Torquay United without Mansell

[MidDevon]

Whilst I wish to make it clear that I never wish bad on any Torquay player, I am looking actually forward to the possibility of seeing the team play without Mansell as captain and without Mansell in midfield.

Is today's injury the only way we will see Mansell not picked for the next game ?

Last season we had a purple patch after he was sent off and did not play, and I think most of us will agree that the best recent performance was against Portsmouth.

The man cannot lead the team on the pitch and certainly in the last 2 matches has given the ball away so many times his place must surely be at least questioned ? (we counted 8 mis-placed passes against Northampton) , today he ran around, huffed and puffed and possibly touched the ball 15 times.

I would far rather see a team with battling Lathrope making simple and sensible decisions in front of the central defenders....as for captain, the one bright spark in recent weeks has been Pearce, may only be 24, but that lad could rally the troops on the pitch

just my views after another performance when we lost because we made more mistakes that our opponents

[SuperNickyWroe]

should start on tuesday night.

[gullno4]

I agree with this post.

[taunton_gull]

Agree, as I mentioned in my other post his extended stay at Plainmoor is one factor in our demise. This can be attributed to Martin Ling, Alan Knill and Chris Hargreaves if he continues to pick him. He HAS to go, sadly he probably will when it is too late and will join a team at non-league level alongside us.

[ferrarilover]

Oh good, is he injured? Worst player I've seen in L2. Couldn't pass water. He can **** off with his "hard work" and "passion". I've checked and the league don't give out points for "doing your best".

Matt.

[Oil Beef Hooked]

Whilst I wish to make it clear that I never wish bad on any Torquay player, I am looking actually forward to the possibility of seeing the team play without Mansell as captain and without Mansell in midfield.

Is today's injury the only way we will see Mansell not picked for the next game ?

Last season we had a purple patch after he was sent off and did not play, and I think most of us will agree that the best recent performance was against Portsmouth.

The man cannot lead the team on the pitch and certainly in the last 2 matches has given the ball away so many times his place must surely be at least questioned ? (we counted 8 mis-placed passes against Northampton) , today he ran around, huffed and puffed and possibly touched the ball 15 times.

I would far rather see a team with battling Lathrope making simple and sensible decisions in front of the central defenders....as for captain, the one bright spark in recent weeks has been Pearce, may only be 24, but that lad could rally the troops on the pitch

just my views after another performance when we lost because we made more mistakes that our opponents

I agree with the above.

Although Manse is a club legend, I too think it's time to rest him. He's played in most if not all games this season and it's taking a toll on him. His recent performances do not warrant a continued starting place and we are not in the position to carry passengers for the last 9 (or so) games.

If Manse does get dropped, the captain's armband should go to Pearcey instead.

[SBP]

I just cant see what he gives, running around beating his chest. Its not good enough. Appears to be the only player that is exempt from being dropped.
If anyone can remember a pre season game at home against Burnley 2-3 years ago when Mansell came out of defence and into midfield. What an embarrassment, ran rings around him. I knew then he was not up to it. Look what has happened ever since, our midfield has struggled.
The thing that does my head in is when previous managers say they dont trust Nathan Craig in midfield. FFS Mansell has been there all the time and look at it. Absolutely useless.

[hector]

When he was substituted today, it did remind me of the time Beckham pretended he was injured after he had been taken off. Perhaps Mansell was genuinely injured - I'm sure he was - but I hadn't noticed it prior to him 'limping' off.

I don't like to see or hear the stick Mansell/Nicholson get. They have been great players for us and the time has come for them to move on but I suppose when they are being picked are they supposed to turn around and say 'actually, I have been poor lately, let someone else play...'

[leetufc]

It's long been evident that neither Mansell or Nicholson were up to the task this season, in fact it was becoming obvious last season. Unfortunately neither Knill and now Hargreaves have decided to do anything about it.

Both have been excellent servants to the club but the time has come for both us and them to go our separate ways.

[Rjc70]

It's long been evident that neither Mansell or Nicholson were up to the task this season, in fact it was becoming obvious last season. Unfortunately neither Knill and now Hargreaves have decided to do anything about it.

Both have been excellent servants to the club but the time has come for both us and them to go our separate ways.

Totally agree. Can only assume Lathrope is carrying a knock as dropping him and playing Mansell is lunacy.

[Burnhamgull]

Mansell has struggled for 3 years now and offers very very little in the midfield. I would like to see Harding back in alongside Labadie with Lathrope sitting in front of the back four.

Pearce and Downes in the middle of defence with O'Connor at RB and Cruise at LB.

Up front, take your pick......they're all shite.

Sadly, the minute CH came back, I feared Mansell and Nicholson would continue as regulars and the signing of Stevens and subsequent revolving doors for strikers on loan leaves a huge question mark over CH's ability to spot talent.

When we signed Rudge, it was in the hope of developing a relationship with MUFC. He hasn't played so I suspect we'll get dumped rapidly by United.

[SuperNickyWroe]

Mansell has struggled for 3 years now and offers very very little in the midfield. I would like to see Harding back in alongside Labadie with Lathrope sitting in front of the back four.

Pearce and Downes in the middle of defence with O'Connor at RB and Cruise at LB.

Up front, take your pick......they're all shite.

Sadly, the minute CH came back, I feared Mansell and Nicholson would continue as regulars and the signing of Stevens and subsequent revolving doors for strikers on loan leaves a huge question mark over CH's ability to spot talent.

When we signed Rudge, it was in the hope of developing a relationship with MUFC. He hasn't played so I suspect we'll get dumped rapidly by United.

nail hit firmly on head. when i and several others said this well we got stick.

hate to say it, but it appears that more posters are seeing the light.

[nickbrod]

For me one of our best performances was at Portsmouth - Labadie Captain and Mansell on the bench.

[SuperNickyWroe]

For me one of our best performances was at Portsmouth - Labadie Captain and Mansell on the bench.

say no more.

and the bench is still to close. mind you, stevens would defo be on it then.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Poor game today, poor season. What we need to remember is that there are others. Many others.

Drop Mansell and bring in who exactly? Nobody who can make a difference. I'd rather have effort than not no matter how ineffective. If the players around him gave as much effort then perhaps we might have a few more points on the board.

Like I said, not impressive at all Manse this season but neither is anyone else.