Torquay United Fans Forum

I agree Fonda - Mansell and Stanley would be the same as Gerrard and Lampard. Far too similar to be effective.

Stanners was brilliant for us. But he’s another attack-minded midfielder. It would leave a lot of work for Manse to do. It’d be entertaining, because we’d probably score and concede plenty! Goodbye 1-0’s, hello 4-3’s ...

It still grinds with me he chose Rovers over us, although I might have it in me to forgive him!

Stanley may be worth a look but at 29 years old and with his recent injury record I'm not convinced he would be the answer.

Errr ....... if not Mozika, Craig Stanley ???? Had a tough time at Bristol Rvrs apparently and a broken leg restricted his appearances for Aldershot (obviously!) last season but he did a great job for us and I for one would love to see him back in a Gulls shirt.

Agreed, either would do a good job alongside a Labadie-type player.

I would agree that we probably need better players in there, I was just siggesting that they are the type of players we will be seeing. I would be fairly happy to see either alongside a new player (Mozika?).

Whilst I admire both players, I think that in an attacking team the pairing isn't physically imposing enough. Neither bring what Labadie does. When he went after the ball, won and the opposition didn't get it back.

PhilGull wrote:Given the suggested 4-4-2 with very attacking wingers I think a solid midfield partnership like Mansell & Lathrope is what is needed. To have an 'attacking midfielder' in there too would be too gung-ho imho.

Might be a solid pairing but the distribution is a weak point of both of their games.

I am still hoping for a Manse/Mozika partnership with Lathrope to come on to sure things up if needed.

Fingers still crossed!

Given the suggested 4-4-2 with very attacking wingers I think a solid midfield partnership like Mansell & Lathrope is what is needed. To have an 'attacking midfielder' in there too would be too gung-ho imho.

I don't see Mansell and Lathrope as being particularly similar - Lathrope just sits deep and sweeps up while Mansell goes from box to box and can be a ball carrier. Granted neither are particularly creative.

I think there is a wider discussion as to whether Mansell is the key central midfielder - however I would suggest it is a given as club captain and he would probably be an expensive option on the bench. Assuming he is one of the central midfielders I think the other player has to play in a holding role - O'Kane and Mansell never worked as a pair in 4-4-2.

First signing Knill made was a CM, not just that but he'ds let 2 go this summer so my flabber would be gasted if one wasn't brought in to boost us in that position. Mansell and Lathrope are fine at what they do but we need a stand out Labadie esque type player with them, even if we play 4-4-2 then I don't think we can have a partnership of Damon/Manse and expect to be anything but mid-lower table at best. Too similar, too much perspiration and not enough inspiration.

I wouldn't be too surprised if we weren't looking for a midfielder at this stage. Based on the players that are being discussed it seems that Knill is intending on playing a 4-4-2 formation with pacey wingers and I guess a big man upfront to play alongside Benyon, with an additional back up and Yeoman. I suspect it will be a quite quick and direct style.

Mansell starting would seem to be a given as he is club captain and brings experience to a relatively young side, together with some stability along with Poke, Downes and Nico. Mansell then acts as the box to box midfielder and needs a holding midfielder - Lathrope obviously fits the bill. As back up Craig is there who I think can play with either Mansell as a deep lying ball playing midfielder or with Lathrope as a more advanced creative midfielder - although clearly this is a make of break season for Craig. We'd all like a top draw creative midfielder but they don't grow on trees and a direct quick style with good wingers can still be successful without one.

Also probably best not to blow all the budget now - I think Knill will concentrate on getting the attacking unit in place and working well and can then re-assess the midfield. There is always the chance that Labadie will not become a regular at Notts County and may be available again at Xmas.

Richinns wrote:Spot on. He needs to earn the right to say I will control midfield - just like Eunan did.

I do however predict a better season for him and I think the off field distraction of Macklin and Leadbitter may very well be a blessing in disguise.

Great point

Fonda wrote:I like Bodin, but his performances last season hardly demand that we change our entire formation to accomodate him. Perhaps Knill gave him the number 10 shirt to placate him - you can have the shirt but not the position. 'In the hole'? Does he have visions of granduer? This is League 2, not the Champions League. Most teams will play 4-4-2, and I imagine we'll be one of them. I suggest he concentrates on mastering the art of wing play, before making any more demands. Get out on that left0wing lad, and do a better job of it than you did last season.

Spot on. He needs to earn the right to say I will control midfield - just like Eunan did.

I do however predict a better season for him and I think the off field distraction of Macklin and Leadbitter may very well be a blessing in disguise.