After seeing his side move within touching distance of a Play-Off spot in League One, Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has refused to rule out a promotion push from his side.
The Grecians are only being kept out of the top six on goal difference after beating fellow promotion hopefuls Carlisle United 2-1 last Saturday and whilst Tisdale has not gone on record saying that his side will be promoted, he has bracketed the Grecians as one of a number of clubs that could reach the Play-Offs.
In recent years, League One has been a home to a number of 'fallen giants' who have slipped down from the Premiership and the Championship and into the division. Last season Exeter faced Leeds United, who they famously beat at St James Park, Norwich City, Southampton and Charlton Athletic.
They are just some of the teams to have graced League One in recent seasons. Other former members include Nottingham Forest and Leicester City and the division is currently home to Sheffield Wednesday who were amongst the top sides in the country in the early 90's.
However, smaller clubs have proved that they are capable of competing effectively with these more illustrious names. For example, Colchester United, Doncaster Rovers and Scunthorpe United have all won promotions to the Championship during the past decade.
Although it may sound outlandish to suggest that Exeter could reach the second tier of English football for the first time in their history, they can draw inspiration from the achievements of Colchester and Doncaster, who like the Grecians, have returned to the Football League after being relegated from the Conference.
The Grecians own rise from the Conference has been overseen by Paul Tisdale and with two promotions in the last three seasons, they have created a winning mentality during that time. But, whatever the outcome at the end of the season, they look set to enjoy another memorable campaign to add to the others they have enjoyed under Tisdale's reign.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Friday, 15 October 2010
MALCOLM ALLISON 1927-2010
Following the death of former Manchester City manager Malcolm Allison, we will now look back at Malcolm's managerial career and the influence he had on Football in the South West .
In the early 50’s, Malcolm Allison, then a defender with West Ham United, started a revolution that would change the face of English football forever.
From a greasy spoon café in East London called Cassetari’s, where the Hammers’ players congregated after training, he headed a number of lengthy discussions on football that would start a footballing revolution.
This was at a time when English football was reassessing itself following England’s disastrous showing at the 1950 World Cup, which saw them lose to the USA, and their first ever defeat at Wembley against a Ferenc Puskas inspired Hungarian side in 1953.
Amongst his team-mates who joined in with these discussions at Cassetari’s were future managers David Sexton and Noel Cantwell. They also helped to lay the foundations for the well renowned West Ham Academy.
As well as having an impact on the game at national level, Malcolm’s methods would have an impact of the fortunes of South West Football. Malcolm himself would later manage Plymouth Argyle and his band of followers included two future Torquay United managers in Frank O’Farrell and Malcolm Musgrove.
O’Farrell cut his managerial teeth at Weymouth Town before taking charge at Plainmoor in 1965 and lead Torquay to automatic promotion from Division Four in his first full season in charge.
He established the Gulls as a force to be reckoned with in the ’old’ Division Three with the help of former Hammers’ players John Bond and Ken Brown who themselves were both disciples of Malcolm from their days at Upton Park.
Like O’Farrell, Malcolm’s managerial career started in non-league football, with Bath City, before moving on to Devon as he then took charge of Plymouth Argyle for the first time.
His first stint at Home Park saw Malcolm take the Pilgrims to the Semi-Finals of the League Cup in the 1964-65 season before resigning at the end of the season. During his first spell at Home Park, he blooded a number of youngsters including Mike Trebilcock, who went on to score for Everton in the 1966 FA Cup Final, Norman Piper and John Hore who would later manage Argyle to the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup in 1984.
Malcolm then embarked on a spell at Manchester City, firstly as assistant to Joe Mercer and then as manager in his own right. During this time, City enjoyed one of the most successful periods in their history as they won the League title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup.
Whilst at Maine Road, he would again cross paths with O’Farrell, who had by now become manager of City’s arch rivals Manchester United.
Following a spell with Crystal Palace, which saw him take the Eagles to the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup in 1976, Malcolm returned to Home Park where he helped the Pilgrims avoid relegation to Division Four before returning to Manchester City for a second spell in charge.
As with his first spell at Home Park, Malcolm also handed opportunities to a number of promising young players including Kevin Hodges, who went on to become the Pilgrims record appearance maker.
Malcolm also had an influence on two of the England national side’s greatest achievements. During his time at West Ham, he nurtured the talent of Bobby Moore, who captained England to World Cup glory in 1966. When he was manager of Crystal Palace, Allison gave Terry Venables his first taste of coaching as he embarked on a career that would later see him guide England to the Semi-Finals of Euro 96.
In the early 50’s, Malcolm Allison, then a defender with West Ham United, started a revolution that would change the face of English football forever.
From a greasy spoon café in East London called Cassetari’s, where the Hammers’ players congregated after training, he headed a number of lengthy discussions on football that would start a footballing revolution.
This was at a time when English football was reassessing itself following England’s disastrous showing at the 1950 World Cup, which saw them lose to the USA, and their first ever defeat at Wembley against a Ferenc Puskas inspired Hungarian side in 1953.
Amongst his team-mates who joined in with these discussions at Cassetari’s were future managers David Sexton and Noel Cantwell. They also helped to lay the foundations for the well renowned West Ham Academy.
As well as having an impact on the game at national level, Malcolm’s methods would have an impact of the fortunes of South West Football. Malcolm himself would later manage Plymouth Argyle and his band of followers included two future Torquay United managers in Frank O’Farrell and Malcolm Musgrove.
O’Farrell cut his managerial teeth at Weymouth Town before taking charge at Plainmoor in 1965 and lead Torquay to automatic promotion from Division Four in his first full season in charge.
He established the Gulls as a force to be reckoned with in the ’old’ Division Three with the help of former Hammers’ players John Bond and Ken Brown who themselves were both disciples of Malcolm from their days at Upton Park.
Like O’Farrell, Malcolm’s managerial career started in non-league football, with Bath City, before moving on to Devon as he then took charge of Plymouth Argyle for the first time.
His first stint at Home Park saw Malcolm take the Pilgrims to the Semi-Finals of the League Cup in the 1964-65 season before resigning at the end of the season. During his first spell at Home Park, he blooded a number of youngsters including Mike Trebilcock, who went on to score for Everton in the 1966 FA Cup Final, Norman Piper and John Hore who would later manage Argyle to the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup in 1984.
Malcolm then embarked on a spell at Manchester City, firstly as assistant to Joe Mercer and then as manager in his own right. During this time, City enjoyed one of the most successful periods in their history as they won the League title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup.
Whilst at Maine Road, he would again cross paths with O’Farrell, who had by now become manager of City’s arch rivals Manchester United.
Following a spell with Crystal Palace, which saw him take the Eagles to the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup in 1976, Malcolm returned to Home Park where he helped the Pilgrims avoid relegation to Division Four before returning to Manchester City for a second spell in charge.
As with his first spell at Home Park, Malcolm also handed opportunities to a number of promising young players including Kevin Hodges, who went on to become the Pilgrims record appearance maker.
Malcolm also had an influence on two of the England national side’s greatest achievements. During his time at West Ham, he nurtured the talent of Bobby Moore, who captained England to World Cup glory in 1966. When he was manager of Crystal Palace, Allison gave Terry Venables his first taste of coaching as he embarked on a career that would later see him guide England to the Semi-Finals of Euro 96.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
WROE LISTED BY BUCKS
Paul Buckle is now open to offers for Nicky Wroe after deciding to place the midfielder on the transfer list.
The former Barnsley and York City schemer had become a key member of the Gulls side that won promotion back to the Football League and found the target in Torquay's 2-0 Blue Square Premier Play-Off semi final first leg win over Histon.
Last season, Nicky found himself amongst the goals again as he scored 13 goals as the Gulls re-established as a Football League side. This included a hat-trick in Torquay's 3-1 FA Cup first round victory over Cheltenham Town. He also took over the captaincy of the side following the departure of Chris Hargreaves.
Following news that his playing budget will be cut, Bucks has admitted that he will have to shuffle his pack a little and the recent emergence of Northern Irish youngster Eunan O'Kane could well lighten the blow of Nicky's impending departure.
Whoever does take on Nicky's role, whether that be his place in the centre of midfield or as captain of the side, they will be taking on the responsibilties of a player who played an important part in helping Torquay United get back to their current level.
The former Barnsley and York City schemer had become a key member of the Gulls side that won promotion back to the Football League and found the target in Torquay's 2-0 Blue Square Premier Play-Off semi final first leg win over Histon.
Last season, Nicky found himself amongst the goals again as he scored 13 goals as the Gulls re-established as a Football League side. This included a hat-trick in Torquay's 3-1 FA Cup first round victory over Cheltenham Town. He also took over the captaincy of the side following the departure of Chris Hargreaves.
Following news that his playing budget will be cut, Bucks has admitted that he will have to shuffle his pack a little and the recent emergence of Northern Irish youngster Eunan O'Kane could well lighten the blow of Nicky's impending departure.
Whoever does take on Nicky's role, whether that be his place in the centre of midfield or as captain of the side, they will be taking on the responsibilties of a player who played an important part in helping Torquay United get back to their current level.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
ARGYLE VERSUS THE GRECIANS IT IS THEN
The two South West sides remaining in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will be whittled down to just one after Plymouth Argyle were paired with Devon rivals Exeter City in the Quarter Finals of the competition.
It has been over eight years since the two sides last met each other in a competitive fixture and it promises to be a keenly fought contest. On that night on February 26th 2002, the Pilgrims came out on top, winning 3-0 courtesy of a brace from Marino Keith and another effort from Steve Adams. The Grecians were reduced to ten men on the night when their former Pilgrims striker Sean McCarthy was sent off for elbowing the then Argyle skipper Graham Coughlan.
However, whilst history shows that Argyle have had the upper hand in the meetings between the two sides (they have won 29 of the 74 meetings since their first encounter in 1908), it is City who have the better record in the JPT.
They have played each other four times and the Grecians have won two of these ties, whilst there have also been one draw and just a solitary win for Argyle.
The tie takes place in the week commencing November 8th and nearly a month before the two sides face each other in the league on December 11th.
So for whoever wins it will be an historic victory and the loser can console themselves with the fact that they will have the opportunity to gain swift revenge.
It has been over eight years since the two sides last met each other in a competitive fixture and it promises to be a keenly fought contest. On that night on February 26th 2002, the Pilgrims came out on top, winning 3-0 courtesy of a brace from Marino Keith and another effort from Steve Adams. The Grecians were reduced to ten men on the night when their former Pilgrims striker Sean McCarthy was sent off for elbowing the then Argyle skipper Graham Coughlan.
However, whilst history shows that Argyle have had the upper hand in the meetings between the two sides (they have won 29 of the 74 meetings since their first encounter in 1908), it is City who have the better record in the JPT.
They have played each other four times and the Grecians have won two of these ties, whilst there have also been one draw and just a solitary win for Argyle.
The tie takes place in the week commencing November 8th and nearly a month before the two sides face each other in the league on December 11th.
So for whoever wins it will be an historic victory and the loser can console themselves with the fact that they will have the opportunity to gain swift revenge.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
ARGYLE AND GRECIANS MARCH ON BUT GULLS GO OUT
Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City continue to fly the flag for South West Football in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, but Torquay United unfortunately bowed out of the competition.
The Pilgrims came away from the Abbey Business Stadium with a 2-0 win over Cheltenham Town courtesy of goals from Craig Noone and Steven MacLean.
Exeter recorded the biggest victory of the round as they brushed aside Hereford United 3-0 at Edgar Street. Daniel Nardiello opened the scoring from the penalty spot before John O'Flynn and Richard Duffy added further goals for the Grecians.
After defeating AFC Bournemouth in the first round, Torquay couldn't repeat those heroics in the second phase as they went down 2-0 against Swindon Town at the County Ground. Strikes from David Ball and former Argyle loanee Vincent Pericard proved to be enough to see off the Gulls.
The Pilgrims came away from the Abbey Business Stadium with a 2-0 win over Cheltenham Town courtesy of goals from Craig Noone and Steven MacLean.
Exeter recorded the biggest victory of the round as they brushed aside Hereford United 3-0 at Edgar Street. Daniel Nardiello opened the scoring from the penalty spot before John O'Flynn and Richard Duffy added further goals for the Grecians.
After defeating AFC Bournemouth in the first round, Torquay couldn't repeat those heroics in the second phase as they went down 2-0 against Swindon Town at the County Ground. Strikes from David Ball and former Argyle loanee Vincent Pericard proved to be enough to see off the Gulls.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY PREVIEW
Tonight sees sides from Leagues One and Two battle it out in the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
After defeating AFC Bournemouth on penalties, Torquay United will be facing Swindon Town at the County Ground. Following the recent announcement of Paul Buckle's playing budget being cut, a good run in the competition could just the tonic for the Gulls.
Exeter City's reward for beating Yeovil Town in the previous round is a trip to League Two Hereford United who yesterday parted company with their manager Simon Davey.
Plymouth Argyle will be looking to bounce back from their weekend defeat at the hands of Hartlepool United as they travel to Cheltenham Town. With one of the best away records in League One, Argyle will fancy their chances against the Robins.
After defeating AFC Bournemouth on penalties, Torquay United will be facing Swindon Town at the County Ground. Following the recent announcement of Paul Buckle's playing budget being cut, a good run in the competition could just the tonic for the Gulls.
Exeter City's reward for beating Yeovil Town in the previous round is a trip to League Two Hereford United who yesterday parted company with their manager Simon Davey.
Plymouth Argyle will be looking to bounce back from their weekend defeat at the hands of Hartlepool United as they travel to Cheltenham Town. With one of the best away records in League One, Argyle will fancy their chances against the Robins.
Friday, 1 October 2010
TALKING YEOVIL #5
Despite picking up a useful point against Southampton in midweek, Yeovil Town still slipped into the League One relegation zone.
After their 1-1 draw with the Saints, Terry Skiverton has ordered his players to concentrate on stopping goals rather than dropping points. Prior to the Southampton clash, the Glovers had conceded 12 goals in four games, which, as a former defender, would have been particularly alarming to Skivo.
Last season Yeovil came away from the Bescot Stadium with all three points as they won 1-0 courtesy of a Sam Williams effort and a repeat result would be just the tonic for the Glovers at this moment in time.
On the playing front, Skivo was impressed with Luke Ayling's performance at right back and he believes the former Arsenal starlet can become a key member of the Yeovil side.
This week also saw loanee Rob Kiernan return to his parent club Watford, a move that will give Skiverton the option to bring in new face should he be required to.
Since our last Glovers' update, one of last season's crop of loan signings Steven Caulker has joined Bristol City on loan shortly after making his debut for parent club Spurs in the Carling Cup against Arsenal. The defender, who virtually swept the board at last season's Player of the Year awards, joins Spurs's other former Yeovil loanees currently continuing their footballing education in the Championship, including Ryan Mason, Jon Obika and Andros Townsend who are on loan with Doncaster Rovers, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town respectively.
After their 1-1 draw with the Saints, Terry Skiverton has ordered his players to concentrate on stopping goals rather than dropping points. Prior to the Southampton clash, the Glovers had conceded 12 goals in four games, which, as a former defender, would have been particularly alarming to Skivo.
Last season Yeovil came away from the Bescot Stadium with all three points as they won 1-0 courtesy of a Sam Williams effort and a repeat result would be just the tonic for the Glovers at this moment in time.
On the playing front, Skivo was impressed with Luke Ayling's performance at right back and he believes the former Arsenal starlet can become a key member of the Yeovil side.
This week also saw loanee Rob Kiernan return to his parent club Watford, a move that will give Skiverton the option to bring in new face should he be required to.
Since our last Glovers' update, one of last season's crop of loan signings Steven Caulker has joined Bristol City on loan shortly after making his debut for parent club Spurs in the Carling Cup against Arsenal. The defender, who virtually swept the board at last season's Player of the Year awards, joins Spurs's other former Yeovil loanees currently continuing their footballing education in the Championship, including Ryan Mason, Jon Obika and Andros Townsend who are on loan with Doncaster Rovers, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town respectively.
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