Formation, Formation, Formation

[portugull]

Martin Ling is a respected league two manager but he does appear to have two blind spots.

This season in persisting with 4-5-1 away from home in 9 games we have picked up 7 points out of 27 and scored 6 goals. Only Barnet in 22nd have a worse away record. Away form puts us in the bottom four whereas home form puts in the top 4.

In Rene Howe we have the best striker in league two but away from home he has no support and we therefore cede the advantage of having a top striker to the opposition because we give Rene no support whatsoever.

Martin may reply and say yes but we have only conceded 9 goals. This is true but 7 points from 27 proves beyond any doubt that the formation does not produce results. Last season we had exactly the same problem culminating in our 4-1 thrashing at Southend and our 5-2 home defeat to Gillingham. Martin then realised the team was not balanced, made the necessary changes, and suddenly over night we were a different team starting with the 4-0 win over Wimbledon.

Martin`s other blind spot is not rating the loan system. This is a crazy attitude. The loan system is perfect for clubs with no money like Torquay. Martin should be on the phone every day to Sir Alex Ferguson, Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway begging them for young fit strikers desparate for league experience.

Never underestimate that little Torquay can give players the priceless experience of league football which they cannot achieve playing even for premiership reserve teams. Mark Bright the academy manager at Crystal Palace has loads of terrific young players who would benefit from playing league football.

Martin, beggars cannot be choosers. We should be playing the only card we have, first team league two football, to beg, borrow or steal young quality players from premiership and championship clubs. They are out there and you need only a couple of players, the right ones, to transform the squad. Believe me it will pay off big time but you have to give it a chance. Please get on the phone now. Just do it and you may be surprised at the talent that is available if you ask. I rest my case.

[Alpine Joe]

It's never advisable to 'rest your case' without first examining whether there were any 'blindspots' of your own, in the evidence you have claimed.

Portgull

Only Barnet in 22nd have a worse away record

I'm sure I won't be the only one wondering whether such a claim doesn't require the need for a blindspot towards Oxford United. Why should their record of 6 points from 9 away games with a goal difference of -11 be classified as better than our record of 7 points from 9 away games with a goal difference of -3 ?

The away points tally is bad enough without it needing to be falsely painted any blacker.

[portugull]

My mistake. It does not alter the fact that our away record is very poor.Sorry I missed Oxford. Senior moment!

[AustrianAndyGull]

Not really fussed on how many points we've got so long as it keeps us above 23rd place. I just want some entertainment now and again. Is it too much to ask?

[Gullscorer]

Not really fussed on how many points we've got so long as it keeps us above 23rd place. I just want some entertainment now and again. Is it too much to ask?

Entertainment? We get that reading your posts, Andy! You could always read the jokes thread... =D

[AustrianAndyGull]

Cheers GS, i do read the jokes thread from time to time but as you can probably imagine, it takes a lot to make me laugh. The only people who have managed it so far are Alan Partridge, Spongebob and Martin Ling. :~D

[SuperNickyWroe]

Cheers GS, i do read the jokes thread from time to time but as you can probably imagine, it takes a lot to make me laugh. The only people who have managed it so far are Alan Partridge, Spongebob and Martin Ling. :~D

try looking in the mirror. you will be pi**ing youself laughing in less than a second.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Sez thee! :~D

[portugull]

Really disappointed at response to my post.
I guess you all think I am nuts to suggest our esteemed Manager should have the audacity to ring some of the big names in the game!
I say if you dont ask you dont get. Simples.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Really disappointed at response to my post.I guess you all think I am nuts to suggest our esteemed Manager should have the audacity to ring some of the big names in the game!
I say if you dont ask you dont get. Simples.

F*cking hell mate, it's not half as bad as some i get. I even respond to my own responses, that's how desperate it can be.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Just to prove a point i've done it again! No you're right though Portugull. It can't do any harm for Martin to widen his net but i've mentioned this sort of thing before and it all gets shot down in flames with folk saying basically we're Torquay and that is enough of an excuse why these things never come off. If you don't try you don't get.

[Dave]

Dont be dissapointed portugull it can be the nature of football forums sometimes threads take it bit of time to get going, sometimes they just fall flat.

This is a bit stating the obvious I know, there really is no magic formation, when the T.V came down last season we saw Mat Williams say to Lingy "they have matched us up" I nearly split my sides laughing, if the away team matchs your tatics and are in control of the game the obvious answer is what I wonder.

I guess Lingy prefered tatics are 4-3-3 with the ball 4-5-1 with out it, I really have no problem with that it can and did work well for large parts of last season, the reason why I was so critical saturday is with Easton and Lathrope in the middle, and the fact the team were not taking the extra touchs in midfield lumping it long to Howe, we were 4-5-1 with and with out the ball and totaly over-run.

Yes we have injuries I just wonder if we had started with Craig-Mansell-Lathrope in the middle and Tompson on the wing would the normal game plan have worked better.

As for bringing loan players in I have said it a number times I am no fan of doing that for the sake of it, for clubs with no money it is a means to an ends to cover injuries, we have them to a attack minded players so yes please..

[portugull]

Having watched the York highlights on Gulls Player I think yesterday was proof that 4 4 2 is a far better option than 4 5 1.
Rene had more support and we are good enough to play 4 4 2.
This away win in my view is pivotel to a good run between now and 31st Dec.
Well done the lads and Martin Ling for seeing the light!

[lucy6lucy]

Having watched the York highlights on Gulls Player I think yesterday was proof that 4 4 2 is a far better option than 4 5 1.
Rene had more support and we are good enough to play 4 4 2.
This away win in my view is pivotel to a good run between now and 31st Dec.
Well done the lads and Martin Ling for seeing the light!

I agree, but i hope it is a good run thats lasts until next May!!

[portugull]

Agreed lucy!!
I was looking at our next 6 games in Nov and Dec. I hope at least 4 are winable which would send us into 2013 in a play off spot.