For Torquay United and Yeovil Town all roads will point to Wembley this weekend as the Gulls and the Glovers both enter the FA Trophy fray.
Torquay host fellow National League outfit Aldershot Town, who they beat 2-0 in front of the BT Sport cameras in August, and Yeovil face National League South side Welling United at Huish Park.
Both sides have pedigree in the competition during this century as current United manager Gary Johnson led Yeovil to Trophy glory in 2002 with a 2-0 win over Stevenage at Villa Park; the Gulls marked their first season following relegation from the Football League by reaching the 2008 final where they lost to Ebbsfleet United.
However, with the National League play-offs now widened to include the division's top seven, has success in the Trophy become a lesser priority for a number of National League clubs?
Last season's competition proved to be an exception to this trend as the 2019 final was contested by the 2018-19 National League beaten play-off finalists AFC Fylde and champions Leyton Orient - which Fylde won 3-0. This was in direct contrast to the previous season as 2017-18 champions Macclesfield Town and play-off winners Tranmere Rovers both went out in the first round.
The prize money that clubs receive for competing in the Trophy isn't as lucrative as the money that they receive for making progress in the FA Cup, and with the competition operating on a national format from the second round onwards the cost can begin to add up.
Also there is the effect that it has on the fixture list - if either United or the Glovers progress beyond the second round and then all the way to the final they would need to re-arrange four league fixtures to accommodate their quarter final and two-legged semi-final.
One way of increasing interest in the Trophy could be to involve National League sides in the earlier rounds. It would give the clubs playing in the lower reaches of the non-league game an extra chance to earn a plum draw against a former league side.
Another idea could be to regionalise the competition all the way through in a similar way that the leasing.com Trophy, in its current guise, was before the introduction of Premier League Under-21 sides. This would reduce the cost of travelling for the teams remaining in the Trophy. It would the eliminate the possibility of the Gulls travelling away to Blyth Spartans in early January, which would have been the prize if they had overcome Boreham Wood in the first round of last season's Trophy.
Thursday, 12 December 2019
Monday, 9 December 2019
LIKE ROME, TORQUAY UNITED PROMOTION WINNING TEAMS WEREN'T BUILT IN A DAY
Like the city of Rome most Torquay United promotion winning sides were not built in a day.
To give you the first of two examples three years passed between the Gulls' final day relegation against Barnet in 2001 to their first automatic promotion in 38 years which was secured with a 2-1 win over Southend United in the last fixture of the 2003-04 season. During this time Roy McFarland in the 2001-02 campaign and then Leroy Rosenior in the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons cultivated a side that played a brand of football widely considered to be the most exciting seen at Plainmoor in many a year.
It also took Paul Buckle two years to transform a club that had just been relegated from the Football League for the first time in its history into one that made a swift return by beating Cambridge United 2-0 in the 2009 Conference play-off final. Buckle then needed another two years to turn his Blue Square Premier play-offs into League Two play-off contenders, as United were beaten by Stevenage at Old Trafford in the 2010-11 play-off final at Old Trafford in what proved to be Buckle's final game in charge.
Which is why Gary Johnson needs to be given time as he attempts to turn the 2019-20 Torquay United from National League South champions into would be National League promotion winners.
Johnson performed the footballing equivalent of alchemy when he took a side that was 14th in the National League South at the time of the departure of his predecessor Gary Owers from the Plainmoor hot seat to the league title with three games to spare.
Now after a promising start that saw the Gulls mount a challenge for a second successive promotion, United have now run into one of the icebergs that Johnson has often referred to during his time in charge as they have now lost six straight games in all competitions.
In isolation, the last of those losses to date, which was a 2-1 defeat away to Harrogate Town, is no disaster but after a five-match losing run it feels slightly more painful.
However, there are mitigating circumstances in the form of an injury crisis that has led to Johnson increasing the number of loan players currently at the club to eight: Robbie Cundy, Opi Edwards, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh (all Bristol City), Frank Vincent (AFC Bournemouth), Joe Lewis (Swansea City), Ramarni Medford-Smith (Reading) and most recently Amrit Balsan-McNulty (Queens Park Rangers).
Such are the problems facing Johnson that many of the loan players that he has brought in are currently, along with senior pros skipper Asa Hall and left-back Liam Davis.
With a busy festive period approaching, Johnson is now faced with the task of building a bridge over increasingly troubled waters. Nevertheless he has already starting shuffling his pack as Dutch striker Manny Duku has already departed for pastures as he searches for that winning combination that will improve United's fortunes.
To give you the first of two examples three years passed between the Gulls' final day relegation against Barnet in 2001 to their first automatic promotion in 38 years which was secured with a 2-1 win over Southend United in the last fixture of the 2003-04 season. During this time Roy McFarland in the 2001-02 campaign and then Leroy Rosenior in the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons cultivated a side that played a brand of football widely considered to be the most exciting seen at Plainmoor in many a year.
It also took Paul Buckle two years to transform a club that had just been relegated from the Football League for the first time in its history into one that made a swift return by beating Cambridge United 2-0 in the 2009 Conference play-off final. Buckle then needed another two years to turn his Blue Square Premier play-offs into League Two play-off contenders, as United were beaten by Stevenage at Old Trafford in the 2010-11 play-off final at Old Trafford in what proved to be Buckle's final game in charge.
Which is why Gary Johnson needs to be given time as he attempts to turn the 2019-20 Torquay United from National League South champions into would be National League promotion winners.
Johnson performed the footballing equivalent of alchemy when he took a side that was 14th in the National League South at the time of the departure of his predecessor Gary Owers from the Plainmoor hot seat to the league title with three games to spare.
Now after a promising start that saw the Gulls mount a challenge for a second successive promotion, United have now run into one of the icebergs that Johnson has often referred to during his time in charge as they have now lost six straight games in all competitions.
In isolation, the last of those losses to date, which was a 2-1 defeat away to Harrogate Town, is no disaster but after a five-match losing run it feels slightly more painful.
However, there are mitigating circumstances in the form of an injury crisis that has led to Johnson increasing the number of loan players currently at the club to eight: Robbie Cundy, Opi Edwards, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh (all Bristol City), Frank Vincent (AFC Bournemouth), Joe Lewis (Swansea City), Ramarni Medford-Smith (Reading) and most recently Amrit Balsan-McNulty (Queens Park Rangers).
Such are the problems facing Johnson that many of the loan players that he has brought in are currently, along with senior pros skipper Asa Hall and left-back Liam Davis.
With a busy festive period approaching, Johnson is now faced with the task of building a bridge over increasingly troubled waters. Nevertheless he has already starting shuffling his pack as Dutch striker Manny Duku has already departed for pastures as he searches for that winning combination that will improve United's fortunes.
Thursday, 5 December 2019
KIEFFER HOPING TO FIRE DRAGONS TO EURO GLORY
For Jamie Ward with Northern Ireland in Euro 2016, you could potentially read Kieffer Moore with Wales in Euro 2020.
If selected by Welsh boss Ryan Giggs for the European wide tournament next summer, former Torquay United loanee Moore, 27, will join the list of former Gulls player to have featured in major tournaments.
Torbay-born Moore, who currently plays his club football for Wigan Athletic in the Championship, can look back at his brief, but prolific loan spell with his hometown club midway through the 2016-17 season as the point that helped to propel him to his current level.
Moore spent four games on loan at Plainmoor from Forest Green Rovers, which included a goal on his debut against Wrexham that secured a 1-1 draw. This was soon followed by a hat-trick in a 3-0 home win against Solihull Moors and a further headed effort was instrumental in sealing a 1-0 win away at Dagenham & Redbridge.
His loan spell came to an end following 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers - in which Moore was handed the captain's by then United manager Kevin Nicholson. After his return to the New Lawn, a permanent return to South Devon appeared to be on the cards but little did we know that former United player-assistant manager Steve McCall who, after seeing Moore in action at Dagenham, had alerted Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy to his talents, and the Tractor Boys paid Forest Green £15,000 to take him to Portman Road.
Earlier in his career Moore had spent the 2013-14 season with Yeovil Town in the Championship under current United manager Gary Johnson and was keen to prove himself at that level again.
Since then Moore has changed hands for fees of over £3million, having joined Barnsley for £750,000 and his present club Wigan for £2.4 million and being eligible to play for Wales through his grandfather, and he has now been capped five times for the principality and scored twice. Both his goals came against Slovakia and Azerbaijan in Wales' Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, so he can claim to have made a meaningful contribution to helping the Welsh reach their second successive Euro finals.
In the finals Wales will be facing Switzerland and Turkey in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, before facing Italy in their final group game in Rome's Stadio Olympico Stadium. If Moore is involved in either of those three games, it will be another exciting chapter in a career that began with Paignton Saints in the South Devon League and has taken in a spell in Norway with Viking FK as well as stints in the South West with Truro City and Dorchester Town.
Former Torquay United players who have previously represented their country at major finals:
Euro 92: Keith Curle (England)
1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Rodney Jack (St Vincent and the Grenadines)
1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Paul Hall (Jamaica)
1998 World Cup: Paul Hall (Jamaica), Matt Elliott (Scotland)*
1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Paul Hall (Jamaica)
Euro 2016: Jamie Ward (Northern Ireland)
* Matt Elliott was named in the Scotland squad for the 1998 World Cup in France, but didn't feature in any of their three matches against Brazil, Norway or Morroco.
If selected by Welsh boss Ryan Giggs for the European wide tournament next summer, former Torquay United loanee Moore, 27, will join the list of former Gulls player to have featured in major tournaments.
Torbay-born Moore, who currently plays his club football for Wigan Athletic in the Championship, can look back at his brief, but prolific loan spell with his hometown club midway through the 2016-17 season as the point that helped to propel him to his current level.
Moore spent four games on loan at Plainmoor from Forest Green Rovers, which included a goal on his debut against Wrexham that secured a 1-1 draw. This was soon followed by a hat-trick in a 3-0 home win against Solihull Moors and a further headed effort was instrumental in sealing a 1-0 win away at Dagenham & Redbridge.
His loan spell came to an end following 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers - in which Moore was handed the captain's by then United manager Kevin Nicholson. After his return to the New Lawn, a permanent return to South Devon appeared to be on the cards but little did we know that former United player-assistant manager Steve McCall who, after seeing Moore in action at Dagenham, had alerted Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy to his talents, and the Tractor Boys paid Forest Green £15,000 to take him to Portman Road.
Earlier in his career Moore had spent the 2013-14 season with Yeovil Town in the Championship under current United manager Gary Johnson and was keen to prove himself at that level again.
Since then Moore has changed hands for fees of over £3million, having joined Barnsley for £750,000 and his present club Wigan for £2.4 million and being eligible to play for Wales through his grandfather, and he has now been capped five times for the principality and scored twice. Both his goals came against Slovakia and Azerbaijan in Wales' Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, so he can claim to have made a meaningful contribution to helping the Welsh reach their second successive Euro finals.
In the finals Wales will be facing Switzerland and Turkey in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, before facing Italy in their final group game in Rome's Stadio Olympico Stadium. If Moore is involved in either of those three games, it will be another exciting chapter in a career that began with Paignton Saints in the South Devon League and has taken in a spell in Norway with Viking FK as well as stints in the South West with Truro City and Dorchester Town.
Former Torquay United players who have previously represented their country at major finals:
Euro 92: Keith Curle (England)
1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Rodney Jack (St Vincent and the Grenadines)
1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Paul Hall (Jamaica)
1998 World Cup: Paul Hall (Jamaica), Matt Elliott (Scotland)*
1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Paul Hall (Jamaica)
Euro 2016: Jamie Ward (Northern Ireland)
* Matt Elliott was named in the Scotland squad for the 1998 World Cup in France, but didn't feature in any of their three matches against Brazil, Norway or Morroco.
Sunday, 1 December 2019
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS STOCKPORT COUNTY
1. The National League is a cruel league.
Yesterday's encounter between Torquay United and Stockport County saw the seventh best supported side in the National League face its third best. However, this wasn't reflected in the score line as the Hatters came away as 5-1 winners - a reverse of the winning margin when United beat them 4-0 at Edgeley Park last September. It was also the Gulls' fifth defeat in a row in all competitions, which further underlines why teams who succeed in the National League are the ones who are consistently good week in, week out.
2. The return of Asa Hall, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jamie Reid.
After seeing the Gulls' disrupted by injuries in recent weeks, it must have been a big relief for Torquay United manager Gary Johnson to see skipper Asa Hall, leading scorer Jamie Reid and midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans back in action. The trio weren't fit enough to appear for the full 90 minutes as Hall and Reid were substituted on 54 minutes and 60 minutes respectively, and Lemonheigh Evans entered the fray as Hall's replacement. With a busy festive period just around the corner, if those three are also fit and firing on all cylinders and Jean Yves Koue Niate and Jake Andrews set to return from one-match suspensions then Johnson will soon have a near full strength squad to choose from.
3. Shaun MacDonald's goalkeeping display.
Had it not been for two first saves from Shaun MacDonald to deny Stockport's Tom Walker in the 28th and 33rd minutes respectively, then Stockport would have won by a bigger margin. Despite the injury problems that Gulls manager Gary Johnson has faced in other positions, particularly in midfield and upfront, but the goalkeeper position is one where he has plenty of options with MacDonald and summer signing Lucas Covolan keeping each other on their toes.
4. Ben Whitfield's fourth goal of the season.
Ben Whitfield's goal on 75 minutes was of little consolation to the Gulls by full minute, but it did ensure that he is now United's third top scorer of the season behind Jake Andrews with six and leading scorer Jamie Reid with 15.
5. Why strong home form is vital in any upturn in the Gulls' fortunes.
United's defeat to Stockport County was their fifth of the season, and if the Gulls want to be involved in the play-offs at the end of the season then they can't afford to lose to lose too many more times at Plainmoor. Out of the teams who finished in the top seven in the National League last season - only Harrogate Town and Eastleigh, who lost six and seven games at home respectively in the 2018-19 National League campaign, experienced more defeats at home than the Gulls have currently suffered. The challenge now for Johnson and his coaching team is to make Plainmoor into a fortress.
Yesterday's encounter between Torquay United and Stockport County saw the seventh best supported side in the National League face its third best. However, this wasn't reflected in the score line as the Hatters came away as 5-1 winners - a reverse of the winning margin when United beat them 4-0 at Edgeley Park last September. It was also the Gulls' fifth defeat in a row in all competitions, which further underlines why teams who succeed in the National League are the ones who are consistently good week in, week out.
2. The return of Asa Hall, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jamie Reid.
After seeing the Gulls' disrupted by injuries in recent weeks, it must have been a big relief for Torquay United manager Gary Johnson to see skipper Asa Hall, leading scorer Jamie Reid and midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans back in action. The trio weren't fit enough to appear for the full 90 minutes as Hall and Reid were substituted on 54 minutes and 60 minutes respectively, and Lemonheigh Evans entered the fray as Hall's replacement. With a busy festive period just around the corner, if those three are also fit and firing on all cylinders and Jean Yves Koue Niate and Jake Andrews set to return from one-match suspensions then Johnson will soon have a near full strength squad to choose from.
3. Shaun MacDonald's goalkeeping display.
Had it not been for two first saves from Shaun MacDonald to deny Stockport's Tom Walker in the 28th and 33rd minutes respectively, then Stockport would have won by a bigger margin. Despite the injury problems that Gulls manager Gary Johnson has faced in other positions, particularly in midfield and upfront, but the goalkeeper position is one where he has plenty of options with MacDonald and summer signing Lucas Covolan keeping each other on their toes.
4. Ben Whitfield's fourth goal of the season.
Ben Whitfield's goal on 75 minutes was of little consolation to the Gulls by full minute, but it did ensure that he is now United's third top scorer of the season behind Jake Andrews with six and leading scorer Jamie Reid with 15.
5. Why strong home form is vital in any upturn in the Gulls' fortunes.
United's defeat to Stockport County was their fifth of the season, and if the Gulls want to be involved in the play-offs at the end of the season then they can't afford to lose to lose too many more times at Plainmoor. Out of the teams who finished in the top seven in the National League last season - only Harrogate Town and Eastleigh, who lost six and seven games at home respectively in the 2018-19 National League campaign, experienced more defeats at home than the Gulls have currently suffered. The challenge now for Johnson and his coaching team is to make Plainmoor into a fortress.
Sunday, 17 November 2019
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS SUTTON
1. The Gulls' injury list is mounting.
Heading into yesterday's encounter with Sutton United, Torquay United manager Gary Johnson was unable to call on Asa Hall, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, Opi Edwards, Jake Andrews, Armani Little and Liam Davis due to injury - leaving him without a complete midfield and one of the division's leading left backs. Earlier in the season, Matt Buse, who was recently named as the National League player of the month for October, wasn't even making the squad and Frank Vincent was filling in as a makeshift left-back while Davis recovered from abdominal surgery, but in recent weeks they have formed United's central midfield pairing.
However, the injury list is now starting to take its toll as Johnson was dealt with the blow of losing Frank Vincent and Ben Whitfield, who were both carried off injured, which further depleted his squad. Johnson will be keeping his finger crossed that the duo are able to recover in time for next Saturday's trip to Chorley.
2. A magnificent seventh.
Left-back Ramarni Medford-Smith, who joined on loan from Reading as cover for Liam Davis, became the seventh loan signing to feature for the Gulls in the 2019-20 campaign. He joins a list that already includes Opi Edwards, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, Robbie Cundy and Saikou Janneh (all Bristol City); Frank Vincent (AFC Bournemouth) and Joe Lewis (Swansea City) who was absent due to international duty with Wales Under-21s.
3. Ben Wynter's display.
As well as scoring his first goal of the campaign, Gulls' right-back topped his display with receiving the sponsors' man of the match award. Wynter, who is one of only three ever presents in the United squad this season - along with Kyle Cameron and leading scorer Jamie Reid, has been amongst the Gulls' most consistent performers this season and successfully avoided a fifth yellow card, which would have earned him a one-match ban.
4. The league is wide open.
It is often said the Championship is the toughest league in English football to win promotion from, but the Vanarama National League has a strong case to rival it. The leadership of the division changed hands again following the latest round of matches as Barrow replaced Bromley as the league leaders. However, the Gulls are still only three points off the summit (they have 34 points whereas the Bluebirds have 37).
5. Sutton make it four wins out of five against the Gulls.
By defeating Torquay United on Saturday, Sutton United have now won four of their last five fixtures against the Gulls - a run that includes three wins at Plainmoor. Not since their 4-0 win over Chesterfield had the U's tasted victory in the National League - and prior to Saturday, they had gone seven league games without a win . It was also only the fourth time in total that Sutton had won in their league campaign.
Heading into yesterday's encounter with Sutton United, Torquay United manager Gary Johnson was unable to call on Asa Hall, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, Opi Edwards, Jake Andrews, Armani Little and Liam Davis due to injury - leaving him without a complete midfield and one of the division's leading left backs. Earlier in the season, Matt Buse, who was recently named as the National League player of the month for October, wasn't even making the squad and Frank Vincent was filling in as a makeshift left-back while Davis recovered from abdominal surgery, but in recent weeks they have formed United's central midfield pairing.
However, the injury list is now starting to take its toll as Johnson was dealt with the blow of losing Frank Vincent and Ben Whitfield, who were both carried off injured, which further depleted his squad. Johnson will be keeping his finger crossed that the duo are able to recover in time for next Saturday's trip to Chorley.
2. A magnificent seventh.
Left-back Ramarni Medford-Smith, who joined on loan from Reading as cover for Liam Davis, became the seventh loan signing to feature for the Gulls in the 2019-20 campaign. He joins a list that already includes Opi Edwards, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, Robbie Cundy and Saikou Janneh (all Bristol City); Frank Vincent (AFC Bournemouth) and Joe Lewis (Swansea City) who was absent due to international duty with Wales Under-21s.
3. Ben Wynter's display.
As well as scoring his first goal of the campaign, Gulls' right-back topped his display with receiving the sponsors' man of the match award. Wynter, who is one of only three ever presents in the United squad this season - along with Kyle Cameron and leading scorer Jamie Reid, has been amongst the Gulls' most consistent performers this season and successfully avoided a fifth yellow card, which would have earned him a one-match ban.
4. The league is wide open.
It is often said the Championship is the toughest league in English football to win promotion from, but the Vanarama National League has a strong case to rival it. The leadership of the division changed hands again following the latest round of matches as Barrow replaced Bromley as the league leaders. However, the Gulls are still only three points off the summit (they have 34 points whereas the Bluebirds have 37).
5. Sutton make it four wins out of five against the Gulls.
By defeating Torquay United on Saturday, Sutton United have now won four of their last five fixtures against the Gulls - a run that includes three wins at Plainmoor. Not since their 4-0 win over Chesterfield had the U's tasted victory in the National League - and prior to Saturday, they had gone seven league games without a win . It was also only the fourth time in total that Sutton had won in their league campaign.
Tuesday, 12 November 2019
LEFT BACK IN TIME: FIVE MEMORABLE TORQUAY UNITED LEFT-BACKS
Torquay United's FA Cup first round defeat proved to be a bittersweet occasion for left-back Liam Davis, as the fixture also saw him make his 100th appearance for the Gulls. We will now take a closer look at several other left-backs who, like Davis, have also played in United's promotion winning/play-off sides.
John Uzzell (1989-1992)
When the late Cyril Knowles paid Plymouth Argyle £11,000 for the services of John Uzzell in 1989, he knew that he was getting excellent value for a very dedicated professional. Uzzell had spent 12 years with his hometown club during which time the Pilgrims had reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1984 and had won promotion in the 1985-86 season under the guidance of Dave Smith. Uzzell would put his experience to good use and was soon made captain and he remained a key figure at the club after Smith was appointed as Knowles' successor in late 1989.
Whilst at Plainmoor, he would play a part in another memorable FA Cup run as he helped the Gulls to reach the fourth round of the competition in the 1989-90 season - after beating West Ham United in the third round - and a promotion campaign in the following 1990-91 season. The latter saw a dramatic climax for United as they beat Blackpool on penalties, however a hamstring injury sustained in the Gulls' final league game against York City denied Uzzell the chance to play in the final at Wembley - as well as both legs of the play-off semi-finals versus Burnley.
In the 1991-92 season, Uzzell was appointed as joint-caretaker manager with team-mate Wes Saunders following the dismissal of John Impey as manager. Shortly afterwards his career as a player ended in tragic circumstances following a facial injury in a home match against Brentford following a challenge by Gary Blissett. Although his playing career ended, Uzzell remained involved football through his role as a sports analyst for the Press Association which saw him became a regular in the Plainmoor Press Box until 2016.
Paul Gibbs (1997-1998)
Despite only spending one season with Torquay United, Paul Gibbs proved to be something of a cult hero to the Gulls' faithful. As well as forming an iconic wing-back pairing with right wing-back Andy Gurney, Gibbs also chipped in with 10 goals - including numerous efforts from the penalty spot, and even went out with Soccer AM presenter and celebrity Gulls' fan Helen Chamberlain.
He was also on target in the Gulls' 4-1 play-off semi-final, second leg win over Scarborough which sealed United's place in the final itself against Colchester United - the club who had released him prior to his move to Plainmoor. The final at Wembley proved to be his final appearance for the club as he followed manager Kevin Hodges and his assistant Steve McCall to Plymouth Argyle.
Robbie Herrera (1992,1993, 1998-2001, 2001)
Torquay-born Robbie Herrera originally left Plainmoor to sign for Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 1986. He briefly returned on loan during the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons before Wes Saunders paid Fulham £35,000 to bring him home in 1998, as a replacement for the Home Park bound Paul Gibbs. Herrera's impact was instant as he won the man of the match award on his third debut for the Gulls on the opening day of the 1998-99 campaign against Cambridge United.
He was a mainstay in the United side for the next three seasons before he was released at the end of the 2000-01 season, but he would return briefly at the start of the 2001-02 campaign on non-contract forms under Roy McFarland. In later years he undertook numerous roles in the club's youth department before becoming assistant manager to Kevin Nicholson between 2015-2017 and even a had a six-match spell as caretaker manager following Nicholson's dismissal early in the 2017-18 season.
Brian McGlinchey (2003-2006)
Considered by many to be the missing piece in the jigsaw in Leroy Rosenior's 2003-04 automatic promotion winning team, Brian McGlinchey was one of a number of players to make the journey from Home Park to Plainmoor in the early 2000s when he arrived on loan from the Pilgrims in September 2003. A former Northern Ireland Under-21 international who started his career with Manchester City, McGlinchey made the move permanent in January 2004 and his understanding with Kevin Hill on United's left flank was one of the most underrated strengths of Leroy's side. As well as being strong on the overlap, he was also sound defensively and his man-marking job on Bristol City winger Scott Murray when United went to Ashton Gate on the opening day of the 2004-05 season ensured that the Scotsman had a very quiet afternoon. Unfortunately a back problem curtailed his involvement towards the end of the 2004-05 campaign, as he missed the end of season showdown which saw the Gulls relegated on the final day of the season on goal difference. The same injury would also force him to retire at the end of the 2005-06 season at the age of 28.
Kevin Nicholson (2007-2014, 2015-2017)
One of the most popular players to have appeared for the Gulls in recent times, Kevin Nicholson's association with Torquay United began in the summer of 2007 when Paul Buckle signed him from Forest Green Rovers as he aimed to lead United back into the Football League.
Nicholson played a key role in helping to make the Gulls into a more competitive outfit, as he chipped in with numerous assists with his delivery from set pieces as United won promotion to the Football League in 2009 with victory over Cambridge in the Blue Square Premier play-off final.
On returning to the Football League, Nicholson, who had appeared in the league for Northampton Town and Notts County earlier in his career - as well as managing one appearance in the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, remained a regular for United.
In the 2011-12 campaign, he enjoyed what was without question one of his finest seasons in football as he helped the Gulls to reach the League Two play-offs under Martin Ling and was also named in the PFA League Two team of the season, alongside fellow teammates Bobby Olejnik, Lee Mansell and Eunan O'Kane.
Nicholson remained at Plainmoor for two more years before he was released at the end of the 2013-14 campaign. However, early in the 2015-16 season, he returned to Plainmoor as player-manager and during one of the most difficult periods in the club's history he led the club to safety in the National League in the 2015-16 campaign with three games to spare - despite being bottom of the league at Christmas. He would repeat the feat again in the 2016-17 season before he was dismissed four games into the 2017-18 campaign. After a spell as manager of South West Peninsula League side Mousehole, Nicholson is currently working for Exeter City as director of coaching.
John Uzzell (1989-1992)
When the late Cyril Knowles paid Plymouth Argyle £11,000 for the services of John Uzzell in 1989, he knew that he was getting excellent value for a very dedicated professional. Uzzell had spent 12 years with his hometown club during which time the Pilgrims had reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1984 and had won promotion in the 1985-86 season under the guidance of Dave Smith. Uzzell would put his experience to good use and was soon made captain and he remained a key figure at the club after Smith was appointed as Knowles' successor in late 1989.
Whilst at Plainmoor, he would play a part in another memorable FA Cup run as he helped the Gulls to reach the fourth round of the competition in the 1989-90 season - after beating West Ham United in the third round - and a promotion campaign in the following 1990-91 season. The latter saw a dramatic climax for United as they beat Blackpool on penalties, however a hamstring injury sustained in the Gulls' final league game against York City denied Uzzell the chance to play in the final at Wembley - as well as both legs of the play-off semi-finals versus Burnley.
In the 1991-92 season, Uzzell was appointed as joint-caretaker manager with team-mate Wes Saunders following the dismissal of John Impey as manager. Shortly afterwards his career as a player ended in tragic circumstances following a facial injury in a home match against Brentford following a challenge by Gary Blissett. Although his playing career ended, Uzzell remained involved football through his role as a sports analyst for the Press Association which saw him became a regular in the Plainmoor Press Box until 2016.
Paul Gibbs (1997-1998)
Despite only spending one season with Torquay United, Paul Gibbs proved to be something of a cult hero to the Gulls' faithful. As well as forming an iconic wing-back pairing with right wing-back Andy Gurney, Gibbs also chipped in with 10 goals - including numerous efforts from the penalty spot, and even went out with Soccer AM presenter and celebrity Gulls' fan Helen Chamberlain.
He was also on target in the Gulls' 4-1 play-off semi-final, second leg win over Scarborough which sealed United's place in the final itself against Colchester United - the club who had released him prior to his move to Plainmoor. The final at Wembley proved to be his final appearance for the club as he followed manager Kevin Hodges and his assistant Steve McCall to Plymouth Argyle.
Robbie Herrera (1992,1993, 1998-2001, 2001)
Torquay-born Robbie Herrera originally left Plainmoor to sign for Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 1986. He briefly returned on loan during the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons before Wes Saunders paid Fulham £35,000 to bring him home in 1998, as a replacement for the Home Park bound Paul Gibbs. Herrera's impact was instant as he won the man of the match award on his third debut for the Gulls on the opening day of the 1998-99 campaign against Cambridge United.
He was a mainstay in the United side for the next three seasons before he was released at the end of the 2000-01 season, but he would return briefly at the start of the 2001-02 campaign on non-contract forms under Roy McFarland. In later years he undertook numerous roles in the club's youth department before becoming assistant manager to Kevin Nicholson between 2015-2017 and even a had a six-match spell as caretaker manager following Nicholson's dismissal early in the 2017-18 season.
Brian McGlinchey (2003-2006)
Considered by many to be the missing piece in the jigsaw in Leroy Rosenior's 2003-04 automatic promotion winning team, Brian McGlinchey was one of a number of players to make the journey from Home Park to Plainmoor in the early 2000s when he arrived on loan from the Pilgrims in September 2003. A former Northern Ireland Under-21 international who started his career with Manchester City, McGlinchey made the move permanent in January 2004 and his understanding with Kevin Hill on United's left flank was one of the most underrated strengths of Leroy's side. As well as being strong on the overlap, he was also sound defensively and his man-marking job on Bristol City winger Scott Murray when United went to Ashton Gate on the opening day of the 2004-05 season ensured that the Scotsman had a very quiet afternoon. Unfortunately a back problem curtailed his involvement towards the end of the 2004-05 campaign, as he missed the end of season showdown which saw the Gulls relegated on the final day of the season on goal difference. The same injury would also force him to retire at the end of the 2005-06 season at the age of 28.
Kevin Nicholson (2007-2014, 2015-2017)
One of the most popular players to have appeared for the Gulls in recent times, Kevin Nicholson's association with Torquay United began in the summer of 2007 when Paul Buckle signed him from Forest Green Rovers as he aimed to lead United back into the Football League.
Nicholson played a key role in helping to make the Gulls into a more competitive outfit, as he chipped in with numerous assists with his delivery from set pieces as United won promotion to the Football League in 2009 with victory over Cambridge in the Blue Square Premier play-off final.
On returning to the Football League, Nicholson, who had appeared in the league for Northampton Town and Notts County earlier in his career - as well as managing one appearance in the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, remained a regular for United.
In the 2011-12 campaign, he enjoyed what was without question one of his finest seasons in football as he helped the Gulls to reach the League Two play-offs under Martin Ling and was also named in the PFA League Two team of the season, alongside fellow teammates Bobby Olejnik, Lee Mansell and Eunan O'Kane.
Nicholson remained at Plainmoor for two more years before he was released at the end of the 2013-14 campaign. However, early in the 2015-16 season, he returned to Plainmoor as player-manager and during one of the most difficult periods in the club's history he led the club to safety in the National League in the 2015-16 campaign with three games to spare - despite being bottom of the league at Christmas. He would repeat the feat again in the 2016-17 season before he was dismissed four games into the 2017-18 campaign. After a spell as manager of South West Peninsula League side Mousehole, Nicholson is currently working for Exeter City as director of coaching.
Sunday, 10 November 2019
A LESSON FROM THE PAST
The names might have changed but the outlook remains very much the same.
For David Graham read Jamie Reid, for Jo Kuffour read Saikou Janneh (at least for now), for Alex Russell and Jason Fowler read Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews- albeit younger versions, of course.
Gary Johnson's current Torquay United side of the 2019-20 campaign, who are currently aiming for promotion from the National League by attempting to play their way out of the division, bare more than a slight similarity to Leroy Rosenior's 2003-04 automatic promotion winners. It could even be said that the current Gulls' crop are the spiritual successors to Leroy's class of 2004.
However, whilst the flair and attacking of the likes of messrs Graham, Russell, Fowler and Kuffour earned the United of 2003-04 much praise from opposite managers, another parallel can be found here with FC Halifax manager Pete Wild recently described United as the best team his side has faced this season, there were a number of unsung players in that side who also played their part.
The centre back pairing of Steve Woods and Craig Taylor rank amongst the defensive partnerships to have appeared for the Gulls in recent seasons and left-back Brian McGlinchey was widely considered to have been the 'missing piece' in the jigsaw when he made his loan move from Plymouth Argyle permanent.
Matt Hockley and Kevin Hill are also worthy of an honourable mentions. Hockley's qualities as a ball-winning midfielder complemented the likes of Russell and Fowler. Hill also chipped in with a number of goals from midfield and his ability to outjump players who were far taller than his five foot nine inch frame also gave United another outlet when playing the ball out of defence.
You also have to wonder if United could have achieved promotion under Leroy a year earlier if Taylor had managed to extend his initial loan spell from Plymouth Argyle in March 2003 for the remainder of the 2002-03 campaign. Taylor, then 29, made his debut away against Cambridge United on 1st March 2003 in a 1-0 win for the Gulls, which was followed by a 0-0 draw with Swansea City and three successive 1-1 draws with Scunthorpe United, Hull City and AFC Bournemouth.
Of course in the following summer he made the move permanent and then went on to captain United to their first automatic promotion in 38 years. It makes you wonder what impact a similar type of signing could have on the fortunes of the present day United side.
For David Graham read Jamie Reid, for Jo Kuffour read Saikou Janneh (at least for now), for Alex Russell and Jason Fowler read Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews- albeit younger versions, of course.
Gary Johnson's current Torquay United side of the 2019-20 campaign, who are currently aiming for promotion from the National League by attempting to play their way out of the division, bare more than a slight similarity to Leroy Rosenior's 2003-04 automatic promotion winners. It could even be said that the current Gulls' crop are the spiritual successors to Leroy's class of 2004.
However, whilst the flair and attacking of the likes of messrs Graham, Russell, Fowler and Kuffour earned the United of 2003-04 much praise from opposite managers, another parallel can be found here with FC Halifax manager Pete Wild recently described United as the best team his side has faced this season, there were a number of unsung players in that side who also played their part.
The centre back pairing of Steve Woods and Craig Taylor rank amongst the defensive partnerships to have appeared for the Gulls in recent seasons and left-back Brian McGlinchey was widely considered to have been the 'missing piece' in the jigsaw when he made his loan move from Plymouth Argyle permanent.
Matt Hockley and Kevin Hill are also worthy of an honourable mentions. Hockley's qualities as a ball-winning midfielder complemented the likes of Russell and Fowler. Hill also chipped in with a number of goals from midfield and his ability to outjump players who were far taller than his five foot nine inch frame also gave United another outlet when playing the ball out of defence.
You also have to wonder if United could have achieved promotion under Leroy a year earlier if Taylor had managed to extend his initial loan spell from Plymouth Argyle in March 2003 for the remainder of the 2002-03 campaign. Taylor, then 29, made his debut away against Cambridge United on 1st March 2003 in a 1-0 win for the Gulls, which was followed by a 0-0 draw with Swansea City and three successive 1-1 draws with Scunthorpe United, Hull City and AFC Bournemouth.
Of course in the following summer he made the move permanent and then went on to captain United to their first automatic promotion in 38 years. It makes you wonder what impact a similar type of signing could have on the fortunes of the present day United side.
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