NEW GULL PROFILES
Thomas Kelly
@tommyktufc
CAREER SUMMARY
CRASKE
Finley began his football career for the Plymouth Argyle Under 9’s academy, signing a full-time apprenticeship for Argyle over the summer of 2019. His first team debut would come from off the bench in Plymouth’s 3-1 win over Newport County in the EFL trophy in November 2020 before making his first team debut on the final day of the season away at Gillingham in another appearance from the bench.
During the 21/22 season Finley was sent on loan to Tiverton Town for a month, but only made just one appearance before being recalled back to Home Park. He later was loaned out to local side Plymouth Parkway where he made 23 league appearances for the Southern League Division 1 South side, scoring one goal.
More loan moves awaited for Finley with moves to Yeovil Town and Truro City but his time at Argyle would finish at the end of the season and he was released by the now Championship club. After playing as a trialist for the Gulls, Gary Johnson secured the services of the young right back ahead of the 23/24 NLS campaign.
JENKINS DAVIES
Like Finley, Will started his career with the Plymouth Argyle Under 9’s academy. His first appearance for the first team was in the EFL Trophy against Newport County, coming off the bench in their 2-0 defeat at the end of August 2021. He soon signed his first professional contract with the club on his 17th birthday and made his first ever league appearance as a late substitute in Argyle’s 4-1 win over Accrington Stanley in League One.
For the 22/23 season, Will featured in the first four games of Plymouth’s EFL Trophy campaign, scoring against Swindon Town in a 3-1 win. Two brief league appearances against Ipswich and MK Dons followed but despite the lack of playing time, Will featured on the bench and travelled with the squad for the rest of 2022 and played 45 mins in the Greens 5-1 defeat away at Grimsby Town.
STATS
CRASKE
Position: CB/RB/CM
Date of Birth: 27th January 2003
Height: 1.77m
Birthplace: Wadebridge
Previous Clubs: Plymouth Argyle, Tiverton Town, Plymouth Parkway, Yeovil Town, Truro City
22/23 League Stats: Appearances 2, Goals 0, Yellow/Red Cards 0/0
JENKINS DAVIES
Position: Central Midfield
Date of Birth: 22nd October 2004
Height: 1.72m
Birthplace: Torquay
Previous Clubs: Plymouth Argyle
22/23 League Stats: Appearances 2, Goals 0, Yellow/Red Cards 0/0
TALKING FC/WJD
GJ ON CRASKE
“Fin is a super athlete, and can play in several positions due to his footballing prowess and competitiveness”
GJ ON WJD
“A midfielder who can play in the middle, or up front, or wide, a Torquay lad who has lots of energy and ability. We welcome him to Plainmoor”
MOST LIKELY/LEAST LIKELY TO
CRASKE
Most Likely to:
· Be played in a number of different positions.
· Be a contender for Gulls YPOTY.
· Be fitter than most of our defence was at the start of last season!
Least likely to:
· Pine for a return to Tiverton.
· Get bullied by part time players in the NLS.
JENKINS DAVIES
Most likely to:
· Fancy taking a free kick.
· Gain a hyphen, even though he doesn’t have one!
· Be compared to Argyle playmaker and ex-Gull Adam Randell.
Least likely to:
· Get lost on his way to Plainmoor!
OTHER INFO
CRASKE
Craske has won promotion with Truro City, featuring in their squad in the second half of the 22/23 season, playing in the club’s play-off final victory over Bracknell Town.
JENKINS DAVIES
Will represented Wales at U16s level, scoring on his U16’s debut in Wales 4-0 win over the Republic of Ireland U16s. Called up for the Wales U17s and U18s squads in March and September 2021 respectively. He attended Torquay Boys Grammar School.
CONCLUSION
Both young lads look to be astute signings from Gary Johnson as his NLS squad takes further shape and after putting in a valiant effort against Argyle, it seems that the Gulls/Argyle link up is back on again.
Having played as “Trialist A” for the last few pre-season games, Finley Craske put on impressive performances for the Gulls and certainly held his own against his former club in a well deserved 1-1 draw with the Championship side. He wasn’t overawed and his positional play was top draw considering he is only 20 years old. You can tell he’s got talent and a stint in the NLS with us should prove fruitful for everyone.
He seems focused and energised, with the right mindset for the battle that lies ahead for us.
Will Jenkins Davies comes to Plainmoor with many comparing his potential to that of Adam Randell. One thing United have struggled with in the past is a good set piece taker and Will comes to TQ1 with that in his locker.
He’s also not afraid to have a pop from long distance and with international football under his belt, Plymouth obviously see him as a star of the future and the experience he’ll gather this season should be valuable.
Being a local lad, born in Torquay, he’ll understand the expectations of the fanbase and the potential this club has if things go well for us in the NLS next season. I’m sure he’ll give it his all and fingers crossed he can score a few goals for us as well.
One or two more loan signings and I think our squad will be complete. I can honestly say I would be happy with this squad in the National League let alone the National League South. With the likes of Dean Moxey and Kevin Dawson to return at some point, we should be in a very good place to compete next season.
COYY – THOMAS
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