2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup First Round (replay) vs Boston United (a) - lost 4-1. Carling Cup First Round vs Wycombe Wanderers (h) - lost 3-1. Football League Trophy Southern Sec. Sec Rnd vs Peterborough Utd (a) - lost 2-1.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Rory Fallon (striker) - 14 goals.
Players In Adrian Williams (Coventry City - Free), Andy Monkhouse (Rotherham United - Free), Jamie Vincent (Yeovil Town - Free), Folawiyo Onibuje (Cambridge - Free).
Players Out Jamie Cureton (Colchester United - Free), Rhys Evans (Blackpool - Free), Sean O'Hanlon (MK Dons - Free), Nicky Nicolau (Barnet - Free).
Swindon Town endured a torrid time last season and were relegated to League Two but due to the new management "dream team" of former Chelsea duo Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet, they have been instilled as the bookmaker's firm favourites to win the division next season.
Poyet has promised a tough pre season campaign to ensure his players are fit enough for the challenge ahead while Wise has assured the players who were at the club last season will be given a clean slate.
Wise's first signing since being appointed at the County Ground was that of Rotherham United winger Andy Monkhouse. The 25 year old made almost 150 appearances for the Millers, 67 of which were as a substitute, after coming through the club's youth system and signed an initial 12 month contract.
To compensate for the loss of highly rated Sean O'Hanlon to fellow relegated side MK Dons, Wise has also drafted in veteran Coventry City defender Adrian Williams and Yeovil defender Jamie Vincent, both of whom have connections with Wise at former club Millwall.
Williams spent five months on loan at Millwall last season, making 12 appearances for the Lions and made 41 appearances for Coventry City after signing for the club in November 2004. Vincent is a vastly experienced left back who has played 300 League games for Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Portsmouth, Walsall, Derby and Millwall.
Lagos born forward Folawiyo Onibuje has signed a short term deal following his release from Cambridge United. The 21 year old, who has also had spells art Peterborough United, Barnsley and Huddersfield Town, made 25 league starts for the U's last term and scored nine goals.
Verdict Swindon may well be good enough to win promotion next season but the lack of firepower poses a cause for concern. Wise and Poyet hinted they may play themselves should results not go in their favour and if that is the case then the Robins will only be playing in the Football League's bottom tier on a short term basis.
2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup Third Round (replay) vs Birmingham City (a) - lost 2-0. Carling Cup First Round vs Bournemouth (h) - lost 4-3 on penalties with the score at 0-0 after extra time. Football League Trophy Southern Section First Round vs Swansea (h) - lost 3-1.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Tony Bedeau (striker) - 11 goals.
Players In: Lee Mansell (Oxford United - Undisclosed), Micky Evans (Plymouth Argyle - Free), Lee Thorpe (Swansea City - Free), Lee Andrews (Carlisle United - Free), Jamie Ward (Aston Villa - Free).
Players Out: Tony Bedeau (Walsall - Free), Jo Kuffour (Brentford - Free), Andy Marriott (Boston United - Free).
Torquay staged a great escape last season after relegation looked likely for long periods of the campaign. The Gulls have been boosted by the news that manager Ian Atkins rejected the chance to take over at promoted side Carlisle United, who he managed during the 2000/01 season, committing himself to the Plainmoor outfit.
Atkins has signed a new look forward line for next season, following the departure of strikers Tony Bedeau to Walsall and Jo Kuffour to Brentford on free transfers. Veteran striker Mickey Evans arrived on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle while Lee Thorpe signed a permanent deal with the Gulls after ending last season at the club on loan from Swansea City.
While replacements have been brought in, the departure of Kuffour has caused some controversy. Former Arsenal trainee Kuffour who had been a Torquay player for four seasons, was due to sign a new contract at the club after agreeing terms. However, he decided to link up with former manager Leroy Rosenior and sign a contract with League One outfit Brentford, much to the anger of chairman Mike Bateson.
Torquay have been successful elsewhere in the transfer market this summer and secured the signing of former Aston Villa midfielder Jamie Ward. The 20 year old was also wanted by Stockport County, where he spent a loan spell last season and Wrexham but he signed a three year deal at Plainmoor following his release from Villa Park.
Oxford United midfielder Lee Mansell also arrived for an undisclosed fee. The versatile 23 year old, who can also play at right back, made 51 league and cup appearances for Oxford last season, after joining from Luton Town in the summer of 2005.
Verdict It is likely to be another tough season for Torquay and new strike pairing Mickey Evans and Lee Thorpe need to gel together and produce quickly. Ian Atkins side should be good enough to avoid the drop.
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