One of the challenges facing the next Plymouth Argyle manager, currently believed to be the former Ross County manager Derek Adams, is whether to continue with the 3-5-2 system that served predecessor John Sheridan so well, or to switch to something different.
With three centre backs at the club of the quality of Curtis Nelson, Peter Hartley and Carl McHugh, playing three at the back made perfect sense for Sheridan. The trio helped to ensure that the Pilgrims kept one of the best defensive records in League Two with 22 clean sheets.
Nelson and McHugh are under contract for next season and, prior to Sheridan's departure, Argyle took up the option of an extra year on the contract of Hartley.
From a purely pragmatic point of view, it would seem sensible for the successor to former Republic of Ireland midfielder Sheridan to keep the shape of the team that he is set to inherit.
One area that will require the most immediate attention is the centre of midfield, following the release of Dominic Blizzard and Oliver Norburn, as well as the return of loan signing Bobby Reid to Bristol City.
There is also the futures of out-of-contract trio Anthony O'Connor, Tyler Harvey and James Bittner to resolve in addition to the above mentioned factors.
A replacement for striker Lewis Alessandra will also need to be sought, after the former Oldham and Morecambe striker agreed a deal to sign for Rochdale, who are managed by former Argyle defender Keith Hill, in a deal sees him return to his native North West.
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Saturday, 6 June 2015
ACCEPTANCE START OF NEW ERA FOR GULLS
News that the consortium aiming to buy Torquay United has assured the National League (formerly the Conference) that the Gulls will be able to fulfill their fixtures for next season will come as a massive relief for all United fans.
Concerns were raised that because of the time of the takeover talks, which came about after Truro City chairman Peter Masters renegeded on a previous deal with former Gulls Chairwoman Thea Bristow - and her advisor Kelvin Thomas, might raise concerns with the league board over United's financial viability ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
The group, fronted by commercial manager Dean Edwards and including ten local businessmen, will now look to complete their takeover at the beginning of next week.
Once the deal has been completed, the Gulls can hopefully look forward to a brighter future, where the mistakes of the past can be learned from.
Under the previous consortium's ownership of the club, between 2007 and 2015 - during which time Torquay won promotion back to the Football League, the Gulls made losses of over £2million.
Although the increase in expenditure ultimately resulted in success, ie winning promotion from the Conference and reaching the Play-offs twice in 2011 and 2012, poor decisions in the sacking of managers Martin Ling and Alan Knill resulted in hefty pay-offs for both managers. Money that could of been directed at team building instead.
It could be the case in the future that a balance will need to be found between this approach, and the more frugal methods of former chairman Mike Bateson. Whilst being seen as a divisive figure to many, Bateson's approach ensured that the club often made a profit and the threat of Administration was always a distance one.
Despite this, the outgoing consortium still deserve a lot of credit for rebuilding the club following the destruction caused by a brief and disastrious reign of Chris Roberts, during his four-month tenure as chairman.
However, now all future energies of everyone concerned with the club should be generated towards another reconstruction process that is about to start.
Concerns were raised that because of the time of the takeover talks, which came about after Truro City chairman Peter Masters renegeded on a previous deal with former Gulls Chairwoman Thea Bristow - and her advisor Kelvin Thomas, might raise concerns with the league board over United's financial viability ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
The group, fronted by commercial manager Dean Edwards and including ten local businessmen, will now look to complete their takeover at the beginning of next week.
Once the deal has been completed, the Gulls can hopefully look forward to a brighter future, where the mistakes of the past can be learned from.
Under the previous consortium's ownership of the club, between 2007 and 2015 - during which time Torquay won promotion back to the Football League, the Gulls made losses of over £2million.
Although the increase in expenditure ultimately resulted in success, ie winning promotion from the Conference and reaching the Play-offs twice in 2011 and 2012, poor decisions in the sacking of managers Martin Ling and Alan Knill resulted in hefty pay-offs for both managers. Money that could of been directed at team building instead.
It could be the case in the future that a balance will need to be found between this approach, and the more frugal methods of former chairman Mike Bateson. Whilst being seen as a divisive figure to many, Bateson's approach ensured that the club often made a profit and the threat of Administration was always a distance one.
Despite this, the outgoing consortium still deserve a lot of credit for rebuilding the club following the destruction caused by a brief and disastrious reign of Chris Roberts, during his four-month tenure as chairman.
However, now all future energies of everyone concerned with the club should be generated towards another reconstruction process that is about to start.
Friday, 29 May 2015
SHERIDAN LED ARGYLE OUT OF THE DARKNESS
Sometimes throwaway comments can reveal a lot about a
person’s inner thoughts.
One such comment made by the recently departed Plymouth
Argyle manager John Sheridan could possibly reveal his decision to end his
tenure as Pilgrims’ boss, as he looks to move closer to his family in the north
of England.
Before Argyle’s League Play-off semi-final second leg
against Wycombe Wanderers, Sheridan - when asked about Chairboys’ striker Paul
Hayes, who he had previously had on loan at Home Park said: “He’s in a vein of
form; He’s probably living with his missus and kids. That’s a massive part of
performing well. You are going home to your loved ones and it is a big thing.
If results don’t go your way and you are stuck somewhere and you are not going
home, it’s difficult.”
It was a scenario that Sheridan could relate to, as he
himself - during his two-and-a-half years in charge at Home Park – was
splitting his professional life - which was in Plymouth as Argyle manager –
with his personal life, as his family remained in West Yorkshire.
It is understandable from Sheridan’s respectively why he
decided to do that; his children it is understood were all in their early to
mid-teens and at an age where exams are a big part of their lives.
Any upheaval at that time can cause massive disruption to
their educational progress and to uproot them because of their father’s career
as a football manager, a profession where job security is becoming increasingly
volatile, could have done just that.
In fact, to the best of my knowledge, one Premier League
manager - from the season which has just passed – is believed to live in a flat
overlooking his club’s training ground, whilst his family home is in another
part of the country. This evidence suggests such an arrangement is one of the
sign of the times in the modern game.
Upon his arrival, he steered the Pilgrims away from
relegation to the Conference in the 2012-13 season, and won the manager of the
month award for March 2013, thanks to four wins from a possible six during the
month. The highlight of that run included a 1-0 home win in the Devon derby
against Exeter City.
The following campaign saw the Pilgrims end the season in 10th
place, their first top half finish in any division since the 2007-08 season,
when they finished 10th in the Championship under Paul Sturrock -
following the departure of Ian Holloway.
This was followed up last season by a seventh placed finish,
which ensured that the Pilgrims would be involved with the end of season
Play-offs for the first time since the 1995-96 season.
Nothing could reflect the change in Argyle’s fortunes better
than the atmosphere during their first leg at Home Park, as the Green Army sang
‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley to help inspire a late comeback through
goals from Zak Ansah and Jason Banton to reduce their arrears against Wycombe
Wanderers from three goals to one.
One criticism of Argyle under Sheridan could be the fact
they have failed to clinch victory after conceding first since beating Barnet
on March 2nd 2013 at Home Park. However, it could be argued that the result in the Play-off first leg against Wycombe almost felt like a win thanks to the euphoria it generated and the fact that
there were no points at stake to be lost.
All in all, it could be said that Sheridan guided the
Pilgrims out of one of the darkest times in their history.
It is now down
his successor – whoever that might be – to lead Argyle into the light.
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
YEOVIL LADIES LOOKING TO MAKE IT A MAGNIFICENT SEVENTH AGAINST BELLES
The 2015 is set to be a big year from women's football with the Women's World Cup due to take place in Canada next month.
It could also turn out to be a memorable one for Yeovil Town Ladies, who are currently in third place in the FA Women's Super League Two after embarking on a six-match unbeaten run.
In their final match before the start of the mid-season break before the World Cup, the Lady Glovers - who lie in third place in the league table - face Doncaster Rovers Belles as they look to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Despite the early season setback of losing 4-2 to Reading Women on the opening day of the campaign, in a match that saw England striker Fran Kirby net four times for the Royals, Yeovil have since made steady progress. They even managed to avenge their defeat against Reading when the two sides met again - with a 4-2 victory at Farnborough.
The close season saw the departure of leading scorer Sarah Wiltshire to Manchester City Ladies, as well as the retirements of long-serving captain Rachael Edwards and Katie Sherwood, the wife of manager Jamie Sherwood.
However, the Glovers have coped with their departures and new signings Annie Heatherson and Corinne Yorston, both from Bristol Academy, Alys Hinchcliffe and Natasha Knapman have all made a big impact and provided Yeovil with that most valuable of commodities in football: goals.
Heatherson and Yorston currently lead the club's goal scoring charts with five goals apiece and Hinchcliffe and Knapman are both joint-second - with the Glovers' Welsh wing wizard Helen Bleazard, on three goals.
One of the club's target before the start of the current campaign was to reach the WSL One within three years. However, if they are able to maintain their current progress, that objective may be achieved sooner than originally planned.
It could also turn out to be a memorable one for Yeovil Town Ladies, who are currently in third place in the FA Women's Super League Two after embarking on a six-match unbeaten run.
In their final match before the start of the mid-season break before the World Cup, the Lady Glovers - who lie in third place in the league table - face Doncaster Rovers Belles as they look to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Despite the early season setback of losing 4-2 to Reading Women on the opening day of the campaign, in a match that saw England striker Fran Kirby net four times for the Royals, Yeovil have since made steady progress. They even managed to avenge their defeat against Reading when the two sides met again - with a 4-2 victory at Farnborough.
The close season saw the departure of leading scorer Sarah Wiltshire to Manchester City Ladies, as well as the retirements of long-serving captain Rachael Edwards and Katie Sherwood, the wife of manager Jamie Sherwood.
However, the Glovers have coped with their departures and new signings Annie Heatherson and Corinne Yorston, both from Bristol Academy, Alys Hinchcliffe and Natasha Knapman have all made a big impact and provided Yeovil with that most valuable of commodities in football: goals.
Heatherson and Yorston currently lead the club's goal scoring charts with five goals apiece and Hinchcliffe and Knapman are both joint-second - with the Glovers' Welsh wing wizard Helen Bleazard, on three goals.
One of the club's target before the start of the current campaign was to reach the WSL One within three years. However, if they are able to maintain their current progress, that objective may be achieved sooner than originally planned.
DEANO HEADS POTENTIAL GULLS TAKEOVER GROUP
As a player with Torquay United, Dean Edwards netted twice for the Gulls at Wembley - now he is a leading figure in a group interested in buying the Gulls.
Wolverhampton-born Edwards, 53, who netted for Torquay in the 1989 Sherpa Van final and 1991 Division Four Play-off final against Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool respectively, is heading a locally based consortium who have tabled a six-figure offer to buy the 80% of shares that outgoing Chairwoman Thea Bristow deposited with the Gulls' board.
Since 2010, Edwards has been employed by United as the club's commercial manager, after a spell as manager of Hednesford Town in his native West Midlands, and has a strong affection for the club dating back to his playing days which spanned from 1988 to 1991.
The group headed by Edwards is one of three groups hat have shown an interest in taking over the Gulls, one of which is believed to be led by Jed McCrory - the former Swindon Town Chairman, who was ousted from the County Ground by current Robins' Chairman Lee Power in December 2013 in an ownership battle that was settled in the High Court.
Time is now of the essence, as manager Chris Hargreaves is awaiting the completion of the proposed takeover so he can get on with building his squad in preparation for the start of the 2015-16 season.
Wolverhampton-born Edwards, 53, who netted for Torquay in the 1989 Sherpa Van final and 1991 Division Four Play-off final against Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool respectively, is heading a locally based consortium who have tabled a six-figure offer to buy the 80% of shares that outgoing Chairwoman Thea Bristow deposited with the Gulls' board.
Since 2010, Edwards has been employed by United as the club's commercial manager, after a spell as manager of Hednesford Town in his native West Midlands, and has a strong affection for the club dating back to his playing days which spanned from 1988 to 1991.
The group headed by Edwards is one of three groups hat have shown an interest in taking over the Gulls, one of which is believed to be led by Jed McCrory - the former Swindon Town Chairman, who was ousted from the County Ground by current Robins' Chairman Lee Power in December 2013 in an ownership battle that was settled in the High Court.
Time is now of the essence, as manager Chris Hargreaves is awaiting the completion of the proposed takeover so he can get on with building his squad in preparation for the start of the 2015-16 season.
Friday, 22 May 2015
RYAN HOPING TO COMPLETE UNIQUE WEMBLEY FAMILY DOUBLE
Whilst Plymouth Argyle failed to reach the League Two Play-off final this season, the city of Plymouth will be represented at Wembley by Plymouth-born Southend United midfielder Ryan Leonard.
The 22-year old, who turns 23 on Sunday, will be looking to help the Shrimpers mastermind a victory over the Pilgrims' conquerors, Wycombe Wanderers, and complete a unique family double.
His father Dave Leonard was a Wembley winner in 2007 with Truro City when, as a manager, he led the White Tigers to victory in the FA Vase final against AFC Totton.
Leonard senior was also a Wembley winner as a player with Tiverton Town in the 1998 and 1999 FA Vase finals respectively and this Saturday, Leonard junior will also be looking to emulate him by helping Southend to overcome the Chairboys.
Ryan had previously started his career with Argyle and made his debut as a substitute in March 2010 against Blackpool under Paul Mariner. However, he failed to feature under Mariner's successor Peter Reid and was released at the end of the 2010-11 after the Pilgrims had plunged into Administration.
Since then, he has rebuilt his career at Roots Hall when he was enticed to Essex by former Argyle manager Paul Sturrock in 2011, and has become a regular fixture under Sturrock's replacement Phil Brown.
Another former Pilgrim Will Atkinson, who enjoyed a loan spell at Home Park during the 2011-12 season, is also set to feature for the Shrimpers.
The 22-year old, who turns 23 on Sunday, will be looking to help the Shrimpers mastermind a victory over the Pilgrims' conquerors, Wycombe Wanderers, and complete a unique family double.
His father Dave Leonard was a Wembley winner in 2007 with Truro City when, as a manager, he led the White Tigers to victory in the FA Vase final against AFC Totton.
Leonard senior was also a Wembley winner as a player with Tiverton Town in the 1998 and 1999 FA Vase finals respectively and this Saturday, Leonard junior will also be looking to emulate him by helping Southend to overcome the Chairboys.
Ryan had previously started his career with Argyle and made his debut as a substitute in March 2010 against Blackpool under Paul Mariner. However, he failed to feature under Mariner's successor Peter Reid and was released at the end of the 2010-11 after the Pilgrims had plunged into Administration.
Since then, he has rebuilt his career at Roots Hall when he was enticed to Essex by former Argyle manager Paul Sturrock in 2011, and has become a regular fixture under Sturrock's replacement Phil Brown.
Another former Pilgrim Will Atkinson, who enjoyed a loan spell at Home Park during the 2011-12 season, is also set to feature for the Shrimpers.
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
GULLS TAKEOVER TALKS RE-OPEN
Talks have re-opened over the future ownership of Torquay United, as majority shareholder Thea Bristow looks to offload her majority shareholding.
Mrs Bristow, who has been working with former Oxford United Chairman Kelvin Thomas to find a buyer for her shares, is writing off £3million worth of loans, as she bids to hand the ownership baton onto new investors.
This will ensure that the new owners will not be inheriting any debts at the point of the handover of the shares. However, the preferred bidder will still be required to underwrite any future losses incurred by the club.
Their ability to do this will be a major factor in determining how successful their ownership bid turns out to be.
One group believed to be interested in buying the club is a group of fans, which is understood to include Steve Breed - who often commentates on Gulls' matches for BBC Radio Devon and runs the Travel Club for away fans.
Mrs Bristow had originally agree to fund the club until the end of the financial year on June 30th, but she has agreed to extend this period until mid-summer, with 80 % of her shares in Plainmoor Ltd, the holding company that owns the club, passing onto the current board.
On completion, two of the biggest tasks facing the preferred bidder would be ensuring that manager Chris Hargreaves has a competitive budget to compete in the newly named 'National League' next season, and some work will also be required to be done on the club's training ground at Seale Hayne.
Two areas which the current consortium, which has been funded by Mrs Bristow and her late husband Paul, has invested heavily in is the club's youth set-up and the stadium, following the construction of Bristow's Bench.
These are two areas that would not necessary require the immediate attention of any new owner.
Mrs Bristow, who has been working with former Oxford United Chairman Kelvin Thomas to find a buyer for her shares, is writing off £3million worth of loans, as she bids to hand the ownership baton onto new investors.
This will ensure that the new owners will not be inheriting any debts at the point of the handover of the shares. However, the preferred bidder will still be required to underwrite any future losses incurred by the club.
Their ability to do this will be a major factor in determining how successful their ownership bid turns out to be.
One group believed to be interested in buying the club is a group of fans, which is understood to include Steve Breed - who often commentates on Gulls' matches for BBC Radio Devon and runs the Travel Club for away fans.
Mrs Bristow had originally agree to fund the club until the end of the financial year on June 30th, but she has agreed to extend this period until mid-summer, with 80 % of her shares in Plainmoor Ltd, the holding company that owns the club, passing onto the current board.
On completion, two of the biggest tasks facing the preferred bidder would be ensuring that manager Chris Hargreaves has a competitive budget to compete in the newly named 'National League' next season, and some work will also be required to be done on the club's training ground at Seale Hayne.
Two areas which the current consortium, which has been funded by Mrs Bristow and her late husband Paul, has invested heavily in is the club's youth set-up and the stadium, following the construction of Bristow's Bench.
These are two areas that would not necessary require the immediate attention of any new owner.
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