Torquay United Fans Forum

I highlighted concerns about money and signings, but I do have reservations about the existing squad too. My primary concern is that we have a lot of players, likely to start the season, who either don’t want to be here or aren’t wanted. There’s nothing Hargreaves can do about shifting players that other clubs (understandably) don’t want. But there is not going to be a harmonious atmosphere in our dressing room next season, and that is bound to have an effect on the pitch.

There are players in our squad that I’m glad we’ve got. Luke Young could be excellent for us. A midfielder with the ability to pick a pass and create a chances is what we’ve lacked since O’Kane departed – and was a serious hindrance to us last year. But the other players we have with quality, might very well not be here by the time the season starts. Pearce is every bit a League quality centre back. And if he’s here for the season our prospects improve. But I’d be very surprised if he is. Somebody will see a bargain and take it. Cameron likewise might yet get poached.

If we start the season with the squad we have now, Pearce, Young, Cameron are league quality players that we’re lucky to have and will be of huge benefit. Rice, Harding Thompson and Briscoe should be solid enough performers at this level.

But the rest? They either aren’t good enough or aren’t wanted. For me, we don’t have the ingredients for an even semi-successful season with the personnel currently at the club. Everything depends on the players we bring in, and that is why I’m eager we get some business done before the ‘better’ players are hovered up by everyone else.

I don't think I explicitly suggested 'leaving' at any point? My insinuation was that I'd stop making posts that required a degree of thought and effort. In any case, people disagreeing with me has never been a problem (I've grown quite used to it). It might not have gone unnoticed that I'm actually quite argumentative. I enjoy debate, it's kind of what I come here for. But what I do find frustrating is when you put time and effort into composing your thoughts, and the replies include 'dumb' or 'stupid op'. It kind of takes the fun away. It means my efforts at instigating debate were wasted and I'd exerted unnecessary effort. I don't dig on wasting energy.

ferrarilover wrote:Do you quit your job every time someone there disagrees with you?

Matt.

No Matthew. But if you think a football message board is as important as your job, you might be in the wrong profession.

Cheers to those saying nice things. I'm blushing here. :Oops:

Cheers Rich, much appreciated. I wasn't fishing for compliments! I wouldn't have expected any!

Glostergull wrote: Yes you are pessimistic. Glass half empty. But thats a problem becuase it can affect the attitude of others. its like a cancer that spreads and makes more poeple feel down and depressed. beleive me i know. My ex had that problem and in the end i couldt cope with it.
Dumb and stupid. Hmm Dont remember call you either of those.
I may have called the post you put up Dumb. But did not make that a personal remark on you. Neither did i call you stupid. in fact I have looked through my post and cant even see the word. are you not sure your refering to Matts post. But then he thinks we are all dumb. And i am mad. But then even i knew that.

Gloster, you used the word 'Dumb'. The stupid and Dumb comment was a summation of the things posted in the thread. Not my intention to attribute both to you. :cool

I have historically been referred to as pessimistic on this board, so maybe I am. Or perhaps it's just the way I post, because people that know me wouldn't consider me so. I see myself as a realist actually (but then doesn't everybody?) Look at what I actually posted. I suggested that we're taking our time making signings (I think Young is an excellent signing, the others' I'd shrug my shoulders if anyone else signed them). I suggested we're likely short of cash so are probably struggling to compete for players. I expressed the opinion that the manager hasn't impressed me yet. And I said I that, based on those things, plus the fact we have a lot of players the manager doesn't want (and who know that) I think we'll struggle this season. If all this proves to be nonsense, then I will be a proven 'pessimist'. But I guess only time will tell.

As for pessimism spreading, I'd give fellow posters more credit than that. I very much doubt anyone's opinion of our prospects will be affected by anything I've posted. Just as nobody shouting that we're going to win the league will have me believing it's going to happen. People should have the courage to form their own opinions, and express them accordingly. And if other people don't like them, that's really their look out. I don't post to get a reaction, or upset people, or start some kind of virtual revolt. I see what I see, form opinions and on occasions write them down. I'll probably not bother again.

Apologies all. I'm pretty fearful about our prospects next season (as you'll have guessed), but had I not been in a completely unrelated foul mood today, I'd not have gone to the effort of compiling the opening post and evidently upsetting everybody. I'll keep my dark thoughts to myself in future.

It's a very fair point Rob. Certainly Luke Young is potentially a great bit of business. More of the same please.

What a brilliant way of camouflaging abuse. Kudos Scott.

'We will piss this league'. Based on what? We've only got half a team! At least wait until we have a squad before making outlandish statements. If a Rovers fan said that...

Apologies Pete, but that's how I feel. And expressing opinions (however unpopular) is kind of the point of message boards such as this. It incites debate. I'll be sure to sugar-coat any subsequent posts.

Not sure, don't expect so. Think I'll wait until I can see some of the new signings in action.

ferrarilover wrote:I think we've already got him.

Matt.

I look forward to finding out who it is.

Sorry to see him go, but understand the decision. It's pointless paying big money to somebody who evidently isn't first choice anymore. If he can get himself fully fit and focussed again, I imagine he'll do well for Pompey.

Good deal for all concerned. Mansell was a shadow of his former self last season, and didn't warrant a better deal than the one we reportedly offered him. But a new challenge might reinvigorate him. I'm willing to bet Rovers fans will be more positive about him next season than we have been and he'll doubtless do well against us. But that doesn't make the decision to let him go the wrong one. Cheers for you efforts Manse, and good luck.

I thought Lathrope would have been an excellent foil for Young - doing the dirty work, which allows Young to play the football. On paper that looks like a good combination to me, because whilst Lathrope is limited, he's plenty good enough at this level. Oh well, I'm sure we'll get someone of similar quality...