Former Exeter City starlet Jake Gosling picked the perfect way to put himself in the shop window this summer- following his release by the Grecians- by scoring on his international debut for Gibraltar against Estonia.
Gosling, whose previous career highlight was scoring for Dorchester Town- whilst on loan with the Magpies- in the FA Cup 1st round live on ESPN against Plymouth Argyle- the club that released him as a 16-year old, netted what was the island's first away international friendly goal, which enabled them to draw 1-1 with the Estonians in Tallinn.
Born in Newquay, Gosling qualifies to play for Gibraltar through his father, who was born on the island, but was let go by Paul Tisdale at the end of the 2013-14 season- and now finds himself looking for a new club.
Despite currently being a free agent, Gosling, a left midfielder by trade, will have the chance to test himself against some of the world's leading full-backs when Gibraltar start their maiden qualifying competition in September for the Euro 2016 finals, which are due to be held in France.
Gibraltar have been drawn with Germany, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Scotland and Georgia, which means Gosling could potentially be lining-up against Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm and Everton's Seamus Coleman, which gives the former Grecian the opportunity to test himself against world-class opposition.
Prior to their draw with Estonia, the British Overseas Territory had held Slovakia to a draw in their maiden international fixture- so the signs are that the island- famous for its Rock- could be set to produce a few more solid displays.
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
JOHNSON STARTS REBUILDING JOB AT HUISH
Following Yeovil Town's relegation from the Championship, manager Gary Johnson has set about rebuilding his squad ahead of the return to life in League One.
Johnson has completed his first signing of the summer in the form of left back Nathan Smith, who returns to Huish after three years with Chesterfield, in the wake of the news that goalkeeper Marek Stech, central defender Byron Webster and right back Luke Ayling all turned down new deals with the Glovers.
Watford appears to be a likely destination for Stech, who has also attracted interest from Sparta Prague in his native Czech Republic, whilst Ayling would earn Yeovil a fee from any future transfer as he is under the age of 24.
Nevertheless, veteran James Hayter, 35, has agreed a new one-year deal, which sees remain on a roster of strikers that includes Kieffer Moore and former Liverpool starlet Adam Morgan.
Loan signings could be attracted to Huish Park as the Glovers once again after Everton defender Shane Duffy joined the list of loan players who have enhanced their career prospects following a loan spell with Yeovil Town, which includes the likes of Andros Townsend, Alex McCarthy and Steven Caulker.
Duffy, 22, will spent this summer at a Republic of Ireland training camp, under the watchful gaze of manager Martin O'Neill- who monitored his progress at Huish Park this season, and could be set to feature in a series of friendly matches against Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica and Portugal.
Johnson has completed his first signing of the summer in the form of left back Nathan Smith, who returns to Huish after three years with Chesterfield, in the wake of the news that goalkeeper Marek Stech, central defender Byron Webster and right back Luke Ayling all turned down new deals with the Glovers.
Watford appears to be a likely destination for Stech, who has also attracted interest from Sparta Prague in his native Czech Republic, whilst Ayling would earn Yeovil a fee from any future transfer as he is under the age of 24.
Nevertheless, veteran James Hayter, 35, has agreed a new one-year deal, which sees remain on a roster of strikers that includes Kieffer Moore and former Liverpool starlet Adam Morgan.
Loan signings could be attracted to Huish Park as the Glovers once again after Everton defender Shane Duffy joined the list of loan players who have enhanced their career prospects following a loan spell with Yeovil Town, which includes the likes of Andros Townsend, Alex McCarthy and Steven Caulker.
Duffy, 22, will spent this summer at a Republic of Ireland training camp, under the watchful gaze of manager Martin O'Neill- who monitored his progress at Huish Park this season, and could be set to feature in a series of friendly matches against Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica and Portugal.
Friday, 16 May 2014
LIAM'S WEMBLEY DATE
Ten years after helping Torquay United win promotion from Division Three, Liam Rosenior is now on the verge of making his first FA Cup final appearance with Hull City tomorrow when the Tigers take on Arsenal.
Rosenior, 29, has appeared for Fulham, Ipswich and Reading and represented England Under-21s since his ten-match loan spell at Plainmoor under his father, Leroy Rosenior, during the 2003-04 season when the Gulls clinched their first automatic promotion for 38 years.
Now, a decade on, Liam now has the opportunity to deny Arsene Wenger's Gunners the chance to win their first trophy since 2005 and earn the Tigers their first ever senior domestic trophy.
If Hull need inspiration ahead of tomorrow's showdown with the Gunners, they only need to look at Wigan's heroics against Manchester City- when Ben Watson struck with a late winner for Roberto Martinez's Latics.
Tigers manager Steve Bruce has also won the competition three times as a player with Manchester United in 1990, 1994 and 1996; and Liam himself also has his own memories of playing in big occasions to draw on.
Prior to his loan spell with the Gulls, he was on the score sheet for Bristol City in their 2-0 LDV Vans Trophy final win over Carlisle United in 2003 at the Millennium Stadium.
If he could repeat and find the target for the Tigers tomorrow afternoon at Wembley against Arsenal, then his name would be secure in Hull City folklore, as well as FA Cup folklore, forever.
Rosenior, 29, has appeared for Fulham, Ipswich and Reading and represented England Under-21s since his ten-match loan spell at Plainmoor under his father, Leroy Rosenior, during the 2003-04 season when the Gulls clinched their first automatic promotion for 38 years.
Now, a decade on, Liam now has the opportunity to deny Arsene Wenger's Gunners the chance to win their first trophy since 2005 and earn the Tigers their first ever senior domestic trophy.
If Hull need inspiration ahead of tomorrow's showdown with the Gunners, they only need to look at Wigan's heroics against Manchester City- when Ben Watson struck with a late winner for Roberto Martinez's Latics.
Tigers manager Steve Bruce has also won the competition three times as a player with Manchester United in 1990, 1994 and 1996; and Liam himself also has his own memories of playing in big occasions to draw on.
Prior to his loan spell with the Gulls, he was on the score sheet for Bristol City in their 2-0 LDV Vans Trophy final win over Carlisle United in 2003 at the Millennium Stadium.
If he could repeat and find the target for the Tigers tomorrow afternoon at Wembley against Arsenal, then his name would be secure in Hull City folklore, as well as FA Cup folklore, forever.
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
ARGYLE SET TO BUILD ON REASONABLE ACHIEVEMENT
On the day Roy Hodgson named his England for the forthcoming World Cup in Brazil- Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan made his first summer signing in the form of midfielder Lee Cox.
The central midfielder, 23, made ten appearances for the Pilgrims during the 2012-13 season during a loan spell from Swindon Town, which was cut short by injury in their Devon derby victory over Exeter City on March 31st 2013.
In addition to his spell with Swindon, Cox has also appeared for Leicester City-where he started his career, Yeovil Town and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
He is the first summer signing for Sheridan ahead of a season where he will be expected to be amongst the front-runners for promotion.
After several years fighting relegation battles across a number of different leagues, last season's 10th placed finish could be seen a respite from their previous struggles.
However, the Pilgrims also finished the season 11 points off the Play-Off spots- which they briefly flirted with in mid-March- and ten points clear of the relegation zone.
Also, with Argyle finishing the campaign in second place (with 7,304) in the average home attendances behind Portsmouth (15,460) expectations will be greater in the 2014-15 season.
Another former loan signing that the Green Army would surely love to see return to Home Park on a permanent basis is last season's leading scorer Reuben Reid, who has recently been released by Yeovil after Glovers' boss Gary Johnson recently announced their retained list.
Last season, Reid became the first Argyle striker to net 20 goals or more in season since Tommy Tynan managed the feat in the 1988-89 campaign- so if Sheridan was able to snap him up on a permanent basis, then there is every chance that Argyle could be able to build on what can be regarded a reasonable achievement.
If the Pilgrims needed any inspiration for next season, then they only need to look at the achievements of Swansea City who - ten years ago- finished 10th in Division Three, after avoiding relegation the year before, before going on to win automatic promotion.
The central midfielder, 23, made ten appearances for the Pilgrims during the 2012-13 season during a loan spell from Swindon Town, which was cut short by injury in their Devon derby victory over Exeter City on March 31st 2013.
In addition to his spell with Swindon, Cox has also appeared for Leicester City-where he started his career, Yeovil Town and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
He is the first summer signing for Sheridan ahead of a season where he will be expected to be amongst the front-runners for promotion.
After several years fighting relegation battles across a number of different leagues, last season's 10th placed finish could be seen a respite from their previous struggles.
However, the Pilgrims also finished the season 11 points off the Play-Off spots- which they briefly flirted with in mid-March- and ten points clear of the relegation zone.
Also, with Argyle finishing the campaign in second place (with 7,304) in the average home attendances behind Portsmouth (15,460) expectations will be greater in the 2014-15 season.
Another former loan signing that the Green Army would surely love to see return to Home Park on a permanent basis is last season's leading scorer Reuben Reid, who has recently been released by Yeovil after Glovers' boss Gary Johnson recently announced their retained list.
Last season, Reid became the first Argyle striker to net 20 goals or more in season since Tommy Tynan managed the feat in the 1988-89 campaign- so if Sheridan was able to snap him up on a permanent basis, then there is every chance that Argyle could be able to build on what can be regarded a reasonable achievement.
If the Pilgrims needed any inspiration for next season, then they only need to look at the achievements of Swansea City who - ten years ago- finished 10th in Division Three, after avoiding relegation the year before, before going on to win automatic promotion.
Thursday, 8 May 2014
GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT- TORQUAY UNITED'S 2003-04 PROMOTION WIN
Each year since 1945, May 8th is commemorated across Europe as VE day (Victory in Europe day) to mark the formal surrender of Nazi Germany to allied forces, thus ending the Second World War in Europe, in 2004- for Torquay United fans that date gained an extra significance as the Gulls ended their 38-year wait for automatic promotion as they defeated Southend United on the final day of the 2003-04 season to pip Huddersfield Town to third place in Division Three.
Leroy Rosenior's side headed into the game at Roots Hall on the back of a four match unbeaten run (three wins and a draw), and needed to win against the Shrimpers and hope that Huddersfield failed to win at Cheltenham Town.
After missing out on the Play-Offs altogether in the previous season when they fell away after Easter, Rosenior's men had become more solid at the back- following the signings of Craig Taylor and Brian McGlinchey from Plymouth Argyle- but the attacking talents of David Graham and Alex Russell were once again making the team tick, and the Gulls were winning plaudits and admirers in equal measure for their style of football.
Both men were named in the PFA Division Three team of the season for the 2003-04 campaign (it was Russell's second nomination in a row) and Graham had also become the first Torquay striker to score 20 goals or more in a season since Paul Dobson in the 1987-88 campaign under Cyril Knowles.
More than 2,500 of the Plainmoor faithful poured into Roots Hall and they were soon given something to cheer about when, after only three minutes, Steve Woods volleyed home a corner from Alex Russell to give the Gulls the lead.
Eight minutes later- in the 11th minute-Torquay's lead was doubled when David Graham nodded home a cross from Jo Kuffour for his 23rd goal of the campaign to put the Gulls firmly in the driving seat.
However, the Shrimpers hit back seven minutes later when striker Lawrie Dudfield smashed home a rebounded effort from his strike partner Tesfaye Bramble, after Bramble had been denied by Gulls' keeper Arjan Van Heusden, to reduce the Gulls' advantage to a single point.
At this point, Huddersfield were leading Cheltenham 1-0 at Whaddon Road through an Andy Booth strike, but the footballing gods smiled on Rosenior's side as Shane Duff equalised for the Robins.
Nevertheless, the Gulls held onto their win- despite surviving a late penalty appeal for a challenge from Reuben Hazell on Southend's Drewe Broughton- and Huddersfield couldn't force a winner at Whaddon Road.
This was enough to ensure that Torquay brought their 38-year wait for automatic promotion to an end in the most dramatic of fashion.
As Danny Blanchflower, the former Spurs and Northern Ireland midfielder, once said "the game is about glory, it is about doing things with a style and a flourish", and Rosenior's Gulls had certainly managed that over the course of their 46-match Third Division campaign.
Torquay: (4-4-2) Arjan Van Heusden, Reuben Hazell, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey, Liam Rosenior (Tony Bedeau 90), Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Kevin Hill, David Graham (David Woozley 90), Jo Kuffour (Martin Gritton 84)
Subs not used: Lee Canoville, Jason Fowler
Leroy Rosenior's side headed into the game at Roots Hall on the back of a four match unbeaten run (three wins and a draw), and needed to win against the Shrimpers and hope that Huddersfield failed to win at Cheltenham Town.
After missing out on the Play-Offs altogether in the previous season when they fell away after Easter, Rosenior's men had become more solid at the back- following the signings of Craig Taylor and Brian McGlinchey from Plymouth Argyle- but the attacking talents of David Graham and Alex Russell were once again making the team tick, and the Gulls were winning plaudits and admirers in equal measure for their style of football.
Both men were named in the PFA Division Three team of the season for the 2003-04 campaign (it was Russell's second nomination in a row) and Graham had also become the first Torquay striker to score 20 goals or more in a season since Paul Dobson in the 1987-88 campaign under Cyril Knowles.
More than 2,500 of the Plainmoor faithful poured into Roots Hall and they were soon given something to cheer about when, after only three minutes, Steve Woods volleyed home a corner from Alex Russell to give the Gulls the lead.
Eight minutes later- in the 11th minute-Torquay's lead was doubled when David Graham nodded home a cross from Jo Kuffour for his 23rd goal of the campaign to put the Gulls firmly in the driving seat.
However, the Shrimpers hit back seven minutes later when striker Lawrie Dudfield smashed home a rebounded effort from his strike partner Tesfaye Bramble, after Bramble had been denied by Gulls' keeper Arjan Van Heusden, to reduce the Gulls' advantage to a single point.
At this point, Huddersfield were leading Cheltenham 1-0 at Whaddon Road through an Andy Booth strike, but the footballing gods smiled on Rosenior's side as Shane Duff equalised for the Robins.
Nevertheless, the Gulls held onto their win- despite surviving a late penalty appeal for a challenge from Reuben Hazell on Southend's Drewe Broughton- and Huddersfield couldn't force a winner at Whaddon Road.
This was enough to ensure that Torquay brought their 38-year wait for automatic promotion to an end in the most dramatic of fashion.
As Danny Blanchflower, the former Spurs and Northern Ireland midfielder, once said "the game is about glory, it is about doing things with a style and a flourish", and Rosenior's Gulls had certainly managed that over the course of their 46-match Third Division campaign.
Torquay: (4-4-2) Arjan Van Heusden, Reuben Hazell, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey, Liam Rosenior (Tony Bedeau 90), Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Kevin Hill, David Graham (David Woozley 90), Jo Kuffour (Martin Gritton 84)
Subs not used: Lee Canoville, Jason Fowler
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
FAREWELL TO NICHO
Following Torquay United's relegation from the Football League, the Gulls have confirmed that long-serving left back Kevin Nicholson will be amongst those being released from Plainmoor.
During his seven-year stint with Torquay, which began in 2007 when he joined from Forest Green Rovers, Nicholson was a key member of the Torquay side that won promotion back to the Football League in 2009 under Paul Buckle, as many players benefited from his delivery from set pieces and long throws.
Once the Gulls were back in League Two, Nicholson remained an integral part of the plans of Buckle and his successor Martin Ling, and he quickly established himself as one of the best left backs in the division.
This was reflected when he was named in the PFA League Two team of the season for the 2011-12 season, alongside his teammates Bobby Olejnik, Lee Mansell and Eunan O'Kane.
Unfortunately time awaits for no man and at the age of 33, with manager Chris Hargreaves looking to the future, Nicholson's time at Plainmoor has sadly run its course.
Over the years, Torquay United have been served by some fantastic left backs; John Uzzell (1989-1991), Tom Kelly (1986-1989 & 1993-1996), Paul Gibbs (1997-1998), Robbie Herrera (1998-2001) and Brian McGlinchey (2003-2006) and Nicholson belongs in their company.
So, whoever Chris Hargreaves signs to replace him will have a very tough act to follow.
During his seven-year stint with Torquay, which began in 2007 when he joined from Forest Green Rovers, Nicholson was a key member of the Torquay side that won promotion back to the Football League in 2009 under Paul Buckle, as many players benefited from his delivery from set pieces and long throws.
Once the Gulls were back in League Two, Nicholson remained an integral part of the plans of Buckle and his successor Martin Ling, and he quickly established himself as one of the best left backs in the division.
This was reflected when he was named in the PFA League Two team of the season for the 2011-12 season, alongside his teammates Bobby Olejnik, Lee Mansell and Eunan O'Kane.
Unfortunately time awaits for no man and at the age of 33, with manager Chris Hargreaves looking to the future, Nicholson's time at Plainmoor has sadly run its course.
Over the years, Torquay United have been served by some fantastic left backs; John Uzzell (1989-1991), Tom Kelly (1986-1989 & 1993-1996), Paul Gibbs (1997-1998), Robbie Herrera (1998-2001) and Brian McGlinchey (2003-2006) and Nicholson belongs in their company.
So, whoever Chris Hargreaves signs to replace him will have a very tough act to follow.
Kevin Nicholson Torquay United honours 2007 to 2014:
FA Trophy runner-up 2007-08
England C cap 2008
England C cap 2008
Conference Play-Off winner 2008-09
PFA League Two team of the season nominee 2011-12
Tuesday, 6 May 2014
WOTTON STAYS BUT SEVEN LEAVE HOME PARK
Following their 10th place finish in League Two, Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan has offered new deals to a number of players-including the long serving Paul Wotton- but has released seven players.
Paul Wotton, who recently made his 491st appearance for the Pilgrims- putting him level with Sammy Black in joint second place in the club's all-time appearance list, is one of six players offered fresh terms along with Andres Gurrieri, Curtis Nelson, Matt Lecointe, Durrell Berry and Nathan Thomas.
Amongst those seven released are several players who have served the Pilgrims well during what have been some very dark times in recent seasons, including Jake Cole, Maxime Blanchard and Luke Young.
Goalkeeper Cole was brought to Home Park by Peter Reid at the start of the 2011-12 season-whilst the Pilgrims were still in Administration- and produced some memorable displays in the Pilgrims' goal, including a penalty save against Rochdale last season.
However, the return to Argyle of Luke McCormick meant that Cole was often playing second fiddle, and prior to McCormick's finger injury in the latter part of the campaign was only used in cup matches by Sheridan.
French defender Blanchard was a number of players drafted in by Carl Fletcher after the Pilgrims had exited Administration. He played a key role in helping Argyle stave off relegation, and was recognised for his efforts by the Green Army as he won the club's Player of the Year award for the 2011-12 season.
Despite making 108 first team appearances by the age of 21, midfielder Young finds himself also heading for pastures new after being released by Sheridan.
Although Young was a goal scoring threat from free-kicks and Sheridan, himself a highly gifted midfield player, recognised his ability, he still couldn't hold a regular first team spot alongside the likes of skipper Conor Hourihane and Dominic Blizzard.
Speaking after the Pilgrims' 2-0 defeat against Oxford, Sheridan said: “He’s the only one who can pass it; even if Youngy is having a bad game, he might play that killer pass.”
However, one option open to Young now could be a move to Devon neighbours Torquay United as they look to bounce back into the Football League following their recent relegation.
The Gulls have lacked a creative spark in midfield since the departure of Eunan O'Kane to AFC Bournemouth for £175,000 in July 2012, and Young could be a player who could potentially fill that void.
Also let go by the Pilgrims were defender Neal Trotman, Benin international Rommy Boco, Matt Parsons and Isaac Vassell.
Paul Wotton, who recently made his 491st appearance for the Pilgrims- putting him level with Sammy Black in joint second place in the club's all-time appearance list, is one of six players offered fresh terms along with Andres Gurrieri, Curtis Nelson, Matt Lecointe, Durrell Berry and Nathan Thomas.
Amongst those seven released are several players who have served the Pilgrims well during what have been some very dark times in recent seasons, including Jake Cole, Maxime Blanchard and Luke Young.
Goalkeeper Cole was brought to Home Park by Peter Reid at the start of the 2011-12 season-whilst the Pilgrims were still in Administration- and produced some memorable displays in the Pilgrims' goal, including a penalty save against Rochdale last season.
However, the return to Argyle of Luke McCormick meant that Cole was often playing second fiddle, and prior to McCormick's finger injury in the latter part of the campaign was only used in cup matches by Sheridan.
French defender Blanchard was a number of players drafted in by Carl Fletcher after the Pilgrims had exited Administration. He played a key role in helping Argyle stave off relegation, and was recognised for his efforts by the Green Army as he won the club's Player of the Year award for the 2011-12 season.
Despite making 108 first team appearances by the age of 21, midfielder Young finds himself also heading for pastures new after being released by Sheridan.
Although Young was a goal scoring threat from free-kicks and Sheridan, himself a highly gifted midfield player, recognised his ability, he still couldn't hold a regular first team spot alongside the likes of skipper Conor Hourihane and Dominic Blizzard.
Speaking after the Pilgrims' 2-0 defeat against Oxford, Sheridan said: “He’s the only one who can pass it; even if Youngy is having a bad game, he might play that killer pass.”
However, one option open to Young now could be a move to Devon neighbours Torquay United as they look to bounce back into the Football League following their recent relegation.
The Gulls have lacked a creative spark in midfield since the departure of Eunan O'Kane to AFC Bournemouth for £175,000 in July 2012, and Young could be a player who could potentially fill that void.
Also let go by the Pilgrims were defender Neal Trotman, Benin international Rommy Boco, Matt Parsons and Isaac Vassell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)