WHEN PELE CAME TO HOME PARK

After the recent death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento aka Pele, we will look back at the time when the Brazilian appeared at Home Park for Santos in a friendly against Plymouth Atgyle. 

For the 37,639 who packed inside Home Park to see the great Pele appear alongside three other World Cup winners - Edu, Carlos Alberto and Clodoaldo - for Brazilian club side Santos against Plymouth Argyle on March 14, 1973, it seemed a like a dream come true.  

By this stage, Pele was 32, and had played his final match for Brazil a year earlier against Yugoslavia - but he still remained a big draw.

However, what they didn't realise at the time was the game itself nearly didn't take place after the Santos directors demanded another £2,500, in addition to the £2,500 that the two clubs had previously agreed as a match fee. 

Their request was initially refused by Argyle chairman Robert Daniel, to which the Santos directors response was 'no money, no match.' Nevertheless, with the gates bulging, Daniel reluctantly gave in to their demands. 

When the match eventually got underway, it was the Pilgrims who took the lead through a stunning 30-yard strike from Mike Dowling. Further goals from Derek Rickard and Jimmy Hinch gave Argyle a 3-0 lead going into the half-time break. 

During the interval, the completion of the game was again in the balance, as Santos refused to call it off again if the referee wasn't replaced. Pele, ever the diplomat, managed to restore order as he and his teammates came back out for the second half. 

And it was Pele who reduced Santos' arrears to a single goal after the re-start from the penalty spot.  

Edu pulled another goal back for the Brazilians, but the Pilgrims hung on to secure a memorable 3-2 victory. 

At the final whistle, hundreds of youngsters swarmed onto the pitch to try and get Pele's autograph, and the great man himself swapped shirts with the player who marked him on the evening, Johnny Hore. However, the shirt would be destined for the Pilgrims' boardroom. 

After the match, Robert Daniel handed the additional sum that had been demanded over to the Santos directors, and later reported the incident to authorities and they managed to get the money back several years later. 

Argyle: Furnell (Aleksic), Provan, Sullivan, Hore, Saxton, Hague, Dowling, Rickard; Hinch (Davey), Latcham, Welsh.

Santos: Claudio, Alberto, Murias, Hermes, Leo, Marcal, Jair, Brecha (Pitico), Pitico (Vincente), Alcindo, Pele, Edu.

Scorers: Argyle - Dowling, Rickard, Hinch -- Santos - Pele (pen), Edu

Referee: Mr C. Nicholls (Plymouth)

Attendance: 37,639

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS YEOVIL TOWN

1. A game of two halves. 

Never was the phrase 'a game of two halves' seemed more true than after Torquay United met Yeovil Town on Boxing Day. The first half saw the Gulls dominate the proceedings and take a deserved lead through Mark Ellis on 18 minutes and could well have increased their lead. 

However, the second half proved to be a completely different affair as Yeovil boss Mark Cooper re-jigged their formation, sending on Malachi Linton and former Gull Alex Fisher on in place of another ex United player Chiori Johnson and Charlie Wakefield. The changes paid dividends as Linton equalised for the Glovers on 64 minutes and had further chances to add to his tally(more on that later) and Fisher also went close - so, in the end, it was United who were clinging on.

2. Mark Ellis on target. 

Throughout his first spell with Torquay United between 2008 and 2012, Mark Ellis' dad Kevin often used to have a bet on Mark scoring first whenever he featured for the Gulls - and made himself a tidy profit too!

He also had a flutter on Mark scoring yesterday, as he headed home in the 18th minute in a first half that the Gulls dominated. However, he limped off towards the end as United finished the game with nine men - as Dylan Crowe saw red for a second yellow card (Gulls boss Gary Johnson also saw red after the final whistle). With his loan from Barrow presumably due to end soon, the question remains when will Ellis next be seen in a Gulls' shirt?

3. Mark Halstead to the rescue -again. 

United were once again indebted to goalkeeper Mark Halstead for helping them to secure a point. The former Blackpool keeper made an important stop in the first half to prevent a free-kick from Glovers' skipper Josh Staunton from trickling over the line. In the second half, he called upon to deny Jordan Maguire-Drew, Linton and Fisher in the closing stages of the game - as United ended up holding on to secure a draw.

Parallels can also be drawn with United's 1-1 draw at home to Scunthorpe United when Halstead made a string of saves late on to ensure that the Gulls came away with a share of the spoils.

4. Shaun Donnellan's versatility. 

Since his arrival at Plainmoor in the summer, Shaun Donnellan has filled in numerous different roles. He has appeared as a central midfielder and at right-back, as well as in the centre of defence where he partnered Mark Ellis against Yeovil. He produced a strong, commanding display which earned him the sponsor's man of the match award.

5. Draws are killing United. 

As former Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock once said 'draws can kill, it's better to win one and lose one than it is to draw two.' Sadly, too many draws at home are having that effect on United's 2022-23 campaign, with their clash with Yeovil being their sixth draw at Plainmoor this term. 

Had the Gulls managed to beat the Glovers on Boxing Day, then the extra two points would have lifted them out of the relegation zone at the expense of Maidstone United on goal difference. If they could have managed to turn two or three of their five previous draws into wins they would already be outside of the bottom four.

6. Nice to meet you. 

Yeovil super sub Malachi Linton would have been a familiar face to United midfielder Brett McGavin, as the duo spent the 2021-22 season on loan at King's Lynn Town. Stephen Wearne also lined-up against his fellow Grimsby Town loanee Jordan Maguire-Drew.

A TORQUAY UNITED-YEOVIL TOWN XI

As Torquay United and Yeovil Town prepare to meet each other home and away for the fourth season in a row in the National League over the festive period, we will look at an XI made up of players who have served both clubs over the years.

Steve Collis: 

Despite spending most of his five years at Huish Park, between 2001 and 2006, as an understudy to Chris Weale, Steve Collis would also serve under Gary Johnson at Bristol City, Peterborough United and Northampton Town. His solitary appearance for the Gulls came on the final day of the 2009-10 season in a 0-0 draw with Notts County after he was drafted in on a seven-day emergency loan.

Derek Dawkins: 

Voted as the Gulls' cult hero in a poll run by the BBC's Football Focus show, Derek 'the Dude' Dawkins wrote his name into Torquay United folklore when he scored the winning goal in the Gulls' League Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur in 1987. Dawkins also combined playing for the Gulls with coaching the club's youth side, and his young charges included a certain Lee Sharpe. On leaving the Gulls in 1988 he had spells with Newport County, Yeovil and Gloucester City.

Adam Lockwood: 

A stalwart of the Yeovil side that won the FA Trophy in 2002 and Conference title a year later under Gary Johnson, Adam Lockwood joined the Gulls on loan during the 2005-06 season under Leroy Rosenior. He made 12 appearances in all competitions and scored three goals - which included the winner in United's second round FA Cup tie against Notts County. Lockwood returned to Huish Park and then returned to his native Yorkshire to sign for Doncaster Rovers, who he captained to promotion to the Championship in the 2007-08 season. 

Gary Warren: 

Having made his name in non-league circles with Mangotsfield Town and Newport County, Gary Warren headed north to join Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2011, but returned to the Westcountry in 2018 to join Yeovil and he stayed for one season before moving on to Exeter City and arrived on a permanent basis in the summer of 2020, after an initial loan spell during the 2019-20 campaign. Since leaving Plainmoor he has had spells with Tiverton Town and Clachanuddin in the Highland League.

Liam Davis: 

Liam Davis joined the Glovers in 2013, after having previously played under Gary Johnson at Northampton Town. He was a regular in their season in the Championship in 2013-14 and was released by Paul Sturrock at the end of the 2014-15 campaign. A spell in Sweden followed before he was reunited with Johnson at Cheltenham and he joined the Gulls in the 2017-18 season when he was signed by Kevin Nicholson. Despite never appearing under Nicholson due to injury, he was an ever present under his successor Gary Owers but unfortunately couldn't help prevent United from being relegated to National League South. He was also an ever present for the Gulls in the 2018-19 campaign, as they clinched the National League South title under Johnson. His career was ended by an ankle injury sustained in an FA Cup tie with Maidstone United.

Steve Morrall: 

A University educated right winger who drew comparisons with Liverpool wide man Steve Heighway, who himself had a University background, Steve Morrall first broke into the Torquay United side in the 1972-73 season. He remained with the Gulls until 1977 when he decided to go part-time and joined Yeovil Town so he could concentrate on his career with the District Valuer's Office. 

Alex Russell: 

The midfield lynchpin of United's 2003-04 promotion winning side under Leroy Rosenior, Alex Russell enjoyed a hugely successful four years at Plainmoor between 2001 and 2005. As well as winning promotion he also won the club's player of the year award in the 2002-03 season and was named in the PFA Division Three team of the season two years running in 2002-03 and 2003-04. He then joined Bristol City and was part of the Robins' side who won promotion to the Championship under Gary Johnson in the 2006-07 campaign. Russell also scored the crucial goal in their final day 3-1 victory over Rotherham United which secured promotion. He later moved on to Cheltenham Town and Exeter City and a brief spell with the Glovers during the 2010-11 season. 

Cliff Myers: 

After spells with Charlton Athletic and Brentford, Cliff Myers joined Yeovil Town in 1968 and spent five years at the Glovers' old Huish ground and was part of the side who won the Southern League Premier Division title in the 1970-71 season. He was given a second shot at league football in 1973 when Malcolm Musgrove signed him for Torquay United and he remained with the Gulls until the 1975-76 season. His son Chris would later have three spells with United (1986-1988, 1990-1993 and 1993-94 loan) and was part of the Gulls side who won promotion from Division Four through the play-offs against Blackpool in 1991.

Ryan Dickson: 

Ryan Dickson had two spells with both Torquay United and Yeovil Town at different stages of his career. The first came during the 2006-07 season on loan from Plymouth Argyle and he later joined the Gulls permanently in 2018, after spending three years with the Glovers after joining them in 2015 from Crawley Town. He had previously been on loan spell with Yeovil in the 2011-12 season.

Martin Gritton: 

After being signed by Plymouth Argyle from Jewson South Western League side Porthleven, Martin Gritton joined the Glovers on loan during the 2000-01 season. He later signed for Torquay in the 2002-03 campaign and finished the season as the Gulls' top scorer. Gritton was also part of the Gulls' squad who won automatic promotion from Division Three in 2003-04. He later moved on to Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town (loan), Macclesfield Town and Chesterfield before returning to the Gulls on loan in the 2010-11 season. After leaving Spireites in 2011, Gritton had a spell with Chester FC before returning to Huish Park on a short term basis before winding down his career with Stockport County and Truro City. 

Reuben Reid:  

Like Ryan Dickson, Reuben Reid also had a loan spell at Plainmoor during the 2006-07 season. He also had two spells with the Glovers. Reid first arrived at Huish Park in 2012, but fell out of favour under Gary Johnson and was loaned out to Plymouth Argyle in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. During the latter campaign, Reid became the first player to score 20 or more times in a season since Tommy Tynan. He later signed for the Pilgrims on a permanent basis and later had spells with Exeter City, Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town before re-signing for Yeovil midway through the 2020-21 campaign.

GULLS LOOKING TO DRAW INSPIRATION FROM LAST VISIT TO OLDHAM

As Torquay United head to Oldham Athletic on Sunday for their relegation 'six-pointer' against the Latics, manager Gary Johnson will be hoping for the same result from their last visit to Boundary Park in April 2005. 

On that occasion both the Gulls and the Latics were fighting against relegation from League One - and Leroy Rosenior's United side had beaten MK Dons and Port Vale at Plainmoor as they mounted a late bid for survival after winning promotion in 2003-04.  

Spearheading the Gulls' fight against relegation was Adebayo Akinfenwa who had netted 14 times in all competitions by that stage as he looked to rebuild his career, which had taken in spells in Lithuania with FK Atlantas and Wales with Barry Town - not to mention several Football League clubs. 

The Latics went in front after 25 minutes against the run of play when skipper Dean Holden’s cross found veteran winger David Eyres, who showed a nice turn of speed before hammering home his seventh goal of the season.

However, it was to prove to be Oldham’s only shot on target in the whole 90 minutes – as Torquay bounced back to equalise four minutes before the break.

Kevin Hill slipped a neat pass to Matt Hockley, and he clipped the ball past the advancing keeper Les Pogliacomi to score his first goal of the season. Holden had made a despairing lunge on the line to try to clear but the ball hit a post before hitting the back of the net.

There was no way back for the Latics after Torquay went in front in the 49th minute.

A free-kick from Steve Woods picked out Hill, who - in turn - headed the ball into the path of Gulls’ top scorer Adebayo Akinfenwa, who fired home to score his 15^th of the campaign.

Leon Constantine later hit the woodwork and Buster Phillips teed up Alex Russell for a shot that went narrowly wide, as United completed their third successive win and their second ‘double’ of 2004-05; the Gulls had previously beaten the Latics 2-0 at Plainmoor in November 2004 with goals from Leon Constantine and Martin Gritton. 

The following week saw United beat Blackpool 2-0 with goals from Akinfenwa and Russell to make four wins on the spin, but a 2-1 defeat at Colchester United on the final day of the campaign - coupled with wins for the Latics and MK Dons - saw the Gulls relegated by the narrowest of margins on goal difference. 

Akinfenwa was voted as the club's player of the year before moving onto Swansea City and later appeared for Northampton Town (twice), Gillingham (twice), AFC Wimbledon and Wycombe Wanderers. 

Torquay United (4-3-3): Andy Marriott; Matt Hockley, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Craig Woodman; Alex Russell, Darren Garner, Kevin Hill; Martin Phillips (Matt Villis 90), Adebayo Akinfenwa, Leon Constantine

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS GATESHEAD

 1. Aaron Jarvis on target. 

After missing the start of the season with a double 'dead leg' - Aaron Jarvis has certainly made up for lost time, as he scored his sixth goal of the campaign against Gateshead. 

Jarvis was playing against the Heed as a lone striker with Dillon De Silva and Stephen Wearne playing either side of him as attacking wide players. De Silva also found the back of the net himself - but it was ruled out for offside. 

2. The return of Kieron Evans. 

Saturday's match also marked the return to action of Cardiff City loanee Kieron Evans after he sustained three broken ribs against Maidenhead United in September. 

Evans showed a few promising glimpses of his talent; his sixth minute cross picked out Mark Ellis, whose header was palmed over the bar by Gateshead keeper James Montgomery. In the second half, it was his cross who found Aaron Jarvis to head home the Gulls' opener. 

With the Gulls crying out for more pace and creativity from midfield, Evans' return could prove to be a timely one.

3. Brett McGavin shines in the centre of midfield.  

Despite a promising pre-season, Brett McGavin's 2022-23 campaign has been something of a stop-start one, but he produced arguably his best display of the season against Gateshead. 

Former Ipswich Town starlet McGavin always looked to get on the ball and make something happen and one of the most pleasing things was that once he played a pass, he would be looking to make himself available to receive the ball. 

He also came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, he had a free-kick turned around the post by James Montgomery on 41 minutes and fired over in the 81st minute.

4. Would a second striker have helped the Gulls cause? 

With Stoke City loanee Will Goodwin and Corie Andrews being missing from United's squad, Aaron Jarvis was United's only recognised striker available to Gary Johnson on Saturday. 

Had Johnson been in a position to send on either of those two as a substitute and switch from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2, could the result have been different? 

From the point of view of Gateshead, one of their defenders would have been man-marking Aaron Jarvis and other would have been acting as a sweeper. However, by switching to two up top the central defender who would have been sweeper would then have had someone to mark, which he may not have been comfortable with. 

5. The wait for a clean sheet goes on. 

United's wait for a clean sheet since their 1-0 win over FC Halifax Town in their second match of the season continues. 

The Gulls came close to doing so against Gateshead. However, it did appear that goalkeeper Mark Halstead may have been fouled in the build up to Owen Bailey's scrambled effort on 75 minutes, which secured a point for the Heed. 

Nevertheless, if United are to avoid a return to National League South then clean sheets will need to become a big priority. 

6. Six points from safety - how worried should we be? 

Saturday's result leaves United rooted to the foot of the National League table and six points adrift from safety. Had they had beaten Gateshead they would have been third from bottom and four points away from exiting the drop zone. 

The last time that the National League was completed with a full compliment of 24 teams in the 2018-19 season Boreham Wood finished fifth from bottom with 52 points. 

For the Gulls to reach a similar figure they now require 37 points from their remaining 25 league fixtures - starting with their visit to Dagenham and Redbridge next week. 

United have been in this positions in the past, but with seven loan players currently at Plainmoor these need to be extended and deals with certain players need to be made into permanent moves in order for all players to be within the match-day limit of five in a squad.

GULLS TO FOCUS ON THE LEAGUE AFTER REPLAY DEFEAT

Sometimes the scoreline doesn't tell the full story, and Torquay United's FA Cup first round replay defeat to Derby County at Pride Park arguably followed this narrative. 

United didn't get off to the best of starts as centre back Mark Ellis inadvertantly turned a cross from Rams left-back Haydon Roberts into his own net after seven minutes. 

Eight minutes later, Derby doubled their lead as former Republic of Ireland striker David McGoldrick squared a pass to Will Osula, who netted twice in the first game at Plainmoor, who slotted home. 

In the 32nd minute, the Gulls came close to reducing their arrears as Rams keeper Joe Wildsmith parried away a cross from QPR loanee Dillon De Silva, which was aimed at Will Goodwin. The rebound then fell to United striker Aaron Jarvis, but Wildsmith recovered in time to deny him. 

Moments later, Charlton Athletic loanee Lucas Ness connected with a corner from Stephen Wearne, but his header was tipped over the bar by Wildsmith. 

However, they found themselves trailing by three goals after 38 minutes when Osula turned provider as he picked out Liam Thompson on the right hand side, who then cut inside onto his left foot to drill the ball past United keeper Mark Halstead. 

On the stroke of half-time, United had the chance to reduce their deficit when Wildsmith hit a clearance straight at Jarvis, but he could only muster a tame shot while his striker partner Goodwin was unmarked and in space. 

On 62 minutes, the Rams won a corner which was headed clear by Jarvis, but only as far as Everton loanee Lewis Dobbin who volleyed home from the edge of the penalty area for 4-0. 

With 11 minutes to go, McGoldrick finally found the target himself with a shot on the turn - by now the game was well and truly over as a contest. 

Nevertheless, there was still time for Torquay to go close to scoring a consolation as Jarvis raced towards goal, but his eventual shot was turned behind by Wildsmith. 

Next up for the Gulls is a return to the bread and butter of the National League with a trip to Barnet, followed by a home 'six-pointer' against Gateshead, which will see 23rd face 24th in the table.

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS CHESTERFIELD

 1. A complete contrast from their last meeting. 

When Torquay United last faced Chesterfield in their final home game of the 2021-22 season they won 2-0 with the goals coming courtesy of a sublime individual effort from QPR loanee Stephen Duke-McKenna and an Armani Little penalty.

However, yesterday's meeting was a complete contrast as a second half blitz from the Spireites saw them blow the Gulls away to win 5-1 in emphatic fashion. Chesterfield now join Notts County, Wrexham and Solihull Moors in scoring four or more goals against United in 2022-23. 

2. Is the Gulls' schedule taking too much out of them. 

United manager Gary Johnson admitted that his side looked tired after they completed their fourth game in 12 days (Aldershot Tuesday 1 November, Derby Sunday 6 November, Dorking Wanderers 9 November and Chesterfield 12 November). Also Chesterfield had seen their midweek fixture with Wealdstone was postponed due to Wealdstone's Grosvenor Vale pitch being waterlogged. 

However, ahead of their replay on Tuesday night, Derby also had an equalling punishing itinerary as they face an EFL Cup tie against Liverpool on the same night that United faced Dorking, which went to extra time and penalties, and have played the same number of games over the same period of time.

3. Dillon De Silva following the path of Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna. 

Last season, Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna both excelled for the Gulls whilst on loan from Queens Park Rangers. In the current campaign, Sri Lankan international winger Dillon De Silva followed in their footsteps by making the move from Loftus Road to Plainmoor - and after adding to the brace he scored against Dorking Wanderers with another strike against Chesterfield, United once again have their former winger Paul Hall, who is also the R's Under-23's coach, to thank for lining up another superb loan signing. 

4. Seven into five doesn't go. 

United went into Saturday's game against Chesterfield with five loan players in their starting line-up:  Lucas Ness (Charlton Athletic), Mark Ellis (Barrow), Dillon De Silva (QPR), Stephen Wearne (Grimsby Town) and Will Goodwin (Stoke City). Because only five loanees are allowed in a matchday squad, central midfielder Scott Smith, who is currently on loan from Wigan Athletic, missed out entirely. Also, Kieron Evans, who joined on a season-long loan deal from Cardiff City has resumed light training again after sustaining broken ribs against Maidenhead United in September. 

Hopefully Gary Johnson will be allowed to turn one or two of these loan signings into permanent ones with some of the revenue that the Gulls have generated from their FA Cup fixtures against Derby County, or he and Aaron Downes will have some difficult decisions to make. 

5. Corie Andrews is back. 

Striker Corie Andrews made a long awaited return following a knee injury as he came off the bench to replace skipper Asa Hall in the 78th minute. In his absence, strike duo Aaron Jarvis and Will Goodwin have taken their goalscoring figures for the season to ten, having found the back of the net five times each, and Andrews will be keen to get off the mark himself - as he is yet to find the back of the net for the Gulls. 

6. A series of 'six-pointers' coming up. 

Whilst United won't be competing with the likes of Notts County, Wrexham and Chesterfield this season, they do have a number of 'six-pointers' coming up against Gateshead, Yeovil Town, FC Halifax Town and Maidstone United over the next few months. How they perform against them could go a long way to determining their fate at the end of the season.

SCHUMACHER CLINCHES BACK TO BACK MANAGER OF THE MONTH PRIZES AS ARGYLE REMAIN IN POLE POSITION

Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher has become the first manager to win back to back League One manager of the month awards after following up winning the award for October 2022. 

During the course of the month, the Pilgrims won six of their seven league encounters. It was a run that included a 1-0 win away to Wycombe Wanderers, a 2-1 home win over fellow promotion contenders Sheffield Wednesday and their 4-2 Devon derby victory over Exeter City which saw televised on Sky Sports. It was enough to earn him the prize for the second time on the trot and it saw Argyle open up a four-point gap at the top of the table. 

The last League One manager to win back to back manager of the month awards was Paul Cook in March and April 2018 when he led Wigan Athletic to the League One title in the 2017-18 season. 

If Schumacher can emulate that achievement with the Pilgrims, then he will find himself in the same company as Bob Jack, Jimmy Rae, Jack Rowley, Tony Waiters, Dave Smith and Paul Sturrock, who have all led Argyle into the second tier of English football. 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DERBY COUNTY

1.Will Goodwin writes his name into Torquay folklore. 

In years to come Will Goodwin's late equaliser for the Gulls against Derby County will be talked about in the same breath as one of the most iconic FA Cup goals scored by a Torquay United. It's a list that includes Dave Caldwell's goal against Bristol City in 1987, Paul Hirons effort against West Ham United in 1990, Mick O'Brien's free-kick against QPR in 1999 and Matt Green's strike against Blackpool in 2009. 

Goodwin also had a hand in United's opener as it was Eiran Cashin's tug on his shirt that resulted in the Irishman being dismissed for denying him as he raced through on goal, which the subsequent penalty was awarded and then converted by Gulls' skipper Asa Hall. 

His goal also moves the young Stoke City loanee level with Aaron Jarvis at the top of United's goal scoring charts for the 2022-23 campaign. 

2. Mark Ellis continues to have a big influence on the Gulls' defence. 

The difference that the return to Mark Ellis to Plainmoor on loan from Barrow continues to be apparent, as he produced another assured display in the centre of the Gulls' defence. Ellis, 34, read the game superbly and was seldom beaten in the air. For United's younger defenders, they will be able to learn from the former Crewe, Shrewsbury and Tranmere man in the same way that he was able to learn from the likes of Steve Woods, Chris Todd and Guy Branston earlier in his career. 

3. Lucas Ness looked assured at the back alongside Ellis. 

One of those young centre backs learning from Mark Ellis is Charlton Athletic loanee Lucas Ness, who produced an incredibly assured display alongside the Barrow loanee. There were a few shades of Joe Lewis, who departed Plainmoor for Stockport County in the summer, about Ness' performance - as showed great composure on the ball for a centre back, in addition to all the qualities that central defenders require. 

In the 1988-89 season, another young centre back came to the Gulls on loan and went onto have a great career who went by the name of Matt Elliott. If Ness can get close to the heights that Elliott reached with Leicester City and Scotland, he would have had a very good career indeed. 

4. Aaron Jarvis made his present felt up front. 

After netting his first career hat-trick in the Gulls' 6-1 win over Aldershot Town, Aaron Jarvis was once again one of United's leading lights against Derby. The former Scunthorpe man held the ball up well and it was his persistence that played an important in helping Will Goodwin score United's all-important equaliser. 

5. Shaun Donnellan excels as a stand-in right-back

Midfielder Shaun Donnellan once again found himself filling in at right-back, and it was a role that he excelled in. The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international made a number of important tackles and he even had a shot from distance that fizzed agonisingly wide in the second half. 

6. Gary Johnson was able to name an unchanged side. 

For the first time this season, Torquay manager Gary Johnson had the luxury of being able to name an unchanged side. Such has been United's problems with injuries and the constant need to bring in new faces, however the benefit of having a settled line-up - as well as being able to call on the experience of Asa Hall and Tom Lapslie in midfield - was there for all to see.

 

FA CUP FIRST ROUND PREVIEW: 2022-23

Grimsby Town vs Plymouth Argyle

After their thrilling 4-2 Devon derby win over Exeter City on Monday night, Plymouth Argyle head north to fac Grimsby Town in the FA Cup first round. 

Manager Steven Schumacher has been given permission to field his loan quartet of Sam Cosgrove, Nigel Lonwijk, Bali Mumba and Morgan Whittaker have been given permission to play by their parent clubs. However, Fin Azaaz misses out with a broken ankle. 

Argyle reached the fourth round last season, where they enjoyed a memorable tie with Premier League side Chelsea - taking the Blues to extra time at Stamford Bridge - so they will be looking to enjoy a similar run again this time.

Milton Keynes Dons vs Taunton Town 

Taunton Town's reward for defeating Somerset neighbours Yeovil Town is a trip to League One outfit Milton Keynes Dons. 

The Peacocks currently occupy 16th place in National League South whilst the Dons are 21st in League One - and find themselves in the relegation zone - but, as in the previous round, they are not overawed by bigger reputations.

Should Taunton pull off a shock it will be the first time ever that they have reached the second round of the competition.

Port Vale vs Exeter City

For a third time in the current calendar year, Exeter City will face Port Vale. The Grecians lost 1-0 to the Valiants on the final day of the 2021-22 campaign, which saw them miss out on the League Two title to Forest Green Rovers. 

Nevertheless, City then gained revenge on Vale with a 4-0 win at St James Park earlier in the season. 

Manager Gary Caldwell will no doubt be keen to enjoy a good run in the FA Cup, after having won the competition with Wigan Athletic in 2013 and he also won the Scottish Cup with Celtic earlier in his playing career.

Weymouth vs AFC Wimbledon

Weymouth's first appearance in the first round proper draw for 15 years sees them face AFC Wimbledon of League Two and looking pull off an upset. 

Bobby Wilkinson's side have already made £18,375 so far from the competition and another £41,000 is available if they shock the Dons at the Bob Lucas Stadium. 

The Terras will be without Ben Gerring who is cup-tied, but Exeter City have given young defender Ed James permission to play. 

Torquay United vs Derby County

The first ever competitive meeting between Torquay United and Derby County will be televised live on ITV with the Gulls aiming to cause what would be a major shock. 

Their League One opponents, winners of the competition in 1947, will be competing in the first round stage for the first time in 37 years and are aiming to avoid what would be a proverbial 'banana skin' in the form of United. 

All of the Gulls' available loan players - Mark Ellis (Barrow), Lucas Ness (Charlton Athletic), Stephen Wearne (Grimsby Town), Dillon De Silva (QPR), Scott Smith (Wigan Athletic) and Will Goodwin (Stoke City) - have been granted permission to play by their parent clubs. 

However, they won't be the only players who will be eagerly anticipating the tie: Gulls' left back Dean Moxey spent two years at Pride Park between 2009 and 2011 - after joining the Rams from Exeter City for £200,000 in 2009. Moxey was also part of the Grecians' side who memorably took Manchester United to a replay in 2004-05, and any wisdom that he is able to impart will certainly prove useful to his younger teammates. 

TORQUAY UNITED AND DERBY COUNTY PLAYING CONNECTIONS

Torquay United's first round FA Cup tie with Derby County will be the first time that the two have faced other in a competitive fixture. 

However, over the years, a number of players have appeared for both clubs, including some extremely well known figures.

John Turner: 

Now found working behind the bar in the Gulls’ Nest on match days, John Turner was one of the most popular goalkeepers ever to appear for Torquay United. He arrived at Plainmoor in the summer of 1978 with a fine pedigree – he'd started out as an apprentice at Derby County under Brian Clough and Peter Taylor. Whilst with his former club Reading, Turner became one of the few keepers to displace the legendary Royals’ keeper Steve Death – albeit temporarily. 

After winning the Gulls’ player of the year award in the 1979-80 season and being named in the PFA Division Four team of the season, Turner secured a £80,000 move to Chesterfield. However, Turner would later return to Plainmoor ahead of the 1983-84 season, but became one of the first victims of Dave Webb’s cost-cutting measures. He later found his way to Peterborough United, who he joined as a replacement for a certain David Seaman. 

Bruce Rioch: 

After making his way in the game with Luton Town and Aston Villa, Bruce Rioch first joined Derby County in February 1974 when the Rams paid Villa £200,000 for his signature as manager Dave Mackay looked to put his own stamp on the side that he had inherited from Brian Clough. In the subsequent 1974-75 season, he helped Derby to win their second league title - three years after their first triumph under Clough. 

In December 1976, he left the Baseball Ground to join Everton for £180,000, but he would return to the Rams in November 1977 for a fee of £150,000. Rioch would go on to captain Scotland in their ill-fated 1978 World Cup campaign, and appeared against Peru and Holland, before heading stateside to sign for the Seattle Sounders. 

He returned briefly to England to join Torquay under Mike Green in the 1980-81 season, and would return to Plainmoor as player-coach under Frank O'Farrell following Green's departure. In the 1982-83 campaign, he was named as Gulls manager in a move that saw O'Farrell move upstairs to become general manager. Rioch remained in charge of United until January 1984 following an altercation with Colin Anderson; highlights of his reign included a run to the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1982-83 where the Gulls were beaten 3-2 by Sheffield Wednesday at Plainmoor. He would later manage Middlesbrough, Millwall, Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal, Norwich City, Wigan Athletic and Danish side Aalborg.

John Sims: 

Another player who served the Rams under the Clough/Taylor partnership, John Sims made a handful of appearances for Derby County, including a European Cup semi-final against Juventus in the 1972-73 season. He found himself loaned out to Luton Town, Oxford United and Colchester United before he joined Notts County in 1975. Three years later he headed for the Westcountry to sign for Exeter City under Bobby Saxton and would later follow Saxton to Home Park a year later when he became Plymouth Argyle manager. In the 1983-84 campaign, he became part of the select band of players to have played for all three Devon clubs when Bruce Rioch signed him for Torquay United. Sims would later rejoin the Grecians, as he became another victim of Dave Webb's cutbacks, but he would rejoin the Gulls and briefly became player-manager in 1985 for 33 days. 

Don O'Riordan:

Don O'Riordan started his career with Derby County after being spotted in his native Dublin and joined the Rams as an apprentice in 1972 under Brian Clough. He would later make his debut under Clough's successor Dave Mackay and was later released by Tommy Docherty. 

Spells with Tulsa Rougnecks in America, Preston North End, Carlisle United, Middlesbrough and Grimsby Town followed before he signed for Notts County where he enjoyed something of an Indian Summer under Neil Warnock. O'Riordan helped the Magpies win back to back promotions between the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons between the 'old' Third Division and the 'old' First Division - and he also scored in the FA Cup quarter finals against Tottenham Hotspur in 1990-91. 

He linked up with Warnock at Plainmoor towards the end of the 1992-93 season, and his experience proved vital in helping the Gulls to pull off a 'great escape'. During the summer of 1993, O'Riordan succeeded Warnock as manager - and guided United to the Division Three play-offs in the 1993-94 campaign.

O'Riordan remained in charge of the Gulls until October 1995, when he was dismissed following an 8-1 defeat to Scunthorpe United. He then went onto enjoy a varied career as a coach which has seen him coach in a number of countries, including China, the USA and South Africa.

Darren Moore: 

A product of the Gulls' youth set-up, Darren Moore broke into the Torquay United side as a teenager and won the club's player of the year award for the 1992-93 season. He was also part of the United squad that reached the play-offs in the subsequent 1993-94 campaign. 

Moore left Plainmoor a year later to join Doncaster Rovers and later appeared for Bradford City, Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion. He would appear for the latter in the Premier League before joining Derby County in 2006. 

Whilst with the Rams, Moore won another promotion to the Premier League in the 2006-07 season after beating West Brom in the Championship play-off final. However, they would make a swift return to the second tier, as they finished the 2007-08 campaign with a record low Premier League points tally of 11. 

Spells with Barnsley and Burton Albion followed before Moore retired as a player. He then embarked on a coaching career with West Brom and succeeded Alan Pardew as manager in 2018. 

After leaving West Brom during the 2018-19 season, Moore was appointed as manager of Doncaster Rovers before taking charge of Sheffield Wednesday, who he is presently manager of. 

Paul Trollope:  

The son of Swindon Town record appearance holder, John Trollope, Paul Trollope initially joined the Gulls on loan from the Robins in the 1991-92 season before making the move permanent. 

He became a regular in United's midfield under Don O'Riordan, as the Gulls made the play-offs in the 1993-94 season. 

Midway through the 1994-95 campaign, he joined Derby County under future United manager Roy McFarland and helped the Rams to win promotion to the Premier League under Jim Smith in the 1996-97 season. 

Stints with Fulham, Coventry City, Northampton Town and Bristol Rovers followed for Trollope, who was also capped nine times by Wales. In the 2005-06 season, he became first team coach of the Pirates with Lennie Lawrence as director of football. 

He remained in charge at the Memorial Stadium until 2010, during which time he led them to promotion from League Two in 2006-07 via the play-offs. Coaching spells with Birmingham City, Norwich City, Cardiff City and the Welsh national side followed before he became manager of Cardiff in 2016.

Dean Moxey:  

One of the first prospects to emerge from Exeter City's now famed youth academy, Dean Moxey was part of the Grecians side that famously drew 0-0 with Manchester United in the 2004-05 campaign. He would later help City win back-to-back promotions between the Blue Square Premier League and League One between 2007-08 and 2008-09.

His form prompted Derby County to pay £300,000 for his signature in 2009; he remained at Pride Park until 2011 when he joined Crystal Palace, who he appeared for in the Premier League in 2013-14 before joining Bolton Wanderers in 2014. 

After helping the Trotters win promotion from League One in the 2016-17 season, Moxey returned to St James Park in the summer of 2017. He remained with the Grecians for three years until he joined the Gulls in 2020, and he is currently United's third longest serving player.

A DERBY WITH AN EXTRA EDGE TO IT

The first Devon Expressway derby of the 2022-23 season between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City promises to be a memorable encounter for a number of reasons. 

Probably the biggest reason is that the two sides head into the match at Home Park occupying their highest respective league positions prior to any such fixture. The Pilgrims are currently top of League One while the Grecians are seventh in the table - just outside the play-off zone. 

Argyle will be heading into the meeting looking to avenge their 4-0 defeat at St James Park in October 2019 - the suspension of football due to the Covid-19 pandemic meant that the return fixture at Home Park couldn't take place. Manager Steven Schumacher was working as assistant manager to Ryan Lowe at the time and will surely be mindful of the fact that this is no ordinary game to the 'Green Army.' 

Grecians new boss Gary Caldwell has experienced some of the more fierce rivalries in British football, including arguably the fierciest of them all - having played in the Old Firm derby for Celtic against Rangers. 

The match will also mark Caldwell's second game in charge, after he was appointed as the successor to the Rotherham United bound Matt Taylor. The derby gives him the chance to make a lasting early impression on the Grecians' faithful. 

Nevertheless, with live TV Coverage provided by Sky, it has all the making of a classic, and hopefully it will prove to be box office viewing. 

 

CALDWELL TAKES CHARGE OF GRECIANS

Exeter City have appointed former Scotland international defender Gary Caldwell as the successor to Matt Taylor. 

Caldwell, 40, started his playing with Newcastle United, but after failing to break into the Magpies' first team he joined Hibernian in 2004. His form for Hibs earned him a move to Celtic in 2006 and he won all three domestic trophies (the SPL, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup) before moving to the Premier League to sign for Wigan Athletic in 2010. He was part of the Latics' squad that shocked Manchester City to win the FA Cup in 2013; he was an unused sub, but he lifted the trophy together with playing captain Emmerson Boyce. 

In addition to this, Caldwell was capped 55 times by Scotland and scored twice. 

As a manager, Caldwell was appointed as Wigan Athletic manager in April 2015 and was unable to stop the Latics from being relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2014-15 campaign. However, under his guidance, Wigan bounced back to win the League One title in the 2015-16 season. 

After a poor start to the 2016-17 campaign, Caldwell was dismissed by the Latics before he was appointed as Chesterfield manager in 2017, but was unable to prevent the Spireites being relegated from League One at the end of the 2016-17 season. Nevertheless, after a poor start to the 2017-18 campaign he was dismissed by Chesterfield. 

A spell in charge of Partick Thistle followed before Caldwell had a brief stint as Under-23's manager at Newcastle United. He then returned to Hibs as assistant manager under his former Celtic and Wigan teammate Shaun Maloney, a post which he held until Maloney was sacked in April 2022 following an Scottish Cup game semi-final defeat to city neighbours Hearts. 

 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS ALTRINCHAM

1. 'Gary time' is back. 

Throughout Gary Johnson's four and a bit years as Torquay United manager, the Gulls have developed a habit of scoring goals late on in what has become known as 'Gary time.' In the seventh minute of injury time. right-back Dylan Crowe added his name to the list of players who've found the target for United during this time period when he fired home from 25 yards after being set up by Aaron Jarvis. The only shame was that it only sealed a single point for the Gulls, instead of all three.

2. Asa at the double. 

When Torquay United and Gary Johnson needed their experienced players to step up to the plate, skipper Asa Hall duly delivered as he scored his first goals of the 2022-23 season. After trailing 2-0 at half-time, Hall headed home Brett McGavin's corner two minutes after the restart and then slotted home a short pass from Will Goodwin in the 71st minute to equalise. Hall is now United's joint second highest scorer with McGavin and Aaron Jarvis.

3. Aaron Jarvis led the line well. 

After some promising displays in pre-season, Torquay United fans had to wait a while before seeing striker Aaron Jarvis in action as he suffered a double dead leg, which ruled him out for several months. However, now back fit and firing, Jarvis is starting to show the Plainmoor faithful what they were missing. The former Luton Town and Scunthorpe United man led the line well for the Gulls, constantly putting the Alty backline under pressure and he teed up Dylan Crowe for United's last gasp equaliser. If he can add a few more goals to his tally - he has netted twice already this season - then United will begin to climb the table. 

4. Dean Moxey rolled back the years. 

He might have been the oldest player on the pitch at the age of 36, but United left-back Dean Moxey had a hand in three of four of United's goals. For United's second goal his blocked cross fell into the path of Will Goodwin who squared the ball to Asa Hall to score, sub Tom Lapslie turned home his cross to put them 3-2 up and then finally for United's fourth his low shot found Aaron Jarvis who then in turn found Dylan Crowe who struck to score the Gulls' fourth. 

5. Ross Marshall's red card. 

Had Dylan Crowe not scored his late equaliser deep in injury time then it is likely that Ross Marshall would have been the villain following his 88th minute dismissal for a dangerous stamp on Altrincham skipper Jordan Hulme. It was the second time that Marshall has seen red this season, after previously being sent for an early bath against Bromley earlier in the season. 

There have been a number of players with suspect disciplinary records; two who spring to mind include Gary Brabin and Angus MacDonald. Brabin was sent off twice for the Gulls during his brief five match stint at Plainmoor in the 2001-02 season and left after seeing red in a Devon derby defeat to Exeter City. MacDonald, on the other hand, overcame his disciplinary issues to become a leading figure in United's 'great escape' in 2015-16 under Kevin Nicholson. MacDonald spent much of the season trying to avoid receiving a 15th yellow card, which would have seen him face a three-match ban, but he successfully avoided reaching that tally until United were safe, and in the following summer he joined Barnsley for £100,000. Which direction Marshall now takes is completely down to him. 

6. Survival is achieveable, but changes need to be made. 

In eight league and cup matches, Torquay United are yet to achieve a victory at Plainmoor. Even during some of the worst leagues in the club's history have they ever gone that long without achieving a win in front of their own fans. 

One area of the side that surely needs addressing is the defence, which conceded four goals, and with Ross Marshall (22), Ali Omar (23) and Chin Okoli (19) the only other centre backs available to Gary Johnson other than Dean Moxey (36) an experienced figure would help in that regard. When United completed their 'great escape' of the 1992-93 season, Neil Warnock returned to his old club Notts County to sign Don O'Riordan to bolster an inexperienced backline that featured a young Darren Moore and a relatively young Chris Curran. In the end, United lost only two of their final nine matches of season and secured survival with a 1-0 win over Carlisle United in their penultimate game of the campaign.

 

GORDON SPARKS 1961-2022

BBC Radio Devon presenter and former Plymouth Argyle commentator Gordon Sparks has died after a battle with Cancer.

Tributes have poured in for Sparks from a variety of people, including former Plymouth Argyle players and managers as well as celebrity fans, former colleagues and civic figures in Plymouth. 

Sparks' career as a football commentator began in 1984, when he was asked to cover Argyle's FA Cup semi-final against Watford at Villa Park for hospital radio. He later commentated on the Pilgrims' fortunes for Plymouth Sound before moving to the BBC in 2001. 

His transfer to BBC Radio Devon coincided with Argyle's rise to the Championship under Paul Sturrock and this was of course followed by the managerial reigns of Bobby Williamson, Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway. 

By the end of the decade, Sparks was combining his commentary duties with presenting Radio Devon's breakfast show. At this stage Argyle were gripped by the financial crisis that saw them slide down the leagues and into Administration. During this period, Sparks wasn't afraid to ask members of the club's hierarchy difficult questions when they appeared on his show about the situation affecting the Pilgrims. 

In 2016, Sparks decided to concentrate solely on the breakfast show and left his role as a commentator with his final match he covered being the 2016 League Two play-off final where the Pilgrims were beaten 3-0 by AFC Wimbledon. 

After retiring from commentating, Sparks remained a regular at Home Park and wrote a regular column for the Plymouth Argyle website - he wrote a similar column for the Plymouth Herald for many years previously - and the Press Box in the newly redeveloped grandstand was named in his honour. 

He is survived by his wife Heather, his two daughters Holly and Kirsty and his granddaughter. 

From a personal point of view, Sparksy was always a welcoming presence in the Argyle Press Room at Home Park and would often entertain allcomers with numerous jokes and funny stories. He would often that former Pilgrims defender Danis Salman was his twin! (they were both born on exactly the same day). 

He was a true one-off and unlikely that we will ever see his like again.

Footnote: As well as being born on the same date as Danis Salman, the pair also share the exact date of birth with former Pilgrims manager Ian Holloway - March 12, 1961.

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HAMPTON AND RICHMOND

1. Shooter McGavin strikes again. 

United midfielder Brett McGavin's spectacular second goal for the Gulls helped to spark a comeback  which saw them overturn a two goal deficit to force a replay against Hampton and Richmond. The Beavers defence only half cleared a cross from Dylan Crowe and the ball fell invitingly to McGavin, who found the top corner with a half volley from 25-yards. His effort now makes him United's second highest scorer for the current campaign.

During his season-long loan spell with King's Lynn Town from Ipswich Town in the 2021-22 season, McGavin found the back of the net four times in 41 appearances in all competitions. He still appears well placed to surpassing that return for the Gulls, but still has some way to go to match the goalscoring hauls of Armani Little and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.

2. Donnellan's equaliser. 

After switching from defence to midfield following the introduction of Ali Omar in place of Tom Lapslie, Shaun Donnellan found United's equaliser when he headed home Dillon De Silva's 81st minute cross. The former Republic of Ireland international was one of United's brighter performers on the game, and could he become the regular in the centre of the Gulls midfield as the season progresses?

3. Wyatt strikes the upright. 

One of United's brightest attacking threats in the first half, left wing-back Ben Wyatt forced a save from Beavers keeper Matteo Saloman in opening minutes and on the half hour mark he struck the upright from 25-yards. Had his long range effort gone in, it would have seen the Gulls equalise earlier in the game and the match could have had a different complexion. Nevertheless, Wyatt only remained on the pitch for 45 minutes, as he went off with an injury at half time, and United will be crossing their fingers that he will be fit for the replay.

4. Okoli's block. 

After getting the score back to 2-2, United came agonisingly close to losing the tie as Hampton and Richmond looked well placed to score - only to be denied by a block from the Gulls' Millwall loanee Chin Okoli. Whilst only a teenager, Okoli appears incredibly powerful for a young defender and is very similar to a young Darren Moore, who played for United between 1992 and 1995 before reaching the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion.

5. Dillon De Silva on his way to emulating Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna. 

Last season, Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna enjoyed successful loan spells with the Gulls with QPR and were instrumental in helping the Gulls to finish the 2021-22 season strongly. The early signs are that Dillon De Silva could emulate them after a promising debut from the sub's bench. 

6. Keep an eye out for ball number 64. 

Both the Gulls and Hampton and Richmond will go into Monday night's draw as ball number 64. Therefore both sides will know the prize at stake when they face each other in Tuesday night's replay.

 

 

 

FA CUP FOURTH QUALIFYING ROUND PREVIEW: 2022-23

Yeovil Town vs Taunton Town

County bragging rights will be at stake when Yeovil Town host their Somerset neighbours Taunton Town at Huish Park. It wasn't that long ago that the Glovers reached the Championship whilst the Peacocks were in the lower reaches of the Southern League; however, just one division seperates them - with Yeovil in the National League and Taunton plying their trade in the National League South. 

Nevertheless, the Glovers have a fine pedigree in the cup - having beaten a record 21 league sides in the competitions. Manager Chris Hargreaves also has some fond memories of playing in the FA Cup himself, having featured against Manchester United for Northampton Town and helped Torquay United reach the fourth round of the competition in the 2008-09 season, so he will be keen to add to those.

Torquay United vs Hampton and Richmond Borough

Torquay United's FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie with National League South side Hampton and Richmond Borough will provide a certain amount of respite for the Gulls, who find themselves bottom of the National League. 

Although performances have improved of late, but United haven't tasted victory since September 3, when they beat Southend United 2-1 at Roots Hall. However, should they secure a win it would provide them with a confidence boost and some momentum that they can take into their league campaign. 

Barnet vs Weston Super Mare

After a strong start to their Southern League Premier South campaign,  Weston Super Mare will surely be looking forward to testing themselves against National League side Barnet. The Seagulls' squad possesses a number of individuals with Football League experience including Reuben Reid (Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United, Forest Green Rovers, Exeter City) and Dayle Grubb (Forest Green Rovers). 

Havant and Waterlooville vs Weymouth

Weymouth will be looking to end their 15-year wait for an appearance in the FA Cup first round when they face their fellow National League South outfit Havant and Waterlooville. 

Manager Bobby Wilkinson has received the boost from the return to fitness of Xander McBurnie and Cam Murray, as he also aims to reach the first round proper for the first time as a manager.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

In the wake of Torquay United's struggles at the foot of the National League, it has been suggested whether it would be a good idea to move the Gulls training base further up country in order to help them to attract better players. 

For many United managers of yesteryear their main priorities have been 'contacts, contacts and contacts' and 'recruitment, recruitment, recruitment,' in their aim to secure the signatures of potential signings, but could 'location, location, location' soon be the new buzz words for the Gulls? 

Moving a club's training ground to a different geographical location certainly isn't unheard of in modern times. For example, Barrow, now of League Two, train just outside Manchester in Salford and many of their players only visit the Cumbrian town on matchdays and Hereford FC, currently of National League North and managed by former Gulls defender Josh Gowling, have moved their training base to Warwick University.

Both clubs have stated that their choice of locations has enabled them to increase the catchment area of players that they could potentially recruit - and Gowling has even gone on record as saying that Hereford don't have the budget to be able to get players to relocate. 

Nevertheless, whilst these plans have been beneficial to both Barrow and Hereford, it is also worth considering a couple of points before we start working out whether a similar modus operandi would work for Torquay United. 

Firstly, United have use of the Lodge in Marnham Road, which used to provide accomodation for United's trainees and is currently home to many of the Gulls' first team. 

Secondly, in the past a number of United managers have got around the issues posed by relocation by allowing players to train with clubs nearer to their home during the week. For example, during the late 1960s under the reign of the late Frank O'Farrell, who made use of his contacts with his former club West Ham United. O'Farrell reached a special agreement with the likes of John Bond and Ken Brown which allowed them to train with the Hammers during the week with Ron Greenwood and join up with their teammates in Torquay a day or two before each home game - if relocation was an issue for them. 

Several years later when Wes Saunders persuaded the legendary former Everton and Wales goalkeeper Neville Southall to sign for the Gulls following an injury to Kenny Veysey, Southall combined his playing role at Plainmoor with coaching the goalkeepers at Huddersfield Town and Tranmere Rovers. Indeed Southall would very often train with his teammates on a Friday before home matches and spend the evening at the Palace Hotel in Torquay. Whilst warming up with his teenage understudy Ryan Northmore, Southall was often seen sporting a Tranmere Rovers tracksuit top!

Of course, we live in a very different times now with United now a non-league club and currently operating in what is a very competitive environment. However, surely reviving the aforementioned agreements, which have served the Gulls well in the past, should be worth considering first ahead of any plans to relocate the club's training facilities.