TT BLOG

Danny Burnell – @dannyburnell_92

Danny takes a look at the trialists on show at Buckland, and any potential targets.

THE TRIALISTS

RHYS LOVETT

Between the sticks for the second half of the game at Buckland was Rhys Lovett. The former Cheltenham stopper is known to GJ, having played under him at Whaddon Road. I say played, he made just 2 senior appearances in his time there, in a 5 year spell. He was loaned to a number of local clubs, including Tiverton & Gloucester, before making a permanent switch to Maidenhead in the March of 2021. He would last just 9 months in Berkshire, making 15 appearances, but quite remarkably, registering a goal in his time there. That came in a 4-1 win at Boreham Wood on the final day, as the 6’1 stopper was subbed on, before rounding off the victory with a 93rd minute left foot strike! Upon leaving Maidenhead, Lovett moved to NLS side Billericay, where he was unable to save them from the drop, appearing 12 times for the Essex side.

Previous clubs: Cheltenham, Tiverton (loan), Shepton Mallet (loan), Shortwood Utd (loan), Gloucester, Maidenhead, Billericay. Age 25

OLLIE TOMLINSON

One we are not surprised ended up at Plainmoor. Tomlinson was widely tipped to at least train with the Gulls following his release from Plymouth. The centre-back impressed in the pre-season game at Plainmoor last July, and looked set for a first team opportunity at Home Park. After a loan spell at Barnstaple, he made his debut in a 22-minute cameo against Sunderland. He went onto make 4 further senior appearances for Argyle, in cup competition, before a loan move to Truro in November 2021. Looks nailed on to make his next club Torquay.

Previous clubs: Plymouth, Barnstaple (loan), Truro (loan). Age 20

RELEASED LISTS – LOCALLY & AROUND THE NL. – TORQUAYTALK

MARCUS DAY

Winger Marcus Day appeared as a second half substitute at Homers Heath. The Bristol-born wide-man spent his youth at Ashton Gate, with spells in and and around the Bristol area at various clubs. He made the switch across the border to Barry Town in the summer of 2021, where he scored 3 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions, but was unable to help his relegation from the Cymru Premier. A tricky player who could provide the much needed flair.

Previous clubs: Bristol City, Paulton Rovers (loan), Bristol Manor Farm, Barry Town United. Age 21

CAMERON EVANS

With one C.Evans leaving TQ1 this summer, GJ may be looking to bring in another, with the addition of this Welsh defender. The 21-year old came through the youth ranks at Swansea with a certain Joe Lewis, and made his one and only senior appearance in an FA Cup win over Stevenage. Spent last season in the Irish league, playing 31 times and helping Waterford Utd to a third placed finish.

Previous clubs: Swansea, Waterford Utd (loan). Age: 21

TARGETS/SPECULATION

CORIE ANDREWS

One player hotly tipped to rock up in Yellow is Corie Andrews. The Lambeth-born striker was reportedly in club gear at Buckland, and looks set to sign on the dotted line. Endeared himself to Aldershot fans last season with a 9-goal haul from 20 appearances in the NL. That form earned him a loan move to Colchester where he was less successful, scoring just 1 goal. Could link up well with Jarvis, should Johnson deploy the two striker system, or equally, battle it out with the former Scunthorpe player as the #9. Could be an exciting addition.

Previous clubs: Crystal Palace, Margate (loan), Kingstonian (loan), Whyteleafe, AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot (loan), Colchester (loan). Age: 24

ANYONE FROM HIBS!

GJ will almost certainly dip into the loan market before the 6th August kick off. One source of players will no doubt be Hibs, where son Lee manages. Johnson hasn’t been adverse to using his family connections in the past, Kimpioka, Wearne, Janneh to name just a few. It’s a fair ol’ drive down from the Scottish capital, but the Scottish Premiership side may see value in some of their fringe players/hot prospects mixing it in the very competitive English fifth division.