If the selection process of choosing Paul Buckle's successor as Torquay United manager had been a horse race, Martin Ling would have made a late run inside the home straight before winning on a photo finish.
The former Leyton Orient and Cambridge manager was the final candidate to be interviewed by the Gulls board. It has so far proved to be a sound appointment as Torquay head into the Xmas period well placed to challenge for a Play-Off spot.
His appointment was made during the close season after Paul Buckle left Plainmoor to take over as manager of Bristol Rovers after leading the Gulls to the League Two Play-Off final where they were beaten by Stevenage.
However, their run to Old Trafford provided many twists and turns.
In February, the club was at the centre of a ineligible player controversy in a 3-1 defeat against Hereford United as Jake Robinson, who was signed on loan from Shrewsbury Town, with Nicky Wroe moving in the opposite direction on a permanent transfer, wasn't eligible to have been selected in the match.
To complicate matters further, Hereford had also fielded an ineligible player, Rob Purdie, in the same match. A Football League hearing later punished the Bulls by deducting the three points they had won on the night and docked the Gulls of a single point, while both clubs received monetary fines.
A month later, Robinson was in the headlines for the right reasons when Torquay faced his parent club, Shrewsbury, at Plainmoor. As there was nothing preventing him from appearing for the Gulls on the day, Robinson lined up against the Shrews and bagged a brace as Torquay ran out as 5-0 winners.
The paths of the two sides would cross again in the Play-Off semi-finals as Torquay came out on top in the first leg at Plainmoor with goals from Chris Zebroski and Eunan O'Kane. This proved to be enough to take the Gulls through to the final against Stevenage.
Unfortunately, Torquay were unable to repeat their heroics of earlier in the season at Old Trafford as they went down to a solitary strike from John Mousinho. It also proved to Paul Buckle's final game in charge as Torquay manager as he was named as Bristol Rovers manager within days of the defeat.
During his four-year reign, Buckle had lead the Gulls to the FA Trophy final in 2008, promotion back to the Football League in 2009 and to the brink of promotion to League One in his final season at the helm. He had also led Torquay to the FA Cup fourth round twice in the 2008-09 & 2010-11 campaigns.
To maintain the momentum they had gained during these four years, it was imperative that the Gulls board made the right choice when it came to choosing his successor.
Several names were linked to the vacancy including former skipper Chris Hargreaves, ex Hibs manager John Hughes as well as Ian McParland, the former Notts County manager before Martin Ling was unveiled as the choice of the Torquay board.
On his arrival at Plainmoor, Ling saw Scott Bevan and Chris Zebroski follow Buckle to the Memorial Stadium and also lost inspirational central defender and Player of the Year Guy Branston to Bradford City.
His first act was to appoint his former Swindon teammate Shaun Taylor as his assistant before he set about rebuilding his squad.
In came striker Rene Howe from Peterborough United, former Austrian Under-21 goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik and defender Brian Saah was recruited from his previous club, Cambridge.
Other new signings included former Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfielder Ian Morris and Kenyan striker Taiwo Atieno. Martin Rice and Chris McPhee also returned to the club whilst Joe Oastler agreed a permanent deal following a successful loan spell.
After a promising start, which included a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium, the Gulls went on a run of eight matches without a win during September and October.
They then went on a run of five wins in all competition and their only defeat since the eight game winless streak came in the FA Cup against Sheffield United and in their recent league encounter with Accrington Stanley.
One of Ling's strength since he took charge at Plainmoor has been his ability to get the best out of the players that he inherited.
Irish midfielder Eunan O'Kane has gone from strength to strength in the centre of midfield and has agreed a new contract that will keep him with the Gulls until 2014. This move will give Ling greater bargaining powers when dealing with any potential suitors in the January transfer window.
Another pair who have committed their futures to Torquay are Lee Mansell and Kevin Nicholson. The appointment of Ling has seen Mansell returned to the centre of midfield after playing at right back for much of last season.
The switch has seen him find the back of the net on seven occasions, making him the Gulls' second highest scorer of the current campaign behind Rene Howe. This feat enabled him to win a bet made on Twitter with Nicholson, which saw the left back clean Mansell's house wearing nothing but a pinny!
However, not to be outshone on the pitch, Nicholson has once again proved himself to be amongst the best left backs in League Two. He has also found the back of the net five times, his best goal scoring feat since he arrived at Plainmoor in 2007.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Thursday, 15 December 2011
GULLS BID TO EXTEND BODIN STAY
Torquay United have entered into negotiations to keep Wales Under-21 starlet Billy Bodin at Plainmoor beyond his current loan deal.
Bodin has made 16 appearances for the Gulls and has scored four goals and manager Martin Ling, who played alongside Billy's father, Paul Bodin, during his playing days with the Robins, is keen to keep him with Torquay after his loan deal expires on January 8th 2012.
"I've spoken to Swindon a couple of times on the situation," Ling said. "I've spoken to his dad and Billy himself and they would both like him to stay here." said Ling
"But he's Swindon's player and Swindon have got to make that decision and we'll have to assess that nearer the time.
"They know that I would love to keep him until the end of the season and even possibly take him full time."
Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio has also hinted that he would be prepared to sell Bodin to the Gulls, if a deal could be agreed which would suit both parties, in September.
Following the progress that he has made during his stay in Devon thus far, it is apparent that Bodin would benefit from playing regular first team football, which is a major advantage for the Gulls and this could be a key factor in deciding his future, in both in the short term and in the long term.
Bodin has made 16 appearances for the Gulls and has scored four goals and manager Martin Ling, who played alongside Billy's father, Paul Bodin, during his playing days with the Robins, is keen to keep him with Torquay after his loan deal expires on January 8th 2012.
"I've spoken to Swindon a couple of times on the situation," Ling said. "I've spoken to his dad and Billy himself and they would both like him to stay here." said Ling
"But he's Swindon's player and Swindon have got to make that decision and we'll have to assess that nearer the time.
"They know that I would love to keep him until the end of the season and even possibly take him full time."
Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio has also hinted that he would be prepared to sell Bodin to the Gulls, if a deal could be agreed which would suit both parties, in September.
Following the progress that he has made during his stay in Devon thus far, it is apparent that Bodin would benefit from playing regular first team football, which is a major advantage for the Gulls and this could be a key factor in deciding his future, in both in the short term and in the long term.
GLOVERS LEFT TO FOCUS ON LEAGUE
After their disappointing FA Cup second round exit at the hands of Blue Square Premier high flyers, Fleetwood Town, Yeovil Town are now left to concentrate on the league.
Goals from Jamie McGuire and Jamie Vardy saw the Glovers dumped out of the competition by the Trawlermen who will now be looking forward to an all-Lancashire clash with Ian Holloway's Blackpool.
Manager Terry Skiverton described the result as one of the lowest points of his managerial career and he held a meeting with the squad following the final whistle.
Skiverton also issued a stark warning that such performances will not be tolerated whilst he is in charge at Huish Park.
“There will be a few home truths and there will be people who are maybe looking elsewhere in January on the back of that, because that’s just not on for players of this football club,” he said.
“It’s a case of having to pick up the pieces and make sure that we turn it around in the league.”
One plus point from Tuesday's cup exit is the continuing return to fitness, following a ruptured knee ligament, of talismanic midfielder Gavin Williams.
The Welshman followed up the 33 minutes he featured for against Notts County at Huish Park on the previous Saturday by playing through the entire second half after replacing Chelsea loanee Conor Clifford at half-time.
Terry Skiverton has already described his return to fitness as like having a new signing on board.
If Williams can remain fit for the remainder of the campaign, then there every chance that the Glovers could go on to better their 14th place league finish of last season.
Goals from Jamie McGuire and Jamie Vardy saw the Glovers dumped out of the competition by the Trawlermen who will now be looking forward to an all-Lancashire clash with Ian Holloway's Blackpool.
Manager Terry Skiverton described the result as one of the lowest points of his managerial career and he held a meeting with the squad following the final whistle.
Skiverton also issued a stark warning that such performances will not be tolerated whilst he is in charge at Huish Park.
“There will be a few home truths and there will be people who are maybe looking elsewhere in January on the back of that, because that’s just not on for players of this football club,” he said.
“It’s a case of having to pick up the pieces and make sure that we turn it around in the league.”
One plus point from Tuesday's cup exit is the continuing return to fitness, following a ruptured knee ligament, of talismanic midfielder Gavin Williams.
The Welshman followed up the 33 minutes he featured for against Notts County at Huish Park on the previous Saturday by playing through the entire second half after replacing Chelsea loanee Conor Clifford at half-time.
Terry Skiverton has already described his return to fitness as like having a new signing on board.
If Williams can remain fit for the remainder of the campaign, then there every chance that the Glovers could go on to better their 14th place league finish of last season.
Monday, 12 December 2011
ARGYLE LOOK TO REPLACE RIDSDALE
Following the recent departure of Peter Ridsdale to become Chairman of Preston North End, Plymouth Argyle owner James Brent is facing his first major off-the-field related decision.
Whilst Ridsdale had his critics, after his well documented reigns as Chairman of Leeds United and Cardiff City, he was a man vastly experienced in the world of football with a considerable number of contacts.
Indeed, he played a key role in helping the Pilgrims secure the services of veteran defender Darren Purse on loan from Millwall with a view to a permanent deal when the January transfer window.
It is imperative that Brent appoints an experienced individual, with a similar level of contacts to Ridsdale, due to the club's position, at the time of writing, of second from bottom in League Two.
Recent results have shown that Argyle, under the management of Carl Fletcher, with a win over Northampton Town and a draw away at Bradford City to show from their last two league outings.
It is also vital that they get three points from their game with Hereford United on Saturday and continue to pick up points from their festive games against Bristol Rovers, Aldershot Town and Torquay United.
Whilst Ridsdale had his critics, after his well documented reigns as Chairman of Leeds United and Cardiff City, he was a man vastly experienced in the world of football with a considerable number of contacts.
Indeed, he played a key role in helping the Pilgrims secure the services of veteran defender Darren Purse on loan from Millwall with a view to a permanent deal when the January transfer window.
It is imperative that Brent appoints an experienced individual, with a similar level of contacts to Ridsdale, due to the club's position, at the time of writing, of second from bottom in League Two.
Recent results have shown that Argyle, under the management of Carl Fletcher, with a win over Northampton Town and a draw away at Bradford City to show from their last two league outings.
It is also vital that they get three points from their game with Hereford United on Saturday and continue to pick up points from their festive games against Bristol Rovers, Aldershot Town and Torquay United.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
MANSE AND NICO AGREE NEW DEALS
Torquay United have agreed new two-year deals with long serving duo Lee Mansell amd Kevin Nicholson that will keep the pair at Plainmoor until the summer of 2014.
Mansell, who replaced Nicky Wroe as captain last season, has been with the Gulls since 2006 when he signed from Oxford United. He is currently Torquay's second highest scorer has scored seven goals from midfield in the 2011-12 campaign.
Nicholson first arrived at Plainmoor from Forest Green Rovers in 2007 and has continued to be an integral part of the Gulls side since their return to the Football League. His ability from set pieces and his defensive displays have helped to establish him as one of the best left-backs in League Two.
Gulls boss Martin Ling was delighted to have secured the signatures of the duo as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for promotion to League One.
"I spoke to both of them in the summer and they had done really well last year, so I told them they were a big part of where I wanted to go," said Ling.
"They've both accepted two-and-a-half year deals and I'm delighted to have them on board. They're a big part of Torquay United. They are brilliant on the training ground and they've both had superb seasons so far.
"I have always thought of Manse as a midfield player, although I didn't expect him to get so many goals as quickly as he has, but his energy and enthusiasm around the club is there for everyone to see. The goals have been an added bonus and he has been a big, big plus for us."
"Nico gives you quality going forward and he defends very well in a back-four unit. He's been superb for us and they are two big components in having the right players at the club for seasons to come.
"Eunan O'Kane signed earlier in the season and now we have Manse and Nico. There are a few more to deal with at the right times and the building blocks are being put in the right place."
Mansell, who replaced Nicky Wroe as captain last season, has been with the Gulls since 2006 when he signed from Oxford United. He is currently Torquay's second highest scorer has scored seven goals from midfield in the 2011-12 campaign.
Nicholson first arrived at Plainmoor from Forest Green Rovers in 2007 and has continued to be an integral part of the Gulls side since their return to the Football League. His ability from set pieces and his defensive displays have helped to establish him as one of the best left-backs in League Two.
Gulls boss Martin Ling was delighted to have secured the signatures of the duo as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for promotion to League One.
"I spoke to both of them in the summer and they had done really well last year, so I told them they were a big part of where I wanted to go," said Ling.
"They've both accepted two-and-a-half year deals and I'm delighted to have them on board. They're a big part of Torquay United. They are brilliant on the training ground and they've both had superb seasons so far.
"I have always thought of Manse as a midfield player, although I didn't expect him to get so many goals as quickly as he has, but his energy and enthusiasm around the club is there for everyone to see. The goals have been an added bonus and he has been a big, big plus for us."
"Nico gives you quality going forward and he defends very well in a back-four unit. He's been superb for us and they are two big components in having the right players at the club for seasons to come.
"Eunan O'Kane signed earlier in the season and now we have Manse and Nico. There are a few more to deal with at the right times and the building blocks are being put in the right place."
Sunday, 4 December 2011
THE GULLS BOW OUT, BUT THE GLOVERS REMAIN
The South West's representatives in the 2011-12 FA Cup is now down to one following Torquay United's defeat at the hands of Sheffield United.
A 3rd minute striker from Rene Howe gave the Gulls an early lead before the Blades struck back in the second half following an own goal from Torquay defender Mark Ellis.
Welsh striker Ched Evans, a player who played under the late Gary Speed for both club and country, then scored a brace, as a timely tribute to his former boss, to give the League One side a 3-1 lead before Danny Stevens grabbed a late consolation for the Gulls.
This now means that Yeovil Town are the only South West side remaining in the competition as they drew 2-2 with Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town on Friday night.
Goals from Ed Upson and Conor Clifford gave the Glovers a two goal lead before the Trawlermen levelled through ex Torquay defender Kieran Charnock and a late penalty from Jamie Milligan.
Should Yeovil win their replay, which takes place a week on Tuesday, their reward will be a home tie with Blackpool, who are managed by former Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Holloway, in a repeat of the 2007 League One Play-Off final which the Tangerines won 2-0.
A 3rd minute striker from Rene Howe gave the Gulls an early lead before the Blades struck back in the second half following an own goal from Torquay defender Mark Ellis.
Welsh striker Ched Evans, a player who played under the late Gary Speed for both club and country, then scored a brace, as a timely tribute to his former boss, to give the League One side a 3-1 lead before Danny Stevens grabbed a late consolation for the Gulls.
This now means that Yeovil Town are the only South West side remaining in the competition as they drew 2-2 with Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town on Friday night.
Goals from Ed Upson and Conor Clifford gave the Glovers a two goal lead before the Trawlermen levelled through ex Torquay defender Kieran Charnock and a late penalty from Jamie Milligan.
Should Yeovil win their replay, which takes place a week on Tuesday, their reward will be a home tie with Blackpool, who are managed by former Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Holloway, in a repeat of the 2007 League One Play-Off final which the Tangerines won 2-0.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
FA CUP 2ND ROUND PREVIEW
Following the elimination of Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City in the first round, Torquay United and Yeovil Town remain as the South West's sole representatives in the 2011-12 FA Cup.
The Gulls travel to Sheffield United in what will be the Blades' first competitive match following the untimely death of Wales manager Gary Speed.
Prior to taking his role with the Welsh national side, Speed had ended his playing career and started his managerial career at Bramall Lane. Many of the current Blades squad have strong links with the former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Wales midfielder and the match will be an emotional occasion.
Martin Ling has one selection headache ahead of the tie as midfielder Damon Lathrope will be suspended for the clash after receiving five yellow cards. Gulls defender Chris Robertson will also be facing his former club.
On Friday night, Yeovil Town travel to Lancashire to face Blue Square Premier high flyers Fleetwood Town.
After winning their last two away matches against Hereford United, in the first round of the cup, and Hartlepool United respectively, Terry Skiverton's Glovers will be looking to replicate those performances.
The match, which is being televised live on ESPN, could see talismanic midfielder Gavin Williams' return to action for the first time since early September as he looks set to recover from knee ligament damage.
The Gulls travel to Sheffield United in what will be the Blades' first competitive match following the untimely death of Wales manager Gary Speed.
Prior to taking his role with the Welsh national side, Speed had ended his playing career and started his managerial career at Bramall Lane. Many of the current Blades squad have strong links with the former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Wales midfielder and the match will be an emotional occasion.
Martin Ling has one selection headache ahead of the tie as midfielder Damon Lathrope will be suspended for the clash after receiving five yellow cards. Gulls defender Chris Robertson will also be facing his former club.
On Friday night, Yeovil Town travel to Lancashire to face Blue Square Premier high flyers Fleetwood Town.
After winning their last two away matches against Hereford United, in the first round of the cup, and Hartlepool United respectively, Terry Skiverton's Glovers will be looking to replicate those performances.
The match, which is being televised live on ESPN, could see talismanic midfielder Gavin Williams' return to action for the first time since early September as he looks set to recover from knee ligament damage.
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