s r a ye Best of the South West Writing for the award-winning matchday programme
This special edition is a collection of previews of clubs in the South West and predominately Devon where I grew up. The first football match I ever went to was at Plymouth Argyle with my dad, granddad and brother when the team was in the old Division Three. Over the years, we watched the club climb into the Championship but in recent years the side has since slipped back down the leagues. When I go to games I always like to buy the matchday programmes and love to read them. Now, to be writing for one it is such an honour and a buzz knowing that fans will read them cover to cover and keep them as souvenirs.
WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)
Follow @Official_BRFC to read about our next home opposi�on.
Next at Glanford Park...
BRISTOL ROVERS
WE’RE BACK HERE ON TUESDAY NIGHT WHEN BRISTOL ROVERS MAKE THE TRIP TO FACE THE IRON. Here is our look ahead to the match against the Pirates, who are now managed by the vastly experienced John Ward.
TELL ME MORE... Despite o�en being in the shadow of local rivals Bristol City, the Pirates can boast a colourful history, as FA Cup quarter-finalists with seven previous grounds, several ex-household names and as the first league club to play a match inside a prison. Since forming in 1883, and primarily known as the Black Arabs because of black shirts and nearby rugby club called the Arabs, the side changed their name twice more and played in four grounds before moving to the Eastville Stadium in 1897, when they became Bristol Rovers. The club, whose other nickname is the Gas because of a gasworks site near Eastville, have played in the Football League con�nuously since 1920, and have reached the FA Cup quarter-finals twice. Rovers equalled their 1950 efforts during the 2007/08 season, with a memorable giant-killing cup run, knocking out Fulham and Southampton en-route. Rickie Lambert celebrated his 26th birthday with the goal that knocked Southampton out and is one of numerous household names to play for Bristol Rovers. 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
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<> Bristol Rovers’ former Iron loan goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall.
A goal-line clearance and the woodwork twice saved Bristol Rovers from defeat as the Iron had to settle for a goalless draw, despite dominating, back in August. Goalkeeper Nigel Martyn began his career with the Pirates, before moves to Crystal Palace and Leeds United, and he also featured for England. Other notable names include Barry Hayles, Jason Roberts and Ian Holloway, who went on to become manager of Rovers. The club have submi�ed plans for a £40 million 21,700seater stadium, which will be a far-cry from a friendly the club once played inside Erlestoke Prison against inmates back in 1982!
STAR MAN... Sco�sh striker David Clarkson was joint top scorer last season and he has been in good form so far this year, with an 18-yard volley in the Pirates’ 3-0 thrashing of AFC Wimbledon and two goals against York City demonstra�ng his danger in front of goal. The 28year-old joined Rovers in July 2012, a�er he was released by Bristol City and began his career at
Tuesday, February 25, 2014 7.45pm kick-off @ Glanford Park
Motherwell, where he scored 49 goals in 219 appearances.
ANY OLD IRON’S... Experienced shotstopper Steve Mildenhall signed for Bristol Rovers a year ago, and has played for ten clubs including Yeovil, Oldham and Grimsby Town since he started out at Swindon. Mildenhall’s memorable moments include scoring a free-kick in the League Cup against Mansfield Town while at No�s County, and his heroic display for Southend United that earned the Shrimpers a replay in the 2009 FA Cup against Chelsea. Last season, he made nine appearances for Scunthorpe while on loan from
Millwall. Defender Mark McChrystal also joined on loan in the same season from Tranmere and made three Iron appearances.
LAST TIME OUT... A goal-line clearance and the woodwork twice saved Bristol Rovers from defeat as the Iron had to se�le for a goalless draw, despite domina�ng at the Memorial Stadium in August.
HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.
Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcofficial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7
WORDS: Richard Jones
Follow @OfficialECFC to read about our next home opposi�on
Next at Glanford Park...
EXETER CITY WE ARE BACK IN ACTION HERE AT GLANFORD PARK IN A FORTNIGHT’S TIME WHEN UNITED ENTERTAIN EXETER CITY. Here is our look ahead to the match against the Grecians, who are managed by the sartorially elegant Paul Tisdale.
TELL ME MORE... The Grecians have a couple of interes�ng claims to fame. In 2005, while in the Conference, Exeter held Manchester United to a goalless draw in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford and they have also had some unlikely celebrity involvement. Uri Geller – a psychic known for his cutlery-bending exploits was once co-chairman of the Grecians, while Michael Jackson and David Blaine have also been associated with the westcountry club, albeit briefly. The trio made an appearance at St James Park for a charity fundraiser event in 2002, but have since cut �es. Later that year, the Grecians were again asking for dona�ons of a different kind and urged fans to buy shares to save the club. The Exeter Supporters Trust recently celebrated the ten-year anniversary of majority ownership, but a lack of funds this summer has meant Grecians boss Paul Tisdale was unable to offer new contracts to a host of players, including some first-team regulars, leaving holes in the line-up. Among the outgoings included 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
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John O’Flynn was Exeter’s second-highest scorer last season with 12 goals, and a decent start should see him build upon that this campaign. talisman striker Jamie Cureton, the club’s top-scorer last season with 21 goals in 42 appearances, as well as veteran defenders Kevin Amankwaah and Steve Tully. Tisdale has managed to retain the services of influen�al trio Ma� Oakley, Tommy Doherty and striker John O’Flynn whose experience should steady the ship. The impact of the summer departures doesn’t seem to have affected Exeter City too much, a�er a decent start to the campaign, but the side could s�ll be in for a struggle this season.
STAR MAN... John O’Flynn was Exeter’s secondhighest scorer last season with 12 goals, and a decent start should see him build upon that this campaign. A double against Wimbledon this season demonstrated why O’Flynn is o�en Tisdale’s star�ng striker, with his opener a low shot from the edge of the box. The influen�al Irishman also is lethal in the air – he came on as a subs�tute and headed home the injury-�me winner to devastate
Saturday, October 19, 2013 3.00pm kick-off @ Glanford Park <> Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has been linked with numerous posi�ons during his tenure.
Northampton Town recently.
NEW FACES... Tisdale has filled gaps on a shoestring budget le� by the nine-player summer exodus, bringing in a mixture of youth and experience. John O’Flynn signed a new deal and will be looked upon for goals following Jamie Cureton’s departure to Cheltenham Town, while the reten�on of veteran midfielders Ma� Oakley and Tommy Doherty are also a boost for the club. Academy star Ma� Grimes and non-league prospect David Wheeler have both signed professionally, whilst ex-St Mirren striker Sam Parkin should bring
much-needed experience and goals. Defensive steel has also been added with the signatures of Danny Bu�erfield and Doug Bergqvist.
LAST TIME OUT... A single goal from Jon Parkin in the 76th minute at Glanford Park was enough to secure three points during a ten match unbeaten run for the Iron in 2012.
HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk and clicking the ‘Online Ticke�ng’ tab.
Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcofficial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7
WORDS: Richard Jones
Follow @Only1Argyle for the latest news from our next home opposi�on.
Next at Glanford Park...
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE UNITED’S NEXT HOME MATCH WILL SEE THEM PLAY HOST TO PLYMOUTH ARGYLE TWO WEEKS ON SATURDAY. Here is our lookahead to the match against Argyle, who are managed by former Oldham and Chesterfield chief John Sheridan.
TELL ME MORE... Back in 2009, when Scunthorpe and Plymouth Argyle were both in the Championship, the board of the south west club boldly announced a five-year plan to reach the Premier League. Almost five years on, both teams meet again, this �me in the fourth �er of the football pyramid, having experienced a very different half decade of events, but with similar inten�ons for promo�on this season. Plymouth Argyle began their rise up the through leagues from the old Division Three in 2001, under boss Paul Sturrock. The Scot guided the Pilgrims to two promo�ons in three seasons, before par�ng company as the club began to establish themselves in the Championship. A�er six seasons, their stay in the league ended in 2010. It also cued the beginning of a slippery slope for the Pilgrims, when a second consecu�ve relega�on followed. In March 2011, the club entered administra�on with debts of £13m and were docked ten points which resulted in relega�on 14 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
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Argyle snapped up Romuald Boco in July when his contract expired with Accrington Stanley.
to League Two. The club’s saviour was businessman James Brent, who has since brought about stability and redevelopment plans. Plymouth City Council recently accepted a £50m proposal to improve the ground, with work to the Mayflower grandstand, new hospitality and catering facili�es and a mul�plex cinema as part of the plans. Investment and redevelopment ini�a�ves indicate that the Pilgrim’s luck may be finally improving. Manager John Sheridan has said the club can challenge for promo�on now they are more financially secure, and some shrewd summer signings certainly mark this statement of intent.
STAR MAN... Argyle snapped up Romuald Boco (circled) in July when his contract expired with Accrington Stanley, and he looks a solid addi�on to the team. The Benin interna�onal scored 10 goals in 42 appearances last season, during his second spell at Stanley. His skill and work-rate made him a fan-favourite at the Crown
Saturday, September 21, 2013 3.00pm kick-off
<> Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan.
Ground and he’s quickly established himself at Plymouth. In his third league appearance, he opened his account with a goal against Cheltenham Town.
NEW FACES... John Sheridan has been busy �nkering with his squad, with eight players leaving and as many arriving at Home Park this summer. The Pilgrims have secured the services of Yeovil striker Reuben Reid on another season-long loan, whilst Argyle academy product Ben Purrington has signed a professional contract with the club. Other arrivals at the south west side include Accrington Stanley’s out-of-contract Benin interna�onal midfielder Romauld
Boco, striker Lewis Alessandra from Morecombe and free-agent Neal Trotman. Plymouth Argyle also re-signed former goalkeeper Luke McCormick, who made his return to football with Truro City last year a�er being released from prison.
HAVE WE MET BEFORE... The Iron have won 11 of the 26 games against Argyle. Goals from Garry Thompson and Martyn Woolford secured a 2-1 victory last �me, in 2010.
HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 13 of THE IRON or by visi�ng Scunthorpe-United.co.uk.
Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcofficial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7
WORDS: Richard Jones (@rijones88)
Follow @InsidePlainmoor to read about our next home opposi�on.
Next at Glanford Park...
TORQUAY UNITED OUR NEXT HOME GAME IS A WEEK ON SATURDAY AS WE PREPARE TO HOST TORQUAY UNITED AT GLANFORD PARK. Here is our look ahead to the match against the Gulls, managed by former Iron boss Alan Knill, who le� United 13 months ago.
TELL ME MORE... It was Craig Mackail-Smith’s penalty back in April 2007 that earned Peterborough United a draw to dump Torquay out of League Two, ending their 80-year Football League status. However, they returned in 2009 but lost their two talisman strikers this summer. Between the formidable frontline that was Ryan Jarvis and Rene Howe, the pair notched up 25 goals last season, but both turned down contract offers for pastures new. Howe penned a two-year deal with Burton Albion, while Jarvis opted for York City to leave a dent in the first team, which boss Knill has shrewdly filled. Replacements have come in the form of Elliot Benyon (who scored four goals in 12 games on loan at Plainmoor last season) and ex-Iron Karl Hawley. Other notable addi�ons to the squad include midfielders Courtney Cameron, Jordan Chappell and right-back Dale Tonge. Knill also managed to extend the loan deal for Leicester City midfielder Jak McCourt recently, who has impressed so far for the Gulls. 86 | THE IRON MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
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Jordan Chappell has made a considerable impact since signing permanently from Sheffield United in the summer.
Saturday, November 30, 2013 3.00pm kick-off @ Glanford Park
<> Torquay United manager Alan Knill is a familar face to Iron fans.
Last season, Torquay finished 19th and results so far could suggest a similar posi�on this �me round, but a late surge is not beyond them. The Gulls are certainly no strangers to the League Two play-offs and have made them two seasons running, losing out to Stevenage by a single goal in the 2011 final, and going down 4-1 on aggregate to Cheltenham Town in 2012.
STAR MAN... Jordan Chappell has made a considerable impact since signing permanently from Sheffield United in the summer. The winger, who is a product of the Blades academy, spent �me on loan at Plainmoor last season and is one to watch. Chappell struck twice in six minutes against Northampton Town to secure Torquay’s first win of this season, and can lay claim to scoring the fastest goal in club’s history, ne�ng a�er just 18 seconds against Portsmouth.
ANY OLD IRON’S... Manager aside, the Gulls have
three ex-Irons, and fans will remember those seasons the trio donned claret and blue for different reasons. Karl Hawley scored 11 goals for Scunthorpe last season and despite his, and others’, best efforts it wasn’t enough to beat the drop. The striker joined Torquay in August a�er his contract expired at Glanford Park. Damien Mozika was also part of that squad but endured an injury-hit two years here. Wind back a few years to the 2008/09 season, Krys�an Pearce signed on loan from Birmingham and will be remembered for Scunthorpe’s promo�on to the
Championship. The defender has since played for Peterborough, Huddersfield Town, No�s County and Barnet, before joining Torquay in July.
LAST TIME OUT... Torquay snatched a narrow victory at Plainmoor in the old Division Three in 2004, when Ma� Hockley’s first-half header was enough to end Scunthorpe’s fiveyear unbeaten record against The Gulls.
HOW TO GET TICKETS... Full details of how to purchase �ckets for this game can be found on page 85 of THE IRON.
Visit www.twi�er.com/sufcofficial for detailed coverage and fans’ views 24/7
richardliamjones@live.com @rijones88