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It’s not about demanding players for me personally, nor is it about promotion either, I would love promotion to league 1 as much as everyone else, and want it as much, however I am very aware our club for many reasons is probably better off in league 2, that’s not a lack of ambition just the simple truth.

We have been treated to some fantastic seasons and I have enjoyed the ride, because of late the club has become one more known for chasing the play-offs I feel we have some what taken up the belief that the days of bum shuffling around the bottom end of league have passed us by forever, that’s not the case.

We have a few players devoid of confidence right now, and one or two who need a real wake up call, loan players are not always the answer, however just suggesting it could help, one to give a couple of players some time to restore their confidence, and two give the kick up the rear end to others who need it right now.

Many say we can’t change the system because we don’t the personnel, agreed, there is one area because I think by and large it is the system that’s become very predictable, however it us playing to strength right now.

Think we have been leaking goals at the back largely down to the full backs, think Saah/Downes look solid enough, think Joe is having a mare of a season, and Nicho sadly looks slower than ever, but I will say we do have players in the squad who deserve a chance first.

Forever, I don't disagree with the premise of your OP, and Ling's near-on refusal to use the loan market does make it all the more galling when we're beaten by a side comprising loanees.

I agree it's the goals against we need to address. Much of our success last season (particularly away from home) was built on a solid first half, and more expressive, attacking second. This won't work if you're always behind by the break, though.

I would disagree with you on Oastler – I think he's looked superb at times, such as against Burton - a real strong presence in defence and attack. But in other games he has been all over the place. The leaner, fitter, faster Nicholson who so impressed in pre-season has been similarly indifferent and exposed. Without being over-critical of a fantastic servant and great bloke, it's pretty obvious our last two play-off disappointments were largely down to teams targeting Nicho with pace. Signing Cruise as a potential left-back only to realise he couldn't play there was a real mistake by Ling.

Maybe the likes of Nicho and Manse had their golden seasons in 2011/12, hopefully not, but I can't imagine loan signings will be brought in to replace club stalwarts, no matter how out of form.

Regards the system, we built around our two best footballers last season (O'Kane and Howe), we should do the same this time (Craig and Howe). The sooner we can get a run of games with Craig-Lathrope-Mansell in central-midfield the better.

Looks like a loan signing may arrive soon...http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/Torqu ... story.html

Aldershot have brought in Saints' striker Alberto Seidi on loan, he's also a Portuguese U-21 international, really think we may need to bring 1 or 2 faces.

That suggests we might bring in a defender, which really would be a waste in my opinion. Mackenzie can cover for one game, we need to spend any money we have on creativity, be that goal getter or goal maker.

Totaly agree Kerno, creating bags of chances just can't seem to score them, bring in a striker please.

No sign of this loan sign as yet and it is Wednesday already

With most league 2 clubs making loan signings and even Fleetwood boss Micky Mellon considering it to bring in a striker or two due to injuries then surely it is a huge error if Martin fails to bring anyone in? I stand by what i said previousy in this thread that i believe most of the squad ARE good enough but with Ling failing to get the best out of them by playing the same system week in week out then i believe we could do with some help in the midfield/attack. I'd go for a good old fashioned bully in there who could allow bodin, stevens, thompson etc more freedom to get forward. Other clubs are identifying where they may need cover for weak areas so are we?

Teams like Fleetwood have money...

Daggers have signed someone on loan from Blackpool with Blackpool still paying his wages apparently, i don't know quite how the loan system works but if this scenario is a common one then why can't we be looking at a deal like that?

But then I think location plays a role. That lad you've mentioned previously played for Palace, probably hadn't really settled up north so a move back down suits him (guesswork, but not far from the mark, I'd say).

Nick, stop coming up with answers all the time that make sense! Have a rant, let it all go mate, let it all out. I know you are holding back and we're all here to give you support mate if you need us. o:)



Joking Nick my good man.

Yeah i see what you mean but it always seems like deals can be done without problem for other clubs that are as skint as we are and we miss out. I heard Michael Owen isn't getting a look in at Stoke and he had an ex-bird who lived in Chelston. Can't we bring him in on loan? If Stoke won't cough up his wages we could pay him with magic beans from Bengulls sweet shop in Brixham!

Anyway, on another note about Micky Owen, i seem to remember considering a bet with one of our yank posse about how many goals he'd get this season and i said 5 or less. I was ridiculed and offered to increase the wager and take it on. I should have done now. 4 appearances and 0 goals. Sums up my betting life really. Often someone with a gift such as mine predicts the correct outcome but decides against the plunge.

I know the H/E is not allways the most reliable source however their report would suggest there is money for loan signings, as I have said through out this thread , I am no fan of bringing in loan signings for the sake of it, it does more often than not put you in a false position, however for clubs with limited funds the loan market is a useful way of covering injuries and suspensions.

We are short of attacking options and perosnaly would like to see 1-2 brought in to give the squad some help, of course location does play a part in it, London and Northern based clubs often take players from the local premier league bigwigs, to be fair its not allways so easy to persuade players to come down this way, but it can be done.

Just reading the local rag and apparently Chezzy boss Paul Cook wants striker Craig Westcarr to leave the club as soon as. I reckon he would be a good addition to the squad actually, he is big, strong and athletic and holds the ball up well and would not only be able to support Howe but would also be complimentary to the little tricky players we have. He has played for clubs lower than us in Kettering and Cambridge and he has a pretty decent scoring record. It wouldn't be a loan deal but from what i read if he can find a club Chezzy may be willing to cancel his contract and get him out.

austrianandygull wrote:Just reading the local rag and apparently Chezzy boss Paul Cook wants striker Craig Westcarr to leave the club as soon as. I reckon he would be a good addition to the squad actually, he is big, strong and athletic and holds the ball up well and would not only be able to support Howe but would also be complimentary to the little tricky players we have. He has played for clubs lower than us in Kettering and Cambridge and he has a pretty decent scoring record. It wouldn't be a loan deal but from what i read if he can find a club Chezzy may be willing to cancel his contract and get him out.

Have to admit when I saw he was avalible I was hoping we'd make a loan move for him is a good player at this level. Though wages would probably be an issue.