United’s first game of 2024 sees Eastbourne Borough head for Plainmoor on Saturday afternoon.
Having been left frustrated after The Gulls’ trip to Truro was postponed last month, Gary Johnson’s side will tomorrow be looking to complete their first ‘double’ of the season against a side with a former Torquay man in the opposition dugout.
Who’s the Boss?
Former Gull Adam Murray arrived at Priory Lane on 4th January and brings with him a proven track record with plenty of experience and a passion for developing young players, having previously worked with Dele Alli as Besiktas and also assisting Darrell Clarke with turning fortunes around in League One with Cheltenham Town.
The 42-year-old began his managerial career back in 2014 where he became caretaker manager at Mansfield Town, before later taking the reigns on a permanent basis and with that, became the youngest manager in the top four leagues of English football at that time. Coaching spells at Boston United, Guiseley and Burton Albion followed before Murray joined League One Barnsley in 2018.
During his stint at Oakwell he worked as Under-18s manager before making the step up into the first team, also taking charge on an interim basis on two occasions. Murray then became a key part of Valerien Ismael’s backroom staff, with whom he went on to work alongside at West Brom and Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas. In November 2022 Andy was appointed First Team Head Coach at Fylde and guided The Coasters to promotion with a final day victory securing the National League North title for the Lancashire side. Following his departure 15 games into the new season, Murray took on the Assistant Manager role at Cheltenham Town in October under Darrell Clarke, helping the side to two wins in his first three matches in his new role. Following an improvements in results over the last few months, it was earlier this week the 42-year-old departed his position at Cheltenham to take the helm at Eastbourne.
In addition to his brief spell at Plainmoor under boss Ian Atkins, as a player Murray made over 500 appearances for the likes of Burton Albion, Derby County, Oxford United and Mansfield Town, and enjoyed promotions with Burton and Mansfield. He also represented England at Under-20s level.
How have they been doing?
It’s been a difficult start to the season for the Sussex side as they have transitioned into a full time model. Currently occupying the final relegation space, after 26 games played, Eastbourne currently total 23 points and come into Saturday’s game on the back of three consecutive defeats. Their 23 points is calculated with 6 wins, 5 draws and 15 defeats. In the Isuzu FA Trophy the side succumbed to defeat against Hendon in November, having previously been knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup following a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of fellow National League South side Worthing.
Following their 4-0 New Year’s Day defeat to the same side that previously knocked them out of the Cup, Eastbourne announced that they had parted company with First Team Manager Mark Beard. Earlier this week, Jack Paxman and Fletcher Holman also departed, with the latter joining top flight side Wolverhampton Wanderers, subject to a medical, Premier League and FA approval.
However, Saturday’s visitors will be looking to change their fortunes around, with the match at Plainmoor marking the first for new manager Adam Murray,
Player to Watch
Skipper Brad Barry has continued to steer his side through choppy waters this term, with the experienced full-back one of the key contenders to take caretaker charge of The Sports prior to Murray’s appointment as the new boss.
Having learned his trade in the youth ranks at Brighton, Barry became a regular at EFL sides Swindon, Chesterfield, Barrow and Stevenage, before arriving at Priory Lane last summer.
The 28 year-old Hastings-born defender also comes from fine stock, being the nephew of former Manchester City, Aston Villa and England midfielder Gareth Barry.
Played for Both
Former Plymouth Argyle centre-forward enjoyed loan spells at both Eastbourne and Torquay during his three-year spell at Home Park, however it was his stint in Sussex that created a greater impression.
After signed for the Pilgrims from Paulton Rovers, Barnes found his pathway to the first-team consistently blocked, with his main source of first-team coming during loan stints in non-League football. Goalless spells at Oxford and Salisbury preceded a marvellous temporary spell at Eastbourne, with one of his five goals in eight outings helping to clinch a 4-2 home win over Paul Buckle’s Gulls.
Impressed by his all-round performance, Buckle duly brought him to Plainmoor the following campaign, however after failing to impose himself during six appearances for United, Barnes would eventually go on to taste success at the higher echelons of the game with Brighton, Burnley and at his current side, Norwich.
Previous Encounter
Torquay United 2-0 Eastbourne Borough
Tomorrow’s opponents were the visitors for one of Plainmoor’s favourite days in recent history, as a 2-0 victory over The Sports clinched the National League South title for Gary Johnson’s men in April 2019.
Boosted by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans’ first-half effort, it was left to his fellow Bristol City loanee Jake Andrews to seal the deal late on, to secure an instant return to non-League football’s top tier.
A similar result tomorrow may not prove quite so decisive, however claiming three more points at home would certainly give Johnson’s men hope that 2024 will see history repeat itself.
Torquay United v Eastbourne Borough | 06/01/24 3pm KO | Plainmoor TQ1 3PS