Torquay United Fans Forum

Not quite sure how to read the comments that Martin Ling made about LRT and Nicholson. As I read it, it would appear ML is saying that we need a different type of player to cover for Kevin Nicholson? - Sorry to be controversial here but should we not have strength in every position as a target as opposed to having players covering for roles that shouldn't be weak in the first place. BTW, this is no disrespect to KN but again this season a large number of goals came from this side of the pitch! Great ambassador for the club and obviously has a great connection with LM but is it a weak spot we can't keep patching?

Similar to last year, it seems Lingy likes to have either top players or cheap young squad-fillers in his squad, never much in between
To be fair, it's probably the best way to build a competitive squad with the budget we have.
So it doesn't surprise me that the likes of LRT and Palmer are off. LRT is somewhere in between these squad roles and Lingy could either spend a little extra than LRT's wage to bring in a 1st team player or a little less on a young bench warmer.
Palmer was obviously on his way when MacKenzie was promoted to the pros. Can't see 3rd and 4th Centre back cover being both these 2. and with MacKenzie no doubt taking up less wages he'll get the nod all day.
In theory, with the extra income from the new stand next year, we should have a higher wage budget and therefore a higher ratio of top players to squad-fillers, or perhaps a better calibre of player amongst the first 11. :scarf:

Any news on Atieno yet? Personally think someone new in is the better option.

Not surprised by this decision, as anyone whose ever had a peek at his twitter page will know, he is not the biggest fan of our part of the world. That said, like others have suggested he may well have been expecting us to offer him something while he took his chance to have a look around to try and get fixed up closer to "home". I think Lingy was half expecting LRT to stall on any new deal and so has therefore struck first by not even making an offer. I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if he ended up at somewhere like Burton Albion (with Billy Kee) and he is one that I think could still have a decent career in the Football League ahead of him - something which is not always the case when you have been released by TUFC!!

Havent seen anything offical. Im sure it was on a fans page sayin a 2 year deal had been offered and on nathan's page he has been given a lot of congratulations

[quote="clemy1989"]according to twitter nathan craig has been given a 2 year deal![/quote]

Nothing official on this yet is there?

i think the writing was on the wall for LRT when it was publicly announced on the OS that he was potentially going. maybe the disappointment/surprise for him is that ultimately it wasn't his decision. maybe he was expecting an offer, and then its down to him to accept or reject. the decision has now been made for him.

always seemed like a good lad, and popular around the place. i personally think he could've offered the cover at left-centre back ML seeks, he's strong, pacey and decent enough in the air, but in Ling we trust. Probably be a good move for all parties to be fair, as I'm sure LRT will get a more regular game elsewhere.

Thanks and good luck LRT.

[quote="SteveDeckchair"]Not sure why LRT is lost for words considering it's been widely reported that he wanted to move on.[/quote]

I don't think it's any secret LRT would rather live closer to his hometown Leicester, but there is reason for him to feel surprised at his release: http://www.torquayunited.com/page/News/0,,10445~2758542,00.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

The key line from Ling is: 'I've told him I want to keep him and there will be some sort of contract offer.' A lot has happened in the last 18 days, and of course ML is well within his rights to reassess contract offers.

Whilst we sympathise with and wish the best of luck to Rowe-Turner and Ed Palmer, it's exciting news to see Nathan Craig has been handed a two-year deal.

Not sure why LRT is lost for words considering it's been widely reported that he wanted to move on.

He's a good backup player who could have made the step up, as per Damon Lathrope. Wrong time, wrong place though and Nicho will be first choice for another couple of years I expect.

We just can't afford to carry someone if it isn't absolutely right for the squad. Ling is correct about needing left back/left centre back rather than left back/left midfield cover. We have seen that most attacking minded players can slot into that wide role.

LRT should have no problems finding a club. I'm sure Luton would be in for him.....

Shame i like LRT but not a massive blow or surprise given we were told a few weeks back he seemed to want a move away. Burton could well be his next move. Big mates with Mr Kee and from that area so would probably suit LRT.

[quote="clemy1989"]Also could LRT confusion be due to the fact lingy has indicated a bigger role for him today. Having seen nicho exposed by mcglashans pace i would consider lining up with LRT against the nippier wingers and Nicho against the more tacticly minded but not so fast paced wingers.[/quote]

No, he has been released: http://www.torquayunited.com/page/News/0,,10445~2779026,00.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Personally, I've always been a fan of LRT, and I thought he served the team really well with his sub appearances.

It'll be rare for a player released by us, but I can see him having a good career in the Football League. Suspect he'll either join Kee at Burton or Martin Allen will sign him for Barnet, having worked with him at both Leicester and Cheltenham.

[quote="clemy1989"]according to twitter nathan craig has been given a 2 year deal![/quote]
:O

Also could LRT confusion be due to the fact lingy has indicated a bigger role for him today. Having seen nicho exposed by mcglashans pace i would consider lining up with LRT against the nippier wingers and Nicho against the more tacticly minded but not so fast paced wingers.

according to twitter nathan craig has been given a 2 year deal!

will end up at Truro or Tiverton something like that