I’m writing this and wishing I was somewhere else. Anywhere with a telly and selling alcohol, ideally. But it wasn’t to be, and like many football fans I have found myself a victim of the grand overlords of Sky TV. This Saturday just gone, April 12th, I had originally intended to attend Plymouth Argyle’s scheduled match at Sheffield Wednesday, our 43rd Championship fixture of the season and potentially (certainly at the time of organising the trip) decisive in our play-off push. I booked my train tickets from my home in Gloucestershire four weeks in advance to avoid the ridiculous cost of on-the-day public transport, and waited for match tickets to go on sale. Alas, it was at this point that Rupert Murdoch’s media machine – generally about as interested in covering Argyle as a vegan is in eating veal – whirred into seemingly aimless action and had the game moved to Monday night for live transmission to subscribers. At the same time when my return travel, already purchased, was due to occur.
Thus here I am, tapping away on my laptop while almost anything could be happening at Hillsbrough. The bleddy train even went through Sheffield on the way down, but with it being nearly 9pm I considered jumping off, watching the rest of the game and spending the night in the station to be a little pointless, especially given recent events.
I’ve been somewhat absent from this site for a couple of weeks, for two reasons. Firstly, my University course has been rather more hectic and difficult than usual, but, far more pertinently, Argyle have managed almost entirely extinguish our greatest ever hopes of reaching the top flight of English football. First there was the embarrassing 3-1 loss at struggling Coventry, with the Greens 3-0 down before the much-maligned Steve McLean grabbed an admittedly impressive consolation. This left us needing, realistically, four wins from our last five matches going into the home tie with Charlton. I travelled down full of hope and expectation and, despite a dire showing by both teams, Jermaine Easter’s second-half goal looked likely to be the difference between them. Then Luke McCormick had one of those spells where everything goes wrong, twice fumbling in his own six-yard box and giving visiting striker Leroy Lita a pair of tap-ins. Heartbreaking.
Since then the crushing, numbing disappointment of losing to two poor sides has got the better of me, and I’ve attempted to hide from football – frequenting the BBC Sport website less often, shunning Focus and MOTD, skipping the sports pages. Still, the ‘beauty’ of the Argyle White Membership I have is you get six home match vouchers to use throughout the season, and I’ve got one left. So I’ll be there for the Preston game on Saturday, when Argyle will in all likelihood have little to play for but pride, and possibly a highest-ever league finish in my lifetime. That, at least, should whet the appetite for another crack next season.
RICH PARTINGTON
Showing posts with label play-offs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label play-offs. Show all posts
Monday, 14 April 2008
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Peter Halmosi, love of our lives
Joni Mitchell was right – you don’t know what you got til it’s gone.
Living in Devon and (mostly) Cornwall for the first 18 years of my life I was always proud to be from the Westcountry, and following Argyle obviously only strengthened that. But it’s only when you live away from the area for any reasonable length of time, and return, that you realise what a bleddy special place it is.
The train journey down itself has me swelling with green pride. Twas thus yesterday morning as I made the trip down for our home game with Burnley, the biggest Argyle match, to my mind, in a very long time – with the Pilgrims having a strong chance of climbing into the top six with a victory.
With the neat-but-dull (I know, I’m biased) Exeter trailing in the dust, we hit the coastal line, snaking elegantly along the bottom of Devon. Just seeing the water again is enough. Teignmouth’s stunning views over the English Channel, tranquil beaches and rock formations, and pretty harbour clustered with boats stirs a feeling in my soul which does not occur anywhere further north. I pity the Lancashire folk around me and their floss-minded yarnings on gambling and inane Premiership tabloid trivia, cans of Strongbow in hand, ignoring the splendour evident outside the carriage window. Ignorant bastards have probably never even seen the sea! Or drank proper cider!
Onwards then, through the rolling hills and curvaceous green valleys of the South Hams, to the fair city where the girls are so pretty. And the Theatre Of Greens, still infuriatingly sparse at 13,500 inhabitants. Although it didn’t feel like that. The Lyndhurst produced a cracking atmosphere, and from the moment towering (both physically and psychologically) Argyle captain Lilian Nalis’ volley crept through a crowd of players – and the slippery gloves of Danish goalkeeper Brian Jensen – into the bottom corner, it began to feel like a new area.
Or rather, the resumption of an era. Namely, that of Paul Sturrock’s midas touch in the Argyle dugout. This was Plymouth’s fourth consecutive victory but for the first time, it felt like everyone BELIEVED. New songs are sprouting on the terraces – "Peter Halmosi, love of my life, I’d let him shag my wife" easily the most hilariously memorable, but the imperious Kristian Timar, rock solid Luke McCormick, and intoxicating Jamie Mackie also received huge personal fanfares. It was the sound of the fans and players rediscovering the connection that was integral to the golden years of 2001-4, and you could see from McCormick’s prolonged appreciation ritual at the final whistle how much the raucous support he had received really meant. Sure, the moaners are still there, but they were mostly drowned out at the Burnley game. The tide has changed, cynicism is giving way to love and passion. Hurrah.
So, the game then. Well, we weren’t actually that good. Burnley came to Home Park with a formidable away record, having won more games on the road than we had on our own turf. And they were impressive, with Kyle Lafferty’s movement causing plenty of problems, and Wade Elliott gave Gary Sawyer – who despite relentless endeavour is looking the weak link, with Paul Connolly massively improved at right back since the return of John ‘Sloop’ Blackley as defensive coach – a torrid time.
For long periods, particularly in the second half, Argyle were forced to soak up pressure, and this is where Timar truly excelled. I honestly can’t remember a player making so many headed clearances before in one match, and the big Hungarian has surely now supplanted Marcel Seip as Argyle’s top defender. When the Dutchman returns their partnership should be pretty much impregnable.
As for Seip’s replacement, the on-loan Russell Anderson, he looks a composed ball-playing centre-half but would not keep either of the aformentioned behemoths out of the team. Gary Teale, our other temporary Premiership recruit, looks more likely to stay and is a neat, tidy midfielder who could make a real impact once settled into the team.
Burnley were excellent and probably deserved to win, but being able to secure victory when not always in control of proceedings shows a steely, ruthless streak that Argyle have not had since Sturrock was last at the helm. Our 3-1 victory catapulted the Greens above the defeated Ipswich (at Stoke) and Charlton (at Blackpool) into the vertigo-inducing heights of fifth place, simultaenously dealing the Clarets' play-off hopes a severe dent. And in some ways it felt like long-needed revenge for two of Argyle's most painful defeats in living memory, both against Burnley - the 1994 Division Two play-off semi-final, and the 1998 relegation decider from the same league.
It was ultimately the brilliance of Halmosi which proved the biggest difference between the sides. The Green Army rarely agree on much, but one consensus seems to have arisen in the last few months – Halmosi is the best footballer to wear green since Paul Mariner, and his frankly astounding levels of technique are a match even for the England international himself. His sublime flick over the advancing goalkeeper and quick finish to restore Argyle’s first half league was one thing, but the persistence, devastating change of pace, and immensely powerful shot which forged his second – the clincher – was truly world-class.
Supposedly form is temporary, and class is permanent. Well, in football – and particularly in the 46-match dog-eat-dog scrap that is the Championship, with top and bottom only 30 points apart – form actually goes quite a long way. Twelve points has unimaginably altered the complexion of Argyle’s season. And although we have players like Halmosi and Nalis for whom the ‘permanent class’ tag applies, at the moment most of the Pilgrims squad are arguably playing outside of themselves, driven forward by confidence, togetherness, encouragement, and success. But there are only 12 games remaining, plus, hopefully, two or three play-off games, and it is quite conceivable Argyle could win the vast majority of those if the players retain this spirit and play adhere to Sturrock’s acutely effective tactics.
Fifth place, above such apparently 'massive clubs' as Wolves, Ipswich, Leicester, Norwich, Southampton, and Coventry, going into March…who would have thought it?
I’m already dreaming of a Wembley Westcountry derby with the Turnips.
RICH PARTINGTON
Living in Devon and (mostly) Cornwall for the first 18 years of my life I was always proud to be from the Westcountry, and following Argyle obviously only strengthened that. But it’s only when you live away from the area for any reasonable length of time, and return, that you realise what a bleddy special place it is.
The train journey down itself has me swelling with green pride. Twas thus yesterday morning as I made the trip down for our home game with Burnley, the biggest Argyle match, to my mind, in a very long time – with the Pilgrims having a strong chance of climbing into the top six with a victory.
With the neat-but-dull (I know, I’m biased) Exeter trailing in the dust, we hit the coastal line, snaking elegantly along the bottom of Devon. Just seeing the water again is enough. Teignmouth’s stunning views over the English Channel, tranquil beaches and rock formations, and pretty harbour clustered with boats stirs a feeling in my soul which does not occur anywhere further north. I pity the Lancashire folk around me and their floss-minded yarnings on gambling and inane Premiership tabloid trivia, cans of Strongbow in hand, ignoring the splendour evident outside the carriage window. Ignorant bastards have probably never even seen the sea! Or drank proper cider!
Onwards then, through the rolling hills and curvaceous green valleys of the South Hams, to the fair city where the girls are so pretty. And the Theatre Of Greens, still infuriatingly sparse at 13,500 inhabitants. Although it didn’t feel like that. The Lyndhurst produced a cracking atmosphere, and from the moment towering (both physically and psychologically) Argyle captain Lilian Nalis’ volley crept through a crowd of players – and the slippery gloves of Danish goalkeeper Brian Jensen – into the bottom corner, it began to feel like a new area.
Or rather, the resumption of an era. Namely, that of Paul Sturrock’s midas touch in the Argyle dugout. This was Plymouth’s fourth consecutive victory but for the first time, it felt like everyone BELIEVED. New songs are sprouting on the terraces – "Peter Halmosi, love of my life, I’d let him shag my wife" easily the most hilariously memorable, but the imperious Kristian Timar, rock solid Luke McCormick, and intoxicating Jamie Mackie also received huge personal fanfares. It was the sound of the fans and players rediscovering the connection that was integral to the golden years of 2001-4, and you could see from McCormick’s prolonged appreciation ritual at the final whistle how much the raucous support he had received really meant. Sure, the moaners are still there, but they were mostly drowned out at the Burnley game. The tide has changed, cynicism is giving way to love and passion. Hurrah.
So, the game then. Well, we weren’t actually that good. Burnley came to Home Park with a formidable away record, having won more games on the road than we had on our own turf. And they were impressive, with Kyle Lafferty’s movement causing plenty of problems, and Wade Elliott gave Gary Sawyer – who despite relentless endeavour is looking the weak link, with Paul Connolly massively improved at right back since the return of John ‘Sloop’ Blackley as defensive coach – a torrid time.
For long periods, particularly in the second half, Argyle were forced to soak up pressure, and this is where Timar truly excelled. I honestly can’t remember a player making so many headed clearances before in one match, and the big Hungarian has surely now supplanted Marcel Seip as Argyle’s top defender. When the Dutchman returns their partnership should be pretty much impregnable.
As for Seip’s replacement, the on-loan Russell Anderson, he looks a composed ball-playing centre-half but would not keep either of the aformentioned behemoths out of the team. Gary Teale, our other temporary Premiership recruit, looks more likely to stay and is a neat, tidy midfielder who could make a real impact once settled into the team.
Burnley were excellent and probably deserved to win, but being able to secure victory when not always in control of proceedings shows a steely, ruthless streak that Argyle have not had since Sturrock was last at the helm. Our 3-1 victory catapulted the Greens above the defeated Ipswich (at Stoke) and Charlton (at Blackpool) into the vertigo-inducing heights of fifth place, simultaenously dealing the Clarets' play-off hopes a severe dent. And in some ways it felt like long-needed revenge for two of Argyle's most painful defeats in living memory, both against Burnley - the 1994 Division Two play-off semi-final, and the 1998 relegation decider from the same league.
It was ultimately the brilliance of Halmosi which proved the biggest difference between the sides. The Green Army rarely agree on much, but one consensus seems to have arisen in the last few months – Halmosi is the best footballer to wear green since Paul Mariner, and his frankly astounding levels of technique are a match even for the England international himself. His sublime flick over the advancing goalkeeper and quick finish to restore Argyle’s first half league was one thing, but the persistence, devastating change of pace, and immensely powerful shot which forged his second – the clincher – was truly world-class.
Supposedly form is temporary, and class is permanent. Well, in football – and particularly in the 46-match dog-eat-dog scrap that is the Championship, with top and bottom only 30 points apart – form actually goes quite a long way. Twelve points has unimaginably altered the complexion of Argyle’s season. And although we have players like Halmosi and Nalis for whom the ‘permanent class’ tag applies, at the moment most of the Pilgrims squad are arguably playing outside of themselves, driven forward by confidence, togetherness, encouragement, and success. But there are only 12 games remaining, plus, hopefully, two or three play-off games, and it is quite conceivable Argyle could win the vast majority of those if the players retain this spirit and play adhere to Sturrock’s acutely effective tactics.
Fifth place, above such apparently 'massive clubs' as Wolves, Ipswich, Leicester, Norwich, Southampton, and Coventry, going into March…who would have thought it?
I’m already dreaming of a Wembley Westcountry derby with the Turnips.
RICH PARTINGTON
Friday, 15 February 2008
Swindon eye Forest double
Just five points adrift now from a play-off position and Swindon Town are gearing up to seize three more away to Nottingham Forest this Saturday.A fantastic 3-0 win over Cheltenham on Tuesday, and a 2-1 victory over Forest last month means that there is no reason why history cannot be repeated.
Lee Peacock said: "If we apply ourselves we have a chance. It is a fantastic stadium and if we apply ourselves like we did at Leeds we will be alright.
"We will be good for a point at least. We need to compete with the likes of Forest away if we are to be a contender for the play-offs.
"When we are going away to the teams at the basement we also have to be turning them into wins."
Maurice Malpas is also optimistic that the quest for the play-offs is realistic and that the odds can be defied.
He said: "There is no way I will set up in a negative way. We are going for three points and if we only get a draw then we will take a point.
"It is far more important we get wins away from home as opposed to hoping for draws by being negative.
"We know it will be a difficult game but I think the pressure is on Nottingham Forest. They are expected to beat us.
"I am a typical Scotsman and we will go up there and upset the odds."
The Cheltenham game on Tuesday started off dismally, the weekend hurt against Huddersfield still raw after the end of our nine game unbeaten run. For the first 15 minutes, Cheltenham fought full possession of the ball, and lacklustre defending from Swindon nearly cost us dearly. Nerves were probable here. And there was good reason for Billy Paynter to be nervous, who warned to watch out old pal Steve Brooker, on loan to Cheltenham from Bristol City.
However, it was a delight to see Simon Cox netting in the 20th minute, his first goal at home since his signing – kicking from close range after Cheltenham sacrificed the ball. A lazy goal one might argue, but a typical good striker’s goal – being simply in the right place at the right time. Twenty minutes later, Paynter sent Swindon 2-0 up.
In the second half, Swindon finally displayed consistent levels of brilliance. Towards the end of the game, Christian Roberts came off the bench to secure Swindon's win from the left side of penalty area. After being 3-0 up, Cox was replaced by Blair Sturrock and enjoyed a rapturous applause as he came off.
Anthony McNamee also stood out for me as man of the match. The game ended with a fine 3-0 result and a fine three points. Swindon are now currently five points behind sixth-placed Tranmere. I finish off by wishing the very best of luck to Swindon tomorrow. Who knows, the play-offs could be waiting for us.
NEIL ROBINSON
Lee Peacock said: "If we apply ourselves we have a chance. It is a fantastic stadium and if we apply ourselves like we did at Leeds we will be alright.
"We will be good for a point at least. We need to compete with the likes of Forest away if we are to be a contender for the play-offs.
"When we are going away to the teams at the basement we also have to be turning them into wins."
Maurice Malpas is also optimistic that the quest for the play-offs is realistic and that the odds can be defied.
He said: "There is no way I will set up in a negative way. We are going for three points and if we only get a draw then we will take a point.
"It is far more important we get wins away from home as opposed to hoping for draws by being negative.
"We know it will be a difficult game but I think the pressure is on Nottingham Forest. They are expected to beat us.
"I am a typical Scotsman and we will go up there and upset the odds."
The Cheltenham game on Tuesday started off dismally, the weekend hurt against Huddersfield still raw after the end of our nine game unbeaten run. For the first 15 minutes, Cheltenham fought full possession of the ball, and lacklustre defending from Swindon nearly cost us dearly. Nerves were probable here. And there was good reason for Billy Paynter to be nervous, who warned to watch out old pal Steve Brooker, on loan to Cheltenham from Bristol City.
However, it was a delight to see Simon Cox netting in the 20th minute, his first goal at home since his signing – kicking from close range after Cheltenham sacrificed the ball. A lazy goal one might argue, but a typical good striker’s goal – being simply in the right place at the right time. Twenty minutes later, Paynter sent Swindon 2-0 up.
In the second half, Swindon finally displayed consistent levels of brilliance. Towards the end of the game, Christian Roberts came off the bench to secure Swindon's win from the left side of penalty area. After being 3-0 up, Cox was replaced by Blair Sturrock and enjoyed a rapturous applause as he came off.
Anthony McNamee also stood out for me as man of the match. The game ended with a fine 3-0 result and a fine three points. Swindon are now currently five points behind sixth-placed Tranmere. I finish off by wishing the very best of luck to Swindon tomorrow. Who knows, the play-offs could be waiting for us.
NEIL ROBINSON
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Cheltenham's away form deserts them again
Cheltenham failed to follow on from their Manchester United style 2-1 win against Brighton, in which they scored twice in injury time, as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Swindon at the County Ground.
Despite a bright start, in which Steve Brooker missed two good chances, and Dave Bird hit a post, the game changed when the usually reliable Alex Russell misplaced a pass. Sadly, this was in his own penalty area, and after the mix up, Simon Cox put Swindon ahead. Russell then seemed to think Cheltenham were still playing in red, as he hit dozens of passes to gleeful Swindon players, as Cheltenham got themselves in a muddle.
Thankfully the County Ground was a lot drier than the last time I visited, but still slightly cold, and Cheltenham's day got worse following yet another mix up, as again they tried to pass it out of the box. This time Billy Paynter was the recipient, scoring Swindon’s second, which was followed a bizarre celebration as Paynter pulled captain Hasney Aljofree's shorts down in front of a slightly bemused crowd.
While Cheltenham couldn't have been faulted for determination, Steven Gillespie especially, the killer touch was lacking, and any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Christian Roberts scored with practically his first touch after coming on. A good first touch it was too, firing an angled shot into the bottom left hand corner from long range.
So not as good a day as Cheltenham's last trip to the County Ground, and they'll need to pick themselves up for the game against Hartlepool on Saturday.
Meanwhile a good set of results for Forest Green's play off hopes meant nothing as they could only draw with Stevenage, although that in itself is a credible result. Rovers remain four points off top five, and still have to go to Cambridge.
JAMES LEWIS
'The Three Maccateers' continue Argyle revival
A week is a long time in…blah blah blah.
But how apt a phrase that is today. Six points, two clean sheets, and a pair of commanding performances on, the pessimism pervading Plymouth Argyle at the end of January has given way to renewed hopes of a Championship play-off punt.
Argyle sit just two points outside the top six after Tuesday’s comprehensive 3-0 success at home to ten-man Barnsley, Yorkshire’s best side this year, who beat us 3-2 at Oakwell in August. Indeed, at the final whistle the BBC Sport website – which, for me, is the definitive resource for all football matters – actually had the Pilgrims sat in sixth spot , before a win for Ipswich at Crystal Palace and Burnley’s Andy Cole-inspired comeback at QPR dropped us back down to eighth.
Still, after I’d all but given up on a real run at promotion after the home defeat to Hull a couple of weeks ago, the race is very much back on and I’m chewing away at my green-and-white hat.
Luke McCormick deserves a huge amount of credit for this. Romain Larrieu’s return from injury this season appears to have spurred ‘Super Luke’ on, and, with the Frenchman out of action again, Luke has assumed a commanding status in the Argyle goal. For the first time, as well, McCormick looks the club’s undisputed number one, whoever he is competing with.
The Coventry-born stopper’s lack of height has been a traditional weakness, from the very first time I saw him – away at Tranmere in 2002, when 85 minutes of inspired shot-stopping was undone by two late blunders which gave the home side victory. Under the returning Paul Sturrock, though, McCormick has learned to mask this with aerial confidence and an exemplary all-round game. His kicking has always been long and strong; he thinks quickly and often wins one-on-one contests with opposing attackers.
There were rumours of interest from Middlesbrough in January, but these came to nothing. Luke would probably leave if an offer like this came in, but so would most Championship players. For now he seems content at Home Park, enjoying the lack of national expectation and pressure which goes with a 'bigger' club and quietly guiding his side up the table.
From looking likely to leave the club several times in the last couple of months – first after seeming to back Ian Holloway’s departure in a press statement, and then in the aftermath of an admittedly reasonable declaration that there could only be one first-choice keeper at Argyle – McCormick has established himself as the goalkeeping future at Home Park.
This is arguably less than fair on Larrieu, an Argyle legend and fan favourite, who has been unlucky with injuries. The growth in his abdomen currently keeping the Frenchman out is the latest in a string of problems, with a serious knee injury and a cancer scare forcing lengthy lay-offs while at Home Park. At 31, he is in the prime of his goalkeeping life, and will not want to play second fiddle to his young English rival, but it would be a shame to lose him.
While McCormick kept Barnsley at bay on Tuesday night the other ‘Maccateers’ (and I’m copywriting that phrase, by the way) were making the difference at the other end.
Record-signing Steve McLean’s free-kick gave Argyle a fifth minute lead, and the Scottish striker his first goal in green. The wily forward has been settling well, delighting the Green Army with his cleverness, technique, and reading of the game. But he needed a goal, and while he will never be an arch-poacher like Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, who he replaced in the number nine shirt, his overall qualities are of greater value to the team. McLean reportedly loves his new home, and he could form a great partnership with another new arrival.
Jamie Mackie was not, for Pilgrim fans, initially the most exciting signing in our history. He came from Exeter, a club we treat with withering disdain, and had only bagged 11 goals this season in a league three levels lower than the Championship.
On as a sub for the hard-working, pacy Jermaine Easter, however, and he looked a man possessed. Only eleven seconds had passed when Mackie charged into the box, took a pass from Peter Halmosi and displayed tremendous strength and composure in shrugging off two defenders to score. His second goal was even better, receiving the ball down the right channel, teasing and twisting the defender and smashing home.
It was one of the most inspired and surprising cameos I’ve seen from a player in green. Here is a rough diamond, clearly tremendously talented but also oozing arrogance and self-regard, as his dancing celebration displayed – personal glory is obviously a major priority for the 22-year-old from Dorking. But if he plays like that every week he can have a statue outside the Devonport End for all I care. Mackie’s a showman, a superstar in his own head, and with the potential to become one on the pitch as well. If anyone's going to take over SEB's goalscoring mantle, he has staked a prime claim to be that man. It's a little harsh on Easter, who has performed well for Argyle without getting the breaks, or goals. But Mackie made his own opportunities against Barnsley, and sometime's that's the sign of a great player, as opposed to a good one.
And Paul Wotton’s back! What a week!
Roll on Southampton, and I’m getting a bit excited just at the thought of it.
RICH PARTINGTON
But how apt a phrase that is today. Six points, two clean sheets, and a pair of commanding performances on, the pessimism pervading Plymouth Argyle at the end of January has given way to renewed hopes of a Championship play-off punt.
Argyle sit just two points outside the top six after Tuesday’s comprehensive 3-0 success at home to ten-man Barnsley, Yorkshire’s best side this year, who beat us 3-2 at Oakwell in August. Indeed, at the final whistle the BBC Sport website – which, for me, is the definitive resource for all football matters – actually had the Pilgrims sat in sixth spot , before a win for Ipswich at Crystal Palace and Burnley’s Andy Cole-inspired comeback at QPR dropped us back down to eighth.
Still, after I’d all but given up on a real run at promotion after the home defeat to Hull a couple of weeks ago, the race is very much back on and I’m chewing away at my green-and-white hat.
Luke McCormick deserves a huge amount of credit for this. Romain Larrieu’s return from injury this season appears to have spurred ‘Super Luke’ on, and, with the Frenchman out of action again, Luke has assumed a commanding status in the Argyle goal. For the first time, as well, McCormick looks the club’s undisputed number one, whoever he is competing with.
The Coventry-born stopper’s lack of height has been a traditional weakness, from the very first time I saw him – away at Tranmere in 2002, when 85 minutes of inspired shot-stopping was undone by two late blunders which gave the home side victory. Under the returning Paul Sturrock, though, McCormick has learned to mask this with aerial confidence and an exemplary all-round game. His kicking has always been long and strong; he thinks quickly and often wins one-on-one contests with opposing attackers.
There were rumours of interest from Middlesbrough in January, but these came to nothing. Luke would probably leave if an offer like this came in, but so would most Championship players. For now he seems content at Home Park, enjoying the lack of national expectation and pressure which goes with a 'bigger' club and quietly guiding his side up the table.
From looking likely to leave the club several times in the last couple of months – first after seeming to back Ian Holloway’s departure in a press statement, and then in the aftermath of an admittedly reasonable declaration that there could only be one first-choice keeper at Argyle – McCormick has established himself as the goalkeeping future at Home Park.
This is arguably less than fair on Larrieu, an Argyle legend and fan favourite, who has been unlucky with injuries. The growth in his abdomen currently keeping the Frenchman out is the latest in a string of problems, with a serious knee injury and a cancer scare forcing lengthy lay-offs while at Home Park. At 31, he is in the prime of his goalkeeping life, and will not want to play second fiddle to his young English rival, but it would be a shame to lose him.
While McCormick kept Barnsley at bay on Tuesday night the other ‘Maccateers’ (and I’m copywriting that phrase, by the way) were making the difference at the other end.
Record-signing Steve McLean’s free-kick gave Argyle a fifth minute lead, and the Scottish striker his first goal in green. The wily forward has been settling well, delighting the Green Army with his cleverness, technique, and reading of the game. But he needed a goal, and while he will never be an arch-poacher like Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, who he replaced in the number nine shirt, his overall qualities are of greater value to the team. McLean reportedly loves his new home, and he could form a great partnership with another new arrival.
Jamie Mackie was not, for Pilgrim fans, initially the most exciting signing in our history. He came from Exeter, a club we treat with withering disdain, and had only bagged 11 goals this season in a league three levels lower than the Championship.
On as a sub for the hard-working, pacy Jermaine Easter, however, and he looked a man possessed. Only eleven seconds had passed when Mackie charged into the box, took a pass from Peter Halmosi and displayed tremendous strength and composure in shrugging off two defenders to score. His second goal was even better, receiving the ball down the right channel, teasing and twisting the defender and smashing home.
It was one of the most inspired and surprising cameos I’ve seen from a player in green. Here is a rough diamond, clearly tremendously talented but also oozing arrogance and self-regard, as his dancing celebration displayed – personal glory is obviously a major priority for the 22-year-old from Dorking. But if he plays like that every week he can have a statue outside the Devonport End for all I care. Mackie’s a showman, a superstar in his own head, and with the potential to become one on the pitch as well. If anyone's going to take over SEB's goalscoring mantle, he has staked a prime claim to be that man. It's a little harsh on Easter, who has performed well for Argyle without getting the breaks, or goals. But Mackie made his own opportunities against Barnsley, and sometime's that's the sign of a great player, as opposed to a good one.
And Paul Wotton’s back! What a week!
Roll on Southampton, and I’m getting a bit excited just at the thought of it.
RICH PARTINGTON
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Malpas plotting play-off push
It’s been a few weeks since I last reported on Swindon but I wanted time to tick by so I could give a fair assessment on new manager Maurice Malpas. Two own goals by Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks ago was probably not the way Malpas had hoped to seize his first win as new manager but none the less, a win is a win in football. This was undeniably a brilliant result for Swindon, who did superbly in staving off an equaliser.
The play-off push is a tight one, but one that is being accelerated with optimism. To date Town have remained stagnant mid-table. In tenth place with 39 points, we are currently tailgating a play-off place.
The FA Cup game versus Barnet was a frustrating match for Malpas. Billy Paynter scoring at both ends was followed by failure to break through a ten men Barnet for the winner, and the eventual disaster of four missed penalties.
Paynter’s spell of misfortune continued at Crewe last Saturday when he saw red for fouling Michael O’Connor. However, Malpas’s first away victory against Luton earlier this week took Swindon’s unbeaten run to ten games, thanks to Christian Roberts’ 52nd Minute goal. Unluckily for the opposition, their attempt in the 14th minute was declared offside.
Afterwards Malpas said: "I think the pleasing thing is we got three points and the manner in which we played to get them.
"It wasn't a pretty game but I think in the second half we showed more composure and scored our goal."
It is pleasing to note that new players Anthony McNamee and Moses Ashikodi, both from Watford, have joined STFC as Maurice’s first new signings. McNamee’s two-and-a-half-year deal was for an undisclosed fee. Striker Ashikodi is on loan until the end of this season.
Reading Striker Simon Cox has been in the news in Swindon a lot this week as well. His deal has been secured with STFC and he is expected to play against Northampton on Saturday. Meanwhile, Malpas has recently approached striker Lee Peacock and defender Miguel Comminges to extend their contracts. Peacock has agreed to a new contract with Swindon will now remain in the squad for at least another season until 2009.
So it seems that finally Swindon is setting anchor on both its possessions and its sights. It will be interesting to see if we can still achieve the play-offs in the remaining time of this season. To be honest I think it’s remarkable that we are in the great position now to be able to make these ambitions, considering the recent dark days as reported in my earlier posts.
Keeper Brezovan is staying until the end of the season. The team is taking shape with some quality players all fighting to wear the shirt. Truly exciting times for a more robust and stable Swindon. Malpas has impressed fans so far. Let’s hope this remains the case.
NEIL ROBINSON
The play-off push is a tight one, but one that is being accelerated with optimism. To date Town have remained stagnant mid-table. In tenth place with 39 points, we are currently tailgating a play-off place.
The FA Cup game versus Barnet was a frustrating match for Malpas. Billy Paynter scoring at both ends was followed by failure to break through a ten men Barnet for the winner, and the eventual disaster of four missed penalties.
Paynter’s spell of misfortune continued at Crewe last Saturday when he saw red for fouling Michael O’Connor. However, Malpas’s first away victory against Luton earlier this week took Swindon’s unbeaten run to ten games, thanks to Christian Roberts’ 52nd Minute goal. Unluckily for the opposition, their attempt in the 14th minute was declared offside.
Afterwards Malpas said: "I think the pleasing thing is we got three points and the manner in which we played to get them.
"It wasn't a pretty game but I think in the second half we showed more composure and scored our goal."
It is pleasing to note that new players Anthony McNamee and Moses Ashikodi, both from Watford, have joined STFC as Maurice’s first new signings. McNamee’s two-and-a-half-year deal was for an undisclosed fee. Striker Ashikodi is on loan until the end of this season.
Reading Striker Simon Cox has been in the news in Swindon a lot this week as well. His deal has been secured with STFC and he is expected to play against Northampton on Saturday. Meanwhile, Malpas has recently approached striker Lee Peacock and defender Miguel Comminges to extend their contracts. Peacock has agreed to a new contract with Swindon will now remain in the squad for at least another season until 2009.
So it seems that finally Swindon is setting anchor on both its possessions and its sights. It will be interesting to see if we can still achieve the play-offs in the remaining time of this season. To be honest I think it’s remarkable that we are in the great position now to be able to make these ambitions, considering the recent dark days as reported in my earlier posts.
Keeper Brezovan is staying until the end of the season. The team is taking shape with some quality players all fighting to wear the shirt. Truly exciting times for a more robust and stable Swindon. Malpas has impressed fans so far. Let’s hope this remains the case.
NEIL ROBINSON
Monday, 28 January 2008
Pride at Pompey, intrigue at Ipswich
These are odd times at Plymouth Argyle, and I’m struggling to decide whether excitement or despondency is the appropriate attitude to take with regards to the remaining three months of the season. Perhaps tommorrow night’s play-off battle with Ipswich will provide us with some answers.
January must this far be regarded as a poor month for Argyle, with unrest in the dressing room, top players leaving, and a run of disappointing league results which has seen the Pilgrims drop from 5th to 11th. Indeed, we are without a league win in four matches, a run which stretches back to the Boxing Day victory over QPR, and Argyle’s last victory outside of Devon was the 1-0 success at Watford on December 15.
In addition, our two top scorers, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Barry Hayles, have been sold to Championship rivals Wolves and Leicester, with the third highest marksman, midfielder David Norris, looking likely to depart in the coming days – probably either to Leicester or tommorrow’s opponents.
The possibility of Norris heading to Suffolk seemed to increase with today’s announcement that he will take no part in the Ipswich tie. Paul Sturrock and the player have apparently come to this decision after much discussion at today’s training session, with Luggy saying:
"Disappointingly, there has been a lot of media coverage from a team that is very interested in David.
"I don’t think he would be mentally attuned to the tussle and I don’t think it would be fair of me to allow people to put the microscope on him. Every bad pass or mistake that he made would be highlighted."
This seems strange in some ways, given that the one thing rarely questioned of Norris is his unswerving commitment. It is still possible that he could remain with Argyle, but given his roots in Peterborough, within an hour of Ipswich, and his undoubted ambition to play top-flight football, the only way this will realistically happen is if the Tractor Boys cannot meet Argyle’s valuation. The situation is complicated by the sell-on clause negotiated by Bolton Wanderers when selling Norris to Argyle, which means they receive half of any fee. Even if Ipswich boss Jim Magilton caves in and offers a reasonable £2.5million, Plymouth would only collect £1.25m of the money.
Argyle’s hopes going into the trip to 8th-place Town have been further dashed by the injury to stalwart centre-half Marcel Seip, which also kept the Dutchman out of Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup Fourth Round loss at Portsmouth.
‘The Dockyard Derby’ defeat, although initially disappointing, may eventually be seen as a blessing. Chris Clark’s early debut goal gave Argyle a real chance of shocking their Premiership hosts, and the pride and positive media coverage garnered from an unjust cup exit should boost morale in players and supporters alike.
Clark, a versatile Scottish attacking midfielder signed from Aberdeen a fortnight ago to little acclaim from the Green Army, could be another Sturrock find, and his fellow transfer window signing Yoann Folly has a chance to prove himself tommorrow night, replacing Norris. His eye-catching cameo role in the home draw with Southampton last week promised much.
Indeed, Sturrock has been putting the £4million received for the four players sold in January to good use, picking up talented players for low fees. This is his blueprint; hungry, committed players, moulded into a tight-knit, effective unit with flashes of flair. Clark cost £200k, and strikers Jermaine Easter from Wycombe and Jamie Mackie from Exeter were £210k and £145k respectively. Folly was free from Sheffield Wedneday, and Hungarian international midfielder Gyorgy Sandor became the latest arrival last week, the 23-year-old joining on loan from Ujpest in a similar buy-later deal which previously secured Krisztian Timar and Peter Halmosi. The ‘cherry on the cake’, as Luggy would say, was the club record £500k capture of striker Steve McLean from Cardiff.
The quality obviously present in this collection suggests that, with or without Norris, Argyle’s personnel may actually be of a higher standard at the end of the transfer window than when it began. This assertion could be shored up with a couple more bargains. Leigh Bromby from Sheffield United is a reported £400,000 target, and with the right-back area an Argyle weakness for several years, he’d be a shrewd acquisition. Rumours also abound of a bid for Oldham’s highly-rated centre-half Neal Trotman, now a real possibility after their ejection from the FA Cup at the hands of Huddersfield.
And Sturrock has said he wants another striker – could this be Derek Riordan, the Celtic man Argyle (or, at least, the Green Army) have allegedly coveted for more than a year? Probably not, as Burnley are currently the only club known to have made a bid, and the Celts are keen to sign Clarets striker Kyle Lafferty, so a swap deal looks on the cards.
Sturrock has made a habit, unlike Magilton, of keeping most of his transfer targets quiet, information sometimes only surfacing hours before an official announcement. So there may be some surprises in the coming days.
The eventual denouement of all this is that, after a tough four weeks, Argyle can go into February full of optimism and with a squad who are capable of relaunching a play-off charge, despite the current five-point gap. Lose at Ipswich though, and that dream will feel some huge Massey Ferguson tyres roll it slowly into the dirt.
RICH PARTINGTON
January must this far be regarded as a poor month for Argyle, with unrest in the dressing room, top players leaving, and a run of disappointing league results which has seen the Pilgrims drop from 5th to 11th. Indeed, we are without a league win in four matches, a run which stretches back to the Boxing Day victory over QPR, and Argyle’s last victory outside of Devon was the 1-0 success at Watford on December 15.
In addition, our two top scorers, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Barry Hayles, have been sold to Championship rivals Wolves and Leicester, with the third highest marksman, midfielder David Norris, looking likely to depart in the coming days – probably either to Leicester or tommorrow’s opponents.
The possibility of Norris heading to Suffolk seemed to increase with today’s announcement that he will take no part in the Ipswich tie. Paul Sturrock and the player have apparently come to this decision after much discussion at today’s training session, with Luggy saying:
"Disappointingly, there has been a lot of media coverage from a team that is very interested in David.
"I don’t think he would be mentally attuned to the tussle and I don’t think it would be fair of me to allow people to put the microscope on him. Every bad pass or mistake that he made would be highlighted."
This seems strange in some ways, given that the one thing rarely questioned of Norris is his unswerving commitment. It is still possible that he could remain with Argyle, but given his roots in Peterborough, within an hour of Ipswich, and his undoubted ambition to play top-flight football, the only way this will realistically happen is if the Tractor Boys cannot meet Argyle’s valuation. The situation is complicated by the sell-on clause negotiated by Bolton Wanderers when selling Norris to Argyle, which means they receive half of any fee. Even if Ipswich boss Jim Magilton caves in and offers a reasonable £2.5million, Plymouth would only collect £1.25m of the money.
Argyle’s hopes going into the trip to 8th-place Town have been further dashed by the injury to stalwart centre-half Marcel Seip, which also kept the Dutchman out of Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup Fourth Round loss at Portsmouth.
‘The Dockyard Derby’ defeat, although initially disappointing, may eventually be seen as a blessing. Chris Clark’s early debut goal gave Argyle a real chance of shocking their Premiership hosts, and the pride and positive media coverage garnered from an unjust cup exit should boost morale in players and supporters alike.
Clark, a versatile Scottish attacking midfielder signed from Aberdeen a fortnight ago to little acclaim from the Green Army, could be another Sturrock find, and his fellow transfer window signing Yoann Folly has a chance to prove himself tommorrow night, replacing Norris. His eye-catching cameo role in the home draw with Southampton last week promised much.
Indeed, Sturrock has been putting the £4million received for the four players sold in January to good use, picking up talented players for low fees. This is his blueprint; hungry, committed players, moulded into a tight-knit, effective unit with flashes of flair. Clark cost £200k, and strikers Jermaine Easter from Wycombe and Jamie Mackie from Exeter were £210k and £145k respectively. Folly was free from Sheffield Wedneday, and Hungarian international midfielder Gyorgy Sandor became the latest arrival last week, the 23-year-old joining on loan from Ujpest in a similar buy-later deal which previously secured Krisztian Timar and Peter Halmosi. The ‘cherry on the cake’, as Luggy would say, was the club record £500k capture of striker Steve McLean from Cardiff.
The quality obviously present in this collection suggests that, with or without Norris, Argyle’s personnel may actually be of a higher standard at the end of the transfer window than when it began. This assertion could be shored up with a couple more bargains. Leigh Bromby from Sheffield United is a reported £400,000 target, and with the right-back area an Argyle weakness for several years, he’d be a shrewd acquisition. Rumours also abound of a bid for Oldham’s highly-rated centre-half Neal Trotman, now a real possibility after their ejection from the FA Cup at the hands of Huddersfield.
And Sturrock has said he wants another striker – could this be Derek Riordan, the Celtic man Argyle (or, at least, the Green Army) have allegedly coveted for more than a year? Probably not, as Burnley are currently the only club known to have made a bid, and the Celts are keen to sign Clarets striker Kyle Lafferty, so a swap deal looks on the cards.
Sturrock has made a habit, unlike Magilton, of keeping most of his transfer targets quiet, information sometimes only surfacing hours before an official announcement. So there may be some surprises in the coming days.
The eventual denouement of all this is that, after a tough four weeks, Argyle can go into February full of optimism and with a squad who are capable of relaunching a play-off charge, despite the current five-point gap. Lose at Ipswich though, and that dream will feel some huge Massey Ferguson tyres roll it slowly into the dirt.
RICH PARTINGTON
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Fleetwood pledges loyalty to Rovers
This morning, on my daily look around the BBC Sport Website, an article grabbed my attention.
Over the weekend, Forest Green had accepted an offer from Crewe Alexandra for their free-scoring striker Stuart Fleetwood. It seemed inevitable that he had played his last game for the non-leaguers, and Rovers fans looked to console themselves with the £175,000 to spend, but Fleetwood had other ideas.
"It is a decision I have reached along with my family", said Fleetwood.
"Everyone at Rovers has made us so welcome, from the Boardroom to the supporters on the terraces. My mother in particular has a genuine affection for the club and everyone she meets each match day.
"The club is now part of my family as well and I am committed with my team-mates to making this the best ever season that the club have experienced in their history.
"Obviously I have been kept informed by the club of all the interest shown and I can honestly state that even if any other clubs come in with a late bid before the transfer window closes, I am not interested.
"The summer may be a different matter but I owe a debt of gratitude to the gaffer (Jim Harvey). At a time when many thought my career had ended, he had faith in me and I love the way he has the lads playing and that has helped me tremendously".
While this could mean Forest Green lose out on a substantial amount of money, Fleetwood's commitment would give them a decent shot at the play-offs, and possible promotion to the promised land of League football.
Fleetwood's attitude is refreshing, it's a nice change to see a player put his club before his wallet, and he's showing real gratitude to manager Jim Harvey for giving him a second chance.
It's good to see loyalty still exists.
JAMES LEWIS
Over the weekend, Forest Green had accepted an offer from Crewe Alexandra for their free-scoring striker Stuart Fleetwood. It seemed inevitable that he had played his last game for the non-leaguers, and Rovers fans looked to console themselves with the £175,000 to spend, but Fleetwood had other ideas.
"It is a decision I have reached along with my family", said Fleetwood.
"Everyone at Rovers has made us so welcome, from the Boardroom to the supporters on the terraces. My mother in particular has a genuine affection for the club and everyone she meets each match day.
"The club is now part of my family as well and I am committed with my team-mates to making this the best ever season that the club have experienced in their history.
"Obviously I have been kept informed by the club of all the interest shown and I can honestly state that even if any other clubs come in with a late bid before the transfer window closes, I am not interested.
"The summer may be a different matter but I owe a debt of gratitude to the gaffer (Jim Harvey). At a time when many thought my career had ended, he had faith in me and I love the way he has the lads playing and that has helped me tremendously".
While this could mean Forest Green lose out on a substantial amount of money, Fleetwood's commitment would give them a decent shot at the play-offs, and possible promotion to the promised land of League football.
Fleetwood's attitude is refreshing, it's a nice change to see a player put his club before his wallet, and he's showing real gratitude to manager Jim Harvey for giving him a second chance.
It's good to see loyalty still exists.
JAMES LEWIS
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