The names might have changed but -for Torquay United under Chris Hargreaves- the outlook is beginning to look very familiar to the side that Hargreaves himself captained out of the Conference in 2009.
For Wayne Carlisle, read Louis Briscoe; for Nicky Wroe, read Luke Young and for Mustapha Carayol and Danny Stevens, read Courtney Cameron and Jordan Chapell.
Hargreaves's side, like Paul Buckle's side of the 2008-09 campaign, is also blessed with solid defenders in the form Aaron Downes, Angus MacDonald and Krystian Pearce- much in the same way Buckle's squad was with Chris Todd, Chris Robertson and Mark Ellis.
At the start of the season, one of the questions asked by the Gulls' faithful was: 'Where can we find another Tim Sills from?'
That question that has since been answered with the acquisition of Ryan Bowman from York City.
Five games into the regular Conference and Torquay have suffered just one defeat and have kept three clean sheets and, ahead of their trip to Lincoln City tomorrow, Hargreaves' Gulls are currently on a four-match unbeaten run.
Unfortunately that run contains three draws, and whilst drawing a match means you don't suffer defeat, it's better points wise if you win one and lose one.
The signs are positive in what is a notoriously difficult league to escape from, only Shrewsbury Town in 2004, Carlisle United in 2005, Torquay in 2008 and Luton Town in 2010 have reached in the Conference Play-offs in their first season after being relegated from League Two.
At this moment in time, Torquay United under Chris Hargreaves are probably a year or two, or a player or two short of being where they would both like to be.
Friday 29 August 2014
GRECIANS' DUO NAMED IN ENGLAND UNDER-20 SQUAD
Exeter City duo Christy Pym and Matt Grimes have been selected in the England Under-20 squad for their forthcoming friendly match with Romania.
Goalkeeper Pym, 19, and midfielder Grimes- also 19- have established themselves as first team regulars for the Grecians during the past year and are the first players that Exeter have produced to be named in a national age group squad.
The pair are amongst the leading talents in the lower divisions, as Pym has been ever present for City this season and Grimes won the club's Player of the Year award last season; he has also been linked with a number of Premier League clubs.
They are joined in the squad, managed by former Watford, Colchester, Coventry and Northampton manager Boothroyd, by Liverpool's Jordon Ibe and Manchester United's James Wilson- as well as former Plymouth Argyle duo Christian Walton and Lloyd Jones, who now play for Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool respectively.
As well as breaking into Paul Tisdale's side, Pym and Grimes also showed that they could compete with the best young talents in the country when they helped the Grecians reach the Quarter Finals of the FA Premier Cup.
The match takes place on Friday 5th September at AFC Telford's Bucks' Head ground.
Goalkeeper Pym, 19, and midfielder Grimes- also 19- have established themselves as first team regulars for the Grecians during the past year and are the first players that Exeter have produced to be named in a national age group squad.
The pair are amongst the leading talents in the lower divisions, as Pym has been ever present for City this season and Grimes won the club's Player of the Year award last season; he has also been linked with a number of Premier League clubs.
They are joined in the squad, managed by former Watford, Colchester, Coventry and Northampton manager Boothroyd, by Liverpool's Jordon Ibe and Manchester United's James Wilson- as well as former Plymouth Argyle duo Christian Walton and Lloyd Jones, who now play for Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool respectively.
As well as breaking into Paul Tisdale's side, Pym and Grimes also showed that they could compete with the best young talents in the country when they helped the Grecians reach the Quarter Finals of the FA Premier Cup.
The match takes place on Friday 5th September at AFC Telford's Bucks' Head ground.
Squad in Full:
Goalkeepers: Christy Pym (Exeter City), Christian Walton (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Dominic Ball (Tottenham Hotspur), Shay Facey (Manchester City), Lloyd Jones (Liverpool), Fankaty Dabo (Chelsea), Isaac Hayden (Arsenal), Matt Targett (Southampton)
Midfielders: Diego Poyet (West Ham United), Paul Digby (Barnsley), Lewis Baker (Chelsea), John Swift (Rotherham, on loan from Chelsea), Harrison Reed (Southampton), Matty Grimes (Exeter City)
Forwards: Josh Murphy (Norwich City), Callum Robinson (Aston Villa), Jordon Ibe (Liverpool), Rolando Aarons (Newcastle United), James Wilson (Manchester United), Chuba Akpom (Arsenal), Chris Long (Everton), Kwame Thomas (Derby County).
Goalkeepers: Christy Pym (Exeter City), Christian Walton (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Dominic Ball (Tottenham Hotspur), Shay Facey (Manchester City), Lloyd Jones (Liverpool), Fankaty Dabo (Chelsea), Isaac Hayden (Arsenal), Matt Targett (Southampton)
Midfielders: Diego Poyet (West Ham United), Paul Digby (Barnsley), Lewis Baker (Chelsea), John Swift (Rotherham, on loan from Chelsea), Harrison Reed (Southampton), Matty Grimes (Exeter City)
Forwards: Josh Murphy (Norwich City), Callum Robinson (Aston Villa), Jordon Ibe (Liverpool), Rolando Aarons (Newcastle United), James Wilson (Manchester United), Chuba Akpom (Arsenal), Chris Long (Everton), Kwame Thomas (Derby County).
Sunday 24 August 2014
FORMER DUO LOOKING TO CALL THE SHOTS AGAINST THE GULLS
In their fifth game of their 2014-15 Conference campaign, Torquay United will be facing two of their former players when they host Aldershot Town on Easter Monday.
Ex Gulls Joe Oastler and Damon Lathrope will be lining up for Andy Scott's Shots against the Gulls- just two years on after helping United to reach the League Two Play-off semi-finals under Martin Ling.
The pair were the only two regular outfield players who failed to score for the Gulls during the 2011-12 season, but both proved to be unsung heroes for Ling's men.
Oastler made the right back spot his own, making 51 appearances in all competitions- as part of a defence that kept a club record 20 clean sheets- whilst Lathrope added extra strength to the centre of midfield as a holding player sitting in front of the defence- thus allowing the more attack minded duo of Eunan O'Kane and Lee Mansell to flourish (they scored 18 goals between them: O'Kane scored 5 and Mansell found the back of the net 13 times).
In the end the Gulls remained in contention for automatic promotion right up until the final day of the regular campaign before losing to Cheltenham Town over two legs in the Play-off semis.
The duo are two of 11 former Gulls who will be plying their trade in the Conference this season and who are likely to be facing Chris Hatgreaves' men between now and the end of April.
Aldershot Town- Damon Lathrope, Joe Oastler
Alfreton Town- Lathaniel Rowe-Turner
Barnet- Charlie MacDonald
Bristol Rovers- Daniel Leadbitter, Lee Mansell
Chester- Kieran Charnock
Eastleigh- Craig Stanley, Chris Todd
Kidderminster Harriers- Kevin Nicholson
Woking- Scott Rendell
Ex Gulls Joe Oastler and Damon Lathrope will be lining up for Andy Scott's Shots against the Gulls- just two years on after helping United to reach the League Two Play-off semi-finals under Martin Ling.
The pair were the only two regular outfield players who failed to score for the Gulls during the 2011-12 season, but both proved to be unsung heroes for Ling's men.
Oastler made the right back spot his own, making 51 appearances in all competitions- as part of a defence that kept a club record 20 clean sheets- whilst Lathrope added extra strength to the centre of midfield as a holding player sitting in front of the defence- thus allowing the more attack minded duo of Eunan O'Kane and Lee Mansell to flourish (they scored 18 goals between them: O'Kane scored 5 and Mansell found the back of the net 13 times).
In the end the Gulls remained in contention for automatic promotion right up until the final day of the regular campaign before losing to Cheltenham Town over two legs in the Play-off semis.
The duo are two of 11 former Gulls who will be plying their trade in the Conference this season and who are likely to be facing Chris Hatgreaves' men between now and the end of April.
Ex Torquay United players playing in the 2014-15 Vanarama Conference
Aldershot Town- Damon Lathrope, Joe Oastler
Alfreton Town- Lathaniel Rowe-Turner
Barnet- Charlie MacDonald
Bristol Rovers- Daniel Leadbitter, Lee Mansell
Chester- Kieran Charnock
Eastleigh- Craig Stanley, Chris Todd
Kidderminster Harriers- Kevin Nicholson
Woking- Scott Rendell
Saturday 23 August 2014
GULLS SET TO TIE UP IVES
Torquay United are set
to tie up Northern Irish youth product Levi Ives on a professional contract.
Ulsterman Ives, 17,
who plays at left back, is currently a second year trainee scholar at
Plainmoor- and arguably the most promising youngster from their revamped youth
system, which was re-launched in 2007- has impressed for the Gulls in youth
team games and pre-season friendly fixtures prior to the current campaign- and
manager Chris Hargreaves is now set to offer him his first senior deal.
He has also hinted at handing
him his professional debut in the coming weeks.
As well as appearing
for Torquay in their pre-season programme, Ives also featured for Northern Ireland
in the Milk Cup, an international youth tournament staged in the province,
where he was awarded a Man of the Match award in one of their games.
Before the Gulls’
youth set-up was shut down by former Chairman Mike Bateson in 2004, a number of
highly talented youngsters were nurtured; these included former Manchester
United and England winger
Lee Sharpe, ex Jamaican internationals Paul Hall and Darren Moore, current Swansea City boss Garry Monk and Newcastle
United defender Mike Williamson.
Also should Ives go on
to receive Under-21 international recognition with Northern Ireland during his
stay at Plainmoor, he will become the third Gulls’ player to do so in recent
times; In 2010, Eunan O’Kane-prior to his switch to the Republic- and Billy
Kee, who recently earned United a fee in the region of £80,000 through a
sell-on clause following his move from Burton Albion to Scunthorpe United, both
appeared for the province between 2010 and 2011.
CHAPELL SET TO COME OFF LIST
Torquay United’s top
scorer during their ill-fated 2013-14 campaign, Jordan Chapell, is set to come
off the transfer list.
Chapell, 22, who
netted five times for the Gulls last season, including the fastest ever goal in
the club’s history against Portsmouth after 17 seconds, was amongst six players
listed for transfer by manager Chris Hargreaves at the end of last season, but
the former Sheffield United youngster is set to remain at Plainmoor.
After initially
joining Torquay on loan from the Blades towards the end of the 2012-13 campaign
under Alan Knill’s interim reign as manager, Chapell- who is the cousin of
former Gulls’ midfielder Mark Platts- made the move into a full-time one in the
following summer after Knill was named as permanent successor to Martin Ling.
Chapell made a flying start to last season, scoring five times before the end of October- including a brace away against Northampton in August, and the aforementioned strike against Portsmouth- before falling away in the second half of the campaign.
This latest development now means that five players remain on the Gulls' transfer list: Dale Tonge, Aaron Downes, Ben Harding, Elliot Benyon and Karl Hawley.
This latest development now means that five players remain on the Gulls' transfer list: Dale Tonge, Aaron Downes, Ben Harding, Elliot Benyon and Karl Hawley.
Sunday 17 August 2014
SWEET REVENGE FOR PILGRIMS
Plymouth Argyle avenged their Devon derby double defeat to Exeter City last season with a convincing win over the Grecians at Home Park.
Against a team that has earned itself a reputation for producing talented young players, all of the Pilgrims' three goalscorers- Tyler Harvey, Reuben Reid and Curtis Nelson- all came through the youth ranks at Argyle; although Reid was released by former manager Paul Sturrock in 2008 before he was brought back to Home Park by current Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan.
Harvey opened the scoring with a free-kick in the 14th minute, after Liam Sercombe was denied a penalty for the Grecians, before Reid doubled their lead on 36 minutes.
Skipper Nelson completed the scoring with seven minutes remaining as Argyle completed their first win of the campaign, and their first Devon derby win over Exeter since March 2013.
The 3-0 victory for the Pilgrims helps to underline their promotion credentials, whilst defeat for the Grecians means that manager Paul Tisdale will now have to regroup and remould his charges ahead of what could be another difficult season.
Against a team that has earned itself a reputation for producing talented young players, all of the Pilgrims' three goalscorers- Tyler Harvey, Reuben Reid and Curtis Nelson- all came through the youth ranks at Argyle; although Reid was released by former manager Paul Sturrock in 2008 before he was brought back to Home Park by current Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan.
Harvey opened the scoring with a free-kick in the 14th minute, after Liam Sercombe was denied a penalty for the Grecians, before Reid doubled their lead on 36 minutes.
Skipper Nelson completed the scoring with seven minutes remaining as Argyle completed their first win of the campaign, and their first Devon derby win over Exeter since March 2013.
The 3-0 victory for the Pilgrims helps to underline their promotion credentials, whilst defeat for the Grecians means that manager Paul Tisdale will now have to regroup and remould his charges ahead of what could be another difficult season.
Friday 15 August 2014
ROLE REVERSAL IN DEVON EXPRESSWAY DERBY
In recent years, Devon Expressway derbies between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City have been played when the Pilgrims have either been in financial turmoil, or in Administration.
However, ahead of this Saturday's meeting at Home Park, the Grecians have been under a transfer embargo - as a result of an outstanding loan to the PFA- which left City boss Paul Tisdale unable to make any close season signings.
Also a bout of illness and several injuries within his squad forced Tisdale to come out of retirement and re-register himself as a player, and he named himself amongst the substitutes on their opening day of the season encounter with Portsmouth.
The embargo has since been lifted and Tisdale has added former Preston North End striker Graham Cummins to his squad, following a successful trial spell, and the Irishman is set to make his debut against the Pilgrims.
Argyle, on the other hand, will be looking to take the momentum from their 6-5 penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of last season's losing League One Play-Off finalists Leyton Orient (the Pilgrims drew 3-3 in normal time).
After losing away at Cambridge United on the opening day, manager John Sheridan will no doubt see regard a positive performance and result against the Grecians as a must as Argyle aim to improve on last season's 10th place finish, and mould a side capable of mounting a challenge for promotion.
However, ahead of this Saturday's meeting at Home Park, the Grecians have been under a transfer embargo - as a result of an outstanding loan to the PFA- which left City boss Paul Tisdale unable to make any close season signings.
Also a bout of illness and several injuries within his squad forced Tisdale to come out of retirement and re-register himself as a player, and he named himself amongst the substitutes on their opening day of the season encounter with Portsmouth.
The embargo has since been lifted and Tisdale has added former Preston North End striker Graham Cummins to his squad, following a successful trial spell, and the Irishman is set to make his debut against the Pilgrims.
Argyle, on the other hand, will be looking to take the momentum from their 6-5 penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of last season's losing League One Play-Off finalists Leyton Orient (the Pilgrims drew 3-3 in normal time).
After losing away at Cambridge United on the opening day, manager John Sheridan will no doubt see regard a positive performance and result against the Grecians as a must as Argyle aim to improve on last season's 10th place finish, and mould a side capable of mounting a challenge for promotion.
Monday 11 August 2014
SOUTH WEST TRIO SEEKING CAPITAL GAINS
With their opening league fixtures out of the way, Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Yeovil Town will be switching their attentions to their Capital One Cup first round ties.
The achievements of Bradford City in the 2012-13 season, when the Bantams reached the final of the competition- as a League Two side- and knocked out several Premiership clubs en route remains the dream of the fans, but- nevertheless- a good run in the competition could prove to be lucrative in the short term.
Argyle, whose manager John Sheridan scored the winning goal for Sheffield Wednesday in the 1991 final, host last season's losing League One Play-Off finalists Leyton Orient.
The O's management team possesses plenty of South West connections as manager Russell Slade managed Yeovil Town between 2007 and 2009, assistant boss Kevin Nugent led the Plymouth Argyle from 1992 to 1995 and goalkeeping coach Kevin Dearden helped Torquay United win promotion from League Two in 2004 during a four-year stay at Plainmoor.
Also manager Sheridan isn't the Pilgrims' only League Cup final connection, defender Carl McHugh featured for Bradford in the 2013 final against Swansea City and he scored the Bantams' third goal in their 3-1 semi-final first leg victory over Aston Villa.
Exeter, meanwhile, will be hoping for another bumper attendance- to help boost their ailing finances-when Championship outfit AFC Bournemouth visit St James' Park.
In their opening day fixture at home to Portsmouth when over 5,600 turned up, and the Grecians are keeping their fingers crossed that their tie with the Cherries- who still include former Torquay United favourite Eunan O'Kane amongst their numbers- can attract a similar figure.
Yeovil host Gillingham in an all-League One affair at Huish Park as the Glovers will be looking to banish the memory of the opening day defeat at home to Doncaster Rovers.
The achievements of Bradford City in the 2012-13 season, when the Bantams reached the final of the competition- as a League Two side- and knocked out several Premiership clubs en route remains the dream of the fans, but- nevertheless- a good run in the competition could prove to be lucrative in the short term.
Argyle, whose manager John Sheridan scored the winning goal for Sheffield Wednesday in the 1991 final, host last season's losing League One Play-Off finalists Leyton Orient.
The O's management team possesses plenty of South West connections as manager Russell Slade managed Yeovil Town between 2007 and 2009, assistant boss Kevin Nugent led the Plymouth Argyle from 1992 to 1995 and goalkeeping coach Kevin Dearden helped Torquay United win promotion from League Two in 2004 during a four-year stay at Plainmoor.
Also manager Sheridan isn't the Pilgrims' only League Cup final connection, defender Carl McHugh featured for Bradford in the 2013 final against Swansea City and he scored the Bantams' third goal in their 3-1 semi-final first leg victory over Aston Villa.
Exeter, meanwhile, will be hoping for another bumper attendance- to help boost their ailing finances-when Championship outfit AFC Bournemouth visit St James' Park.
In their opening day fixture at home to Portsmouth when over 5,600 turned up, and the Grecians are keeping their fingers crossed that their tie with the Cherries- who still include former Torquay United favourite Eunan O'Kane amongst their numbers- can attract a similar figure.
Yeovil host Gillingham in an all-League One affair at Huish Park as the Glovers will be looking to banish the memory of the opening day defeat at home to Doncaster Rovers.
Thursday 7 August 2014
2014-15 SEASON PREVIEW: YEOVIL TOWN
Overview:
After last season's Championship adventure, Yeovil Town find themselves back in League Two- the division where they have spent most of the 11 years in the Football League since they became a Football League club in 2003.
A number of key figures have left Huish Park over the summer, and manager Gary Johnson has cast his net far and wide in his search for replacements.
Some of them have come from nearby- Yeovil born goalkeeper Chris Weale returns to Huish Park for a third spell- and others have come from further afield- James Berrett joins from Carlisle United.
Summer Business:
In: Aaron Martin (Birmingham City), Ajay Leitch-Smith (Crewe Alexandra) Chris Weale (Shrewsbury Town), Jakob Sokolik (Liverpool), Artur Krysiak (Exeter City), James Berrett (Carlisle United), Brendan Moloney (Bristol City), Ben Nugent (Cardiff City) Loan
Out: Chris Dunn (Cambridge United), Marek Stech (Sparta Prague), Luke Ayling (Bristol City) Undisclosed fee, Byron Webster (Millwall), Reuben Reid (Plymouth Argyle)
Player to Watch: Kieffer Moore
Just over two years ago, Kieffer Moore was playing parks football in South Devon- but during that time he has found his way to Huish Park via stints with Truro City and Dorchester Town.
Brought to Yeovil Town as one of 'Gary's Gambles', Moore was likened to current QPR striker Charlie Austin by his former boss at Dorchester, Phil Simkin- before he signed for the Glovers- and scored five times in 24 appearances last season for the Glovers, as he made the step up to the Championship from Conference South.
Now, with that level of experience under his belt, he has the potential to take League One by storm.
Prediction:
Yeovil's relegation from the Championship last season was their first from any league since they were relegated from the Conference to the ICIS Premier Division in 1995.
However, what the Glovers must not do is allow it to become the start of a downward spiral that would see Yeovil slip back down the leagues. In recent times, two of the club's that Yeovil won promotion from League Two with in 2005- Southend and Scunthorpe- have dropped back down to the Football League's basement division shortly after being relegated from the Championship.
Whilst key performers such as Marek Stech, Byron Webster and Luke Ayling have departed, manager Gary Johnson had brought Chris Weale back to the club and signed Artur Krysiak from Exeter to act as his understudy.
Czech starlet Jakob Sokolik could yet fill the void left by Webster's move to Millwall, where he linked up with another former Glover Ed Upson, and Brendan Moloney signed from Bristol City as Ayling moved in the opposite direction.
Former Republic of Ireland youth midfielder James Berrett turned down the chance to stay with Carlisle United and he will be keen to impress.
Up front Ajay Leitch-Smith joins a crop of strikers that includes Kieffer Moore and James Hayter, so the Glovers surely can claim to possess enough firepower to hold their own in League One.
Eight of Yeovil's 11 years as a Football League club have been spent in League One, and it looks likely that the Glovers can once again hold their own in the third tier of English football.
After last season's Championship adventure, Yeovil Town find themselves back in League Two- the division where they have spent most of the 11 years in the Football League since they became a Football League club in 2003.
A number of key figures have left Huish Park over the summer, and manager Gary Johnson has cast his net far and wide in his search for replacements.
Some of them have come from nearby- Yeovil born goalkeeper Chris Weale returns to Huish Park for a third spell- and others have come from further afield- James Berrett joins from Carlisle United.
Summer Business:
In: Aaron Martin (Birmingham City), Ajay Leitch-Smith (Crewe Alexandra) Chris Weale (Shrewsbury Town), Jakob Sokolik (Liverpool), Artur Krysiak (Exeter City), James Berrett (Carlisle United), Brendan Moloney (Bristol City), Ben Nugent (Cardiff City) Loan
Out: Chris Dunn (Cambridge United), Marek Stech (Sparta Prague), Luke Ayling (Bristol City) Undisclosed fee, Byron Webster (Millwall), Reuben Reid (Plymouth Argyle)
Player to Watch: Kieffer Moore
Just over two years ago, Kieffer Moore was playing parks football in South Devon- but during that time he has found his way to Huish Park via stints with Truro City and Dorchester Town.
Brought to Yeovil Town as one of 'Gary's Gambles', Moore was likened to current QPR striker Charlie Austin by his former boss at Dorchester, Phil Simkin- before he signed for the Glovers- and scored five times in 24 appearances last season for the Glovers, as he made the step up to the Championship from Conference South.
Now, with that level of experience under his belt, he has the potential to take League One by storm.
Prediction:
Yeovil's relegation from the Championship last season was their first from any league since they were relegated from the Conference to the ICIS Premier Division in 1995.
However, what the Glovers must not do is allow it to become the start of a downward spiral that would see Yeovil slip back down the leagues. In recent times, two of the club's that Yeovil won promotion from League Two with in 2005- Southend and Scunthorpe- have dropped back down to the Football League's basement division shortly after being relegated from the Championship.
Whilst key performers such as Marek Stech, Byron Webster and Luke Ayling have departed, manager Gary Johnson had brought Chris Weale back to the club and signed Artur Krysiak from Exeter to act as his understudy.
Czech starlet Jakob Sokolik could yet fill the void left by Webster's move to Millwall, where he linked up with another former Glover Ed Upson, and Brendan Moloney signed from Bristol City as Ayling moved in the opposite direction.
Former Republic of Ireland youth midfielder James Berrett turned down the chance to stay with Carlisle United and he will be keen to impress.
Up front Ajay Leitch-Smith joins a crop of strikers that includes Kieffer Moore and James Hayter, so the Glovers surely can claim to possess enough firepower to hold their own in League One.
Eight of Yeovil's 11 years as a Football League club have been spent in League One, and it looks likely that the Glovers can once again hold their own in the third tier of English football.
Sunday 3 August 2014
SEASON PREVIEW 2014-15 : PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Overview:
After finishing in 10th place in League Two last season, Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan will be looking to build a side that can mount a promotion challenge.
Sheridan has made eight signings over the summer, which includes the permanent acquisition of Reuben Reid- who became the first Argyle striker to score 20 goals or more in a season since Tommy Tynan whilst on loan from Yeovil Town.
Argyle also have a new captain in the form of Curtis Nelson, following the sale of Conor Hourihane to Barnsley, and new signing Peter Hartley has been installed as vice-captain.
The Pilgrims are now in a position where they are beginning to emerge stronger from a number of years of financial turmoil to the point where a Play-Off place would be seen as a minimum objective from the forthcoming campaign.
Summer Business:
In: Deane Smalley (Oxford United), Lee Cox (Swindon Town), Reuben Reid (Yeovil Town), Carl McHugh (Bradford City), Peter Hartley (Stevenage), Kelvin Mellor (Crewe Alexandra), James Bittner (Salisbury City), Oliver Norburn (Bristol Rovers)
Out: Conor Hourihane (Barnsley) £200,000, Luke Young (Torquay United), Neal Trotman, Jake Cole (Woking), Isaac Vassell (Truro City), Andres Gurrieri (Club Social y Deportivo Tristan Suarez), Durrell Berry, Maxime Blanchard, Matt Parsons
Player to Watch: Jason Banton
'Keep calm and pass it to Banton'; that was the message that was emblazoned on a T-shirt worn by the then Crystal Palace loanee, which he revealed after he scored the crucial goal which decided the Pilgrims' Devon derby meeting in March 2013.
That was the sixth goal of Banton's loan spell from Selhurst Park- which earned him the League Two Player of the Month award for March 2013, and also helped John Sheridan to pick up the managerial award for the same month- and ensured that he finished the season as the Pilgrims' top scorer.
He made a permanent return in January 2014, but- save for a stunning in Argyle's final home game against Hartlepool- he hasn't quite hit the heights of his loan spell.
However, Sheridan has described him as 'his brightest spark' of the Pilgrims' pre-season campaign, and if he can recreate the performances that he turned in during his loan stint- then he can be a match winner for Argyle again.
Prediction:
During his career as a player, John Sheridan helped Sheffield Wednesday to win the 1991 Rumbelows Cup final by scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Manchester United and also played his part in helping the Republic of Ireland shock Italy in the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
As a manager, he has registered career victories over David Moyes and Paolo Di Canio and led Chesterfield to promotion and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Now, he is aiming to join the list of promotion winning Plymouth Argyle managers that includes Bob Jack, Jack Rowley, Tony Waiters, Dave Smith, Neil Warnock and Paul Sturrock.
One of the hallmarks of lower league promotion winning side is the quality of its strikers; with a roster of attacking talents that features Reuben Reid, summer signing Deane Smalley, Lewis Alessandra, Marvin Morgan and Matt Lecointe, the Pilgrims should be able to establish a strike partnership that can find the back of the net 30 or 40 times during the course of the 2014-15 campaign.
The current Pilgrims' squad possesses a strong spine and, in the centre of midfield, the return of former loanee Lee Cox and the signing of Oliver Norburn should compensate for the summer sale of Conor Hourihane and the release of Luke Young. In the wide areas, Nathan Thomas and Jason Banton will surely be asking a lot of questions of League Two defences this season.
Argyle also plenty of strength in the centre of defence and new signing Peter Hartley looks set to form a solid partnership with Curtis Nelson. Carl McHugh can also play there, but he will probably be filling in at left back, where his understudy is likely to be young prospect Ben Purrington. At right back Kelvin Mellor will take over from Durrell Berry.
In Luke McCormick, the Pilgrims have arguably one of the best goalkeepers in League Two and he has gone from strength to strength since he returned to Home Park for a second spell last season.
All in all, the Pilgrims will be looking to reach the Play-Offs with a squad that can plenty of experience of playing in League One. However, whisper it quietly, a top three finish may not be beyond their capabilities as Sheridan has previous experience of winning promotion from League Two- he guided Chesterfield to the title in the 2010-11 season.
After finishing in 10th place in League Two last season, Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan will be looking to build a side that can mount a promotion challenge.
Sheridan has made eight signings over the summer, which includes the permanent acquisition of Reuben Reid- who became the first Argyle striker to score 20 goals or more in a season since Tommy Tynan whilst on loan from Yeovil Town.
Argyle also have a new captain in the form of Curtis Nelson, following the sale of Conor Hourihane to Barnsley, and new signing Peter Hartley has been installed as vice-captain.
The Pilgrims are now in a position where they are beginning to emerge stronger from a number of years of financial turmoil to the point where a Play-Off place would be seen as a minimum objective from the forthcoming campaign.
Summer Business:
In: Deane Smalley (Oxford United), Lee Cox (Swindon Town), Reuben Reid (Yeovil Town), Carl McHugh (Bradford City), Peter Hartley (Stevenage), Kelvin Mellor (Crewe Alexandra), James Bittner (Salisbury City), Oliver Norburn (Bristol Rovers)
Out: Conor Hourihane (Barnsley) £200,000, Luke Young (Torquay United), Neal Trotman, Jake Cole (Woking), Isaac Vassell (Truro City), Andres Gurrieri (Club Social y Deportivo Tristan Suarez), Durrell Berry, Maxime Blanchard, Matt Parsons
Player to Watch: Jason Banton
'Keep calm and pass it to Banton'; that was the message that was emblazoned on a T-shirt worn by the then Crystal Palace loanee, which he revealed after he scored the crucial goal which decided the Pilgrims' Devon derby meeting in March 2013.
That was the sixth goal of Banton's loan spell from Selhurst Park- which earned him the League Two Player of the Month award for March 2013, and also helped John Sheridan to pick up the managerial award for the same month- and ensured that he finished the season as the Pilgrims' top scorer.
He made a permanent return in January 2014, but- save for a stunning in Argyle's final home game against Hartlepool- he hasn't quite hit the heights of his loan spell.
However, Sheridan has described him as 'his brightest spark' of the Pilgrims' pre-season campaign, and if he can recreate the performances that he turned in during his loan stint- then he can be a match winner for Argyle again.
Prediction:
During his career as a player, John Sheridan helped Sheffield Wednesday to win the 1991 Rumbelows Cup final by scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Manchester United and also played his part in helping the Republic of Ireland shock Italy in the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
As a manager, he has registered career victories over David Moyes and Paolo Di Canio and led Chesterfield to promotion and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Now, he is aiming to join the list of promotion winning Plymouth Argyle managers that includes Bob Jack, Jack Rowley, Tony Waiters, Dave Smith, Neil Warnock and Paul Sturrock.
One of the hallmarks of lower league promotion winning side is the quality of its strikers; with a roster of attacking talents that features Reuben Reid, summer signing Deane Smalley, Lewis Alessandra, Marvin Morgan and Matt Lecointe, the Pilgrims should be able to establish a strike partnership that can find the back of the net 30 or 40 times during the course of the 2014-15 campaign.
The current Pilgrims' squad possesses a strong spine and, in the centre of midfield, the return of former loanee Lee Cox and the signing of Oliver Norburn should compensate for the summer sale of Conor Hourihane and the release of Luke Young. In the wide areas, Nathan Thomas and Jason Banton will surely be asking a lot of questions of League Two defences this season.
Argyle also plenty of strength in the centre of defence and new signing Peter Hartley looks set to form a solid partnership with Curtis Nelson. Carl McHugh can also play there, but he will probably be filling in at left back, where his understudy is likely to be young prospect Ben Purrington. At right back Kelvin Mellor will take over from Durrell Berry.
In Luke McCormick, the Pilgrims have arguably one of the best goalkeepers in League Two and he has gone from strength to strength since he returned to Home Park for a second spell last season.
All in all, the Pilgrims will be looking to reach the Play-Offs with a squad that can plenty of experience of playing in League One. However, whisper it quietly, a top three finish may not be beyond their capabilities as Sheridan has previous experience of winning promotion from League Two- he guided Chesterfield to the title in the 2010-11 season.
2014-15 PREVIEW: EXETER CITY
Overview:
After avoiding relegation last season, Paul Tisdale will once again be placing his faith in youth as a transfer embargo, due to a PFA loan, has prevented the Grecians boss from adding to his squad.
Over the summer, Scot Bennett has taken over the captaincy from Danny Coles, who was stripped of the role following an outburst on Twitter during the World Cup.
The Grecians also enjoyed an historic tour of Brazil, which commemorated Brazil's first ever competitive meeting against Exeter in 1914.
In: None
Out: Artur Krysiak (Yeovil Town), Jake Gosling (Bristol Rovers), John O'Flynn, Alan Gow, Sam Parkin
Player to Watch: Matt Grimes
The latest talent to emerge from the Grecians' youth development scheme, local lad Matt Grimes could prove to be one of most talented players for a generation. After winning the club's Player of the Year award in his first full season as a professional, he has been linked with Liverpool, Sunderland and Norwich City, and there has also been talk of a possible call-up to the England youth side at Under-19 or Under-20 level.
Nevertheless, Grimes will be continuing his footballing education at St James Park with the Grecians, but if he continues to progress in the manner in which he has done- then any future fee which may prise him away from City could be higher than the £500,000 they received from Manchester City in 1995 for Martin 'Buster' Phillips.
Prediction:
Possibly due to their lack of transfer activity, City have been named as the second favourites to go down with Bet 365 with odds of 7/2 and William Hills have placed the Grecians at 6/1 to make the drop to the Conference.
However, Exeter's youngster showed what they were capable of in the Under-21 Premier League Cup where they reached the Quarter Finals- defeating Crystal Palace, Southampton and Blackburn en route.
Tisdale is also looking at potential reinforcements for when their transfer embargo comes to an end as well; former Preston North End Graham Cummins and ex Bristol City defender Christian Ribiero are currently training with the Grecians.
Exeter's ability to defy their critics will rest firmly with their young players- namely Scot Bennett, Matt Grimes, Jimmy Keohane and Tom Nicholls, all of whom will be expected to kick on after a promising campaigns last term.
If Tom Nicholls can find the back of the net on a regular basis, then that will provide a major boost to their prospects.
Older heads such as Pat Baldwin, Danny Coles, Matt Oakley, Danny Butterfield and Craig Woodman will also play their part as the Grecians aim to hit the ground running and get as many points on the board as possible.
The quicker that they can reach the 50 point mark the better.
After avoiding relegation last season, Paul Tisdale will once again be placing his faith in youth as a transfer embargo, due to a PFA loan, has prevented the Grecians boss from adding to his squad.
Over the summer, Scot Bennett has taken over the captaincy from Danny Coles, who was stripped of the role following an outburst on Twitter during the World Cup.
The Grecians also enjoyed an historic tour of Brazil, which commemorated Brazil's first ever competitive meeting against Exeter in 1914.
In: None
Out: Artur Krysiak (Yeovil Town), Jake Gosling (Bristol Rovers), John O'Flynn, Alan Gow, Sam Parkin
Player to Watch: Matt Grimes
The latest talent to emerge from the Grecians' youth development scheme, local lad Matt Grimes could prove to be one of most talented players for a generation. After winning the club's Player of the Year award in his first full season as a professional, he has been linked with Liverpool, Sunderland and Norwich City, and there has also been talk of a possible call-up to the England youth side at Under-19 or Under-20 level.
Nevertheless, Grimes will be continuing his footballing education at St James Park with the Grecians, but if he continues to progress in the manner in which he has done- then any future fee which may prise him away from City could be higher than the £500,000 they received from Manchester City in 1995 for Martin 'Buster' Phillips.
Prediction:
Possibly due to their lack of transfer activity, City have been named as the second favourites to go down with Bet 365 with odds of 7/2 and William Hills have placed the Grecians at 6/1 to make the drop to the Conference.
However, Exeter's youngster showed what they were capable of in the Under-21 Premier League Cup where they reached the Quarter Finals- defeating Crystal Palace, Southampton and Blackburn en route.
Tisdale is also looking at potential reinforcements for when their transfer embargo comes to an end as well; former Preston North End Graham Cummins and ex Bristol City defender Christian Ribiero are currently training with the Grecians.
Exeter's ability to defy their critics will rest firmly with their young players- namely Scot Bennett, Matt Grimes, Jimmy Keohane and Tom Nicholls, all of whom will be expected to kick on after a promising campaigns last term.
If Tom Nicholls can find the back of the net on a regular basis, then that will provide a major boost to their prospects.
Older heads such as Pat Baldwin, Danny Coles, Matt Oakley, Danny Butterfield and Craig Woodman will also play their part as the Grecians aim to hit the ground running and get as many points on the board as possible.
The quicker that they can reach the 50 point mark the better.
Friday 1 August 2014
2014-15 PREVIEW: TORQUAY UNITED
Overview:
In Chris Hargreaves's first full season as manager Torquay United, the Gulls find themselves back in the Conference, the division that Hargreaves captained United to promotion from as a player five years ago.
During the summer, Hargreaves has made eight new signings, including Louis Briscoe from Mansfield Town and Luke Young from Plymouth Argyle, whilst a number of long-servings players such as Lee Mansell, Kevin Nicholson and Michael Poke have departed.
A further eight players have been transfer-listed- six of which currently remain at Plainmoor- as Hargreaves aims to cut the cloth, and a couple of products are starting to emerge from the club's revamped youth system- namely Levi Ives and Sam Chaney who could well be pushing for a place in the club's starting eleven.
Summer Business:
In
Louis Briscoe (Mansfield Town), Luke Young (Plymouth Argyle), Ryan Bowman (York City), Jordan Seabright (Dagenham & Redbridge), Toby Ajala (Unattached), Angus MacDonald (Salisbury City), Courtney Richards (Brighton and Hove Albion), Duane O'achie (Unattached)
Out
Michael Poke (Portsmouth), Lee Mansell (Bristol Rovers), Damon Lathrope (Aldershot Town), Joss Labadie (Dagenham & Redbridge), Kevin Nicholson, Danny Stevens, Nathan Craig, Shaun Cooper, Mickey Parcell (Truro City) Loan
Player to Watch: Luke Young
When Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan released Luke Young at the end of last season more than a few eyebrows were raised; 'Youngy'- who had made over 100 career appearances for the Pilgrims, and had been with the club from the age of 9- was seen by many as a talented prospect.
However, Sheridan's loss could yet to prove to be Chris Hargreaves's gain, as Young looks set to bring a touch of class to the Gulls' midfield which has been missing since Eunan O'Kane's move to Bournemouth in 2012.
Following his release by the Pilgrims, Young stated that moving away from Home Park could prove to the making of him, and his move to the Gulls could yet see him blossom as a footballer.
Prediction:
The Conference has never been a easy league to escape from and, in some ways, the Gulls are entering unchartered territory- as no team has yet to win promotion from the Conference after being relegated from the Football League twice.
However, Hargreaves has set about addressing last season's problems, namely goal scoring- Torquay's top scorer in the 2013-14 campaign was Jordan Chapell with five, whilst no striker found the back more than three times- with the signing of Ryan Bowman from York. The early signs are that the former Darlington and Hereford man could form a useful partnership Ashley Yeoman in the forthcoming season.
Supplying them with ammunition could potentially be a midfield quartet of Louis Briscoe, Luke Young, Courtney Richards and Courtney Cameron, with Toby Ajala and transfer listed duo Ben Harding and Chapell waiting in reserve, which could compare favourably with the best midfields in the division.
At the back, former loanee Angus MacDonald will provide plenty of competition to Aaron Downes and last season's Player of the Year Krystian Pearce- should he remain at Plainmoor- whilst converted full back Niall Thompson and youngster Levi Ives currently look like the favourites to fill the right back and left back slots respectively.
In goal, Martin Rice will be contesting the goalkeeper's position with new signing Jordan Seabright- following Michael Poke's move to Portsmouth.
Also Hargreaves will be looking to resolve the futures of the six remaining out of contracts players (Dale Tonge, Aaron Downes, Ben Harding, Jordan Chapell, Elliot Benyon and Karl Hawley) as soon as realistically possible.
All in all, the Plainmoor faithful look set to witness one thing that was in short supply last season- goals- and if everything can click for Hargreaves's men then the Play-Offs may not be out of their reach, depending on how well the new arrivals can gel as a unit.
Certainly a top half finish within the top eight or nine should be more than feasible for the new look Gulls, and a good cup run in either the FA Trophy or FA Cup wouldn't go amiss to provide a timely boost to the club's finances.
In Chris Hargreaves's first full season as manager Torquay United, the Gulls find themselves back in the Conference, the division that Hargreaves captained United to promotion from as a player five years ago.
During the summer, Hargreaves has made eight new signings, including Louis Briscoe from Mansfield Town and Luke Young from Plymouth Argyle, whilst a number of long-servings players such as Lee Mansell, Kevin Nicholson and Michael Poke have departed.
A further eight players have been transfer-listed- six of which currently remain at Plainmoor- as Hargreaves aims to cut the cloth, and a couple of products are starting to emerge from the club's revamped youth system- namely Levi Ives and Sam Chaney who could well be pushing for a place in the club's starting eleven.
Summer Business:
In
Louis Briscoe (Mansfield Town), Luke Young (Plymouth Argyle), Ryan Bowman (York City), Jordan Seabright (Dagenham & Redbridge), Toby Ajala (Unattached), Angus MacDonald (Salisbury City), Courtney Richards (Brighton and Hove Albion), Duane O'achie (Unattached)
Out
Michael Poke (Portsmouth), Lee Mansell (Bristol Rovers), Damon Lathrope (Aldershot Town), Joss Labadie (Dagenham & Redbridge), Kevin Nicholson, Danny Stevens, Nathan Craig, Shaun Cooper, Mickey Parcell (Truro City) Loan
Player to Watch: Luke Young
When Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan released Luke Young at the end of last season more than a few eyebrows were raised; 'Youngy'- who had made over 100 career appearances for the Pilgrims, and had been with the club from the age of 9- was seen by many as a talented prospect.
However, Sheridan's loss could yet to prove to be Chris Hargreaves's gain, as Young looks set to bring a touch of class to the Gulls' midfield which has been missing since Eunan O'Kane's move to Bournemouth in 2012.
Following his release by the Pilgrims, Young stated that moving away from Home Park could prove to the making of him, and his move to the Gulls could yet see him blossom as a footballer.
Prediction:
The Conference has never been a easy league to escape from and, in some ways, the Gulls are entering unchartered territory- as no team has yet to win promotion from the Conference after being relegated from the Football League twice.
However, Hargreaves has set about addressing last season's problems, namely goal scoring- Torquay's top scorer in the 2013-14 campaign was Jordan Chapell with five, whilst no striker found the back more than three times- with the signing of Ryan Bowman from York. The early signs are that the former Darlington and Hereford man could form a useful partnership Ashley Yeoman in the forthcoming season.
Supplying them with ammunition could potentially be a midfield quartet of Louis Briscoe, Luke Young, Courtney Richards and Courtney Cameron, with Toby Ajala and transfer listed duo Ben Harding and Chapell waiting in reserve, which could compare favourably with the best midfields in the division.
At the back, former loanee Angus MacDonald will provide plenty of competition to Aaron Downes and last season's Player of the Year Krystian Pearce- should he remain at Plainmoor- whilst converted full back Niall Thompson and youngster Levi Ives currently look like the favourites to fill the right back and left back slots respectively.
In goal, Martin Rice will be contesting the goalkeeper's position with new signing Jordan Seabright- following Michael Poke's move to Portsmouth.
Also Hargreaves will be looking to resolve the futures of the six remaining out of contracts players (Dale Tonge, Aaron Downes, Ben Harding, Jordan Chapell, Elliot Benyon and Karl Hawley) as soon as realistically possible.
All in all, the Plainmoor faithful look set to witness one thing that was in short supply last season- goals- and if everything can click for Hargreaves's men then the Play-Offs may not be out of their reach, depending on how well the new arrivals can gel as a unit.
Certainly a top half finish within the top eight or nine should be more than feasible for the new look Gulls, and a good cup run in either the FA Trophy or FA Cup wouldn't go amiss to provide a timely boost to the club's finances.
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