Monday, 10 February 2025

MATCH PREVIEW # EXETER CITY VS NOTTINGHAM FOREST

 Match details: Exeter City versus Nottingham Forest

Venue: St James Park, Exeter

Date: Tuesday 11th February 2025

Kick off: 8pm 

Current form (last six): 

Exeter: 

W 3-1 Oxford United (FA Cup) H

L 0-1 Birmingham City A

D 1-1 Peterborough United A

L 1-3 Blackpool H

L 2-6 Leyton Orient H

L 1-4 Stevenage A

Nottingham Forest: 

W 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers A

W 2-0 Luton Town (FA Cup) H

D 1-1 Liverpool H

W 3-2 Southampton H

L 0-5 AFC Bournemouth A

W 7-0 Brighton and Hove Albion H

Top scorer: 

Exeter City: Josh Magennis (14)

Nottingham Forest: Chris Wood (21)

Head to Head: 

Exeter City: 0

Draw: 2

Nottingham Forest: 2

Nottingham Forest factfile: 

Year founded: 1865

Last season's league finish: 17th in the Premier League

Nottingham Forest notable honours: 

European Cup/UEFA Champions League: Winners 1979, 1980

First Division/Premier League: Winners 1977-78

FA Cup: Winners 1898, 1959

League Cup/EFL Cup: Winners 1978, 1979, 1989, 1990 

Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo

 A goalkeeper during his playing career, Nuno represented Portugal at the 1996 Olympics and was part of the Porto squad that won the 2002/03 UEFA Cup and 2003/04 UEFA Champions League under Jose Mourinho.

He started as a goalkeeping coach after retiring in the summer of 2010, before being given his first senior coaching appointment two years later, with Portuguese side Rio Ave.

In his second season Rio Ave were finalists in both of the domestic cup competitions, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in their history.

Nuno moved to Valencia, where he secured a fourth-place finish in 2014/15, while winning the Manager of the Month award in Spain three times.

He then spent a season at Porto before moving to England and Wolves.

His first season at Molineux was a triumph as Nuno led the club to promotion and the Championship title, finishing nine points clear.

Nuno guided Wolves to a seventh-placed finish in the 2018/19 season for the club's highest Premier League finish and their highest in the English top flight since the 1979/80 season.

They repeated the feat the following campaign, having been in contention for a top-four spot during the run-in.

Despite a solid start to 2020/21 Wolves were unable to sustain that consistency. Nuno left the club by mutual consent in May 2021 after steering Wolves to a 13th-place finish.

At the end of June 2021, Nuno returned to the Premier League when announced as the new Spurs head coach, but his stay in north London was brief and he departed there in November 2021.

Nuno more recently spent 16 months at Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, but departed in November 2023 six months after leading them to the title.

He helped to keep Forest in the Premier League for a third successive season, as they finished 17th, winning 2-1 at Burnley on the final day of 2023/24.

Player to Watch: Chris Wood

New Zealand-born forward Chris Wood first moved to England in 2009 to sign for West Bromwich Albion and represented his country in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa a year later. 

A number of loan spells followed before moved on to Leicester City and Leeds United before joining Burnley in 2017. 

After a successful period at Burnley which led them to the Europa League, Wood then moved to Newcastle before signing for Forest on an initial loan deal in January 2023.

Having settled on Trentside, Wood’s form went to another level following the arrival of Nuno Espírito Santo in December 2023, with 25 of his 29 league goals for Forest coming under the Portuguese Head Coach. It represents the most Premier League goals for a Forest player under one manager, and this season Wood also became the Club's record goalscorer in the Premier League.

Probable line-ups: 

Exeter (4-2-3-1): Joe Whitworth; Jack McMillan, Cheick Diabate, Alex Hartridge, Vincent Harper; Ryan Woods, Ed Francis; Ilmari Niskanen, Caleb Watts, Tony Yogane; Josh Magennis

Nottingham Forest (3-5-2): Wayne Hennessey; Harry Toffolo, Willy Boly, Murillo; Ola Aina, Ryan Yates, Ibrahim Sangere, Elliot Anderson, Neco Williams; Chris Wood,  Taiwo Awoniyi

Last meeting:  21st April 1951 Exeter City 0 Nottingham Forest 5, Division Three South

Sunday, 9 February 2025

ARGYLE WRITE NEW CHAPTER IN THEIR HISTORY WITH LIVERPOOL WIN

 They might not have emulated their class of 1983-84 who reached the semi finals of the competition, at least not yet anyway, but Plymouth Argyle have written a new chapter in their history with their victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round. 

After upsetting the form book in the third round to beat Brentford at the GTEC Community Stadium, the Bees had one of the best home records in the Premier League while Argyle were yet to win on their travels, it would have taken something special to surpass that achievement, and it was. 

Yes, it was a much changed Liverpool side, a side shorn of their A listers such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold etc, but the Reds still went into the tie as the overwhelming favourites. Arne Slot could still call upon Diogo Jota, Luis Diazand Federico Chiesa along with Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez. He also had Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones in reserve.

Ryan Hardie's 54th minute penalty ultimately proved to be the difference, but a stunning rearguard display spearheaded by their back three of Maksym Talovierov, Nikola Katic and Julio Pleguezuelo, not to mention a number of top draw saves from Conor Hazard. 

With two wins over Premier League clubs so far in the competition, a lot of teams would probably want to avoid the Pilgrims in the next round. Nevertheless, the attentions of new manager Miran Muslic will be switching to the Championship, as they continue their battle against relegation.

Saturday, 8 February 2025

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

 1. Sam Dreyer's off the mark. 

It might have taken a deflection off an Eastbourne defender, but Torquay United centre back Sam Dreyer is now off the mark. Dreyer had seen a goal disallowed against Chelmsford City last November, but he capped an impressive display by opening his account for the Gulls to help end their four-match winless run. 

If he can chip with a few more between now and the end of the campaign, it will provide United with a major boost.  

Also, skipper Oscar Threlkeld remains the only one of the Gulls' starters not to have found the back of the net this season.

2. James Hamon's save. 

James Hamon's 68th minute save to deny Eastbourne's Jason Adigun helped to give the Gulls a platform from which they could go on to win the game. Adigun connected with a cross from the left, but Hamon's reflexes were equal to it - as he made a point blank save. 

Goals can change games and certainly the complexion of the game could have been different if Adigun had found the target.  

In addition to this, Hamon also had the honour of keeping the Gulls' 1,000th clean sheet in regular fixtures since 1927.

3. United's depleted defence stood strong.  

United's achievement in keeping a clean sheet against Eastbourne was made to appear more remarkable by the fact that it was achieved in the absence of Jordan Dyer and Jay Foulston. With the duo unavailable through injury, Gulls manager Paul Wotton went with Ed Palmer and Finley Craske in a back three with Sam Dreyer and the trio laid the foundations of a strong defensive display as United kept an all-important clean sheet.

4. Matt Jay is settling in well. 

United striker Matt Jay produced arguably his best performance since he arrived at Plainmoor following his release by Colchester United. 

A minute before half-time, he teed up Lirak Hasani for a shot that Eastbourne keeper Joe Wright parried behind for a corner, with a pass that manager Paul Wotton said in his post-match interview that no other player on the pitch probably would have made. 

As a recent promotion winner with a team in a higher division, Jay's experience will prove to be important as the season enters its final stages. 

5. It's still tight at the top of National League South. 

After today's matches, the top of the National League South remains as tight as ever, with six points separating the top seven. The Gulls are currently fifth with 55 points and are four points behind leaders Dorking Wanderers, who are on 59 points, with two games in hand and are level on points with fourth placed Maidstone United with a game in hand.

6. The Gulls' impressive record against the top eight remains intact. 

By beating Eastbourne Borough, Torquay United have extended their record against the top eight in National League South to 18 points from a possible 27. It's a run that includes five wins (Dorking Wanderers H, Worthing H, Eastbourne H, Truro City H and Weston Super Mare H), three draws (Boreham Wood A, Maidstone H and Eastbourne A) and one defeat (Maidstone A). 

United still have to travel to Dorking, Worthing, Truro and Weston Super Mare and host Boreham Wood and if they can maintain their form they've shown against them in their remaining fixtures they will give themselves a huge chance of success. 

 


Friday, 7 February 2025

MATCH PREVIEW # PLYMOUTH ARGYLE VERSUS LIVERPOOL

Match details: Plymouth Argyle versus Liverpool, FA Cup fourth round

Venue: Home Park, Plymouth

Date: Sunday 9th February 2025

Kick off: 3pm 

Current form (last six all competitions): 

Argyle: 

W 1-0 Brentford (FA Cup) A

D 1-1 Oxford United H 

L 0-1 QPR H

L 0-5 Burnley H

D 2-2 Sunderland A

W 2-1 West Bromwich Albion H

Liverpool: 

W 2-0 Brentford A

W 2-1 Lille (UEFA Champions League) H

W 4-1 Ipswich Town H

L 2-3 PSV Eindhoven (UEFA Champions League) A

W 2-0 AFC Bournemouth A

W 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur (EFL Cup semi final) H

Top scorer: 

Argyle: Ibrahim Cissoko (now Sheffield Wednesday) (3)

Liverpool: Mohamed Salah (27)

Head to Head: 

Argyle: 2

Draw: 4

Liverpool: 6

Liverpool factfile: 

Year founded: 1892

Nickname: the Reds

Last season's league finish: 3rd in the Premier League

Liverpool notable honours: 

First Division/ Premier League: Winners x 19

FA Cup: Winners  x 8

Football League/EFL Cup: x 10

European Cup/UEFA Champions League: Winners x 6

UEFA Cup: Winners 1973, 1976, 2001

FIFA Club World Cup: 2019

Manager: Arne Slot

Arne Slot took up the position of Liverpool FC head coach on June 1, 2024, having agreed a deal with the club after the end of 2023-24.

The Dutchman joined the Reds from Eredivisie side Feyenoord ahead of the new season, replacing Jürgen Klopp at the helm following his decision to step down following nine years in charge.

Slot arrived at Anfield after three highly successful campaigns with Feyenoord, during which he led them to the league title in 2023 and was named Eredivisie Manager of the Year on two occasions.

He also helped the Rotterdam club to victory in the KNVB Cup in April 2024 after they defeated NEC Nijmegen 1-0 in the final.

Prior to moving to Feyenoord, Slot held the position of AZ Alkmaar head coach, and he had led them to second place in the table, trailing leaders Ajax only on goal difference, when the Dutch season was cancelled due to COVID-19 in 2019-20.

During his playing career, he operated primarily as a midfielder, turning out for FC Zwolle, NAC Breda, Sparta Rotterdam and PEC Zwolle before hanging up his boots in 2013.

Player to Watch: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold emerged from Liverpool FC's Academy to lift a stunning set of major honours before his 24th birthday and is now vice-captain. 

Alexander-Arnold was an integral part of a Reds side that lifted four major trophies within 14 months and surpassed the 100-appearance mark for his boyhood club during a glorious 2019-20 season that featured success in the Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

The England international made history by becoming the youngest player ever to start consecutive Champions League finals as Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 final in Madrid and is no stranger to domestic individual records, either.

Old boys: 

Plymouth: None

Liverpool: None

Probable line-ups: 

Plymouth (3-4-2-1): Conor Hazard; Maksym Talovierov, Nikola Katic, Julio Pleguezuelo; Matthew Sorinola, Adam Randell, Jordan Houghton, Tymoteusz Puchasz; Michael Baidoo, Callum Wright; Mustapha Bundu

Liverpool (4-3-3): Vitzeslav Jaros; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endo, Tsimikas; Diogo Jota, Tyler Morton, Alexis MacAllister; Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha

Last meeting: Tuesday 19th January, 2017, Plymouth Argyle 0    Liverpool 1, FA Cup third round replay

Lucas Leiva scored his first goal in seven years to send Liverpool into the fourth round of the FA Cup at the expense of League Two Plymouth.

Jurgen Klopp's side had to make the 293-mile trip to Home Park after they were held to a frustrating goalless draw in the initial meeting between the two at Anfield.

However, Lucas ensured the long journey was not a wasted one when he headed home Philippe Coutinho's corner early in the first half.

The win should have been more comfortable for the Reds but Divock Origi's poor penalty was comfortably saved by home keeper Luke McCormick.

Plymouth, who are 66 places below Liverpool in the football pyramid, were not overawed by their Premier League opponents and came closest to equalising when Jake Jervis hit the post with a scissor kick midway through the second half.


Friday, 31 January 2025

ONE OUT AND TWO IN FOR THE GRECIANS

 As well as a big money departure, Exeter City have also seen two familiar faces return to St James Park on loan. 

Forward Millenic Alli has become the latest big money sale for the Grecians, as he completes a move to Championship side Luton Town for a fee believed to be in the region of £1.5million

Alli joined the Grecians a year ago from FC Halifax Town and was top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions at the time of his departure. He joins the list of players to leave St James Park for a fee in excess of £1million that includes Sam Nombe, Jay Stansfield, Ethan Ampadu and Joel Randall. 

In addition to Alli's departure, Ryan Trevitt has returned to the Grecians for a second loan spell from Premier League side Brentford. Trevitt previously scored five times in 23 appearances in the 2023-24 campaign, and will be looking to achieve a similar haul in 2024-25. 

Also making a return to St James Park is centre back Alex Hartridge, a former product of the Grecians' youth policy, who joined Wycombe Wanderers in the close season following the expiration of his contract with Exeter.

Monday, 27 January 2025

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH TITLE RACE HOTS UP

 After last weekend's fixtures, the National League South title race remains as unpredictable as the weather. 

League leaders Boreham Wood remain top, despite losing 4-1 away to Chippenham Town. However, the Wood only retain their place at the summit on goal difference, as they are currently locked on 52 points with Torquay United, Worthing and Eastbourne Borough, while Maidstone United trail the quartet by a point on 51 (although that could change after tonight's trip to Chelmsford City).

Second placed Torquay United lost their unbeaten home record for the 2024-25 campaign when they lost 1-0 to Hampton and Richmond Borough. The result also brought their 14-match unbeaten run in the league, which started on November 2, to an end. Nevertheles, the Gulls also handed a debut to new signing Matt Jay, who has experience of winning promotion from League Two with Exeter City in the 2021-22 campaign.

Worthing triumphed against Maidstone in what was arguably the National League South's game of the day at the Gallagher Stadium, as they came away with a 2-1 win. After missing out in the play-offs last season, where they lost in the final Braintree, the Rebels will be keen to go one better in the current campaign, and their displays in 2024-25 seem more remarkable following the departures of Ollie Pearce, Joe Felix and Ricky Aguiar to join former manager Adam Hinshelwood at York City. 

Eastbourne Borough managed by Adam Murray, who has experience of leading AFC Fylde to promotion from National League South, kept pace with the leading pack with a 2-1 win over Chelmsford. Goals from Yahya Bamba and David Sesay helped to secure the win for the Sports. 

With nine different teams having led National League South this season, there are set to be many more twist and turns as the campaign enters the final furlong. Don't be too surprised if the league comes down to a final day decider. 



Saturday, 25 January 2025

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HAMPTON AND RICHMOND BOROUGH

 1. The end of the unbeaten run. 

The Gulls' defeat against Hampton and Richmond Borough brought the curtain down on an unbeaten league run which had begun on November 2 with a 2-2 draw against Chelmsford City. It also brought the curtain down the club's unbeaten home record for the 2024-25 campaign. 

The challenge that United are now facing is to go on another run.  

2. Max Merrick's goalkeeping masterclass. 

A big part of the reason why the Gulls came away from the game with nothing was the performance in goal of Hampton & Richmond's Chelsea loanee Max Merrick. 

In the first half, he made an acrobatic save to deny Dylan Morgan in the 39th minute and in the second half, he made a stunning double save to prevent Jordan Young from finding the back of the net in three successive games on 68 minutes. He would deny Young again in the 90th minute before producing arguably his best save of the afternoon when he turned away a flicked header from sub Lirak Hasani from a corner from fellow substitute Omar Mussa.

3.  Matt Jay's debut. 

Torquay-born Matt Jay made his debut for the Gulls after completing a permanent move to the club following his release by Colchester United. 

Former Exeter City skipper Jay had a couple of good touches and saw a couple of dangerous looking shots blocked in the first half, in what was his first competitive appearance since he featured for Colchester in the EFL Trophy last September. 

Once he gets up to speed his ability will be important to the Gulls in the end of season, as will the experience of winning promotion with the Grecians in the 2021-22 campaign.

4. It's tight at the top. 

After today's round of National League South fixtures, the top four in the division are only separated by goal difference. However, the Gulls currently lie second in the table behind Boreham Wood, who remain top. To make matters more interesting, fifth placed Maidstone United are on 51 points and Dorking Wanderers and Truro City are sixth and seventh with 49 points. 

5. Jordan Dyer and Jay Foulston's absence.

One remarkable stat that has come to light following United's loss to Hampton and Richmond Borough is that the Gulls have lost all four games in which they have been without Jordan Dyer and Jay Foulston. 

In their absence, Ed Palmer filled in for Dyer and Jordan Thomas switched from right back to left back to cover for Foulston. 

Friday, 24 January 2025

GULLS INCREASE ATTACKING OPTIONS WITH NEW SIGNINGS

 In a bid to strengthen their National League South promotion challenge, Torquay United have boosted their attacking options with the additions of former Exeter City forward Matt Jay and loan signing Emmanuel Ilesanmi. 

Torbay-born Jay, 28, arrives at Plainmoor following the forward’s departure from League Two side Colchester United and has a wealth of experience in the EFL, having spent a decade at United's Devon neighbours Exeter City. During this time, he skippered his side to promotion to League One in the 2021/22 campaign before moving on to Colchester for an undisclosed fee the following season.

After tracking is progress for a number of months, Gulls boss Paul Wotton is pleased to secure the signing of Jay, who has signed a long-term deal with the club until the summer of 2027.

 “MJ (Jay) is someone who I’ve known about for years,” said Wotton. “He brings a wealth of experience, and he has captained a League Two promotion-winning side. He’s obviously got tremendous qualities as a football player, and he adds huge value and experience to the squad. He’s a forward, we needed to sign some, and I can’t wait to get working with him. It’s been quite a long process, but we’ve finally got there, and I’m looking forward to seeing him playing in a Torquay shirt.”

 Emmanuel Ilesanmi, known as ‘Manny’, 20, and joins on an initial one-month deal from Championship side Derby County. He started his career at Harrogate Town and has also had loan spells with Scarborough Athletic and Basford United. 

 “I’m looking forward to working with Manny,” said Wotton. “He’s an out-and-out centre-forward. He’s different to what we have already so hopefully it all goes well for him.”

Both players go straight into the squad for Saturday's National League South encounter with Hampton and Richmond Borough. 

 

Wednesday, 15 January 2025

TONY BOOK 1934-2025

 The phrase 'late developer' could be applied to former Plymouth Argyle and Manchester City defender Tony Book, but towards the end of his career he truly blossomed. 

After starting with Frome Town in Somerset, Book then moved onto Bath City and it was at Twerton Park that he first came into contact with Malcolm Allison and he would follow Allison to Home Park at the age of 30 when Allison was appointed as manager of the Pilgrims. 

After making 81 appearances for Argyle, he once again followed Allison, this time to Maine Road, in the wake of his appointment as Manchester City assistant manager under Joe Mercer. 

At Manchester City, he was a key figure in what was a golden era for the club where his teammates included Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee and Francis Lee, who, like Book, became iconic figures at Maine Road. 

During his time with City, they won the league title in 1968, the FA Cup in 1969 and the European Cup Winners' Cup and the League Cup in 1970.

Individually, Book shared the Footballer of the Year award with Derby County's Dave Mackay in 1969.

After retiring from playing in 1973, Book joined the club's coaching staff, serving as assistant manager to Johnny Hart and Rob Saunders before becoming manager himself.

As manager, he won the League Cup with City in 1976 and was the runners-up in the League in the 1976-77 campaign. 

Three years later, Book was appointed as general manager after Allison returned for his second spell as manager from Plymouth. 

He later found success as youth team manager, winning the FA Youth Cup in 1986. Book also had two spells as caretaker manager in 1989 and 1993 and finally left Maine Road in 1997.

Monday, 13 January 2025

FORMER EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS HEADING TO DEVON IN THE FA CUP

 As a reward for reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City will be facing former European champions Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. 

The Pilgrims' reward for defeating Premier League side Brentford at the Gtec Community Stadium thanks to a stunning solo strike from Morgan Whitaker, in what was Kevin Nancekivell's final game in charge at caretaker manager following the appointment of Miran Muslic, is a home tie with Premier League leaders Liverpool. 

Argyle famously took the Reds to a replay in the 2016-17 season under Derek Adams, as they drew 0-0 at Anfield before losing 1-0 at Home Park to an effort to from their Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva. 

Exeter City's prize for beating Championship club Oxford United is a home draw against Premier League surprise package Nottingham Forest, who have emerged as Champions League contenders under Nuno Espirito Santos, a club the Grecians haven't faced since the 1950-51 campaign when they met in Division Three South. 

In spite of winning two European Cups, four League Cups and a league title under the legendary Brian Clough, Forest never managed to win the FA Cup under his reign. If Espirito Santos could manage to lead them to glory in the cup this season, it would write his own chapter in the club's history - just as he would do if they qualified for the Champions League.

Sunday, 12 January 2025

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS WELLING UNITED

 1. Jordan Dyer at the double. 

Centre back Jordan Dyer netted his first goals for the club since his summer move from Bath City. He opened the scoring in the third minute when he headed home Jordan Young's free-kick from the left and in the second half he bundled home a cross from Young, also from the left. 

Dyer's efforts now mean that his central defensive partner Sam Dreyer and skipper Oscar Threlkeld are the only regular members of Paul Wotton's squad who haven't found the back of the net this season. 

2. Oscar Threlkeld led by example in the middle of the park. 

With the majority of the Gulls' squad being aged 24 years or younger, Oscar Threlkeld is one of the elder statesmen of the United at the age of 30. Against Welling, the former Plymouth Argyle and Morecambe man seldom wasted a pass and was dominant in the air and was effective in breaking up play. 

His experience will be vital as the Gulls approach the end of season run-in. 

3. Paul Wotton the tinker man. 

A tactical switch by United manager Paul Wotton played a key role in helping swing the direction of the game back in the Gulls' favour. 

Wotton started off with a 4-3-3 formation with saw Jordan Young and Dylan Morgan playing either side of Cody Cooke. However, shortly after Welling equalised through TJ Bramble, Wotton withdrew Will Jenkins Davies and Morgan and sent on Omar Mussa and Jack Wood in their place. The Gulls then switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with an attacking three of Wood (attacking wide right), Mussa (number 10) and Young (attacking wide left) playing behind Cooke. 

It was a decision that paid dividends on 76 minutes when Young's cross from the left was bundled home by Dyer to restore United's lead. 

4. A rare appearance from Dean Moxey. 

With Jay Foulston still absent with a hamstring injury, Paul Wotton opted to select veteran player-coach Dean Moxey at left back. In the first half, Moxey rolled back the years and displayed much of the ability that saw him grace the Premier League with Crystal Palace and win the Gulls' player of the year award for 2023-24. 

Although Moxey began to tire, especially in the second half, he still showed that class is permanent. 

5. Two assists for Jordan Young. 

Jordan Young provided the assists for both of United's opening goals, as his left footed deliveries picked out Jordan Dyer for his brace. Nevertheless, in the second minute he was felled as he raced towards the box and would have been through on goal, which could have seen Welling reduced to ten men. 

It could be argued that things evened themselves out, as he was one of the beneficiaries of referee Harrison Blair's decision to award a free-kick outside the penalty area a minute later for a foul on Will Jenkins Davies. He then stepped up to take the free-kick, which picked out Jordan Dyer who headed home United's opener. 

In the second half, it was Young's cross that was forced home by Dyer - which helped to underline his importance to the side. 

6. Another impressive home crowd. 

A crowd of 3,794 witnessed the Gulls' victory over Welling United, an attendance that included only 29 Wings fans. As well as being by far and away the biggest attended game in National League South, it was also bigger than the two National League fixtures that survived the weather (Boston United vs Ebbsfleet United and Yeovil Town versus Woking).



Monday, 6 January 2025

ON THIS DAY: TORQUAY UNITED 1 WEST HAM UNITED 0 - 1990

After the euphoria of reaching the Sherpa Van Trophy final in 1989, Cyril Knowles quit as Gulls’ manager in September 1989, following a high profile fall out with Chairman Lew Pope.

A bad feeling between the two men had existed for some time, which had been tempered by the revelations that Lew Pope received a £16,000 payment from the Wembley profits and Knowles had also been seen tearing up a piece of paper symbolising his contract.

Former Plymouth Argyle manager Dave Smith, who had led the Pilgrims to promotion from Division Three in the 1985-86 season before heading to Scotland to manage his hometown club Dundee, was named as his successor.

Smith’s arrival led to an improvement in results and the Gulls also enjoyed a fine FA Cup run, which saw them beat Sutton United and Basingstoke Town to earn them a home tie in the third round against West Ham United.

The Hammers are a club that the Gulls have had a number of strong links with. The most notable of these is former manager Frank O’Farrell - a member of the original West Ham Academy - who enticed the likes of John Bond, Ken Brown and Bill Kitchener to Plainmoor in the late 1960’s.

Given the connections between the two clubs, it was then perhaps no surprise that a future Gulls’ manager featured on the day for the Hammers in the form of second half substitute Leroy Rosenior.

At the time of this meeting, the Hammers had just been relegated from the ‘old’ First Division, and their extra class told in the first half.

In After the Jaws of Victory, United’s skipper John Uzzell recalls: “I remember in the changing room before the game Dave Smith got everyone in a circle and we chanted: ‘we can, we will’ as loudly as we could.” Uzzell also recounted in his foreword for Torquay United: A History in 50 Matches.

Ian Bishop’s dangerous runs from midfield, allied with the attacking menace of right winger George Parris and the visitor’s strike pairing of Trevor Morley and Jimmy Quinn meant the Gulls’ rear guard of goalkeeper Kenny Veysey and their defensive quartet of Paul Holmes, Matt Elliott, Phil Lloyd and Uzzell had to be on the top of their game.

In the 29th minute, Veysey plucked a close range header from Northern Ireland striker Quinn out of the air, which help to set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

At the other end of the pitch, Gulls’ striker Dave Caldwell was enjoyed an often fierce battle with the Hammers’ centre back duo of former England defender Alvin Martin and Tony Gale.

It was a challenge on Caldwell by Martin that set Torquay up for their best chance of the first half, as Caldwell quickly took the resulting free-kick himself and picked out Robbie Taylor who – in turn – set up Uzzell for a effort from 12-yards that he pulled wide.

United probed and stretched the Hammers’ defence down the right hand side through Dean Edwards and Paul Smith and – following a frantic goal mouth scramble on 35 minutes - they forced four successive corners, but they were unable to break the deadlock.

In the second half, with the tie seemingly heading for a replay at Upton Park, Dave Smith made what would later prove to be a decisive substitution, which he described as being ‘tactical’, when he replaced Caldwell with the fresh legs and youthful exuberance of Hirons.

Within three minutes of his introduction, the change paid off for the Gulls as Paul Smith set off on a bursting run out of defence. He then produced a cross which found Taylor, whose miss hit shot landed straight into the path of Hirons, who fired home past Hammers’ keeper Phil Parkes with his first touch of the match.

With nine minutes to go, Hammers’ boss Lou Macari threw caution to the wind - as they attempted to get back on level terms, sending on Rosenior on as a substitute for Parris with nine minutes to go.

In the dying minutes of the tie, Rosenior headed a Steve Potts’ free-kick over the bar and Quinn forced a thrilling save from Veysey, as the Gulls held on to secure a famous win to reach the fourth round of the cup for the fifth time.

The result helped to ensure that the Gulls were ‘forever bursting bubbles’- according to the headline which accompanied the report of the match in the Herald Express, a play on words of the song famously sung by the Hammers followers. 

However, there was to be no repeat of their heroics against the Hammers in their fourth round tie away at Blackpool, which they lost 1-0.

Torquay: (4-4-2) Kenny Veysey; Paul Holmes, Matt Elliott, Phil Lloyd, John Uzzell; Paul Smith, John Matthews, Ian Weston, Robbie Taylor; Dean Edwards, Dave Caldwell (Paul Hirons 74)

Attendance: 5,342

This match features as match 22 in Torquay United: A History in 50 Matches, which is available here: https://torquayunitedahistoryin50.bigcartel.com/product/torquay-united-a-history-in-50-matches

Sunday, 5 January 2025

AFTER THE JAWS OF VICTORY

 On May 9, 1987, Torquay United drew 2-2 with Crewe Alexandra to retain their Football League status.

However, this was no ordinary game as the Gulls equalised late on through Paul Dobson, in extra time which was added on after defender Jim McNichol required treatment for being bitten by a police dog named Bryn. Dobson’s late effort stopped United becoming the first ever club to be automatically relegated from the Football League, as Lincoln City went down instead.

Far from being a stay of execution for United, it provided them with a shot at redemption as the subsequent seasons saw them enjoy one of the most successful spells in the club’s history.

In the following 1987/88 season, they narrowly missed out on promotion under the late Cyril Knowles. This was followed up with their first Wembley appearance in 1989 against Bolton Wanderers in the Sherpa Van Trophy final, after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers against the odds in the Southern Area final. In the 1989/90 season, they claimed one of the greatest FA Cup scalps in their history when they beat West Ham United in the third round. Over a year later, the Gulls won promotion through the Play-offs against Blackpool in 1991 – becoming the first side to win a Football League Play-off final on penalties.

These events were followed by numerous highs and lows in the 1990s and the 2000s, including a return to Wembley in 1998 in the Play-offs, their final day relegation decider against Barnet in 2001, their first automatic promotion in 38 years under Leroy Rosenior in 2004, as well as their first ever relegation from the Football League and subsequent return under Paul Buckle in 2009.

After the Jaws of Victory carries on from where the 2019 Netflix documentary on the club’s ‘great escape’ left off, as Steve Harris interviews 12 players who all made their mark for the club between 1986 and 2010.

The players featured include McNichol, Chris Myers, Dave Caldwell, John Uzzell, Darren Moore, Don O’Riordan, Alex Watson, Paul Gibbs, Kevin Hill, Alex Russell, Martin Gritton and Chris Hargreaves. Together they share not only the stories of their respectively stints at Plainmoor, but also tales of encounters with World Cup winners, meetings with legendary managers and he crossing of paths with a number of the game’s contemporary figures.

Copies are available from the author at steveharris84@btinternet.comand the book is on sale at www.torquayunitedahistoryin50.bigcartel.com/product/after-the-jaws-of-victory

                                              

Wednesday, 1 January 2025

ROONEY'S SUCCESSOR WILL NEED TO BOX CLEVER

 The word 'potential' has always been associated with Plymouth Argyle throughout its 139-year history and that potential has helped a number of well-known managers during that time, with Wayne Rooney being the most recent example. 

When England's second highest goalscorer took charge of Argyle in the summer of 2024, it could be argued that he needed Plymouth Argyle as much as Plymouth Argyle needed him. After seeing Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher leave for Preston North End and Stoke City respectively, the Pilgrims' progress up through the leagues had stalled following the appointment and dismissal of former England Under-20 coach Ian Foster. Whilst Rooney didn't need the job in a financial sense, he saw the role as a chance to resurrect his reputation as a manager in the wake of his dismissal by Birmingham City. 

Despite the scepticism that initially greeted his appointment, there were times when it looked as though it might have worked out for him. During the course of September and October, the Pilgrims secured impressive home wins over Sunderland, Luton Town and Blackburn Rovers. However, a series of heavy away defeats, which contributed to their poor form on their travels which saw them only pick up two points in 13 games - leaving them bottom of the Championship at the time of his departure. 

In spite of Rooney's failings, one thing shouldn't be forgotten and that is that the Championship is one of the hardest leagues to manage in. With clubs being relegated from the Premier League receiving millions of pounds in parachute payments, many bounce back at the first attempt, but others aren't so lucky and end up falling further. Then there are other well-resourced clubs with fanbases far in excess of the Pilgrims.

Therefore clubs like Argyle, who are amongst the clubs with the lower budgets in the division, need to 'box clever' in order to compete with likes of Leeds United, Burnley, Sheffield United and Sunderland. 

During their previous spell in English football's second tier, between 2004 and 2010, the Pilgrims acted quickly to dismiss Bobby Williamson early in the 2005-06 campaign. Williamson had taken over from Paul Sturrock in 2004 and Argyle were in danger of relegation. Nevertheless, they moved quickly to appoint Tony Pulis, who steered the Pilgrims to safety before returning to Stoke City and then passed the managerial baton onto Ian Holloway. 

Survival will be the aim for Rooney's successor, with former manager Schumacher emerging as the fan's favourite to succeed him. With his backroom staff of assistant Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland and even Director of Football Neil Dewsnip being tipped to leave, he will have the carte blanche to bring in his own backroom team and he will need to hit the ground running.