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.

 

TAYLOR MADE FOR ROTHERHAM

In the end they was perhaps an inevitability about it, but this week Rotherham United succeeded in prising Matt Taylor away from Exeter City as he was installed as manager of the Millers. 

The South Yorkshire outfit had lost their own highly talented manager in the form of Paul Warne, who moved to Derby County to replace Liam Rosenior; after having guided the Grecians to 11th place in League One following promotion from League Two, Taylor's reputation attracted their interest. 

Since succeeding Paul Tisdale in 2018, Taylor, who also won back-to-back promotions with City between 2007 and 2009 as a player, kept up the momentum that the Grecians had created by reaching two successive League Two play-offs finals (2017 and 2018) before eventually leading City into League One. 

He also maintained their reputation of bringing players from thieir youth academy into the first team in the form of Joel Randell, who they sold to Peterborough United in 2021, Josh Key and Alex Hartridge. 

His assistant Wayne Carlisle also follows him to the New York Stadium - and it is likely that the Grecians will look outside the club to find Taylor's successor. However they choose part of their remit will be to continue with the club's ethos.

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS SCUNTHORPE UNITED

 1. A step in the right direction. 

After losing 6-0 to Wrexham last week at the Racecourse Ground, the last thing that Torquay United boss Gary Johnson would have wanted is another defeat against Scunthorpe United. Thankfully United averted managed to get at least some points on the board this time round against the Iron.

2. Last ditch defending. 

Instrumental in helping the Gulls to secure a point were goalkeeper Mark Halstead and substitute midfielder Brett McGavin late on in the game. Deep in injury time, Halstead turned a shot from Iron leading scorer Joe Nuttall behind for a corner, and from the resulting flag kick Scunthorpe centre back George Taft was denied by a goal line header from McGavin before Halstead gathered a rebounded effort from Reagan Ogle. Halstead's effort also helped to earn him a place in the Non-League Paper's team of the day.

3. Kieron Evans becoming 'Torquay-fied.'

Cardiff City loanee Kieron Evans continues to improve as he produced a display that eanred him the sponsors man of the match. Evans displayed a great range of passing and always looked to get on the ball and make things happen. If he can develop a greater end product then he has the potential to have the same level of influence on games as his near namesake Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Armani Little once did.

4. First goal for Dan Martin. 

Dan Martin's wait for a first Torquay United ended inside four minutes as he played one-two with Scott Smith in midfield before racing down the left hand side to drill the ball past Scunthorpe keeper Marcus Dewhurst. Martin and his fellow wing-back Dylan Crowe aren't being talked about in the same breath as Andy Gurney and Paul Gibbs yet, but it's still early days.

5. Aaron Jarvis close to scoring against his former club. 

Due to a double 'dead leg' suffered in pre-season, striker Aaron Jarvis hadn't started a game at Plainmoor since United's pre-season friendly against Plymouth Argyle. In the Gulls' defeat to Wrexham, which was his first 90 minutes for the club, he showed that he could hold the ball up effectively and against his former club Scunthorpe he was unlucky not to find the target. On 28 minutes, he was denied by the reflexes of Marcus Dewhurst after being teed up by Kieron Evans; and then three minutes he connected with a free-kick from sub Ben Wyatt which looped over the bar.

6. Scott Smith settling in well. 

Wigan Athletic loanee Scott Smith continued to impress in the centre of midfield for the Gulls since he arrived on loan. The Wales youth international made off the line clearance to deny Scunthorpe striker Caolan Lavery and he made several surging box-to-box runs - as he brings a new found energy to United's midfield.