Torquay United Fans Forum

Been doing some mulling! Does anyone else feel that having strong, vocal and animated leadership on the side of the pitch can actually harm the team. If you want strong leaders on the pitch, encourage it and then trust them to get on with it. For sure, encouragement and maybe tactical advise from time to time. But a constant barrage from the side could be counter productive. No-ones able to take accountability. I think letting them get on with it themselves a bit more would create a stronger more resilient unit, especially in the long run. If they're being shouted at constantly, just tells me the manager has zero confidence in them. Balance is crucial. A strong touchline presence to guide, but allowing players space to lead could cultivate a more robust, cohesive unit. Just thoughts.

Very late to the party on this one. I was wondering, those interviews that the manager has to do straight after a game, can't be easy. Emotions running high. Given a day of reflection, the interview might be quite different. I also wonder whether having a game on Tuesday with a depleted squad was on his mind re. subs? Something that did trouble me, please correct if I'm wrong, that some fans were angry after the game. That's a strange emotion. Frustrated, disappointed.. both of those. Angry? Just struck me as a bit odd. One thing I think we can probably all agree on is that no one hurts more than the manager and players when they lose in that way. But it happens. On reflection, perhaps that was one of the games the manager might have chosen to take a bit of the blame than just sticking it on the players. Win together, lose together. Just thoughts. ps. I heard the first half performance was as good as any away game this season.

I’ve been wondering how the lads feel playing on those astro pitches away from home. Sure, they train on one, but a full match is a whole different ball game! The bounce, the pace, the ability to turn... and let’s not forget the risk of injury! It certainly feels like a massive home advantage for teams with those fancy pitches. Ironically, it's not a level playing field. Best avoided in a play off me thinks.

And yes, I know, it’s swings and roundabouts! We’ve got a huge ace up our sleeve with our home support. We play with 12, just don’t tell anyone.

Apologies for repeating myself, but I think it’s worth reminding ourselves from time to time that most of these lads aren't exactly rolling in cash. After the Maidstone loss, I can’t imagine any of our players trying to lift their spirits on the coach home, like some league players might do, by scrolling through the latest Mercedes online catalogue, choosing which chrome accessory would look best on their blacked-out G-Wagons. More likely, the only accessory our boys are contemplating is an extra topping on a Domino’s Margherita! Let’s be kind regardless of the result. They're a good bunch of honest lads who represent the club brilliantly. When I read or listen to some of the macro analysis stuff on YouTube by ‘experts’, I feel the expectation is more in line with prem players.

As for the league title, I’m convinced we’re going to snatch it, even if we have to do it the hard way. This team has the spirit, fight, and quality to make it happen. 3-0 on the weekend, the run starts here!

ps. Wishing a speedy recovery to the lads who got niggles!

Roman Gull wrote: 27 Jan 2025, 10:38 TALKING POINTS REVIEW by Rob Dand

https://torquaytalk.com/2025/01/27/talk ... -rob-dand/

Are you suggesting that for the goal, our right back should have been closing down their left back when he's hoofing the diagonal ball over the top (not threaded) from his own half? Seemed to me that our right back, who was covering their left winger when the diagonal was made, was exactly where he should have been? At least the two players in question have the confidence in knowing that you want them replaced sooner rather than later.

What a great spectacle! A match that will undoubtedly keep the turnstiles turning. A quality finish and top draw goalkeeping from the visitors ultimately denied us the victory (in my opinion). Despite the loss, it feels like the team's heading in the right direction; showcasing some great team play; creating chances throughout the entire 90 minutes; and demonstrating good squad strength.

One of the highlights for me? Hearing our manager afterwards praising the team. That level of respect and acknowledgment is refreshing, and it will resonate with the players and hopefully the fans. There's more than one way you can get players to run through brick walls for you. I’ve got a lot of time for that. Excited for what this team can do.

In my opinion there's no doubt that this group of players has what it takes to secure promotion. They have the ability and between them have created more than enough opportunities to put games to bed. Missed opportunities for more points along the way? For sure. A bit of inexperience demonstrated here and there? That too. But what I don't subscribe to is the idea that simply replacing players is the solution. Let’s focus on developing the talent we already have. Let's lift them up. At the very least that should be part of the business model. Develop players so that they can be sold on at a profit.

And here's just a thought, if you shout at anyone long enough and loud enough, they'll eventually stop listening. Football in the lower leagues seems to have been left back in the dark ages when it comes to this. At the end of the day, these players are real people, many of whom (not all) will be earning minimum wage, where win bonuses help stop them dipping into the red at the end of each month. Draws and losses hurt them in more ways than just feeling disappointed. The naming and shaming players, is a poor show. It's trolling. I don't see how it helps? And I include the club 'experts' on many occasions in this regard. I genuinely believe every player we have is going out there to give their all and do their best for the club.

We have good enough players, the right manager, and excellent owners. All's well and the lads are learning and are going to smash it coming into the business end of the season.

Ps maybe forums just aren't for me!

Win together, lose together...always. Regardless of how bad the performance. Creates a long term culture that's for the greater good, on and off the pitch. Wotton's got this, incredible player pedigree and is developing into a great manager. But this is still very early days and both the team and manager need time. Big disappointment on the weekend (congrats to Bishop's Cleeve and best of luck to them in next round) and I'm sure the players are really feeling it. Zero point in beating them up and naming individuals. They'll be their own worst critics. Going to be a big job lifting them up. Who's up for some heavy lifting on the weekend?