Torquay United Fans Forum

[quote="lucy6lucy"]

Yes he will be missed, but its a cut throat business, we have clearly seen him below par last and this season, so its time to go for the time being whether permanent is up to Nicho to sort. Would you rather we get exposed in most games at the back or have a nippy young left back from Arsenal as a replacement that has raw talent.
Having said that Nicho lost his place in the 1st team for 1 match, so something must have been said behind the scenes for him to request a loan move, but in reality can you really blame Knill? and this is what most wanted for Cruise to be given a chance. Jungle drums rolling is Manse next......................................................[/quote]

Agreed lucy - we have to let legends lie at some point and no doubt manse will be next, heres hoping we have some new legends to love in near future e.g. downes and chappell ... :scarf:

I don't think there's any doubt that Cruise should play instead. TC is no world beater, but he at least seems solid for the time being and has room for improvement.

We all knew this time would come for Nico to take a step back, and it's been a long time coming. His performances last year weren't great at all and unfortunately he's just going to have to accept, for the good of the team, it's his time.

Maybe a rest will do him good anyway, he can still play a part this season, just not as an important one as in previous ones.

Obviously , as is being hinted at, there is a back story to this that is far more than just a player being left out of the side because he is slowing down.We shall wait on those in the know to enlighten us all. :|

Fraid not, Fulham. Players move back as they get older, not forward. Even if he were able to buck that trend, there is SO much more to this than Knill simply not fancying Nico anymore.

Matt.

Lets try that again. I rarely post on the site but I read it nearly all the time so here goes. Instead of showing Kevin the door,as it seems we are heading to, why not consider moving him to midfield where speed isn't necessarily the top requirement. Nico can tackle and distribute the ball well so he could be worth a try. Certainly if it works he could gain another season or more with us ?

Could Argyle be keeping an eye on him?

I'm keeping my "Favourite Player" sidebar until he turns out for Truro!

[quote="Robiberto22"]Gutted ... guess this is the end, not just for him here but for that generation of players who got us back up - only manse here now really from them days[/quote]

Yes he will be missed, but its a cut throat business, we have clearly seen him below par last and this season, so its time to go for the time being whether permanent is up to Nicho to sort. Would you rather we get exposed in most games at the back or have a nippy young left back from Arsenal as a replacement that has raw talent.
Having said that Nicho lost his place in the 1st team for 1 match, so something must have been said behind the scenes for him to request a loan move, but in reality can you really blame Knill? and this is what most wanted for Cruise to be given a chance. Jungle drums rolling is Manse next......................................................

Gutted ... guess this is the end, not just for him here but for that generation of players who got us back up - only manse here now really from them days

You're reading the words right Edd, but I'm not sure you're putting the right interpretation on the situation. I think Kev is someone who needs to be playing regular competitive games if he's going to be match fit. if he can do that out on loan, and we could recall him if needed that would possibly be the best way to help the club.

Nico has observed the way Alan Knill works for several months now, and will have picked up on whether they want his 'help' or not in advising or preparing the team. If Alan Knill has pleaded with him to stay and Nico has answered 'Sod off, I'm not hanging around here', then fair enough we could judge him more harshly, but I suspect Nico getting some games under his belt elsewhere suits the player and the team management at the moment.

I reckon he'll go on loan localish, with a recall clause. Should Cruise get injured or suspended, he'll be called back. A no lose situation. A match fit reserve left back.

I suspect Nico realises that his days are numbered. People have been saying for some time, often unkindly and lacking in respect for a player who has been a great servant for us. But like every single footballer, age catches up with you and whilst almost 33 is exactly old, it probably is when faced with wingers who are 21 etc.

There are times in a football career when players get dropped and it propels them to fight for a place in the team and there are times in their career when they can probably see the writing on the wall and I suspect, as many of us probably do, that this probably marks the end for him.

Oh how I long to see another 'Nico Special' hammered in from 30 yards, sadly I don't think I've seen him have an actual shot for a year or so. Such is the decline in his Torquay playing career. He will always be a TUFC legend in my eyes as and whatever he chooses to do I hope everything works out for him and he can move on from what (I think) is going to happen to him at Plainmoor when (if) it happens.

It looks like I will have to change my favourite player selection on the profile section to Billy Bo.......oh er sorry, to Aaron Downes obviously. So many thanks for every effort you have put into wearing the shirt Nico and it's just that your body can't take the pace anymore, it is nothing personal. There aren't many occasions I can think of when he hasn't tried for us and that is important to me so head up Nico, well done and many thanks.

I echo the sentiments of the original poster. He has been a good and loyal servant of our Club. I totally understand his desire to go out on loan and get some game time at this stage of his career. I wish him every success in that regard.

I know what you mean, doesn't seem to be many testimonial games, if any deserves one when the time comes, Nico does.