CHANGE OF FORTUNE REQUIRED

Very often in life perspectives on a subject matter can differ from person to person. 

For example, in the eyes of former Ipswich Town chairman, the late John Cobbold, the idea of a crisis was the boardroom at Portman Road running out of claret! It wasn't necessarily an opinion shared by every chairman up and down the country, but it meant that Bobby Robson free to manage the Tractor Boys between 1968 and 1982, when he left to become England manager, with minimal interference. 

The same principles can be applied to the current situation Torquay United find themselves in under Gary Johnson. After last season's Play-off final defeat to Hartlepool United, hopes were high that Johnson's new look Gulls' side could challenge for promotion once again. However, two defeats in their opening three league fixtures have left some fans worrying about their prospects in 2021-22. 

A 3-1 defeat on the opening day of the campaign at home to Altrincham was followed by a hard earned 1-1 draw against Notts County, in which United took the lead through Danny Wright shortly after going down to ten men following central defender Ali Omar's dismissal on 25 minutes. 

Therefore, when the Gulls faced Woking at home, in what was remarkably the 17th meeting between the two sides since United were relegated from the Football League for a second time in 2014, hopes were high that they could secure their first win of the season. Sadly, the opposite proved to be the case as the Cards came away as 4-0 winners - and in truth it could have been more. 

However, despite the doom and gloom, it is worth remembering that in the season when United last won promotion from the fifth tier (Conference/Blue Square/National League) they did so by recovering from one of their worst starts to a season in living memory. 

In the 2008-09 season under Paul Buckle, the Gulls only won once in the opening seven league fixtures and only managed two draws in addition to that. Much like Johnson's class of 2021-22, Buckle had added several new faces to his squad. The turning point came on September 7 2008, when a 90th minute penalty from Tim Sills secured a 2-1 win over Northwich Victoria, which proved to be not just a turning point for Buckle, who was coming under increasing pressure at the time, but the entire club as well. 

United then went on to clinch a Play-off spot with a 2-1 over champions elect Burton Albion on the final day of the campaign before beating Histon in the Play-off semi-finals and then Cambridge United in the final. 

This was also achieved following a failed title challenge from the previous season, which saw United miss out to Aldershot Town in a similar manner to their near-miss with Sutton United in the 2020-21 season. And that's before you even discuss their nightmare Play-off campaign, which saw them lose out to Exeter City in the semis. 

United's fortunes can change, but it may need a 'Tim Sills penalty' moment to swing the balance back in their favour.

SEASON PREVIEW 2021-22: YEOVIL TOWN

Yeovil Town’s 2020-21 campaign was unfortunately overshadowed by the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of central defender Lee Collins. 

It was also a season of great change for the Glovers as a number of experienced campaigners left Huish Park at the end of the season, including Carl Dickinson, Charlie Lee and Jimmy Smith. Star striker Rhys Murphy has also moved onto pastures new after joining Southend United. 

Nevertheless, manager Darren Sarll has brought in goalkeeper Grant Smith and experienced full back Mark Little as he looks to freshen up his squad. Sarll will also be hoping that Tanzania international Adi Yussuff, Joe Quigley or the experienced Reuben Reid can find the back of the net on a regular basis to compensate for the departure of Murphy, who netted 20 and 14 times in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns respectively in all competitions.

Morgan Williams has rejoined the Glovers on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell from Coventry City, and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, who arrives on loan from Watford, will be looking to follow his example in 2021-22. 

A minimum target for Sarll would be to improve on last season's 16th place finish, and if the former Stevenage boss can find someone who can emulate Murphy's goalscoring returns of the previous two campaigns then the Glovers should comfortably achieve that. 

The Glovers will also be starting their campaign against King's Lynn Town a week late following an outbreak of Covid-19 in their squad prior to their opening day fixture with Wrexham.

Player to Watch: Joe Quigley 

Former Republic of Ireland Under-21 striker Joe Quigley started his career with AFC Bournemouth and has had spells with a number of National League clubs since he appeared at this level for the first time in the 2015-16 season with Torquay United. He joined the Glovers after his contract with Dagenham and Redbridge was cancelled in October 2020. Quigley finished the 2020-21 campaign with 11 goals in 40 appearances and will be looking improve on that return in 2021-22.

Young hopeful: Sonny Blu-Lo Everton 

Scotland Under-19 international Sonny Blu-Lo Everton has joined the Glovers on loan from Watford, initially until January 2022, and will be looking to get plenty of minutes under his belt. He previously worked with Darren Sarll when he was Watford's academy manager and Sarll has described him as 'the most natural youngster he has ever worked with'.

In: Grant Smith (Chesterfield), Charlie Wakefield (Bromley), Dale Gorman (Glentoran), Mark Little (Bristol Rovers), Morgan Williams (Coventry City), Jordan Barnett (Notts County), Lewis Simper (Cambridge United, loan), Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (Watford, loan), Adi Yussuff (Solihull Moors)

Out: Rhys Murphy (Southend United), Carl Dickinson (Hanley United player-manager), Charlie Lee (Billericay Town), Gabby Rogers (Torquay United), Jimmy Smith (retired), Chris Dagnall, Emmanuel Sonupe

BIG TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS ALTRINCHAM

Fourth opening day defeat in the last 20 years for the Gulls. 

By losing 3-1 at home to Altrincham, Torquay United suffered their first opening day defeat since they were beaten 2-0 by Macclesfield Town on the first day of the 2016-17 season. It was also the Gulls' fourth opening day loss in the last 20 years - along with defeats to Bristol Rovers in 2001-02 and Gateshead in 2014-15. It was also United's first opening day home defeat since losing 1-0 to Cambridge United in the 1998-99 season in Wes Saunders' first game as manager.

Six debutants start and two more feature from the bench. 

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson named six debutants in his starting eleven. Mark Halstead started in goal, Ali Omar featured alongside Joe Lewis at centre back, Gabby Rogers, Tom Lapslie and Keelan O'Connell appeared in midfield and Dan Holman partnered his old Cheltenham Town colleague Danny Wright up front. In addition to this, Chiori Johnson and Klaidi Lolos also made their debuts from the bench. However, following yesterday's defeat United need to turn things around quickly and having built a Cheltenham side who won the National League from scratch, Johnson will no doubt know what is needed to make his team into a more cohesive unit. 

A reminder of how tough National League life can be. 

Exactly 62 days had passed since the Gulls lost to Hartlepool United in the 2020-21 National League Play-off final when they kicked off the new campaign against Altrincham. Their loss to Alty served to remind them of how tough the National League can be - namely a rough, tough world where results have to be earned and reputations often count for nothing. It's also a league which those competing in it need to learn to adapt to it quickly - and that's precisely what United need to do now.

Glimpses of promise from Holman and Rogers.

While it was a bad day at the office for the Gulls - debutants Dan Holman and Gabby Rogers did display glimpses of promise. Holman - who netted 16 times in 18 appearances for Cheltenham under Gary Johnson in the 2015-16 season - showed how dangerous he could be when he tested Altrincham keeper Tony Thompson with a shot on the turn in the 38th minute. Rogers, the former Gulls youth prospect who was released by Yeovil Town, was arguably United's greatest attacking threat and frequently troubled the Alty defence with his skill and trickery.

Asa Hall still a big influence. 

He may have only been on the pitch for just over 17 minutes, but United skipper Asa Hall showed a calming authority when he came off the bench as a replacement for Tom Lapslie in the 73rd minute. If Hall is fit to start against Notts County next Saturday he should surely be starting for the Gulls. As well as the departed Kyle Cameron and Lucas Covolan and the returned loanees of Adam Randell and Sam Sherring, Hall and the injured Connor Lemonheigh-Evans took the number of players who started for the Gulls against Hartlepool at Ashton Gate to six.

Third biggest crowd of the day. 

United' attendance of 2,599 was the third biggest attendance in the National League on the opening day of the campaign, behind King's Lynn's 2,683 against Southend United and Stockport County's 5,266 for their clash with Dagenham & Redbridge. Above all else, it was good to see the fans back inside Plainmoor.

SEASON PREVIEW 2021-22: TORQUAY UNITED

For Torquay United and Gary Johnson, their challenge is to achieve something that has only ever been done four times in the National League before - namely win promotion through the Play-offs after losing in the previous season's final.  

Exeter City in 2008, Grimsby Town in 2016, Forest Green Rovers in 2017 and Tranmere Rovers in 2018 all triumphed after losing out a year earlier and the Gulls will be looking to do the same as they aim to exorcise the memories of their defeat to Hartlepool at Ashton Gate last June. 

Johnson has rebuilt his squad over the summer, following the departures of goal scoring goalkeeper Lucas Covolan to Port Vale, Kyle Cameron and Aaron Nemane to Notts County and Ben Whitfield to Stockport County with ten new signings. 

An initial seven signings were revealed in a transfer ‘manic monday'; they included goalkeepers Mark Halstead (Morecambe) and Marcin Brozozowski (QPR), centre back Ali Omar (Barnsley), left-back Dan Martin (Cardiff City), central midfielder Tom Lapslie (Colchester United), winger Keelan O’Connell (AFC Bournemouth) and striker Klaidi Lolos (Plymouth Argyle). They were later joined by trialists Chiori Johnson, Dan Holman and Gabby Rogers. 

The signing of Holman could prove to be something of a wildcard from Johnson. Holman scored 16 times in 18 appearances for Cheltenham Town in the second half of the 2015-16 campaign and played a key role in helping the Robins win the National League title. If he can get close to emulating that return for the Gulls then his signing would be seen as a masterstroke.

During the course of pre-season central defender Ali Omar has developed a promising centre back partnership with Joe Lewis, and Omar could yet to prove to be the 'Nemanja Vidic' to Lewis' 'Rio Ferdinand'.  

A midfield containing Asa Hall, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, Armani Little and Jake Andrews will always have the potential to chip in with a number of goals; Hall found the back of the net 14 times last season, while Lemonheigh-Evans scored 11 goals. The signing of Tom Lapslie will help add some extra grit to the centre of midfield and the arrivals of Keelan O'Connell and Gabby Rogers could yet compensate for the departures of Ben Whitfield and Aaron Nemane. 

Despite their achievements last season the Gulls haven't been mentioned as one of the league's front runners, no doubt in part due to the big spending of the likes of Wrexham and Stockport. However with Gary Johnson in charge, United will always have the potential of being a match for anyone. Also, let's not forget that their Play-off success of 2008-09 under Paul Buckle was achieved after a failed title challenge which saw them lose out to Aldershot Town a year earlier. 

The Gulls may not come as close to winning the title as they did last season - United finished four points behind eventual champions Sutton - but another Play-off challenge certainly isn't beyond their capabilities.

Player to Watch: Joe Lewis

The former Gulls loanee returned to Plainmoor on a permanent basis from Swansea City in January 2021, and the former Wales Under-21 international has established himself as a regular in the heart of the United backline. A graduate of the Swansea academy who were responsible for unearthing five of the Wales squad for Euro 2020 - including Joe Rodon and Dan James - Lewis could yet feature for the Dragons at senior level. 

Young hopeful: Gabby Rogers

When Torquay United closed their youth academy in 2015, Gabby Rogers - the son of former Plymouth Argyle winger Andy Rogers - was a number of young hopefuls who were forced to look elsewhere to continue their careers in the game. Rogers eventually followed former Gulls' youth supremo Geoff Harrop to Yeovil Town; after initially breaking through with the Glovers in the 2018-19 campaign, he was released at the end of the 2020-21 season and Gary Johnson has now given him the chance to kick-start his career back at Plainmoor.

In: Mark Halstead (Morecambe), Marcin Brozozowski (QPR), Ali Omar (Barnsley), Dan Martin (Cardiff City), Tom Lapslie (Colchester United), Keelan O'Connell (AFC Bournemouth), Klaidi Lolos (Plymouth Argyle), Dan Holman (Unattached), Chiori Johnson (Welling United), Gabby Rogers (Yeovil Town)

Out: Lucas Covolan (Port Vale), Kyle Cameron & Aaron Nemane (Notts County), Ben Whitfield (Stockport County), Shaun MacDonald, Matt Buse & Josh Umerah (Wealdstone), Gary Warren (Tiverton Town), Owen Price (Buckland Athletic), Liam Davis, JJ Evans

TORQUAY UNITED 4 AFC BOURNEMOUTH UNDER 21S 0

Buoyed by the pre-match signing of Gabby Rogers, formerly Player A, Torquay United ended their pre-season preparations on a high with an emphatic win over AFC Bournemouth Under-23s.

A first half double from Dan Holman and a headed effort on the stroke of half-time from Ali Omar gave the Gulls a three-goal cushion heading into the interval. United then added a fourth in the 74^th minute when Tom Lapslie slotted home after connecting with a precision pass from substitute Alex Moyse – but in truth it could have been more.

Gary Johnson made one change to the side that defeated Chippenham Town on Saturday as Rogers started the game in place of Klaidi Lolos, who dropped to the bench. Armani Little once again captained the side.

United set the tone for the evening in the first minute as Lapslie nodded a cross from Little wide.

The visitors threatened for the first time when Connor Kurran-Browne raced free of the Gulls’ defence in the fifth minute, but he could only manage to fire a tame shot straight at United keeper Mark Halstead.

A minute later, Joe Lewis connected with a Little free-kick but he missed the target and headed wide.

In the eighth minute, the Gulls finally made the breakthrough when the ball fell to Holman in the penalty area. His initial shot was blocked, but he made no mistake from the rebound as he fired home to give United the lead with his fifth goal in three pre-season friendlies.

Holman had formed a highly effective partnership with Danny Wright during the second half of the 2015-16 campaign with Cheltenham Town as the Robins won the 2015-16 National League title, and two combined to good effect moments later when Wright laid on a cross for Holman, which failed to fully connect with.

However, the young Cherries’ managed to carve out a few chances of their own, as Jack Wadham and Euan Pollock both went close. Wadham fired wide in the 18^th minute while Pollock saw a shot pushed onto the bar by Halstead and behind for a corner two minutes later.

Nevertheless Torquay regained their composure as Rogers latched onto a diagonal ball from Dean Moxey and fired over in the 25^th minute.

Nine minutes later, United doubled their lead when Holman found the target with a cool finish after being picked out by Little.

The Gulls added a third two minutes before the break when Omar rose highest in the box to head home a corner from Little. 

Despite making four changes at half-time, United started the second half in a similar manner to which they began the first. Rogers went close again before the pick of the early chances fell to sub Klaidi Lolos who rattled the upright in the 53^rd minute.

The Bournemouth youngsters threatened to reduce their arrears on the hour mark when right-back Brooklyn Genesini shot wide – but that was the best chance they could muster in the second half.

On 74 minutes, United added a fourth when sub Alex Moyse threaded the ball through to Lapslie, who by this stage had taken over the captain’s armband when Little was substituted, who calmly slotted home.

The Gulls had further chances to add to their lead in the final ten minutes, as Jake Andrews hit the post and Omar was denied a second by Cherries keeper Billy Terrell. United also played out the final few minutes with ten men after Rogers hobbled off in the 87th minute. 

All eyes will now be on United’s first league fixture of the 2021-22 campaign against Altrincham. 

United (4-4-2): Mark Halstead (Marcin Brozozowski 72); Ben (Chiori Johnson 46), Joe Lewis (Louie Slough 61), Ali Omar, Dean Moxey (Dan Martin 46), Gabby Rogers (87),  Armani Little (Alex Moyse), Tom Lapslie, Keelan O'Connell (Jake Andrews 46), Dan Holman (Scott Pioer 61), Danny Wright (Klaidi Lolos 46)

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS CHIPPENHAM TOWN

1. Player A* 

He might have been listed as Player A on the teamsheet by Torquay United manager Gary Johnson, but the entirety of the 621 crowd that witnessed the Gulls' 3-0 pre-season friendly win over Chippenham Town. Former Yeovil Town midfielder Gabriel Rogers, who had featured against the Gulls for Tiverton Town in midweek, made a big impact following his introduction in the second half and scored a very early contender for goal of the season. In the 78th minute, he latched onto a loose ball and found the back of the net from 40-yards. 

Rogers had previously been on trial with Wycombe Wanderers with their development side in July, but should he sign a contract with the Gulls he will be involved in and around the first team - which will no doubt aid his development further.

2. Last ditch signings. 

Shortly before kick off, in a style that Gulls fans have become accustomed to, Gary Johnson revealed the permanent signings of Chiori Johnson and Dan Holman, who had previously been on trial with the Gulls during their 2021-22 pre-season preparations. Johnson, who includes Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers amongst his former clubs, can play at right-back, left-back and in midfield while Holman plays as a striker and is a player very familiar to Gary Johnson from his time as Cheltenham Town.

3. Dan Holman looked sharp. 

As mentioned previously United's new signing Dan Holman is a player who Gary Johnson is well acquainted with from his spell as Cheltenham Town manager. On his first permanent outing for the Gulls, Holman rattled the crossbar twice in the first half and made it 2-0 to United with a delicate angled chip in the second half. He was previously signed by Johnson for Cheltenham midway through the 2015-16 season from Colchester United and he scored a phenomenal 16 goals in 18 National League appearances as the Robins won the National League title at the first attempt. 

However, a toe injury sustained on the eve of the 2016-17 season, in a training ground challenge with United assistant manager Aaron Downes, meant that he wasn't able to recapture that level of form again for Cheltenham. Loan spells with Boreham Wood and Leyton Orient followed and then permanent spells with Aldershot Town, Kettering Town and Brackley Town, but he is now looking to resurrect his career under Johnson with the Gulls. 

4. Danny Wright amongst the goals again.

While Dan Holman was at Cheltenham he formed a useful strike partnership with Danny Wright, and Wright was amongst the goals again as he scored United's opener early in the second half. Wright was in the right place at the right time to head home Keelan O'Connell's cross four minutes after the restart.

Wright was a big miss for the Gulls while he was injured in the second half of last season, but he returned to the side to show just why he was much a big miss for United in the Play-offs against Notts County. Hopefully he will enjoy better luck with injury in the forthcoming campaign. 

5. Celebrating heroes of old. 

Before and after the match Gulls fans' were able to enjoy a drink in the club's Gulls Nest bar, but with an added twist. Former United keeper John Turner has joined the club as matchday bars manager. Turner originally joined the Gulls from Reading in 1978 before he was sold to Chesterfield two years later for a fee in the region of £40,000. He rejoined United in the 1983-84 season and was one of the victims of Dave Webb's cutbacks once he took ownership of the club from the late Tony Boyce. John later had a spell as assistant manager at Plainmoor under John Impey. He also went into the pub trade and was most recently the Landlord of the Jolly Sailor in East Ogwell, which was lost to fire in April 2021.

 

SEASON PREVIEW 2021-22: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

With eight former Premier League clubs amongst its numbers, not to mention a who's who of homegrown managerial talent, the 2021-22 League One campaign promises to be one of the toughest in years. 

It's a line-up that includes two teams who have won the FA Cup in the 21st century in the form of Portsmouth (2008) and Wigan Athletic (2013) as well as Sunderland who graced the top-flight as recently as 2017. 

Competing with these clubs as well as piting his managerial wits against the likes of Lee Johnson (Sunderland), Darren Moore (Sheffield Wednesday), Danny Cowley (Portsmouth), Paul Cook (Ipswich Town), Michael Appleton (Lincoln City), Gareth Ainsworth (Wycombe Wanderers) and Nigel Adkins (Charlton Athletic) is the challenge facing Plymouth Argyle boss Ryan Lowe. 

However, that's not say that Lowe doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the managers previously listed. Lowe's promotion successes with Bury and Argyle have marked him out as one of the promising young managers in the game. His style of play has also earned him praise from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. 

After a wildly inconsistent 2020-21, which saw them lose 11 of their last 15 league fixtures, Lowe has moved to bolster his defence with the additions of James Wilson, James Bolton, Macauley Gillesphey and Dan Scarr. With their defensive steel added to the attacking flair of the likes of Joe Edwards, Danny Mayor and Conor Grant in midfield and strikers Niall Ennis, Luke Jephcott and Ryan Hardie, then the Pilgrims' objective of a top half finish should be more than achievable.

Player to watch: Conor Grant

Former Everton youngster Conor Grant enjoyed his most consistent campaign for the Pilgrims in the 2020-21 season since he arrived at Home Park in 2018, following his release by the Toffees. In 33 appearances, Grant scored four goals and chipped in with 12 assists. He has now extended his stay with the Pilgrims until 2023, after signing a new contract in the close season.

Young hopeful: Adam Randell

After spending the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Torquay United, Adam Randell returns to Home Park having helped the Gulls to reach the National League Play-off final and was rewarded for his endeavours with the club's young player of the year award. As one of a number of young prospects on the verge of the Pilgrims' first team, which includes goalkeeper Michael Cooper, left-back Ryan Law and striker Luke Jephcott, Randell appears to have a big future ahead of him.

In: James Wilson (Ipswich Town), James Bolton (Portsmouth, Dan Scarr (Walsall), Macaulay Gillesphey (Brisbane Roar), Brendan Galloway (Unattached), Jordan Houghton (MK Dons), Callum Burton (Cambridge United), Ryan Broom (Peterborough United, season-long loan)

Released: Will Aimson (Bolton Wanderers), Byron Moore, Jarvis Cleal, Rubin Wilson, Scott Wootton, Klaidi Lolos (Torquay United), Frank Nouble (Colchester United), Lewis Macleod, Ben Reeves, Jack Ruddy