Torquay United Fans Forum

GoodringtonGull wrote: 17 Apr 2019, 14:57 I like Andrews alot, and to some this may seem harsh, but I honestly think we can secure someone better on a permanent deal. Yes he's scored 11 and assisted a handful as well,

Scored 12 and assisted 13.

Rjc70 wrote: 17 Apr 2019, 21:21Whilst Janneh is young at 19, I would think Bristol City would be sending him higher up the pyramid. I really think he could have a very good career well above National League level and they should be looking at him as a potential soon to be Championship player already.

Good luck to him on his recall to Bristol City. Johnson quoted on Devon Live as follows:-

“He nearly went back in January, but they agreed for him to stay here," he said. He's been a great servant to us, and we are thankful that we were allowed to play a part in his development. They want to keep him around in case they need him for the Play-Offs in the Championship. They know he is going to be a top player, and we know it too."

Thanks Saikou for your contribution. We’ve enjoyed watching you.

CLE (22) will be playing League football next year, I feel sure. Wales and Bristol City must both want that as part of his development.

I would say Edwards (19) and Andrews (21) are the two most likely to be here. Possibly Andrews on a permanent after release? I’ve no idea on his contract position presently. I think Andrews would be a very decent acquisition, myself, although I’m sure he will have his sights set higher right now. Both would benefit from Johnson’s management and improve if here.

Whilst Janneh is young at 19, I would think Bristol City would be sending him higher up the pyramid. I really think he could have a very good career well above National League level and they should be looking at him as a potential soon to be Championship player already. I would expect Duku is in the box seat to replace him, if so. But he has another year left on his Cheltenham deal presently.

I think Dickson already had a deal to the end of next season, hence not being offered a new one this year.
Not sure about Duku, his CV stinks of a player with problems, when he plays he seems to do well but he has been let go by far too may clubs for my liking.
I'd love to see all the Bristol lads back but would be surprised if we got CLE or Janneh, I expect to see both of them in the League somewhere next year.

In Johnson we trust, and in Johnson I have the utmost faith that he will do his level best to have us competing at the top for back to back promotion.

It's fairly evident that next season will be a challenge - just have a look at the clubs who will be playing in the NL next year, as well as some potential clubs joining. Notts County, Yeovil, Stockport, Woking etc.

BUT... there's no reason why us Gulls supporters cant remain optimistic after the fantastic campaign we've had. Gary Johnson is a fantastic manager, and the players already signed for next year is a great start. If we can secure a couple more City loanees plus a few more experienced heads then theres no reason why a top-half/play off position wouldn't be on the cards.

I'd love to see Janneh and CLE come back. For me they've been outstanding and played major roles for us this season. I like Andrews alot, and to some this may seem harsh, but I honestly think we can secure someone better on a permanent deal. Yes he's scored 11 and assisted a handful as well, but in the more important matches, i.e Bath away, he doesn't seem to face up that well to pressure - yet seems to thrive in the less important matches when we win big against sides like Oxford C, Hemel etc. He's a talented lad, but he's got a bit of maturing to do before he can step up another gear.

For me, I'd love to see us sign someone like Manny Duku or Tshimanga from Oxford City. Two excellent strikers at NL level and would thrive under Johnson here at Torquay.

Does anyone know whats happening about Ryan Dickson next season? has he re-signed or will we have to wait and see whether he's going to be offered a new deal?

Next year is going to be one hell of a season, and I'd love to see Torquay go on and secure another promotion! But, like most Torquay fans, it's all about baby steps - and I'd happily take survival if you offered it to me haha!

Come on you Yellows!

Culmstock, there's 24 teams in the National league premier, unless you know if 2 teams who have zero ambition to make the FL.

We had no choice but to build a new grandstand, it was that or have a three-sided ground as it the old one was going to be condemned.

It is far too early to make an accurate prediction on our chances for next season, it depends on so much, not least what acquisitions, and of what quality are made in the close season. We need at least six additional players, not only for the first team but also to make the squad far more competitive. The national league improves year on year in terms of quality and their ability to attract players who logically should be playing in division two and higher. We will be one of twenty two teams whose sole ambition is to make it back into the league, yes ,we have the ground but that counts for very little, I have no doubt that building Bristows cost us our position in the league. Instead,we should have spent the money on the team, success on the field is everything, look at our attendances this season , they dwarf those of our last season in the national, you can build a ground on the back of on field success, the other way round is madness.

tomogull wrote: 15 Apr 2019, 23:44 Yeah ..... but Havant & Waterlooville and Braintree also got promoted, and they're both going to be relegated!!

True, but neither of them have the set up, reputation or history we have. Nor to Harrogate. Salford slightly different now but I think we will do well with GJ at the helm.

I'm fairly optimistic about next season - lets be honest we've steamrolled this league, clinching promotion with three games to go after we'd given teams a 10 match headstart. Add to that we will have a settled squad with a good core already signed up which is a huge advantage and given Johnson's contacts and ability I'm pretty confident he'll add well.

I'd be surprised to see either Evans or Andrews back on loan - they are really at an age now where they need to show they cut it at league standard, although if one or the other were to be released, its not impossible they'd sign. Edwards and Janneh are younger so I think there is a higher chance they could return.

We have the nucleus of a championship winning side to start next season (first mover advantage over many of the NL clubs) and it would not surprise me to see the Bristol Boys back for another season. The addition of a few choice players are required to strengthen the squad but the winning mentality under the 'Johnson Way' is a good omen for a promotion push next season.

As for funding of our club? I'm thankful, but still can't dismiss the fact that if I could buy the club (by default) for the price of a terraced house and loaned TU a million quid which the bank loaned to me (based on a letter of intent from the Mayor that I would be given council land worth 10 times that value to build house on) .... then I might even consider having a go at running the football club. Why not! None of the funding is my money. The only issue being 'I like football!'

Whydoibother wrote: 15 Apr 2019, 16:36 It all depends what players the manager brings in as despite not conceding much in the South if we defend like that again wont get away like we have done by scoring more. We have the basis of a good squad and interested to see who we are going to bring in

I don't agree with you re our defence. Yes - we have looked vulnerable at times, but I think that is more to do with the 'exciting to watch' football Gary Johnson likes to play. He likes to push players forward and therefore at times we do get caught out. It is similar to the style that Liverpool and Man City play. At the beginning of the season when Man City were leaking goals, Pep Guardiola was asked about the City defence. He said "I don't mind if we concede 2 goals, as long as we score three". I think that's GJ's philosophy and it has led to watchable football which has brought the fans back.

Wivel - I think the days of 'enforcers' like Colin Bettany (and the late Tommy Smith) are over. One hefty challenge nowadays and you're booked. But I do agree that maybe we need more of a 'presence' in midfield. Good to see that the Seasiders (Whitby Town) have had a better season, well away from relegation worries.

I haven't seen it, but if uncle Clarke is willing to put his money where his mouth is to fund another promotion push ( despite us all wondering what his main goals are ) then I say we have to back him too, if things do start to go tits up next season let's ALL get behind the boys & GJ, none of the dropping off of gates to the 1300/1400 mark, the only way we'll get back to the FL is by all of us sticking together, we have a good base of a squad and with a few experienced but still hungry additions we can be up there, & let's hope Gary's son Lee can continue with the good work at Bristol City as it can only benefit us that he does.
We've shown uncle Clarke that if there is a winning entertaining side representing TUFC we will turn up in numbers, we have a fantastic enthusiasm that needs milking & I for one haven't tired of telling anyone who'll listen, or even those who won't, that they need to get back on the train to destination Football League. I know of approx 15 people who have stayed true to their values & not turned up this season for various reasons, but just lately a spark has been ignited in them & lo & behold some are coming on monday, glory hunters ? Yes may be they are, I say welcome back guys enjoy the party & show us you care next season by turning up regularly.
It seems to me we care a properly run football club now, it's taken time & some likeable but somewhat naive characters to get to this point. There is a reason uncle Clarke is a successful business man but at this moment in time I'm thankful he's funding our club to the tune he is, maybe in the future I'll regret it but right now we have an advantage with the set up we have.

Don't think Gary Johnson does consolidation
He will have us right up there don't worry
He wouldn't have re signed them all in January if he didn't think they were good enough so he is not expecting them to be 'nowhere near the play offs and lower mid table ' Regarding Asa Hall , hardly a step too far, he is 32 and it's the National League not League Two, and I think Hargreaves was 37 at the time, bit of a difference

A play off spot is a possibility but for the first season back I would settle for a top ten finish.