TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS CHELMSFORD CITY

 1. A debut to remember for Jordan Young. 

Torquay United and Paul Wotton arguably got what they paid for when bringing Jordan Young to Plainmoor from Yeovil Town, as he played a key role in United's first goal before opening his account for the club with their second of the afternoon. For the Gulls' opener, he went on a thrusting run before seeing his shot blocked, which fell invitingly to Cody Cooke who found the back of the net. For United's second, he had seen a shot from distance turned over the bar by Chelmsford keeper Woody Williamson, the resulting corner from Omar Mussa was only cleared as far as Young who struck with a low drive from 15 yards. 

Overall, Young showed more than a few glimpses of the form that he displayed for Yeovil, where he scored 16 goals in all competitions, 14 of which came in the league. If he continues with the form that he showed on his debut for the Gulls against Chelmsford. 

2. Cody Cooke's fifth of the season. 

Remarkably Cody Cooke's fifth goal of the season was the first goal that he has scored at Plainmoor since he joined the club in the summer from Bath City. Cooke is now comfortably the Gulls' leading scorer, as he currently has more than double the highest amount of United's next higest scorer(s): Brad Ash, Matt Carson, Dan Hayfield and Lirak Hasani all have two goals each. 

Unfortunately, Cooke also picked a fifth league booking of the season, which means that he will be absent for United's league meeting with Tonbridge Angels next week. 

3. Sam Dreyer denied his first goal for the club. 

On 36 minutes, Sam Dreyer appeared to have restored United's two-goal cushion after Jake Hyde had pulled a goal back for the Clarets in the 31st minute. A Matt Carson corner was knocked back into the penalty area by Dan Hayfield before Dreyer got the final touch on it and nodded the ball past Chelmsford keeper Williamson. However, the goal was disallowed by referee Stacey Pearson after consulting with linesman James Welsh, under protest from the Clarets players. Whether it was deemed offside, or there was another infringement, it wasn't completely clear, but nevertheless Dreyer, one of United's two ever presents this season, is still waiting for his maiden goal in yellow and blue.

4. Needing to tighten up at the back. 

After yesterday's showing, United have now only kept one clean sheet in their last seven National League South matches, which came in their away fixture against Hampton and Richmond Borough on October 5. Saturday's fixture against Chelmsford was also the first time that they've conceded more than once at home this season. 

It's something that Paul Wotton and his assistant Mike Edwards will need to be wary of as the season enters its midway point.

GULLS GET THEIR MAN

 Torquay United have looked to strengthen their squad with the addition of Jordan Young from Yeovil Town for an undisclosed fee.

Wiltshire-born Young, 25, who can play as a central midfielder, on the right wing, or as a second striker, was a National League South title winner with the Glovers in the 2023-24 season. He found the back of the net 16 times in 47 appearances in all competitions, which helped to earn him a place in the National League South team of the season, in addition to his league winner's medal. 

On several occasions in recent years, Young has crossed paths with United. He netted for the Glovers in both of their league encounters in 2023-24. Young was also on target for his previous club, Chippenham Town, in an FA Trophy tie at Plainmoor in 2022-23, which United won 3-2. 

He has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Gulls, which runs until the summer of 2027, and he is also reunited with his former Yeovil teammate Jay Foulston, who was also part of the Glovers' National League South title winning squad. 

 

 

TUCHEL'S NUMBER TWO

 While the appointment of former Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has attracted plenty of interest, the appointment of his English assistant Anthony Barry has gone under the radar a little. 

Liverpool-born Barry, who made 64 appearances for Yeovil Town during his career which started at Everton and included spells with Accrington Stanley, Wrexham, Chester City and Fleetwood Town amongst others, has previously worked with Tuchel at Chelsea and Bayern Munich. He has also had coaching roles with the national teams of Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Portugal.

He joined the Glovers in January 2006 at a time when Steve Thompson was looking to help the Glovers maintain their newly found League One status, following the departure of Gary Johnson to Bristol City

The following summer saw Russell Slade brought in as manager from Grimsby Town and Thompson reverted to the role of assistant which he had formerly held under Johnson, and Barry continued to play a part for the Glovers. In the 2006-07 season, he netted his only goal for the club in a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie with Shrewsbury Town and he also appeared in both League One play-off semi-finals against Nottingham Forest, which the Glovers memorably defeated Nottingham Forest 5-4 over two legs. He then featured for Yeovil in the final against Blackpool, which the Glovers lost 2-0. 

In 2008, he was released by Yeovil and returned to the North West to sign for Chester City and he spent the remainder of his career in the region, aside from two years spent at Forest Green Rovers between 2013 and 2015, as he appeared for Wrexham (twice), Fleetwood Town and he returned to Accrington Stanley initially on loan before signing permanently for Stanley in 2015. 

Regardless of whatever views anyone might have on the appointment of a German in Tuchel as England manager, the appointment of Barry as his number two represents a great opportunity for a young English coach, who has already a fine track record for someone his age.

IT'S ROONEY TIME AT HOME PARK

The concept of 'Fergie time' is alive and well and has moved to Home Park and is now operating under the guise of 'Rooney time.' 

During Sir Alex Ferguson's reign as Manchester United manager, including Wayne Rooney's playing spell at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were famed for scoring goals late on in games and Plymouth Argyle are developing a habit of last gasp strikes. 

On September 14, a goal from skipper Joe Edwards in stoppage time sealed a 3-2 win over league leaders Sunderland, which was the Pilgrims' first win of Rooney's reign. 

Then just under a fortnight later, Argyle won 3-1 against Luton Town, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, with winger Ibrahim Cissoko completing a brace in injury time in a Friday night encounter at Home Park which was televised on Sky TV.

There was no late drama when the Pilgrims defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-1 with last season's leading scorer Morgan Whittaker turned home a headed cross from central midfielder Adam Randell in the 97th minute, shortly after Rooney had been sent to the stands by referee James Linington. 

Whittaker's strike sealed a third successive home win for Argyle which moves them up to 14th in the Championship table, as the Pilgrims look to prove the pre-season doubters who tipped them for relegation wrong.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS ST ALBANS CITY

1. Penalty claim. 

United had a penalty appeal late on for a challenge on Omar Mussa turned down which many in the ground thought was a stonewall penalty, including Gulls boss Paul Wotton. 

However, whilst Wotton was frustrated with the decision he admitted after the game that he didn't want to be 'that' manager who bemoans officials, but once again the question of officiating in the non-league game has reared its head again. 

One point which I personally believe to be a valid one is that the standard of player at National League level, and National Leagues North and South, is that the standard of player plying their trade at these levels is improving the standard of officiating needs to improve as well.

2. Injuries. 

Although Paul Wotton was able to welcome Jay Foulston and Dan Hayfield back into the starting line-up following their recent absence through injury, he saw both Ed Palmer and Omar Mussa suffer injuries. 

Palmer was elbowed in the face by Zane Banton, six minutes after he had equalised for St Albans, which earned him a red card and Mussa needed to be stretched off following the challenge mentioned under penalty claim.

3. The return of Will Jenkins Davies. 

During the week, Paul Wotton moved to strengthen his squad with the loan capture of Will Jenkins Davies on loan from Plymouth Argyle for what is a third seperate loan spell at Plainmoor. 

Jenkins Davies entered the field of play in place of Lirak Hasani in the 61st minute and brought a new level of energy and drive to the Gulls' midfield and even came close to scoring in the 74th minute. 

His loan spell will last at least until January 2025 and he will surely be pushing for a starting spot when United return to league action against Hampton and Richmond Borough on October 5. 

4. Sam Dreyer was imperious in defence. 

Once again Sam Dreyer was a man mountain in the centre of the Gulls defence and rightfully earned the sponsors man of the match award. In the first half, he blocked a shot from a tight angle from Zane Banton, who would open the scoring for the Saints in the second half, on the line on 37 minutes. He was also responsible for sniffing out the threat of St Albans City striker Sean Jeffers, who netted twice when the two sides met at Plainmoor last season, and he is fast establishing the reputation of being one of the best centre backs in National League South. 

5. Ben Seymour off the mark. 

After netting 16 times for Hampton and Richmond Borough in the 2023-24 season, Ben Seymour had found goals hard to come by since his summer move to Plainmoor. However, he finally got off the mark for United against St Albans in the 50th minute when he attempted to tee up strike partner Cody Cooke but his pass was cut out and fell invitingly into his path and he duly slotted home to open his account for the club. 

Hopefully it will turn out to be the first of many. 

6. Crowds holding up. 

Despite the disappointment of the Gulls' FA Cup exit to Bishops Cleeve, the Gulls maintained their record of attracting 3,000 plus crowds for all of their league games so far in the 2024-25 season. 

Their fixture with St Albans City attracted an attendance of 3,287, which included 35 St Albans City fans.

RESPONDING TO A SETBACK

 At what point does a setback become a crisis? 

While Torquay United have made a promising start to the managerial reign of Paul Wotton, which sees the Gulls occupy the play-off zone, but were dealt an unexpected blow in the FA Cup second qualifying round where they were beaten by Bishops Cleeve of Southern League Division One South. 

It was certainly a result that no United fan would have expected, in fact not even the most ardent of Bishops Cleeve fans would have thought that they would win 3-0. 

Therefore Wotton's post-match reaction was probably not surprising when he said:"It was humiliating and embarrassing. We were second best, in fact we weren't even that. There was absolutely zero credit to be had, Bishops Cleeve should have won by more."

Since the Bryn Consortium's takeover of the club in the summer, United have got so much right off the field in terms of supporter engagement, ranging from the new signing videos on social media, record season ticket sales, new home and away shirts that have sold in high volumes and a community share issue with the club's Supporter's Trust which has surpassed its fundraising target. 

So therefore a result like last Saturday is not in keeping with the renewed positivity surrounding the club.

Whilst Bishops Cleeve are lowest ranked side that the Gulls have lost to in the FA Cup in recent years, they are two divisions above the Mitres, which isn't the biggest divisional gap between United and one of their FA Cup giant killers. There was a divisional gap of three leagues existed between the Gulls and Hinckley United, who knocked United out of the cup in the 2004-05 season. At the time, the Gulls were in League One and Hinckley were in National League North. 

However, United bounced back from their premature cup exit at the hands of the Midlanders, as they went and won 2-1 at Port Vale with goals from Kevin Hill and Leon Constantine and then beat Wrexham 1-0 at Plainmoor thanks to a Tony Bedeau strike. 

Up until now the idea of a crisis at Plainmoor has been on par with what the Cobbolds of Ipswich Town would have regarded as one - namely the boardroom running out of wine. 

A response akin to the Gulls' class of 2004-05 would go a long way to maintaining that status.

BRINGING THE CROWDS BACK TO PLAINMOOR

 As well as their improved showings on the pitch, one of the hallmarks of Torquay United's 2024-25 campaign has been the crowds that have poured into Plainmoor to witness the Gulls in action. 

For the first time since the 2004-05 season, when United plied their trade in League One under Leroy Rosenior, Torquay United have attracted attendance above 3,000 for their opening four home games of the campaign. 

After attracting a crowd of 3,827 on the opening day of the season against Enfield Town, United followed this up with attendances of 3,566 against Dorking Wanderers, 3,263 against Aveley and then 3,087 against Chippenham Town.

In 2004-05, United drew a crowd of 3,973 for their first home game against Hull City, which was followed by 5,005 against Sheffield Wednesday in their second home fixture and 3,791 saw them face Walsall and 3,456 witnessed them draw 2-2 with Brentford. The season would ultimately end in relegation for the Gulls following their 2-1 defeat to Colchester United at Layer Road on the final day of the campaign, but their average attendance of 3,511 - this remains their highest seasonal average since United were relegated from the 'old' Third Division in the 1971-72 season under Jack Edwards. 

Since then the Gulls have only recorded seasonal average attendances above 3,000 on nine occasions, with the most recent being in the 2007-08 season, which stood at 3,125. A parrallel with that season can be found with the present day, as the Alex Rowe-led local consortium took over the club in the summer of 2007, just as the Bryn Consortium completed their takeover of the club in the close season.

Like in 2007-08, the Bryn Consortium, headed by co-chairman Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, have shown what can be achieved if you can create an enthusiasm amongst the United faithful for the club and make people want to come to Plainmoor. And if they can better the figure of 3,125, then it will be another tick on the list of things that they have got right since taking charge.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS AVELEY

 1. Matt Carson makes his mark. 

Fresh from signing a one-year extension to his existing contract at Plainmoor, left wing-back Matt Carson scored his second goal as he attempted a cross, but instead it flew past Aveley goalkeeper Carey Bloedorn and into the far corner. Throughout the game, Carson was one of the Gulls' best attacking threats and he was one of United's stand-out performers. 

2. More goals required. 

When former United manager Dave Smith was asked what was needed to win promotion, he replied 'score goals, lots of them'. It is probably no surprise then that current United boss Paul Wotton expressed his disappointment that his side didn't work the Aveley keeper enough throughout the course of 90 minutes, and said he considered the result as two points. 

A feature of the Gulls' last four promotion winning sides has been a strike partnership who have scored 30 or more goals over the course of the campaigns in question; Dean Edwards (19) and Tommy Tynan (19) in 1990-91, David Graham (23) and Jo Kuffour (11) in 2003-04, Tim Sills (20) and Elliot Benyon (11) in 2008-09 and Jamie Reid (32) and Saikou Janneh (19) in 2018-19. 

Messrs Ash, Cooke, Seymour and Crosbie over to you. 

3. Sam Dreyer was imperious in defence. 

Centre back Sam Dreyer has been one of the Gulls most consistent performers so far this season and he was amongst United's star performers again against Aveley. 

Not only was Dreyer a commanding aerial presence, he also looked comfortably on the ball, and even could have won the Gulls a penalty as he had his shirt tugged in the box. 

At age of 20, his performance belied his relatively tender years.

4. A third crowd above 3,000.

For the third successive game, United had an attendance of over 3,000, and it is the first time in recent memory that the Gulls had achieved this feat. 3,263 witnessed United's 1-1 draw with Aveley, following on from the 3,837, who witnessed their opening day win over Enfield Town and 3,566 saw them follow up that result with a 1-0 victory over Dorking Wanderers. 

United attracted 3,000 plus crowds in two of their opening three fixtures in the 2007-08 and 2009-10 campaigns. However, this is the first time that they have managed it in all three of their opening home fixtures since the 2004-05 season under Leroy Rosenior. In 2004-05, they drew 3,973 for their first home game against Hull City, 5,005 against Sheffield Wednesday and 3,791 against Walsall.

5. A contrast from United's last meeting with Aveley. 

Despite the disappointment of not winning the game, there is no question that the mood around Plainmoor is better than it was when the Gulls last faced Aveley in February 2024, shortly after Clarke Osborne announced his intention to put United in Administration. Under the ownership of the Bryn Consortium, the only way is up for the Gulls and they have the perfect opportunity to make amends on Tuesday night against Chippenham Town.

TORQUAY FACE AVELEY WITH NEW OPTIMISM

 As Torquay United prepare for the visit of Aveley to Plainmoor this Saturday, the between difference the siuation they found themselves their last meeting with the Millers in last February and the present couldn't be more stark.

On that occasion, the then Gulls owner Clarke Osborne had just served his notice to place the club in Administration, which would later result in the club received a ten-point penalty, Gary Johnson had resigned as manager and his assistant Aaron Downes had taken charge on an interim basis. 

In the end, United earned a creditable 2-2 draw with the Millers in front of an improved crowd of 3,642, an attendance that compares favourably to the 3,842 which they attracted for their opening game of the season against Enfield Town and the 3,566 who witnessed their last home game with Dorking Wanderers.

However, comparing what United were like then to the situation that they currently find themselves in is almost like comparing night to day. The club's present owners, the Bryn Consortium, brought the club out of Administration; they have since appointed Paul Wotton as manager with Neil Warnock as football advisor and a Community Share Issue which was launched recently by the club's Supporter's Trust (TUST) has more than reached its target of raising £100,000 to be invested in the club and secure a second Supporter's seat on the United board, joining TUST chair Nick Broderick. 

Add to the Gulls' fortunes on the pitch have improved, having won four of their opening five matches of the 2024-25 campaign. 

However, none of this would have been possible had it not been for the positivity created by the Bryn Consortium, headed by co-Chairman Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh. 

Since they took over, they have created an enthusiasm amongst the fanbase, which has seen United sell a record 1,500 season tickets and launched a new replica shirt, with a similar yellow and blue hooped design to the one they wore between 1993 and 1995, which has sold out in the club shop. 

The contrast to their approach to engaging with the fanbase couldn't be more different to the one adopted by Osborne and his former Chief Executive George Edwards. 

Other than his appearance at Ashton Gate in the 2021 National League Play-off final, the last time Osborne was seen at an event connected to Torquay United in South Devon was during the Presentation Evening held at the English Riviera Centre following United's National League South title triumph in 2018-19. On that occasion, Osborne's profile was so low that it left you wondering if there was any point in him actually being there at all. 

Compare this to the presence of the Bryn Consortium at Neil Warnock's 'Are you with me?' show at the Princess Theatre, they all turned up en masse and all looked as though they genuinely wanted to be there. And they will - to a man - undoubtably be looking forward to enjoying further success in partnership with Wotton and Warnock. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DORKING WANDERERS

 1. Lirak Hasani opens his account for the Gulls. 

United midfielder Lirak Hasani opened his account for the Gulls in arguably the best way possible way when he struck from 20 yards in the 55th minute after being teed up by Dan Hayfield. 

Hopefully, it will be the first of many for the club. 

Hasani, who joined the club in the summer from Gateshead, was also responsible for taking United's set pieces, and he delivered a number of  corners, which asked plenty of questions from the Dorking defence.

Having made his initial appearances for United as a substitute, Hasani has begun to play his way into the side, and he will be looking to maintain his place in the starting line-up.

2. A hard fought win for the Gulls. 

For the first 15 minutes, Dorking looked the stronger side and enjoyed the majority of the possession. However, the Gulls had a late flurry of chances towards the end of the first half. 

However, the Gulls started the second half on the front foot and were finally rewarded for their efforts when Hasani found the back of the net on 55 minutes. 

Nevertheless, Dorking still had chances late on as skipper Charlie Carter, sub Matt Briggs and Barry Fuller all went close in the final ten minutes, but United hung on to win. 

It was also the Gulls first win over Dorking in three attempts. 

3. Ed Palmer stands out at the back. 

A few eyebrows were raised amongst the Yellow Army when Ed Palmer, a former United youth product who had a brief professional career with the club before going on to play for the likes of Truro City, Taunton Town and Weymouth re-signed for the Gulls in the summer. However, Palmer, who combines playing for United with running a Barber's Shop in Totnes, followed up scoring on his full debut for the club away to Bath City with a display that earned himself the sponsor's man of the match award. 

He also went close to scoring his second goal in as many games as he had a header blocked on the line by Dorking's Luke Moore in the 42nd minute. Moments later he attempted a long rang effort from 30 yards, which narrowly dipped over. In the second half, he also had a hand in United's goal as his pass found Dan Hayfield, who teed up Hasani for his goal. 

The centre back positions have been arguably the most heavily contested spots in the United side so far this season, and Palmer has certainly staked his claim with Jordan Dyer currently being out injured. 

4. Finley Craske produced a fine display at right wing-back. 

After he missed much of the 2023-24 campaign through injury, Torquay United fans are now starting to see the best of Finley Craske. 

Against Dorking he completed his first 90 minutes and he showed incredible athleticism as he made several marauding runs down the right hand side. 

His opposite number on the left hand side has produced a number of fine displays so far this season, so if Craske continues in this vein, they could be talked about in the same breath as Jim McNichol and Tom Kelly (1987-88) and Andy Gurney and Paul Gibbs (1997-98). 

5. United now up to third. 

We might be only four games into the new season and the new look United remained a work in progress under Paul Wotton, but Saturday's win over Dorking Wanderers lifts the Gulls up to third in the table. 

United currently trail leaders Boreham Wood by one point and are level on nine points with Slough Town and Farnborough, with only goal difference separating them. 

6. Crowd watch. 

Yesterday's attendance of 3,566 was comfortably the biggest crowd for a game in the sixth-tier, with only the 1,508 that saw Truro City defeat Enfield Town 3-1 coming close. In the National League, it was only bettered by the 3,614 which saw Hartlepool draw 1-1 with Wealdstone. It was also bigger than the 3,481 who saw Barrow defeat Port Vale in League Two. 

A special mention should also go out to the Torquay United Supporter's Trust Community Share Issue, which, at the time of writing, has raised in the region of £73,000 within days of being launched.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS ENFIELD TOWN

1.  13 is unlucky for some - but not the Gulls. 

United's clash with Enfield saw 13 players make their debuts for the club, nine from the start and four more from the bench. The only players to have featured previously for the Gulls were James Hamon, during a loan spell in 2020-21 and last season's leading scorer Brad Ash.

It was the most number of debutants that United have fielded on an opening day since Paul Cox selected nine in his first starting line-up against Macclesfield Town in the 2015-16 campaign.

2. Ash off the mark. 

After finishing last season as the Gulls leading scorer with 14 goals, it was interested to see how Brad Ash fared in the 2024-25 campaign, especially with the increased competition from the signings of Ben Seymour, Cody Cooke and Jaydn Crosbie. However, Ash made a flying start to the new campaign when he headed home a cross from the left from Matt Carson and had chances to further add to his tally, and based on this showing he could hit double figures again.

3. Carson shows his class.

In recent years, Torquay United have been blessed with a number of fine left-backs, from Tom Kelly (1986-1989 & 1993-1996) to John Uzzell (1989-1991) to Paul Gibbs (1997-1998) to Robbie Herrera (1998-2001) to Brian McGlinchey (2003-2006) to Kevin Nicholson (2007 -2014, 2015-2017) to Liam Davis (2017-2021), and Matt Carson could join that list.

Carson, who joined from Southampton in the summer, played a key role in United’s opener as his shot from the edge of the penalty area on 15 minutes ricocheted off Enfield defender Scott Thomas before finding the back of the net to cancel out Lewis Taaffe’s opener for the visitors. He also played a key role in the Gulls’ second, and ultimately decisive, goal as it was his cross which Brad Ash connected with to head home.

What made his performance seem even more remarkable is that the Northern Ireland youth international’s only previous experience of senior competitive football was a loan spell with Braintree Town last season.

4. First opening day win since 2020-21. 

Torquay United's win over Enfield Town was the Gulls' first opening day win since the 2020-21 campaign when a late strike from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans sealed a 1-0 win over Stockport County. 

5. Parallels with Leroy Rosenior’s first game in charge.

While a lot of similarities were drawn between Paul Buckle’s first campaign in charge in 2007-08 and the beginning of Paul Wotton’s reign in 2024-25, there is one very big parallel between Leroy Rosenior’s first game in charge and Wotton’s. United marked the beginning of Rosenior’s reign with a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers after coming from behind as an equaliser from Martin Gritton and a penalty from Alex Russell cancelled out Guiliano Grazioli’s opener for the Pirates.

6. Crowd watch. 

The crowd of 3,837 who poured into Plainmoor to witness the Gulls' opening day clash with Enfield Town was only beaten by the attendances of Southend United versus York City (7,962) and Oldham Athletic versus Braintree Town (5,552). If United can build on their display against Enfield, then they will surely continue to pack in the crowds for the duration of the campaign.

 

 

SEASON PREVIEW 2024-25: EXETER CITY

 For a club whose highest ever league finish is eighth in League Two, finishing 14th and 13th in successive seasons in the same division for Exeter City represents a reasonable achievement for the club. 

When you also take into account that the Grecians have lost Archie Collins, Josh Key, Jack Sparkes, Sam Nombe, Kevin MacDonald, Jake Caprice and Jevani Brown since the summer of 2023, then last season's 13th place finish in their second season under Gary Caldwell has possibly gone under the radar. 

Last season was a season of great contrast for the Grecians as they went 100 days without a win between September and November 2023, but rallied to obtain 21 points from the last 30 available in the campaign to finish strongly. 

Caldwell has once again found himself dealing with departures after Will Aimson has returned north to sign for Wigan Athletic, former youth products Harry Kite and Alex Hartridge decided their futures lay elsewhere. However, Caldwell has used his contacts north of the border to sign Jack McMillan and Jay Bird and the signing of Northern Ireland international Josh Magennis could prove to be a particularly shrewd acquisition if he can better last season's top scorer Reece Cole's tally of seven. 

Teenage starlet Jack Richards, currently only 16 at the time of writing, is the club's latest youth starlet that the club are hoping will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Matt Grimes and Ollie Watkins. 

In: Ryan Woods (Hull City), Jack McMillan (Partick Thistle), Jay Bird (Arbroath), Josh Magennis (Wigan Athletic), Ed Francis (Gateshead), Joe Whitworth (Crystal Palace, loan), Tristan Crama (Brentford B, loan), Johnly Yfeko (Rangers B, loan)

Out: Alex Hartridge (Wycombe Wanderers), Zak Jules (Rotherham United), Gary Woods (Greenock Morton), Tom Carroll (MK Dons), James Scott (St Mirren), Harry Kite, 

Player to watch: Josh Magennis

Northern Ireland international Josh Magennis who appeared for the province in Euro 2016 is the Grecians highest profile signing of the summer

SEASON PREVIEW 2024-25: YEOVIL TOWN

 After winning promotion as National League South champions at the first attempt, Yeovil Town are now in much healthier when they were relegated at the end of the 2022-23 season. 

Now the Glovers are back in the National League and, after four relegations in a decade, things are looking up and the stability is the key at Huish Park - after manager Mark Cooper recently agreed a new three-year deal. 

Over the summer, Cooper has moved to refresh his attacking options after the departures of Alex Fisher, Jake Hyde and Rhys Murphy with the signings of Harvey Greenslade and Aaron Jarvis. The signing of Jarvis will see him reunited with his former Torquay United strike partner Frank Nouble. Also arriving from Plainmoor is midfielder Brett McGavin, who will give Cooper a different option in the centre of the park. 

A season of consolidation appears on the cards for the Glovers, but Cooper knows the league well from his spells with Darlington and Forest Green Rovers - so they cause a few surprises along the way.

Player to watch: Aaron Jarvis

In his last season in the National League with Torquay United, Aaron Jarvis netted 18 goals in all competitions and Mark Cooper will be hoping he can be amongst the goals again in 2024-25. Jarvis is also reunited with his one-time Plainmoor strike partner Frank Nouble, and they enjoyed a purple patch towards the end of the 2022-23 season, as the Gulls almost avoided relegation from the National League.

In: Aaron Jarvis & Brett McGavin (Torquay United), Harvey Greenslade (Bristol Rovers), Matt Gould (Altrincham), Jordan Thomas (Hampton & Richmond), Finn Cousins-Dawson (Bradford City), Raphael Araoye (Bristol City), Oliver Wright (Southampton)

Out: Alex Fisher (Bath City), Rhys Murphy (Dorking Wanderers), Jake Hyde (Chelmsford City), Malachi Linton (Weymouth), Lewis Williams (Street FC), Josh Owers (AFC Totton)

SEASON PREVIEW 2024-25: TORQUAY UNITED

 The names might have changed, but the outlook is the same for Torquay United as they head into the 2024-25 National League South campaign. 

As in 2007, the Gulls found themselves under the ownership of a fan-led consortium of local businessmen who appointed an up-and-coming manager who knew the league which they found themselves in, with an experienced football person in the background to offer a guiding hand. 

Therefore, for Alex Rowe, read Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, for Paul Buckle, read Paul Wotton and for Colin Lee, read Neil Warnock. 

Another parralel between the challenge facing Buckle in 2007 and Wotton in 2024 is that they virtually had a blank canvas from which to start from. Buckle only had four players under contract when he was appointed in 2007 (Steve Woods, Lee Mansell, Kevin Hill and Lee Thorpe, who later departed the club) and Wotton inherited Austen Booth as his sole contracted player on arrival. 

Like Buckle, Wotton has looked to recruit players who have proven themselves at their current level.  Jordan Dyer, Dan Hayfield and Cody Cooke have all joined from Bath City, while James Hamon and Ed Palmer both followed Wotton to Plainmoor from his previous club Truro City. Former Exeter City striker Ben Seymour, who was Hampton and Richmond's top scorer last season with 16 goals, has returned to Devon to sign for the Gulls. Also returning to the county is Oscar Threlkeld, who played under Wotton during his coaching spell with Plymouth Argyle, who has donned the captain's armband in pre-season.

From slightly further afield, midfielders Lirak Hasani and Omar Mussa have signed from Gateshead and Dagenham & Redbridge and Roddy Collins junior, the son of the former Carlisle United boss Roddy senior, will be looking to adding some grit to the middle of the park. 

There are two factors which could ultimately determine how Torquay United perform in the 2024-25 season are how quickly the team gel - only Booth, Dean Moxey, Finley Craske, Ollie Tomlinson and Brad Ash remain from last season. The second is whether Wotton can unearth a 30 plus goal-a- season partnership from the striking roster, which includes Cooke, Ash and Seymour, who were all top scorers at their respective clubs last season, and Jadyn Crosbie, who netted 37 goals in 48 appearances for Mangotsfield Town in the Hellenic Premier League. 

Player to watch: Sam Dreyer

The son of former Oxford United and Luton Town central defender John Dreyer, who himself enjoyed a loan spell at Plainmoor during the 1985-86 season, Sam Dreyer will be looking to use his time with the Gulls to re-ignite his career following his release by Peterborough United. He caught Paul Wotton's eye during a loan spell with Hampton and Richmond Borough last season and he has emerged as a stand-out performer in pre-season.

In: Jay Foulston (Taunton Town), James Hamon and Ed Palmer (Truro City), Oscar Threlkeld (Morecambe), Jadyn Crosbie (Mangotsfield Town), Sam Dreyer (Peterborough United), Roddy Collins (Chesham), Lirak Hasani (Gateshead), Matt Carson (Southampton), Jordan Dyer, Dan Hayfield and Cody Cooke (Bath City), Omar Mussa (Dagenham & Redbridge), Matt Wonnacott (Wigan Athletic)

Out: Aaron Jarvis & Brett McGavin (Yeovil Town), Ethon Archer (Cheltenham Town), Jack Stobbs (Buxton), Asa Hall and Callum Thomas (Tiverton Town), Mark Halstead (Widnes Town), Lewis Collins, Ross Marshall (Dulwich Hamlet), Dan Martin & Rhys Lovett (Welling United)

SEASON PREVIEW 2024-25: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

 It could be argued that Plymouth Argyle and Wayne Rooney are made for each other, after England's second highest goalscorer and appearance maker was appointed as Argyle manager in the summer. 

By following in the footsteps of Ryan Lowe, Steven Schumacher and Ian Foster, Rooney is the fourth Merseysider to manage the Pilgrims, and he also has the guidance of his former Everton youth coach Neil Dewsnip to call upon for guidance as director of football. 

In the wake of indifferent spells in charge of Derby County, DC United in the MLS and Birmingham City, Rooney is in search for a club where he can achieve some form of tangible success. He currently finds himself at a club who finished 21st in the Championship in the 2023-24 season and improving on that would be regarded as an achievement - certainly in the short term. 

Rooney also has a fairly young squad to choose from, including Welsh youth international Freddie Issaka who is being tipped to make a big impact in 2024-25. Then there are the slightly more mature talents such as Adam Randell, Bali Mumba, Michael Cooper and Morgan Whittaker, who will be looking to kick on after promising first seasons in the Championship. The latter two on that list have been linked with moves away from Home Park, Rooney will be keen to retain their services. 

One area where Rooney could come into his own as a manager might in the loan market, where he could use his contacts to good effect to bring talented younger players in need of game time to aid their development.With three loan players already recruited, Argyle have berths for two more in their squad.

His short term aim is to ensure that Argyle retain their status as a Championship club and it is a more than realistic ambition if everything falls into place for him. 

Player to Watch: Bali Mumba

While Morgan Whittaker attracted many of the headlines with his goal scoring exploits, joint record signing went under the radar a bit for the Pilgrims last season. However, 2024-25 could be the wing-back's season to shine. 

In: Nathanael Ogbeta (Manchester City), Darko Gyabi (Leeds United, loan), Muhamed Tijani (Slavia Prague, loan), Ibrahim Cissoko (Toulose, loan), Vic Palsson (DC United), Kornel Szucs (Kecskemeti)

Out: Callum Burton & Dan Scarr (Wrexham), Mikel Miller (Huddersfield Town), Jack Endacott (Tavistock)

 

 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

 1. A different test for the Gulls. 

After friendlies with Buckland Athletic and Tavistock so far in pte-season, facing Championship side Plymouth Argyle represented a different challenge for Torquay United - and it was a challenge that they coped with admirably. Although the Pilgrims looked more comfortable in possession, as you would expect who were four leagues higher, but the Gulls looked a solid outfit throughout. The backline looked particularly strong with Sam Dreyer and Jordan Dyer standing out in the centre of defence. 

2. Wotton versus Rooney. 

If you think back to 2004, Paul Wotton was captaining the Pilgrims to their Second Division title triumph, as they marked their return to the second tier for the first time in 12 years, and Wayne Rooney was playing a starring role for England in Euro 2004. As the pair embraced each other before kick off, the pair showed a mutual respect for one another, and Wotton also tipped Rooney to do well as Argyle manager in the build up to the game. It would probably be no surprise then if they maintain the relationship between the two clubs that has seen Adam Randell and Will Jenkins-Davies enjoy loan spells at Plainmoor in recent years. 

3. Cody Cooke makes a big impression. 

In his first outing for the Gulls since completing his move from Bath City, striker Cody Cooke made a positive impact from the bench after coming on at half time. In the 51st minute, he nodded a free-kick from Dan Hayfield wide. Moments later, he headed a corner from Matt Carson behind, but despite not finding the target, he added an extra dimension to United's attack and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start their next friendly against Exeter City. 

4. A shout out to the Bryn Consortium. 

Before kick off, members of the Bryn Consortium including co-chairman Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh were presented to the fans ahead of what was the first home fixture since they took ownership. Both Westcott and Bowes-Cavanagh made speeches to the crowd in which they paid tribute to the club's supporters, the Torquay United Supporter's Trust and to the Plymouth Argyle who came to support the club during 'Devon Day' last season. 

Since they brought the club out of Administration, United have been transformed on and off the field. With a virtually brand new squad, the appointment of Paul Wotton as manager with Neil Warnock acting as a football advisor to the board and Plainmoor has also been revamped. All of these ingredients helped to achieve a sell out crowd, and as Michael Westcott said: 'this is only the start of the journey.'

5. Stoppages for medical emergencies. 

Another talking point from the game on Saturday was the medical emergencies in the crowd which saw the game paused on multiple occasions. All incidents occurred on the Popular Side, two of which happened in the first half in the 19th and 39th minutes respectively. There was also another incident that occurred at half time and one towards the end of the second half, which resulted in a brief stoppage. 

Later on that night, the club released a statement saying that all four fans who suffered medical emergencies had recovered and didn't require hospital treatment.

JACK ROWLEY - THE MANCHESTER UNITED LEGEND WHO MANAGED PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

In addition to being the fourth ex-Everton player to have managed Plymouth Argyle, Wayne Rooney is also the second Manchester United player to taken charge of the Pilgrims after Jack Rowley. 

Like Rooney, Rowley is one of four players who have scored over 200 goals for the Red Devils. Rowley is fourth on the list with 211, behind Denis Law with 237,  Sir Bobby Charlton with 249 and Rooney with 253. One thing that is worth taking into account is that Rowley's haul was achieved despite him missing seven seasons due to the Second World War between 1939 and 1945. 

Rowley started his career with his hometown club Wolverhampton Wanderers without making a first team appearance before joining Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic in 1937, where he scored ten goals in first 11 appearances. His form brought him to the attention of several bigger clubs and he became a Manchester United player when they paid £3,000 for his services after only eight months on the South Coast. 

Like many players of his generation, Rowley saw his career interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939; he served in the army during the conflict. Nevertheless, he had managed to find the back of the net 18 times in 58 appearances. 

Once professional football resumed in 1946, Sir Matt Busby had been appointed as Manchester United manager and he converted Rowley from being an outside left. to a centre forward. 

He became an integral part of the club's first success under Busby when he netted twice in the 1948 FA Cup final in which they beat Blackpool 4-2. He also helped the Red Devils' to clinch their first league title under Busby in the 1951-52 season. During this time, he also made six appearances for England, scoring six goals.

In 1955, he arrived at Home Park as player-manager and saved the Pilgrims from relegation from the Second Division in his first season (1954-55), but he was unable to keep them up in his second campaign in charge (1955-56).

After going close to promotion in the 1957-58 season, he eventually led Argyle to the Third Division South title in the 1958-59 campaign. This would be the last league title that the Pilgrims would win until they lifted the Third Division in the 2001-02 season under Paul Sturrock. 

However, Argyle struggled to adjust to life in the second tier and Rowley was dismissed in March 1960. He then went on to have two spells as manager of Oldham Athletic (1960-1963 &1968-1969), the first would see him lead the Latics to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1962-63, Ajax, Wrexham and Bradford Park Avenue.  

 

ENGLAND HEAD INTO SECOND SUCCESSIVE EUROS FINAL - THANKS TO WATKINS

 Thanks in no small part to former Exeter City striker Ollie Watkins, England will be heading into a second successive UEFA European Championship finals. 

Watkins' late strike in the semi-final against the Netherlands ensured that Gareth Southgate's Three Lions will be following up their Euro 2020 final appearance against Italy with a date with Spain in the final of Euro 2024. 

Xavi Simons had given the Dutch the lead in the first half before Harry Kane equalised with a penalty that was awarded after the intervention of VAR, which ruled that Kane had been fouled by Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries. 

Then, just when the match appeared to be heading towards extra time, Watkins combined with fellow sub Cole Palmer and found the back of the net with a shot on the turn to seal England's place in the final. 

Watkins' late effort drew certain similarities with a goal he once scored for the Grecians on April 2, 2016, which helped them to defeat Plymouth Argyle in a Devon Derby at St James Park. 

Like England, City were trailing 1-0 after Jamille Matt gave the Pilgrims the lead before Watkins equalised in the 80th minute. He then struck again in injury time with a long range strike which found the top corner and seal all three points and a league double over Argyle. 

At the time, you couldn't thought it couldn't have been much better for Watkins, but his subsequent career with Brentford, Aston Villa and now England have seen him reach new heights. However, scoring the winner in a Devon Derby in those circumstances eight years ago would surely have played its part in helping him along the way.

NEIL WARNOCK - ARE YOU WITH ME? REVIEW

 The Princess Theatre in Torquay has played host to many pantomimes over the years, so it was quite apt that Neil Warnock - a football manager seen by many as a pantomime villain - was the star billing as his 'Are you with me?' show came to the Bay.

After guiding Torquay United to one of their many 'great escapes' during the 1992-93 season and having returned to Plainmoor to assist the Bryn Consortium as a football advisor, the Yellow Army are never much with Warnock in his current role with the Gulls, which was reflected with the turnout for the show.

The evening began with Talksport presenter, Comedian and United fan Charlie Baker acting as a warm up act with his own unique brand of Devon centric comedy. Also included in the opening period was the unveiling of two of the Gulls' latest summer signings in the form of Dan Hayfield and Joe Dyer, who joined from Bath City - complete with the videos that have accompanied each signing on social media. This was swiftly followed by the announcement that Dean Moxey had agreed a new deal to stay with the club as a player-coach. 

They were then joined on the stage by the rest of the squad, plus manager Paul Wotton and his assistant Mike Edwards, and Wotton said a few words before departing the stage exit right. 

Then to the main event with Neil Warnock, which was hosted by EFL football commentator Paul Walker, and took in Warnock's journey through professional football as both a player and a manager, which, of course, included his time in charge at Plainmoor that he spoke of fondly. At the time of his arrival at the Gulls, Warnock had recently been sacked by Notts County following their relegation from the top-flight, after he had led them to back-to-back promotions to reach the 'old' First Division, before the formation of the Premier League, and had grown disillusioned with management. 

However, steering United to safety helped to give him his passion for the game back and went on to win a record eight promotions as a manager. He also provided several insights into his managerial approach and spoke of his emphasis on man-management.

A question and answer session with former Soccer AM presenter, and Gulls fan, Helen Chamberlain followed before a mock fire was assembled and Warnock read a poem that he had written based on his career. This included a reference to every club he'd ever worked for,  which showed to be articulate and thoughtful - and belied his reputation for often being confrontational with opposition managers and referees. 

And there yet could be a couple of verses to add for his current role assisting Wotton with the Gulls.

 

 

 

TORQUAY UNITED NON-LEAGUE XI 2014-2024: PART TWO

We continue our look at the Torquay United non-league XI from 2014 and 2024 with a look at the midfield and attackers, as well as a glimpse at those who narrowly missed the cut.

Central midfield: Adam Randell 

Plymouth Argyle loanee Adam Randell made his debut for the Gulls on the opening day of the 2020-21 season against Stockport County and went on to make 48 appearances in all competitions. Although he was mainly used as a holding midfielder, Randell also appeared at right-back and right midfield, and appeared in the latter role in the 2021 Play-off final against Hartlepool United. 

His displays also helped him to win the clubs’ Young Player of the Year award and he has established himself as a first team regular with the Pilgrims on his return to Home Park, helping Argyle to reach the Championship.

Central midfield: Asa Hall

 The signing of Asa Hall in the summer of 2018 could be seen as a statement of intent to bounce back to the National League at the first attempt. However, it turned down to be a lot more besides. Hall emerged as one of the best Gulls’ captains in recent years – and he finished the 2020-21 season as top scorer in all competitions with 14 goals. He would also score the winning goal in United’s 2-1 win over Taunton Town in their penultimate game of the 2023-24 campaign, which helped the Gulls retained their National League South after losing ten points for going into Administration.

Attacking right midfield: Aaron Nemane

With clubs like Manchester City and Rangers already on his CV when he arrived at Plainmoor in December 2019, Aaron Nemane showed glimpses of his ability prior to the Covid-19 enforced suspension of the National League in 2019-20. However, once action resumed in the 2020-21 campaign, he became a first team regular before injury ended his season early.

Attacking central midfield: Connor Lemonheigh-Evans

 Connor Lemonheigh-Evans first joined United on loan under Gary Owers before returning twice more on loan under Gary Johnson before signing permanently in 2020. Lemonheigh-Evans’ arrival coincided with the time when the Gulls were relegated to National League South. However, he returned to help United win promotion at the first attempt as champions. During his second loan spell, he also appeared for the Wales Under-21 squad and scored twice for them against their Swiss counterparts before returning to Plainmoor to do the same for the Gulls in a 4-1 FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie with Winchester City.

He joined United permanently in the summer of 2020, and scored on the opening day of the 2020-21 campaign against Stockport County, and finished the season with 11 goals in all competitions as the Gulls agonisingly missed out on promotion to the EFL. He found the target another 11 times in the 2021-22 season, which included his first career hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Notts County, before joining Stockport in the summer of 2022.

Attacking left midfield: Ben Whitfield

Wideman Ben Whitfield joined the Gulls early in the 2019-20 season following his release from Port Vale and resurrected his career during his stay at Plainmoor. Capable of playing on either flank, Whitfield scored six goals and chipped in with 13 assists during the 2020-21 campaign before moving to Stockport County.

Centre forward: Jamie Reid

Torquay-born Jamie Reid had only scored 11 goals across his three separate spells with United, which included two loan spells from Exeter City before to him joining the Gulls permanently. Gary Johnson's appointment as successor to Gary Owers saw a change in his fortunes, as he finished the 2018-19 campaign with 32 goals to his name as United won the National League South title. He then found the back of the net a further 21 times in the 2019-20 season before it was curtailed by the outbreak of Covid-19. Reid later moved onto Mansfield Town and Stevenage and he has represented Northern Ireland at international level in 2024 and scored on his debut against Romania. 

Subs: 

Luke Young: 

 A stand-out performer in a struggling team during much of his stay at Plainmoor, Luke Young offered Gulls' fans a beacon of hope during what was a difficult time in the club's history. During his four years at the club, following his release by home-town club Plymouth Argyle in 2014, he was voted as the club's player of the year three times (2014-15, 2016-17 and 2017-18). His long range volley against Wrexham, the club he would later join in 2018, is regarded by many as one of the best goals ever seen at Plainmoor.

Armani Little: 

A previous foe of United’s when he featured for Woking against the Gulls in the 2018-19 season in National League South. Nevertheless, following United’s promotion success, he signed for United on a permanent basis and became a key figure in the Gulls’ midfield and finished the 2021-22 campaign as leading scorer with 15 goals, which earned him a move back into the EFL with Forest Green Rovers.

Joe Lewis: 

After a promising loan spell from Swansea City in the 2019-20 campaign, which was cut short by the outbreak of Covid-19, Joe Lewis returned to Plainmoor midway through the 2020-21 season on a permanent basis. He became a regular in the heart of the Gulls’ back four, as they missed out on promotion to the EFL. In the 2021-22 campaign, Lewis was United’s joint-third top scorer with six goals, including a memorable strike in a 5-0 home win over Wealdstone which saw him pick up the ball inside his own half before finding the back of the net from 25 yards. 

Dan Butler: 

 Despite only spending one season at Plainmoor, Dan Butler emerged as one of the best left-backs to have appeared for the Gulls in recent times. He played a key role in United’s first ‘great escape’ under Kevin Nicholson and wouldn’t have looked out of place in many of the Gulls’ more successful sides during the era in question. 

Ben Wynter: 

After a slow start to the 2018-19 season, Ben Wynter soon made the right-back spot his own for the next few seasons and grew into a leader in the process. He famously scored United's equaliser in their 'six-pointer' with Woking in April 2019 from 30 yards, which played a major role in sealing the National League South title for the Gulls. 

Ryan Bowman: 

Carlisle-born striker Ryan Bowman joined the Gulls from York City in the summer of 2014 and finished the 2014-15 campaign as top scorer with 13 goals before he joined Gateshead for £10,000.

Brendan Moore: 

One of only two Americans who have played for the Gulls, Brendan Moore initially joined on loan from Fleetwood Town in March 2016 before signing permanently in the summer of 2016. In October 2016, he produced a shot-stopping masterclass in the Gulls’ goalless draw with Aldershot Town.

TORQUAY UNITED NON-LEAGUE XI 2014-2024: PART ONE

 There have been many highs and lows since Torquay United were relegated from the Football League at the end of the 2013-14 season. During this time, we've had the 'great escapes' under Kevin Nicholson in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Relegation to National League South followed in 2017-18, but this was swiftly followed by an immediate return as champions under Gary Johnson - the club's first title since the 1926-27 campaign. 

Two years later, there was the disappointment of missing on that now infamous day at Ashton Gate in the National League Play-off final against Hartlepool United, which was then followed back relegation back to National League South in 2022-23. 

However, the decade did see some outstanding players turn out for the club, including some exciting loan signings, many of whom deserved to be part of a team who won promotion to the EFL. 

I have now taken on the arduenous task of selecting a best eleven from this period, which I've opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, and I will start with the goalkeeper and defence. 

(The main criteria for inclusion in this team is no short term loan signings, no there is no Kieffer Moore, Rhys Healey, No Nico Lawrence or Sinclair Armstrong, but season-long loan signings are included). 

Goalkeeper: Shaun MacDonald 

Geordie goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald became a firm fans’ favourite across his two spells with the Gulls. A National League South title winner in the 2018-19 campaign, he opted to leave Plainmoor in the summer of 2021, but returned early in the 2021-22 season and went on to win the club’s Player of the Year award - becoming the first goalkeeper to win the award since Kevin Dearden in 2001-02. 

Right-back: Durrell Berry

 Durrell Berry’s first spell with Torquay United came in the 2014-15 season when he joined the Gulls on a non-contract basis after leaving Plymouth Argyle. However, United manager Chris Hargreaves was unable to offer him a full contract to due to budgetary constraints and he signed for Cheltenham Town instead. He re-joined United in the 2015-16 campaign in between Paul Cox's ten game spell in the charge and the arrival of Kevin Nicholson. Berry went on to become a regular for the Gulls in 'Great Escape 1' under Nicholson - with arguably his best game coming in their 4-1 win on Boxing Day in which he scored his only goal for the club. Sadly, a broken leg sustained in an away fixture with Dover Athletic towards the end of the 2015-16 season ultimately brought the curtain down on his United career.

Centre-back: Angus MacDonald

After enjoying two loan spells with the Gulls under Martin Ling, Angus MacDonald joined the Gulls on a permanent basis following their relegation from the Football League in 2014. Unfortunately, despite a promising start to the 2014-15 campaign, United floundered and they ended the season in 13th place. MacDonald then found himself playing under three different managers in a short space of time after Chris Hargreaves’ departure and Paul Cox brief stint in charge before Kevin Nicholson was appointed. MacDonald was handed the captain's armband by Nicholson and he proved to be another influential figure during Nicholson's first great escape. He was one of United's key performers, despite having the threat of a three-match ban for receiving a 15th yellow card hanging over him for much of the time towards the end of the 2015-16 season. His efforts later earned him a £100,000 move to Barnsley and he has since appeared for the likes Hull City and Aberdeen, and he featured for the latter in the Europa League during the 2023-24 campaign.

Centre-back: Nathan Smith 

Nathan Smith became the first loan player to win the club's player of the year award in the 2015-2016 season whilst on a season-long loan from Port Vale. Although he was only five feet ten inches tall, Smith still managed to win numerous aerial duels with players who were far taller than him, which he combined with fabulous positional sense. Since returning to Vale Park, he has been a regular for the Valiants in both Leagues One and Two.

Left-back: Liam Davis

Despite missing the first 13 games of the 2017-18 season - due to a heel injury - Davis was an ever-present for the remainder of the campaign as United dropped into National League South. He then went on to be a key figure in a United side that won the National League South title - and not only did he only play in every game of the 2018-19 campaign, but he also played in practically every minute as well, as his overlapping runs helped to set up numerous attacks. An injury sustained in an FA Cup tie with Maidstone United in the 2019-20 campaign, which he never managed to recover from, brought his time at Plainmoor to an end.