REBUILDING JOB STARTS FOR JOHNSON

After confirming his retained list, Torquay United manager Gary Johnson moved to secure six of his squad ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, as the Gulls aim to go one better after losing to Hartlepool United in the National League Play-off final.

Johnson has already got skipper Asa Hall, former Exeter City left-back Dean Moxey, experienced Danny Wright, right-back Ben Wynter and young duo Louis Slough and Olaf Koszela tied up on new deals. They join Joe Lewis and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, who were already under contract with the Gulls.

He has also agreed terrms with Jake Andrews, but the former Bristol City midfielder is yet to put pen to paper. However, negotiations remain ongoing with Ben Whitfield, Aaron Nemane, Armani Little and Shaun MacDonald. 

The news comes after Johnson announced his retained list which sees eight players leave Plainmoor. It's a list that includes popular left-back Liam Davis, who hasn't featured for the Gulls since sustaining an ankle injury against Maidstone United in the FA Cup first round in November 2019. Davis had previously been an ever present for United in their National League South title winning season in the 2018-19 campaign, and was also United's longest serving player - having joined in the summer of 2017. 

Billy Waters and Matt Buse, who both featured in United's Play-off final defeat to Hartlepool, also depart. Waters had previously played under Johnson at Cheltenham Town, where he was a National League title winner in the 2015-16 campaign, but couldn't hold down a regular first team spot and was often used as an impact sub. Buse had enjoyed a successful 2019-20 season at Plainmoor, winning the National League player of the month award for October 2019, but hadn't managed to force his way into the first team in the 2020-21 campaign. 

Striker Josh Umerah and experienced centre back Gary Warren leave Plainmoor after a year with the club. Neither of the pair featured for United in the National League Play-off final against Hartlepool, or in the semi-final against Notts County. 

Former Dundee forward Andrew Nelson leaves without making a competitive first team appearance for the Gulls, after sustaining an injury in pre-season. Rookie first team pros Owen Price and JJ Evans also leave Plainmoor without featuring for the Gulls.

Already under contract: Joe Lewis, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans 

Agreed new deals: Asa Hall, Dean Moxey, Danny Wright, Ben Wynter, Louis Slough, Olaf Koszela

Contracts offered to: Jake Andrews, Ben Whitfield, Aaron Nemane, Armani Little 

Talks are ongoing: Shaun MacDonald

Confirmed departures: Lucas Covolan (Port Vale), Kyle Cameron (Notts County)

Released: Liam Davis, Billy Waters, Josh Umerah, Matt Buse, Gary Warren, Andrew Nelson, Owen Price, JJ Evans

ROUND-UP OF EURO 2020 FORTUNES OF GARY JOHNSON'S FORMER PLAYERS

As the group stage of the delayed Euro 2020 comes to an end, we will now take a look at the fortunes of a selection of players featuring in the tournament who have previously played under Gary Johnson in their careers. 

Kieffer Moore (Wales): 

Wales striker Kieffer Moore, who played under Gary Johnson at Yeovil between 2013 and 2015, scored the equalising goal for Rob Page's side in their opening group match with Switzerland to secure a 1-1 draw. He then went on to start in Wales' 2-0 win over Turkey in their second match before coming off the bench after a hour in their final group fixture against Italy. 

Joe Morrell (Wales): 

Signed on loan by Johnson for Cheltenham Town from Bristol City towards the end of the 2016-17 season, Joe Morrell, now with Luton Town, has been an ever present for Wales in Euro 2020 so far. While at Ashton Gate, Morrell played in the same Bristol City Under-23 side as Jake Andrews and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, and also appeared for Wales at Under-21 level alongside Lemonheigh-Evans. 

Wayne Hennessey (Wales): 

Long serving Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who broke the record for the most clean sheets for Wales keeper previously held by former Gulls' custodian Neville Southall in September 2020, made 13 appearances in all competitions for Johnson for Yeovil Town in the 2013-14 campaign. He is yet to feature for Wales in Euro 2020 - and is currently the understudy to first choice keeper Danny Ward. 

Sam Johnstone (England): 

England's third choice goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, currently with West Bromwich Albion, made one appearance under Johnson for Yeovil Town during the 2013-14 season and yet to feature for the Three Lions in the tournament. 

SIX BIG TALKING POINT FROM TORQUAY UNITED'S NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FINAL DEFEAT

 1. Kyle Cameron's two disallowed goals. 

Had either or both of Kyle Cameron's two disallowed goals been awarded, then it would be Torquay United celebrating a return to the Football League instead of Hartlepool United. Cameron's first effort in the seventh minute was ruled out for a push. His second chance on the hour mark was also chalked off - this time after he was adjudged to have fouled Hartlepool keeper Brad James by referee Simon Mather, after connecting with a cross from Ben Wynter. Cameron appeared to have the beating of James and sent the ball into the back of the net, but referee Mather thought otherwise. If both goals been given, it was would have a second brace of the season for Cameron, who was playing in an unfamiliar position of left wing, as he had previously netted a double in United's 2-0 win over Dover Athletic last October . However, because of Dover's refusal to complete the season the result was expunged from their records. 

2. Lucas Covolan's goal. 

Torquay's Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Covolan emulated his compatriot Liverpool goalkeeper Allison by scoring a goal in injury time. Allison famously a last gasp winner for the Reds against West Bromwich Albion towards the end of last season and Covolan rose highest to head home a cross from Armani Little in 'Gary-time' - the 95th minute - to take the contest to extra time, and cancel out Luke Armstrong's first half effort for the Pools. Older fans could have been forgiven for drawing parallels with the penalty scoring heroics of Gareth Howells at Wembley in 1991 against Blackpool.

3. Penalty heartbreak. 

Extra time came and went and it soon came down to a penalty shoot-out. After the first two penalties, neither side had managed to score, as Billy Waters and Danny Wright both missed for United and Nicky Featherstone's and Luke Armstrong's efforts for the Pools were saved by Lucas Covolan. Asa Hall, Joe Lewis and Armani Little all scored for Torquay and Mark Shelton, Jamie Sterry and Luke Molyneux all converted for Hartlepool to send the shoot-out into sudden death. Danny Elliott then edged Hartlepool in front before Connor Lemonheigh-Evans pulled United level again. Former Plymouth Argyel midfielder Ryan Donaldson then made it 5-4 to Hartlepool and Matt Buse then saw his spot-kick turned onto the cross bar by Brad James - thus sealing victory for Hartlepool. 

4. Farewells to Adam, Sam and Benji. 

United's Play-off final appearance also looks set to be the last game that Adam Randell, Sam Sherring and Benji Kimpioka feature in a Torquay United shirt, as they prepare to return to their respective parent clubs Plymouth Argyle, AFC Bournemouth and Sunderland. Randell departs Plainmoor having been voted as the club's Young Player of the Year, while Sherring has been a near ever-present in United's defence. Also of particular notice to the Plainmoor faithful will be Gary Johnson's retained list, which is expected to be announced soon now that the 2020-21 campaign is at an end. 

5. Hartlepool become the first fourth-placed team to win promotion through the Play-off since the introduction of new format. 

Since the National League Play-offs were expanded to include six teams in the 2017-18 season, no team who had finished lower than third place in the regular league season had won promotion through the Play-offs - until Hartlepool became the first team to do so. Several other sides who finished in fourth had won promotion under the old format, including Exeter City (2007-08), Torquay United  (2008-09), York City (2011-12) and Grimsby Town (2015-16), but no one had managed it since the introduction of the first eliminator round. Also, with Grimsby Town and Southend United being relegated into the National League from League Two, the case for introducing three up, three down between League Two and the National League will no doubt gather momentum. 

6. File under 'near-misses'. 

The 2020-21 campaign can now be filed alongside the Gulls' other near misses in the Play-offs. These include the 1987-88 season under Cyril Knowles, where United were beaten by Swansea City over two legs; Don O'Riordan's 1993-94 campaigners who were denied by the antics of Paul Raynor; Kevin Hodges' beaten Play-off finalists of 1997-98; Paul Buckle's 2007-08 team who lost out to Exeter City in the semi-finals and also his side who were beaten by Stevenage at Old Trafford in the 2010-11 League Two final. They were then swiftly followed by Martin Ling's side, who missed out against Cheltenham Town a year later in 2011-12 in the semi-finals. 

JOHNSON RETURNING TO THE SCENE OF ONE OF HIS GREATEST TRIUMPHS

Had the National League Play-off final between Torquay United and Hartlepool United been taking place at Wembley, as originally planned, Gulls manager Gary Johnson would be returning to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs as a manager. 

It was in the 2013 League One Play-off final that Johnson led Yeovil Town to an unlikely promotion to the Championship when they beat Brentford 2-1 at the home of football. However, with Wembley out of action due to the delayed Euro 2020, the Gulls will be facing the Pools at a ground that holds special memories for Johnson in Ashton Gate. 

Johnson was manager of Bristol City between 2005 and 2010. During this time, he led the Robins to promotion from League One as runners-up in the 2006-07 season before they famously reached the 2008 Championship Play-off final against Hull City, where a stunning strike from Dean Windass saw the Tigers win promotion to the Premier League at the expense of Johnson's Robins. 

Nevertheless, Ashton Gate was the setting for Johnson's 2006-07 success when the Robins beat an already relegated Rotherham United side 3-1 to secure automatic promotion from the third tier since the 1997-98 campaign. A brace from David Noble gave Bristol City a two goal cushion going into half-time, before former Torquay midfielder Alex Russell struck in the 55th minute to ensure that there was no way back for the Millers, who later pulled one back through Mark Newsham. 

Since Johnson left Ashton Gate in 2010, his son Lee has also had a spell in charge between 2016 and 2020 - and he also made a big impact as he led the Robins to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup in the 2017-18 season, beating Manchester United in the quarter finals. 

Also, the former Robins in United's playing squad, namely Jake Andrews and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, will also be keen to do well at the home of their former club. 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED'S NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL AGAINST NOTTS COUNTY

1.      1. Danny Wright’s contribution.

Had Danny Wright started every game for Torquay United in their 2020-21 Vanarama National League campaign, then there is every reason to believe that they could have gone up as champions. Wright, who was previously a key player in Gary Johnson’s Cheltenham Town side who won the National League in the 2015-16 season, opened the scoring after 35 seconds when he headed home Joe Lewis’ cross. He then restored the Gulls’ lead two minutes into the second half when he turned home a cross from Adam Randell to restore United’s lead. It was only Wright’s second appearance since he limped off with a hamstring injury on Boxing Day against Yeovil Town. His only other appearance came on Good Friday against Woking, when he came off the bench to score the decisive goal in a 1-0 win for the Gulls. In the 20 appearances that he made for United in the 2020-21 season - their records reads: played 20, won 16, drawn 2 and lost 2.

 2.    2. Decided by extra time and a penalty.

In an interview with the Herald Express/Devon Live Torquay United podcast, former Gulls’ manager and one-time Notts County player Don O’Riordan predicted that the meeting between his two former sides could be decided by extra time and penalties. Indeed, the match was decided in extra time via a penalty, as Dean Moxey converted from the spot after Connor Lemonheigh-Evans had been felled by former United defender Mark Ellis to make it 4-2 to the Gulls. United skipper Asa Hall had earlier headed home a corner from Jake Andrews for United's third to make it 3-2. So O’Riordan was largely on the money with his prediction of the outcome. It was a shame that more fans couldn’t have witnessed it.

 3. 3.       United’s journey under Gary Johnson continues.

When Gary Johnson was first appointed as Torquay United manager in September 2018, the Gulls were 14^th in the National League South and had just lost 1-0 to Chippenham Town. However, United’s second place finish in the 2020-21 National League campaign represents an improvement of 37 league places and with the National League Play-off final still to come - against either Stockport County or Hartlepool United – the prize of a return to the Football League after seven years away remains within their sights. However, regardless of the outcome at Ashton Gate, Johnson appears set to take charge of the Gulls in the 2021-22 season after he signed a new contract shortly before United's semi-final clash.

4.  All roads lead to Wemb….erm Ashton Gate.

Due to Wembley being out of action due to the delayed Euro 2020 being hosted there, the National League Play-off will be taking place at Ashton Gate – the home of one of Gary Johnson’s former clubs Bristol City. Ashton Gate holds many fond memories for Johnson, as the Robins clinched promotion to the Championship there on the final day of the 2006-07 season with a 3-1 win over Rotherham United; former Gull Alex Russell scored City’s third goal which effectively ended the game as a contest. Also, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews – both former Bristol City players – will be going back to the home of their former club.

 5. 5.       Home advantage counts yet again.

Torquay United proved that once again the team with home advantage prevails in the 2020-21 National League Play-offs. In the first stage eliminator, Notts County beat Chesterfield at Meadow Lane while Hartlepool United beat Bromley at Victoria Park. Can Stockport County beat Hartlepool to complete the set?

 6. 6.       A good footballing day for South Devon – as Kieffer Moore scores for Wales.

As well as the Gulls taking a step closer to a return to the Football League, Paignton-born former United loanee Kieffer Moore was on target to secure a draw for Wales in their opening Euro 2020 fixture against Switzerland. Moore famously scored five goals in four appearances while on loan at Plainmoor from Forest Green Rovers in the 2016-17 season - and also played for Yeovil Town under Gary Johnson between 2013 and 2015.

PLAY-OFF SEMI FINAL OF YESTERYEAR: TORQUAY UNITED 4 SCARBOROUGH 1

Ahead of Saturday's National League Play-off semi-final between Torquay United and Notts County, we will now look back at the Gulls' Third Division Play-off semi-final, second leg against Scarborough from the 1997-98 season. 

Following their final day disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion against Leyton Orient, United – who finished 5^th in the Third Division – faced Scarborough over two legs in the Play-offs.

It was the first time that the Gulls had been involved in the end-of-season showdown since they lost out to Preston North End in the 1993-94 season at the semi-final stage.

In the first leg, Torquay helped to banish the memory of their final day defeat in East London with a Sunday afternoon 3-1 win over the Sea Dogs at the McCain Stadium with goals from Rodney Jack, Andy McFarlane and Jon Gittens.

Manager Kevin Hodges named an unchanged side for the return clash at Plainmoor, as the Gulls looked to book their first appearance at Wembley since 1991.

The second leg saw the Gulls continue in the same vein as they had in the first, as Jack opened the scoring after six minutes, when he made a run from inside his own half before burst through on goal – rounding Scarborough keeper Tony Elliott– and calmly slotting home. 

A minute later, Jack – who hailed from the small Caribbean island of St Vincent - struck again to complete his brace for the evening, when he cut inside and fired past Elliott – with an angled effort - to double the Gulls’ lead on aggregate.

The Sea Dogs reduced their arrears on 22 minutes when their long serving defender Jason Rockett headed home a Troy Bennett free-kick from the right hand side.

However, their hopes of a second leg fight back were dealt a massive blow in the 28^th minute – when Gareth Williams received a second yellow card for a lunge on Jack.

Torquay made their numerical advantage court when, ten minutes later, Torquay restored their aggregate lead to four goals through player-assistant manager Steve McCall.

Earlier in his career, McCall had been a UEFA Cup winner with Ipswich Town - under Bobby Robson in 1981. He showed evidence of the skills that saw him reach those heights when he curled a left-footed effort into the top corner from 25-yards, following a pass from Jack.

In the second half, the Gulls looked to add to their lead as Jack was denied a hat-trick when he had a shot from close range deflected behind for a corner Scarborough substitute Colin Sutherland in the opening period.

A return to Wembley looked to be almost in touching distance for the Gulls, and chants of ‘Que Sera, Sera’ were now being heard from the Popular Side. 

United’s fourth of the night, and the seventh on aggregate, eventually came on 55 minutes, when Jack and McCall combined on the right hand side to set up Paul Gibbs for his tenth of the season.

This hammered a final nail into Scarborough’s coffin and rendered the match all but over.

Yet there was to be further misery for the Sea Dogs, as they were reduced to nine men when second half substitute Liam Robinson saw red on 76 minutes- 16 minutes after coming on – for a foul on Gibbs.

Following the three minutes of additional time added on, Plainmoor was a scene of celebration, as the Gulls - who only two years earlier had retained their league status due to Stevenage Borough’s ground not meeting league requirements - were now looking forward to the prospect of playing at Wembley. 

Torquay XI (3-5-2): Kenny Veysey; Jon Gittens, Alex Watson, Jamie Robinson; Andy Gurney, Gary Clayton, Steve McCall (Kevin Hill 73), Chris Leadbitter, Paul Gibbs; Rodney Jack (Tony Bedeau 82), Andy McFarlane (Wayne Thomas 87)

 

 

KIEFFER MOORE - THE TORQUAY UNITED DIARIES

After unearthing a number of talents during the 1980's and 1990's, who went on to appear in the Premier League, including Lee Sharpe, Darren Moore and Garry Monk, it's a shame that Torquay United haven't been able to replicate this success since the turn of the century.

In recent years, the South Devon-born trio of Bournemouth midfielder Dan Gosling, current Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins and Wales forward Kieffer Moore have all made their mark in the game. However, the only appearances that either of those aforementioned three have made for the Gulls all came during Moore's loan spell at Plainmoor in the 2016-17 season.

Moore's footballing journey has been one that has taken in many a bump, detour and retreat. He was part of the Torquay youth set-up as a child, before it was disbanded in 2004. He made his name as a teenager in the South Devon League with Paignton Saints before he was spotted by Truro City in 2012. However, financial problems for the White Tigers then saw him move to Dorchester Town, which he combined with working as a lifeguard and as a personal trainer.

He was then given his first taste of professional football when Gary Johnson took a punt on him for Yeovil Town in the summer of 2013. The Glovers had just defied the odds to reach the Championship in the 2012-13 season. Johnson gradually eased Moore into the Glovers' first team and he made his debut in the EFL Cup against Southend United. He scored his first goal for the club in Yeovil's 4-0 FA Cup third round victory over Leyton Orient on January 4, 2014. 

Moore remained with the Glovers in the 2014-15 season, and played as a centre back in their FA Cup third round tie with Manchester United. However. the departure of Johnson and eventual arrival of Paul Sturrock saw him fall out of favour and he was released in the summer of 2015.

A brief spell in Norway followed with Viking FK, which proved that he was more than prepared to get out of his comfort zone. Moore then returned to England to sign for Forest Green Rovers, following unsuccessful trials with Exeter City and Leyton Orient.

Nevertheless, his first team spot at the New Lawn was far from certain, and when Torquay United manager Kevin Nicholson signed him on loan for the Gulls, the pair appeared to be made for each other. Torquay were hovering above the National League relegation zone and Moore desperately needed to re-ignite his career.

He lined-up alongside Nathan Blissett for the Gulls on November 19, 2016 on his debut for his hometown club against Wrexham. After trailing to an 11th minute strike from the Dragons' Gerry McDonagh, Moore looked to have equalised for United on 35 minutes, but it was disallowed for a foul on Wrexham keeper Mark Coddington. However, with two minutes to go, Moore found the back of the net to secure a point for Torquay - as he got the final touch on a Luke Young corner. 

In his post-match interview, Nicholson said: "He held the ball up well, he's got a touch for a big guy and he's had a great impact. The only thing that he probably hasn't got is the chemistry and understanding with the other lads."

If his debut turned out to be the stuff dreams were made of then his second appearance for the Gulls resembled something right out of a Roy of the Rover comic; he scored the maiden hat-trick of his career in a 3-0 win against Solihull Moors on the following Tuesday.

His first of the evening came on the half hour mark, when he found the bottom corner. He then scored his and the Gulls' second of the night on 60 minutes as he turned home a cross from Dan Sparkes. The duo combined again in the 71st minute - as Moore completed his treble as the Gulls leapfrogged their opponents in the National League table.

Moore's next appearance for the Gulls away to Dagenham & Redbridge a week later saw him take his tally for United to five goals in three appearances. He netted the game's decisive goal on 76 minutes to secure a 1-0 win. Watching in the stands at Victoria Road that night was former United player-coach Steve McCall, in his capacity as a scout for Ipswich Town, who was there to view Daggers' striker Ollie Hawkins. 

The following Saturday saw Moore make the last of the four appearances of his loan spell in a 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers. There was talk of him making a permanent return to Plainmoor in January 2017, but an eleventh hour bid from Tractor Boys’ manager Mick McCarthy, on the recommendation of McCall's scouting reports from the previous November, saw him head to East Anglia.

Moves to Rotherham United, Barnsley, Wigan Athletic and his current club Cardiff City have followed since then. He has also forced his way into the Wales squad, who he qualifies to represent through his maternal grandfather, who hails from Caernarfon. He played a key role in helping the Welsh qualify for a second successive European Championships. He provided an assist for Aaron Ramsey in their 2-0 win over Hungary which sealed their passage to Euro 2020.

It's very likely that Moore wouldn't have reached such heights without that incredibly prolific loan spell at Plainmoor in November 2016.