hawley and Ashley Yeoman finding the target three times along with loanee John Marquis.
Marquis, who appeared five times on loan from Millwall during the months of November and December, helped to inspire the Gulls' best run of form of the campaign of two wins, two draws and one defeat.
Ahead of the current campaign, Torquay boss Chris Hargreaves is looking to rectify that problem with the signing of Ryan Bowman from York City.
A regular scorer from his previous spells in the Conference with Darlington and Hereford- Bowman found the back of the net eight times in 43 appearances for the Minstermen before manager Nigel Worthington gave his blessing for him to sign for the Gulls.
He becomes United's fourth summer signing after goalkeeper Jordan Seabright joined following his release by Dagenham & Redbridge.
Winger Jordan Chapell topped the Gulls' goal scoring charts with five goals- the last of which came against Portsmouth last October- and central defenders Aaron Downes and Krystian Pearce finished joint-second with four apiece.
However, no striker managed more than three with Elliot Benyon, Karl Hawley and Ashley Yeoman finding the target three times along with loanee John Marquis.
Marquis, who appeared five times on loan from Millwall during the months of November and December, helped to inspire the Gulls' best run of form of the campaign of two wins, two draws and one defeat.
Ahead of the current campaign, Torquay boss Chris Hargreaves is looking to rectify that problem with the signing of Ryan Bowman from York City.
A regular scorer from his previous spells in the Conference with Darlington and Hereford- Bowman found the back of the net eight times in 43 appearances for the Minstermen before manager Nigel Worthington gave his blessing for him to sign for the Gulls.
He becomes United's fourth summer signing after goalkeeper Jordan Seabright joined following his release by Dagenham & Redbridge.
GULLS FACE LONG, OLD POKE TO GATESHEAD
Torquay United will begin their 2014-15 Conference campaign with their longest journey of the season; away to Gateshead.
After travelling to the North East outfit, who were beaten in the Conference Play-Off final last season at Wembley by Cambridge United, the Gulls will appear in front of their own fans at Plainmoor three days later when they host Welling United.
As expected, United will be facing fellow relegated side Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day and New Year's Day; the Gulls entertain the Pirates at Plainmoor on Boxing Day- which will mark the return to Plainmoor of former skipper Lee Mansell- before making the return trip to the Memorial Stadium on January 1st.
The Gulls will complete their regular league fixture programme on April 25th when they will play host to Macclesfield Town.
It is also worth noting that several of their fixtures are likely to be subject to change as a result of potential TV coverage by BT Sport, who have rights to show live matches.
After travelling to the North East outfit, who were beaten in the Conference Play-Off final last season at Wembley by Cambridge United, the Gulls will appear in front of their own fans at Plainmoor three days later when they host Welling United.
As expected, United will be facing fellow relegated side Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day and New Year's Day; the Gulls entertain the Pirates at Plainmoor on Boxing Day- which will mark the return to Plainmoor of former skipper Lee Mansell- before making the return trip to the Memorial Stadium on January 1st.
The Gulls will complete their regular league fixture programme on April 25th when they will play host to Macclesfield Town.
It is also worth noting that several of their fixtures are likely to be subject to change as a result of potential TV coverage by BT Sport, who have rights to show live matches.
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