Torquay United Fans Forum

Can't disagree with anything you've posted Hector, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. I think most of us had settled for a mid-table 'consolidation' season and up until about Christmas, things were ticking along okay-ish. Many games were forgetable but we looked capable of a top half (about 10th) place. Then the wheels came off. The team should have been strengthened in January but this coincided with Ling's illness and so nothing happened. As you say, the last three months have been disastrous. However, I don't know why, but I think Alan Knill will drag us through to fight again in the league next season. Lessons must be learnt from what has happened this year. I see your favourite player is Jim McNichol, Hector. Let's hope there's a police dog on duty for the Bristol Rovers game ..... !

For me, unlike last season when there were several contenders, this season there are just three - Downes, Saah and Poke. Up until his last two nightmare games, Downes would have been my choice but I shall be voting for BRIAN SAAH - he has been pretty solid all season.

Whatever the team for the remaining four games, whether it's Poke in goal or Martin Rice, we as fans have got to get behind the team. I don't share the view that it is inevitable that we will lose at Gillingham. I do have concerns about the Barnet game, though. They are not conceding many goals so I am expecting it to be one of those horrible tight edgy games with few chances. Five points would see us safe - a win and two draws. It's not over until the fat lady sings ..... so let's keep believing !!

Agree with much of Brucie's posting .... except for the inclusion of Billy Bodin in the team. He was unbelievably poor yesterday - poor ball control, putting team-mates under pressure with suicidal short passes and not challenging for the ball. We're in a dog fight and don't need show ponies as Bodin has been all season. In my opinion, he deserves to be dropped from the squad completely. Does anyone know what has happened to Ian Morris? Before his injury, I thought he was playing okay. I'd certainly have him in the squad ahead of Bodin.

Angus McDonald has got a bright future ahead of him and I'd like to see us sign him at the end of the season if possible. But Aaron Downes for me has been player of the season and we need his experience for these last five vital games - besides which, he's always likely to come up with a goal or two from set pieces. As for yesterday, I think much credit has to given to Bradford - they looked a very good side which maybe made us look worse than we were? Playing with 10 men plus Bodin didn't do anything to help our chances.

Okay Josh - just a couple of bits under the Torquay United section. (i) You don't need an apostrophe in player's and (ii) you need to add Martin Ling's name after manager. The other bit you've got wrong is that we aint going down ! I reckon it will be Dagenham and Aldershot. York weren't a bad side when they visited Plainmoor recently and they've had a good Easter (four points). Otherwise a very good summary - good luck with your football journalism. Oh, by the way - pleased you think Barnet will stay up (I also think they will) because we always beat your lot as you will know !!!

Joss Labadie
Tom Cruise
Yeah - that's it from me too

Brian Saah
Ryan Jarvis
Angus McDonald
Lee Mansell
Michael Poke

Great team effort today on a gluepot of a pitch. Is Tom Cruise suspended for one or three games? Along with Labadie and Chappell, he has made a big difference to the team.

All three of our bookings tonight were unwarranted. The referee did his level best to spoil a good game. Alan Knill is turning the ship around and the loan signings of Labadie and Chappell have been immense. Don't quite understand why Morris appears to be out in the cold, but I suspect Knill is putting his faith in experienced players for the dog-fight we are in, hence Yeoman, Thompson and McKenzie not being included, although McKenzie is hopefully getting good match experience at Taunton. Difficult call re McDonald or Downes for Saturday. For me, Aaron Downes has been our player of the season with Brian Saah a very close second, but Angus played well tonight and had a good game at Southend from all reports. I think Knill will again go for experience but if there's any chance of making Angus' move permanent at the end of the season, I hope we sign him.

I think 50 points will see us okay but it might well come down to goal difference. For once in the club's history, goal difference could be on our side. I just hope it doesn't go down to the last game of the season against Bristol Rovers. Don't think my old ticker would stand that !

Joss Labadie
Brian Saah
Angus McDonald
Jordan Chappell
Thomas Cruise

Difficult to pick out five players. It was a great team effort with players playing for each other.

Brian Saah
Ryan Jarvis
Elliott Benyon
Kevin Nicholson
Rene Howe

I'm going to be positive. I think we've got enough about us to get out of the mire and that we will still be in Div 2 next season. As much as I dislike Plymouth, I wouldn't like to see them go out of the league but I think they have played more home games than all of the teams around them so their position is precarious. York, like us, are in freefall and along with Aldershot, have played one more game. I'll predict Accrington and Wimbledon but like Andy, I would shed no tears if it was Barnet and Wimbledon! Ask again at the end of March !

Agree with posts on here that say we don't need to bring in lots of loan signings but sorry, MidDevon, cannot agree that Ryan Jarvis is a suitable replacement for Rene Howe if he is suspended/injured. When did Jarvis last score, or even threaten to score? An experienced striker would be good but I suspect there aren't many free scoring strikers available for loan! As for the left back position, I'd like to see Tom Cruise given a game or two, but not sure Saturday's game against the Vale is the game to play him. He was well regarded at Arsenal before he picked up that dreadful injury. What the team needs is a bit of belief and confidence to be restored - we know what the players are capable of.

Excellent post re Saturday's game, Andy. Hadn't realised that Lee Hughes is now at Port Vale. On the basis that we always (well, usually) play better against the top teams, I'm hoping for a draw. Maybe Tom Pope will have an off day ...... !