By Frank Stormont
June 23 2006

Gully says he is moving to one the most feared teams in National League One when he signed for Albion yesterday.

Ben Gulliver is second player in a week to sign for Plymouth Albion

Rumours have been going around since before the end of the season that Ben was on his way to Plymouth.  With Coventry unofficial site  wishing him well but not wanting him to leave his home town Coventry. Barry Oxinou and View 2 The Barbican, toasted Ben's future at Albion on Thursday.

Ben Gulliver has signed with Albion from Coventry RFC to take his rugby to a new level. Coming from a rugby family in Coventry he can't remember his first game as he has always played, apart from 18 months when he took up motocross as he entered his teen years. Once he realised that the two would not fit too well together he returned to rugby.

Ben is used to being called "Gully" by his team mates and remembers scoring his first try for Coventry against Albion last October. Plymouth went on to win that match 7 - 13. Even then Ben probably had thoughts of playing his home games at Brickfields as he sees Plymouth as one of the feared teams by other clubs in National League One.

His lineout experience and 100 plus League games will benefit Ben's new club and his 17stone six foot something will also add to Albion's pack. Moving to Plymouth will allow him to grow both personally and as a player which is helped by his first full time contract.  Ben had spent half his time for the last four years in a rugby development scheme sponsored by Peugeot and the RFU called SportsMatch, but feels that he can now spend more time working on his own development and improving his personnel game.

The supporters at Coventry speak well of "Gully" and how he is prepared to spend time with them thanking them personally for their support at the match. Ben stood in as captain at Coventry for ten plus matches last season and enjoyed making the calls at the lineout.

At 25 Ben takes each season as it comes and is looking forward to playing for Albion and hopefully helping up to the top level.  Once there the players are far more visible for national selection. 

This year Ben is being sponsored by "View 2 The Barbican" one of 5 establishments owned by Barry Oxinou.  Barry admits that he is a difficult if not impossible man to get money out of but has been to a number of corporate functions at Brickfields.  He wanted to support the team and the site and is very happy to support the club in its development.

View 2 aims to cater for all your needs for a good night out with 3 Bars, stone baked pizzas and night club and you wander onto the al fresco terrace for the amazing views across the harbour.  Bookings can be taken on 252564 or visit their website http://www.barbicanleisurebars.com but please mention Plymouth Albion.