Whilst Torquay United would have been disappointed to have lost to Bognor Regis in the Quarter Finals of the FA Trophy, their elimination could help aid their cause to stay in the Vanarama National.
The Gulls went down 1-0 to the Rocks and are now switching their attentions firmly towards Tuesday night when they face Macclesfield Town in a re-arranged league encounter.
It will be the fourth time that the two sides have faced each other this season, after already meeting twice in the FA Trophy and once in the league.
Tuesday night football is something that will become very familiar to United manager Kevin Nicholson and his side, as their clash with the Silkmen will be potentially the first of five Tuesday matches for the Gulls between now and the end of the season. They will also be looking forward to midweek meetings with Braintree Town, FC Halifax and Altrincham - as well as a home game with Chester FC that the re-arrangement of which is still pending.
This number would have increased had they managed to overcome Bognor, as their fixtures on March 12th and 19th - away to Aldershot and home to Southport - would have both needed to be re-arranged to incorporate their semi-final fixtures into their already hectic programme.
Perhaps, more importantly, those two games would have fallen either side of their much anticipated 'six-pointer' with FC Halifax on March 15th, which set to see Nicholson take on his former Forest Green Rovers manager Jim Harvey.
Following their Trophy elimination, the Gulls can now into that game without the distraction of the carrot of a trip to Wembley hanging over them.
However, the Shaymen aren't completely free of those distractions as they could still have an two legged FA Trophy semi-final ahead of them if they are able to overcome Gateshead in their replay on Tuesday.
Time will tell if Torquay's exit from the competition proves to be a blessing in disguise.
Sunday 28 February 2016
Thursday 25 February 2016
500 NOT OUT FOR TISDALE
As anniversaries go the result against Oxford United ultimately proved to be forgettable, but Paul Tisdale can still look back on his 500 games of Exeter City with a great deal of pride.
The U's defeated the Grecians 4-1, a result that leaves City nine points off the Play-offs, but with 14 games left to play a top seven finish is still a realistic goal for City, and would be an achievement that would sit well alongside everything that Tisdale has achieved in just under a decade at St James Park.
It was in the summer of 2006, from a three man shortlist that also included former Northern Ireland striker Jimmy Quinn and former Grecians' defender Shaun Taylor, that Tisdale was selected as the successor to Alex Inglethorpe after a promising spell at Team Bath.
Since then, Tisdale has moulded the club in his own image and he is now as synonymous with City as Sir Alex Ferguson is with Manchester United, or Graham Taylor is with Watford.
His list of successes include back-to-back promotions between the Conference and League One - in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons- he then equalled the club's highest ever league finish of 8th in League One in the 2010-11 campaign.
In addition to this, he has also led the Grecians to the Southern Area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in 2011, City's joint-longest run in the competition, and, in the 2013-14 season, he became the first Exeter manager since Alan Ball in the 1992-93 season to lead the Grecians to a league double over Plymouth Argyle.
And that's before you've mentioned their memorable 2-2 draw in the FA Cup third round with Premiership giants Liverpool, which also helped earn the club a money-spinning replay at Anfield.
Or his unique dress sense which has seen him don a cravat, cap and a pork-pie hat and a trench coat on the touchline. Not only is he a dedicated student of the beautiful game, but a dedicated follower of fashion also.
Perhaps his greater achievement is his success in bringing through young players who have been sold on for large transfer fees. Names such as Dean Moxey, George Friend, Dan Seaborne and Matt Grimes have all graced the Championship and the Premiership after benefiting from his tutelage.
The question now is where does Tisdale go from here?
Can he build another team that wins promotion from League Two?
Is there another Moxey or Friend, or even a Grimes, waiting to emerge from the club's youth set-up?
All these questions will be answered in time, and then there is also the question of whether one day he himself may decide to move on to pastures new.
Having rejected overtures from Southampton, Reading, Watford, Swansea City and Portsmouth amongst others, could the right offer that might tempt him away from St James Park arrive one day?
Overall, his longevity should be celebrated, especially in an era where managerial changes seem to change like fashion trends, and this is an area where Paul Tisdale is second only to Arsenal's Arsene Wenger.
The U's defeated the Grecians 4-1, a result that leaves City nine points off the Play-offs, but with 14 games left to play a top seven finish is still a realistic goal for City, and would be an achievement that would sit well alongside everything that Tisdale has achieved in just under a decade at St James Park.
It was in the summer of 2006, from a three man shortlist that also included former Northern Ireland striker Jimmy Quinn and former Grecians' defender Shaun Taylor, that Tisdale was selected as the successor to Alex Inglethorpe after a promising spell at Team Bath.
Since then, Tisdale has moulded the club in his own image and he is now as synonymous with City as Sir Alex Ferguson is with Manchester United, or Graham Taylor is with Watford.
His list of successes include back-to-back promotions between the Conference and League One - in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons- he then equalled the club's highest ever league finish of 8th in League One in the 2010-11 campaign.
In addition to this, he has also led the Grecians to the Southern Area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in 2011, City's joint-longest run in the competition, and, in the 2013-14 season, he became the first Exeter manager since Alan Ball in the 1992-93 season to lead the Grecians to a league double over Plymouth Argyle.
And that's before you've mentioned their memorable 2-2 draw in the FA Cup third round with Premiership giants Liverpool, which also helped earn the club a money-spinning replay at Anfield.
Or his unique dress sense which has seen him don a cravat, cap and a pork-pie hat and a trench coat on the touchline. Not only is he a dedicated student of the beautiful game, but a dedicated follower of fashion also.
Perhaps his greater achievement is his success in bringing through young players who have been sold on for large transfer fees. Names such as Dean Moxey, George Friend, Dan Seaborne and Matt Grimes have all graced the Championship and the Premiership after benefiting from his tutelage.
The question now is where does Tisdale go from here?
Can he build another team that wins promotion from League Two?
Is there another Moxey or Friend, or even a Grimes, waiting to emerge from the club's youth set-up?
All these questions will be answered in time, and then there is also the question of whether one day he himself may decide to move on to pastures new.
Having rejected overtures from Southampton, Reading, Watford, Swansea City and Portsmouth amongst others, could the right offer that might tempt him away from St James Park arrive one day?
Overall, his longevity should be celebrated, especially in an era where managerial changes seem to change like fashion trends, and this is an area where Paul Tisdale is second only to Arsenal's Arsene Wenger.
Sunday 21 February 2016
NICHO LOOKING TO EMULATE WARNOCK FEAT
With 17 games to go in the 1992-93 season, Neil Warnock - who just 12 months earlier had been managing Notts County in the 'old' Division One - took charge of a relegation threatened Torquay United.
Warnock had previously been acting as a consultant to his predecessor Paul Compton, who reverted to his previous role as youth team coach, and was tasked with ensuring that the Gulls did not experience a second successive relegation, which would also have see them lose their league status.
However, Warnock managed to steer the Gulls to safety with one game to spare with a 1-0 win away at Carlisle United, which was secured thanks to a Duane Darby goal, that kept United clear of the trapdoor to the Conference.
The scenario that Warnock faced is similar to the current situation that Kevin Nicholson is facing now, as the Gulls aim to avoid another relegation - this time to National League South.
Before yesterday's clash with Boreham Wood, the Gulls had 17 games remaining in their league campaign and their 1-0 victory over the 20th placed 'The Wood', which was sealed by a 58th minute header from Nathan Blissett, moves United ten points adrift of safety with several games in hand that are becoming increasingly important.
The challenge now facing Nicholson and his Gulls is to repeat the feat on Tuesday against fellow strugglers Welling United. Whisper it quietly, but if United can win by three or more goals then they will move above them in the table.
If the Gulls can create a winning habit between now and the end of the campaign, it would see Nicholson join the list of Torquay United escape artists that includes, along with Warnock, Stuart Morgan, Colin Lee, Ian Atkins and Alan Knill.
Footnote: The Gulls penultimate league fixture of the campaign is against Barrow who, like Carlisle United, also hail from Cumbria and are managed by former United manager, and Nicholson's predecessor, Paul Cox who also played under Warnock at Notts County.
Warnock had previously been acting as a consultant to his predecessor Paul Compton, who reverted to his previous role as youth team coach, and was tasked with ensuring that the Gulls did not experience a second successive relegation, which would also have see them lose their league status.
However, Warnock managed to steer the Gulls to safety with one game to spare with a 1-0 win away at Carlisle United, which was secured thanks to a Duane Darby goal, that kept United clear of the trapdoor to the Conference.
The scenario that Warnock faced is similar to the current situation that Kevin Nicholson is facing now, as the Gulls aim to avoid another relegation - this time to National League South.
Before yesterday's clash with Boreham Wood, the Gulls had 17 games remaining in their league campaign and their 1-0 victory over the 20th placed 'The Wood', which was sealed by a 58th minute header from Nathan Blissett, moves United ten points adrift of safety with several games in hand that are becoming increasingly important.
The challenge now facing Nicholson and his Gulls is to repeat the feat on Tuesday against fellow strugglers Welling United. Whisper it quietly, but if United can win by three or more goals then they will move above them in the table.
If the Gulls can create a winning habit between now and the end of the campaign, it would see Nicholson join the list of Torquay United escape artists that includes, along with Warnock, Stuart Morgan, Colin Lee, Ian Atkins and Alan Knill.
Footnote: The Gulls penultimate league fixture of the campaign is against Barrow who, like Carlisle United, also hail from Cumbria and are managed by former United manager, and Nicholson's predecessor, Paul Cox who also played under Warnock at Notts County.
Thursday 18 February 2016
GULLS AIMING TO CUT DOWN GAP AGAINST THE WOOD
Torquay United received a welcome boost heading into their crucial relegation 'six-pointer' against Boreham Wood with an FA Trophy last 16 victory over Macclesfield Town.
Central defender Nathan Smith - currently on loan at the Launa Windows Stadium from Port Vale for the remainder of the season - scored the game's decisive goal in the 67th minute to set up a Quarter Final encounter with Bognor Regis of the Ryman League Premier on February 27th.
Such has been the turnover in players for the Gulls in recent months that Smith was one of only four players to have appeared for United in their opening day of the season clash with the Silkmen and their two Trophy meetings (Angus MacDonald, Courtney Richards and Dan Butler are the other three).
These changes now mean that manager Kevin Nicholson's side is now very much his own and - with 17 league games remaining - those players need to hit the ground running as they look to avoid dropping into Conference South.
A win over Boreham Wood, a side United had only faced once prior to the start of this season, would set the Gulls up nicely for another 'six-pointer' against Welling United back at the Launa Windows Stadium next Tuesday.
The Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday routine is something that United will need to get used for the remainder of the season, as a combination of the bad weather - which has seen five games postponed so far during the campaign - and their FA Trophy run means that the Gulls will often be playing three games in the space of seven weeks regularly throughout March and into April.
Their home fixture with Altrincham, which was due to take place a week on Saturday - has now been switched to April 12th due to their FA Trophy engagement with Bognor Regis.
One way this can work to the Gulls' advantage is that it potentially allows Nicholson's new signings more time to gel and injury victims more time to recover.
An example of this situation working in United's favour came in the 2005-06 season - during their great escape under Ian Atkins- when their league fixture with Stockport County was called off and re-arranged for April 25th 2006.
Prior to this fixture, the Gulls had already beaten Macclesfield Town 2-0 and Wrexham 1-0 in their last two league encounters and faced a long trip to League Two champions elect Carlisle United on the following Saturday.
As it was the Gulls trounced Stockport 4-0, with a brace from Jo Kuffour as well as further strikes from Lee Thorpe and Danny Hollands, before going on to beat Carlisle 2-1 at Brunton Park before making the survival mathematically certain on the last day with a draw with Boston United.
Whilst it's still too early to be looking that far ahead at the moment, a win against Boreham Wood would be a massive step in the right direction given that it would reduce United's points deficit from safety to nine points.
Central defender Nathan Smith - currently on loan at the Launa Windows Stadium from Port Vale for the remainder of the season - scored the game's decisive goal in the 67th minute to set up a Quarter Final encounter with Bognor Regis of the Ryman League Premier on February 27th.
Such has been the turnover in players for the Gulls in recent months that Smith was one of only four players to have appeared for United in their opening day of the season clash with the Silkmen and their two Trophy meetings (Angus MacDonald, Courtney Richards and Dan Butler are the other three).
These changes now mean that manager Kevin Nicholson's side is now very much his own and - with 17 league games remaining - those players need to hit the ground running as they look to avoid dropping into Conference South.
A win over Boreham Wood, a side United had only faced once prior to the start of this season, would set the Gulls up nicely for another 'six-pointer' against Welling United back at the Launa Windows Stadium next Tuesday.
The Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday routine is something that United will need to get used for the remainder of the season, as a combination of the bad weather - which has seen five games postponed so far during the campaign - and their FA Trophy run means that the Gulls will often be playing three games in the space of seven weeks regularly throughout March and into April.
Their home fixture with Altrincham, which was due to take place a week on Saturday - has now been switched to April 12th due to their FA Trophy engagement with Bognor Regis.
One way this can work to the Gulls' advantage is that it potentially allows Nicholson's new signings more time to gel and injury victims more time to recover.
An example of this situation working in United's favour came in the 2005-06 season - during their great escape under Ian Atkins- when their league fixture with Stockport County was called off and re-arranged for April 25th 2006.
Prior to this fixture, the Gulls had already beaten Macclesfield Town 2-0 and Wrexham 1-0 in their last two league encounters and faced a long trip to League Two champions elect Carlisle United on the following Saturday.
As it was the Gulls trounced Stockport 4-0, with a brace from Jo Kuffour as well as further strikes from Lee Thorpe and Danny Hollands, before going on to beat Carlisle 2-1 at Brunton Park before making the survival mathematically certain on the last day with a draw with Boston United.
Whilst it's still too early to be looking that far ahead at the moment, a win against Boreham Wood would be a massive step in the right direction given that it would reduce United's points deficit from safety to nine points.
Sunday 7 February 2016
PITCH PERFECT
Following the closing of the January transfer window, one of the biggest stories has been the news that Torquay United are looking into the possibility of moving to a new ground.
The club and Torbay Council have been approached by an American firm, who are being represented by former Fulham midfielder and Luton Town director John Mitchell, about the possibility of building a new ground, believed to be worth £7.5million, in exchange for land to build houses on.
Under the new proposals, the Gulls, who currently play at the Launa Windows Stadium - Plainmoor in old money, would be moving to a ground with a 6,000 capacity (which could be expanded) at Nightingale Park, Barton, which the development company would pay for and construct in return for constructing new homes in the Bay.
Both the land in Barton and Plainmoor are owned by the council.
With a new train station due to be constructed at nearby Edginswell by 2017, the new ground would arguably be more accessible by public transport, as it would also be served by a number of major bus routes in the area and, of course, the new South Devon Link Road.
Talks are due to take place between the club, the developers and the council over the proposals, which include a 4G playing surface, which would allow the club to potentially use the ground 364 days a year from other add-ons to the stadium site, which could help to raise ancillary incomes that United wouldn't be able to do if they remained at Plainmoor.
Several other clubs who the Gulls have rubbed shoulders with in recent years such as Burton Albion, Chesterfield and Shrewsbury Town have benefited from moving to new homes in recent years.
For some, the proposals would revive memories of Chris Roberts' calamitous reign as Chairman of United, during which time he identified the Recreation Ground - current home of Torquay Athletic Rugby Club - as a potential new stadium for the Gulls.
But what would become of Plainmoor?
Any new development of United's current home would probably have to take nearby Spires College - formerly Westlands School - into account.
With no sports field of its own, one idea would be to incorporate part of the ground into the school complex and the Plainmoor pitch form the College's new field.
The club and Torbay Council have been approached by an American firm, who are being represented by former Fulham midfielder and Luton Town director John Mitchell, about the possibility of building a new ground, believed to be worth £7.5million, in exchange for land to build houses on.
Under the new proposals, the Gulls, who currently play at the Launa Windows Stadium - Plainmoor in old money, would be moving to a ground with a 6,000 capacity (which could be expanded) at Nightingale Park, Barton, which the development company would pay for and construct in return for constructing new homes in the Bay.
Both the land in Barton and Plainmoor are owned by the council.
With a new train station due to be constructed at nearby Edginswell by 2017, the new ground would arguably be more accessible by public transport, as it would also be served by a number of major bus routes in the area and, of course, the new South Devon Link Road.
Talks are due to take place between the club, the developers and the council over the proposals, which include a 4G playing surface, which would allow the club to potentially use the ground 364 days a year from other add-ons to the stadium site, which could help to raise ancillary incomes that United wouldn't be able to do if they remained at Plainmoor.
Several other clubs who the Gulls have rubbed shoulders with in recent years such as Burton Albion, Chesterfield and Shrewsbury Town have benefited from moving to new homes in recent years.
For some, the proposals would revive memories of Chris Roberts' calamitous reign as Chairman of United, during which time he identified the Recreation Ground - current home of Torquay Athletic Rugby Club - as a potential new stadium for the Gulls.
But what would become of Plainmoor?
Any new development of United's current home would probably have to take nearby Spires College - formerly Westlands School - into account.
With no sports field of its own, one idea would be to incorporate part of the ground into the school complex and the Plainmoor pitch form the College's new field.
Wednesday 3 February 2016
SOUTH WEST JANUARY 2016 TRANSFER DEALINGS:
Plymouth Argyle:
IN: Jordon Forster (Hibernian, loan), Daniel Nardiello (Exeter City, loan)
OUT: Aaron Bentley, Deane Smalley (Newport County, loan)
Exeter City:
IN: Jayden Stockley (AFC Bournemouth, loan), Jake Taylor (Reading)
OUT: Tom Nichols (Peterborough United, undisclosed fee)
Yeovil Town:
IN: Tahvon Campbell (West Bromwich Albion, loan), Liam Walsh (Everton, loan)
OUT: Iffy Allen (Torquay United), Mark Beck (Wrexham, loan)
Torquay United:
IN: Toby Ajala (Dover Athletic), Nathan Blissett (Bristol Rovers), Shaun Harrad (Worcester City), Josh Rees (Nottingham Forest, loan), Danny Racchi (Unattached), Iffy Allen (Yeovil Town)
OUT: Alex Fisher (Inverness CT), Bayan Fenwick, Dan Lavercombe (Wigan Athletic, undisclosed & loan back), James Hurst (Guiseley, undisclosed), Simon Heslop & Louis Briscoe (Wrexham), Waide Fairhurst, Tyrone Marsh (Dover Athletic, undisclosed fee), Shepherd Murombedzi,
IN: Jordon Forster (Hibernian, loan), Daniel Nardiello (Exeter City, loan)
OUT: Aaron Bentley, Deane Smalley (Newport County, loan)
Exeter City:
IN: Jayden Stockley (AFC Bournemouth, loan), Jake Taylor (Reading)
OUT: Tom Nichols (Peterborough United, undisclosed fee)
Yeovil Town:
IN: Tahvon Campbell (West Bromwich Albion, loan), Liam Walsh (Everton, loan)
OUT: Iffy Allen (Torquay United), Mark Beck (Wrexham, loan)
Torquay United:
IN: Toby Ajala (Dover Athletic), Nathan Blissett (Bristol Rovers), Shaun Harrad (Worcester City), Josh Rees (Nottingham Forest, loan), Danny Racchi (Unattached), Iffy Allen (Yeovil Town)
OUT: Alex Fisher (Inverness CT), Bayan Fenwick, Dan Lavercombe (Wigan Athletic, undisclosed & loan back), James Hurst (Guiseley, undisclosed), Simon Heslop & Louis Briscoe (Wrexham), Waide Fairhurst, Tyrone Marsh (Dover Athletic, undisclosed fee), Shepherd Murombedzi,
JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW INS AND OUTS
Perhaps unsurprisingly Torquay United were the biggest trader of the four South West clubs during the January 2016 transfer window, as Kevin Nicholson looks to build a squad capable of keeping the Gulls in the National League.
The departures of Dan Lavercombe (who was only loaned back from Wigan Athletic), James Hurst and Tyrone Marsh brought in some much needed funds to the Launa Windows Stadium. Waide Fairhurst also requested to be released from his contract on compassionate grounds following a family bereavement.
In their place, Nicholson has drafted in his former Notts County team-mate Shaun Harrad and ex-Kidderminster Harriers colleague Nathan Blissett.
He also increased his midfielder options with the signings of Josh Rees - on loan from Nottingham Forest - and free agent Danny Racchi. Both have experience of the National League with Rees having had a loan spell with Nuneaton Town last season and Racchi has had previous stints with FC Halifax Town and Tamworth.
Winger Iffy Allen also made the move to Plainmoor from Yeovil Town.
With further signings of loanees and unattached players permitted until the end of March, don't be surprised if more new arrive in South Devon.
Elsewhere, Tom Nichols joined the likes of Matt Grimes, Dean Moxey and George Friend in leaving Exeter City for big money, as the striker agreed a deal with Peterborough United.
Nichols scored the Grecians' opening goal of their FA Cup tie with Liverpool, and will be looking to development his career further with the Posh.
Daniel Nardiello added his name to the list of the select band of players who have signed for both Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, which includes names like Tony Kellow, Nicky Marker, Martin Phillips and Jamie Mackie, when he joined the Pilgrims on loan from Bury
Earlier in his career, Nardiello scored for City against Argyle in a Johnstone's Paint Trophy and he will be looking to help fire Derek Adams' side to promotion from League Two at the first time of asking.
Finally, Yeovil manager Darren Way made good use of his friendship with Roberto Martinez to bring Liam Walsh to Huish Park on loan from Everton. Walsh could have been facing a case of divided loyalties if the Glovers had defeated Carlisle United on penalties in the FA Cup third round replay, as a home tie with the Toffees in round four was the prize which awaited the winner.
The departures of Dan Lavercombe (who was only loaned back from Wigan Athletic), James Hurst and Tyrone Marsh brought in some much needed funds to the Launa Windows Stadium. Waide Fairhurst also requested to be released from his contract on compassionate grounds following a family bereavement.
In their place, Nicholson has drafted in his former Notts County team-mate Shaun Harrad and ex-Kidderminster Harriers colleague Nathan Blissett.
He also increased his midfielder options with the signings of Josh Rees - on loan from Nottingham Forest - and free agent Danny Racchi. Both have experience of the National League with Rees having had a loan spell with Nuneaton Town last season and Racchi has had previous stints with FC Halifax Town and Tamworth.
Winger Iffy Allen also made the move to Plainmoor from Yeovil Town.
With further signings of loanees and unattached players permitted until the end of March, don't be surprised if more new arrive in South Devon.
Elsewhere, Tom Nichols joined the likes of Matt Grimes, Dean Moxey and George Friend in leaving Exeter City for big money, as the striker agreed a deal with Peterborough United.
Nichols scored the Grecians' opening goal of their FA Cup tie with Liverpool, and will be looking to development his career further with the Posh.
Daniel Nardiello added his name to the list of the select band of players who have signed for both Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, which includes names like Tony Kellow, Nicky Marker, Martin Phillips and Jamie Mackie, when he joined the Pilgrims on loan from Bury
Earlier in his career, Nardiello scored for City against Argyle in a Johnstone's Paint Trophy and he will be looking to help fire Derek Adams' side to promotion from League Two at the first time of asking.
Finally, Yeovil manager Darren Way made good use of his friendship with Roberto Martinez to bring Liam Walsh to Huish Park on loan from Everton. Walsh could have been facing a case of divided loyalties if the Glovers had defeated Carlisle United on penalties in the FA Cup third round replay, as a home tie with the Toffees in round four was the prize which awaited the winner.
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