Exeter City will bring the curtain down on their three year stay in League One tomorrow with a home clash with promotion chasing Sheffield United at St James Park.
The Grecians' tenure in English football's third tier from 2009 to 2012 has been characterised by a number of great highs and great lows.
From their win over Leeds United in January 2010, their Devon derby successes over Plymouth Argyle in the league and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy respectively and their record equalling highest ever league finish last season to the untimely death of Adam Stansfield in August 2010 from bowel cancer to the 4-1 defeat to Carlisle United, which confirmed their relegation last week, Exeter's spell in League One has been eventful.
The challenge now facing manager Paul Tisdale is build a team that can bounce back to that level sooner rather than later.
One of his biggest challenges will be persuading many of key performers to stay at St James Park. Defender Billy Jones has already indicated that he is willing to remain with the Grecians and striker Daniel Nardiello has stated that he is willing to stay.
However, skipper David Noble has admitted he is unsure of where his future lies.
Nevertheless, on a positive note, in League Two the Grecians will be able to renew their rivalry with county neighbours Plymouth Argyle. The pair have faced each other four times in the past two seasons, in the league and Johnstone's Paint Trophy, with the Grecians on three occasions.
Friday, 4 May 2012
Sunday, 29 April 2012
DOUBLE WINNER
Torquay United captain Lee Mansell has joined the select band of players who have won the Gulls' Player of the Year award twice after winning the award for the 2011-12 campaign.
Mansell, who also won the Npower Player of the Month award in March and was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year, joins Mike Mahoney (1972-73 & 1973-74), Colin Anderson (1982-83 & 1983-84) and Kevin Hill (1999-00 & 2005-06) to be chosen as the Gulls' Player of the Year on two occasions, as he alson won the prize in the 2006-07 season.
During the current campaign, Mansell has scored 13 goals and chipped in with nine assists after being restored to his favoured position of central midfield after Martin Ling's arrival as manager in the summer, following Paul Buckle's departure to Bristol Rovers.
Ling was quick to praise his captain on lifting the award and singled out his professionalism and leadership qualities.
"Lee is the heartbeat of our team." said Ling. "He is always prepared to go the extra mile, whether it's in training or on the pitch, and everybody else follows his lead. He is a great captain to have and his season has been beyond all our expectations, especially on goal-return."
This sentiment was shared by assistant manager Shaun Taylor. He said: "There have been a number of excellent performers but for his overall contribution, it had to go to Lee Mansell. It is not easy being a captain and he has led by example."
Player of the Year Runner-up and fellow PFA Team of the Year member goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik also echoed the views of his manager and assistant manager.
He said: "It had to go to Lee Mansell, not just for his goals, but the fact he keeps everyone going on the pitch and in the dressing room with his positive attitude. When the going gets tough, he is the first to dig in and encourage."
After drawing 1-1 with Crewe yesterday, the Gulls remain fourth in League Two and need a win to be in with a chance of clinching the final automatic promotion place.
If Torquay win promotion this season then Mansell would join another two select group of Gulls players. Those who have led Torquay to promotion and whose who have won two promotions whilst at Plainmoor, as he was also part of the side that won promotion from the Conference in 2009.
Mansell, who also won the Npower Player of the Month award in March and was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year, joins Mike Mahoney (1972-73 & 1973-74), Colin Anderson (1982-83 & 1983-84) and Kevin Hill (1999-00 & 2005-06) to be chosen as the Gulls' Player of the Year on two occasions, as he alson won the prize in the 2006-07 season.
During the current campaign, Mansell has scored 13 goals and chipped in with nine assists after being restored to his favoured position of central midfield after Martin Ling's arrival as manager in the summer, following Paul Buckle's departure to Bristol Rovers.
Ling was quick to praise his captain on lifting the award and singled out his professionalism and leadership qualities.
"Lee is the heartbeat of our team." said Ling. "He is always prepared to go the extra mile, whether it's in training or on the pitch, and everybody else follows his lead. He is a great captain to have and his season has been beyond all our expectations, especially on goal-return."
This sentiment was shared by assistant manager Shaun Taylor. He said: "There have been a number of excellent performers but for his overall contribution, it had to go to Lee Mansell. It is not easy being a captain and he has led by example."
Player of the Year Runner-up and fellow PFA Team of the Year member goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik also echoed the views of his manager and assistant manager.
He said: "It had to go to Lee Mansell, not just for his goals, but the fact he keeps everyone going on the pitch and in the dressing room with his positive attitude. When the going gets tough, he is the first to dig in and encourage."
After drawing 1-1 with Crewe yesterday, the Gulls remain fourth in League Two and need a win to be in with a chance of clinching the final automatic promotion place.
If Torquay win promotion this season then Mansell would join another two select group of Gulls players. Those who have led Torquay to promotion and whose who have won two promotions whilst at Plainmoor, as he was also part of the side that won promotion from the Conference in 2009.
Friday, 27 April 2012
THE FINAL FURLONG
Four League Two team of the season berths, two Manager of the Month and two Player of the Month awards won, but the single prize of automatic promotion remains up for grabs for Torquay United.
During the season so far, manager Martin Ling has scooped the Manager of the Month accolades for January and March and two of his charges, Mark Ellis and Lee Mansell, lifted the Player of the Month gongs for the corresponding months.
More recently, Mansell was also voted in the PFA League Two team of the year for the 2011-12 along with three of his team-mates, Bobby Olejnik, Kevin Nicholson and Eunan O'Kane, the largest Gulls contingent to feature in any such side.
Going into their final two games of the campaign, Torquay go into their last two games knowing they need to better whatever Crawley Town, currently sitting in third place, can achieve in their respective fixtures.
The situation the Gulls find themselves in is similar to the one that Leroy Rosenior's automatic promotion winning team of the 2003-04 season.
Torquay lay three points behind Huddersfield Town with two games to go before clinching four points in their final two matches to secure the club's first automatic promotion in 38 years.
Two years, Martin Ling found himself in the same position as manager of Leyton Orient who vying for the final automatic promotion spot from League Two with Grimsby Town.
Orient were fourth in the table with 75 points, which was one less than the Mariners who were on 76.
Ling then steered the East London outfit to two wins in their final two games against Peterborough and Oxford to achieve Orient Chairman Barry Hearn's dream of promotion whilst Grimsby could only draw their final two games and forced to settle for the Play-Offs.
Fast forward to 2012 and Torquay United and Ling are both currently involved in the same scenario all over again.
Also, the Gulls penultimate home fixture is against Crewe Alexandra, nearly 25 years to the day when Torquay drew 2-2 in the game where Bryn the Police Dog sunk his teeth into Jim McNichol, which forced the game into extra time that enabled Paul Dobson to score a late equaliser.
Footnote: The Oxford United side that Martin Ling's Leyton Orient defeated to clinch automatic promotion on the final day of the 2005-06 season featured two future Plainmoor favourites in the form of Lee Mansell and Chris Hargreaves.
During the season so far, manager Martin Ling has scooped the Manager of the Month accolades for January and March and two of his charges, Mark Ellis and Lee Mansell, lifted the Player of the Month gongs for the corresponding months.
More recently, Mansell was also voted in the PFA League Two team of the year for the 2011-12 along with three of his team-mates, Bobby Olejnik, Kevin Nicholson and Eunan O'Kane, the largest Gulls contingent to feature in any such side.
Going into their final two games of the campaign, Torquay go into their last two games knowing they need to better whatever Crawley Town, currently sitting in third place, can achieve in their respective fixtures.
The situation the Gulls find themselves in is similar to the one that Leroy Rosenior's automatic promotion winning team of the 2003-04 season.
Torquay lay three points behind Huddersfield Town with two games to go before clinching four points in their final two matches to secure the club's first automatic promotion in 38 years.
Two years, Martin Ling found himself in the same position as manager of Leyton Orient who vying for the final automatic promotion spot from League Two with Grimsby Town.
Orient were fourth in the table with 75 points, which was one less than the Mariners who were on 76.
Ling then steered the East London outfit to two wins in their final two games against Peterborough and Oxford to achieve Orient Chairman Barry Hearn's dream of promotion whilst Grimsby could only draw their final two games and forced to settle for the Play-Offs.
Fast forward to 2012 and Torquay United and Ling are both currently involved in the same scenario all over again.
Also, the Gulls penultimate home fixture is against Crewe Alexandra, nearly 25 years to the day when Torquay drew 2-2 in the game where Bryn the Police Dog sunk his teeth into Jim McNichol, which forced the game into extra time that enabled Paul Dobson to score a late equaliser.
Footnote: The Oxford United side that Martin Ling's Leyton Orient defeated to clinch automatic promotion on the final day of the 2005-06 season featured two future Plainmoor favourites in the form of Lee Mansell and Chris Hargreaves.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
IN GOOD COMPANY
In having four players selected in the League Two team of the year, Torquay United find themselves in the same company as Manchester City and Charlton Athletic who also had four players included in their divisional representative sides.
Manchester City, currently the richest club in the world, had four players selected in the Premier League Team of the Year, whilst Charlton Athletic, who have amassed more points than anyone else in the top four divisions, saw four of the players included in the League One Team of the Year.
Gulls boss Martin Ling was quick to praise Bobby Olejnik, Kevin Nicholson, Lee Mansell and Eunan O'Kane for their selection.
However, he was also keen to remind his charges that there is still work to be done between now and the end of the season.
"It is a phenomenal achievement for the club, especially for the four players involved, but also the other 19 in the squad," said Ling.
"It is a brilliant representation of us as a football club. I was sat there with Shaun Taylor, Kenny Veysey and Damian Davey at the ceremony last night, and we were four very proud men.
"The fact Manchester City had four and they are sitting second in the Premier League, Charlton had four and they are already promoted from League 1, sums up what other clubs think of us.
"I was voted in the Team of the Year back in 1999 and Shaun Taylor has been in it two or three times, and we both agree it is a medal sitting proudly at home because it is voted by players that you play against.
"I've said many times that I see Bobby as the number one 'keeper in the bottom two leagues. Kevin Nicholson has been a solid defender, who gives us plenty going forward. Eunan, as I've also said before, is key to us passing the ball well and Manse is the heartbeat to our team.
"They all thoroughly deserve this award but there is work to do over the last two games. Our right-back, Joe Oastler, was quoted in the Sun newspaper as saying we've achieved nothing if we don't get promoted, and I would totally go along with that.
"We've had success this season if we come in the top seven but promotion is the only way we can be successful."
Manchester City, currently the richest club in the world, had four players selected in the Premier League Team of the Year, whilst Charlton Athletic, who have amassed more points than anyone else in the top four divisions, saw four of the players included in the League One Team of the Year.
Gulls boss Martin Ling was quick to praise Bobby Olejnik, Kevin Nicholson, Lee Mansell and Eunan O'Kane for their selection.
However, he was also keen to remind his charges that there is still work to be done between now and the end of the season.
"It is a phenomenal achievement for the club, especially for the four players involved, but also the other 19 in the squad," said Ling.
"It is a brilliant representation of us as a football club. I was sat there with Shaun Taylor, Kenny Veysey and Damian Davey at the ceremony last night, and we were four very proud men.
"The fact Manchester City had four and they are sitting second in the Premier League, Charlton had four and they are already promoted from League 1, sums up what other clubs think of us.
"I was voted in the Team of the Year back in 1999 and Shaun Taylor has been in it two or three times, and we both agree it is a medal sitting proudly at home because it is voted by players that you play against.
"I've said many times that I see Bobby as the number one 'keeper in the bottom two leagues. Kevin Nicholson has been a solid defender, who gives us plenty going forward. Eunan, as I've also said before, is key to us passing the ball well and Manse is the heartbeat to our team.
"They all thoroughly deserve this award but there is work to do over the last two games. Our right-back, Joe Oastler, was quoted in the Sun newspaper as saying we've achieved nothing if we don't get promoted, and I would totally go along with that.
"We've had success this season if we come in the top seven but promotion is the only way we can be successful."
Monday, 23 April 2012
PREVIOUS NOMINEES
In being named in the PFA League Two team of the season, Bobby Olejnik, Kevin Nicholson, Lee Mansell and Eunan O'Kane have joined a select list of former Torquay favourites to receive the honour.
The first Gulls' nominee came back in the 1975-76 season when left back Phil Sandercock became the first Torquay United to be selected.
Four years later, goalkeeper John Turner became the second Gulls' player to make the end of season team, although he had departed for Chesterfield in February 1980.
It would be a long wait before the next Torquay United representative would be included in the divisional XI, eighteen years to be precise, when Rodney Jack was chosen in the 1997-98 side.
Unfortunately for Jack, he was denied a double celebration as Torquay were defeated in the Division Three Play-Off final that season by Colchester United.
Also featuring in that side was current Gulls' boss Martin Ling who was then plying his trade with Leyton Orient.
Five years later, Alex Russell was chosen for his sterling displays in midfield as Torquay narrowly missed out on the Play-Offs in Leroy Rosenior's first season in charge.
Russell was selected again in the following campaign, becoming the only Gulls player to be chosen twice, alongwith David Graham as Torquay clinched automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years.
Last season, central defender Guy Branston was nominated as the Gulls once again found themselves in contention for promotion as they were narrowly beaten by Stevenage in the League Two Play-Off at Old Trafford.
The first Gulls' nominee came back in the 1975-76 season when left back Phil Sandercock became the first Torquay United to be selected.
Four years later, goalkeeper John Turner became the second Gulls' player to make the end of season team, although he had departed for Chesterfield in February 1980.
It would be a long wait before the next Torquay United representative would be included in the divisional XI, eighteen years to be precise, when Rodney Jack was chosen in the 1997-98 side.
Unfortunately for Jack, he was denied a double celebration as Torquay were defeated in the Division Three Play-Off final that season by Colchester United.
Also featuring in that side was current Gulls' boss Martin Ling who was then plying his trade with Leyton Orient.
Five years later, Alex Russell was chosen for his sterling displays in midfield as Torquay narrowly missed out on the Play-Offs in Leroy Rosenior's first season in charge.
Russell was selected again in the following campaign, becoming the only Gulls player to be chosen twice, alongwith David Graham as Torquay clinched automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years.
Last season, central defender Guy Branston was nominated as the Gulls once again found themselves in contention for promotion as they were narrowly beaten by Stevenage in the League Two Play-Off at Old Trafford.
FOUR GULLS SELECTED
Torquay United have received further recognition for the fine season they are currently enjoying after having four players selected in the League Two PFA Select XI for the 2011-12 campaign.
Goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik, left back Kevin Nicholson, skipper Lee Mansell and midfield playmaker Eunan O'Kane were all chosen by their fellow professionals, providing the largest contingent from any one club in League Two in the side.
All four individuals have enjoyed excellent seasons under the guidance of Martin Ling.
Olejnik has been described by Ling as 'the best goalkeeper he has ever worked with' and has kept 20 clean sheets this season, which is a club record.
Nicholson has established himself as one of the leading left backs in League Two and has chipped in with his fair share of goals, including his wonder strike against Barnet at Plainmoor last December.
Mansell has been a revelation since Ling switched him back to the centre of midfield, after spending two and a half seasons deployed at right back under Paul Buckle.
He has scored an incredible 13 goals from midfield and lifted the Npower Player of the Month award for March.
O'Kane's inclusion in the side also represents fiurther recognition for the young Irishman after he was voted fifth in a poll of the best players in Npower League Two, which was voted for by the division's managers.
Highlights for O'Kane this season include his stunning brace in the Gulls' 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in November, which was their biggest ever victory over the Pilgrims and their first in the league in nearly 40 years.
Goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik, left back Kevin Nicholson, skipper Lee Mansell and midfield playmaker Eunan O'Kane were all chosen by their fellow professionals, providing the largest contingent from any one club in League Two in the side.
All four individuals have enjoyed excellent seasons under the guidance of Martin Ling.
Olejnik has been described by Ling as 'the best goalkeeper he has ever worked with' and has kept 20 clean sheets this season, which is a club record.
Nicholson has established himself as one of the leading left backs in League Two and has chipped in with his fair share of goals, including his wonder strike against Barnet at Plainmoor last December.
Mansell has been a revelation since Ling switched him back to the centre of midfield, after spending two and a half seasons deployed at right back under Paul Buckle.
He has scored an incredible 13 goals from midfield and lifted the Npower Player of the Month award for March.
O'Kane's inclusion in the side also represents fiurther recognition for the young Irishman after he was voted fifth in a poll of the best players in Npower League Two, which was voted for by the division's managers.
Highlights for O'Kane this season include his stunning brace in the Gulls' 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in November, which was their biggest ever victory over the Pilgrims and their first in the league in nearly 40 years.
THE FULL TEAM
Bobby Olejnik - Torquay United
Paul Caddis - Swindon Town
Kyle McFadzean - Crawley Town
Ian Sharps - Shrewsbury Town
Kevin Nicholson - Torquay United
Matt Ritchie - Swindon Town
Marlon Pack - Cheltenham Town
Eunan O'Kane - Torquay United
Lee Mansell - Torquay United
Izale McLeod - Barnet
Tyrone Barnett - Crawley Town
Sunday, 22 April 2012
STATUS SECURED
Plymouth Argyle have ensured that league football will be played at Home Park next season after they drew 1-1 with Oxford United.
A free-kick from left-back Robbie Williams after 84 seconds sent the Pilgrims on their way before the U's equalised through a stunning strike from Asa Hall in the 36th minute.
Despite this setback, Argyle still managed to secure their Football League status as Hereford could only draw against Northampton Town and Macclesfield were beaten by Bradford City.
The result represented the end of an epic journey for Fletcher, his backroom staff and his players.
When he was first appointed as Caretaker Manager following the dismissal of Peter Reid, the Pilgrims were rooted to the bottom of League Two with just a solitary point, secured on the opening day of the season against Shrewsbury Town courtesy of a late equaliser from Fletcher himself.
What he has achieved is made even more remarkable when you consider that in the previous two seasons prior to the current campaign, the Pilgrims had experienced back-to-back relegations.
A third demotion, which would have seen Argyle drop into the Blue Square Premier, could have put the Pilgrims in a very difficult position as the Conference has proved to be a very hard league to escape from for many clubs.
Now that the dust has settled and their Football League status has been confirmed for the 2012-13 campaign, Argyle can now look ahead to climbing back up the footballing pyramid, which they have slid down at an alarming rate in recent seasons.
At his disposal, Fletcher has a number of promising of young players in the form of Matt Lecointe, Luke Young, Jared Sims and Curtis Nelson who have all agreed new contracts to remain at Home Park.
With more experienced heads such as Paul Wotton and Nick Chadwick under contract for next season, there is already the basis of a squad which could in time potentially lead the Pilgrims to promotion from League Two.
A free-kick from left-back Robbie Williams after 84 seconds sent the Pilgrims on their way before the U's equalised through a stunning strike from Asa Hall in the 36th minute.
Despite this setback, Argyle still managed to secure their Football League status as Hereford could only draw against Northampton Town and Macclesfield were beaten by Bradford City.
The result represented the end of an epic journey for Fletcher, his backroom staff and his players.
When he was first appointed as Caretaker Manager following the dismissal of Peter Reid, the Pilgrims were rooted to the bottom of League Two with just a solitary point, secured on the opening day of the season against Shrewsbury Town courtesy of a late equaliser from Fletcher himself.
What he has achieved is made even more remarkable when you consider that in the previous two seasons prior to the current campaign, the Pilgrims had experienced back-to-back relegations.
A third demotion, which would have seen Argyle drop into the Blue Square Premier, could have put the Pilgrims in a very difficult position as the Conference has proved to be a very hard league to escape from for many clubs.
Now that the dust has settled and their Football League status has been confirmed for the 2012-13 campaign, Argyle can now look ahead to climbing back up the footballing pyramid, which they have slid down at an alarming rate in recent seasons.
At his disposal, Fletcher has a number of promising of young players in the form of Matt Lecointe, Luke Young, Jared Sims and Curtis Nelson who have all agreed new contracts to remain at Home Park.
With more experienced heads such as Paul Wotton and Nick Chadwick under contract for next season, there is already the basis of a squad which could in time potentially lead the Pilgrims to promotion from League Two.
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