Torquay Fans Player of the Season

[Gulliball]

Now that we have a main page, I have posted the full results on there. Click here to see the overview, and then on 2012/13 for the full results from this season: http://www.torquayfans.com/playerawards

For anyone for whom that is too much effort, Aaron Downes won. Just like 12 months ago, it went to the final day to be decided, but Downes outscored Brian Saah to extend his winning margin.

1) Aaron Downes (145)
2) Brian Saah (136)
3) Michael Poke (128)
4) Rene Howe (119)
5) Billy Bodin (79)
6) Joe Oastler (64)
=7) Ryan Jarvis (63)
=7) Lee Mansell (63)
9) Nathan Craig (59)
10) Daniel Leadbitter (46)

On the page there is a comparison of how this compares to the previous two seasons, which is how long this feature has been running. Aaron's 145 points from only 38 starts is actually the highest points per game over a full season, although Guy Branston from 2010/11 still has the highest total.

Also on the page you can see a comparison of the loanees from these seasons. Was Joss Ladabie's brief stay here better than Craig Stanley's impact in 2010/11?

I have put up the usual figures, and tried to think of interesting comparisons for the main page, if you can think of any other stats you would like to see, let me know and I will do my best, I still have all the raw data from the three seasons.

[madgull]

Interesting reading, although a slight bone to pick in that an 'All Time Team' should be the best XI individuals, not repeats of the same player. The section above it with the best scores seems more appropriate for that, in my most humble opinion.

[Gulliball]

I did consider that when drawing it up - the problem with only having three seasons of data is that players will re-appear. I took the highest goalkeeper score, four highest defence scores (Mansell played right back in 2010/11), and six highest attacking scores. We have played 4-4-2, 4-5-1, 4-1-4-1 and a few other formation over the last three years, so I went with the best scores for each area and built them into a side. Next year, someone will have to beat one of these scores to get into the team, which I think is right. I'll have a play aroud and see what the one person team would look like.

[Gulliball]

I have put both teams up now - if you remove the players who qualified twice (Mansell, O'Kane and Howe) then Joe Oastler (2011/12), Craig Stanley and Billy Bodin come in to replace them. Despite coming for a lot of criticism this year, his 79 points has only been bettered by Lee Mansell, Eunan O'Kane (twice) and Chris Zebroski.

Also interesting for Bodin, his 79 points from 40 starts this year (1.98 per game), was higher than his loan spell last year (29 from 15 @ 1.93) and over a longer period too. It's not a perfect measure, but it would appear that Billy has matched his performance levels from last season after signing permanently.

[Scott Brehaut]

I'm sure Billy's biggest fan will have something to say about that later

[AustrianAndyGull]

Indeed, considering how bad Oastler has been all season and yet Billy is just above him then i'd say he has underachieved to put it kindly. No doubt about Downes winning but i'd have had Poke a joint 1st or at least 2nd (if it wasn't down to votes) as if it weren't for him in some of the games i've seen this season we'd have been long gone. Saah in third and Rene for the first half of the season in 4th. I don't really think anyone else deserves a mention, possibly Jarvo and Manse but that's it.

The season is over and i'm expecting a good start from Billy next season under Knill and with no pressure, there are no excuses this time.

[Gulliball]

Oastler was player of the month for September and started the season very well. He also put in high scoring performances right across the season, which kept him in a reasonable position. He scored 20 points fewer than 2011/12 though, so did decline this season.

4 players over 100 points this season was good, but below that was a gap to the rest of the squad. I think that matches what most people would think of the season - Downes, Saah, Poke and Howe did well but the rest of the squad underperformed.

[DevonYellow]

Indeed, considering how bad Oastler has been all season and yet Billy is just above him then i'd say he has underachieved to put it kindly. No doubt about Downes winning but i'd have had Poke a joint 1st or at least 2nd (if it wasn't down to votes) as if it weren't for him in some of the games i've seen this season we'd have been long gone. Saah in third and Rene for the first half of the season in 4th. I don't really think anyone else deserves a mention, possibly Jarvo and Manse but that's it.

The season is over and i'm expecting a good start from Billy next season under Knill and with no pressure, there are no excuses this time.

But by that logic (just finishing above Joe meaning Billy underachieved) we should be getting rid of Mansell and Jarvis who must have had absolute stinkers?

[AustrianAndyGull]

Yeah ok then if you like, not got the energy to argue but i'll only say that i've never said we must keep Mansell and Jarvis at all costs have I? Get rid of them, i don't care. The top 3 players as it stands are the only 3 i'd be seriously upset about if they left. Get rid of Manse and Jarvis then if you like.

[Scott Brehaut]

Or, putting another spin on it, we were rubbish this season and the defence saved us time after time which is reflected in the voting.
Rene did well in a system that meant he was the only goal scorer in the team.
Ironically, upon changing the formation a bit, Rene became more subdued and frustrated, scoring less goals in the process and receiving less votes.

[DevonYellow]

Yeah ok then if you like, not got the energy to argue but i'll only say that i've never said we must keep Mansell and Jarvis at all costs have I? Get rid of them, i don't care. The top 3 players as it stands are the only 3 i'd be seriously upset about if they left. Get rid of Manse and Jarvis then if you like.

Not looking for an argument mate, just think your point was unfair and pointed out, in my opinion, why.

[AustrianAndyGull]

No probs mate, had a really shocking day today and was rude. Sorry.

[DevonYellow]

No worries!

[bobby93]

The season is over and i'm expecting a good start from Billy next season under Knill and with no pressure, there are no excuses this time.

Fairly sure that's a contradiction. How can you expect someone to perform well and then say there's no pressure?


Also, Chris, your stats are as interesting as ever. Thanks for keeping track and working it all out. You do a good job.

[AustrianAndyGull]

I meant in terms of a new season starting without the threat of relegation hanging over him, he has lots of games to prove himself at the start of the season when the pressure is off a bit. That's what i meant.