Former Everton and England star Peter Reid probably wouldn't have too many fond memories of his time as Plymouth Argyle manager, but one plus point for him would possibly be the time he spent working with Joe Mason.
During his tenure in charge of the Pilgrims - over the course of the 2010-11 season, as well as the early part of the 2011-12 campaign - Reid found himself paying the club's heating bill and auctioning off one of his FA Cup runners-up medals as Argyle slid towards Administration.
However, Mason's emergence as a first team regular was one of a few bright spots of a season that saw the Pilgrims relegated after they received a ten-point deduction for entering Administration.
"I love him as a footballer, he gets in behind people and stretches them," said Reid of Mason after his first league match in charge at Home Park against Carlisle United.
Sadly for the 'Green Army' and Reid alike, his appearance in their 4-1 defeat final day of the season against Leyton Orient proved to be his last in a Plymouth Argyle shirt to date as financial issues saw him sold to Cardiff City during the summer of 2011, for a fee in the region of £250,000.
Within of his move to the Cardiff City Stadium, Mason was lining up in the 2011 Capital One Cup final against Liverpool and he scored the opening goal in a match which Cardiff drew 2-2 after extra time before losing on penalties.
By scoring in the match, Mason became the first former Pilgrims' player to score in a major final since Mike Trebilcock netted for Everton against Sheffield Wednesday in the 1966 FA Cup final.
It was a feat that Argyle greats such as Paul Mariner and David Phillips never managed to achieve when they appeared for Ipswich Town and Coventry City in the 1978 and 1987 FA Cup finals respectively.
Mason remained with Cardiff during a period in which they changed the colours from Blue to Red and appeared in the Premiership and was loaned out to Bolton Wanderers.
In the current campaign, he found himself amongst the goals - with six in 24 appearances - which alerted him the attention of Wolves who snapped him up, following the £10 million sale of Benik Afobe to Bournemouth, for a fee believed to be £3million.
The sell-on clause is thought to be around 15 % and provides current Pilgrims' manager Derek Adams with a timely boost, as he looks to build on an impressive first season in charge at Home Park, which currently sees Argyle in contention for automatic promotion from League Two.
There is also the possibility that Mason, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level - who he qualifies for through his mother, could force his way into Martin O'Neill's squad for Euro 2016.
Sunday 31 January 2016
Monday 25 January 2016
DARREN'S WAY
After missing out on a money spinning FA Cup tie with Everton, which would have seen him testing his managerial wits against his former Swansea City teammate Roberto Martinez, Darren Way helped to get Yeovil Town's season back on track with a win over Crawley Town.
It was Way's introduction of Ryan Bird and Tahvon Campbell - a loan signing from West Bromwich Albion - as duo both scored in the 59th and 77th minutes respectively to give the Glovers a two goal lead.
Lee Barnard scored a late consolation goal for the Red Devils with seven minutes to go, but Yeovil held on to secure a 2-1 win that lifts them out of the relegation zone at the expense of Dagenham and Redbridge on goal difference - briefly banished the memories of their FA Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Carlisle United.
With 19 games to go, the Glovers now need another 30 points to go with the 20 that they have already accrued to avoid what would be a third successive relegation.
Instead of looking forward to hosting Everton, Way's side will be travelling to AFC Wimbledon and, at the end of the next month, they will have a proverbial 'six-pointer' against Dagenham and Redbridge to look forward to.
It was Way's introduction of Ryan Bird and Tahvon Campbell - a loan signing from West Bromwich Albion - as duo both scored in the 59th and 77th minutes respectively to give the Glovers a two goal lead.
Lee Barnard scored a late consolation goal for the Red Devils with seven minutes to go, but Yeovil held on to secure a 2-1 win that lifts them out of the relegation zone at the expense of Dagenham and Redbridge on goal difference - briefly banished the memories of their FA Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Carlisle United.
With 19 games to go, the Glovers now need another 30 points to go with the 20 that they have already accrued to avoid what would be a third successive relegation.
Instead of looking forward to hosting Everton, Way's side will be travelling to AFC Wimbledon and, at the end of the next month, they will have a proverbial 'six-pointer' against Dagenham and Redbridge to look forward to.
GULLS ENTER CRUCIAL PERIOD
The next seven fixtures for Torquay United could go a long way to determining the success of the fight against relegation to Vanarama National League South.
In their next eight fixtures, which includes home matches against fellow strugglers FC Halifax Town, Welling United, Altrincham and Kidderminster Harriers - as well as a trip to Boreham Wood, are all crucial in the context of United's survival prospects.
Winning these games will provide a massive boost in helping Torquay to beat the drop and clawing back the eight points they currently lie adrift from safety.
Their clash with the Shaymen on February 16th looks set to be a particularly interesting encounter as it will see Nicholson come up against Jim Harvey, who was his manager at Forest Green Rovers during the 2006-07 season before he joined the Gulls as a player.
Then on March 5th, Kidderminster Harriers visit the Launa Windows Stadium in a match that will see Nicholson come up against another one of his former clubs, as well as midfielder Aman Verma - currently on loan with the Gulls from the Harriers - and recent signing Nathan Blissett.
There is also the possibility that United's meeting with Altrincham on February 27th may need to be re-arranged should the Gulls overcome Macclesfield Town in the third round of the FA Trophy.
Next up for United is a trip to Tranmere Rovers, who are managed by Gary Brabin who was the manager of Cambridge United when the Gulls beat them in the 2009 Conference Play-off final at Wembley - a game in which Nicholson appeared in.
By then, Nicholson may well have made further additions to his squad as the January transfer window is due to have closed by this time next week. Loan signings and the signing of unattached players will of course still be permitted up until the last week in March.
In their next eight fixtures, which includes home matches against fellow strugglers FC Halifax Town, Welling United, Altrincham and Kidderminster Harriers - as well as a trip to Boreham Wood, are all crucial in the context of United's survival prospects.
Winning these games will provide a massive boost in helping Torquay to beat the drop and clawing back the eight points they currently lie adrift from safety.
Their clash with the Shaymen on February 16th looks set to be a particularly interesting encounter as it will see Nicholson come up against Jim Harvey, who was his manager at Forest Green Rovers during the 2006-07 season before he joined the Gulls as a player.
Then on March 5th, Kidderminster Harriers visit the Launa Windows Stadium in a match that will see Nicholson come up against another one of his former clubs, as well as midfielder Aman Verma - currently on loan with the Gulls from the Harriers - and recent signing Nathan Blissett.
There is also the possibility that United's meeting with Altrincham on February 27th may need to be re-arranged should the Gulls overcome Macclesfield Town in the third round of the FA Trophy.
Next up for United is a trip to Tranmere Rovers, who are managed by Gary Brabin who was the manager of Cambridge United when the Gulls beat them in the 2009 Conference Play-off final at Wembley - a game in which Nicholson appeared in.
By then, Nicholson may well have made further additions to his squad as the January transfer window is due to have closed by this time next week. Loan signings and the signing of unattached players will of course still be permitted up until the last week in March.
Monday 18 January 2016
GRECIANS AND GLOVERS GEAR UP FOR REPLAYS
Later this week, Exeter City and Yeovil Town are due to face FA Cup third round replays in very different surroundings.
The Grecians travel to Anfield after drawing 2-2 with Liverpool at St James' Park - in a tie that was broadcast live on the BBC - whilst Yeovil take on fellow League Two side Carlisle United with the reward of a home tie with Everton awaiting the winner.
Should Exeter achieve the upset that they came extremely close to securing against the Reds, then they will be hosting West Ham United at St James' Park.
However, it is likely that Jurgen Klopp will field slightly stronger side than the one that took the field against the Grecians in the first game - the side selected by Klopp had only made 34 appearances for the Reds this season.
The Glovers, on the other hand, are in a similar position to the one they found themselves in last season in the second round of the competition, when they faced a replay against Accrington Stanley with a home tie against Manchester United awaiting the winners.
If Yeovil were able to successfully overcome the Cumbrians, it would see manager Darren Way go head to head with his former Swansea City team-mate Roberto Martinez.
It is a connection that Way has already been able to use to good effective this season to secure the loan signing of Liam Walsh from the Toffees.
The Grecians travel to Anfield after drawing 2-2 with Liverpool at St James' Park - in a tie that was broadcast live on the BBC - whilst Yeovil take on fellow League Two side Carlisle United with the reward of a home tie with Everton awaiting the winner.
Should Exeter achieve the upset that they came extremely close to securing against the Reds, then they will be hosting West Ham United at St James' Park.
However, it is likely that Jurgen Klopp will field slightly stronger side than the one that took the field against the Grecians in the first game - the side selected by Klopp had only made 34 appearances for the Reds this season.
The Glovers, on the other hand, are in a similar position to the one they found themselves in last season in the second round of the competition, when they faced a replay against Accrington Stanley with a home tie against Manchester United awaiting the winners.
If Yeovil were able to successfully overcome the Cumbrians, it would see manager Darren Way go head to head with his former Swansea City team-mate Roberto Martinez.
It is a connection that Way has already been able to use to good effective this season to secure the loan signing of Liam Walsh from the Toffees.
GULLS FACE LOCAL DERBY POSSIBILITY IN TROPHY
Torquay United's reward for knocking Wrexham out of the FA Trophy is a home tie in the next round against either Macclesfield Town or Truro City.
Shepherd Murombedzi's 80th minute strike enabled the Gulls to avenge their exit to the Dragons in the semi-finals of last seasons' competition - and their reward for doing so is a tie against the team that they were due to face in the National League on that date, or the side that they are due to share a ground with next season.
United were set to face the Silkmen at the Moss Rose on February 6th, but that fixture would have needed to be re-arranged regardless of the draw due to their progress in the Trophy.
Truro, who are managed by former Gulls defender Steve Tully, have agreed a ground-share with United for the 2016-17 campaign, ensuring that the White Tigers' fans will have a 172-mile round to watch their team play next season, after selling their Treyew Road ground to property developers.
The two sides meet again tomorrow night at the Moss Rose for a replay - after drawing their first encounter 2-2 on Saturday at Treyew Road - to determine who will face the Gulls.
It won't be the first time that Torquay have faced either of the two sides this season; on the opening day of the campaign they beat Macclesfield 1-0 at Plainmoor and they also faced Truro in pre-season in a testimonial game for the White Tigers' long serving midfielder Jake Ash.
Shepherd Murombedzi's 80th minute strike enabled the Gulls to avenge their exit to the Dragons in the semi-finals of last seasons' competition - and their reward for doing so is a tie against the team that they were due to face in the National League on that date, or the side that they are due to share a ground with next season.
United were set to face the Silkmen at the Moss Rose on February 6th, but that fixture would have needed to be re-arranged regardless of the draw due to their progress in the Trophy.
Truro, who are managed by former Gulls defender Steve Tully, have agreed a ground-share with United for the 2016-17 campaign, ensuring that the White Tigers' fans will have a 172-mile round to watch their team play next season, after selling their Treyew Road ground to property developers.
The two sides meet again tomorrow night at the Moss Rose for a replay - after drawing their first encounter 2-2 on Saturday at Treyew Road - to determine who will face the Gulls.
It won't be the first time that Torquay have faced either of the two sides this season; on the opening day of the campaign they beat Macclesfield 1-0 at Plainmoor and they also faced Truro in pre-season in a testimonial game for the White Tigers' long serving midfielder Jake Ash.
Wednesday 13 January 2016
NICHOLSON WHEELING AND DEALING TO STRENGTHEN GULLS SQUAD
Torquay United player-manager Kevin Nicholson has been far and away the busiest manager in the South West in the current transfer window, as he aims to strengthen the Gulls side in their bid to avoid relegation to the National League South.
United have re-signed winger Toby Ajala from Dover Athletic, who he signed a non-contract deal with at the end of last season, on a full contract to the end of the campaign, and goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe has been sold and loaned back - for the remainder of the campaign -from Wigan Athletic.
The deal for Lavercombe, who came through Torquay's now defunct youth set-up, has earned the Gulls a fee of £30,000 and United also made a small fee from midfielder James Hurst, who has made his loan move to Guiseley permanent.
Former England C' international Shaun Harrad, who was once a team-mate of Nicholson's at Notts County also arrived on a deal until the end of the season to boost the Gulls attacking options.
Nicholson has also moved to secure loan deals from Aman Verma and Andre Wright, from Kidderminster Harriers and West Bromwich Albion respectively, until the end of the season.
Along with central defender Nathan Smith and Lavercombe, Verma and Wright take United's loanee quota up to four - five loan players are permitted in a match day squad - so Nicholson currently has the freedom to bring in one more loan player between now and the close of the window.
The cancellation of the contract of former Mansfield winger Louis Briscoe will serve to free up substantial space on the Gulls' wage bill, so expect more new arrivals at the Launa Windows Stadium between now and January 31st.
United have re-signed winger Toby Ajala from Dover Athletic, who he signed a non-contract deal with at the end of last season, on a full contract to the end of the campaign, and goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe has been sold and loaned back - for the remainder of the campaign -from Wigan Athletic.
The deal for Lavercombe, who came through Torquay's now defunct youth set-up, has earned the Gulls a fee of £30,000 and United also made a small fee from midfielder James Hurst, who has made his loan move to Guiseley permanent.
Former England C' international Shaun Harrad, who was once a team-mate of Nicholson's at Notts County also arrived on a deal until the end of the season to boost the Gulls attacking options.
Nicholson has also moved to secure loan deals from Aman Verma and Andre Wright, from Kidderminster Harriers and West Bromwich Albion respectively, until the end of the season.
Along with central defender Nathan Smith and Lavercombe, Verma and Wright take United's loanee quota up to four - five loan players are permitted in a match day squad - so Nicholson currently has the freedom to bring in one more loan player between now and the close of the window.
The cancellation of the contract of former Mansfield winger Louis Briscoe will serve to free up substantial space on the Gulls' wage bill, so expect more new arrivals at the Launa Windows Stadium between now and January 31st.
Sunday 10 January 2016
GRECIANS AND GLOVERS BOTH IN FOURTH ROUND HAT
Exeter City fans will need to keep an eye out for ball number 5 when the FA Cup fourth round draw is made tomorrow night, after securing a creditable draw against Liverpool.
Tom Nichols gave the Grecians the lead when he turned home a cross from the right from Jamie Reid before City were pegged back by an equaliser from Reds' starlet Jerome Sinclair.
On the stroke of half-time, the Grecians restored their advantage when a corner from Lee Holmes flew straight into the back of the net, deceiving everyone in the penalty area including Liverpool goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.
However, the Reds levelled with 12 minutes to go through a powerful drive from Australian left-back Brad Smith to secure a money-spinning replay at Anfield that could earn City up to £1million.
The Grecians' fellow League Two side Yeovil Town will also require a replay in their all League Two tie against Carlisle United, which was played at Blackpool's thanks to a last gasp leveller from Shaun Jeffers.
Cumbrians' skipper Danny Grainger gave Carlisle the lead on 25 minutes before the Glovers French striker Francois Zoko struck against his former club in the 71st minute.
Five minutes later, former Torquay United defender Mark Ellis restored the Cumbrians' lead, which looked to have been enough to book their place in the next round, but Jeffers' late strike ensured that the two sides will need to meet again at Huish Park in ten days time.
The Glovers' faithful will need to keep an eye out for ball number 24.
Tom Nichols gave the Grecians the lead when he turned home a cross from the right from Jamie Reid before City were pegged back by an equaliser from Reds' starlet Jerome Sinclair.
On the stroke of half-time, the Grecians restored their advantage when a corner from Lee Holmes flew straight into the back of the net, deceiving everyone in the penalty area including Liverpool goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.
However, the Reds levelled with 12 minutes to go through a powerful drive from Australian left-back Brad Smith to secure a money-spinning replay at Anfield that could earn City up to £1million.
The Grecians' fellow League Two side Yeovil Town will also require a replay in their all League Two tie against Carlisle United, which was played at Blackpool's thanks to a last gasp leveller from Shaun Jeffers.
Cumbrians' skipper Danny Grainger gave Carlisle the lead on 25 minutes before the Glovers French striker Francois Zoko struck against his former club in the 71st minute.
Five minutes later, former Torquay United defender Mark Ellis restored the Cumbrians' lead, which looked to have been enough to book their place in the next round, but Jeffers' late strike ensured that the two sides will need to meet again at Huish Park in ten days time.
The Glovers' faithful will need to keep an eye out for ball number 24.
Thursday 7 January 2016
THE MANAGERS IN PROFILE - TISDALE VS KLOPP
Paul Tisdale
Full name: Paul Robert Tisdale
Age: 42
Date of Birth: January 14th 1972
Place of Birth: Valletta (Malta)
Playing position: central midfield
Previous clubs (player): Southampton, Huddersfield Town (loan), Northampton Town (loan), Bristol City, Exeter City (loan), Dundee United (loan), Finn Pa (Finland), Yeovil Town
(manager): Team Bath
Honours: Western League Division champions 2000-01, Western League Premier 2001-02, Southern League Division One promotion 2003-04 (All Team Bath).
Conference National Play-off winner 2007-08, League Two runners-up 2008-09 (All Exeter City).
Jurgen Klopp
Full name: Jurgen Norbert Klopp
Date of Birth: June 16th 1967
Age: 48
Place of Birth: Stuttgart
Playing position: central defender
Previous clubs: (player) 1. FC Pforzheim, Eintracht Frankfurt Under-2, Viktoria Sindlingen, Rot-Weiss Frankfurt, Mainz 05.
(manager) Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund
Honours: Bundesliga 2010-11 & 2011-12; DFB Pokal 2011-12; DFL Super Cup 2013, 2014; UEFA Champions League 2012-13. (All Borussia Dortmund).
MORRISON LOOKING FOR ONE LAST SHOT AT GLORY
If the Exeter City squad need any inspiration ahead of their FA Cup third round tie with Liverpool, then they need not look any further than their veteran striker Clinton Morrison.
Former Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and Republic of Ireland forward Morrison, 36, has found the back of the net four times against the Reds during his career; and it would be a headline writer's dream if he could manage it for the fifth time for the Grecians on Friday night.
The first of Morrison's four goals came in a Carling Cup semi-final first leg - at Selhurst Park - against the Reds for Crystal Palace, which the Eagles won 2-1. Latvian international Andreijs Rubins had given Palace the lead before Morrison doubled their advantage, whilst Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer replied for Liverpool. In the second leg at Anfield, the Reds triumphed 5-0 with Smicer, Danny Murphy (twice), Igor Biscan and Robbie Fowler finding the back of the net.
In the 2002-03 season, the paths of Morrison and Liverpool crossed again, this time for his new club Birmingham City. In their first Premiership meeting of the season on September 11th 2002, Morrison bagged a brace for the Blues as they drew 2-2 with the Reds at Anfield.
When the two sides met again at St Andrews on February 23rd 2003, Morrison scored what turned out to be the decisive goal to give Birmingham a 2-1 victory. Stephen Clemence, the son of former Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence, had given the Blues the lead before Morrison struck. The Reds did manage to pull a goal back for the Reds, but couldn't find an equaliser.
Now, in the twilight years of his career, Morrison has one chance to face the Reds and it would be a fairytale ending to a fine career if he could find the target against them one last time.
Footnote: Both of the goals that Clinton Morrison has scored for the Grecians this season - against Didcot Town and Stevenage - have come in matches that have been televised.
Former Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and Republic of Ireland forward Morrison, 36, has found the back of the net four times against the Reds during his career; and it would be a headline writer's dream if he could manage it for the fifth time for the Grecians on Friday night.
The first of Morrison's four goals came in a Carling Cup semi-final first leg - at Selhurst Park - against the Reds for Crystal Palace, which the Eagles won 2-1. Latvian international Andreijs Rubins had given Palace the lead before Morrison doubled their advantage, whilst Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer replied for Liverpool. In the second leg at Anfield, the Reds triumphed 5-0 with Smicer, Danny Murphy (twice), Igor Biscan and Robbie Fowler finding the back of the net.
In the 2002-03 season, the paths of Morrison and Liverpool crossed again, this time for his new club Birmingham City. In their first Premiership meeting of the season on September 11th 2002, Morrison bagged a brace for the Blues as they drew 2-2 with the Reds at Anfield.
When the two sides met again at St Andrews on February 23rd 2003, Morrison scored what turned out to be the decisive goal to give Birmingham a 2-1 victory. Stephen Clemence, the son of former Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence, had given the Blues the lead before Morrison struck. The Reds did manage to pull a goal back for the Reds, but couldn't find an equaliser.
Now, in the twilight years of his career, Morrison has one chance to face the Reds and it would be a fairytale ending to a fine career if he could find the target against them one last time.
Footnote: Both of the goals that Clinton Morrison has scored for the Grecians this season - against Didcot Town and Stevenage - have come in matches that have been televised.
WHO WILL LINE-UP FOR LIVERPOOL AGAINST THE GRECIANS?
Having won five trophies during his time as manager of
Borussia Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp is set to embark on his first FA Cup tie as
manager of Liverpool against Exeter
City
The Reds’ meeting with the Grecians won’t be the first time
they have encountered League Two opposition this season, as they also faced
Carlisle United in the Capital One Cup. It will no doubt provide great
encouragement to Paul Tisdale’s side that Liverpool
– then managed by Brendan Rodgers – needed penalties to overcome the Cumbrians.
To avoid a repeat of this result, it is likely that Klopp
will be looking to field as strong a side as possible, but – at the same time –
give a number of fringe players the opportunity to impress.
However, due to a spate of injuries – most notably hamstring
strains – the German has had his choices limited.
Former Bolton goalkeeper
Adam Bogdan, who has recently stood in for first choice goalkeeper Simon
Mignolet, could yet feature between the sticks for the Reds.
Young defenders Connor Randall and Brad Smith have tasted
first team football since Klopp’s arrival and there is every chance that the
duo could be involved at St James’ Park.
Randall has made two appearances in the Capital One Cup this season and
Smith, who has also received full international recognition for Australia
Should Klopp opt to try out a number of younger players, he
may look to include a few experienced heads to help guide them. Leading
candidates for such a role could have included former Arsenal and Manchester
City defender Kolo Toure and Croatian Dejan Lovren, but unfortunately the duo
are set to miss the game through injury, as does Slovakian centre-back Martin
Skrtel.
Full-back Jon Flanagan has recently returned to full
training following a lengthy knee injury and could be available for selection
against the Grecians.
In order to avoid a possible upset, Klopp may look to a
number of players in his squad who have appeared in the lower leagues during their
careers, such as Joe Allen and Adam Lallana.
Welsh international Allen made his league debut for Swansea City
Former Southampton
midfielder Lallana scored the opening goal in the Saints’ 1-1 with the Grecians
on Saturday February 6th 2010. In the following season - on New
Year’s Day 2011 - he found the back of the net again as Southampton won 4-0
against Exeter
Jordon Ibe, who started his career with Wycombe Wanderers –
for whom he made his professional debut at the age of 15, has enjoyed more
first team opportunities this season with the Reds following the summer sale of
Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for £49 million, but won’t be featuring
against the Grecians due to a hamstring injury.
Club captain Jordan Henderson, who has recently returned
after a long absence through injury, might have been leading the Reds out on to
the St James’ Park pitch, but has recently succumbed to a heel injury.
In his absence, James Milner or Emre Can are leading
candidates to lead Liverpool out against the Grecians.
Home grown youngster Jordan Rossiter is another name on the
ever growing list of Liverpool players to suffer a hamstring injury recently,
but fellow Reds’ starlet Cameron Brannagan could feature in the Reds’ midfield.
Ryan Kent, Sheyi Ojo and Tiago Ilori could all make
their debuts after they were recalled from loan spells in the build-up to the
game.
Klopp may originally have seen the tie as a perfect time to
hand a first team start to Belgian international Divock Origi, who recently
netted his first Premier League goal against West Bromwich Albion and scored a
hat-trick in their 6-1 Capital One Cup Quarter Final victory over Southampton.
For much of the season, so far, Origi has played second fiddle to his
compatriot Christian Benteke and Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino, but a
hamstring means he also misses out.
Whoever features in the match, the game looks set to be
another memorable cup tie played at St James’ Park.
An abridged version
of the article appeared in the Sunday Independent on December 27th
2015.
Sunday 3 January 2016
MARTIN LING - A RE-APPRAISAL
Following Martin Ling’s resignation as Swindon Town manager, we will
now take another look at his reign as Torquay United manager.
When the Torquay United board were undertaking the
recruitment process to choose Paul Buckle’s successor during the summer of
2011, it seemed as though they saved the best for last.
Former Leyton Orient and Cambridge boss, and one-time
Swindon Town midfielder, Ling was the final candidate to be interviewed by the
United directors. Nevertheless, he was the man they selected to replace the
Bristol Rovers-bound Buckle.
One of the first tasks requiring his immediate attention was
to rebuild a squad that had gone incredibly close to promotion to League One –
after losing 1-0 to Stevenage in the League Two Play-off final in the previous
season.
Goalkeeper Scott Bevan and Chris Zebroski both followed
Buckle to Bristol, whilst Player of the Year Guy Branston decided his future
lay up north with Bradford City – thus ensuring that there were plenty of gaps
for Ling to fill.
Amongst his first signings were Austrian goalkeeper Bobby
Olejnik, Brian Saah – a central defender who appeared under him at both Orient
and Cambridge – and Rene Howe, a much travelled striker from Peterborough
United.
Once the season got underway Ling experienced an
indifferent start, as the Gulls drew his first game against Burton Albion 2-2
before beating Buckle’s Bristol Rovers 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium.
These results were then followed by a 3-1 home defeat to
Crawley Town, who had recently been promoted from the Conference, which served
as a reality check for Ling’s new look United side.
For the next few months, inconsistent results that included
a 3-3 draw with Rotherham United and a 5-2 home defeat to Gillingham served to
leave the Gulls firmly entrenched in the mid-table positions.
However, a 4-1 defeat on October 22nd 2011 against
Southend United– one of Ling’s former clubs –proved to be a turning point for
both himself and United.
For their next fixture, Ling switched the team’s formation
from the 4-4-2 system, which he had been using up until that point, to a 4-3-3
that saw skipper Lee Mansell form a midfield trio with Eunan O’Kane and Damon
Lathrope.
The change paid dividends as, within a week for their defeat to
Southend, the Gulls defeated AFC Wimbledon 4-0 and Hereford United 2-0.
In the following month of November, the Gulls secured their
first league over Plymouth Argyle since 1972 with a 3-1 win over the Pilgrims
at Plainmoor, inspired by a brace from O’Kane, and by the end of the month Ling
had won the League Two manager of the month award.
When the two sides met again at the turn of the year, the
Gulls won again to complete the double over their local rivals for the first
time since the 1970-71 season with Mansell and loan signing Billy Bodin finding
the target, whilst future Gulls’ skipper Luke Young replied for the Pilgrims.
This proved to be the start of a near- club record breaking
of seven matches – one short of the eight- match run of Kevin Hodges’ side in
the 1997-98 season – and Ling won his second manager of the month award,
scooping the prize for January 2012.
Their excellent form lifted them into contention for
promotion and United were as high as second as late as the Easter weekend.
However, the failure to win any of their final five league
matches, which saw them settle for a fifth placed finish, set up a Play-off
semi-final showdown with Cheltenham Town.
After losing the first leg at Whaddon Road 2-1, United were
beaten 3-1 by the Robins at Plainmoor – as they fell short of winning promotion.
Nevertheless, the Gulls could look back on a season in which
they had set a club record of 23 clean sheets and Bobby Olejnik, Kevin
Nicholson, Lee Mansell and Eunan O’Kane were all named in the League Two PFA
team of the season.
Unfortunately for Ling, whilst most of the country were
enjoying the summer sporting display that was the 2012 Olympics in London,
three players vital to his side’s success of the previous season – Olejnik,
Mark Ellis and O’Kane – left Plainmoor for pastures new.
Olejnik joined Peterborough for £250,000 – with an extra
£100,000 on appearances, Ellis signed for Crewe Alexandra for £80,000 whilst
O’Kane left for AFC Bournemouth – who later helped to win promotion to the
Premiership – for £175,000.
To replace them, he brought in Australian Aaron Downes, from
Chesterfield, as a replacement for Ellis and three-time former loanee Michael
Poke returned on a permanent basis. Ling also signed Ryan Jarvis and Billy
Bodin, following successful loan spells, with £50,000 of the £70,000 fee paid
to Swindon Town for Bodin funded by a donation from a fan.
All of these signings ensured that Ling would go into the
2012-13 campaign with a stronger squad than before, but with a weaker side as
he failed to fill the void left by the sale of O’Kane.
It was a scenario not too different from the one facing
Andre Villas Boas and Brendan Rodgers when Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool’s
respective sales of Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez.
Irish midfielder Ian Morris, former Everton starlet Nathan
Craig and ex-Dundee United, Leyton Orient, Swindon and Scotland Under-21
midfielder Craig Easton were all used by Ling, but none proved to be as truly
as effective as the diminutive Ulsterman.
Once Ling’s second full campaign got underway, his methods
were still working – the Gulls reached a season high position of 7th
by the beginning of November 2012 – but weren’t proving to be quite as
effective.
Another 4-1 defeat at the hands of Southend on November 17th
2012 proved to be another tactical turning point for Ling, as the Gulls were
run ragged by the Shrimper’s forward pairing of Britt Assombalonga – then on
loan from Watford – and former United loanee Gavin Tomlin.
Ling tweaked his tried and trusted 4-3-3 system, which had
served them so well in the previous campaign, and changed to a 4-2-3-1
formation. Initially, the change seemed to work as the Gulls recorded a 2-0
away win over York City which was followed by a 2-1 home win over Dagenham
& Redbridge.
Sadly, the conceding of a succession of late goals in their
next five fixtures - against Bradford City, Northampton Town, Plymouth Argyle, AFC
Wimbledon and Burton Albion – proved costly as they failed to win in any of
them.
A draw in a re-arranged fixture with Exeter City at
Plainmoor followed before United won the return fixture at St James’ Park 1-0,
courtesy of a Rene Howe penalty, which was when Ling first fell ill and his
assistant, Shaun Taylor, stepped into the breach.
However, a run of five successive defeats under Taylor
prompted the board to look elsewhere and eventually plumped for Alan Knill as
interim manager. He later replaced Ling on a permanent basis at the end of the
season, after steering the Gulls away from relegation with two wins in their
last three games.
Ling learned of his dismissal through a mobile phone
conversation with then Chairwoman Thea Bristow for what was described as
‘footballing reasons,' after it emerged that he had been suffering from depression.
Whether Ling would have kept United clear of the relegation
zone had he not been taken ill nobody will ever know.
But, given the tactical awareness he displayed when changing
from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 and then to the 4-2-3-1 used prior to his absence suggests
he could have solved another formation conundrum had he been required to.
Knill would later change the formation of the Gulls’ side
back to 4-4-2, which was a move that went down well with the fans. There is also the argument had it not been for their poor run during Taylor’s caretaker spell, then the need to employ the services of Knill, and later his assistant Chris Brass, may not have arisen.
Ling’s brief spell at Swindon – which lasted for 56 days –
saw him show his aptitude for management as he won five of his nine games in
charge, but – in the end - he decided that his health and personal well-being
was more important to him.
As he showed at Plainmoor, he certainly had an eye for a
player with more of his signings proving to be hits than misses. Scouting could
be a niche that he could fulfil in the future, having worked as Chief Scout for
Walsall under his friend and former Leyton Orient teammate Dean Smith.
And should a club pay Bournemouth a fee for O’Kane in the
forthcoming transfer window - the Gulls have a 15 % sell-on clause with the
Cherries – his transfer dealings could still net United in excess of £1million,
which could yet prove to be one of his greatest legacies to the club.
Friday 1 January 2016
THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS - 2015
Now that 2015 is done and dusted, we will now look back at four notable matches from the year just gone and
1. Torquay United 4 Forest Green Rovers 1, December 26th 2015, Vanarama National League
Twenty one league places separated these two teams who were enjoying contrasting fortunes in the league, with the Gulls in 23rd place and Forest Green in second place.
The Gulls had trailed to a 20th minute strike from former Yeovil Town midfielder Keanu Marsh-Brown, but Tyrone Marsh hit a first half brace to give United the lead. His first effort, which came two minutes after Marsh-Brown’s opener, crept over the line – despite the best efforts of Forest Green keeper Steven Arnold – and was adjudged to have done so by linesman Andrew Ricketts.
He completed his brace in the 37th minute when he headed home a cross from Courtney Richards – following a short corner routine – to give the Gulls the lead.
In the final ten minutes, two late strikes from Durrell Berry - who scored his first goal for the club on 83 minutes - and Wright rounded off the win for the Gulls, as they recorded their first victory in front of their own fans since the opening day of the campaign.
2. Plymouth Argyle 2 Wycombe Wanderers 3, May 9th 2015, League Two Play-off semi final 1st leg
After securing a seventh place finish in the League Two table at the end of the 2014-15 season, Plymouth Argyle embarked on their first Play-off campaign since the 1995-96 campaign against Wycombe Wanderers.
After the re-start, the Chairboys extended their lead to three on 52 minutes when a quick free-kick from Sam Saunders caught the Pilgrims’ backline by surprise and Craig slotted home with a low drive.
With four minutes remaining, substitute Zak Ansah pulled one back for the Pilgrims to reduce their deficit to a single goal with a long range strike.
Then, on 89 minutes, Jason Banton pulled another goal with a speculative strike to ensure that the Pilgrims went into the second leg with only a single goal deficit – buoyed on by a vocal home crowds who were singing Bob Marley’s classic: Three Little Birds.
3. Yeovil Town Ladies 1 Millwall Lionesses 0, July 19th 2015, Women's Super League Two
Following England’s successful third place finish at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, Yeovil Town Ladies were granted permission to use Huish Park for their first FA Women’s Super League encounter after the mid-season break against Millwall Lionesses.
A record crowd of 722 poured into Huish Park to witness the display – which was also broadcast live on BBC Radio Somerset – to witness a 1-0 victory by the Lady Glovers.
The decisive goal of the match came in the 21st minute when Sarah Wiltshire – who was marking her return to Yeovil, following a spell with Manchester City Women – crossed for Natasha Knapman to slot home for the Lady Glovers.
Yeovil were unlucky not to add to their tally before the half-time break, as Annie Heatherson hit the post and Wiltshire had an effort that crashed against the cross bar, but Knapman’s strike proved to be enough to separate the two sides.
4. Torquay United 1 Macclesfield Town 0, August 7th 2015, Vanarama National League
One of the highlights of Paul Cox’s brief reign in charge as Torquay United manager was the Gulls’ opening day victory over Macclesfield Town.
A second half strike from debutant Alex Fisher, one of nine debutants in the Torquay starting line-up, was enough to clinch all three points for United.
At one stage during the summer, there was a possibility that this match may not have taken place – as there was a realistic chance that United could have folded if the current consortium led by Chairman Dave Phillips hadn’t taken over the running of the club.
What was a new look United displayed an early attacking intent as new loan signing from Premiership new boys Bournemouth Joe Quigley fired wide inside the opening minute.
Three minutes later, the Gulls survived an early scare of their own as Silkmen skipper Danny Whittaker missed the target with a close range effort.
In the 11th minute, Macclesfield almost hit Torquay on the counter attack as Chris Holroyd broke away following a Gulls corner before picking out Whittaker. However, Torquay’s German keeper Fabien Spiess came to their rescue to deny the Silkmen skipper with a smart reflex save.
From the reulting corner, which taken by Bayan Fenwick, Exodus Geohaghon had a shot blocked, which fell invitingly into the path of Fisher, who turned the ball home to mark his Torquay debut with what proved to be the winning goal.
1. Torquay United 4 Forest Green Rovers 1, December 26th 2015, Vanarama National League
Twenty one league places separated these two teams who were enjoying contrasting fortunes in the league, with the Gulls in 23rd place and Forest Green in second place.
The Gulls had trailed to a 20th minute strike from former Yeovil Town midfielder Keanu Marsh-Brown, but Tyrone Marsh hit a first half brace to give United the lead. His first effort, which came two minutes after Marsh-Brown’s opener, crept over the line – despite the best efforts of Forest Green keeper Steven Arnold – and was adjudged to have done so by linesman Andrew Ricketts.
He completed his brace in the 37th minute when he headed home a cross from Courtney Richards – following a short corner routine – to give the Gulls the lead.
In the final ten minutes, two late strikes from Durrell Berry - who scored his first goal for the club on 83 minutes - and Wright rounded off the win for the Gulls, as they recorded their first victory in front of their own fans since the opening day of the campaign.
2. Plymouth Argyle 2 Wycombe Wanderers 3, May 9th 2015, League Two Play-off semi final 1st leg
After securing a seventh place finish in the League Two table at the end of the 2014-15 season, Plymouth Argyle embarked on their first Play-off campaign since the 1995-96 campaign against Wycombe Wanderers.
Uncharacteristically, for a team with a fine defensive
record, the Pilgrims found themselves two goals down after the first 25
minutes. The Chairboys took the lead four minutes later when Alfie Mawson
headed a Joe Jacobson corner straight at Pilgrims’ keeper Luke McCormick, who
parried his effort. The ball then rebounded into the path of former Argyle
loanee Paul Hayes who nodded the ball home.
Two minutes later, Anthony O’Connor fired wide for the
Pilgrims after skipper Curtis Nelson flicked a Bobby Reid corner into his path.
Wycombe then doubled their lead on 22 minutes when Steven
Craig chested down a free-kick from Jacobson and Aaron Holloway blasted home
from the edge of the penalty area.
Reuben Reid later had an effort ruled out for offside before
the break, as Argyle trailed 2-0 at the half-time interval. After the re-start, the Chairboys extended their lead to three on 52 minutes when a quick free-kick from Sam Saunders caught the Pilgrims’ backline by surprise and Craig slotted home with a low drive.
With four minutes remaining, substitute Zak Ansah pulled one back for the Pilgrims to reduce their deficit to a single goal with a long range strike.
Then, on 89 minutes, Jason Banton pulled another goal with a speculative strike to ensure that the Pilgrims went into the second leg with only a single goal deficit – buoyed on by a vocal home crowds who were singing Bob Marley’s classic: Three Little Birds.
Argyle lost the second leg at Adams Park 2-1, which proved
to be John Sheridan’s final game in change and Derek Adams was appointed as his
successor. The buoyancy created by that night has been harnessed by Adams, who
has led the Pilgrims to the top of the league at the turn of the year.
3. Yeovil Town Ladies 1 Millwall Lionesses 0, July 19th 2015, Women's Super League Two
Following England’s successful third place finish at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, Yeovil Town Ladies were granted permission to use Huish Park for their first FA Women’s Super League encounter after the mid-season break against Millwall Lionesses.
A record crowd of 722 poured into Huish Park to witness the display – which was also broadcast live on BBC Radio Somerset – to witness a 1-0 victory by the Lady Glovers.
The decisive goal of the match came in the 21st minute when Sarah Wiltshire – who was marking her return to Yeovil, following a spell with Manchester City Women – crossed for Natasha Knapman to slot home for the Lady Glovers.
Yeovil were unlucky not to add to their tally before the half-time break, as Annie Heatherson hit the post and Wiltshire had an effort that crashed against the cross bar, but Knapman’s strike proved to be enough to separate the two sides.
4. Torquay United 1 Macclesfield Town 0, August 7th 2015, Vanarama National League
One of the highlights of Paul Cox’s brief reign in charge as Torquay United manager was the Gulls’ opening day victory over Macclesfield Town.
A second half strike from debutant Alex Fisher, one of nine debutants in the Torquay starting line-up, was enough to clinch all three points for United.
At one stage during the summer, there was a possibility that this match may not have taken place – as there was a realistic chance that United could have folded if the current consortium led by Chairman Dave Phillips hadn’t taken over the running of the club.
What was a new look United displayed an early attacking intent as new loan signing from Premiership new boys Bournemouth Joe Quigley fired wide inside the opening minute.
Three minutes later, the Gulls survived an early scare of their own as Silkmen skipper Danny Whittaker missed the target with a close range effort.
In the 11th minute, Macclesfield almost hit Torquay on the counter attack as Chris Holroyd broke away following a Gulls corner before picking out Whittaker. However, Torquay’s German keeper Fabien Spiess came to their rescue to deny the Silkmen skipper with a smart reflex save.
Macclesfield then began to dominate the game territorially
as Danny Rowe headed a free-kick from Whittaker wide on 19 minutes.
Three minutes before the break, Danny Whitehead tested Spiess
with an angled shot, which the Gulls keeper gathered comfortably.
In the second half, Torquay made a positive start as
Zimbabwean winger Shepherd Murombedzi cut inside before firing over with an
ambitious long range strike.
In the 60th minute, Nathan Smith had a shot blocked on the
line by Macclesfield’s Danny Lewis, which rebounded to substitute Malachi
Lavelle-Moore, who saw his shot turned behind for a corner by Silkmen keeper
Shwan Jalal. From the reulting corner, which taken by Bayan Fenwick, Exodus Geohaghon had a shot blocked, which fell invitingly into the path of Fisher, who turned the ball home to mark his Torquay debut with what proved to be the winning goal.
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