Article by David Walker
Torquay United
Odds: 40/1
Very last 5 Seasons2005/06 – twenty (League Two), 2004/05 – 21 (League A single, Relegated), 2003/04 – three (League Two, Promoted), 2002/03 – nine (League Two), 2001/02 – 19 (League Two).
2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup 3rd Round (replay) vs Birmingham Metropolis (a) – misplaced 2-.Carling Cup First Spherical vs Bournemouth (h) – misplaced 4-three on penalties with the score at – soon after extra time.Football League Trophy Southern Section First Round vs Swansea (h) – lost 3-1.
Prime Target Scorer 2005/06: Tony Bedeau (striker) – eleven ambitions.
Gamers In:Lee Mansell (Oxford United – Undisclosed), Micky Evans (Plymouth Argyle – Free of charge), Lee Thorpe (Swansea Town – Totally free), Lee Andrews (Carlisle United – Free of charge), Jamie Ward (Aston Villa – Free of charge).
Gamers Out:Tony Bedeau (Walsall – Free), Jo Kuffour (Brentford – Totally free), Andy Marriott (Boston United – No cost).
Torquay staged a great escape previous period following relegation looked probable for lengthy durations of the campaign. The Gulls have been boosted by the information that manager Ian Atkins rejected the likelihood to get above at promoted facet Carlisle United, who he managed during the 2000/01 period, committing himself to the Plainmoor outfit.
Atkins has signed a new appear ahead line for subsequent period, subsequent the departure of strikers Tony Bedeau to Walsall and Jo Kuffour to Brentford on no cost transfers. Veteran striker Mickey Evans arrived on a free of charge transfer from Plymouth Argyle although Lee Thorpe signed a long lasting deal with the Gulls following ending very last period at the club on mortgage from Swansea City.
While replacements have been introduced in, the departure of Kuffour has triggered some controversy. Former Arsenal trainee Kuffour who had been a Torquay player for 4 seasons, was due to indicator a new contract at the club soon after agreeing terms. Even so, he made the decision to website link up with previous supervisor Leroy Rosenior and indication a contract with League One outfit Brentford, much to the anger of chairman Mike Bateson.
Torquay have been profitable elsewhere in the transfer marketplace this summer and secured the signing of former Aston Villa midfielder Jamie Ward. The 20 yr old was also needed by Stockport County, exactly where he put in a mortgage spell last period and Wrexham but he signed a 3 year offer at Plainmoor subsequent his release from Villa Park.
Oxford United midfielder Lee Mansell also arrived for an undisclosed price. The versatile 23 12 months old, who can also play at correct again, created 51 league and cup appearances for Oxford previous season, after joining from Luton Town in the summer of 2005.
VerdictIt is probable to be one more tough period for Torquay and new strike pairing Mickey Evans and Lee Thorpe need to gel collectively and make rapidly. Ian Atkins side should be excellent sufficient to prevent the drop.
About the Author
David Walker runs Ladbrokes free of charge bet and UK poker sites. A free of charge e-mail program: “7 Days to Better Betting” is available at each of these web sites.