I agree with TauntonGull in that Cruise and particularly Tonge are the weak spots. Tonge was awful in the first half and I'm not convinced that Thompson can be converted to a right-back.
Hargreaves obviously thought Cruise wasn't up to it last season and he's clearly not any better now, so I'd be surprised if he's offered anything.
Ajala was good again and would be an excellent addition, particularly if Chapell leaves. Not impressed by Baker-Richardson on the other wing.
If I was Hargreaves I'd also try to shift Harding to make room for another holding midfielder to play alongside Young. The full-back positions are definitely the priority though.
Pre Season Friendly: Torquay v Walsall
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arcadia
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A good performance Rice had nothing to do first half the back four were never tested the mid-field Ajala and Young stood out Harding did ok
Chapell not as bright as the others and Bowman and Yeoman looked good together.
The second half was a little disjointed Keeper made a couple of good saves to his left but I would like to see how strong he is on the right as he was not stopping much on the right in the warm up Tuesday night but looked promising. Levi did nothing for me to change my mind he did ok without going over the top. The young lad, I will have to find out his name took time to get going but the experience of playing today must have done him good, a little weak only to be expected. Richards ok, Benyon ?
Hargreaves went away the happier manager.
I don't know the standard but I think we will do ok and if we win the first couple of games and confidence is high we will finish high up the league.
Chapell not as bright as the others and Bowman and Yeoman looked good together.
The second half was a little disjointed Keeper made a couple of good saves to his left but I would like to see how strong he is on the right as he was not stopping much on the right in the warm up Tuesday night but looked promising. Levi did nothing for me to change my mind he did ok without going over the top. The young lad, I will have to find out his name took time to get going but the experience of playing today must have done him good, a little weak only to be expected. Richards ok, Benyon ?
Hargreaves went away the happier manager.
I don't know the standard but I think we will do ok and if we win the first couple of games and confidence is high we will finish high up the league.
Last edited by arcadia on 19 Jul 2014, 18:09, edited 1 time in total.
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Colorado Gull
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A fantastic first half, we were all over Walsall and I think the players should be very proud of themselves today. I wasn't impressed with Seabright, Sully, Benyon, Hutchings, Thompson (on the right wing? That isn't his best position) and DEFINITELY NOT Courtney Baker-Richardson. He is absolutely atrocious, someone show him the door. Tonge, Cruise and Ives were okay, but nothing better than that. Not convinced we are that strong at the full back position on either side of the pitch. The new signing Richards didn't do much when he came on, not sure why we have signed him in front of Ajala! He is superb, different class, if we haven't shoved a contract in his face as soon as he came of that pitch, then someone will snatch him up (i.e. Walsall!). Rumours going around that a club is after Cameron, so that's even more of a reason to sign Ajala! Hargreaves, do it now!
Ricey didn't have a lot to do. McDonald worked very well alongside Downes who was solid as ever. Chappell didn't look interested, he doesn't want to be here but he doesn't have much choice. Jordan did okay at times, but that was about it. Harding was fantastic. Young played very well as well in the middle of the park. Bowman was brilliant, played really well alongside Yeoman as well. Two good goals.
Overall, very pleased and I think we have a good looking side. If we can keep Cameron, then I think we can do some damage this season (as long as we sign Ajala!). Some work needs to be done at full back position, but I think we'll do okay there.
Ricey didn't have a lot to do. McDonald worked very well alongside Downes who was solid as ever. Chappell didn't look interested, he doesn't want to be here but he doesn't have much choice. Jordan did okay at times, but that was about it. Harding was fantastic. Young played very well as well in the middle of the park. Bowman was brilliant, played really well alongside Yeoman as well. Two good goals.
Overall, very pleased and I think we have a good looking side. If we can keep Cameron, then I think we can do some damage this season (as long as we sign Ajala!). Some work needs to be done at full back position, but I think we'll do okay there.
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arcadia
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McDonald,Ajala,Levi,Richards,Bowman,Young look good additions but it's not rocket science that the fullback positions need sorting out Thompson is not the answer on the right but time is on his side Tonge is to inconsistent and Cruise should stick to film making. Levi will get better and I think could command a place there, but we need a left back who will provide competition for Levi.
If we can get off to a good start by winning the first two games I think we will do well. The confidence issue is a big thing with a young side but lets go for it!
If we can get off to a good start by winning the first two games I think we will do well. The confidence issue is a big thing with a young side but lets go for it!
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ferrarilover
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dannyrvtufc4life wrote:A fantastic first half, we were all over Walsall and I think the players should be very proud of themselves today. I wasn't impressed with Seabright, Sully, Benyon, Hutchings, Thompson (on the right wing? That isn't his best position) and DEFINITELY NOT Courtney Baker-Richardson. He is absolutely atrocious, someone show him the door. Tonge, Cruise and Ives were okay, but nothing better than that. Not convinced we are that strong at the full back position on either side of the pitch. The new signing Richards didn't do much when he came on, not sure why we have signed him in front of Ajala! He is superb, different class, if we haven't shoved a contract in his face as soon as he came of that pitch, then someone will snatch him up (i.e. Walsall!). Rumours going around that a club is after Cameron, so that's even more of a reason to sign Ajala! Hargreaves, do it now!
Ricey didn't have a lot to do. McDonald worked very well alongside Downes who was solid as ever. Chappell didn't look interested, he doesn't want to be here but he doesn't have much choice. Jordan did okay at times, but that was about it. Harding was fantastic. Young played very well as well in the middle of the park. Bowman was brilliant, played really well alongside Yeoman as well. Two good goals.
Overall, very pleased and I think we have a good looking side. If we can keep Cameron, then I think we can do some damage this season (as long as we sign Ajala!). Some work needs to be done at full back position, but I think we'll do okay there.
Matt.
*that's the only clue you're getting (or should need).
J5 said, "ferrarilover is 100% correct"
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ferrarilover
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First half side, unplayable. I don't buy that Walsall weren't trying very hard, it's that they weren't allowed the time, space or possession to do anything except chase our lot all over the park.
Today reinforced my view that our first choice XI and maybe three subs are top quality and should be more than merely competitive in the Conference. Unfortunately, it also confirms that, below the surface is still a festering pile of shite. Benyon, for example, is just incompetent. As Forever Dave's boy said to me during conversation, he brings nothing to us that we can't already get, better, from another member of the squad. Time to let him go, if we can. I remain convinced that Hawley will never kick a ball for us again. The management weren't displeased with Crtuise today, which distresses me since I think he was bloody terrible.
Being glared at, time to go.
Matt.
Today reinforced my view that our first choice XI and maybe three subs are top quality and should be more than merely competitive in the Conference. Unfortunately, it also confirms that, below the surface is still a festering pile of shite. Benyon, for example, is just incompetent. As Forever Dave's boy said to me during conversation, he brings nothing to us that we can't already get, better, from another member of the squad. Time to let him go, if we can. I remain convinced that Hawley will never kick a ball for us again. The management weren't displeased with Crtuise today, which distresses me since I think he was bloody terrible.
Being glared at, time to go.
Matt.
J5 said, "ferrarilover is 100% correct"
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CP Gull
Thoroughly enjoyed that, sat in the bench with the sun shining!
I thought we were very good, especially first half. Understandably, we were hanging on a bit in the last 20 minutes but by that stage we had pretty much changed the whole team with only the excellent Ajala and the impressive MacDonald getting the full 90. We finished the game with Benyon the only player on the pitch who was over the age of 22!!!
Really hope we sign Ajala as he was again instrumental in both goals and also worked tirelessly up and down the wing, winning possession back on loads of occasions. Likewise, I also thought Chapell did a very good job on the other wing and I certainly didn't see any lack of desire there.
I think this squad is beginning to show signs of potential. I have been impressed with all the new signings at one time or another. I think in particular that Bowman, Young, MacDonald and Ajala have shown some real quality, as indeed have Briscoe and Richards. When you add that lot into a squad that already has the likes of Pearce, Downes, Cameron, Chapell, Yeoman and Harding (who I thought was very impressive today) then I think there are real grounds for optimism.
As others have stated, the full back positions continue to give me some concern. Unfortunately Dale Tonge had a real stinker today, constantly giving the ball away cheaply and having to foul his winger to stop him getting away from him ... and on the other flank Cruise just doesn't seem much better either. As things stand, If it was me I would have young Ives pencilled in to start the first League game as I think he is the best we have got.
I hope we don't miss out on Ajala as I think this lad could be sensational in this team and with the type of football we are trying to play. Likewise I am also confident, more than I have been for a few seasons, that there are goals in this team as all the forward players look capable of scoring, including the midfield, and I am sure that Pearce and Downes will weigh in with a few too in the Conference. For all the failings of our strikers last season, our lack of goals wasn't helped by the fact that we got very little from the midfield either with the likes of Mansell, Lathrope, Bodin et al failing miserably in front of goal.
I thought we were very good, especially first half. Understandably, we were hanging on a bit in the last 20 minutes but by that stage we had pretty much changed the whole team with only the excellent Ajala and the impressive MacDonald getting the full 90. We finished the game with Benyon the only player on the pitch who was over the age of 22!!!
Really hope we sign Ajala as he was again instrumental in both goals and also worked tirelessly up and down the wing, winning possession back on loads of occasions. Likewise, I also thought Chapell did a very good job on the other wing and I certainly didn't see any lack of desire there.
I think this squad is beginning to show signs of potential. I have been impressed with all the new signings at one time or another. I think in particular that Bowman, Young, MacDonald and Ajala have shown some real quality, as indeed have Briscoe and Richards. When you add that lot into a squad that already has the likes of Pearce, Downes, Cameron, Chapell, Yeoman and Harding (who I thought was very impressive today) then I think there are real grounds for optimism.
As others have stated, the full back positions continue to give me some concern. Unfortunately Dale Tonge had a real stinker today, constantly giving the ball away cheaply and having to foul his winger to stop him getting away from him ... and on the other flank Cruise just doesn't seem much better either. As things stand, If it was me I would have young Ives pencilled in to start the first League game as I think he is the best we have got.
I hope we don't miss out on Ajala as I think this lad could be sensational in this team and with the type of football we are trying to play. Likewise I am also confident, more than I have been for a few seasons, that there are goals in this team as all the forward players look capable of scoring, including the midfield, and I am sure that Pearce and Downes will weigh in with a few too in the Conference. For all the failings of our strikers last season, our lack of goals wasn't helped by the fact that we got very little from the midfield either with the likes of Mansell, Lathrope, Bodin et al failing miserably in front of goal.
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ferrarilover
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Question:
Is there room in this team for Bodin?
Matt.
Is there room in this team for Bodin?
Matt.
J5 said, "ferrarilover is 100% correct"
Got up at 2.30 from my post n/shift slumber and made a snap decision to go to the game today along with my lad, really glad I went, got a chance to see the style of play the team are developing, especially in the first half, and my first chance to see some of our new players, disappointed I didn't get to see Briscoe though, but hey, I can wait. Nice to catch up with ferrarilover and Diamond in the second half, hope I didn't distract you to much from the game 
As for the new players and trialists. Ajala yes, yes please looks a quality player, hard working player, looks dangerous, has a pass on him as well, the second goal may have scored by Bowman, but the goal was all about Ajala, tracked back, nicked the ball of his man, and created the chance for Bowman.
Bowman, why, oh why couldn't we have had him or someone like him last term, the margins of our relegation, taking into account how many games we lost 1.0 were fine, he could have made all the difference, seen the comparisons with Tim Sills, but to me his goal sets him apart from TS , ball on the deck, little burst of pace took him clear of the defender and cool prodded finish in the opposite bottom corner.
Luke Young, sorry to disappoint the fans of Nathan Craig, but LY looks to be everything NC wasn't as a player, LY looks well capable of taking care of the ugly defensive side of midfield, and his passing by and large on the money and purposeful, unlike NC who had a habit of playing blind balls into attacking areas in hope more than anything, yep the lad looks like a top draw signing.
To be fair didn't really see enough of the others to pass comment, I agree with some of sentiment above, full backs we still look hopelessly weak in this area, and the difference between what maybe close to our starting 11 in the first half and reserves in the second was noticeable, but TUFC lacking strength in depth is nothing new.
Final word on Ben Harding, I know he is widely unpopular amongst our support, but to me we must see the woods from the tree's here , thought he had a decent game today, and we seem to lose all control of the midfield after he went off, Harding has good conference experience, if there room in the budget to keep him, I seriously would.
As for the new players and trialists. Ajala yes, yes please looks a quality player, hard working player, looks dangerous, has a pass on him as well, the second goal may have scored by Bowman, but the goal was all about Ajala, tracked back, nicked the ball of his man, and created the chance for Bowman.
Bowman, why, oh why couldn't we have had him or someone like him last term, the margins of our relegation, taking into account how many games we lost 1.0 were fine, he could have made all the difference, seen the comparisons with Tim Sills, but to me his goal sets him apart from TS , ball on the deck, little burst of pace took him clear of the defender and cool prodded finish in the opposite bottom corner.
Luke Young, sorry to disappoint the fans of Nathan Craig, but LY looks to be everything NC wasn't as a player, LY looks well capable of taking care of the ugly defensive side of midfield, and his passing by and large on the money and purposeful, unlike NC who had a habit of playing blind balls into attacking areas in hope more than anything, yep the lad looks like a top draw signing.
To be fair didn't really see enough of the others to pass comment, I agree with some of sentiment above, full backs we still look hopelessly weak in this area, and the difference between what maybe close to our starting 11 in the first half and reserves in the second was noticeable, but TUFC lacking strength in depth is nothing new.
Final word on Ben Harding, I know he is widely unpopular amongst our support, but to me we must see the woods from the tree's here , thought he had a decent game today, and we seem to lose all control of the midfield after he went off, Harding has good conference experience, if there room in the budget to keep him, I seriously would.
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portugull
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A very entertaining game. We made Walsall look really average.Rice hardly saw the ball in the first half.
Ryan Bowman is an inspired signing.At last we have a tall, powerful, quick striker with a huge competitive desire.
Tony Ajala is very skillful. I loved the way he encouraged young Sam Chaney near the end of the match. CH has got the team playing with pace and above all absolute commitment.Luke Young excellent.
Downes was at his best today.Chappell was interested for sure and I think he is good at this level and will score his share of goals.
We pressed Walsall so hard they just kept making mistakes because we hounded them every minute of the game.
Well done Chris Hargreaves. Please sign Ajala soon!!
Ryan Bowman is an inspired signing.At last we have a tall, powerful, quick striker with a huge competitive desire.
Tony Ajala is very skillful. I loved the way he encouraged young Sam Chaney near the end of the match. CH has got the team playing with pace and above all absolute commitment.Luke Young excellent.
Downes was at his best today.Chappell was interested for sure and I think he is good at this level and will score his share of goals.
We pressed Walsall so hard they just kept making mistakes because we hounded them every minute of the game.
Well done Chris Hargreaves. Please sign Ajala soon!!
Havn't seen any of the games as yet but it seems that Ajala could be a key signing for us. As he was here at the end of last season and is still here now you have got to wonder why he is still here and not signed yet.
The only thing I can see is that is we are top heavy with wingers again, much like last season. Chapple,Thompson,Briscoe,Cameron and Ajala if he signs.
I actually think the squad could perhaps be promising enough. I still don't think Rice should be our number one keeper though and doubts still remain about our full backs.
Having said that surely Cruise and Tonge should be able to manage at this level.
What a shame that we cannot offload the like of Hawley and maybe one or two others.
The only thing I can see is that is we are top heavy with wingers again, much like last season. Chapple,Thompson,Briscoe,Cameron and Ajala if he signs.
I actually think the squad could perhaps be promising enough. I still don't think Rice should be our number one keeper though and doubts still remain about our full backs.
Having said that surely Cruise and Tonge should be able to manage at this level.
What a shame that we cannot offload the like of Hawley and maybe one or two others.
I've not been to any of the PSF's, but its clear there are some promising signs.
I do find it quite amusing that everyone is screaming for us to sign Ajala. I'm sure that if you search back on here to when he was first mentioned as a trialist by CH, the general response was "why the hell are we going after players who were on Welling Uniteds bench??" Just goes to show the benefit of trials.
Surprised that we haven't seen more/any full-backs in on trial, as its clear that that was always going to be a weak spot. Maybe CH has waited until now, as now that teams are finalising their squads unsuccessful trialists from elsewhere are finding themselves without a contract and might now be interested in coming to us?
I do find it quite amusing that everyone is screaming for us to sign Ajala. I'm sure that if you search back on here to when he was first mentioned as a trialist by CH, the general response was "why the hell are we going after players who were on Welling Uniteds bench??" Just goes to show the benefit of trials.
Surprised that we haven't seen more/any full-backs in on trial, as its clear that that was always going to be a weak spot. Maybe CH has waited until now, as now that teams are finalising their squads unsuccessful trialists from elsewhere are finding themselves without a contract and might now be interested in coming to us?
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ferrarilover
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What game was the reporter for their local paper watching? Whatever it was, it wasn't the one at Plainmoor:
"Moments later the home side got their deserved second when Bowman picked the ball up on the left and raced past O’Connor before finishing smartly past O’Donnell into the opposite corner."
Not even slightly what happened, but OK.
Matt.
"Moments later the home side got their deserved second when Bowman picked the ball up on the left and raced past O’Connor before finishing smartly past O’Donnell into the opposite corner."
Not even slightly what happened, but OK.
Matt.
J5 said, "ferrarilover is 100% correct"
Eh? Sounds pretty accurate to me!ferrarilover wrote:What game was the reporter for their local paper watching? Whatever it was, it wasn't the one at Plainmoor:
"Moments later the home side got their deserved second when Bowman picked the ball up on the left and raced past O’Connor before finishing smartly past O’Donnell into the opposite corner."
Not even slightly what happened, but OK.
Matt.
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