1. Club record equalled.
By recording their eighth successive league win against Gloucester City, Gary Johnson's Torquay United of 2018-19 equalled the club record for consecutive victories in the league. The record itself was set by Kevin Hodges' play-off side of 1997-98 and has stood for over 20 years.
Interestingly on both occasions, both sides won their eighth game of the sequence by a single goal; the Gulls of 1997-98 beat Cardiff City 1-0 through a Kevin Hill effort and United's class of 2018-19 won 2-1 against Gloucester.
2. The crowds are returning to Plainmoor.
A crowd of 3,071, which included 57 Gloucester City fans, shows that the crowds will turn out in good numbers to watch a Torquay United side that is doing well - regardless of the level the club finds itself at. It also reflects the club's potential to achieve their longer term ambition of a return to the Football League.
3. A direct contrast to their last meeting.
The last meeting between Torquay United and Gloucester City was best remembered for the incident which saw the then Gulls manager Gary Owers have a cup of coffee thrown over him. In the return meeting, the feel good factor which has been around the club since Gary Johnson was appointed is perhaps best evidenced by the fact Johnson felt disappointed by only winning 2-1 .
After the game Johnson revealed: "The players are sitting in our dressing-room as if they had got beat. They are not very happy with themselves, and that's a good thing. We didn't get anywhere the levels we have been getting to recently.
"I know we had lots of chances, and maybe if one or two more had gone in, we might be feeling different, but we left it too tight at the end."
Any feelings of disappointment surrounding this game will no doubt quickly be forgotten if the Gull can complete a double over Truro City on New Year's Day. As the late Notts County manager Jimmy Sirrell once said: "the result is all that matters, the rest is just gossip."
4. A two-horse race?
With Woking winning 2-0 against Eastbourne Borough, the National League South title race is shaping up into a two horse race between the Gulls and the Cards. Two points currently separates the two sides - United have 48 points and Woking are on 46. The Gulls are also seven points clear of third placed Concord Rangers, who have played the same number of games.
However, the Cards also have two games in hand, which will become three after United play Slough Town at Plainmoor on January 5th and Woking play Watford in the third round of the FA Cup over the same weekend.
5. Connor to return.
Wales Under-21 starlet Connor Lemonheigh-Evans was absent from the Gulls' starting line-up as his initial 93-day loan deal from Bristol City expired. Sadly for United, his creativity and energy were missed. However, the Gulls are hoping to finalise a fresh loan deal that will see Lemonheigh-Evans return to Plainmoor for their New Year's Day clash with Truro City and to help aid their promotion push.
Sunday 30 December 2018
Friday 28 December 2018
LEROY'S FINEST HOUR
Although he is better remembered for his infamous 'ten minute spell' as
Torquay United manager, Leroy Rosenior also led the Gulls to their first
automatic promotion in 38 years in the 2003-04 season.
Going into the game, the Gulls’ brief was simple; they knew that a win at Roots Hall would be enough to wrap up their first automatic promotion since Frank O’Farrell’s team had done so in 1966 – providing the Terriers failed to beat Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.
Eight minutes later, United doubled their advantage when David Graham connected with a cross from Jo Kuffour to nod home into an empty net to score his 23rd goal of the campaign.
Whilst United were basking in the glory of a two-goal cushion, the news coming through from Whaddon Road wasn’t good as Huddersfield had taken the lead against the Robins through Andy Booth.
In the 17th minute, Gulls’ keeper Arjan Van Heusden was forced into his first save of the afternoon when he blocked an effort from Tes Bramble, but the rebound fell into the path of his strike partner Lawrie Dudfield, who slotted home to pull a goal back for the Shrimpers.
Despite having nothing to play for, Southend continued to make a game of it as top scorer Leon Constantine – who would later join United – asked a lot of questions of the Torquay backline.
Moments later, Van Heusden spilled a shot from Jimmy Corbett which landed in the path of Lawrie Dudfield who turned home the rebound, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
The players could sense a change of fortune at Whaddon Road judging by the fans’ reactions, as Graham shot wide from the edge of the area in the 77th minute after being set up by Russell.
A full account of his match can be found in Torquay United : A History in 50 Matches at https://torquayunitedahistoryin50.bigcartel.com/
We will now take a closer look at that achievement, which was completed
with a 2-1 win on the final day of the campaign against Southend United as they
pipped Huddersfield Town to Division Three's third and final automatic
promotion slot.
Going into the game, the Gulls’ brief was simple; they knew that a win at Roots Hall would be enough to wrap up their first automatic promotion since Frank O’Farrell’s team had done so in 1966 – providing the Terriers failed to beat Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.
United went
into the game on 78 points, whereas Huddersfield were on 80 points. However,
the Gulls had a superior goal difference - so if the two sides were to both
finish on 81 points United would claim third place and the Terriers would be
condemned to the Play-offs.
Manager Leroy Rosenior named an unchanged starting
line-up as he kept faith with the side that drew 1-1 with Kidderminster
Harriers, as Reuben Hazell retained his place at right-back at the expense of
the fit again Lee Canoville.
More than 2,500 Gulls’ fans made the journey to
Essex and they saw the Gulls get off to a flying start, as they took the lead
on three minutes when Steve Woods volleyed home an Alex Russell corner to ease
any nerves that they may have had. Eight minutes later, United doubled their advantage when David Graham connected with a cross from Jo Kuffour to nod home into an empty net to score his 23rd goal of the campaign.
Whilst United were basking in the glory of a two-goal cushion, the news coming through from Whaddon Road wasn’t good as Huddersfield had taken the lead against the Robins through Andy Booth.
In the 17th minute, Gulls’ keeper Arjan Van Heusden was forced into his first save of the afternoon when he blocked an effort from Tes Bramble, but the rebound fell into the path of his strike partner Lawrie Dudfield, who slotted home to pull a goal back for the Shrimpers.
A minute later, Van Heusden made another stop to
deny Bramble and, moments later, United survived a penalty appeal as Hazell
appeared to have felled Bramble in the area – but referee Tony Leake waved play
on.
On 26 minutes, Kuffour volleyed over for the Gulls
and shortly afterwards Matt Hockley and Liam Rosenior both missed the target.Despite having nothing to play for, Southend continued to make a game of it as top scorer Leon Constantine – who would later join United – asked a lot of questions of the Torquay backline.
Early in the second half, the Shrimpers continued
to apply pressure on the Gulls as Constantine and midfielder Nicky Nicolau both
tested Van Heusden.
In the 64th minute, Kuffour went close
for United when he headed a cross from Russell wide. Moments later, Van Heusden spilled a shot from Jimmy Corbett which landed in the path of Lawrie Dudfield who turned home the rebound, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
On 70 minutes, Dudfield went close again when he
blasted over with a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.
With 15 minutes to go, news came through from
Cheltenham that the Robins had equalised against Huddersfield through Shane
Duff. The Robins had also been reduced to ten men following the dismissal of
Damien Spencer. The players could sense a change of fortune at Whaddon Road judging by the fans’ reactions, as Graham shot wide from the edge of the area in the 77th minute after being set up by Russell.
Martin Gritton entered the fray in place of a
tiring Kuffour on 84 minutes, in a bid to help the Gulls hold on to their lead.
Then in the final minute of normal time United
survived a penalty shout for a challenge by Reuben Hazell on Drewe Broughton.
Instead referee Leake waved ‘play on’, as three minutes of stoppage time were
added on.
During those three minutes, the result of Cheltenham’s
1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town had been confirmed which served to send the
away end at Roots Hall into raptures once Leake blew his whistle for full time.
The Gulls had done it. Their 38-year wait for
automatic promotion was over thanks to their fourth win in five matches, and
they had achieved it by sticking to the footballing principles of manager
Rosenior.
Unfortunately, they had no champagne to celebrate
with on the coach back to South Devon and had to make do with beer and soft
drinks instead.
Torquay (4-4-2): Arjan Van Heusden; Reuben Hazell,
Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey; Liam Rosenior (Tony Bedeau 90),
Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Kevin Hill; David Graham (David Woozley 90), Jo
Kuffour (Martin Gritton 85)A full account of his match can be found in Torquay United : A History in 50 Matches at https://torquayunitedahistoryin50.bigcartel.com/
LEROY ROSENIOR MBE
After it was announced that former Torquay United manager Leroy Rosenior has been awarded an MBE for his services to anti-racism education we will now take an in-depth look at his career in football.
Leroy Rosenior started his career in football as a player with Fulham in 1982 when he was given his debut by the then Cottagers manager Malcolm McDonald. A promising young player, Leroy received international recognition for England
Leroy Rosenior started his career in football as a player with Fulham in 1982 when he was given his debut by the then Cottagers manager Malcolm McDonald. A promising young player, Leroy received international recognition for E
He left Craven Cottage to
sign for Queens Park Rangers in 1985 and spent two years at Loftus Road
However, his return to Craven Cottage only lasted for one year as John Lyall signed him for West Ham United in 1988 to fill the void left
by Frank McAvennie’s departure to Celtic.
It proved to be an astute
move by Lyall as Leroy’s goals helped the Hammers to consolidate their top-flight
status in the 1987-88 season. He scored a number of important goals, including
a brace in the Hammers’ 4-1 victory over Chelsea
He finished the 1988-89 campaign
as the Hammers’ leading goal scorer, but was unable to prevent West Ham being
relegated from Division One.
Leroy remained at Upton Park
until 1992 when he moved to Bristol
City
Towards the end of his career, Leroy also made a
solitary appearance for Sierra
Leone
Following his retirement from playing, Leroy
embarked on his managerial career with non-league side Gloucester City Bristol
City reach the Auto Windscreen Shield
Final where they lost to Stoke
City
After a brief spell as Merthyr Tydfil manager, Leroy took charge of Torquay
United in 2002. In his second season at Plainmoor, Leroy steered the Gulls to
promotion to League One with a final day victory over Southend United that
clinched Torquay’s first automatic promotion in 38 years. Unfortunately, he couldn’t
keep them in the Division as they were relegated back to League Two on the
final day of the 2004-05 campaign.
Leroy left Torquay in January
2006 and was appointed as manager of Brentford in June 2006. He left Griffin Park
In May 2007, he returned to
Torquay United and was reportedly sacked after ten minutes, as the club was
sold whilst he was being unveiled as the Gulls’ new manager. This is the
shortest reign of any manager in the history of English Football.
Leroy is currently working as
a pundit for the BBC – mainly for the Football League Show between 2009 and 2014.
He is also a prominent anti-racism campaigner in football and receives his MBE
in the 2019 New Year’s honours list for his services to anti-racism education.
His son Liam Rosenior has played in the Premier League for Fulham, Reading,
Hull City and Brighton and Hove Albion.
An abridged version of this article
appeared in the Scunthorpe United vs Bristol City on February 12th,
2008.
Wednesday 26 December 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS TRURO CITY
1. Midfield Maestros
Despite going a goal down, Torquay United soon took control of the Westcountry Derby with Truro City when their midfield clicked into gear.
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans curled home his third of the season on 26 minutes from 20-yards to cancel out Tyler Harvey's opener for the White Tigers. The Gulls then edged ahead when Kalvin Kalala followed up his brace against Hampton and Richmond when he played a one-two with Saikou Janneh and then found the back of the net from 30-yards with his fourth goal of the campaign.
Skipper Asa Hall then got in on the act when he fired home from 35-yards three minutes later and striker Saikou Janneh scored his 11th early in the second half before Jared Lewington grabbed a late consolation for Truro.
All four goals for United were 'goal of the season' contenders in their own right and the efforts of messrs Lemonheigh-Evans, Kalala and Hall have now taken the amount of goals scored by United's midfielders in the 2018-19 season to 19 (Jake Andrews 5, Kalala and Hall 4, Lemonheigh-Evans 3, Opi Edwards 2 and Chris Regis 1). This is in direct to last season when they scored nine from the middle of the park in the 2017-18 campaign and there is surely more to come from them this season.
2. The sense of de ja vu.
The Plainmoor faithful could have been forgiven for thinking that lightning was about to strike twice when Tyler Harvey volleyed home to put Truro ahead. He also netted an equaliser for Plymouth Argyle against the Gulls on Boxing Day, to secure a 1-1 draw for the Pilgrims, as a young hopeful at Home Park. Interestingly United's opening goal that day was scored by their new assistant manager Aaron Downes.
3. A winning return to Plainmoor for Aaron Downes.
United's Boxing Day encounter with Truro was also Aaron Downes' first home game since he returned to the club as assistant manager to Gary Johnson. The match also saw Downes face two of his former United teammates as Niall Thompson featured at right-back for the White Tigers and Ben Harding came on as a second half substitute.
4. A magnificent seventh in a row.
Whisper it quietly, but Gary Johnson's Gulls currently have a club record in the sights. United's victory over Truro is their seventh league win in a row - which equals a run that they enjoyed under Martin Ling in the 2011-12 season between January 2nd, 2012 and February 14th, 2012. The record itself was set in the 1997-98 campaign under their managerial reign of Kevin Hodges between January 24th, 1998 and March 3rd, 1998. A win over Gloucester City this coming Saturday would see the United of 2018-19 equal it.
5. Mind the gap.
United's victory maintains their two point advantage over second placed Woking. However, the Cards still have two games in hand over the Gulls, but Gary Johnson's side also have a seven point gap ahead of third placed Welling United. The Gulls travel to Woking on April 6th, 2018 for what is set to be a destiny-deciding game and a 'six-pointer' in the truest sense of the word.
Despite going a goal down, Torquay United soon took control of the Westcountry Derby with Truro City when their midfield clicked into gear.
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans curled home his third of the season on 26 minutes from 20-yards to cancel out Tyler Harvey's opener for the White Tigers. The Gulls then edged ahead when Kalvin Kalala followed up his brace against Hampton and Richmond when he played a one-two with Saikou Janneh and then found the back of the net from 30-yards with his fourth goal of the campaign.
Skipper Asa Hall then got in on the act when he fired home from 35-yards three minutes later and striker Saikou Janneh scored his 11th early in the second half before Jared Lewington grabbed a late consolation for Truro.
All four goals for United were 'goal of the season' contenders in their own right and the efforts of messrs Lemonheigh-Evans, Kalala and Hall have now taken the amount of goals scored by United's midfielders in the 2018-19 season to 19 (Jake Andrews 5, Kalala and Hall 4, Lemonheigh-Evans 3, Opi Edwards 2 and Chris Regis 1). This is in direct to last season when they scored nine from the middle of the park in the 2017-18 campaign and there is surely more to come from them this season.
2. The sense of de ja vu.
The Plainmoor faithful could have been forgiven for thinking that lightning was about to strike twice when Tyler Harvey volleyed home to put Truro ahead. He also netted an equaliser for Plymouth Argyle against the Gulls on Boxing Day, to secure a 1-1 draw for the Pilgrims, as a young hopeful at Home Park. Interestingly United's opening goal that day was scored by their new assistant manager Aaron Downes.
3. A winning return to Plainmoor for Aaron Downes.
United's Boxing Day encounter with Truro was also Aaron Downes' first home game since he returned to the club as assistant manager to Gary Johnson. The match also saw Downes face two of his former United teammates as Niall Thompson featured at right-back for the White Tigers and Ben Harding came on as a second half substitute.
4. A magnificent seventh in a row.
Whisper it quietly, but Gary Johnson's Gulls currently have a club record in the sights. United's victory over Truro is their seventh league win in a row - which equals a run that they enjoyed under Martin Ling in the 2011-12 season between January 2nd, 2012 and February 14th, 2012. The record itself was set in the 1997-98 campaign under their managerial reign of Kevin Hodges between January 24th, 1998 and March 3rd, 1998. A win over Gloucester City this coming Saturday would see the United of 2018-19 equal it.
5. Mind the gap.
United's victory maintains their two point advantage over second placed Woking. However, the Cards still have two games in hand over the Gulls, but Gary Johnson's side also have a seven point gap ahead of third placed Welling United. The Gulls travel to Woking on April 6th, 2018 for what is set to be a destiny-deciding game and a 'six-pointer' in the truest sense of the word.
Sunday 23 December 2018
MID-TERM REPORT 2018-19
Plymouth Argyle:
After their 3-0 home defeat to Accrington Stanley in their final home game of 2018, Plymouth Argyle find themselves second from bottom in League One heading into the festive season. However, there are reasons for optimism for Derek Adams' side.
Firstly the Pilgrims are only one point adrift from safety - Argyle are currently 23rd with 20 points, one fewer than Bradford City who have 21 and occupy 20th place - one above the relegation zone.
If the Pilgrims can get 30 points or more from their next 23 league fixtures, then that should be enough to see them retain their League One status.
Secondly Argyle's injury situation is rapidly improving as Ruben Lameiras recently returned from illness and he is set to be followed in returning to fitness by Scott Wootton, Niall Canavan and Conor Grant.
Adams oversaw an incredible turnaround in the second half of the Pilgrims' campaign last season, which saw Argyle eventually finish seventh in League One in the 2017-18 campaign - narrowly missing out on a play-off berth - and a similar revival is required in 2018-19.
Three points in their Boxing Day fixture against bottom side AFC Wimbledon would be a good start for them.
Exeter City:
It proved to be the end of an era at St James Park in 2018 as Paul Tisdale left the Grecians for MK Dons after 12 years at the helm. In addition to this, Steve Perryman also stood down from his role as Director of Football. Nevertheless Tisdale's successor, Matt Taylor, has made a success of stepping into his shoes and City find themselves on course to reach the League Two play-offs for the third time in three years (the Grecians have lost in the Wembley final to Blackpool and Coventry City in 2017 and 2018 respectively).
Whether they make it a hat-trick of play-off appearances, or go one better and win automatic promotion, could depend on their ability to retain the services of leading scorer Jayden Stockley, who netted a treble in their recent 3-2 away win over Oldham Athletic, when the January 2019 transfer window opens.
Yeovil Town:
Yeovil head into 2019 nervously looking over their shoulder at the relegation trap door between League Two and the National League. The Glovers are currently four points above Notts County, who occupy 23rd place in the table and need 27 points from their remaining 25 games.
Whilst many of the clubs in Yeovil's position have opted to change manager this season - Cheltenham Town, Cambridge United, Notts County (twice) and bottom side Macclesfield Town have all made managerial changes since the start of the current campaign - the Glovers have instead shown greater faith in Darren Way and awarded him with a two-year extension.
Promotion back to League One by the end of the 2020-21 season has been described as 'a key objective' by chairman John Fry, but that will sound like a hollow boast if the Glovers are allowed to slide back into non-league football, from which they won promotion from in 2002-03. Should the worst come to the worst, they will found the present National League a very different animal to the Nationwide Conference that they last played in nearly 16 years ago.
Torquay United:
Torquay United's 2018-19 season so far in the National League South could be best described as a 'tale of two Garys' - Owers and Johnson.
At the start of the season, Owers was entrusted with building a side that would see the Gulls win promotion from a level of football that they had not found themselves at since the 1926-27 campaign at the first attempt. Despite a promising start, United drew their opening game of the season against Chelmsford City and beat Bath City and East Thurrock without conceding a goal in the process.
Then it all started to unravel for the Gulls as defeats to Oxford City and Hampton and Richmond followed before Owers had a cup of coffee thrown on him after a goalless draw against Gloucester City, an incident that proved to be the beginning of the end for Owers.
The end eventually came following a 1-0 home defeat versus Chippenham Town and former Yeovil, Bristol City and Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson was quickly installed as his successor.
The Gulls have yet to lose a game under Johnson in the league, at the time of writing they are currently 12 games unbeaten - which includes six straight wins.
They have also won their first FA Cup matches for the first time since the 2011-12 season, as they reached the first round, and their first FA Trophy match since the 2015-16 season following a penalty shoot-out win over Basingstoke Town in their third qualifying round.
Johnson has also made good use of his connections with Bristol City, where his son Lee is currently manager, to loan Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh in addition to Jake Andrews and Opi Edwards who had previously been signed by Owers.
As United head into 2019, the National League South title is well and truly within their sights.
After their 3-0 home defeat to Accrington Stanley in their final home game of 2018, Plymouth Argyle find themselves second from bottom in League One heading into the festive season. However, there are reasons for optimism for Derek Adams' side.
Firstly the Pilgrims are only one point adrift from safety - Argyle are currently 23rd with 20 points, one fewer than Bradford City who have 21 and occupy 20th place - one above the relegation zone.
If the Pilgrims can get 30 points or more from their next 23 league fixtures, then that should be enough to see them retain their League One status.
Secondly Argyle's injury situation is rapidly improving as Ruben Lameiras recently returned from illness and he is set to be followed in returning to fitness by Scott Wootton, Niall Canavan and Conor Grant.
Adams oversaw an incredible turnaround in the second half of the Pilgrims' campaign last season, which saw Argyle eventually finish seventh in League One in the 2017-18 campaign - narrowly missing out on a play-off berth - and a similar revival is required in 2018-19.
Three points in their Boxing Day fixture against bottom side AFC Wimbledon would be a good start for them.
Exeter City:
It proved to be the end of an era at St James Park in 2018 as Paul Tisdale left the Grecians for MK Dons after 12 years at the helm. In addition to this, Steve Perryman also stood down from his role as Director of Football. Nevertheless Tisdale's successor, Matt Taylor, has made a success of stepping into his shoes and City find themselves on course to reach the League Two play-offs for the third time in three years (the Grecians have lost in the Wembley final to Blackpool and Coventry City in 2017 and 2018 respectively).
Whether they make it a hat-trick of play-off appearances, or go one better and win automatic promotion, could depend on their ability to retain the services of leading scorer Jayden Stockley, who netted a treble in their recent 3-2 away win over Oldham Athletic, when the January 2019 transfer window opens.
Yeovil Town:
Yeovil head into 2019 nervously looking over their shoulder at the relegation trap door between League Two and the National League. The Glovers are currently four points above Notts County, who occupy 23rd place in the table and need 27 points from their remaining 25 games.
Whilst many of the clubs in Yeovil's position have opted to change manager this season - Cheltenham Town, Cambridge United, Notts County (twice) and bottom side Macclesfield Town have all made managerial changes since the start of the current campaign - the Glovers have instead shown greater faith in Darren Way and awarded him with a two-year extension.
Promotion back to League One by the end of the 2020-21 season has been described as 'a key objective' by chairman John Fry, but that will sound like a hollow boast if the Glovers are allowed to slide back into non-league football, from which they won promotion from in 2002-03. Should the worst come to the worst, they will found the present National League a very different animal to the Nationwide Conference that they last played in nearly 16 years ago.
Torquay United:
Torquay United's 2018-19 season so far in the National League South could be best described as a 'tale of two Garys' - Owers and Johnson.
At the start of the season, Owers was entrusted with building a side that would see the Gulls win promotion from a level of football that they had not found themselves at since the 1926-27 campaign at the first attempt. Despite a promising start, United drew their opening game of the season against Chelmsford City and beat Bath City and East Thurrock without conceding a goal in the process.
Then it all started to unravel for the Gulls as defeats to Oxford City and Hampton and Richmond followed before Owers had a cup of coffee thrown on him after a goalless draw against Gloucester City, an incident that proved to be the beginning of the end for Owers.
The end eventually came following a 1-0 home defeat versus Chippenham Town and former Yeovil, Bristol City and Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson was quickly installed as his successor.
The Gulls have yet to lose a game under Johnson in the league, at the time of writing they are currently 12 games unbeaten - which includes six straight wins.
They have also won their first FA Cup matches for the first time since the 2011-12 season, as they reached the first round, and their first FA Trophy match since the 2015-16 season following a penalty shoot-out win over Basingstoke Town in their third qualifying round.
Johnson has also made good use of his connections with Bristol City, where his son Lee is currently manager, to loan Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh in addition to Jake Andrews and Opi Edwards who had previously been signed by Owers.
As United head into 2019, the National League South title is well and truly within their sights.
Thursday 20 December 2018
WHERE ARE THEY NOW: TORQUAY UNITED'S LOAN SIGNINGS FROM THE 2017-18 SEASON
If you want to impress your friends down the pub with your football knowledge, you could always throw into the conversation that you know how many loan signings Torquay United made during the 2017-18 season.
The answer, of course, is 17 - and we will now take a closer look at where those individuals are currently plying their trade following their respective returns to their parent clubs.
JAMIE REID: Torquay-born Reid initially joined the Gulls for what was a third loan spell from Exeter City under Kevin Nicholson, which was later made into a permanent move by his successor Gary Owers. Reid finished the campaign as United's second highest scorer with six and is currently topping the club's scoring charts again with 16 goals in all competitions.
JORDAN LEE: AFC Bournemouth starlet Lee made two appearances in his second loan spell with the Gulls before being sidelined by chest pains. He later returned to Dean Court and was released by the Cherries by mutual consent in February 2018 and joined Southern League Premier Division South side Wimborne Town in July 2018.
DAN LAVERCOMBE: Lavercombe re-joined the Gulls for a second loan spell following an injury to Ryan Clarke. He made two appearances before breaking his leg in training, which prompted his return to parent club Wigan Athletic. Lavercombe was later loaned out again by the Latics, this time to Cymru Alliance side Rhyl FC.
GEORGE DOWLING: One of several young players to arrive at Plainmoor from Bristol City in recent seasons, George Dowling opened his account for the Gulls on his debut in United's 1-1 draw with Chester FC on September 1st, 2017 after being initially signed by caretaker manager Robbie Herrera. He then remained at Plainmoor for the rest of the 2017-18 season and proved to be a big hit, as he won the club's young player of the year award. Dowling has been out on loan again in the National League this season, this time with Eastleigh.
MICHEE EFETE: Another signing made by Herrera during his temporary stint in charge, Michee Efete performed in a variety of roles for the Gulls after joining on loan from Norwich City, including centre-back, right-back and right wing-back. He also remained with United for the duration of the campaign and was released by the Canaries on his return to Carrow Road and signed National League side Maidstone United, whom he is currently on loan at National League South side Bath City.
CALLUM EVANS: One of Gary Owers' first signings on his appointment, Callum Evans joined the Gulls on loan from Forest Green Rovers and made ten appearances before returning to the New Lawn. He was later loaned out to Macclesfield Town, where he won a National League winner's medal, and signed for the Silkmen on a permanent deal in the summer of 2018.
RHYS MURPHY: The former Arsenal and Dagenham and Redbridge striker, who had also had a spell playing in Holland, also joined the Gulls on loan from Forest Green Rovers. He netted once in just eight games for United - in their 4-0 win over Maidenhead United - before returning to the New Lawn where his contract was cancelled. He then joined League One side Oldham Athletic for the remainder of the 2017-18 season and was released by the Latics at the end of the campaign following their relegation to League Two. Murphy is currently playing for Chelmsford City in National League South.
JOSH MCQUOID: An experienced midfielder who lists AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and Millwall amongst his former clubs and has also received international recognition with Northern Ireland, Josh McQuoid's loan spell with Torquay United from Luton Town didn't quite hit the heights it could have done. After 14 appearances, in which he scored twice - against Maidenhead United and Leyton Orient - he returned to Kenilworth Road in December 2017. He then had his contract terminated by the Hatters and joined Aldershot Town on a free transfer in January 2018, where he made 16 appearances and scored once before being released by Shots manager Gary Waddock. McQuoid is currently appearing for Weymouth Town in the Southern League Premier Division South, where the Terras are vying for promotion.
JAZZI BARNUM-BOBB: Signed as right-back cover after Ryan Higgins went on compassion leave - prior to his retirement with a heart condition - Barnum-Bobb joined on loan from Newport County and made eight appearances in all competitions - seven in the National League, once in the FA Trophy. He was released by the Exiles in February 2018 and later joined the Gulls' National League South rivals Chelmsford City - his present club.
ALEX DAVEY: Former Chelsea youngster Alex Davey was signed from Cheltenham Town following an injury to Josh Gowling and helped the Gulls keep a clean sheet on his debut in a 1-0 win away at Sutton United. After making seven appearances for United, a permanent move to Plainmoor appeared to be on the cards for Davey. However, he opted to join Boreham Wood in January 2018 instead as they embarked on a promotion push from the National League, which ended in a play-off final defeat to Tranmere Rovers. He is currently playing for Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League, who he joined in the summer of 2018.
AXEL ANDRESSON: After making four appearances whilst on loan from Reading, Iceland Under-21 international Andresson returned to the Madjeski Stadium and signed a new contract with the Royals until the summer of 2020. He then joined Norwegian side Viking FK in the Norwegian 1. divisjon in the summer of 2018.
ALEX FLETCHER: Newton Abbot-born Fletcher's loan spell at Plainmoor from Plymouth Argyle proved to be a brief one, and lasted for four games. He has featured four times for the Pilgrims this season, three of which have come in the Checkatrade Trophy.
ELLIOT ROMAIN: One of the loan success stories of the 2017-18 season for Torquay United, Romain scored four times in 13 appearances for the Gulls before returning to his parent club Dagenham & Redbridge - in spite of speculation linking him with a permanent return to Plainmoor.
He has since moved onto pastures new as he left the Daggers to join his present club Maidstone United.
AARON BARNES: Initially signed on loan from Charlton Athletic before a move to Colchester United in the January 2018 transfer window, which then saw him loaned back to the Gulls from the U's. He has made one appearance for Colchester this season in the Checkatrade Trophy.
TOMMY O'SULLIVAN: Former Wales Under-21 international O'Sullivan also joined United on loan from Colchester United, but often found himself left out of the squad due to the fact only five loan players are permitted in a matchday squad. O'Sullivan was released by the U's and recently joined National League North side Hereford FC following a successful trial period.
CONNOR LEMONHEIGH-EVANS: Lemonheigh-Evans, who had also played under former United manager Gary Owers at Bath City, proved to be a big hit with the Gulls towards the end of the 2017-18 season. Following Gary Johnson's appointment as manager, Lemonheigh-Evans returned to Plainmoor for a second spell with the Gulls - following the footsteps of fellow Bristol City Under-23 players Jake Andrews, Opi Edwards and Saikou Janneh. He has also added to the 25-yard strike he scored against Woking on Easter Monday with a brace against Winchester City in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.
RHYS HEALEY: With six goals in eight games - including a hat-trick against Guiseley - Healey finished the 2017-18 season as the Gulls' joint leading scorer with Jamie Reid after he was loaned to United by Cardiff City manager, and one-time Gulls' boss, Neil Warnock. He is currently on loan again in the current campaign at Milton Keynes Dons under former Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale in League Two.
The answer, of course, is 17 - and we will now take a closer look at where those individuals are currently plying their trade following their respective returns to their parent clubs.
JAMIE REID: Torquay-born Reid initially joined the Gulls for what was a third loan spell from Exeter City under Kevin Nicholson, which was later made into a permanent move by his successor Gary Owers. Reid finished the campaign as United's second highest scorer with six and is currently topping the club's scoring charts again with 16 goals in all competitions.
JORDAN LEE: AFC Bournemouth starlet Lee made two appearances in his second loan spell with the Gulls before being sidelined by chest pains. He later returned to Dean Court and was released by the Cherries by mutual consent in February 2018 and joined Southern League Premier Division South side Wimborne Town in July 2018.
DAN LAVERCOMBE: Lavercombe re-joined the Gulls for a second loan spell following an injury to Ryan Clarke. He made two appearances before breaking his leg in training, which prompted his return to parent club Wigan Athletic. Lavercombe was later loaned out again by the Latics, this time to Cymru Alliance side Rhyl FC.
GEORGE DOWLING: One of several young players to arrive at Plainmoor from Bristol City in recent seasons, George Dowling opened his account for the Gulls on his debut in United's 1-1 draw with Chester FC on September 1st, 2017 after being initially signed by caretaker manager Robbie Herrera. He then remained at Plainmoor for the rest of the 2017-18 season and proved to be a big hit, as he won the club's young player of the year award. Dowling has been out on loan again in the National League this season, this time with Eastleigh.
MICHEE EFETE: Another signing made by Herrera during his temporary stint in charge, Michee Efete performed in a variety of roles for the Gulls after joining on loan from Norwich City, including centre-back, right-back and right wing-back. He also remained with United for the duration of the campaign and was released by the Canaries on his return to Carrow Road and signed National League side Maidstone United, whom he is currently on loan at National League South side Bath City.
CALLUM EVANS: One of Gary Owers' first signings on his appointment, Callum Evans joined the Gulls on loan from Forest Green Rovers and made ten appearances before returning to the New Lawn. He was later loaned out to Macclesfield Town, where he won a National League winner's medal, and signed for the Silkmen on a permanent deal in the summer of 2018.
RHYS MURPHY: The former Arsenal and Dagenham and Redbridge striker, who had also had a spell playing in Holland, also joined the Gulls on loan from Forest Green Rovers. He netted once in just eight games for United - in their 4-0 win over Maidenhead United - before returning to the New Lawn where his contract was cancelled. He then joined League One side Oldham Athletic for the remainder of the 2017-18 season and was released by the Latics at the end of the campaign following their relegation to League Two. Murphy is currently playing for Chelmsford City in National League South.
JOSH MCQUOID: An experienced midfielder who lists AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and Millwall amongst his former clubs and has also received international recognition with Northern Ireland, Josh McQuoid's loan spell with Torquay United from Luton Town didn't quite hit the heights it could have done. After 14 appearances, in which he scored twice - against Maidenhead United and Leyton Orient - he returned to Kenilworth Road in December 2017. He then had his contract terminated by the Hatters and joined Aldershot Town on a free transfer in January 2018, where he made 16 appearances and scored once before being released by Shots manager Gary Waddock. McQuoid is currently appearing for Weymouth Town in the Southern League Premier Division South, where the Terras are vying for promotion.
JAZZI BARNUM-BOBB: Signed as right-back cover after Ryan Higgins went on compassion leave - prior to his retirement with a heart condition - Barnum-Bobb joined on loan from Newport County and made eight appearances in all competitions - seven in the National League, once in the FA Trophy. He was released by the Exiles in February 2018 and later joined the Gulls' National League South rivals Chelmsford City - his present club.
ALEX DAVEY: Former Chelsea youngster Alex Davey was signed from Cheltenham Town following an injury to Josh Gowling and helped the Gulls keep a clean sheet on his debut in a 1-0 win away at Sutton United. After making seven appearances for United, a permanent move to Plainmoor appeared to be on the cards for Davey. However, he opted to join Boreham Wood in January 2018 instead as they embarked on a promotion push from the National League, which ended in a play-off final defeat to Tranmere Rovers. He is currently playing for Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League, who he joined in the summer of 2018.
AXEL ANDRESSON: After making four appearances whilst on loan from Reading, Iceland Under-21 international Andresson returned to the Madjeski Stadium and signed a new contract with the Royals until the summer of 2020. He then joined Norwegian side Viking FK in the Norwegian 1. divisjon in the summer of 2018.
ALEX FLETCHER: Newton Abbot-born Fletcher's loan spell at Plainmoor from Plymouth Argyle proved to be a brief one, and lasted for four games. He has featured four times for the Pilgrims this season, three of which have come in the Checkatrade Trophy.
ELLIOT ROMAIN: One of the loan success stories of the 2017-18 season for Torquay United, Romain scored four times in 13 appearances for the Gulls before returning to his parent club Dagenham & Redbridge - in spite of speculation linking him with a permanent return to Plainmoor.
He has since moved onto pastures new as he left the Daggers to join his present club Maidstone United.
AARON BARNES: Initially signed on loan from Charlton Athletic before a move to Colchester United in the January 2018 transfer window, which then saw him loaned back to the Gulls from the U's. He has made one appearance for Colchester this season in the Checkatrade Trophy.
TOMMY O'SULLIVAN: Former Wales Under-21 international O'Sullivan also joined United on loan from Colchester United, but often found himself left out of the squad due to the fact only five loan players are permitted in a matchday squad. O'Sullivan was released by the U's and recently joined National League North side Hereford FC following a successful trial period.
CONNOR LEMONHEIGH-EVANS: Lemonheigh-Evans, who had also played under former United manager Gary Owers at Bath City, proved to be a big hit with the Gulls towards the end of the 2017-18 season. Following Gary Johnson's appointment as manager, Lemonheigh-Evans returned to Plainmoor for a second spell with the Gulls - following the footsteps of fellow Bristol City Under-23 players Jake Andrews, Opi Edwards and Saikou Janneh. He has also added to the 25-yard strike he scored against Woking on Easter Monday with a brace against Winchester City in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.
RHYS HEALEY: With six goals in eight games - including a hat-trick against Guiseley - Healey finished the 2017-18 season as the Gulls' joint leading scorer with Jamie Reid after he was loaned to United by Cardiff City manager, and one-time Gulls' boss, Neil Warnock. He is currently on loan again in the current campaign at Milton Keynes Dons under former Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale in League Two.
Sunday 16 December 2018
SKIVO ENDS HIS TIME WITH THE GLOVERS
In football some managers and players spring to mind when you think of one particular club.
For example, the late Graham Taylor will forever be associated with Watford for his two spells in charge of the Hornet which saw him win five promotion and players such as Bobby Moore and Sir Bobby Charlton will invariably be linked with West Ham United and Manchester United respectively.
Terry Skiverton and Yeovil Town are no exception to this rule.
Over 19 years, from 1999 to 2018, 'Skivo' served the Glovers as a player, coach and manager(twice) after arriving at Huish Park from Welling United.
After being part of the Glovers' side that narrowly missed out on promotion to the Football League in the 2000-01 season to Rushden & Diamonds, in the days when it was still one-up and one-down between the Conference and the Third Division. He then remained with Yeovil and went onto become a key figure in their subsequent successes following the appointment of Gary Johnson in the summer of 2002.
In the next four seasons, 'Skivo' lifted the FA Trophy in 2002, the Conference title in 2003 and the newly rebranded League Two title in 2005, as the Glovers made up for their 108-wait for League football by reaching the third tier of the English game at the earliest opportunity.
Although many of the side who helped Yeovil reach their new found status departed for pastures new, Lee Johnson joined Bristol City - along with the likes of Chris Weale, Liam Fontaine and Phil Jevons - where his father Gary was now manager, Darren Way headed across the Bristol Channel to sign for Swansea City (but would later return) and Gavin Williams moved to Ipswich Town, 'Skivo' remained a Glover.
And it was under one of Gary Johnson's predecessors, Russell Slade, that he would prove to be an influential figure again, as the Glovers reached the League One play-off final in the 2006-07 season, following a dramatic, if not unlikely, victory over red hot favourites Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals. Yeovil won 5-2 at the City Ground after losing the first leg 2-0 at Huish Park.
However, the Glovers were beaten 2-0 in the final by Blackpool - thus denying them a chance to reach the Championship six years before they eventually would do. Nevertheless 'Skivo' could at least console himself with the personal honour of being named in the PFA League One team of the season.
Towards the end of the 2008-09 season his role with the Glovers would change again as, at the age of 33, he was appointed as player-manager after the dismissal of Slade. Despite being thrust into the role earlier than he probably he still managed to galvanise the side he inherited to avoid relegation to League Two.
Budget constraints meant that he was often forced to dip into the loan market - which he often did with great success. At different times he was able to bring in Jon Obika, Andros Townsend, Steven Caulker and Ryan Mason on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The latter three all went onto win international recognition, as he did goalkeeper Alex McCarthy loaned from Reading - but now of Southampton, who recently won his first cap for England in Wayne Rooney's Three Lions farewell against the USA.
In addition to his loan signings, several of his permanent signings also served the club well such as Dean Bowditch, Paul Huntingdon, Luke Ayling and Ed Upson.
With 15th and 14th place league finishes in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, relegation was successfully avoided both times - particularly in the former when demotion back to League Two was never a serious proposition, not a bad return from somebody who had learned his trade 'on the job.'
During the 2011-12 season, he then found himself in yet another new role as Gary Johnson returned for a second spell at Huish Park, and 'Skivo' continued to serve the Glovers - this time as Johnson's second in command off the pitch.
Johnson's return breathed new life into the Glovers, as he created the magic of his first spell in charge which saw Yeovil reach the Championship for the first time as they beat Brentford 2-1 in the 2013 League One play-off final.
Unfortunately, as a small fish in a much bigger pond, the Glovers' stay in the second tier only lasted for one season. On their return to League One, they once again found themselves struggling which led to the dismissal of Johnson.
'Skivo' was once handed the managerial reins again, as he looked to stop the rot, but he was unable to and Paul Sturrock was brought in to work above and he reverted to being assistant to the former Dundee United and Plymouth Argyle boss.
A second successive relegation followed in the 2014-15 season and a third, which would also see a return to non-league football, appeared to be on the cards in the 2015-16 campaign as Sturrock was dismissed. However, instead of being handed a third spell in charge at Huish Park, 'Skivo' continued to serve as an assistant - this time to his former team-mate Darren Way, as the Glovers avoided relegation to the newly renamed National League in the 2015-16 seasons and retained their League Two status again in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 campaigns.
Whatever patch he takes in the future - whether it be as a manager in non-league football in his own right, where he can built a reputation for himself away from Huish Park, or possibly as a Under-23 coach, after gaining a good record of helping to give a number of development players their first taste of first team football, he will surely always will be remembered for his lengthy service to Yeovil Town, and rightfully as a club legend.
For example, the late Graham Taylor will forever be associated with Watford for his two spells in charge of the Hornet which saw him win five promotion and players such as Bobby Moore and Sir Bobby Charlton will invariably be linked with West Ham United and Manchester United respectively.
Terry Skiverton and Yeovil Town are no exception to this rule.
Over 19 years, from 1999 to 2018, 'Skivo' served the Glovers as a player, coach and manager(twice) after arriving at Huish Park from Welling United.
After being part of the Glovers' side that narrowly missed out on promotion to the Football League in the 2000-01 season to Rushden & Diamonds, in the days when it was still one-up and one-down between the Conference and the Third Division. He then remained with Yeovil and went onto become a key figure in their subsequent successes following the appointment of Gary Johnson in the summer of 2002.
In the next four seasons, 'Skivo' lifted the FA Trophy in 2002, the Conference title in 2003 and the newly rebranded League Two title in 2005, as the Glovers made up for their 108-wait for League football by reaching the third tier of the English game at the earliest opportunity.
Although many of the side who helped Yeovil reach their new found status departed for pastures new, Lee Johnson joined Bristol City - along with the likes of Chris Weale, Liam Fontaine and Phil Jevons - where his father Gary was now manager, Darren Way headed across the Bristol Channel to sign for Swansea City (but would later return) and Gavin Williams moved to Ipswich Town, 'Skivo' remained a Glover.
And it was under one of Gary Johnson's predecessors, Russell Slade, that he would prove to be an influential figure again, as the Glovers reached the League One play-off final in the 2006-07 season, following a dramatic, if not unlikely, victory over red hot favourites Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals. Yeovil won 5-2 at the City Ground after losing the first leg 2-0 at Huish Park.
However, the Glovers were beaten 2-0 in the final by Blackpool - thus denying them a chance to reach the Championship six years before they eventually would do. Nevertheless 'Skivo' could at least console himself with the personal honour of being named in the PFA League One team of the season.
Towards the end of the 2008-09 season his role with the Glovers would change again as, at the age of 33, he was appointed as player-manager after the dismissal of Slade. Despite being thrust into the role earlier than he probably he still managed to galvanise the side he inherited to avoid relegation to League Two.
Budget constraints meant that he was often forced to dip into the loan market - which he often did with great success. At different times he was able to bring in Jon Obika, Andros Townsend, Steven Caulker and Ryan Mason on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The latter three all went onto win international recognition, as he did goalkeeper Alex McCarthy loaned from Reading - but now of Southampton, who recently won his first cap for England in Wayne Rooney's Three Lions farewell against the USA.
In addition to his loan signings, several of his permanent signings also served the club well such as Dean Bowditch, Paul Huntingdon, Luke Ayling and Ed Upson.
With 15th and 14th place league finishes in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, relegation was successfully avoided both times - particularly in the former when demotion back to League Two was never a serious proposition, not a bad return from somebody who had learned his trade 'on the job.'
During the 2011-12 season, he then found himself in yet another new role as Gary Johnson returned for a second spell at Huish Park, and 'Skivo' continued to serve the Glovers - this time as Johnson's second in command off the pitch.
Johnson's return breathed new life into the Glovers, as he created the magic of his first spell in charge which saw Yeovil reach the Championship for the first time as they beat Brentford 2-1 in the 2013 League One play-off final.
Unfortunately, as a small fish in a much bigger pond, the Glovers' stay in the second tier only lasted for one season. On their return to League One, they once again found themselves struggling which led to the dismissal of Johnson.
'Skivo' was once handed the managerial reins again, as he looked to stop the rot, but he was unable to and Paul Sturrock was brought in to work above and he reverted to being assistant to the former Dundee United and Plymouth Argyle boss.
A second successive relegation followed in the 2014-15 season and a third, which would also see a return to non-league football, appeared to be on the cards in the 2015-16 campaign as Sturrock was dismissed. However, instead of being handed a third spell in charge at Huish Park, 'Skivo' continued to serve as an assistant - this time to his former team-mate Darren Way, as the Glovers avoided relegation to the newly renamed National League in the 2015-16 seasons and retained their League Two status again in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 campaigns.
Whatever patch he takes in the future - whether it be as a manager in non-league football in his own right, where he can built a reputation for himself away from Huish Park, or possibly as a Under-23 coach, after gaining a good record of helping to give a number of development players their first taste of first team football, he will surely always will be remembered for his lengthy service to Yeovil Town, and rightfully as a club legend.
Thursday 13 December 2018
ONE IN, ONE OUT AT PLAINMOOR AS AARON DOWNES JOINS GULLS' BACKROOM TEAM
With Christmas just around the corner, Torquay United received an early Xmas present as the Gulls former Aussie defender Aaron Downes returned to Plainmoor to join Gary Johnson's backroom staff as assistant manager.
Downes, 33, spent three years with United between 2012 and 2015 and made 115 appearances and scored 16 goals, and was also voted as the club's Player of the Year award in the 2012-13 season.
After leaving Plainmoor at the end of the 2014-15 campaign, he linked up with Johnson at Cheltenham Town, as he became the first signing following their relegation from the Football League.
On his arrival at Whaddon Road, he was appointed as club captain by Johnson. He then went onto become an influential figure in helping the Robins to win promotion back to the Football League at the first attempt as National League champions in 2016.
Following the Robins' return to League Two, Downes remained with the club as a player before retiring in the summer of 2018, which he combined with working in coaching roles with the club's academy and first team.
He returned to working as head of the Robins' academy after Michael Duff's appointment as Robins' manager in succession to Johnson and it is believed he was keen to return to working in a first team environment.
It is also worth mentioning that he almost signed for Johnson prior to his move to United, as he had a trial with Yeovil Town in the 2012-13 pre-season before the then Torquay manager Martin Ling offered him a contract with the carrot of regular first team player, instead of a back up squad member.
Prior to that, he also played alongside Johnson's son Lee when Johnson junior was loan at the Spireites from Bristol City in the 2011-12 season.
He becomes the second member of Johnson's backroom staff from his time as Cheltenham manager following his brother Pete, who works as the Gulls' head of recruitment, to join him at Plainmoor.
Johnson's previous assistant Shaun Taylor remains on the Gulls' coaching staff and will be also working with the club's Under-18 side.
Downes' return also coincides with the return of on loan goalkeeper Alex Bass to Portsmouth. During his time at Plainmoor, he made eight appearances and kept four clean sheets, and also saved a penalty on his debut away at Slough Town - despite suffering a medial ligament injury in the Gulls' 2-2 draw with Woking in Johnson's first home game in charge.
Downes, 33, spent three years with United between 2012 and 2015 and made 115 appearances and scored 16 goals, and was also voted as the club's Player of the Year award in the 2012-13 season.
After leaving Plainmoor at the end of the 2014-15 campaign, he linked up with Johnson at Cheltenham Town, as he became the first signing following their relegation from the Football League.
On his arrival at Whaddon Road, he was appointed as club captain by Johnson. He then went onto become an influential figure in helping the Robins to win promotion back to the Football League at the first attempt as National League champions in 2016.
Following the Robins' return to League Two, Downes remained with the club as a player before retiring in the summer of 2018, which he combined with working in coaching roles with the club's academy and first team.
He returned to working as head of the Robins' academy after Michael Duff's appointment as Robins' manager in succession to Johnson and it is believed he was keen to return to working in a first team environment.
It is also worth mentioning that he almost signed for Johnson prior to his move to United, as he had a trial with Yeovil Town in the 2012-13 pre-season before the then Torquay manager Martin Ling offered him a contract with the carrot of regular first team player, instead of a back up squad member.
Prior to that, he also played alongside Johnson's son Lee when Johnson junior was loan at the Spireites from Bristol City in the 2011-12 season.
He becomes the second member of Johnson's backroom staff from his time as Cheltenham manager following his brother Pete, who works as the Gulls' head of recruitment, to join him at Plainmoor.
Johnson's previous assistant Shaun Taylor remains on the Gulls' coaching staff and will be also working with the club's Under-18 side.
Downes' return also coincides with the return of on loan goalkeeper Alex Bass to Portsmouth. During his time at Plainmoor, he made eight appearances and kept four clean sheets, and also saved a penalty on his debut away at Slough Town - despite suffering a medial ligament injury in the Gulls' 2-2 draw with Woking in Johnson's first home game in charge.
Sunday 9 December 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS WELLING UNITED
1. Not only are the Gulls top of the league, they are also top of the goal scoring charts.
Yesterday's 3-1 win over Welling United didn't just cement Torquay United's position at the top of the Vanarama National League South, it also saw them top the league's goal scoring charts as well.
The Gulls have now found the back of the net 35 times this season, a figure also matched by fellow promotion challengers Woking and Billericay. When you consider that the Gulls had only found the back of the net five times prior to Gary Johnson's arrival as manager it is a feat that is truly remarkable.
2. A fifth straight win.
United's victory over Welling was their fifth straight league win, following on from their 4-1 wins over St Albans City and Concord Rangers and their 2-0 wins at Dulwich Hamlet and Dartford.
Only during their six-match winning streak in September 2014 in the National League under Chris Hargreaves have United enjoyed a better run of form since they were relegated from League Two at the end of the 2013-14 season. They are also three matches away from equalling the club record set by Kevin Hodges' side in the 1997-98 season of eight successive wins between January and March 1998.
3. Kyle Cameron was a rock in defence.
With 15 goals conceded, the Gulls also possess the best defensive record in the National League South and have kept ten clean sheets in the league, as well as a further two in the FA Cup.
Two figures who have been instrumental in maintaining this record for United's centre back pairing of Jean Yves Koue Niate and skipper Kyle Cameron, and Cameron was once again in imperious form against Welling. The former Newcastle trainee and one-time Scotland Under-21 international produced another commanding display in the centre of the Gulls' defence, which ensured that the Wings forward line was well and truly clipped. He will surely go down as Gary Owers' best signings and greatest parting gift to Gary Johnson.
4. The luxury of having two goalkeepers to choose from.
Just as Leroy Rosenior had the luxury of being able to call upon Kevin Dearden and Arjan Van Heusden during the 2003-04 promotion season, Gary Johnson is lucky enough to have Alex Bass and Shaun MacDonald to choose from in the 2018-19 campaign. Bass, currently on loan from Portsmouth, made his return in the Gulls' midweek win over Dartford, but Gary Johnson opted to recall MacDonald against Welling - partly so he can ease Bass into action, following a lengthy absence with medial collateral ligament damage, ahead of what looks set to be a busy festive period.
5. The crowds are flocking back to Plainmoor.
A season high attendance of 2,467, which included 52 fans from Welling, was only bettered in the National League by the crowds at Chesterfield versus Salford City (5,055) and Wrexham versus Eastleigh (4,105). It was also a bigger crowd than two League Two fixtures: Crawley Town versus Northampton Town (2,369) and Morecambe versus Port Vale (1,769).
As United fortunes improve under Johnson, the crowds are only likely to grow.
Yesterday's 3-1 win over Welling United didn't just cement Torquay United's position at the top of the Vanarama National League South, it also saw them top the league's goal scoring charts as well.
The Gulls have now found the back of the net 35 times this season, a figure also matched by fellow promotion challengers Woking and Billericay. When you consider that the Gulls had only found the back of the net five times prior to Gary Johnson's arrival as manager it is a feat that is truly remarkable.
2. A fifth straight win.
United's victory over Welling was their fifth straight league win, following on from their 4-1 wins over St Albans City and Concord Rangers and their 2-0 wins at Dulwich Hamlet and Dartford.
Only during their six-match winning streak in September 2014 in the National League under Chris Hargreaves have United enjoyed a better run of form since they were relegated from League Two at the end of the 2013-14 season. They are also three matches away from equalling the club record set by Kevin Hodges' side in the 1997-98 season of eight successive wins between January and March 1998.
3. Kyle Cameron was a rock in defence.
With 15 goals conceded, the Gulls also possess the best defensive record in the National League South and have kept ten clean sheets in the league, as well as a further two in the FA Cup.
Two figures who have been instrumental in maintaining this record for United's centre back pairing of Jean Yves Koue Niate and skipper Kyle Cameron, and Cameron was once again in imperious form against Welling. The former Newcastle trainee and one-time Scotland Under-21 international produced another commanding display in the centre of the Gulls' defence, which ensured that the Wings forward line was well and truly clipped. He will surely go down as Gary Owers' best signings and greatest parting gift to Gary Johnson.
4. The luxury of having two goalkeepers to choose from.
Just as Leroy Rosenior had the luxury of being able to call upon Kevin Dearden and Arjan Van Heusden during the 2003-04 promotion season, Gary Johnson is lucky enough to have Alex Bass and Shaun MacDonald to choose from in the 2018-19 campaign. Bass, currently on loan from Portsmouth, made his return in the Gulls' midweek win over Dartford, but Gary Johnson opted to recall MacDonald against Welling - partly so he can ease Bass into action, following a lengthy absence with medial collateral ligament damage, ahead of what looks set to be a busy festive period.
5. The crowds are flocking back to Plainmoor.
A season high attendance of 2,467, which included 52 fans from Welling, was only bettered in the National League by the crowds at Chesterfield versus Salford City (5,055) and Wrexham versus Eastleigh (4,105). It was also a bigger crowd than two League Two fixtures: Crawley Town versus Northampton Town (2,369) and Morecambe versus Port Vale (1,769).
As United fortunes improve under Johnson, the crowds are only likely to grow.
Wednesday 5 December 2018
GULLS TOP NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH TREE WITH XMAS AROUND THE CORNER
For the first time since the start of the 2010-11 season, Torquay United now find themselves at the summit of a league after they moved to the top of Vanarama National League South with a win over Dartford.
Second half goals from Ruairi Keating and Jamie Reid proved to be enough to secure a 2-0 victory, which moves the Gulls onto 36 points - two points ahead of second placed Welling United, who travel to Plainmoor this weekend.
The last time that the Gulls were top of any division was in the early 2010-11 campaign under the managerial reign of Paul Buckle. After a run of four wins from their opening six games, United were led League Two and helped Buckle to win the manager of the month award for August 2010 in the process.
Fast forward to 2018 and current Gulls manager Gary Johnson, who scooped the National League South monthly award for October 2018, now has a different challenge ahead of him.
Now that the Gulls have reached the division's summit, the challenge now is to stay there. The hunter has now become the hunted.
Under Johnson they have gone from 14th to 1st and have also scored 42 goals since he replaced Gary Owers on September 13th. For no player is this transformation more evident than with leading scorer Jamie Reid who has found the back of the net 13 times in the league, as well as a further two in the FA Cup and another one in the FA Trophy, this season after only finding the target once under Owers.
"We're there to be shot at now - do you fight harder as the champion or the challenger?" said Johnson.
"We've got to make sure we don't let anybody knock us off our perch if we can help it.
"The boys are enjoying winning and winning does become a habit and we've got to keep it as a habit."
It's a habit that two of Johnson's previous clubs Yeovil Town and Cheltenham Town also possessed. He won the Conference and League Two title with the Glovers in the 2002-03 and 2004-05 seasons respectively and later lifted the National League title in the 2015-16 campaign with the Robins. In addition to this, he also led Bristol City and Yeovil to promotion from League One.
After facing Welling on Saturday, the Gulls then face Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy before travelling to Hampton and Richmond ahead of an Christmas that includes playing Truro City home and away, as part of their groundshare arrangement, and hosting Gloucester City - now managed by former Torquay defender Chris Todd.
Second half goals from Ruairi Keating and Jamie Reid proved to be enough to secure a 2-0 victory, which moves the Gulls onto 36 points - two points ahead of second placed Welling United, who travel to Plainmoor this weekend.
The last time that the Gulls were top of any division was in the early 2010-11 campaign under the managerial reign of Paul Buckle. After a run of four wins from their opening six games, United were led League Two and helped Buckle to win the manager of the month award for August 2010 in the process.
Fast forward to 2018 and current Gulls manager Gary Johnson, who scooped the National League South monthly award for October 2018, now has a different challenge ahead of him.
Now that the Gulls have reached the division's summit, the challenge now is to stay there. The hunter has now become the hunted.
Under Johnson they have gone from 14th to 1st and have also scored 42 goals since he replaced Gary Owers on September 13th. For no player is this transformation more evident than with leading scorer Jamie Reid who has found the back of the net 13 times in the league, as well as a further two in the FA Cup and another one in the FA Trophy, this season after only finding the target once under Owers.
"We're there to be shot at now - do you fight harder as the champion or the challenger?" said Johnson.
"We've got to make sure we don't let anybody knock us off our perch if we can help it.
"The boys are enjoying winning and winning does become a habit and we've got to keep it as a habit."
It's a habit that two of Johnson's previous clubs Yeovil Town and Cheltenham Town also possessed. He won the Conference and League Two title with the Glovers in the 2002-03 and 2004-05 seasons respectively and later lifted the National League title in the 2015-16 campaign with the Robins. In addition to this, he also led Bristol City and Yeovil to promotion from League One.
After facing Welling on Saturday, the Gulls then face Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy before travelling to Hampton and Richmond ahead of an Christmas that includes playing Truro City home and away, as part of their groundshare arrangement, and hosting Gloucester City - now managed by former Torquay defender Chris Todd.
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