Following the news that the takeover of Torquay United by a consortium led by former striker Dean Edwards being agreed, manager Chris Hargreaves and his coaching staff have been placed on gardening leave.
After talks between the new group and Hargreaves and his backroom team, which includes his assistant Lee Hodges and goalkeeper coach Kenny Veysey, it was decided that they would be placed on gardening leave - after they failed to agree to a pay cut.
The full identity of Edwards's consortium is due to be made tomorrow and further announcements regarding the name of Hargreaves's replacement are expected to be made as well.
One of the first priorities of the new consortium will be to turn the Gulls into a more financially, efficient unit off the field. Therefore, it may not be a surprise if long-serving goalkeeper coach Veysey is replaced by an older goalkeeper - possibly one in their mid-to late thirties, who can also combine Veysey's old role with playing.
Another key decision will need to be made regarding the youth departments, which could well be scaled down.
Sunday, 14 June 2015
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
A FEW FACTS ABOUT DEREK ADAMS
Derek Adams is expected to be named as Plymouth Argyle manager tomorrow, which will see him join a list of Scotsman to have managed the Pilgrims that includes Dave Smith, Paul Sturrock and Bobby Williamson.
He beat off competition from fellow contenders Nathan Jones, Graham Coughlan and Steve Lomas and I will now take a closer look at the man set to be unveiled as John Sheridan's successor.
He beat off competition from fellow contenders Nathan Jones, Graham Coughlan and Steve Lomas and I will now take a closer look at the man set to be unveiled as John Sheridan's successor.
- Born in Glasgow, 39 year-old Adams enjoyed a 17-year playing career that included two spells with both Aberdeen and Ross County, as well as spells with Burnley, Motherwell, Ayr United and Livingston.
- Football is very much in his blood, as his father, George Adams, also a footballer, was Sir Alex Ferguson's first ever signing as manager when he moved from East Stirlingshire from Alloa Athletic. Adams senior also worked as a youth coach at Aberdeen under Ferguson and was Director of Football at Ross County during Adams junior's time in charge.
- Adams made his name with Ross County, who he managed twice between 2007-2010 and 2011 to 2014, which came either side of a brief spell as assistant manager at Hibernian to Colin Calderwood.
- In his first spell in charge of the Staggies, he led them to the Scottish Second Division title in the 2007-08 season and later guided them to the 2010 Scottish Cup final, where they famously beat Celtic at the semi-final stage before losing to Dundee United at Hampden Park.
- On his return to the Highland outfit in 2011, Adams took the Staggies to new heights as they clinched the Scottish Division title in the 2011-12 season, a feat that saw Adams named as PFA Scotland Manager of the Year - at the expense of more illustrious candidates such as Celtic's Neil Lennon.
- Following 5th and 7th placed finishes in the Scottish Premier League in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 campaigns respectively, Adams was dismissed after a poor start to the 2014-15 season; news he received from his father, George, who was employed as Director of Football at the Global Energy Stadium. Adams senior also received his marching orders.
- A keen student of the game, Adams achieved his UEFA Pro Licence at the relatively tender age of 33, and he watched 80 matches in the first eight months following his dismissal from Ross County.
- During his managerial sabbatical - Adams also sought the advice of former Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes, when he travelled to Spain to watch Moyes' current club Real Sociedad face Granada.
- Adams is also a teetotaller who refuses to swear or drink, and despite a high profile spat between himself and Terry Butcher - when the duo were managing Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle- he admits the two of them get on very well, and the former England captain has even helped Adams with his CV. They will also be reacquainting themselves with one another on the touch line this season, as Butcher was recently appointed as manager of the Pilgrims' League Two rivals Newport County.
NEW ARGYLE BOSS MUST DECIDE TO STICK OR TWIST
One of the challenges facing the next Plymouth Argyle manager, currently believed to be the former Ross County manager Derek Adams, is whether to continue with the 3-5-2 system that served predecessor John Sheridan so well, or to switch to something different.
With three centre backs at the club of the quality of Curtis Nelson, Peter Hartley and Carl McHugh, playing three at the back made perfect sense for Sheridan. The trio helped to ensure that the Pilgrims kept one of the best defensive records in League Two with 22 clean sheets.
Nelson and McHugh are under contract for next season and, prior to Sheridan's departure, Argyle took up the option of an extra year on the contract of Hartley.
From a purely pragmatic point of view, it would seem sensible for the successor to former Republic of Ireland midfielder Sheridan to keep the shape of the team that he is set to inherit.
One area that will require the most immediate attention is the centre of midfield, following the release of Dominic Blizzard and Oliver Norburn, as well as the return of loan signing Bobby Reid to Bristol City.
There is also the futures of out-of-contract trio Anthony O'Connor, Tyler Harvey and James Bittner to resolve in addition to the above mentioned factors.
A replacement for striker Lewis Alessandra will also need to be sought, after the former Oldham and Morecambe striker agreed a deal to sign for Rochdale, who are managed by former Argyle defender Keith Hill, in a deal sees him return to his native North West.
With three centre backs at the club of the quality of Curtis Nelson, Peter Hartley and Carl McHugh, playing three at the back made perfect sense for Sheridan. The trio helped to ensure that the Pilgrims kept one of the best defensive records in League Two with 22 clean sheets.
Nelson and McHugh are under contract for next season and, prior to Sheridan's departure, Argyle took up the option of an extra year on the contract of Hartley.
From a purely pragmatic point of view, it would seem sensible for the successor to former Republic of Ireland midfielder Sheridan to keep the shape of the team that he is set to inherit.
One area that will require the most immediate attention is the centre of midfield, following the release of Dominic Blizzard and Oliver Norburn, as well as the return of loan signing Bobby Reid to Bristol City.
There is also the futures of out-of-contract trio Anthony O'Connor, Tyler Harvey and James Bittner to resolve in addition to the above mentioned factors.
A replacement for striker Lewis Alessandra will also need to be sought, after the former Oldham and Morecambe striker agreed a deal to sign for Rochdale, who are managed by former Argyle defender Keith Hill, in a deal sees him return to his native North West.
Saturday, 6 June 2015
ACCEPTANCE START OF NEW ERA FOR GULLS
News that the consortium aiming to buy Torquay United has assured the National League (formerly the Conference) that the Gulls will be able to fulfill their fixtures for next season will come as a massive relief for all United fans.
Concerns were raised that because of the time of the takeover talks, which came about after Truro City chairman Peter Masters renegeded on a previous deal with former Gulls Chairwoman Thea Bristow - and her advisor Kelvin Thomas, might raise concerns with the league board over United's financial viability ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
The group, fronted by commercial manager Dean Edwards and including ten local businessmen, will now look to complete their takeover at the beginning of next week.
Once the deal has been completed, the Gulls can hopefully look forward to a brighter future, where the mistakes of the past can be learned from.
Under the previous consortium's ownership of the club, between 2007 and 2015 - during which time Torquay won promotion back to the Football League, the Gulls made losses of over £2million.
Although the increase in expenditure ultimately resulted in success, ie winning promotion from the Conference and reaching the Play-offs twice in 2011 and 2012, poor decisions in the sacking of managers Martin Ling and Alan Knill resulted in hefty pay-offs for both managers. Money that could of been directed at team building instead.
It could be the case in the future that a balance will need to be found between this approach, and the more frugal methods of former chairman Mike Bateson. Whilst being seen as a divisive figure to many, Bateson's approach ensured that the club often made a profit and the threat of Administration was always a distance one.
Despite this, the outgoing consortium still deserve a lot of credit for rebuilding the club following the destruction caused by a brief and disastrious reign of Chris Roberts, during his four-month tenure as chairman.
However, now all future energies of everyone concerned with the club should be generated towards another reconstruction process that is about to start.
Concerns were raised that because of the time of the takeover talks, which came about after Truro City chairman Peter Masters renegeded on a previous deal with former Gulls Chairwoman Thea Bristow - and her advisor Kelvin Thomas, might raise concerns with the league board over United's financial viability ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
The group, fronted by commercial manager Dean Edwards and including ten local businessmen, will now look to complete their takeover at the beginning of next week.
Once the deal has been completed, the Gulls can hopefully look forward to a brighter future, where the mistakes of the past can be learned from.
Under the previous consortium's ownership of the club, between 2007 and 2015 - during which time Torquay won promotion back to the Football League, the Gulls made losses of over £2million.
Although the increase in expenditure ultimately resulted in success, ie winning promotion from the Conference and reaching the Play-offs twice in 2011 and 2012, poor decisions in the sacking of managers Martin Ling and Alan Knill resulted in hefty pay-offs for both managers. Money that could of been directed at team building instead.
It could be the case in the future that a balance will need to be found between this approach, and the more frugal methods of former chairman Mike Bateson. Whilst being seen as a divisive figure to many, Bateson's approach ensured that the club often made a profit and the threat of Administration was always a distance one.
Despite this, the outgoing consortium still deserve a lot of credit for rebuilding the club following the destruction caused by a brief and disastrious reign of Chris Roberts, during his four-month tenure as chairman.
However, now all future energies of everyone concerned with the club should be generated towards another reconstruction process that is about to start.
Friday, 29 May 2015
SHERIDAN LED ARGYLE OUT OF THE DARKNESS
Sometimes throwaway comments can reveal a lot about a
person’s inner thoughts.
One such comment made by the recently departed Plymouth
Argyle manager John Sheridan could possibly reveal his decision to end his
tenure as Pilgrims’ boss, as he looks to move closer to his family in the north
of England.
Before Argyle’s League Play-off semi-final second leg
against Wycombe Wanderers, Sheridan - when asked about Chairboys’ striker Paul
Hayes, who he had previously had on loan at Home Park said: “He’s in a vein of
form; He’s probably living with his missus and kids. That’s a massive part of
performing well. You are going home to your loved ones and it is a big thing.
If results don’t go your way and you are stuck somewhere and you are not going
home, it’s difficult.”
It was a scenario that Sheridan could relate to, as he
himself - during his two-and-a-half years in charge at Home Park – was
splitting his professional life - which was in Plymouth as Argyle manager –
with his personal life, as his family remained in West Yorkshire.
It is understandable from Sheridan’s respectively why he
decided to do that; his children it is understood were all in their early to
mid-teens and at an age where exams are a big part of their lives.
Any upheaval at that time can cause massive disruption to
their educational progress and to uproot them because of their father’s career
as a football manager, a profession where job security is becoming increasingly
volatile, could have done just that.
In fact, to the best of my knowledge, one Premier League
manager - from the season which has just passed – is believed to live in a flat
overlooking his club’s training ground, whilst his family home is in another
part of the country. This evidence suggests such an arrangement is one of the
sign of the times in the modern game.
Upon his arrival, he steered the Pilgrims away from
relegation to the Conference in the 2012-13 season, and won the manager of the
month award for March 2013, thanks to four wins from a possible six during the
month. The highlight of that run included a 1-0 home win in the Devon derby
against Exeter City.
The following campaign saw the Pilgrims end the season in 10th
place, their first top half finish in any division since the 2007-08 season,
when they finished 10th in the Championship under Paul Sturrock -
following the departure of Ian Holloway.
This was followed up last season by a seventh placed finish,
which ensured that the Pilgrims would be involved with the end of season
Play-offs for the first time since the 1995-96 season.
Nothing could reflect the change in Argyle’s fortunes better
than the atmosphere during their first leg at Home Park, as the Green Army sang
‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley to help inspire a late comeback through
goals from Zak Ansah and Jason Banton to reduce their arrears against Wycombe
Wanderers from three goals to one.
One criticism of Argyle under Sheridan could be the fact
they have failed to clinch victory after conceding first since beating Barnet
on March 2nd 2013 at Home Park. However, it could be argued that the result in the Play-off first leg against Wycombe almost felt like a win thanks to the euphoria it generated and the fact that
there were no points at stake to be lost.
All in all, it could be said that Sheridan guided the
Pilgrims out of one of the darkest times in their history.
It is now down
his successor – whoever that might be – to lead Argyle into the light.
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
YEOVIL LADIES LOOKING TO MAKE IT A MAGNIFICENT SEVENTH AGAINST BELLES
The 2015 is set to be a big year from women's football with the Women's World Cup due to take place in Canada next month.
It could also turn out to be a memorable one for Yeovil Town Ladies, who are currently in third place in the FA Women's Super League Two after embarking on a six-match unbeaten run.
In their final match before the start of the mid-season break before the World Cup, the Lady Glovers - who lie in third place in the league table - face Doncaster Rovers Belles as they look to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Despite the early season setback of losing 4-2 to Reading Women on the opening day of the campaign, in a match that saw England striker Fran Kirby net four times for the Royals, Yeovil have since made steady progress. They even managed to avenge their defeat against Reading when the two sides met again - with a 4-2 victory at Farnborough.
The close season saw the departure of leading scorer Sarah Wiltshire to Manchester City Ladies, as well as the retirements of long-serving captain Rachael Edwards and Katie Sherwood, the wife of manager Jamie Sherwood.
However, the Glovers have coped with their departures and new signings Annie Heatherson and Corinne Yorston, both from Bristol Academy, Alys Hinchcliffe and Natasha Knapman have all made a big impact and provided Yeovil with that most valuable of commodities in football: goals.
Heatherson and Yorston currently lead the club's goal scoring charts with five goals apiece and Hinchcliffe and Knapman are both joint-second - with the Glovers' Welsh wing wizard Helen Bleazard, on three goals.
One of the club's target before the start of the current campaign was to reach the WSL One within three years. However, if they are able to maintain their current progress, that objective may be achieved sooner than originally planned.
It could also turn out to be a memorable one for Yeovil Town Ladies, who are currently in third place in the FA Women's Super League Two after embarking on a six-match unbeaten run.
In their final match before the start of the mid-season break before the World Cup, the Lady Glovers - who lie in third place in the league table - face Doncaster Rovers Belles as they look to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Despite the early season setback of losing 4-2 to Reading Women on the opening day of the campaign, in a match that saw England striker Fran Kirby net four times for the Royals, Yeovil have since made steady progress. They even managed to avenge their defeat against Reading when the two sides met again - with a 4-2 victory at Farnborough.
The close season saw the departure of leading scorer Sarah Wiltshire to Manchester City Ladies, as well as the retirements of long-serving captain Rachael Edwards and Katie Sherwood, the wife of manager Jamie Sherwood.
However, the Glovers have coped with their departures and new signings Annie Heatherson and Corinne Yorston, both from Bristol Academy, Alys Hinchcliffe and Natasha Knapman have all made a big impact and provided Yeovil with that most valuable of commodities in football: goals.
Heatherson and Yorston currently lead the club's goal scoring charts with five goals apiece and Hinchcliffe and Knapman are both joint-second - with the Glovers' Welsh wing wizard Helen Bleazard, on three goals.
One of the club's target before the start of the current campaign was to reach the WSL One within three years. However, if they are able to maintain their current progress, that objective may be achieved sooner than originally planned.
DEANO HEADS POTENTIAL GULLS TAKEOVER GROUP
As a player with Torquay United, Dean Edwards netted twice for the Gulls at Wembley - now he is a leading figure in a group interested in buying the Gulls.
Wolverhampton-born Edwards, 53, who netted for Torquay in the 1989 Sherpa Van final and 1991 Division Four Play-off final against Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool respectively, is heading a locally based consortium who have tabled a six-figure offer to buy the 80% of shares that outgoing Chairwoman Thea Bristow deposited with the Gulls' board.
Since 2010, Edwards has been employed by United as the club's commercial manager, after a spell as manager of Hednesford Town in his native West Midlands, and has a strong affection for the club dating back to his playing days which spanned from 1988 to 1991.
The group headed by Edwards is one of three groups hat have shown an interest in taking over the Gulls, one of which is believed to be led by Jed McCrory - the former Swindon Town Chairman, who was ousted from the County Ground by current Robins' Chairman Lee Power in December 2013 in an ownership battle that was settled in the High Court.
Time is now of the essence, as manager Chris Hargreaves is awaiting the completion of the proposed takeover so he can get on with building his squad in preparation for the start of the 2015-16 season.
Wolverhampton-born Edwards, 53, who netted for Torquay in the 1989 Sherpa Van final and 1991 Division Four Play-off final against Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool respectively, is heading a locally based consortium who have tabled a six-figure offer to buy the 80% of shares that outgoing Chairwoman Thea Bristow deposited with the Gulls' board.
Since 2010, Edwards has been employed by United as the club's commercial manager, after a spell as manager of Hednesford Town in his native West Midlands, and has a strong affection for the club dating back to his playing days which spanned from 1988 to 1991.
The group headed by Edwards is one of three groups hat have shown an interest in taking over the Gulls, one of which is believed to be led by Jed McCrory - the former Swindon Town Chairman, who was ousted from the County Ground by current Robins' Chairman Lee Power in December 2013 in an ownership battle that was settled in the High Court.
Time is now of the essence, as manager Chris Hargreaves is awaiting the completion of the proposed takeover so he can get on with building his squad in preparation for the start of the 2015-16 season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)