League Two Season Preview 2006/07 – Torquay United

Article by David Walker

Torquay United

Odds: 40/1

Very last 5 Seasons2005/06 – twenty (League Two), 2004/05 – 21 (League A single, Relegated), 2003/04 – three (League Two, Promoted), 2002/03 – nine (League Two), 2001/02 – 19 (League Two).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup 3rd Round (replay) vs Birmingham Metropolis (a) – misplaced 2-.Carling Cup First Spherical vs Bournemouth (h) – misplaced 4-three on penalties with the score at – soon after extra time.Football League Trophy Southern Section First Round vs Swansea (h) – lost 3-1.

Prime Target Scorer 2005/06: Tony Bedeau (striker) – eleven ambitions.

Gamers In:Lee Mansell (Oxford United – Undisclosed), Micky Evans (Plymouth Argyle – Free of charge), Lee Thorpe (Swansea Town – Totally free), Lee Andrews (Carlisle United – Free of charge), Jamie Ward (Aston Villa – Free of charge).

Gamers Out:Tony Bedeau (Walsall – Free), Jo Kuffour (Brentford – Totally free), Andy Marriott (Boston United – No cost).

Torquay staged a great escape previous period following relegation looked probable for lengthy durations of the campaign. The Gulls have been boosted by the information that manager Ian Atkins rejected the likelihood to get above at promoted facet Carlisle United, who he managed during the 2000/01 period, committing himself to the Plainmoor outfit.

Atkins has signed a new appear ahead line for subsequent period, subsequent the departure of strikers Tony Bedeau to Walsall and Jo Kuffour to Brentford on no cost transfers. Veteran striker Mickey Evans arrived on a free of charge transfer from Plymouth Argyle although Lee Thorpe signed a long lasting deal with the Gulls following ending very last period at the club on mortgage from Swansea City.

While replacements have been introduced in, the departure of Kuffour has triggered some controversy. Former Arsenal trainee Kuffour who had been a Torquay player for 4 seasons, was due to indicator a new contract at the club soon after agreeing terms. Even so, he made the decision to website link up with previous supervisor Leroy Rosenior and indication a contract with League One outfit Brentford, much to the anger of chairman Mike Bateson.

Torquay have been profitable elsewhere in the transfer marketplace this summer and secured the signing of former Aston Villa midfielder Jamie Ward. The 20 yr old was also needed by Stockport County, exactly where he put in a mortgage spell last period and Wrexham but he signed a 3 year offer at Plainmoor subsequent his release from Villa Park.

Oxford United midfielder Lee Mansell also arrived for an undisclosed price. The versatile 23 12 months old, who can also play at correct again, created 51 league and cup appearances for Oxford previous season, after joining from Luton Town in the summer of 2005.

VerdictIt is probable to be one more tough period for Torquay and new strike pairing Mickey Evans and Lee Thorpe need to gel collectively and make rapidly. Ian Atkins side should be excellent sufficient to prevent the drop.

About the Author

David Walker runs Ladbrokes free of charge bet and UK poker sites. A free of charge e-mail program: “7 Days to Better Betting” is available at each of these web sites.

English Premiership Football 2006-07 – Aston Villa 2:0 Newcastle

Report by Steven Cronin

Aston Villa’s renaissance under the advice of Martin O’Neill continued at Villa Park as the property crew place Newcastle to the sword.

New operator Randy Lerner produced his very first look in the directors’ box sat up coming to outgoing chairman Doug Ellis.

And it was smiles all round as Villa sustained their remarkable start off to the time versus Glen Roeder’s Toon.

With significant transfer exercise not anticipated till the January transfer window, O’Neill’s first assault on the Premiership will be undertaken with much the identical squad David O’Leary failed so miserably with.

The match started in explosive fashion, Luke Moore firing a lower shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the penalty place.

The young Villa striker exhibits wonderful promise and is starting up to endear himself to the Villa Park faithful.

Newcastle fought back and appreciated spells of possession, although it was Villa who doubled their lead on the 50 percent hour when Juan Pablo Angel danced his way previous Shay Provided and stroked the ball into an empty net.

The Columbian took his objective effectively and is relishing his option as major striker in the absence of Czech hit guy Milan Baros.

Newcastle started off brightly right after the break, but issues took a turn for the worse when front man star signing Martins went down clutching his knee.

Having utilized his 3 substitutes the unfortunate Roeder could only sit and watch as United played the remainder of the match with only 10 males.

The further man made life simpler for Villa and Moore practically took benefit in the ultimate minutes with a vicious strike that cannoned off the crossbar.

A happy Martin O’Neill stated right after the match “I’ve completed totally absolutely nothing at all.

“These gamers have performed it on their own and, in actuality, they preserve me heading to be perfectly honest.

“There is a excellent spirit inside of them and they want to play.”

About the Writer

Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, outcomes and viewpoint at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_football

Premiership Season Preview 2006/07 – Aston Villa

Post by David Walker

Aston Villa

Odds: 750/one

Very last Five Seasons2005/06 – sixteen (Premiership), 2004/05 – 10 (Premiership), 2003/04 – six (Premiership), 2002/03 – sixteen (Premiership), 2001/02 – 8 (Premiership).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Fifth Round (replay) vs Manchester Metropolis (a) – misplaced 2-1.Carling Cup Fourth Round vs Doncaster Rovers (a) – lost 3-.

Leading Target Scorer 2005/06: Milan Baros (striker) – twelve goals.

Gamers OutJamie Ward (Torquay United – Totally free)

The occasions surrounding Aston Villa have given the press plenty to publish about this summer – with manager alterations, doable get about bids and player mutiny all aspect of the fun and video games at Villa Park.

Martin O’Neill took more than as manager on a twelve month rolling contract and replaced David O’Leary who was sacked in July. O’Neill has been out of the game for a lot more than a year when he determined to leave his post at Celtic, in which he had won the Scottish Premier League three occasions, to search right after his unwell spouse.

O’Leary left the club by mutual consent following an inquiry by the board into a statement which criticised chairman Doug Ellis and was supposedly issued by the enjoying squad. O’Leary liked a productive 1st time at the club and took them to a sixth area finish but issues soon turned sour, with the Midlands aspect finishing tenth in 2004/05 and then sixteenth previous season.

The arrival of O’Neill has lifted spirits with each Gareth Barry and Olof Mellberg all set to commit their futures to the club. The two gamers had been believed to be disillusioned under former manager O’Leary.

Villa has been the matter of extreme takeover speculation this summer time, with regional businessman Michael Neville, American billionnaire Randy Lerner, Nicholas Padfield QC and a consortium lead by Sven-Goran Eriksson’s agent Athole Nonetheless all displaying an curiosity in acquiring the club.

Villa turned down a £4.5 million bid for Gareth Barry from Portsmouth. The midfielder joined the club in 1997 and created over 300 appearances. He has also worn the captain’s armband for won 8 England caps.

However, there could be a return to former club Sunderland for striker Kevin Phillips, subsequent Niall Quinn taking over the North East club. Phillips loved a prolific spell at the Black Cats between 1997 and 2003, scoring 115 targets in 209 league appearances.

VerdictThe arrival of Martin O’Neill as supervisor is a good action as Villa were touted as possible relegation fodder this time. The 2006/07 campaign is probable to be one particular of transition for the club, with no transfer funds available until a takeover is total. Until eventually this time, O’Neill will have to get the best out of the gamers at his disposal and difficult for a top rated 10 spot is not beyond their capability.

About the Writer

David Walker runs Bet365 free of charge wager and fruit machine cheats websites. A totally free electronic mail program: “7 Days to Far better Betting” is offered at the two of these internet sites.