Torquay United Fans Forum

I have always liked Lathrope as a player and as others on this thread have said, I'm sorry to see him go. I somehow don't think he'll be back - he obviously doesn't fit in with Knill's idea of a midfield player. In Martin Ling's first season, there were several players who were in with a chance of Player of the Season and I thought Lathroope was one of them. Last season, he picked up an injury early on which kept him out of the side for a number of weeks. Good luck, Damon

nickbrod wrote:Not really a surprise, apart from which club he's joined, as he's clearly out of favour especially as we only need two midfield players at a time!

Knill can only count to two!

Sunny, if a player is not given a chance to play in a L2 team, then the likelihood is that he would not get another contract in L2 after his current one finishes. This is the harsh reality. If Craig continues to get as far as being on the match-day squad and not playing at all, then after his contract finishes (the coming summer), he would probably end up in the conference or maybe back in Wales. Nobody would sign a reserve player from a team which is struggling for safety in the division (like we are currently). Having said that, do you think that Craig is not good enough for L2?
As for Damon and Stevens, they were both very close to promotion to L1 twice and this must be an indication that they are good enough for that L2. Now you see where both of them would (or have already) end.
My opinion is that if a player can score loads of goals in amateur football, then he can do it in L2 as well. You can look at Ryan Bird from Pompey, or Conor Washington from Newport (a postman an year ago). Ash is in the same category for me, and he has not been given a real chance to shine. You would not find a lot of Torquay fans who would tell you that Ash is not good enough. Following the match reports from last year, all the coments were positive on his performances.
And even if he is not good enough, then why was he given a new contract? Knill had more than enough time to look at him and decide. There is no way his quality from the end of last season has fallen so dramatically in Knill's eyes so that he has only been on the bench once this season and has ended up playing at Bideford. Why spend money on wages for a player who does not even get to the bench? This, along with some other facts which I have stated in other threads makes me and loads of other people think that Alan Knill is not entirely clear on what is he doing...
I think you are the one who needs to get realistic...

MH91 wrote:I feel it is a shame that decent players like Damon, Craig, Yeoman and Stevens (some might not agree with me about him) have already or will lose their professional footballer status at the end of the season, because of an clearly incompetent manager who does not know what he is doing. In which world is Harding any better than Damon?

Get real. If the players were good enough to be "professional" footballers, they wouldnt be looking at losing their "status" (though isnt the BSP all professional now?).
Other clubs would be signing them if they were good enough to be starters in the FL.

Ash (much as I like him) has now played under 3 managers. Presumably they're all "clearly incompetent managers" as none seem to feel he's starting quality? Is it perhaps telling that he's on loan at Bideford instead of a Blue Square club?
Much as I also liked Danny, he hasnt exactly been inundated with offers which should tell you something.
Damo's probably a bit unlucky in that he seems to fit a particular system (ie. sitting in front of the back 4 as a shield) though that system clearly broke down last season without the talent and vision of Eunan.

I wish Damon all the best. Never his biggest fan but no doubt a major factor in the development of Eunan O'Kane and some of the fee received for him was down to Damon providing him the opportunity of the free role and playmaker.

Totally agree. Damon is twice the player Harding is. Knill's judgement otherwise, mmmmmmm..... Very odd!

If we get fee, it won't be from Hereford. Take a look at the second forum link posted above. You don't need any prior knowledge, just a three figure IQ (don't worry Hec, your carer will be around soon, ask her to do it for you :devil: )

Matt.

I think it's a good signing for Hereford - i actually rate him though and hope this doesn't turn into a permanent deal. He's hard working and solid enough - if not a stand out player and hes a good option to have if we ever decide to go back to a 3 in CM

Not to sure if this is good business for us - would we get a fee if he was sold in January? More likely to have his loan extended until his contract is up in the summer then go for nothing ...

I feel it is a shame that decent players like Damon, Craig, Yeoman and Stevens (some might not agree with me about him) have already or will lose their professional footballer status at the end of the season, because of an clearly incompetent manager who does not know what he is doing. In which world is Harding any better than Damon?

Interesting from Hereford forum.

http://unofficialbulls.proboards.com/th ... ns-on-loan

http://unofficialbulls.proboards.com/th ... ns-on-loan

Not to sure this will end a permanent to move, judging by these threads.

Played tonight, booked in a 2-2 draw with Chester. Leadbitter also played.

There's a thought, could we get Hockers back?

Matt.

Good luck to him. I thought Lathrope was one of players of the season during Ling's first year. I think he played that holding, Matt Hockley role really well.

It's a shame we don't put Knill out on loan as we've not got the Brass to pay him!

forevertufc wrote:I just checked the O/S to make sure you weren't being naughty Dave, Good move for all parties.

As if the thought would ever cross my mind