Torquay United: Match Preview

Last updated : 05 August 2005 By Rob Davies
After a seemingly endless and eventful pre-season, it all begins at Plainmoor tomorrow afternoon. Though the expectations aren't quite at the heights they were this point last year, Gudjon Thordarson's sizable 25-man first-team squad will be under no illusions that a vast improvement is needed on last season's 19th placed finish.

To do this though, they will have to hit the ground running. The Football League have not been kind to Thordarson as he seeks to bed-in as Notts manager. Despite his impressive pre-season record, it's here where the real business starts and the Icelandic will have no time to settle in.

As well as facing Torquay - the highest ranked team in the league going into the season - the Magpies will have to face another strong side relegated from League One, Wrexham, and Lincoln City - who have been in the League Two playoff spots for the past three years - in their opening three fixtures.

Rosenior: Highly-rated
By the end of the month, they will have also faced relegated Stockport County and much-fancied Bristol Rovers, not to mention travelling to Field Mill for a local derby.

It seems, the season could well be a long way to being decided by the end of August. So, all this prove that tomorrow's opener does carry some weight of importance.

And, though Thordarson will be keen to take at least a point from his first competitive match in-charge of the Magpies, we, as supporters, can be under no illusions that the task will be difficult.

Torquay were tremendously unlucky to spend just a season in League One, after being relegated on goal difference on the final day of the season, but hopes are high amongst the Gulls' support that they can bounce back at the first attempt.

In Leroy Rosenior, they have an extremely highly-rated manager who performed a minor miracle to get United up to League One in the first place. And Rosenior himself believes that he has the playing squad this time around to build another promotion push.

Up-front, Leon Constantine will hope to score the goals that will fire his team to the top of the table, after a disappointing spell at Peterborough, whilst in midfield Martin Phillips and new signing from Swindon Matt Hewlett will be hoping to provide him with the ammunition needed.

Notts, though, shouldn't make the trip to Plainmoor in fear. An excellent pre-season has made optimism rise in supporters who were previously expecting a mediocre first season under Thordarson.

Gordon: Notable absentee
So excellent the pre-season, in fact, that - for the first time in a long, long time, the naming of the 18-man squad for the encounter carried some importance, with a number of first-teamers omitted.

Winger Tony Scully was one surprising absentee, whilst striker Gavin Gordon will be extremely disappointed not to even make the squad after a season where he was a near ever-present when fit.

Fellow-striker Matty Williams can count himself unlucky not to make the 18 after an excellent display during yesterday's Bass Vase win, whilst youngsters Emmet Friars and Chibusa Chilaka shouldn't be too down-hearted at their omissions.

The only enforced absences for Thordarson are veteran defenders Ian Richardson and Mike Whitlow, who both have knee injuries, and Ruben Zadkovich, who begins a three-match ban after being sent off in a pre-season game against Nottingham Forest.

Kevin Pilkington, Dan Martin, Lewis McMahon, Andy White and Brian O'Callghan are all likely to make their competitive Notts County debuts at some point, whilst Stacy Long and Jake Sheriden - signed on non-contract terms today - will also hope to feature at Plainmoor.

Contract rebel Saul Deeney will act as cover for Pilkington, whilst it remains unclear as to who will get the nod as Thordarson's preferred striking pairing.

With Gordon and Williams not named in the squad, it leaves Glynn Hurst, Andy White and Steve Scoffham fighting for two places, providing the County boss opts for the expected 4-4-2 formation, as opposed to the 4-5-1 he has used fleetingly in pre-season.

Julien Baudet will lead the team out after being confirmed as club captain, with the Magpies' lining-up in their new home kit, that was officialy released today.

Notts (possible): Pilkington; O'Callaghan, Baudet, Wilson, Martin; Pipe, McMahon, Edwards, Palmer; Hurst, Scoffham.

Subs (from): Deeney, Ullathorne, McFaul, Gill, Long, Sheriden, White.

Enjoy the game.