2011–12 Torquay United F.C. season
Encyclopedia
The 2011–12 Torquay United F.C. season is Torquay United
's 77th season in the Football League
and their third consecutive season in League Two
. The season runs from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.
and several of the squad who had taken part in the League Two play-off Final
defeat to Stevenage. As well as new manager Martin Ling
having to rebuild the squad on the pitch, literal rebuilding off the pitch will start with the demolition of the old grandstand at Plainmoor
and the construction of a new one, named 'Bristow's Bench' in honour of Torquay's late vice-chairman Paul Bristow.
, Chris McPhee and Daniel Leadbitter
, Martin Ling further bolstered the Torquay United squad with two crucial defensive signings in goalkeeper Robert Olejnik
and centre back Brian Saah
. Olejnik came with a fine pedigree having played for Falkirk
in the Scottish Premier League
while Saah had previously played under Ling at Leyton Orient
and Cambridge United
. With Chris Zebroski
making the decision to follow former manager Paul Buckle to Bristol Rovers
, Ling needed to improve his attacking options which led to the signings of strikers Rene Howe
and Taiwo Atieno
and midfielder Ian Morris
. Finally, as back-up to Bobby Olejnik, former Gulls keeper Martin Rice
returned to Plainmoor
after two seasons with Truro City
.
A series of friendlies saw the new recruits bed in well with the established squad members with Howe, Atieno, McPhee, Oastler and Morris all helping themselves to goals in a pre-season programme which saw the Gulls lose just once (to Championship
side Burnley
). Particularly pleasing to Torquay supporters were the defeat of another Championship side Bristol City
and a 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Exeter City
. The pre-season fixtures ended with a 6-2 win over Truro City, who included among their ranks the young defender Ed Palmer who had only just joined the Cornish club on loan from Torquay.
With Martin Ling seemingly satisfied with his squad, Torquay supporters now braced themselves for another season.
scored twice early in the second half to put 2–0 ahead in the opening day fixture at Plainmoor. However, Torquay were able to show enough character to respond to this setback with Rene Howe and captain Lee Mansell
both scoring to salvage a 2–2 draw. Next up was a trip to St Mary's
for a Carling Cup
First Round fixture with . Despite a spirited performance, the Gulls were unable to overcome a strong Saints side and had to accept a 4–1 defeat as well as the fact that Torquay had now gone ten years without reaching the Second Round of the League Cup. However, the Gulls did not have to wait much longer for their first victory of the season and it was to be a particularly enjoyable one for the Torquay fans as it came at the home of Paul Buckle's new side Bristol Rovers. Goals from Taiwo Atieno and Rene Howe in the first fifteen minutes was enough to secure all three points at the Memorial Stadium
, despite Byron Anthony
snatching one back for Rovers in the second half. Back to back away victories were then achieved with a hard fought 1–0 win at , pushing the Gulls up to 4th in the League Two table. However, Torquay were soon brought back down to earth when newly promoted came to Plainmoor and easily outplayed the home side in a 3–1 defeat of the Gulls. The consolation goal was Lee Mansell's fourth of the campaign and left the midfielder in the unlikely position as the club's top scorer for the season so far.
Spirits were raised after that defeat with the loan signing of promising young forward Billy Bodin
from . However, it soon became clear that he had arrived as a replacement for his namesake Billy Kee
who was sold to Burton Albion the very next day. Kee had struggled to secure a place in the starting line up under Paul Buckle and, with Howe and Atieno beginning to establish an effective striking partnership under Martin Ling, Kee took the opportunity to join the Brewers and return to his native Midlands. Some pride was restored after the Crawley humiliation with a 1–1 draw at , leaving the Gulls undefeated away record in tact, at least as far as the League was concerned. However, a trip to Whaddon Road
in the Johnstone Paints Trophy
saw another early cup exit for Torquay at the hands of .
While the cup defeats were disappointing, it was clear that Martin Ling's focus was firmly on the League campaign. Two wins, two draws and one defeat represented a solid start to the season and the overall performances of the new look Torquay squad suggested that there were perhaps more reasons for the Gulls fans to be positive than not.
, Martin Ling was presented with a mini striker crisis before the visit of for the first fixture of the month. Despite this, Torquay managed to register their biggest win of the campaign so far with a 3–0 defeat of the Silkmen thanks to first goals of the season from Brian Saah, Chris McPhee and Eunan O'Kane
. Howe was fit enough to be restored to the starting line-up alongside Bodin for the next match which, ironically, resulted in a lacklustre 0–0 draw with at the Sixfields Stadium
. This was then followed up by two further draws against and , both at Plainmoor. Although these were far more entertaining matches than the Northampton stalemate, it was concerning that Torquay had fallen behind within the first five minutes of both games. However, the Gulls did at least show the desire to fight back in both games, gaining a 2–2 result against Cheltenham and finishing the epic Rotherham encounter with a 3–3 scoreline. Nevertheless, Martin Ling was now growing concerned at the prospect of Torquay becoming the League's 'draw specialists'.
Morale was boosted before the trip to with the news that Eunan O'Kane had signed a new contract keeping the midfielder at Plainmoor until 2014. However, it was not such good news on the pitch with the Shrews gaining revenge for last season's play-off defeat, beating the Gulls 2–0 in a match which also saw Rene Howe dismissed for a second bookable offence. It was a disappointing end to a month which left the Gulls in 13th position in the League Two table having started it in 12th. It was now becoming clear that if Torquay were to avoid a season of mid-table mediocrity (or worse), they would need to start converting some of their draws into wins.
. Even with the Bantams being reduced to ten men after just 24 minutes, Torquay were still unable to penetrate a defence which had not kept a clean sheet in their previous 18 league games. The following weeks's humiliating 5–2 home defeat to Gillingham prompted Martin Ling to recall out of favour defender Mark Ellis
to the starting line up in the away fixture against Southend. Although that game resulted in another expensive defeat, the final two fixtures of the month suggested Ling might have finally got the formula right with back to back home victories against AFC Wimbledon
and , both without conceding a goal.
Those two victories provided a welcome boost to Torquay after a demoralising eight game stretch without a win. The Gulls were now hopeful they could create a platform from which the team could progress and, even if they could not reach last season's achievement of a play-off spot, they could at least distance themselves from any potential relegation dogfight.
On loan from
On loan from
|colspan="14"|Players no longer with the club:
|}
Source: Torquay United
Source: Torquay United
Source: Torquay United
. The reserve team will be eager to repeat the success of the 2010–11 season when the reserve Gulls finished top of the Wales & West Division. However, they were denied being crowned overall champions of the Football Combination after losing 3–1 to Central Division champions Brighton & Hove Albion Reserves
in the play-off final.
Updated to games played on 29 November 2011
Source: The Football Combination Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
's 77th season in the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
and their third consecutive season in League Two
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
. The season runs from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.
Overview
Having narrowly missed out on promotion to League One, the 2011–12 season represents a new era for Torquay United with the departure of manager Paul BucklePaul Buckle
Paul John Buckle is an English professional footballer and football club manager. He is currently manager of League Two side Bristol Rovers.-Career:...
and several of the squad who had taken part in the League Two play-off Final
2011 Football League Two play-off Final
The 2011 Football League Two play-off final was a football match contested by Stevenage and Torquay United on 28 May 2011 at Old Trafford in Manchester to decide the fourth team to be promoted from League Two to League One for the 2011–12 season....
defeat to Stevenage. As well as new manager Martin Ling
Martin Ling
Martin Ling is an English football manager and former player, who is currently manager of Torquay United in League Two. He played in over 100 Football League matches for Exeter City, Southend United, Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, before moving into management where he led Orient for over five...
having to rebuild the squad on the pitch, literal rebuilding off the pitch will start with the demolition of the old grandstand at Plainmoor
Plainmoor
Plainmoor is a suburb of Torquay, Devon, but is best known as the name of the stadium in which Torquay United Football Club currently play.-History:...
and the construction of a new one, named 'Bristow's Bench' in honour of Torquay's late vice-chairman Paul Bristow.
July
Following the acquisitions in June of Joe OastlerJoe Oastler
Joseph James "Joe" Oastler is an English footballer who currently plays for Torquay United of Football League Two.-Playing career:...
, Chris McPhee and Daniel Leadbitter
Daniel Leadbitter
Daniel Leadbitter is an English professional footballer currently playing for Football League Two club Torquay United. He can operate as a right-back or centre-half. Leadbitter spent his youth career at Newcastle United but left for Torquay in 2011 without having made a first-team appearance...
, Martin Ling further bolstered the Torquay United squad with two crucial defensive signings in goalkeeper Robert Olejnik
Robert Olejnik
Robert"Bobby" Olejnik is an Austrian professional footballer who plays for League Two side Torquay United.- Career :...
and centre back Brian Saah
Brian Saah
Brian Ebo Saah is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Club career:Despite starting as a central midfielder, Saah was converted to a central defender and won praise for his displays deputising for first team regulars John Mackie and Gabriel Zakuani during the 2005–06...
. Olejnik came with a fine pedigree having played for Falkirk
Falkirk F.C.
Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Falkirk. It is one of two professional football teams from the town, the other being East Stirlingshire...
in the Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
while Saah had previously played under Ling at Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient F.C.
Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63...
and Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
. With Chris Zebroski
Chris Zebroski
Christopher Matthew "Chris" Zebroski is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Football League Two side Bristol Rovers.-Club career:...
making the decision to follow former manager Paul Buckle to Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
, Ling needed to improve his attacking options which led to the signings of strikers Rene Howe
Rene Howe
Jermaine Renee Howe, commonly known as "Rene Howe" is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Torquay United. Howe was on the reality television programme 'Dating in the Dark' on LivingTV on 31 August 2010.-Career:...
and Taiwo Atieno
Taiwo Atieno
Taiwo Leo Awuonda Atieno is an English-born Kenya international footballer, who currently plays for League Two side Torquay United. He previously played in the Football League for Walsall, Rochdale, Chester City and Darlington, and in the USL First Division for the Puerto Rico Islanders and...
and midfielder Ian Morris
Ian Morris (footballer)
Ian Morris is an Irish football midfielder who plays for Torquay United after being released from Scunthorpe United at the end of the 2010/11 season.-Career:Dublin-born Morris came through the youth ranks at Leeds United...
. Finally, as back-up to Bobby Olejnik, former Gulls keeper Martin Rice
Martin Rice
Martin John Rice is an association footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Football League Two club Torquay United. He spent most of his early professional career at Exeter City and has since played for rivals Torquay United and non-League side Truro City.-Exeter City:Rice came through the youth...
returned to Plainmoor
Plainmoor
Plainmoor is a suburb of Torquay, Devon, but is best known as the name of the stadium in which Torquay United Football Club currently play.-History:...
after two seasons with Truro City
Truro City F.C.
Truro City F.C. are an English professional football club based in Truro, Cornwall. They currently play in the Conference South following five promotions in six seasons. They were founding members of the South Western League in 1951 and won the title five times in their history...
.
A series of friendlies saw the new recruits bed in well with the established squad members with Howe, Atieno, McPhee, Oastler and Morris all helping themselves to goals in a pre-season programme which saw the Gulls lose just once (to Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
side Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
). Particularly pleasing to Torquay supporters were the defeat of another Championship side Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
and a 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
. The pre-season fixtures ended with a 6-2 win over Truro City, who included among their ranks the young defender Ed Palmer who had only just joined the Cornish club on loan from Torquay.
With Martin Ling seemingly satisfied with his squad, Torquay supporters now braced themselves for another season.
August
The optimism of the new season was swiftly dashed when striker Justin RichardsJustin Richards (footballer)
Justin Donovan Richards is an English footballer who plays for League Two side Burton Albion. A striker, he has a tally of around one goal every three games, playing in the Conference and lower reaches of the Football League...
scored twice early in the second half to put 2–0 ahead in the opening day fixture at Plainmoor. However, Torquay were able to show enough character to respond to this setback with Rene Howe and captain Lee Mansell
Lee Mansell
Lee Richard Samuel Mansell is an English footballer, who can play in midfield but is occupying the right back position for Torquay United and is the current captain....
both scoring to salvage a 2–2 draw. Next up was a trip to St Mary's
St Mary's Stadium
St Mary's Stadium is the home of Southampton F.C., in the city of Southampton. It is a UEFA 4-star rated stadium and with a capacity of 32,689 is the largest football stadium in the south of England, outside of London.-History:...
for a Carling Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
First Round fixture with . Despite a spirited performance, the Gulls were unable to overcome a strong Saints side and had to accept a 4–1 defeat as well as the fact that Torquay had now gone ten years without reaching the Second Round of the League Cup. However, the Gulls did not have to wait much longer for their first victory of the season and it was to be a particularly enjoyable one for the Torquay fans as it came at the home of Paul Buckle's new side Bristol Rovers. Goals from Taiwo Atieno and Rene Howe in the first fifteen minutes was enough to secure all three points at the Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium (Bristol)
The Memorial Stadium, also commonly known by its previous name of The Memorial Ground, is a sports ground in Bristol, England, dedicated to the memory of the rugby union players of the city killed during World War I...
, despite Byron Anthony
Byron Anthony
Byron Joseph Anthony is a Wales under-21 international footballer currently playing for Bristol Rovers as a defender-Career:...
snatching one back for Rovers in the second half. Back to back away victories were then achieved with a hard fought 1–0 win at , pushing the Gulls up to 4th in the League Two table. However, Torquay were soon brought back down to earth when newly promoted came to Plainmoor and easily outplayed the home side in a 3–1 defeat of the Gulls. The consolation goal was Lee Mansell's fourth of the campaign and left the midfielder in the unlikely position as the club's top scorer for the season so far.
Spirits were raised after that defeat with the loan signing of promising young forward Billy Bodin
Billy Bodin
Billy Paul Bodin is a Welsh footballer who plays for Torquay United on loan from Swindon Town as a forward or as an attacking midfielder...
from . However, it soon became clear that he had arrived as a replacement for his namesake Billy Kee
Billy Kee
Billy Rodney Kee is a footballer who plays for Burton Albion. He has also represented Northern Ireland at Under 19 and Under 21 level.-Career:...
who was sold to Burton Albion the very next day. Kee had struggled to secure a place in the starting line up under Paul Buckle and, with Howe and Atieno beginning to establish an effective striking partnership under Martin Ling, Kee took the opportunity to join the Brewers and return to his native Midlands. Some pride was restored after the Crawley humiliation with a 1–1 draw at , leaving the Gulls undefeated away record in tact, at least as far as the League was concerned. However, a trip to Whaddon Road
Whaddon Road
Whaddon Road is a football stadium in Cheltenham, England. It is the home ground of Cheltenham Town F.C. and shared with Gloucester City A.F.C.. It has a total capacity of 7,066, with a mixture of seating and terracing...
in the Johnstone Paints Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
saw another early cup exit for Torquay at the hands of .
While the cup defeats were disappointing, it was clear that Martin Ling's focus was firmly on the League campaign. Two wins, two draws and one defeat represented a solid start to the season and the overall performances of the new look Torquay squad suggested that there were perhaps more reasons for the Gulls fans to be positive than not.
September
With Rene Howe suffering from a hamstring injury and Billy Bodin on international duty with the Wales under-21 squadWales national under-21 football team
The Wales national under-21 football team, also known as the Wales U21s, is the national under-21 football team of Wales and is controlled by the Football Association of Wales. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
, Martin Ling was presented with a mini striker crisis before the visit of for the first fixture of the month. Despite this, Torquay managed to register their biggest win of the campaign so far with a 3–0 defeat of the Silkmen thanks to first goals of the season from Brian Saah, Chris McPhee and Eunan O'Kane
Eunan O'Kane
Eunan O'Kane is a footballer who plays for Torquay United of Football League Two.-Career:A midfielder, O'Kane spent two years with Everton as a youth team player before joining Coleraine in September 2009. He extended his contract with the club in December before spending time on trial with...
. Howe was fit enough to be restored to the starting line-up alongside Bodin for the next match which, ironically, resulted in a lacklustre 0–0 draw with at the Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium is a 7,653-capacity all-seater sports stadium in Northampton, England. It has been the home ground of Northampton Town Football Club following their move from the County Ground in October 1994....
. This was then followed up by two further draws against and , both at Plainmoor. Although these were far more entertaining matches than the Northampton stalemate, it was concerning that Torquay had fallen behind within the first five minutes of both games. However, the Gulls did at least show the desire to fight back in both games, gaining a 2–2 result against Cheltenham and finishing the epic Rotherham encounter with a 3–3 scoreline. Nevertheless, Martin Ling was now growing concerned at the prospect of Torquay becoming the League's 'draw specialists'.
Morale was boosted before the trip to with the news that Eunan O'Kane had signed a new contract keeping the midfielder at Plainmoor until 2014. However, it was not such good news on the pitch with the Shrews gaining revenge for last season's play-off defeat, beating the Gulls 2–0 in a match which also saw Rene Howe dismissed for a second bookable offence. It was a disappointing end to a month which left the Gulls in 13th position in the League Two table having started it in 12th. It was now becoming clear that if Torquay were to avoid a season of mid-table mediocrity (or worse), they would need to start converting some of their draws into wins.
October
If Torquay United were hoping their indifferent fortunes would improve with the start of a new month, they were to be sorely disappointed. Early in the month the team received a blow with the news that midfielder Ian Morris had picked up a knee injury which threatened to rule him out for at least a couple of months. On the pitch, despite holding league leaders to a 1–1 draw at Plainmoor in their opening fixture of the month, the Gulls would then go on to lose their next three matches against , and by an aggregate margin of 10–3. Perhaps the most disappointing result of the three was the 1–0 defeat by Bradford at Valley ParadeValley Parade
Valley Parade, also known as the Coral Windows Stadium through sponsorship rights, is an all-seater football stadium in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. It was built in 1886, and was the home of Manningham Rugby Football Club until 1903, when they changed code from rugby football to association...
. Even with the Bantams being reduced to ten men after just 24 minutes, Torquay were still unable to penetrate a defence which had not kept a clean sheet in their previous 18 league games. The following weeks's humiliating 5–2 home defeat to Gillingham prompted Martin Ling to recall out of favour defender Mark Ellis
Mark Ellis (footballer born 1988)
Mark Ian Ellis is a footballer playing as a defender for Torquay United. He made his debut for Torquay on 22 September 2007, in the Football Conference clash with Kidderminster Harriers, at Aggborough, which ended in a 5–2 win to Torquay.Following the Gulls promotion to the Football League, Ellis...
to the starting line up in the away fixture against Southend. Although that game resulted in another expensive defeat, the final two fixtures of the month suggested Ling might have finally got the formula right with back to back home victories against AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon is a professional English football club that traces its origins to Wimbledon in the London Borough of Merton. Based at Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames, the club are members of Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football....
and , both without conceding a goal.
Those two victories provided a welcome boost to Torquay after a demoralising eight game stretch without a win. The Gulls were now hopeful they could create a platform from which the team could progress and, even if they could not reach last season's achievement of a play-off spot, they could at least distance themselves from any potential relegation dogfight.
November
Torquay continued to build upon the foundations laid in the last two matches of October, following the wins over AFC Wimbledon and Hereford with wins over Crewe Alexandra, and FA Cup First Round victory over Chesterfield followed up by a famous 3-1 home victory over local rivals Plymouth Argyle- the first time Torquay had beaten Plymouth in the league in nearly forty years. The Gulls unbeaten run continued with a 0-0 away draw to Port Vale contributing to a respectable stats of 6 games played, 15 goals scored and 2 conceded.League Two
FA Cup
League Cup
League Trophy
Friendlies
League Two
Results summary
Results by round
Current squad
| No. | Nat. | Name | Position | Date of birth (Age) | Date joined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||||
| 1 |  |
Robert Olejnik Robert Olejnik Robert"Bobby" Olejnik is an Austrian professional footballer who plays for League Two side Torquay United.- Career :... |
GK | 26 November 1986 (Age 25) | 1 July 2011 |
| 13 |  |
Martin Rice Martin Rice Martin John Rice is an association footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Football League Two club Torquay United. He spent most of his early professional career at Exeter City and has since played for rivals Torquay United and non-League side Truro City.-Exeter City:Rice came through the youth... |
GK | 7 March 1986 (Age 25) | 15 July 2011 |
| Defenders | |||||
| 2 | |
Lathaniel Rowe-Turner Lathaniel Rowe-Turner Lathaniel Alanzo Rowe-Turner , is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Leicester City:... |
LB | 12 November 1989 (Age 22) | 1 February 2010 |
| 3 | |
Kevin Nicholson Kevin Nicholson (footballer) Kevin John Nicholson is an English footballer, currently playing for League Two side Torquay United. An ex England C team defender; since Torquay were promoted to the football league, who has currently been capped 4 times with the number 3 shirt on every occasion.- Biography :Nicholson began his... |
LB | 2 October 1980 (Age 31) | 21 June 2007 |
| 4 | |
Mark Ellis Mark Ellis (footballer born 1988) Mark Ian Ellis is a footballer playing as a defender for Torquay United. He made his debut for Torquay on 22 September 2007, in the Football Conference clash with Kidderminster Harriers, at Aggborough, which ended in a 5–2 win to Torquay.Following the Gulls promotion to the Football League, Ellis... |
CB | 30 September 1988 (Age 23) | 21 May 2008 |
| 5 |  |
Chris Robertson | CB / RB | 11 October 1986 (Age 25) | 20 June 2007 |
| 6 | |
Brian Saah Brian Saah Brian Ebo Saah is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Club career:Despite starting as a central midfielder, Saah was converted to a central defender and won praise for his displays deputising for first team regulars John Mackie and Gabriel Zakuani during the 2005–06... |
CB | 16 December 1986 (Age 24) | 1 July 2011 |
| 12 | |
Daniel Leadbitter Daniel Leadbitter Daniel Leadbitter is an English professional footballer currently playing for Football League Two club Torquay United. He can operate as a right-back or centre-half. Leadbitter spent his youth career at Newcastle United but left for Torquay in 2011 without having made a first-team appearance... |
RB | 24 June 1991 (Age 20) | 28 June 2011 |
| 18 | |
Joe Oastler Joe Oastler Joseph James "Joe" Oastler is an English footballer who currently plays for Torquay United of Football League Two.-Playing career:... |
RB / CM | 3 July 1990 (Age 21) | 28 June 2011 |
| 20 | |
Tom Aldred Tom Aldred Thomas Michael Aldred is an English-born Scottish defender with Football League One side Colchester United, joining on a free transfer after being released by Watford. He has represented Scotland at under-19 level.... |
CB | 11 September 1990 (Age 21) | 24 November 2011 |
| Midfielders | |||||
| 7 | |
Lee Mansell Lee Mansell Lee Richard Samuel Mansell is an English footballer, who can play in midfield but is occupying the right back position for Torquay United and is the current captain.... (c) |
AM / CM / RB | 23 September 1982 (Age 29) | 4 July 2006 |
| 10 |  |
Eunan O'Kane Eunan O'Kane Eunan O'Kane is a footballer who plays for Torquay United of Football League Two.-Career:A midfielder, O'Kane spent two years with Everton as a youth team player before joining Coleraine in September 2009. He extended his contract with the club in December before spending time on trial with... |
AM / CM | 10 July 1990 (Age 21) | 11 January 2010 |
| 11 | Ian Morris Ian Morris (footballer) Ian Morris is an Irish football midfielder who plays for Torquay United after being released from Scunthorpe United at the end of the 2010/11 season.-Career:Dublin-born Morris came through the youth ranks at Leeds United... |
LM | 27 February 1987 (Age 24) | 18 July 2011 | |
| 14 | |
Lloyd Macklin Lloyd Macklin Lloyd Macklin is an English footballer who is currently playing for Torquay United in England.-Biography:Macklin went on a pre-season tour of Austria with Swindon Town in the summer of 2007 when he was only 15 years old. He came through the ranks at Swindon and made a senior appearance in the home... |
LM / RM | 23 August 1989 (Age 22) | 30 June 2010 |
| 16 | |
Chris McPhee | RM / CF | 20 March 1983 (Age 28) | 28 June 2011 |
| 17 | |
Saul Halpin Saul Halpin Saul Halpin is an English midfield footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Torquay United:Halpin signed his second professional contract at Torquay United on 9 July 2010, months after signing his first professional contract, signing a three-year contract extension.Halpin came through United's... |
LM | 25 October 1991 (Age 20) | 1 August 2009 |
| 19 | |
Danny Stevens Danny Stevens (footballer) Danny Robert Stevens is an English professional football winger. He can play on either the left or right flank. He currently plays for League Two side Torquay United.-Career:... |
LM / RM | 26 November 1986 (Age 25) | 20 July 2007 |
| 22 | |
Damon Lathrope Damon Lathrope Damon Len Lathrope is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United of League Two.-Playing career:Lathrope began his youth career at Cambridge United, though moved on to Norwich City's academy in 2006, signing his first two and a half year professional contract with the club in January 2008... |
CM | 28 October 1989 (Age 22) | 19 July 2010 |
| Forwards | |||||
| 9 | |
Rene Howe Rene Howe Jermaine Renee Howe, commonly known as "Rene Howe" is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Torquay United. Howe was on the reality television programme 'Dating in the Dark' on LivingTV on 31 August 2010.-Career:... |
CF | 22 October 1986 (Age 25) | 13 July 2011 |
| 15 |  |
Billy Bodin Billy Bodin Billy Paul Bodin is a Welsh footballer who plays for Torquay United on loan from Swindon Town as a forward or as an attacking midfielder... |
CF / LM / RM | 24 March 1992 (Age 19) | 25 August 2011 |
| 23 |  |
Taiwo Atieno Taiwo Atieno Taiwo Leo Awuonda Atieno is an English-born Kenya international footballer, who currently plays for League Two side Torquay United. He previously played in the Football League for Walsall, Rochdale, Chester City and Darlington, and in the USL First Division for the Puerto Rico Islanders and... |
CF | 6 August 1985 (Age 26) | 23 July 2011 |
| 24 | |
Ashley Yeoman Ashley Yeoman Ashley Yeoman is an English footballer, currently playing for Torquay United in the Football League Two. He plays as a striker.- Biography :... |
CF | 25 February 1992 (Age 19) | 24 May 2010 |
On loan from
On loan from
First team appearances
|-|colspan="14"|Players no longer with the club:
|}
Source: Torquay United
Top Scorers
| Place | Position | Nation | Number | Name | League Two | FA Cup | League Cup | League Trophy | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FW | |
9 | Rene Howe Rene Howe Jermaine Renee Howe, commonly known as "Rene Howe" is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Torquay United. Howe was on the reality television programme 'Dating in the Dark' on LivingTV on 31 August 2010.-Career:... |
7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2 | MF | |
7 | Lee Mansell Lee Mansell Lee Richard Samuel Mansell is an English footballer, who can play in midfield but is occupying the right back position for Torquay United and is the current captain.... |
6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| 3 | FW | |
15 | Billy Bodin Billy Bodin Billy Paul Bodin is a Welsh footballer who plays for Torquay United on loan from Swindon Town as a forward or as an attacking midfielder... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| = | DF | |
3 | Kevin Nicholson Kevin Nicholson (footballer) Kevin John Nicholson is an English footballer, currently playing for League Two side Torquay United. An ex England C team defender; since Torquay were promoted to the football league, who has currently been capped 4 times with the number 3 shirt on every occasion.- Biography :Nicholson began his... |
3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| = | MF | |
10 | Eunan O'Kane Eunan O'Kane Eunan O'Kane is a footballer who plays for Torquay United of Football League Two.-Career:A midfielder, O'Kane spent two years with Everton as a youth team player before joining Coleraine in September 2009. He extended his contract with the club in December before spending time on trial with... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| = | MF | |
19 | Danny Stevens Danny Stevens (footballer) Danny Robert Stevens is an English professional football winger. He can play on either the left or right flank. He currently plays for League Two side Torquay United.-Career:... |
3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 7 | FW | |
23 | Taiwo Atieno Taiwo Atieno Taiwo Leo Awuonda Atieno is an English-born Kenya international footballer, who currently plays for League Two side Torquay United. He previously played in the Football League for Walsall, Rochdale, Chester City and Darlington, and in the USL First Division for the Puerto Rico Islanders and... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| = | MF | |
14 | Lloyd Macklin Lloyd Macklin Lloyd Macklin is an English footballer who is currently playing for Torquay United in England.-Biography:Macklin went on a pre-season tour of Austria with Swindon Town in the summer of 2007 when he was only 15 years old. He came through the ranks at Swindon and made a senior appearance in the home... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| = | MF | |
16 | Chris McPhee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| = | DF | |
5 | Chris Robertson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| = | DF | |
6 | Brian Saah Brian Saah Brian Ebo Saah is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Club career:Despite starting as a central midfielder, Saah was converted to a central defender and won praise for his displays deputising for first team regulars John Mackie and Gabriel Zakuani during the 2005–06... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTALS | 31 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 36 | ||||
Source: Torquay United
Disciplinary Record
| Number | Nation | Position | Name | League Two | FA Cup | League Cup | League Trophy | Total | |||||
| 9 | |
FW | Rene Howe Rene Howe Jermaine Renee Howe, commonly known as "Rene Howe" is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Torquay United. Howe was on the reality television programme 'Dating in the Dark' on LivingTV on 31 August 2010.-Career:... |
4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| 10 | |
MF | Eunan O'Kane Eunan O'Kane Eunan O'Kane is a footballer who plays for Torquay United of Football League Two.-Career:A midfielder, O'Kane spent two years with Everton as a youth team player before joining Coleraine in September 2009. He extended his contract with the club in December before spending time on trial with... |
5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 22 | |
MF | Damon Lathrope Damon Lathrope Damon Len Lathrope is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United of League Two.-Playing career:Lathrope began his youth career at Cambridge United, though moved on to Norwich City's academy in 2006, signing his first two and a half year professional contract with the club in January 2008... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 7 | |
MF | Lee Mansell Lee Mansell Lee Richard Samuel Mansell is an English footballer, who can play in midfield but is occupying the right back position for Torquay United and is the current captain.... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 11 | MF | Ian Morris Ian Morris (footballer) Ian Morris is an Irish football midfielder who plays for Torquay United after being released from Scunthorpe United at the end of the 2010/11 season.-Career:Dublin-born Morris came through the youth ranks at Leeds United... |
2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| 18 | |
MF | Joe Oastler Joe Oastler Joseph James "Joe" Oastler is an English footballer who currently plays for Torquay United of Football League Two.-Playing career:... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 15 | |
FW | Billy Bodin Billy Bodin Billy Paul Bodin is a Welsh footballer who plays for Torquay United on loan from Swindon Town as a forward or as an attacking midfielder... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 14 | |
MF | Lloyd Macklin Lloyd Macklin Lloyd Macklin is an English footballer who is currently playing for Torquay United in England.-Biography:Macklin went on a pre-season tour of Austria with Swindon Town in the summer of 2007 when he was only 15 years old. He came through the ranks at Swindon and made a senior appearance in the home... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 5 | |
DF | Chris Robertson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 6 | |
DF | Brian Saah Brian Saah Brian Ebo Saah is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Club career:Despite starting as a central midfielder, Saah was converted to a central defender and won praise for his displays deputising for first team regulars John Mackie and Gabriel Zakuani during the 2005–06... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTALS | 24 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 1 | |||
Source: Torquay United
In
| Date | Nat. | Pos. | Name | From | Fee | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2011 | |
GK | Robert Olejnik Robert Olejnik Robert"Bobby" Olejnik is an Austrian professional footballer who plays for League Two side Torquay United.- Career :... |
Falkirk Falkirk F.C. Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Falkirk. It is one of two professional football teams from the town, the other being East Stirlingshire... |
Undisclosed | |
| 1 July 2011 | |
DF | Brian Saah Brian Saah Brian Ebo Saah is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Club career:Despite starting as a central midfielder, Saah was converted to a central defender and won praise for his displays deputising for first team regulars John Mackie and Gabriel Zakuani during the 2005–06... |
Cambridge United Cambridge United F.C. Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League... |
Undisclosed | |
| 13 July 2011 | |
FW | Rene Howe Rene Howe Jermaine Renee Howe, commonly known as "Rene Howe" is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Torquay United. Howe was on the reality television programme 'Dating in the Dark' on LivingTV on 31 August 2010.-Career:... |
Peterborough United Peterborough United F.C. Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is... |
Undisclosed | |
| 15 July 2011 | |
GK | Martin Rice Martin Rice Martin John Rice is an association footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Football League Two club Torquay United. He spent most of his early professional career at Exeter City and has since played for rivals Torquay United and non-League side Truro City.-Exeter City:Rice came through the youth... |
Truro City Truro City F.C. Truro City F.C. are an English professional football club based in Truro, Cornwall. They currently play in the Conference South following five promotions in six seasons. They were founding members of the South Western League in 1951 and won the title five times in their history... |
Free | |
| 18 July 2011 | MF | Ian Morris Ian Morris (footballer) Ian Morris is an Irish football midfielder who plays for Torquay United after being released from Scunthorpe United at the end of the 2010/11 season.-Career:Dublin-born Morris came through the youth ranks at Leeds United... |
Unattached | Free | ||
| 23 July 2011 | |
FW | Taiwo Atieno Taiwo Atieno Taiwo Leo Awuonda Atieno is an English-born Kenya international footballer, who currently plays for League Two side Torquay United. He previously played in the Football League for Walsall, Rochdale, Chester City and Darlington, and in the USL First Division for the Puerto Rico Islanders and... |
Unattached | Free |
Loans In
| Date | Nat. | Pos. | Name | From | Expiry date | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 August 2011 | |
FW | Billy Bodin Billy Bodin Billy Paul Bodin is a Welsh footballer who plays for Torquay United on loan from Swindon Town as a forward or as an attacking midfielder... |
Swindon Town Swindon Town F.C. Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011... |
8 January 2012 | |
| 24 November 2011 | |
DF | Tom Aldred Tom Aldred Thomas Michael Aldred is an English-born Scottish defender with Football League One side Colchester United, joining on a free transfer after being released by Watford. He has represented Scotland at under-19 level.... |
2 January 2012 | ||
Out
| Date | Nat. | Pos. | Name | To | Fee | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 July 2011 | |
FW | Chris Zebroski Chris Zebroski Christopher Matthew "Chris" Zebroski is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Football League Two side Bristol Rovers.-Club career:... |
Bristol Rovers Bristol Rovers F.C. Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city.... |
Undisclosed | |
| 26 August 2011 | |
FW | Billy Kee Billy Kee Billy Rodney Kee is a footballer who plays for Burton Albion. He has also represented Northern Ireland at Under 19 and Under 21 level.-Career:... |
Burton Albion Burton Albion F.C. Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005... |
Undisclosed |
Loans Out
| Date | Nat. | Pos. | Name | To | Expiry date | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 July 2011 | |
DF | Ed Palmer | Truro City Truro City F.C. Truro City F.C. are an English professional football club based in Truro, Cornwall. They currently play in the Conference South following five promotions in six seasons. They were founding members of the South Western League in 1951 and won the title five times in their history... |
23 January 2012 | |
| 31 October 2011 | |
FW | Ray Spear | 27 November 2011 | ||
Reserve team
For the second season in succession, Torquay United are taking part in a competitive reserve league, entering the Southern Section of the Football CombinationFootball Combination
The Football Combination , is a football competition for the reserve teams of English Football League clubs from Southern England and Wales...
. The reserve team will be eager to repeat the success of the 2010–11 season when the reserve Gulls finished top of the Wales & West Division. However, they were denied being crowned overall champions of the Football Combination after losing 3–1 to Central Division champions Brighton & Hove Albion Reserves
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
in the play-off final.
Results
League table
| Club | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 12 | 12 | ||
| 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 10 | ||
| 3 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 10 | |
| 4 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 19 | 9 | ||
| 5 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 25 | |||
| 9 | |||||||||
| 6 | Bournemouth A.F.C. Bournemouth A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899.... |
5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 10 | ||
| 3 | |||||||||
Updated to games played on 29 November 2011
Source: The Football Combination Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points