Torquay United Fans Forum

Smith and O'Kane were both promoted into the Premier League, I doubt any side would have signed them from the Championship. It seems that (as with British managers) this is the only way into the top flight. Clubs just aren't prepared to take the risk with unproven players (with the odd exception like Afobe - who I'm sure will have more to do with Bournemouth staying up than Grabban).

Wars is too small for the premiership, that's probably the only reason he's never played there. If he gets promoted into it and can prove himself there then it may be different, but I can't see a prem team taking a punt on him.

As for Wright, my gut says he's not of premiership quality. He hasn't had the impact someone like, say, Jason Roberts had. He has more of an all round game rather than excelling at one - I.e he's quite quick without being very pacey, quite big without being tall, strong without being a tank. If he was a bit quicker then I would say he might make it.

Definitely going to be a solid football league player though, in my opinion.

I'm just having a quick think about our recent-ish PL players and I'd say it's a neat example of just how special that level of football is.

Thinking about Adam Smith, Shaq Coulthurst, Eunan, Stockley, Jamie Ward and others, you see that some are clearly special footballers, but are missing that X-factor which takes one right to the very pinnacle of the sport.

I know it's 'only' Bournemouth, but they're among England's elite and, with the signing of Grabban, they're going to stay there. Adam Smith looked exceptional when he was here. I remember him on numerous occasions waltzing down the line from one end of the pitch to the other, barely breaking stride as he sauntered past hapless opponents.
We all recall the times Eunan received a ball, seemingly inescapably surrounded, only to find him extricated with one deft touch, one neat 'n' tidy bodyswerve, one crafty look of the eye and drop of the shoulder.

Each had star quality which has carried them to the top of the game.

Question then, what exactly is missing from Wardy's game? He starts and scores sufficiently often in the Championship and has done for a number of years for a struggling or newly promoted side to take a punt on him to see if he's the difference maker. Yet no move has been forthcoming and no whisper has been heard about such a move. The inner circle must know something I don't.

Others are easier to dismiss. Coulthurst was undoubtedly a fine player, but he never had the talent to take him to the very top.
Despite Chris's previous relationship with him, I don't think we ever saw the best of Stockley. I still don't think he's anything like Premier League class, but he's probably better than Exeter, long term.

There are so many facets of personality and talent required to reach those dizzying heights. I wonder, does Wright have the [W]right stuff, do we think?

Matt.

Southampton Gull wrote:Chris, that was more a follow on from your post rather than aimed at you

It does highlight what I said a while back, these players were needed to get us through the festive period until we could bolster the squad with some better players during the transfer window.

BETTER is the word.

This is what will make or break Nicholson I just hope he has the right contacts for the type of player he wants.

Chris, that was more a follow on from your post rather than aimed at you

It does highlight what I said a while back, these players were needed to get us through the festive period until we could bolster the squad with some better players during the transfer window.

That includes Corderoy and Gerring. Having a third keeper won't help and Finch doesn't seem to be available for every game. So I don't think that even with these we have enough to have 'fringe' players. Anyone who is fit right now makes the bench.

Hence the need a few weeks back for some local players to boost the numbers..............

Fringe players? We had three on the bench last week and our two new signings are cup tied!

portugull wrote:Brilliant news.Interesting to read that Kevin Nicholson has seen tremendous improvement in Wright since he joined on loan.

Just goes to prove that the big clubs can benefit by loaning out young players who most of all need game time.

As was proven by most (all?) of the big clubs who 'rested' players struggling in the cup at the weekend. Every club has players in need of the sharpness that can only come with competitive first team football. (Which is why it would be good to stay in the Trophy for as long as possible - just to give the fringe players some game time).

Brilliant news.Interesting to read that Kevin Nicholson has seen tremendous improvement in Wright since he joined on loan.

Just goes to prove that the big clubs can benefit by loaning out young players who most of all need game time.

gullintwoplaces wrote: Paul Raynor, a name that makes my blood boil. I'll never forgive him, nor his repulsive fat chum. Both now at Leeds, totally undeserved. If ever there was an example of how unfair life can be, it is Paul Raynor.

Steve Evans/Paul Raynor and Leeds - a perfect match. They deserve each other. Great news about Andre Wright's loan being extended - he can make the difference between National Premier and National South.

That is great news. Just need a game to play now!

Returns on loan to the end of the season!

Great news

http://www.torquayunited.com/news/artic ... 97290.aspx

IanGull01 wrote:Used to stand by that dugout. Was great hearing managers instructions etc and what it's like to be on the sidelines.

Never forget the day Shaun North and Paul Raynor squared up to each other.

Paul Raynor, a name that makes my blood boil. I'll never forgive him, nor his repulsive fat chum. Both now at Leeds, totally undeserved. If ever there was an example of how unfair life can be, it is Paul Raynor.

Used to stand by that dugout. Was great hearing managers instructions etc and what it's like to be on the sidelines.

Never forget the day Shaun North and Paul Raynor squared up to each other.