Following two successive League Two play-off final defeats Exeter City are now embarking on a new era in the 2018-19 season, as Matthew Taylor starts his first season as Paul Tisdale's successor.
Tisdale left the Grecians following their Wembley loss to Coventry City - bringing the curtain down on his 12-year reign as manager - and Taylor, who was first brought to St James Park by Tisdale from Team Bath as player in 2007, was chosen to succeed him and to build on his legacy.
Taylor's appointment also offers City a degree of continuity as he has also previously managed the club's Under-23 side.
One of his first tasks over the summer has been to replace the players that departed St James Park - including three players who followed Tisdale to his new club, MK Dons (Ryan Harley, Robbie Simpson and Jordan Moore-Taylor). Central defender Jordan Storey's move Preston North End earned the Grecians a fee of £750,000, as he became City's latest youth set-up product to earn them a considerable sum in the transfer market.
Another notable departure was Lloyd James who moves to the Grecians' fellow League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers, but Taylor has moved to find suitable replacements.
The signing of Nicky Law, the son of former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Nicky Law, looks set to fill the void left by James' departure, whilst Aaron Martin should slot into the centre of defence as a replacement for Moore-Taylor.
Former Manchester United youngster, and former Plymouth Argyle loanee, Lee Martin could yet add a touch of class to the centre of midfield following Harley's move to Stadium:mk.
Taylor has, thus far, been able to hold on to last season's leading scorer Jayden Stockley, who netted 25 times last season, and if he can form a successful partnership with loan signing Tristan Abrahams, who joins on loan from Norwich City, or new signing Jonathan Forte, then the Grecians could emulate their achievements of the past two seasons.
In: Nicky Law (Bradford City), Jonathan Forte (Notts County), Aaron Martin (Oxford United), Tristan Abrahams (Norwich City - loan), Jimmy Oates (Hereford FC), Lee Martin (Gillingham)
Out: Danny Seaborne (Derry City), Jordan Moore-Taylor, Ryan Harley & Robbie Simpson (MK Dons), Jordan Storey (Preston North End), Ryan Brunt (Bath City), Lloyd James (Forest Green Rovers), Liam McAlinden (Cheltenham Town), Troy Archibald-Henville
Tuesday 31 July 2018
Sunday 29 July 2018
GULLS AT A CROSSROADS HEADING INTO MAIDEN NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH CAMPAIGN
The bond that ties Ebbsfleet United manager Daryl McMahon with Torquay United is not a deeply formed one.
The Irishman made one appearance on loan at Plainmoor from West Ham United in the 2003-04 season under Leroy Rosenior, but he did have some kind words to say about the Gulls following their 1-1 draw with Ebbsfleet on the final day of the 2017-18 season.
"It's not easy, it's a tough division to get out of," said McMahon, whose side reached the National League play-offs after drawing with the Gulls. "Torquay will obviously be the big hitters; I can't remember a bigger side than Torquay being in the Conference South ever.
"It will be a tough task but if the crowd get behind them, and I'm sure Gary (Owers) will build a great side, if they can keep some of the better players and get some new ones in, I'm sure they'll have an excellent chance of getting out of it."
With only Brett Williams, Jakob Sokolik, Ruairi Keating, Jamie Reid and Liam Davis, as well as transfer listed duo Josh Gowling and Jon-Paul Pittman who remain with the club, are the only survivors from last season's side as manager Gary Owers has built what is essentially a brand new squad.
In goal, Alex Bass joins on a season-long loan from Portsmouth. Bass, 21, will be looking to build on a promising career, which has seen him turn out for Salisbury FC on loan. He also made his debut for Pompey on the final day of the 2017-18 season, as he looks to following the example of current England number one Jordan Pickford by learning his trade in non-league football.
Keeping Bass on his toes is former Gateshead keeper Shaun MacDonald, who hails from Owers' native North East, who makes the move from part-time to full-time football after spending last season in National League North with Blyth Spartans.
Along with Sokolik and the transfer listed Gowling, Owers can call upon George Essuman, a summer signing from Dover, Jean Yves Koue Niate - a physically imposing, powerful French centre back who has spells in England with Solihull Moors and Guiseley - and former Scotland Under-21 international Kyle Cameron, who joins from Newcastle United and has also had loan spells in the Football League with York City and Newport County.
They will be supported by Ben Wynter, who helped Hampton and Richmond reach the National League South play-offs last season, and Davis who will be appearing as right and left wing-backs respectively, if Owers decides to stick with the 3-5-2 formation again.
In midfield, Asa Hall and Ryan Dickson both bring plenty of previous experience of winning promotion at various different levels. Hall helped Cheltenham Town win the National League in the 2015-16 season and Dickson has enjoyed promotion success with Brentford in 2008-09 and Southampton in 2010-11.
They will be joined in midfield by former West Bromwich Albion starlet Samir Nabi, who spent last season at Carlisle United, and Bobson Bawling and Jason Banton, who are both looking to kickstart their careers after joining from Woking, have the potential to provide width when required.
Up front, Williams, Reid, Keating and Pittman each provide Owers with different options, but Owers may be looking to add another striker to complement them. Whether or not the Gulls boss can unearth 30 plus goal-a-season partnership from the aforementioned quartet or any other potential could go a long, long way to helping United to achieve their goal of promotion - whether it be as outright winners of the division or through the play-offs.
After six seasons of failing to finish in the top half in any league that they have played in, the Gulls last managed this feat under Martin Ling in the 2011-12 season when they reached the League Two play-offs, the rot has to stop. United are now at the crossroads just as they were at the end of the 1985-86 and 2006-07 seasons. In order to move forward as a football club again - a swift return from the division they currently find themselves in is required.
In: Bobson Bawling (Woking), George Essuman (Dover Athletic), Ben Wynter (Hampton and Richmond), Samir Nabi (Carlisle United), Asa Hall (Barrow), Jason Banton (Woking), Alex Bass (Portsmouth - season long loan), Shaun MacDonald (Blyth Spartans), Jean Yves Koue Niate (Guiseley), Ryan Dickson (Yeovil Town), Kyle Cameron (Newcastle United)
Out: Luke Young (Wrexham), Sean McGinty (Partick Thistle), Yan Klukowski (Chippenham Town), Jake Gosling (Weston Super Mare), Conrad Balatoni (Edinburgh City), Vincent Dorel, Reece Mitchell
The Irishman made one appearance on loan at Plainmoor from West Ham United in the 2003-04 season under Leroy Rosenior, but he did have some kind words to say about the Gulls following their 1-1 draw with Ebbsfleet on the final day of the 2017-18 season.
"It's not easy, it's a tough division to get out of," said McMahon, whose side reached the National League play-offs after drawing with the Gulls. "Torquay will obviously be the big hitters; I can't remember a bigger side than Torquay being in the Conference South ever.
"It will be a tough task but if the crowd get behind them, and I'm sure Gary (Owers) will build a great side, if they can keep some of the better players and get some new ones in, I'm sure they'll have an excellent chance of getting out of it."
With only Brett Williams, Jakob Sokolik, Ruairi Keating, Jamie Reid and Liam Davis, as well as transfer listed duo Josh Gowling and Jon-Paul Pittman who remain with the club, are the only survivors from last season's side as manager Gary Owers has built what is essentially a brand new squad.
In goal, Alex Bass joins on a season-long loan from Portsmouth. Bass, 21, will be looking to build on a promising career, which has seen him turn out for Salisbury FC on loan. He also made his debut for Pompey on the final day of the 2017-18 season, as he looks to following the example of current England number one Jordan Pickford by learning his trade in non-league football.
Keeping Bass on his toes is former Gateshead keeper Shaun MacDonald, who hails from Owers' native North East, who makes the move from part-time to full-time football after spending last season in National League North with Blyth Spartans.
Along with Sokolik and the transfer listed Gowling, Owers can call upon George Essuman, a summer signing from Dover, Jean Yves Koue Niate - a physically imposing, powerful French centre back who has spells in England with Solihull Moors and Guiseley - and former Scotland Under-21 international Kyle Cameron, who joins from Newcastle United and has also had loan spells in the Football League with York City and Newport County.
They will be supported by Ben Wynter, who helped Hampton and Richmond reach the National League South play-offs last season, and Davis who will be appearing as right and left wing-backs respectively, if Owers decides to stick with the 3-5-2 formation again.
In midfield, Asa Hall and Ryan Dickson both bring plenty of previous experience of winning promotion at various different levels. Hall helped Cheltenham Town win the National League in the 2015-16 season and Dickson has enjoyed promotion success with Brentford in 2008-09 and Southampton in 2010-11.
They will be joined in midfield by former West Bromwich Albion starlet Samir Nabi, who spent last season at Carlisle United, and Bobson Bawling and Jason Banton, who are both looking to kickstart their careers after joining from Woking, have the potential to provide width when required.
Up front, Williams, Reid, Keating and Pittman each provide Owers with different options, but Owers may be looking to add another striker to complement them. Whether or not the Gulls boss can unearth 30 plus goal-a-season partnership from the aforementioned quartet or any other potential could go a long, long way to helping United to achieve their goal of promotion - whether it be as outright winners of the division or through the play-offs.
After six seasons of failing to finish in the top half in any league that they have played in, the Gulls last managed this feat under Martin Ling in the 2011-12 season when they reached the League Two play-offs, the rot has to stop. United are now at the crossroads just as they were at the end of the 1985-86 and 2006-07 seasons. In order to move forward as a football club again - a swift return from the division they currently find themselves in is required.
In: Bobson Bawling (Woking), George Essuman (Dover Athletic), Ben Wynter (Hampton and Richmond), Samir Nabi (Carlisle United), Asa Hall (Barrow), Jason Banton (Woking), Alex Bass (Portsmouth - season long loan), Shaun MacDonald (Blyth Spartans), Jean Yves Koue Niate (Guiseley), Ryan Dickson (Yeovil Town), Kyle Cameron (Newcastle United)
Out: Luke Young (Wrexham), Sean McGinty (Partick Thistle), Yan Klukowski (Chippenham Town), Jake Gosling (Weston Super Mare), Conrad Balatoni (Edinburgh City), Vincent Dorel, Reece Mitchell
Wednesday 25 July 2018
MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS PART TWO
After the news that Torquay United chairman Clarke Osborne has unveiled the first plans for a new stadium for the Gulls at Nightingale Park, we will now revisit a few questions which we first asked earlier in the year when Osborne first announced plans for the stadium.
1. Which recent newly built football stadia have you visited as part of the research in building a new stadium?
No answer to this question has yet been given in the press by Osborne, or by any senior member of the United staff.
2. Have you, or do you intend to, seek out advice from figures from other sports such as Tony Rowe of the Exeter Chiefs with regard to building any new stadia and developing associated income streams?
Osborne hasn't indicated whether he sees Sandy Park as any kind of model for any future stadium plans, but it's quite possible that Chiefs' chairman Tony Rowe would be willing to give advise to Osborne, just as he offered to for Plymouth Argyle chairman James Brent on the construction for the Pilgrims' new grandstand at Home Park.
3. In your statement you talk about the new stadium having 'good road and rail communication'. Does this therefore mean that the proposed new railway station at Edginswell Park is likely to happen if Nightingale Park is your preferred option, and is the overall stadium plan dependent on this happening?
In his statement Osborne revealed that Nightingale Park is his preferred location for a new stadium for Torquay United and has talked of the stadium having substantial transport links.
A stadium at Nightingale Park would have 'good road' links in the form of the A380, A383 and the A3022, but it may not necessarily have 'good rail links' as Torbay Council announced at the end of last year it would not spending any more money on the project to build a new station at Edginswell. If the new station is constructed then the remaining funding will come from the national New Station Fund and the regional Local Enterprise Partnership, whereby Torbay would be competing for funding with any towns and cities, but no new funding will be available until 2020. Without the new station, rail links for a new stadium at Nightingale Park will arguably be no better than they currently are with Plainmoor.
4. When can we expect to see an artist's impression of the new site?
No artist's impression of the site has been produced to the best of the knowledge of SWF but we await to see one with anticipation.
5. Finally, when you say your objectives remain the same in the event of relegation - does this mean that the club will stay full-time if relegated to National League South in order to challenge for immediate promotion back to the National League?
Osborne stated towards the end of the last season that United would be staying full-time for the 2018-19 season as they aim to bounce back to the National League South under Gary Owers at the first attempt. In football, the performance of the team on the field can often help to underpin everything else around the club. Nevertheless, despite Owers' optimism that United can win promotion at the first time of asking, it is by no means guaranteed and could part-time football be on the cards if United don't bounce back at the first attempt?
Following Osborne's statement, other questions that remain include: how will the planned £40million project be funded? How will the £750,000 grant for the construction of Bristow's Bench from the Football Stadium Investment Fund be repaid, and by whom?
Also the plans also feature proposals for an Academy and a Centre of Excellence, so will Osborne be looking to appoint an experienced football figure as Director of Football to oversee it?
And finally, if the plans for a new stadium come to fruition then great, but if planning permission isn't granted then what?
1. Which recent newly built football stadia have you visited as part of the research in building a new stadium?
No answer to this question has yet been given in the press by Osborne, or by any senior member of the United staff.
2. Have you, or do you intend to, seek out advice from figures from other sports such as Tony Rowe of the Exeter Chiefs with regard to building any new stadia and developing associated income streams?
Osborne hasn't indicated whether he sees Sandy Park as any kind of model for any future stadium plans, but it's quite possible that Chiefs' chairman Tony Rowe would be willing to give advise to Osborne, just as he offered to for Plymouth Argyle chairman James Brent on the construction for the Pilgrims' new grandstand at Home Park.
3. In your statement you talk about the new stadium having 'good road and rail communication'. Does this therefore mean that the proposed new railway station at Edginswell Park is likely to happen if Nightingale Park is your preferred option, and is the overall stadium plan dependent on this happening?
In his statement Osborne revealed that Nightingale Park is his preferred location for a new stadium for Torquay United and has talked of the stadium having substantial transport links.
A stadium at Nightingale Park would have 'good road' links in the form of the A380, A383 and the A3022, but it may not necessarily have 'good rail links' as Torbay Council announced at the end of last year it would not spending any more money on the project to build a new station at Edginswell. If the new station is constructed then the remaining funding will come from the national New Station Fund and the regional Local Enterprise Partnership, whereby Torbay would be competing for funding with any towns and cities, but no new funding will be available until 2020. Without the new station, rail links for a new stadium at Nightingale Park will arguably be no better than they currently are with Plainmoor.
4. When can we expect to see an artist's impression of the new site?
No artist's impression of the site has been produced to the best of the knowledge of SWF but we await to see one with anticipation.
5. Finally, when you say your objectives remain the same in the event of relegation - does this mean that the club will stay full-time if relegated to National League South in order to challenge for immediate promotion back to the National League?
Osborne stated towards the end of the last season that United would be staying full-time for the 2018-19 season as they aim to bounce back to the National League South under Gary Owers at the first attempt. In football, the performance of the team on the field can often help to underpin everything else around the club. Nevertheless, despite Owers' optimism that United can win promotion at the first time of asking, it is by no means guaranteed and could part-time football be on the cards if United don't bounce back at the first attempt?
Following Osborne's statement, other questions that remain include: how will the planned £40million project be funded? How will the £750,000 grant for the construction of Bristow's Bench from the Football Stadium Investment Fund be repaid, and by whom?
Also the plans also feature proposals for an Academy and a Centre of Excellence, so will Osborne be looking to appoint an experienced football figure as Director of Football to oversee it?
And finally, if the plans for a new stadium come to fruition then great, but if planning permission isn't granted then what?
Monday 23 July 2018
TRURO HEAD EAST TO PLAINMOOR
Vanarama National League South football will be coming to Plainmoor next season - but the first game won't be featuring Torquay United after Truro City agreed a groundshare with the Gulls.
The White Tigers' Treyew Road home was sold to developers in July 2014, as they wait for the completion of the Stadium for Cornwall, which they will share with the Cornish Pirates Rugby club.
They will share Plainmoor with United for the duration of the 2018-19 season at least, and Truro's opening day clash with Billericay Town will now become the first competitive senior fixture to played at Plainmoor since 18th March 1961 when Plymouth Argyle played Ipswich Town in a Division Two - now Championship - fixture.
However, the move will mean that the White Tigers' fans will now face a 200 mile round trip to get to Plainmoor to get to their home games, which take around two hours.
Truro chairman Peter Masters - who admitted that he was taken by surprise by the decision of the developers to make their decision - has also announced that any fans who had already bought a season ticket will be reimbursed if they had already purchased one and subsidised travel will be available to help fans make the trip to the English Riviera.
In response to the decision, the Billericay Supporters' Society have expressed their dis-satisfaction with the decision and expressed particular sympathy with their own fans who had already paid for travel and accommodation for the fixture.
One group of people who will be happier with the decision are the Truro City players - many of whom live in Devon and train at Torquay and Exeter.
It is also worth mentioning that work on the construction is yet to start, and unless it is started soon the groundshare arrangement could continue into the 2019-20 campaign.
For the Gulls, it will mean that Plainmoor will be hosting a minimum of 42 league matches, as well as several more cup fixtures, and in a statement on the Torquay United website United chairman Clarke Osborne said that it will be a good experience for when the Gulls move to their own multi-purpose stadium.
Hopefully the travelling experience of the Truro fans will make Osborne realise the need for any new stadium to be ready to move into straight away when that day comes.
The White Tigers' Treyew Road home was sold to developers in July 2014, as they wait for the completion of the Stadium for Cornwall, which they will share with the Cornish Pirates Rugby club.
They will share Plainmoor with United for the duration of the 2018-19 season at least, and Truro's opening day clash with Billericay Town will now become the first competitive senior fixture to played at Plainmoor since 18th March 1961 when Plymouth Argyle played Ipswich Town in a Division Two - now Championship - fixture.
However, the move will mean that the White Tigers' fans will now face a 200 mile round trip to get to Plainmoor to get to their home games, which take around two hours.
Truro chairman Peter Masters - who admitted that he was taken by surprise by the decision of the developers to make their decision - has also announced that any fans who had already bought a season ticket will be reimbursed if they had already purchased one and subsidised travel will be available to help fans make the trip to the English Riviera.
In response to the decision, the Billericay Supporters' Society have expressed their dis-satisfaction with the decision and expressed particular sympathy with their own fans who had already paid for travel and accommodation for the fixture.
One group of people who will be happier with the decision are the Truro City players - many of whom live in Devon and train at Torquay and Exeter.
It is also worth mentioning that work on the construction is yet to start, and unless it is started soon the groundshare arrangement could continue into the 2019-20 campaign.
For the Gulls, it will mean that Plainmoor will be hosting a minimum of 42 league matches, as well as several more cup fixtures, and in a statement on the Torquay United website United chairman Clarke Osborne said that it will be a good experience for when the Gulls move to their own multi-purpose stadium.
Hopefully the travelling experience of the Truro fans will make Osborne realise the need for any new stadium to be ready to move into straight away when that day comes.
Saturday 21 July 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS CARDIFF CITY
1. Is the Ruairi Keating of 2017 back?
Within a minute of coming off the bench for Brett Williams, Ruairi Keating latched onto a goal kick from Alex Bass before ghosting in between the Cardiff defence before finding the back of the net with his first touch and cancelled out Josh Murphy's first half opener for the Bluebirds. For the remainder of the match, Keating proved to be a willing runner as he harried and harrassed the Cardiff backline as he displayed levels of work rate and the tenacity to chase lost causes that he displayed when he first arrived at Plainmoor in February 2017. He also formed a successful partnership with Williams towards the end of the 2016-17 season, as the Gulls won three from their final five matches of the campaign to beat the drop and United manager Gary Owers might consider re-establishing their partnership for the Gulls' remaining friendlies against Bristol City and Dorchester Town.
2. Gary Owers is building from the back.
Amongst the outstanding performers for the Gulls against the Bluebirds were United's back three of George Essuman, Jean Yves Koue Niate (who also claimed the sponsors' Man of the Match award) and Kyle Cameron. All three players each come from a variety of backgrounds; Essuman joined from Dover Athletic, Frenchman Niate has played for several non-league clubs in this country including Solihull Moors and Guiseley whilst Cameron came through Newcastle United's Academy and has enjoyed loan spells in the Football League with York City and Newport County and with Queen of the South in Scotland. In addition to this, he has also represented Scotland at Under-21 level.
The trio could yet give a number of National League South strikeforces a number of sleepless nights.
3. Could Liam Davis turn out to be one of the best left-backs in National League South in 2018-19?
After he missed the opening 13 games of the season with a foot problem, Liam Davis once again left the United faithful wondering if he could have made a difference had he been available earlier. Davis once again pushed forward well to good effect and also produced a strong defensive display as well and demonstrated the qualities that saw him play for Yeovil Town in the Championship just over four years ago. Whisper it quietly, but many of the most successful United teams in recent years have all had good left-backs (1990-91 John Uzzell, 1993-94 Tom Kelly, 1997-98 Paul Gibbs, 1999-00 Robbie Herrera, 2003-04 Brian McGlinchey, 2008-09, 2010-11 and 2011-12 Kevin Nicholson).
4. Alex Bass continued to demonstrate a huge level of potential.
In securing Alex Bass on a season-long loan from Portsmouth, Gary Owers might have pulled off the transfer coup of the season. Bass, 20, who spent last season on loan with Salisbury FC in the Evo-Stik Southern League South and West Division, showed a level of calmness and maturity that belied his age as commanded his area well and displayed his prowess as a good shot stopper. Having made his debut for Pompey on the final day of last season against Peterborough United, as he follows the routes taken by two of England's 2018 World Cup squad goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope in learning their trade through loan spells in non-league circles.
5. Neil Warnock retains a fondness for the Gulls.
After guiding United to one of their many great escapes in the 1992-93 as caretaker manager, Neil Warnock has always retained an affection for Torquay United. Since then he has returned to Plainmoor with a number of his sides for pre-season friendlies, including Huddersfield Town, Bury Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United, and has also helped out United in the form of a number of loan players such as the Gulls' top scorer from last season Rhys Healey. After the match he spoke with a great fondness for his time at the club and signed autographs and posed for photos with a number of fans.
Within a minute of coming off the bench for Brett Williams, Ruairi Keating latched onto a goal kick from Alex Bass before ghosting in between the Cardiff defence before finding the back of the net with his first touch and cancelled out Josh Murphy's first half opener for the Bluebirds. For the remainder of the match, Keating proved to be a willing runner as he harried and harrassed the Cardiff backline as he displayed levels of work rate and the tenacity to chase lost causes that he displayed when he first arrived at Plainmoor in February 2017. He also formed a successful partnership with Williams towards the end of the 2016-17 season, as the Gulls won three from their final five matches of the campaign to beat the drop and United manager Gary Owers might consider re-establishing their partnership for the Gulls' remaining friendlies against Bristol City and Dorchester Town.
2. Gary Owers is building from the back.
Amongst the outstanding performers for the Gulls against the Bluebirds were United's back three of George Essuman, Jean Yves Koue Niate (who also claimed the sponsors' Man of the Match award) and Kyle Cameron. All three players each come from a variety of backgrounds; Essuman joined from Dover Athletic, Frenchman Niate has played for several non-league clubs in this country including Solihull Moors and Guiseley whilst Cameron came through Newcastle United's Academy and has enjoyed loan spells in the Football League with York City and Newport County and with Queen of the South in Scotland. In addition to this, he has also represented Scotland at Under-21 level.
The trio could yet give a number of National League South strikeforces a number of sleepless nights.
3. Could Liam Davis turn out to be one of the best left-backs in National League South in 2018-19?
After he missed the opening 13 games of the season with a foot problem, Liam Davis once again left the United faithful wondering if he could have made a difference had he been available earlier. Davis once again pushed forward well to good effect and also produced a strong defensive display as well and demonstrated the qualities that saw him play for Yeovil Town in the Championship just over four years ago. Whisper it quietly, but many of the most successful United teams in recent years have all had good left-backs (1990-91 John Uzzell, 1993-94 Tom Kelly, 1997-98 Paul Gibbs, 1999-00 Robbie Herrera, 2003-04 Brian McGlinchey, 2008-09, 2010-11 and 2011-12 Kevin Nicholson).
4. Alex Bass continued to demonstrate a huge level of potential.
In securing Alex Bass on a season-long loan from Portsmouth, Gary Owers might have pulled off the transfer coup of the season. Bass, 20, who spent last season on loan with Salisbury FC in the Evo-Stik Southern League South and West Division, showed a level of calmness and maturity that belied his age as commanded his area well and displayed his prowess as a good shot stopper. Having made his debut for Pompey on the final day of last season against Peterborough United, as he follows the routes taken by two of England's 2018 World Cup squad goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope in learning their trade through loan spells in non-league circles.
5. Neil Warnock retains a fondness for the Gulls.
After guiding United to one of their many great escapes in the 1992-93 as caretaker manager, Neil Warnock has always retained an affection for Torquay United. Since then he has returned to Plainmoor with a number of his sides for pre-season friendlies, including Huddersfield Town, Bury Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United, and has also helped out United in the form of a number of loan players such as the Gulls' top scorer from last season Rhys Healey. After the match he spoke with a great fondness for his time at the club and signed autographs and posed for photos with a number of fans.
Wednesday 18 July 2018
WHEN NEIL WARNOCK FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SOUTH WEST
Ahead of Torquay United's friendly with Cardiff City on Friday night, we will now take a closer at Bluebirds' manager Neil Warnock caretaker spell in charge of Torquay United, with particular focus on the Gulls' victory over Carlisle United which retained their Football League status.
After winning promotion against Blackpool in the Division Four play-off final in 1991, Torquay United's visit to Division Three for the first time since the 1971-72 campaign only lasted for one season.
However, the formation of the Premier League meant that the Gulls were relegated from Division Three to Division Three.
Promotion winning manager John Impey was dismissed early on in the 1991-92 season and Wes Saunders and John Uzzell were placed in caretaker charge by chairman Mike Bateson before former Southampton and Yugoslavia defender Ivan Golac was appointed as manager.
Sadly Golac was unable to halt their decline and left in the summer of 1992 and was replaced by youth team coach Paul Compton.
Unfortunately for Compton, who was embarking on his first job in management, it proved to be a uphill struggle as Wes Saunders and Sean Joyce - key survivors from their Wembley success in 1991 - both succumbed to injuries which would end their respective careers.
Also player-assistant manager Justin Fashanu frustrated as much as he entertained and as United entered 1993 a second successive relegation looked more than a possibility.
Increasingly desperate times called for desperate measures, as Bateson brought in Warnock as a 'football consultant' before appointing him as caretaker manager in the following March.
Less than a year earlier Warnock had been managing Notts County in the top flight, and he was now in charge of a team whose status as a Football League club was under serious threat.
Nevertheless, Warnock, who brought in Don O'Riordan, Lee Barrow and Gary Chapman from the Magpies, was able to stop the rot as United went into their penultimate away game against Carlisle United needing a win to avoid relegation to the GM Vauxhall Conference.
The Gulls had not won away against the Cumbrians since the 1963-64 season and they needed to better Halifax Town’s result in their relegation battle with Gillingham 320 miles away at the Priestfield Stadium to stand any chance of retaining their league status.
The
contest remained goalless going into the half-time break, with United's best chances
falling to Duane Darby, who had a header tipped
over the bar by Cumbrians’ keeper Kelham O’Hanlon on 43 minutes.
Carlisle started the second half the stronger, as Gabbiadini and fellow forward George Oghani proved to be a constant threat to the Gulls’ defence following the restart.
United also had chances to score a second as John Muir had a shot turned around the post by O’Hanlon and Gary Chapman blazed over after being set up by O’Riordan.
He has also visited Plainmoor on numerous occasions in pre-season friendlies with Huddersfield, Bury, Sheffield United, QPR and Leeds and has also loaned a number of players to the Gulls, including Rhys Healey, who scored six goals in seven matches to finish the 2017-18 season as United's top scorer.
A full account of this encounter and a number of other memorable matches in the club's history can be found in Torquay United: A History in 50 Matches, which is still available at: https://torquayunitedahistoryin50.bigcartel.com/
After winning promotion against Blackpool in the Division Four play-off final in 1991, Torquay United's visit to Division Three for the first time since the 1971-72 campaign only lasted for one season.
However, the formation of the Premier League meant that the Gulls were relegated from Division Three to Division Three.
Promotion winning manager John Impey was dismissed early on in the 1991-92 season and Wes Saunders and John Uzzell were placed in caretaker charge by chairman Mike Bateson before former Southampton and Yugoslavia defender Ivan Golac was appointed as manager.
Sadly Golac was unable to halt their decline and left in the summer of 1992 and was replaced by youth team coach Paul Compton.
Unfortunately for Compton, who was embarking on his first job in management, it proved to be a uphill struggle as Wes Saunders and Sean Joyce - key survivors from their Wembley success in 1991 - both succumbed to injuries which would end their respective careers.
Also player-assistant manager Justin Fashanu frustrated as much as he entertained and as United entered 1993 a second successive relegation looked more than a possibility.
Increasingly desperate times called for desperate measures, as Bateson brought in Warnock as a 'football consultant' before appointing him as caretaker manager in the following March.
Less than a year earlier Warnock had been managing Notts County in the top flight, and he was now in charge of a team whose status as a Football League club was under serious threat.
Nevertheless, Warnock, who brought in Don O'Riordan, Lee Barrow and Gary Chapman from the Magpies, was able to stop the rot as United went into their penultimate away game against Carlisle United needing a win to avoid relegation to the GM Vauxhall Conference.
The Gulls had not won away against the Cumbrians since the 1963-64 season and they needed to better Halifax Town’s result in their relegation battle with Gillingham 320 miles away at the Priestfield Stadium to stand any chance of retaining their league status.
Carlisle started the second half the stronger, as Gabbiadini and fellow forward George Oghani proved to be a constant threat to the Gulls’ defence following the restart.
Torquay
gradually began to turn the tables on them and they were rewarded for their
efforts when in the 65th minute a cross from Don O’Riordan picked
out left-back Tom Kelly, whose header was tipped onto the bar by O’Hanlon.
Darby
reacted quickest to the rebound, but his first effort was blocked. However, his
second effort hit his chest before bobbling across the goal-line from two-yards
– the Gulls had made their breakthrough. United also had chances to score a second as John Muir had a shot turned around the post by O’Hanlon and Gary Chapman blazed over after being set up by O’Riordan.
However,
as it turned out, they didn’t require another goal as Darby’s 13th
of the campaign proved to be enough and Warnock’s rescue mission was complete.
He has also visited Plainmoor on numerous occasions in pre-season friendlies with Huddersfield, Bury, Sheffield United, QPR and Leeds and has also loaned a number of players to the Gulls, including Rhys Healey, who scored six goals in seven matches to finish the 2017-18 season as United's top scorer.
A full account of this encounter and a number of other memorable matches in the club's history can be found in Torquay United: A History in 50 Matches, which is still available at: https://torquayunitedahistoryin50.bigcartel.com/
Sunday 15 July 2018
SOUTH WEST INVOLVEMENT IN WORLD CUPS
As today marks the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, we will look take a look at the players who have served South West clubs that have featured in World Cup finals in the past.
1958: Len Graham (Torquay United) Northern Ireland), Billy Bingham and Peter McParland (Plymouth Argyle) Northern Ireland, Maurice Setters (Exeter City) England, George Baker (Plymouth Argyle) Wales
Full back Len Graham was a non-playing member of the Northern Ireland squad which reached the Quarter Finals, whilst future Plymouth Argyle manager Billy Bingham was an ever present and future Pilgrims striker Peter McParland netted five times for the province. Maurice Setters, formerly a wing half with Exeter City, was named as a reserve player for England, but didn't feature in the competition. Plymouth Argyle striker George Baker was named as a substitute in all four of Wales' matches in the tournament as they reached the Quarter finals.
1966: Alan Ball (Exeter City) England.
Former Exeter City manager was the youngest player in Alf Ramsey's 1966 World Cup winning squad and played a key role in helping England win the final against West Germany 4-2. He provided the assist for Geoff Hurst's second and England's third goal - which was deemed to have crossed the line by the Russian linesman - as England won the competition for the first and only time.
1970: Alan Ball and Terry Cooper (Exeter City) England.
Ball was joined in the England squad for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico by another future Grecians manager in the form of Terry Cooper, who was England's first choice left-back. However, England failed to retain the trophy that they won in 1966, as they were eliminated in the Quarter finals by West Germany.
1974: John Blackley (Plymouth Argyle) Scotland.
Former Pilgrims coach John Blackley, who served under Paul Sturrock, appeared in Scotland's 2-0 win over Zaire in their opening match of the finals.
1978: Bruce Rioch (Torquay United) Scotland.
Bruce Rioch was chosen to captain Scotland in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina by Ally MacLeod, in what proved to be an ill-fated affair for the Scots. After losing 3-1 to Peru in their opening game of the tournament, they then drew 1-1 with Iran - a game that Rioch was absent for - before beating eventual runners-up Holland 3-2, which Rioch returned for.
1982: Peter Shilton and Paul Mariner (Plymouth Argyle) England, Paul Sturrock (Scotland) Billy Bingham (Plymouth Argyle) Northern Ireland.
Future Pilgrims manager Peter Shilton was ever present for England as they made their return to the competition, after not having qualified since 1970, and former Argyle striker Paul Mariner, who had helped the Pilgrims win promotion in the 1974-75 season, was on target in England's 3-1 win over France. Mariner's predecessor as Argyle manager Paul Sturrock was a non-playing member of Scotland's squad, which exited in the first round. However, another incumbent of the Home Park hot seat Billy Bingham enjoyed more success as he led Northern Ireland to the second round in their first appearance in the finals since 1958.
1986: Peter Shilton and Peter Reid (Plymouth Argyle) England, Chris Waddle (Torquay United) England, Paul Sturrock (Plymouth Argyle)Scotland, Billy Bingham (Plymouth Argyle) Northern Ireland, Tony Waiters (Plymouth Argyle) Canada.
Peter Shilton was once again an ever present for England and was also joined by another future Argyle manager in the form of Peter Reid, who was selected in the centre of midfield after Bryan Robson pulled out through injury and Ray Wilkins was suspended after being sent off against Morroco. Both of them were in the field Diego Maradona scored his famous 'hand of god' goal for Argentina, which was followed by his brilliant individual solo goal. Chris Waddle, who would have a brief with Torquay United towards the end of his career, came on as a substitute for England who were unable to overturn their two-goal deficit as they lost 2-1.
Paul Sturrock made two appearances for Scotland against Denmark and Uruguay, as they failed to get out of their 'group of death' that also included West Germany. Billy Bingham also guided Northern Ireland to a second successive World Cup finals, but they were knocked out in the group stage.
Another former Plymouth Argyle manager Tony Waiters, who won promotion with the Pilgrims in the 1974-75 season, led Canada to their only ever appearance in the World Cup finals, where they exited in the stage after losing all three matches.
1990: Peter Shilton (Plymouth Argyle) England, Chris Waddle (Torquay United) England, Lubos Kubik (Torquay United) Czechoslovakia.
Peter Shilton and Chris Waddle both played key roles in helping England reach the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Shilton played every game for England and Waddle famously missed a penalty in the semi-final penalty shoot out with West Germany. Future Torquay United manager Lubos Kubik played in all four of Czechoslovakia's matches in the tournament and was also on target in the Last 16 victory over Costa Rica. Future Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan made one substitute appearance for the Republic of Ireland in their Quarter final exit to Italy.
1994: John Sheridan (Plymouth Argyle) Republic of Ireland.
After making one sub appearance in Italia 90, John Sheridan was ever present for the Irish in USA 94 and hit the bar in their opening match against Italy, which they won 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Ray Houghton. Former Exeter City defender Maurice Setters also served as assistant manager to Jack Charlton in both this tournament and Italia 90.
1998: Matt Elliott (Torquay United), Paul Hall (Torquay United) Jamaica, Taribo West (Plymouth Argyle) Nigeria, Emile Mpenza (Plymouth Argyle) Belgium.
Former Torquay United defender Matt Elliott was a non-playing member of Scotland's squad in their last appearance in a World Cup finals to date, whilst his former Gulls' teammate Paul Hall played in all three of Jamaica's matches against Croatia, Argentina and Japan. Future Plymouth Argyle defender Taribo West also featured for Nigeria and they reached the last 16, where they lost to Denmark. Another future Pilgrim Emile Mpenza appeared in the tournament for Belgium.
2002: Taribo West (Plymouth Argyle) Nigeria
Taribo West once again featured for Nigeria as they were knocked out in the first round from a group which contained England, Sweden and Argentina.
2010: Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle) New Zealand
Former Plymouth Argyle, Truro City and Torquay United striker Rory Fallon became the first player contracted to a South West club to appear in the World Cup finals when he represented New Zealand whilst with the Pilgrims. Fallon, whose father Kevin was the Kiwi's assistant manager in the 1982 World Cup, scored the decisive goal which booked the All White's place in the final in their play-off match against Bahrain and was ever present for the Kiwi's as they drew all three of their matches against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay.
Footnote: Former Torquay United physiotherapist Norman Medhurst worked with England at the 1982, 1986 and 1990 World Cups and ex United youth team player Paul Balsom has worked as Performance Manager for Sweden at the 2002, 2006 and 2018 World Cup finals.
1958: Len Graham (Torquay United) Northern Ireland), Billy Bingham and Peter McParland (Plymouth Argyle) Northern Ireland, Maurice Setters (Exeter City) England, George Baker (Plymouth Argyle) Wales
Full back Len Graham was a non-playing member of the Northern Ireland squad which reached the Quarter Finals, whilst future Plymouth Argyle manager Billy Bingham was an ever present and future Pilgrims striker Peter McParland netted five times for the province. Maurice Setters, formerly a wing half with Exeter City, was named as a reserve player for England, but didn't feature in the competition. Plymouth Argyle striker George Baker was named as a substitute in all four of Wales' matches in the tournament as they reached the Quarter finals.
1966: Alan Ball (Exeter City) England.
Former Exeter City manager was the youngest player in Alf Ramsey's 1966 World Cup winning squad and played a key role in helping England win the final against West Germany 4-2. He provided the assist for Geoff Hurst's second and England's third goal - which was deemed to have crossed the line by the Russian linesman - as England won the competition for the first and only time.
1970: Alan Ball and Terry Cooper (Exeter City) England.
Ball was joined in the England squad for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico by another future Grecians manager in the form of Terry Cooper, who was England's first choice left-back. However, England failed to retain the trophy that they won in 1966, as they were eliminated in the Quarter finals by West Germany.
1974: John Blackley (Plymouth Argyle) Scotland.
Former Pilgrims coach John Blackley, who served under Paul Sturrock, appeared in Scotland's 2-0 win over Zaire in their opening match of the finals.
1978: Bruce Rioch (Torquay United) Scotland.
Bruce Rioch was chosen to captain Scotland in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina by Ally MacLeod, in what proved to be an ill-fated affair for the Scots. After losing 3-1 to Peru in their opening game of the tournament, they then drew 1-1 with Iran - a game that Rioch was absent for - before beating eventual runners-up Holland 3-2, which Rioch returned for.
1982: Peter Shilton and Paul Mariner (Plymouth Argyle) England, Paul Sturrock (Scotland) Billy Bingham (Plymouth Argyle) Northern Ireland.
Future Pilgrims manager Peter Shilton was ever present for England as they made their return to the competition, after not having qualified since 1970, and former Argyle striker Paul Mariner, who had helped the Pilgrims win promotion in the 1974-75 season, was on target in England's 3-1 win over France. Mariner's predecessor as Argyle manager Paul Sturrock was a non-playing member of Scotland's squad, which exited in the first round. However, another incumbent of the Home Park hot seat Billy Bingham enjoyed more success as he led Northern Ireland to the second round in their first appearance in the finals since 1958.
1986: Peter Shilton and Peter Reid (Plymouth Argyle) England, Chris Waddle (Torquay United) England, Paul Sturrock (Plymouth Argyle)Scotland, Billy Bingham (Plymouth Argyle) Northern Ireland, Tony Waiters (Plymouth Argyle) Canada.
Peter Shilton was once again an ever present for England and was also joined by another future Argyle manager in the form of Peter Reid, who was selected in the centre of midfield after Bryan Robson pulled out through injury and Ray Wilkins was suspended after being sent off against Morroco. Both of them were in the field Diego Maradona scored his famous 'hand of god' goal for Argentina, which was followed by his brilliant individual solo goal. Chris Waddle, who would have a brief with Torquay United towards the end of his career, came on as a substitute for England who were unable to overturn their two-goal deficit as they lost 2-1.
Paul Sturrock made two appearances for Scotland against Denmark and Uruguay, as they failed to get out of their 'group of death' that also included West Germany. Billy Bingham also guided Northern Ireland to a second successive World Cup finals, but they were knocked out in the group stage.
Another former Plymouth Argyle manager Tony Waiters, who won promotion with the Pilgrims in the 1974-75 season, led Canada to their only ever appearance in the World Cup finals, where they exited in the stage after losing all three matches.
1990: Peter Shilton (Plymouth Argyle) England, Chris Waddle (Torquay United) England, Lubos Kubik (Torquay United) Czechoslovakia.
Peter Shilton and Chris Waddle both played key roles in helping England reach the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Shilton played every game for England and Waddle famously missed a penalty in the semi-final penalty shoot out with West Germany. Future Torquay United manager Lubos Kubik played in all four of Czechoslovakia's matches in the tournament and was also on target in the Last 16 victory over Costa Rica. Future Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan made one substitute appearance for the Republic of Ireland in their Quarter final exit to Italy.
1994: John Sheridan (Plymouth Argyle) Republic of Ireland.
After making one sub appearance in Italia 90, John Sheridan was ever present for the Irish in USA 94 and hit the bar in their opening match against Italy, which they won 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Ray Houghton. Former Exeter City defender Maurice Setters also served as assistant manager to Jack Charlton in both this tournament and Italia 90.
1998: Matt Elliott (Torquay United), Paul Hall (Torquay United) Jamaica, Taribo West (Plymouth Argyle) Nigeria, Emile Mpenza (Plymouth Argyle) Belgium.
Former Torquay United defender Matt Elliott was a non-playing member of Scotland's squad in their last appearance in a World Cup finals to date, whilst his former Gulls' teammate Paul Hall played in all three of Jamaica's matches against Croatia, Argentina and Japan. Future Plymouth Argyle defender Taribo West also featured for Nigeria and they reached the last 16, where they lost to Denmark. Another future Pilgrim Emile Mpenza appeared in the tournament for Belgium.
2002: Taribo West (Plymouth Argyle) Nigeria
Taribo West once again featured for Nigeria as they were knocked out in the first round from a group which contained England, Sweden and Argentina.
2010: Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle) New Zealand
Former Plymouth Argyle, Truro City and Torquay United striker Rory Fallon became the first player contracted to a South West club to appear in the World Cup finals when he represented New Zealand whilst with the Pilgrims. Fallon, whose father Kevin was the Kiwi's assistant manager in the 1982 World Cup, scored the decisive goal which booked the All White's place in the final in their play-off match against Bahrain and was ever present for the Kiwi's as they drew all three of their matches against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay.
Footnote: Former Torquay United physiotherapist Norman Medhurst worked with England at the 1982, 1986 and 1990 World Cups and ex United youth team player Paul Balsom has worked as Performance Manager for Sweden at the 2002, 2006 and 2018 World Cup finals.
Wednesday 4 July 2018
SWEDEN'S ENGLISHMAN ABROAD
The national sides of England and Sweden have the unique distinction of being managed by men from both countries.
Yorkshireman George Raynor famously guided the Swedes to the 1958 World Cup final, where they were beaten by a Pele-inspired Brazil and Sven Goran-Eriksson led England to the Quarter finals of the 2002 and 2006 tournaments whilst being assisted by compatriot Tord Grip.
However, when the two sides meet in the Quarter finals of the 2018 World Cup one man will be experiencing divided loyalties in the form of Sweden's Performance manager and ex Torquay United youth team player Paul Balsom.
Balsom, 53, emigrated to Sweden in 1989, after studying in Cardiff and the USA, and has worked as part of the Swedish backroom staff for Euros 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 and the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He has also worked at club level in England with Bolton Wanderers, Leicester City (twice, including their Premier League title success in 2015-16), Southampton and Hull City and in Belgium with OH Leuven under Nigel Pearson.
During this time, Balsom has worked with the likes of Henrik Larsson, Freddie Ljungberg and Zlatan Ibramovic in 18 years but the current Sweden side is much more about the collective with Emil Forsberg of RB Leipzig being the nearest that they possess to a star name.
Nevertheless, regardless of the outcome of Saturday's encounter, Balsom's allegiance to his hometown club remains unmoved; he still avidly follows the Gulls' fortunes and his father, Don, is a long-standing season ticket holder.
Yorkshireman George Raynor famously guided the Swedes to the 1958 World Cup final, where they were beaten by a Pele-inspired Brazil and Sven Goran-Eriksson led England to the Quarter finals of the 2002 and 2006 tournaments whilst being assisted by compatriot Tord Grip.
However, when the two sides meet in the Quarter finals of the 2018 World Cup one man will be experiencing divided loyalties in the form of Sweden's Performance manager and ex Torquay United youth team player Paul Balsom.
Balsom, 53, emigrated to Sweden in 1989, after studying in Cardiff and the USA, and has worked as part of the Swedish backroom staff for Euros 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 and the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He has also worked at club level in England with Bolton Wanderers, Leicester City (twice, including their Premier League title success in 2015-16), Southampton and Hull City and in Belgium with OH Leuven under Nigel Pearson.
During this time, Balsom has worked with the likes of Henrik Larsson, Freddie Ljungberg and Zlatan Ibramovic in 18 years but the current Sweden side is much more about the collective with Emil Forsberg of RB Leipzig being the nearest that they possess to a star name.
Nevertheless, regardless of the outcome of Saturday's encounter, Balsom's allegiance to his hometown club remains unmoved; he still avidly follows the Gulls' fortunes and his father, Don, is a long-standing season ticket holder.
Sunday 1 July 2018
RECRUITMENT, RECRUITMENT, RECRUITMENT
It may have taken a while, but the overall outlook is now looking more complete for Torquay United as they prepare for life in the National League South.
At the end of last week, left-back Liam Davis agreed a new deal with manager Gary Owers to stay at Plainmoor, where he has now been joined by his former Oxford United teammate Asa Hall.
Following on from securing the signature of Olaf Koszela on a pre-contract agreement. Koszela, 16, progressed through the Football Development Programme of Torquay Academy, where he is a pupil, and through the Gulls' Junior Premier League side. Koszela's deal will be upgraded to a full professional contract on his 17th birthday.
This news was then followed over the weekend with the arrivals of right-sided defender Ben Wynter, formerly of Crystal Palace, and one-time West Bromwich Albion starlet Samir Nabi.
Wynter, 20, whose brother Alex faced United last season for Maidstone, started out at Selhurst Park before joining Bromley at the start of the 2017-18 campaign, and was part of the Ravens side that beat the Gulls 3-1 shortly before Owers was appointed as manager.
After leaving Hayes Lane, he dropped down to the National League South to sign for Hampton & Richmond, who he helped to reach the end of season play-offs, where they lost out to Braintree Town in the final. Wynter looks set to fill the vacant right-back slot.
Nabi, 21, who hails from Birmingham, has already had a career which the phrase: 'have boots, will travel' could easily be applied to. He started out at West Bromwich Albion, where his brother Adil and Rahis, who he netted four goals for the Baggies' youth side - which also contained former Gulls loanees Andre Wright and Joe Ward - in an 8-1 win in the FA Youth Cup win against the United counterparts on the date of his 18th birthday. He then headed to the Indian Super League to join Delhi Dynamos.
On his return to England he signed for Carlisle United, then managed by former Gulls player and manager Keith Curle, and made three appearances for the Cumbrians before he was released at the end of last season and looks set to partner Asa Hall in the United engine room.
All that is missing to prevent the Gulls from fielding a full starting eleven is a goalkeeper and Owers is believed to be looking to secure a keeper from a Football League side on a season-long loan deal, as well as possibly one other.
At the end of last week, left-back Liam Davis agreed a new deal with manager Gary Owers to stay at Plainmoor, where he has now been joined by his former Oxford United teammate Asa Hall.
Following on from securing the signature of Olaf Koszela on a pre-contract agreement. Koszela, 16, progressed through the Football Development Programme of Torquay Academy, where he is a pupil, and through the Gulls' Junior Premier League side. Koszela's deal will be upgraded to a full professional contract on his 17th birthday.
This news was then followed over the weekend with the arrivals of right-sided defender Ben Wynter, formerly of Crystal Palace, and one-time West Bromwich Albion starlet Samir Nabi.
Wynter, 20, whose brother Alex faced United last season for Maidstone, started out at Selhurst Park before joining Bromley at the start of the 2017-18 campaign, and was part of the Ravens side that beat the Gulls 3-1 shortly before Owers was appointed as manager.
After leaving Hayes Lane, he dropped down to the National League South to sign for Hampton & Richmond, who he helped to reach the end of season play-offs, where they lost out to Braintree Town in the final. Wynter looks set to fill the vacant right-back slot.
Nabi, 21, who hails from Birmingham, has already had a career which the phrase: 'have boots, will travel' could easily be applied to. He started out at West Bromwich Albion, where his brother Adil and Rahis, who he netted four goals for the Baggies' youth side - which also contained former Gulls loanees Andre Wright and Joe Ward - in an 8-1 win in the FA Youth Cup win against the United counterparts on the date of his 18th birthday. He then headed to the Indian Super League to join Delhi Dynamos.
On his return to England he signed for Carlisle United, then managed by former Gulls player and manager Keith Curle, and made three appearances for the Cumbrians before he was released at the end of last season and looks set to partner Asa Hall in the United engine room.
All that is missing to prevent the Gulls from fielding a full starting eleven is a goalkeeper and Owers is believed to be looking to secure a keeper from a Football League side on a season-long loan deal, as well as possibly one other.
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