SEASON PREVIEW 2021-22: EXETER CITY

Since he succeeded Paul Tisdale as Exeter City manager in 2018, Matt Taylor has either guided the Grecians to an 8th placed finish in League Two or to a Play-off final defeat. 

The two seasons prior to Taylor's appointments, Exeter had lost in two successive Play-off finals (in 2017 against Blackpool and in 2018 against Coventry City), and they are being widely tipped by many for another tilt at the top seven. 

Off the field, the Grecians are in a relatively strong position from a financial point of view - thanks in no small part to a sell-on clause that they received following Ollie Watkins' move from Brentford to Aston Villa; in addition to this, Watkins' subsequent appearances for England have earned the club additional fees. These amounts have also been added to with the sale of Joel Randall to Peterborough United for a fee believed to be in the region of £1 million.

In addition to the departure of Randall, Taylor has also lost the services of Ryan Bowman, Randell Williams and the experienced centre back Rory McArdle. However, he has managed to retain last season's leading scorer Matt Jay, who has been appointed as club captain following Jake Taylor's move to Stevenage, and long serving defender Pierce Sweeney, who rejoined the Grecians after being set for a move to Swindon Town that collapsed due to ongoing financial issues at the Wiltshire club. 

If Jay can repeat the goal scoring heroics that saw him find the back of the net 20 times in 48 appearances in all competitions last season and new signing Sam Nombe can hit the ground running, then another top seven finish should be within the Grecians' reach. 

Player to Watch: Matt Jay

After attending the same school and coming through the Grecians' academy at exactly same time as Aston Villa and England's Ollie Watkins, Matt Jay made some headlines of his own last season when he sealed a double figure goal return for Exeter for the first time in his career. Jay also won the League Two Player of the Month award for March 2021 and was handed the captain's armband by Matt Taylor in the close season, and looks set to continue as the Grecians' talisman. 

Young hopeful: Sonny Cox

Young striker Sonny Cox signed his first professional contract and has attracted significant Premier League interest since he first trained with Exeter at the age of 15. He has previously had a trial with Manchester United and could yet emulate the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ollie Watkins in reaching the Premier League. 

In: Josh Coley (Maidenhead United), Jevani Brown (Colchester United), George Ray (Tranmere Rovers), Sam Nombe (MK Dons), Timothee Dieng (Southend United), Callum Rowe (Aston Villa), Jonathan Grounds (Swindon Town), Camernn Dawson (Sheffield Wednesday, loan)

Out: Jonny Maxted, Lewis Ward, Tom Parkes, Alex Fisher, Nicky Ajose, Lewis Page, Jake Taylor (Stevenage), Randell Williams (Hull City), Ryan Bowman (Shrewsbury Town), Rory McArdle (Harrogate Town), Joel Randall (Peterborough United)

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

 1. Joe Lewis and Ali Omar stand out performers again for United. 

For over 40 minutes Torquay United succeeded in keeping Plymouth Argyle at bay - thanks in no small part to a fine defensive display from centre back duo Joe Lewis and Ali Omar. It was Omar's departure through injury that weakened United's defence, and it was shortly after his departure from the field of play on 39 minutes that the Pilgrims struck twice before the half time break through Niall Ennis and Panutche Camara. Lewis, who was a key performer for the Gulls in their 3-0 win over Truro City on Tuesday night, played a key role in keeping the Pilgrims at bay. Highlights of his display included narrowly missing the target in the opening minutes, when he headed an Armani Little corner wide and  he deflected a shot from his former Wales Under-21 teammate Luke Jephcott behind for a corner in the 22nd minute. 

2. Randall's display a great advert for the benefits of a loan move to Plainmoor. 

As a virtual ever present for the Gulls while on loan from Plymouth Argyle last season, Adam Randell won Torquay United's young player of the year award in the 2020-21 campaign. Randell was also the only Pilgrims' player to appear for the full 90 minutes - and he was amongst Argyle's star performers. He was also responsible for taking nearly all of the Pilgrims' set pieces and he did his chances of earning a starting berth when Argyle play Rotherham United at the New Yorks Stadium next Saturday no harm at all. In addition to this, any manager of a club in the Championship or League One would no doubt be made aware of the potential benefits of sending young prospects on loan to the Gulls.

3. Argyle's extra sharpness told in the end. 

In some ways the outcome of United's meeting with the Pilgrims was no surprise as it was the only the Gulls' third pre-season friendly outing, whereas Argyle were taking part in their warm up match. Their preparations have included three matches against Bristol City, Swansea City and Middlesbrough and their superior sharpness and intent eventually told. Two late second half goals from Niall Ennis and Panutche Camara gave them a comfortable lead heading into half time break, but, to United's credit, it wasn't until the 82nd minute that the Pilgrims finally added their third through sub Ryan Hardie.

4. More trialists on display for the Gulls. 

Torquay manager Gary Johnson included three more trialists in his side - namely Trialist A, who started in the centre of midfield before moving to right-back, and Trialist B, a striker, and Trialist C, who replaced Trialist A, who played as a centre back. With three more pre-season friendlies to come against Tiverton Town, Chippenham Town and AFC Bournemouth Under-23 side in the next ten days they could yet feature again, as they seek to earn a contract with the Gulls. 

5.First glimpse of Mark Halstead. 

United's clash with Argyle also offered many of the Plainmoor faithful the chance to catch a glimpse of goalkeeper Mark Halstead in action for the first time. A 30-year old shot stopper, who joined the Gulls from Morecambe, produced a steady display on his first home start and couldn't have done anything about any of the Pilgrims' three goals. He was also called into action to deny Argyle sub Danny Mayor in the last minute of normal time. 

6. Friends Reunited. 

As well as the returning former Gulls loanees Adam Randell and Ryan Law there was another member of the Plymouth Argyle squad who would have been instantly recognisable to Gary Johnson. The Pilgrims' right wing-back Joe Edwards was the first signing of Johnson's second spell in charge of Yeovil Town between 2012 and 2015 when he joined the Glovers on loan from Bristol City in January 2012. It was a move that Johnson later made permanent and Edwards went on to appear in the Yeovil side that won promotion to the Championship in the 2012-13 season. 

Torquay United (4-3-3): Halstead; Wynter, Lewis (Moyse 74), Omar (Andrews 39), Moxey; Trialist A (Trialist C 46), Little (Piper 85), O'Connell; Lemonheigh-Evans, Wright (Koszela 74), Lolos (Trialist B 46) 

Subs not used: Brzozowski

Plymouth Argyle (3-5-2): Burton (Cooper 59); Tomlinson (Mitchell 82), Scarr, Gillesphy (Pursall 82); Edwards (Craske 74), Camara (Houghton 66), Randell, Broom (Mayor 59), Law (Galloway 66); Jephcott (Shirley 80), Ennis (Hardie 58)

 

SIX TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED'S PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY WITH POOLE TOWN

1.A first glimpse of Gary Johnson's summer signings. 

Those Torquay United fans who made the trip to Dorset to witness the Gulls' first pre-season friendly would have seen all seven of Gary Johnson's summer signings in action. Goalkeeper Mark Halstead, centre back Ali Omar, central midfield Tom Lapslie, Keelan O'Connell started on the left wing and Klaidi Lolos appeared up front. The second half saw goalkeeper Marcin Brozozowski and left-back Dan Martin enter the fray - along with first year pros Alex Moyse and Scott Piper - in a game that United won 2-0.

2. Olaf on target.  

Since he first appeared for United during their 2018-19 National League South title winning campaign as a 16 year-old, Torquay United fans have taken a keen interest in the progress of Olaf Koszela. Therefore they would have pleased to see Koszela find the target with the Gulls' first goal against Poole, after he came on as a sub at half time for Danny Wright. With a further five friendlies to come for the Gulls there will be more opportunities for Koszela to impress Gary Johnson between now and United's opening league game against Altrincham on August 21.

3. Klaidi Lolos showed glimpses of promise. 

When Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe released Klaidi Lolos he said that he had 'the potential to be the best player in the National League if he really wants to' - and he showed glimpses of that promise in his first outing for the Gulls. Lolos provided the assist for Olaf Koszela's opener in the 79th minute and then found the back of the net himself. The fitter and sharper he becomes the more deadlier in front of goal he may turn out to be.

4. Keelan O'Connell appears to be a carbon copy of Ben Whitfield. 

The departure of wide man Ben Whitfield to United's National League rivals Stockport County was a major talking point over the summer. However, in Keelan O'Connell the Gulls might just have found a carbon copy of Whitfield. Former Bournemouth starlet O'Connell started on the left wing for United and swapped flanks to good effect with Triallist B in the first half. He also delivered a number of dangerous looking crosses and was responsible for all of United's set pieces deliveries in the first half - until the introduction of Armani Little at half time. O'Connell continued to pose a threat to the Dolphins in the second half - as one of five players who completed the full 90 minutes, along with Ben Wynter, Louie Slough, Ali Omar and Klaidi Lolos.

5. Solid at the back. 

Another hallmark of United's display was the performance of centre back pairing Louie Slough and Ali Omar. Slough is yet to feature for the Gulls in a competitive fixture and Omar arrived at Plainmoor following his release by Barnsley. With Kyle Cameron's departure for Notts County and Sam Sherring returning to Bournemouth following his season-long loan spell, there is a vacancy for a regular start at centre back for United, who currently only have three specialist centre backs under contract. Joe Lewis, who established himself as a regular centre back following his permanent return from Swansea City in the second half of the 2020-21 season, was on the bench against Poole, but as a right footer it is likely that he (Lewis) will feature alongside either one of Slough or Omar, who are both left footers. 

6. Triallists 

Gary Johnson also included two triallists in his starting eleven, who appeared under aliases of Triallist A and B. Triallist A played in the centre of midfield, while Triallist B appeared out wide. Both may get further chances to impress in United's next two friendlies against Truro City (July 27) and Plymouth Argyle (July 31). 

United (4-4-2): Halstead (Brozozowski 46); Wynter (c), Slough, Omar, Moxey (Martin 46), Triallist B, Triallist A (Piper 68), Lapslie (Moyse 68), O'Connell; Wright (Koszela 46), Lolos

Sub not used: Lewis

 

GARY JOHNSON'S SEVEN SUMMER SIGNINGS

After the confirmation of Gary Johnson's seven permanent summer signings for Torquay United, we will take a closer look at the individuals in question who Johnson will be hoping will turn out to be his magnificent seven.

Mark Halstead (goalkeeper): 

A 30-year goalkeeper who started his career with Blackpool, for whom he appeared for the Premier League under Ian Holloway in the 2010-11 season. Halstead has also had spells with Shrewsbury Town, Southport and Morecambe amongst others - and joins United after helping the latter to win promotion from League Two last season. 

Marcin Brzozowski (goalkeeper): 

The only member of Gary Johnson's septet who has previously appeared for the Gulls, after joining on loan from Queens Park Rangers during the 2020-21 season to help solve a goalkeeping crisis. Former Poland Under-21 international keeper Brzozowski's solitary appearance came in the FA Trophy against Wokin, but he looks set to make many more for the Gulls in the 2021-22 campaign.

Ali Omar (central defender): 

Left-sided centre back Omar arrives at Plainmoor from Barnsley's Under-23's. He has also appeared for Essex Senior League side Tower Hamlets, Stevenage and Queens Park Rangers.

Dan Martin (left back/left midfielder): 

A versatile player who can play at either left back or left midfield, Dan Martin joins the Gulls following his release by Cardiff City. He was a regular in the Bluebirds' Under-23 team and has also had loan spells in Westcountry non-league football with Weston Super Mare and Bath City.

Tom Lapslie (central midfielder): 

Previously a stalwart for Colchester United after breaking into the U's first team in the 2014-15 season, central midfielder Tom Lapslie made over 150 appearances for Colchester before he was released at the end of the 2020-21 season. He wrote his name into U's folklore in the 2019-20 when he scored the winning spot-kick in Colchester's penalty shoot-out victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Keelan O'Connell: (right/left midfielder)

Wide man Keelan O'Connell can play on either flank and swaps the South Coast for the English Riviera, after joining the Gulls from AFC Bournemouth. He follows in the footsteps of Frank Vincent and Sam Sherring who have both made the journey between the two clubs in recent years, along with many others in the past such as Derek Dawkins and Alex Watson to name but a few.

Klaidi Lolos (striker): 

Former Greece Under-19 international Lolos is also treading a well worn path by joining United from Plymouth Argyle. Having seen former teammates Adam Randell and Ryan Law enjoy successful loan spells with the Gulls last season, Lolos will also no doubt be keen to make a big impression. He also arrives at Plainmoor with a glowing recommendation from Pilgrims' boss Ryan Lowe. 

PAUL MARINER 1953-2021

Former Plymouth Argyle striker and manager Paul Mariner has passed away at the age of 68. 

Mariner made 155 appearances for the Pilgrims between 1973 and 1976 and scored 61 goals before going on to appear for Ipswich Town, Arsenal and Portsmouth. He would also represent England at the 1982 World Cup. After coaching in North America for several years, Mariner returned to Home Park as Head Coach in the 2009-10 season before departing midway through the 2010-11 campaign. 

Bolton-born Mariner first made his name with non-league side Chorley, whom Pilgrims manager Tony Waiters paid £6,000 for his services in the summer of 1973. On his arrival at Home Park, Mariner struck twice on his debut in a 5-0 win over Rochdale on September 11, 1973 at Home Park. Over the course of the 1973-74 season, he formed the useful partnership with Alan Welsh as the duo helped Argyle reach the semi-finals of the League Cup in the 1973-74 season, where they were beaten by Manchester City. They famously beat Queens Park Rangers, who were then in the top-flight, in the fourth round of the competition.

Following Welsh's departure to Bournemouth in 1974, Waiters signed Billy Rafferty to partner Mariner and the pair went on to spearhead the Pilgrims' side who won promotion from the 'old' Third Division in the 1974-75 campaign.

By this time, Mariner was attracting from a number of top-flight clubs. In 1976, the Pilgrims accepted a bid from Ipswich Town for his services, despite competition from West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United. 

Mariner's spell at Portman Road proved to be the most successful of his career. He won the FA Cup with the Tractor Boys in 1978 and also won the UEFA Cup in 1981. He also made his England debut in March 1977 in a World Cup qualifier and would eventually win 35 caps and scored 13 goals. Mariner would represent at Euro 80 in Italy and in the 1982 World Cup in Spain. He was on target in their 3-1 win over France in their opening game of the 1982 finals - a match best remembered for Bryan Robson scoring what was then the fastest goal in World Cup final history after 27 seconds. 

In 1984, Mariner left Ipswich for Arsenal and spent two years at Highbury before joining Portsmouth in 1986 - where he stayed until the end of the 1987-1988 season. 

His next career move saw him head across the Atlantic to America, which saw him begin his career in coaching. Mariner held a variety of different coaching roles, including assistant coach of New England Revolution under former Liverpool and Scotland defender Steve Nicol. 

He would return to Home Park as head coach in the 2009-10 season. Initially, Mariner worked under Paul Sturrock before assuming control of first team affairs after Sturrock was moved upstairs. However, he was unable to prevent the Pilgrims from being relegated to the Championship at the end of the campaign. Mariner would remain at Home Park in the 2010-11 season, after Peter Reid was brought in to work above him as manager, before leaving the club midway through the campaign to accept a coaching position with Toronto FC in the MLS. 

Sadly Mariner passed away on July 9, 2021, following a battle with brain cancer and deepest sympathies go out to all his family, friends and former teammates.

REBUILDING JOB STARTS FOR JOHNSON

After confirming his retained list, Torquay United manager Gary Johnson moved to secure six of his squad ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, as the Gulls aim to go one better after losing to Hartlepool United in the National League Play-off final.

Johnson has already got skipper Asa Hall, former Exeter City left-back Dean Moxey, experienced Danny Wright, right-back Ben Wynter and young duo Louis Slough and Olaf Koszela tied up on new deals. They join Joe Lewis and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, who were already under contract with the Gulls.

He has also agreed terrms with Jake Andrews, but the former Bristol City midfielder is yet to put pen to paper. However, negotiations remain ongoing with Ben Whitfield, Aaron Nemane, Armani Little and Shaun MacDonald. 

The news comes after Johnson announced his retained list which sees eight players leave Plainmoor. It's a list that includes popular left-back Liam Davis, who hasn't featured for the Gulls since sustaining an ankle injury against Maidstone United in the FA Cup first round in November 2019. Davis had previously been an ever present for United in their National League South title winning season in the 2018-19 campaign, and was also United's longest serving player - having joined in the summer of 2017. 

Billy Waters and Matt Buse, who both featured in United's Play-off final defeat to Hartlepool, also depart. Waters had previously played under Johnson at Cheltenham Town, where he was a National League title winner in the 2015-16 campaign, but couldn't hold down a regular first team spot and was often used as an impact sub. Buse had enjoyed a successful 2019-20 season at Plainmoor, winning the National League player of the month award for October 2019, but hadn't managed to force his way into the first team in the 2020-21 campaign. 

Striker Josh Umerah and experienced centre back Gary Warren leave Plainmoor after a year with the club. Neither of the pair featured for United in the National League Play-off final against Hartlepool, or in the semi-final against Notts County. 

Former Dundee forward Andrew Nelson leaves without making a competitive first team appearance for the Gulls, after sustaining an injury in pre-season. Rookie first team pros Owen Price and JJ Evans also leave Plainmoor without featuring for the Gulls.

Already under contract: Joe Lewis, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans 

Agreed new deals: Asa Hall, Dean Moxey, Danny Wright, Ben Wynter, Louis Slough, Olaf Koszela

Contracts offered to: Jake Andrews, Ben Whitfield, Aaron Nemane, Armani Little 

Talks are ongoing: Shaun MacDonald

Confirmed departures: Lucas Covolan (Port Vale), Kyle Cameron (Notts County)

Released: Liam Davis, Billy Waters, Josh Umerah, Matt Buse, Gary Warren, Andrew Nelson, Owen Price, JJ Evans

ROUND-UP OF EURO 2020 FORTUNES OF GARY JOHNSON'S FORMER PLAYERS

As the group stage of the delayed Euro 2020 comes to an end, we will now take a look at the fortunes of a selection of players featuring in the tournament who have previously played under Gary Johnson in their careers. 

Kieffer Moore (Wales): 

Wales striker Kieffer Moore, who played under Gary Johnson at Yeovil between 2013 and 2015, scored the equalising goal for Rob Page's side in their opening group match with Switzerland to secure a 1-1 draw. He then went on to start in Wales' 2-0 win over Turkey in their second match before coming off the bench after a hour in their final group fixture against Italy. 

Joe Morrell (Wales): 

Signed on loan by Johnson for Cheltenham Town from Bristol City towards the end of the 2016-17 season, Joe Morrell, now with Luton Town, has been an ever present for Wales in Euro 2020 so far. While at Ashton Gate, Morrell played in the same Bristol City Under-23 side as Jake Andrews and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, and also appeared for Wales at Under-21 level alongside Lemonheigh-Evans. 

Wayne Hennessey (Wales): 

Long serving Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who broke the record for the most clean sheets for Wales keeper previously held by former Gulls' custodian Neville Southall in September 2020, made 13 appearances in all competitions for Johnson for Yeovil Town in the 2013-14 campaign. He is yet to feature for Wales in Euro 2020 - and is currently the understudy to first choice keeper Danny Ward. 

Sam Johnstone (England): 

England's third choice goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, currently with West Bromwich Albion, made one appearance under Johnson for Yeovil Town during the 2013-14 season and yet to feature for the Three Lions in the tournament.