Torquay United Fans Forum

exilegull wrote: ↑17 Oct 2017, 13:44 Thanks Plymouth Gull - funny how minds play tricks. It was the Grimsby game afterwards - also a 3-0 defeat!

I missed the Mansfield debacle, but had the pleasure of watching the Shrewsbury game and the pain of the subsequent Grimsby defeat. It was at Blundell Park where - finding ourselves 1 down with about 20 to play - myself and the mates I had gone with were calling for "Big Carl" from the bench to give us some extra fire power. The result - zero effective touches and a 3-0 defeat. "Big Carl" was never clamoured for not seen again......

I also remember we had a young RB in that game by the name of Patrick McLoughlin, a non-contractee from Wolves. He was garbage and hauled off early.

We had quite a lot of garbage in what was Leroy's "experimental" era - wasn't this the season we had a lad called Ashley Keene who had come over from the States? 20-odd minutes in a JPT tie was enough for Leroy to jettison him. Always seemed like a Ali Dia type story, as this lad was completely off the radar.

Sorry - I've turned this thread into "rubbish players who stayed rubbish" theme

Any excuse to mention Morike Sako and Mamadou Sow. Flashes of brilliance from both, but not what was needed in the ability-limited side that Leroy built upon our relegation from L1. Sako of course ended up playing in the second tier in Germany for Arminia Bielefeld and St Pauli (I don't think he ever played in the actual bundesliga though), whilst Sow ended up playing I think in the Cypriot top division (although I'm not 100% on that one).

I always thought both players would have been excellent "luxury" players in the 03/04 promotion season. Right place, wrong time

apgull wrote: ↑15 Oct 2017, 22:54 Was going to be my shout. Saw him away at Eastbourne, if I recall, and was probably the worst performance I've ever seen from anyone in a Torquay shirt.

I don't think this is correct, as he was on loan with us when we were back in L2 if I recall correctly. I distinctly remember seeing him turn out for us away at Darlo- granted he was still awful but it wasn't in the conference days.

Although ironically, I'm pretty sure he was on loan at Eastbourne once upon a time, and played an absolute blinder for them one disgraceful midweek night when they tore us apart.

There are all sorts of problems with work permit acquisition (players from nations playing below a certain level in the FIFA rankings need to play in something like 70% of their countries games to be allowed to get one) that would prevent African and South American players from coming to us.

However those with an EU passport is a different story. I think Vincent Dorel - and Olivier Gueguen a couple of years ago - show that the French lower leagues has players who can "do a job" at this level. Just how to you get the to uproot and commit to such a cause!

Just to highlight that free agent players are still out there, Bromley signed Roger Johnson in time for the weekend. No doubt he would do a much better job at the back for us than our present incumbents.

Some people have some interesting (and ridiculous) views on how contracts work.

These are people's jobs we are talking about - they aren't going to voluntarily give up their salary, not pay the mortgage or not feed the family just because some of you don't think they are good enough.

Regardless of who's fault it is, all that can be done now is to get behind what we've got

Yorkieandy wrote: ↑12 Oct 2017, 23:32 Good to see the club being thoroughly professional as ever.

Don't really see how it's the clubs fault if a series of triallists let GO down to be fair.

By all means criticise when it's warranted, but I don't see how this can be one of those scenarios

tomogull wrote: ↑11 Oct 2017, 23:37 We lost at Aldershot in the league (second match of the season) 3 - 2 by a controversial goalmouth scramble. We might just spring a surprise and get a draw ...... Always look on the bright side !

I was at that game, and that summary is manipulating the truth by quite some stretch!

I'll be in the minority, but I'm not in the slightest bit bothered about the FA Cup this year and will be pleased to get this weekend out of the way. Irrespective of improved performances and stuttering form from them, I don't give us much hope so I just hope we get out of the game with key players intact (that's if the loanees can play?). Sure, the money would be great and so would a potential clash with an old league rival, but I'd rather see us crack on with getting out of the bottom 4

Mattpuma wrote: ↑07 Oct 2017, 10:19 GO has already said the shirt is Dorels as long as he keeps performing to the same standard. That is how it should be.

And I think that sends out a really good message, especially given GO has stated he wants to bring in more free agents if he can. Come in, do a good job and there could be a longer term contract waiting for you. Have too many occasions like Chinua Cole - come in to help us out and then we'll show you the door - won't encourage people to sign

Ray Johnstone wrote: ↑06 Oct 2017, 05:32 1-1. Gosling and Allen.

Ray

Get with the programme Ray - Gosling is out for months

Ottery gull wrote: ↑05 Oct 2017, 18:45 Forgot to mention the pending return of Jake Gosling and Ryan Clarke. The squad is looking stronger thank goodness. Let's hope we keep everyone fit

Not meaning to be pedantic, but it's Pittman who is close to returning. Gosling with his broken bone will be out for a good month or two yet.

GO will have something of an embarrassment of riches when everyone is back fit. But the quandary is the current starting XI is perfectly meshed with the formation and system. When people are back, I struggle to see where they would fit

Maidenhead just saving themselves for the 90th minute free for all on our goal

The BBC have been streaming one game per round online

Another year goes by without an FA cup win then

Are those numbers definitely right? As there are only 13 NL teams on that list when there of course should be 24