It has been an eventful start of the 2018-19 campaign for Plymouth Argyle after manager Derek Adams was dismissed for a touchline altercation with his opposite number Chris Powell in the Pilgrims' League One clash with Southend United.
The pair became the first Football League managers to be sent off under the new rules that allow referees to issue yellow and red cards to coaches and managers.
Adams claimed he was "grabbed by the throat" by Powell, who said the Argyle boss was rude to one of his players.
The incident followed a foul by Argyle striker Ryan Taylor on Southend full-back Jason Demetriou.
"Demetriou went down holding his face after going up for the ball with Ryan Taylor," said Adams.
"He decided to stay down extremely long. Simon Cox then decided to move across and say something to the fourth official - I then told Simon Cox to shut up and then Chris Powell decided to get himself involved and grabbed me by the throat."
Powell did not disagree with Adams' version of events, but was unhappy with what the Argyle boss said to his player.
"If he wants to own up and say to anyone what he said then fair play to him, but I know what he said and so does he, so I reacted off that," said Powell.
"It's wrong of me, of course, but you know what I'll do, I'll always back my players and my team.
"I was upset with my own behaviour and at half-time I apologised to my players but I said 'I'll always back you'."
Up until that point the match had been a 'tale of two penalties' rather than a 'tale of two red cards' , as the Pilgrims took the lead from the spot through Graham Carey in the 20th minute after the Shrimpers' Stephen McLaughlin fouled Argyle's Tafari Moore.
Southend equalised with a penalty of their own on 38 minutes, a minute before the red cards were issued, which was scored by Demetriou after Taylor brought down Timothee Dieng.
Saturday's events come a week after their opening day 2-1 defeat to Walsall, which saw Ryan Edwards find the target for the Pilgrims in his return to the side following treatment for testicular cancer.
Monday, 13 August 2018
Sunday, 12 August 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS EAST THURROCK
1. Is Ruairi Keating the answer to the Gulls' goal scoring conundrum?
One of the leading topics of conversation following United's 1-0 midweek victory over Bath City was 'where were the goals were going to come from' for the Gulls as the season progresses?
However, in the words of former manager Martin Ling 'the answer is in the building', as Ruairi Keating - one of five players still at Plainmoor who started the 2017-18 season still on United's books - struck twice with a goal in each half. Keating capitalised on a misunderstanding in the East Thurrock backline to slot into an empty net two minutes before half-time and completed his brace on 53 minutes when he headed home a cross from Liam Davis and more than justified the faith shown in him by United manager Gary Owers.
2. A hat trick of clean sheets.
Whilst Keating may have completed a brace, the Gulls backline of goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald and centre back trio of Jakob Sokolik, Jean Yves Koue Niate and Kyle Cameron sealed a hat trick as they completed a third game without conceding a goal. MacDonald once again made a number of useful saves to deny East Thurrock's Alfie Egan in the first half and to keep Danilo Orsi-Dadomo and substitute Ashley Miller at bay in the second half. Another player who deserves a mention is midfielder Asa Hall, who filled in for Sokolik when the Czech was substituted through injury in the 70th minute.
3. With back-to-back wins, Plainmoor is becoming a fortress again.
Prior to the start of the current season, the Gulls had won just 21 of their 69 league home games in the previous three National League campaigns - which works at around 30%. However, with back to back home wins under their belts, United have a 100% record in front of their own fans in their 2018-19 National League South campaign thus far.
4. Parallels with the Gulls' first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
After a goalless draw on the opening day of the campaign with Chelmsford City, the Gulls have followed up that results with wins over Bath City and East Thurrock - a sequence that bears a resemblance to their opening three games in their first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
In the opening three games of the 2007-08 season, the Gulls drew their opening game 0-0 with Grays Athletic before recording wins against Aldershot Town and Northwich Victoria to complete a return of seven points from a possible nine - which is equal to their current points total.
5. Strength in depth.
As well as having to make a decision on whether to recall keeper Alex Bass in place of Shaun MacDonald when the Portsmouth loanee returns from injury, Gulls manager Gary Owers will also have a number of other decisions to make. In defence, George Essuman will also be pushing for a recall when he returns from injury and striker Andre Wright is still yet to feature. When all three players are available for selection, it will give United a greater strength in depth.
One of the leading topics of conversation following United's 1-0 midweek victory over Bath City was 'where were the goals were going to come from' for the Gulls as the season progresses?
However, in the words of former manager Martin Ling 'the answer is in the building', as Ruairi Keating - one of five players still at Plainmoor who started the 2017-18 season still on United's books - struck twice with a goal in each half. Keating capitalised on a misunderstanding in the East Thurrock backline to slot into an empty net two minutes before half-time and completed his brace on 53 minutes when he headed home a cross from Liam Davis and more than justified the faith shown in him by United manager Gary Owers.
2. A hat trick of clean sheets.
Whilst Keating may have completed a brace, the Gulls backline of goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald and centre back trio of Jakob Sokolik, Jean Yves Koue Niate and Kyle Cameron sealed a hat trick as they completed a third game without conceding a goal. MacDonald once again made a number of useful saves to deny East Thurrock's Alfie Egan in the first half and to keep Danilo Orsi-Dadomo and substitute Ashley Miller at bay in the second half. Another player who deserves a mention is midfielder Asa Hall, who filled in for Sokolik when the Czech was substituted through injury in the 70th minute.
3. With back-to-back wins, Plainmoor is becoming a fortress again.
Prior to the start of the current season, the Gulls had won just 21 of their 69 league home games in the previous three National League campaigns - which works at around 30%. However, with back to back home wins under their belts, United have a 100% record in front of their own fans in their 2018-19 National League South campaign thus far.
4. Parallels with the Gulls' first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
After a goalless draw on the opening day of the campaign with Chelmsford City, the Gulls have followed up that results with wins over Bath City and East Thurrock - a sequence that bears a resemblance to their opening three games in their first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
In the opening three games of the 2007-08 season, the Gulls drew their opening game 0-0 with Grays Athletic before recording wins against Aldershot Town and Northwich Victoria to complete a return of seven points from a possible nine - which is equal to their current points total.
5. Strength in depth.
As well as having to make a decision on whether to recall keeper Alex Bass in place of Shaun MacDonald when the Portsmouth loanee returns from injury, Gulls manager Gary Owers will also have a number of other decisions to make. In defence, George Essuman will also be pushing for a recall when he returns from injury and striker Andre Wright is still yet to feature. When all three players are available for selection, it will give United a greater strength in depth.
Wednesday, 8 August 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS BATH CITY
1. Results are more important than performances at this stage.
The stats for Torquay United's fledgling Vanarama National League South campaign currently read: played 2, won 1, drawn 1, lost 0, scored one, conceded none. However, the Gulls ride their luck against on Tuesday night against a Bath City that produced a fine, passing display and who hit the bar early in the second half through midfielder Andy Watkins.
Nevertheless, in previous seasons the Gulls' display haven't always been as finely tuned as they could be. In their early encounters of the 2011-12 season under Martin Ling, the Gulls drew 2-2 on the opening day of the campaign - in a game that saw Bobby Olejnik made a number of important saves to ensure that United came away with a point. A fortnight later, the big Austrian was instrumental in ensuring that the Gulls also lost 3-1 to Crawley Town. Ling would eventually guide the Gulls to the play-offs, and Gary Owers will need to oversee a similar level of improve in the United side of 2018-19.
2. Ryan Dickson is the Gulls' new set piece king.
Following Luke Young's summer departure to Wrexham, another former Plymouth Argyle midfield schemer has taken over the mantle of taking United's set pieces. Dickson, a close season arrival from Yeovil Town, took nearly all of the Gulls' free-kicks and corners last night against Bath and was voted as the man of the match by the match sponsors. Much of United's good play went through him and hopefully that will continue to be the case for the remainder of the campaign.
3. Shaun MacDonald's form is providing Owers with a selection headache.
Gary Owers will be facing a selection headache when Alex Bass, currently on loan from Portsmouth, returns to full fitness after Shaun MacDonald's display against Bath City, and also against Chelmsford City. MacDonald was voted in the National League South team of the week for his display in the county town of Essex and he followed it up with another fine display against Bath where he made a number of important saves and clearances. Owers now faces a choice similar to the one facing Leroy Rosenior during the 2003-04 promotion winning season, when he was faced with the choice of playing either Kevin Dearden or Arjan Van Heusden between the sticks.
4. Liam Davis picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the club.
The only thing missing from Liam Davis' first season with the Gulls was a goal, but he picked the perfect time to open his account for the club. Skipper Brett Williams teed up substitute Ruairi Keating for a cross which was blocked. The Bath defence then failed to clear the danger as the ball fell to Davis who fired a low drive into the bottom corner in the 80th minute to score his first goal for nearly five years. This ultimately proved to be the difference in what was a closely fought contest with the Romans to earn Gary Owers a victory against his former club. There appears to be an abundance of talented left-backs in the National League South so far this season, as Bath left-back Anthony Straker was a key player for the Romans and Billericay left-back Callum Kennedy was amongst their stand-out performers in the opening day win over Truro City.
5. Support for the Gulls remains strong.
Despite United's relegation to National League South last season, support for the Gulls remains strong, which was evidenced last night with the match attendance of 2,151 - a figure that was the sixth highest across the Vanarama National League, North and South divisions. Only Wrexham vs AFC Fylde (5,777), Chesterfield vs Aldershot (4,930), Leyton Orient vs Ebbsfleet United (4,710), Hartlepool United vs Harrogate Town (3,623) and York City versus Stockport County in National League North (3,218) attracted higher attendances and, with the Gulls currently unbeaten, a similar crowd could follow on Saturday against East Thurrock United.
The stats for Torquay United's fledgling Vanarama National League South campaign currently read: played 2, won 1, drawn 1, lost 0, scored one, conceded none. However, the Gulls ride their luck against on Tuesday night against a Bath City that produced a fine, passing display and who hit the bar early in the second half through midfielder Andy Watkins.
Nevertheless, in previous seasons the Gulls' display haven't always been as finely tuned as they could be. In their early encounters of the 2011-12 season under Martin Ling, the Gulls drew 2-2 on the opening day of the campaign - in a game that saw Bobby Olejnik made a number of important saves to ensure that United came away with a point. A fortnight later, the big Austrian was instrumental in ensuring that the Gulls also lost 3-1 to Crawley Town. Ling would eventually guide the Gulls to the play-offs, and Gary Owers will need to oversee a similar level of improve in the United side of 2018-19.
2. Ryan Dickson is the Gulls' new set piece king.
Following Luke Young's summer departure to Wrexham, another former Plymouth Argyle midfield schemer has taken over the mantle of taking United's set pieces. Dickson, a close season arrival from Yeovil Town, took nearly all of the Gulls' free-kicks and corners last night against Bath and was voted as the man of the match by the match sponsors. Much of United's good play went through him and hopefully that will continue to be the case for the remainder of the campaign.
3. Shaun MacDonald's form is providing Owers with a selection headache.
Gary Owers will be facing a selection headache when Alex Bass, currently on loan from Portsmouth, returns to full fitness after Shaun MacDonald's display against Bath City, and also against Chelmsford City. MacDonald was voted in the National League South team of the week for his display in the county town of Essex and he followed it up with another fine display against Bath where he made a number of important saves and clearances. Owers now faces a choice similar to the one facing Leroy Rosenior during the 2003-04 promotion winning season, when he was faced with the choice of playing either Kevin Dearden or Arjan Van Heusden between the sticks.
4. Liam Davis picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the club.
The only thing missing from Liam Davis' first season with the Gulls was a goal, but he picked the perfect time to open his account for the club. Skipper Brett Williams teed up substitute Ruairi Keating for a cross which was blocked. The Bath defence then failed to clear the danger as the ball fell to Davis who fired a low drive into the bottom corner in the 80th minute to score his first goal for nearly five years. This ultimately proved to be the difference in what was a closely fought contest with the Romans to earn Gary Owers a victory against his former club. There appears to be an abundance of talented left-backs in the National League South so far this season, as Bath left-back Anthony Straker was a key player for the Romans and Billericay left-back Callum Kennedy was amongst their stand-out performers in the opening day win over Truro City.
5. Support for the Gulls remains strong.
Despite United's relegation to National League South last season, support for the Gulls remains strong, which was evidenced last night with the match attendance of 2,151 - a figure that was the sixth highest across the Vanarama National League, North and South divisions. Only Wrexham vs AFC Fylde (5,777), Chesterfield vs Aldershot (4,930), Leyton Orient vs Ebbsfleet United (4,710), Hartlepool United vs Harrogate Town (3,623) and York City versus Stockport County in National League North (3,218) attracted higher attendances and, with the Gulls currently unbeaten, a similar crowd could follow on Saturday against East Thurrock United.
Friday, 3 August 2018
ADAMS AIMING TO GUIDE ARGYLE TO PLAY-OFFS AND POSSIBLY BEYOND
The 2017-18 season proved to be a tale of two campaigns for Plymouth Argyle.
An immediate return to League Two seemed like a realistic possibility in the first half of the season - the Pilgrims were rooted to the bottom of the division in December - before they made a late charge for the play-offs that saw Derek Adams' team fall narrowly short with a seventh place finish.
Towards the end of the campaign Argyle found themselves down the bare bones of their squad with Adams only being able to choose from his matchday 16, but the Pilgrims' boss has looked to address this problem ahead of the new campaign.
In goal, Harry Burgoyne was drafted in on a season long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers to challenge resident goalkeeper Kyle Letheren and rookie keeper Michael Cooper. However when Burgoyne's first team prospects were dealt a blow by a broken ankle in training, Adams acted quickly to bring Matt Macey on loan from Arsenal; Macey follows in the footsteps of Alan Miller and current Argyle goalkeeper coach Rhys Wilmot in making the journey from the Gunners to the Pilgrims on loan.
Argyle's defence had undergone a reconstruction over the summer following the departures of Oscar Threlkeld and Sonny Bradley. Joe Riley, who joins from Shrewsbury Town, looks set to fill the void left by Threlkeld at right-back whilst Yann Songo'o, Peter Grant, Scott Wootton and Niall Canavan will battle it out for the centre back positions with Ryan Edwards, who returns to the Pilgrims' fold after recovering from Testicular Cancer. At left-back, new club skipper Gary Sawyer will be competing with Ashley Smith-Brown, a summer recruit from Manchester City.
Of all the Pilgrim's playing departments, the midfielder is arguably the strongest with former Everton starlet Conor Grant will be competing with vice-captain David Fox and Jamie Ness.
Conor Grant with no doubt be looking the career trajectories of fellow Toffees' youth graduates John Lundstram and Ryan Ledson, who have both earned moves to the Championship after dropping down to League One after leaving Goodison Park. With a player with the experience of Fox, a player with the ability to find the right pass at the right time, to learn from, Conor Grant has an excellent role model to learn from both in training and on the pitch, as he looks to continue his footballing education.
And then there's Graham Carey, who is now embarking on his fourth season with the Pilgrims and he will also be looking to equal or better his goal scoring tally of 16 from the 2017-18 campaign. It looks set to be an important season for both the Irishman, who is currently 29, and Argyle.
After looking as though he could be on his way out of Home Park in the first half of the campaign, Ruben Lameiras proved to be a revelation for the Pilgrims in the second half of the season and offers Adams' side another creative option.
Up front, the return to fitness of Ryan Taylor looks set to be crucial and if he can stay fit, and new summer signings Callum Dyson and Freddie Ladapo can step up to the mark should he be absent, then a play-off spot will once again be within Argyle's grasp.
In: Scott Wootton (Manchester United), Joe Riley (Shrewsbury Town), Conor Grant & Calum Dyson (Everton), Freddie Ladapo (Southend United), Niall Canavan (Rochdale), Tafari Moore (FC Utrecht), Peter Grant (Falkirk), Ashley Smith-Brown (Manchester City), Harry Burgoyne (Wolves - loan)
Out: Nathan Blissett (Macclesfield Town), Sonny Bradley (Luton Town), Oscar Threlkeld (Waasland-Beveren), Gary Miller (Carlisle United), Aaron Taylor-Sinclair (Motherwell), Luke McCormick (Swindon Town), Robbert Te Loeke, Callum Rose, Simon Church (retired)
An immediate return to League Two seemed like a realistic possibility in the first half of the season - the Pilgrims were rooted to the bottom of the division in December - before they made a late charge for the play-offs that saw Derek Adams' team fall narrowly short with a seventh place finish.
Towards the end of the campaign Argyle found themselves down the bare bones of their squad with Adams only being able to choose from his matchday 16, but the Pilgrims' boss has looked to address this problem ahead of the new campaign.
In goal, Harry Burgoyne was drafted in on a season long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers to challenge resident goalkeeper Kyle Letheren and rookie keeper Michael Cooper. However when Burgoyne's first team prospects were dealt a blow by a broken ankle in training, Adams acted quickly to bring Matt Macey on loan from Arsenal; Macey follows in the footsteps of Alan Miller and current Argyle goalkeeper coach Rhys Wilmot in making the journey from the Gunners to the Pilgrims on loan.
Argyle's defence had undergone a reconstruction over the summer following the departures of Oscar Threlkeld and Sonny Bradley. Joe Riley, who joins from Shrewsbury Town, looks set to fill the void left by Threlkeld at right-back whilst Yann Songo'o, Peter Grant, Scott Wootton and Niall Canavan will battle it out for the centre back positions with Ryan Edwards, who returns to the Pilgrims' fold after recovering from Testicular Cancer. At left-back, new club skipper Gary Sawyer will be competing with Ashley Smith-Brown, a summer recruit from Manchester City.
Of all the Pilgrim's playing departments, the midfielder is arguably the strongest with former Everton starlet Conor Grant will be competing with vice-captain David Fox and Jamie Ness.
Conor Grant with no doubt be looking the career trajectories of fellow Toffees' youth graduates John Lundstram and Ryan Ledson, who have both earned moves to the Championship after dropping down to League One after leaving Goodison Park. With a player with the experience of Fox, a player with the ability to find the right pass at the right time, to learn from, Conor Grant has an excellent role model to learn from both in training and on the pitch, as he looks to continue his footballing education.
And then there's Graham Carey, who is now embarking on his fourth season with the Pilgrims and he will also be looking to equal or better his goal scoring tally of 16 from the 2017-18 campaign. It looks set to be an important season for both the Irishman, who is currently 29, and Argyle.
After looking as though he could be on his way out of Home Park in the first half of the campaign, Ruben Lameiras proved to be a revelation for the Pilgrims in the second half of the season and offers Adams' side another creative option.
Up front, the return to fitness of Ryan Taylor looks set to be crucial and if he can stay fit, and new summer signings Callum Dyson and Freddie Ladapo can step up to the mark should he be absent, then a play-off spot will once again be within Argyle's grasp.
In: Scott Wootton (Manchester United), Joe Riley (Shrewsbury Town), Conor Grant & Calum Dyson (Everton), Freddie Ladapo (Southend United), Niall Canavan (Rochdale), Tafari Moore (FC Utrecht), Peter Grant (Falkirk), Ashley Smith-Brown (Manchester City), Harry Burgoyne (Wolves - loan)
Out: Nathan Blissett (Macclesfield Town), Sonny Bradley (Luton Town), Oscar Threlkeld (Waasland-Beveren), Gary Miller (Carlisle United), Aaron Taylor-Sinclair (Motherwell), Luke McCormick (Swindon Town), Robbert Te Loeke, Callum Rose, Simon Church (retired)
Wednesday, 1 August 2018
GLOVERS LOOKING TO ACHIEVE BY UNITY UNDER WAY
With their 8-2 opening day defeat at the hands of Luton Town no doubt still fresh in his memory bank, Yeovil Town manager Darren Way will be looking to avoid a repeat result when the Glovers line-up against Bury on Saturday.
However, Yeovil will be heading to East Lancashire without young Welsh central defender Tom James, whom the Glovers have accepted a bid, believed to be in the region of £400,000, from West Bromwich Albion.
Which means that a centre back pairing of new summer signing Gary Warren alongside Bevis Mugabi appears to be on the cards for Way. Nevertheless, former Yeovil defender Craig Alcock is currently available on a free transfer as Way looks to fill the void left by James' departure.
Another area that Way will be looking to strengthen in the centre of midfield, especially whilst he awaits the return from long term injuries of Jake Gray and James Bailey.
Although their memories of their opening day defeat against Luton are something that many of the Huish Park faithful would like to erase, their 6-2 away win over League Two play-off winners Coventry City will surely live long in the memory bank of all who attended of Green and White persuasion.
Yeovil's leading light on that glorious of Easter Monday bank holiday afternoons at the Ricoh Arena was striker Alex Fisher, signed from Motherwell and made his debut as a substitute in the Glovers' fourth round FA Cup tie against Manchester United, who netted a brace.
If Fisher can find themselves amongst the goals next season, Yeovil could yet achieve their first top half league finish since they won promotion to the Championship in the 2012-13 campaign. He also has the potential to compensate for the departure of Otis Khan to Mansfield Town.
In: Nathan Baker (Chelsea - loan), Dialling Jaiyesmi (Norwich City - loan), Carl Dickinson (Notts County), Gary Warren (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Sessi D'A'meida (Blackpool), Korrey Henry (West Ham United), Reece Cole (Brentford - loan)
Out: Otis Khan (Mansfield Town), Ryan Dickson (Torquay United), Connor Smith (Boreham Wood), Jonny Maddison (Darlington 1883), Oscar Gobern (Eastleigh), Nathan Smith, Artur Krysiak
However, Yeovil will be heading to East Lancashire without young Welsh central defender Tom James, whom the Glovers have accepted a bid, believed to be in the region of £400,000, from West Bromwich Albion.
Which means that a centre back pairing of new summer signing Gary Warren alongside Bevis Mugabi appears to be on the cards for Way. Nevertheless, former Yeovil defender Craig Alcock is currently available on a free transfer as Way looks to fill the void left by James' departure.
Another area that Way will be looking to strengthen in the centre of midfield, especially whilst he awaits the return from long term injuries of Jake Gray and James Bailey.
Although their memories of their opening day defeat against Luton are something that many of the Huish Park faithful would like to erase, their 6-2 away win over League Two play-off winners Coventry City will surely live long in the memory bank of all who attended of Green and White persuasion.
Yeovil's leading light on that glorious of Easter Monday bank holiday afternoons at the Ricoh Arena was striker Alex Fisher, signed from Motherwell and made his debut as a substitute in the Glovers' fourth round FA Cup tie against Manchester United, who netted a brace.
If Fisher can find themselves amongst the goals next season, Yeovil could yet achieve their first top half league finish since they won promotion to the Championship in the 2012-13 campaign. He also has the potential to compensate for the departure of Otis Khan to Mansfield Town.
In: Nathan Baker (Chelsea - loan), Dialling Jaiyesmi (Norwich City - loan), Carl Dickinson (Notts County), Gary Warren (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Sessi D'A'meida (Blackpool), Korrey Henry (West Ham United), Reece Cole (Brentford - loan)
Out: Otis Khan (Mansfield Town), Ryan Dickson (Torquay United), Connor Smith (Boreham Wood), Jonny Maddison (Darlington 1883), Oscar Gobern (Eastleigh), Nathan Smith, Artur Krysiak
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
TAYLOR MADE GRECIANS READY FOR LIFE AFTER TISDALE
Following two successive League Two play-off final defeats Exeter City are now embarking on a new era in the 2018-19 season, as Matthew Taylor starts his first season as Paul Tisdale's successor.
Tisdale left the Grecians following their Wembley loss to Coventry City - bringing the curtain down on his 12-year reign as manager - and Taylor, who was first brought to St James Park by Tisdale from Team Bath as player in 2007, was chosen to succeed him and to build on his legacy.
Taylor's appointment also offers City a degree of continuity as he has also previously managed the club's Under-23 side.
One of his first tasks over the summer has been to replace the players that departed St James Park - including three players who followed Tisdale to his new club, MK Dons (Ryan Harley, Robbie Simpson and Jordan Moore-Taylor). Central defender Jordan Storey's move Preston North End earned the Grecians a fee of £750,000, as he became City's latest youth set-up product to earn them a considerable sum in the transfer market.
Another notable departure was Lloyd James who moves to the Grecians' fellow League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers, but Taylor has moved to find suitable replacements.
The signing of Nicky Law, the son of former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Nicky Law, looks set to fill the void left by James' departure, whilst Aaron Martin should slot into the centre of defence as a replacement for Moore-Taylor.
Former Manchester United youngster, and former Plymouth Argyle loanee, Lee Martin could yet add a touch of class to the centre of midfield following Harley's move to Stadium:mk.
Taylor has, thus far, been able to hold on to last season's leading scorer Jayden Stockley, who netted 25 times last season, and if he can form a successful partnership with loan signing Tristan Abrahams, who joins on loan from Norwich City, or new signing Jonathan Forte, then the Grecians could emulate their achievements of the past two seasons.
In: Nicky Law (Bradford City), Jonathan Forte (Notts County), Aaron Martin (Oxford United), Tristan Abrahams (Norwich City - loan), Jimmy Oates (Hereford FC), Lee Martin (Gillingham)
Out: Danny Seaborne (Derry City), Jordan Moore-Taylor, Ryan Harley & Robbie Simpson (MK Dons), Jordan Storey (Preston North End), Ryan Brunt (Bath City), Lloyd James (Forest Green Rovers), Liam McAlinden (Cheltenham Town), Troy Archibald-Henville
Tisdale left the Grecians following their Wembley loss to Coventry City - bringing the curtain down on his 12-year reign as manager - and Taylor, who was first brought to St James Park by Tisdale from Team Bath as player in 2007, was chosen to succeed him and to build on his legacy.
Taylor's appointment also offers City a degree of continuity as he has also previously managed the club's Under-23 side.
One of his first tasks over the summer has been to replace the players that departed St James Park - including three players who followed Tisdale to his new club, MK Dons (Ryan Harley, Robbie Simpson and Jordan Moore-Taylor). Central defender Jordan Storey's move Preston North End earned the Grecians a fee of £750,000, as he became City's latest youth set-up product to earn them a considerable sum in the transfer market.
Another notable departure was Lloyd James who moves to the Grecians' fellow League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers, but Taylor has moved to find suitable replacements.
The signing of Nicky Law, the son of former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Nicky Law, looks set to fill the void left by James' departure, whilst Aaron Martin should slot into the centre of defence as a replacement for Moore-Taylor.
Former Manchester United youngster, and former Plymouth Argyle loanee, Lee Martin could yet add a touch of class to the centre of midfield following Harley's move to Stadium:mk.
Taylor has, thus far, been able to hold on to last season's leading scorer Jayden Stockley, who netted 25 times last season, and if he can form a successful partnership with loan signing Tristan Abrahams, who joins on loan from Norwich City, or new signing Jonathan Forte, then the Grecians could emulate their achievements of the past two seasons.
In: Nicky Law (Bradford City), Jonathan Forte (Notts County), Aaron Martin (Oxford United), Tristan Abrahams (Norwich City - loan), Jimmy Oates (Hereford FC), Lee Martin (Gillingham)
Out: Danny Seaborne (Derry City), Jordan Moore-Taylor, Ryan Harley & Robbie Simpson (MK Dons), Jordan Storey (Preston North End), Ryan Brunt (Bath City), Lloyd James (Forest Green Rovers), Liam McAlinden (Cheltenham Town), Troy Archibald-Henville
Sunday, 29 July 2018
GULLS AT A CROSSROADS HEADING INTO MAIDEN NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH CAMPAIGN
The bond that ties Ebbsfleet United manager Daryl McMahon with Torquay United is not a deeply formed one.
The Irishman made one appearance on loan at Plainmoor from West Ham United in the 2003-04 season under Leroy Rosenior, but he did have some kind words to say about the Gulls following their 1-1 draw with Ebbsfleet on the final day of the 2017-18 season.
"It's not easy, it's a tough division to get out of," said McMahon, whose side reached the National League play-offs after drawing with the Gulls. "Torquay will obviously be the big hitters; I can't remember a bigger side than Torquay being in the Conference South ever.
"It will be a tough task but if the crowd get behind them, and I'm sure Gary (Owers) will build a great side, if they can keep some of the better players and get some new ones in, I'm sure they'll have an excellent chance of getting out of it."
With only Brett Williams, Jakob Sokolik, Ruairi Keating, Jamie Reid and Liam Davis, as well as transfer listed duo Josh Gowling and Jon-Paul Pittman who remain with the club, are the only survivors from last season's side as manager Gary Owers has built what is essentially a brand new squad.
In goal, Alex Bass joins on a season-long loan from Portsmouth. Bass, 21, will be looking to build on a promising career, which has seen him turn out for Salisbury FC on loan. He also made his debut for Pompey on the final day of the 2017-18 season, as he looks to following the example of current England number one Jordan Pickford by learning his trade in non-league football.
Keeping Bass on his toes is former Gateshead keeper Shaun MacDonald, who hails from Owers' native North East, who makes the move from part-time to full-time football after spending last season in National League North with Blyth Spartans.
Along with Sokolik and the transfer listed Gowling, Owers can call upon George Essuman, a summer signing from Dover, Jean Yves Koue Niate - a physically imposing, powerful French centre back who has spells in England with Solihull Moors and Guiseley - and former Scotland Under-21 international Kyle Cameron, who joins from Newcastle United and has also had loan spells in the Football League with York City and Newport County.
They will be supported by Ben Wynter, who helped Hampton and Richmond reach the National League South play-offs last season, and Davis who will be appearing as right and left wing-backs respectively, if Owers decides to stick with the 3-5-2 formation again.
In midfield, Asa Hall and Ryan Dickson both bring plenty of previous experience of winning promotion at various different levels. Hall helped Cheltenham Town win the National League in the 2015-16 season and Dickson has enjoyed promotion success with Brentford in 2008-09 and Southampton in 2010-11.
They will be joined in midfield by former West Bromwich Albion starlet Samir Nabi, who spent last season at Carlisle United, and Bobson Bawling and Jason Banton, who are both looking to kickstart their careers after joining from Woking, have the potential to provide width when required.
Up front, Williams, Reid, Keating and Pittman each provide Owers with different options, but Owers may be looking to add another striker to complement them. Whether or not the Gulls boss can unearth 30 plus goal-a-season partnership from the aforementioned quartet or any other potential could go a long, long way to helping United to achieve their goal of promotion - whether it be as outright winners of the division or through the play-offs.
After six seasons of failing to finish in the top half in any league that they have played in, the Gulls last managed this feat under Martin Ling in the 2011-12 season when they reached the League Two play-offs, the rot has to stop. United are now at the crossroads just as they were at the end of the 1985-86 and 2006-07 seasons. In order to move forward as a football club again - a swift return from the division they currently find themselves in is required.
In: Bobson Bawling (Woking), George Essuman (Dover Athletic), Ben Wynter (Hampton and Richmond), Samir Nabi (Carlisle United), Asa Hall (Barrow), Jason Banton (Woking), Alex Bass (Portsmouth - season long loan), Shaun MacDonald (Blyth Spartans), Jean Yves Koue Niate (Guiseley), Ryan Dickson (Yeovil Town), Kyle Cameron (Newcastle United)
Out: Luke Young (Wrexham), Sean McGinty (Partick Thistle), Yan Klukowski (Chippenham Town), Jake Gosling (Weston Super Mare), Conrad Balatoni (Edinburgh City), Vincent Dorel, Reece Mitchell
The Irishman made one appearance on loan at Plainmoor from West Ham United in the 2003-04 season under Leroy Rosenior, but he did have some kind words to say about the Gulls following their 1-1 draw with Ebbsfleet on the final day of the 2017-18 season.
"It's not easy, it's a tough division to get out of," said McMahon, whose side reached the National League play-offs after drawing with the Gulls. "Torquay will obviously be the big hitters; I can't remember a bigger side than Torquay being in the Conference South ever.
"It will be a tough task but if the crowd get behind them, and I'm sure Gary (Owers) will build a great side, if they can keep some of the better players and get some new ones in, I'm sure they'll have an excellent chance of getting out of it."
With only Brett Williams, Jakob Sokolik, Ruairi Keating, Jamie Reid and Liam Davis, as well as transfer listed duo Josh Gowling and Jon-Paul Pittman who remain with the club, are the only survivors from last season's side as manager Gary Owers has built what is essentially a brand new squad.
In goal, Alex Bass joins on a season-long loan from Portsmouth. Bass, 21, will be looking to build on a promising career, which has seen him turn out for Salisbury FC on loan. He also made his debut for Pompey on the final day of the 2017-18 season, as he looks to following the example of current England number one Jordan Pickford by learning his trade in non-league football.
Keeping Bass on his toes is former Gateshead keeper Shaun MacDonald, who hails from Owers' native North East, who makes the move from part-time to full-time football after spending last season in National League North with Blyth Spartans.
Along with Sokolik and the transfer listed Gowling, Owers can call upon George Essuman, a summer signing from Dover, Jean Yves Koue Niate - a physically imposing, powerful French centre back who has spells in England with Solihull Moors and Guiseley - and former Scotland Under-21 international Kyle Cameron, who joins from Newcastle United and has also had loan spells in the Football League with York City and Newport County.
They will be supported by Ben Wynter, who helped Hampton and Richmond reach the National League South play-offs last season, and Davis who will be appearing as right and left wing-backs respectively, if Owers decides to stick with the 3-5-2 formation again.
In midfield, Asa Hall and Ryan Dickson both bring plenty of previous experience of winning promotion at various different levels. Hall helped Cheltenham Town win the National League in the 2015-16 season and Dickson has enjoyed promotion success with Brentford in 2008-09 and Southampton in 2010-11.
They will be joined in midfield by former West Bromwich Albion starlet Samir Nabi, who spent last season at Carlisle United, and Bobson Bawling and Jason Banton, who are both looking to kickstart their careers after joining from Woking, have the potential to provide width when required.
Up front, Williams, Reid, Keating and Pittman each provide Owers with different options, but Owers may be looking to add another striker to complement them. Whether or not the Gulls boss can unearth 30 plus goal-a-season partnership from the aforementioned quartet or any other potential could go a long, long way to helping United to achieve their goal of promotion - whether it be as outright winners of the division or through the play-offs.
After six seasons of failing to finish in the top half in any league that they have played in, the Gulls last managed this feat under Martin Ling in the 2011-12 season when they reached the League Two play-offs, the rot has to stop. United are now at the crossroads just as they were at the end of the 1985-86 and 2006-07 seasons. In order to move forward as a football club again - a swift return from the division they currently find themselves in is required.
In: Bobson Bawling (Woking), George Essuman (Dover Athletic), Ben Wynter (Hampton and Richmond), Samir Nabi (Carlisle United), Asa Hall (Barrow), Jason Banton (Woking), Alex Bass (Portsmouth - season long loan), Shaun MacDonald (Blyth Spartans), Jean Yves Koue Niate (Guiseley), Ryan Dickson (Yeovil Town), Kyle Cameron (Newcastle United)
Out: Luke Young (Wrexham), Sean McGinty (Partick Thistle), Yan Klukowski (Chippenham Town), Jake Gosling (Weston Super Mare), Conrad Balatoni (Edinburgh City), Vincent Dorel, Reece Mitchell
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