Torquay United Fans Forum

merse btpir wrote: 12 Sep 2017, 06:43 Robbie Herrera seems to agree; saying this on the OS this morning.......

“We have worked a lot on our shape, with and without the ball. More time has been spent on the defence because we have conceded a few [goals]. I think the shape of the team is taking quite nicely. The lads are understanding their roles and responsibilities."

merse btpir wrote: 12 Sep 2017, 06:43 Robbie Herrera seems to agree; saying this on the OS this morning.......

“We have worked a lot on our shape, with and without the ball. More time has been spent on the defence because we have conceded a few [goals]. I think the shape of the team is taking quite nicely. The lads are understanding their roles and responsibilities."

merse btpir wrote: 12 Sep 2017, 05:17 I think ball retention and balance, team shape and the ability to retain possession should take precedence at all times.

merse btpir wrote: 11 Sep 2017, 20:37 Dorel
3: Efete, Gowling, McGinty
1: Dowling
4: Higgins, Gray, Young, Cole
2: Pittman, Keating

Dowling to screen the back three and set up attacks from his deep position. Higgins & Cole to tuck in & defend behind Dowling when required and provide the width and drive forward on the offensive.

I note on the club's official website that this has been said of the JFL performances at the weekend:
“There was lots of positive feedback from the coaches on how the players played the game. They played the ‘Torquay United way’, playing through the three thirds of the pitch, playing out from the back. Overall it was a really positive weekend.”

Did Kevin Nicholson play the 'Torquay United Way' ~ playing through the three thirds of the pitch, playing out from the back? No he bloody didn't!

The club needs a head coach who will adhere to the 'Torquay United Way' just as Boreham Wood do with their limited resources. My son makes his competitive debut for them in the u19 league on Wednesday at the age of 16; I can guarantee you that this team will play in the exact same shape, formation and adherance to the methods laid down by the first team coach because his team has the same coach..........it's as simple as that!

merse btpir wrote: 11 Sep 2017, 21:56 My son has been regarded as a 'number ten' for the past few years; now (at his new club) he is being deployed in the same role that I singled out for Dowling...just opinions.

Bristol_Gull wrote: 11 Sep 2017, 20:20 I'd be interested to know what your optimal line up would be based upon this description with the current squad?

merse btpir wrote: 11 Sep 2017, 20:14 This is precisely it; the person who constructed the squad blatantly couldn't set up a successful team out of it.

Neither would he deviate from a slavish adherence to playing two flat lines of four in front of his goalkeeper; hardly ever put out a balanced side with square pegs in square holes and round pegs in round ones.

The answer to creating width is there for all to see ~ and especially so given the numerous players signed that are unfit for purpose ~ play with three central defenders behind a diamond with wingbacks providing that width. Play the ball into the feet of players like Gray, Pittman and Keating. They are not tall, they are not fast, but they can all get a shot off and threaten goal.

Your pacey direct wide players are Higgins and Cole (& to a certain extent, Howarth) ~ as Martin Ling would say; 'the answer's within the building' ~ but there are none so blind as those who will not see. To be given licence to push forward they need a back line of three behind them.

kevgull wrote: 11 Sep 2017, 19:25 Reid is a very instinctive player and at times he can look very good however if he has to think about his next move, he'll trip over his own laces!