The TT Weekly Blog 6th Sept

Ed @DomRoman is back with his Weekly Blog on all things #TUFC:

1 – Chester FC game

Poor Robbie has taken a lot of stick since taking over as caretaker, but last Saturday he actually got a lot more things right than wrong. The team played with more positivity and attacking threat than we have seen in a while, with some fluidity and intent thrown in for good measure.

The new boys helped a lot. Darel, Cole and Dowling all brought a freshness to the team that has been lacking (I’ll talk about them more later on), whilst upfront Gray and Keating really should have put the game to bed well before that horrible last ditch equaliser. Same old ‘Torquay United’ in that respect, but some reasons to be positive at least!

In truth it was a cracking match; with chances both ends, refereeing controversy (will we ever get the benefit of the doubt on these decisions?) and I think those in attendance appreciated the performance if not the (predictable) heart-wrenching finale.

2 – New Boys

As mentioned already, the new loan boys made such a difference last Saturday. They were better than we could have hoped for to be honest! Vincent Darel was proactive in goal and handled everything that was thrown at him – the pick of the bunch for me was a second half save where he spread himself brilliantly and saved with his leg.

Chinua Cole was really steady in defence. He won headers, kept his position under pressure and was happy to join up in attack where possible. This free agent is clearly motivated to succeed, and this may happen at Plainmoor (unless the fiction of Liam Davis finally becomes fact!).

In midfield George Dowling was a revelation. He showed great confidence to come into the side and just demand the ball from his colleagues. We didn’t even use him as much as we could have, but he was excellent. Picking out team-mates with first time balls and scoring a tremendous goal. Keep it going George!

Not forgetting (newish boy) Andy Haworth who after a few non-descript substitute appearances made a really good impact on Saturday. He liked to stay on the wing, and that instantly gave us more width and balance to play with. Andy also show neat footwork, strength on the ball and put some sweet crosses in.

Michee Efete from Norwich City will also be allowed to play this weekend, though I’d imagine he’ll be on the bench. At least it gives our depleted squad another option!

3 – New Manager??!

I’ve saved this for third because we haven’t had any news have we?! Patience and making sure we make the right appointment are the key words from Geoff Harrop. Well those words are hard to take when your team is bottom of the table and so far winless; the TUFC hierarchy must get this sorted. 20 days and counting is farcical, especially considering how other clubs have sorted out new men during this time. Clubs with far more organisation and football savvy than we have unfortunately!

It doesn’t seem like we’ll hear any news before the weekend at the moment; certainly our fans don’t think so (See poll below). Out of the names linked, the likes of Richard Money, Mickey Adams and Ronnie Moore are still available as far as I know. Otherwise Kevin Davies is a name linked by the HE (do they really know anything?) and Sol Campbell will manage for win bonuses only (now that would be a shock!).

It might just be a candidate that hasn’t been mentioned, but after all this time the new guy better have some credentials! I think there is clearly potential for better with the players we have, sure it’s not a great squad but the right manager can coax us up the league. Now come on let’s be having you!

4 – Wrexham Preview

It’s difficult to preview this game as you never know a new boss may be in place by Saturday (well stranger things have happened). I’d like to see the same team start again and give us some consistency and understanding to follow on from the Chester game. Gowling, Lathrope and Chaney could all be back so the squad may have some more beef about it.

However Wrexham are 3rd and definitely a better class of team than Chester – plus if the management hasn’t been sorted then the fans understandable bad feelings will remain (so will the low attendance). Anything could happen and probably will; I shall be cheering on the lads and who knows a first win could be on the horizon…

5 – Rodney Jack & New Logo

Well whilst Harrop and GI make ridiculously hard work of appointing a new gaffer, @TORQUAYTALK are keeping busy and our social media guru Luke Hunter has got hold of TUFC legend Rodney Jack for an interview. This will be published on the site very soon, so watch out for it! We will try to do more interviews in the future, watch this space…

@TORQUAYTALK continues to evolve a little bit over time and that includes our new logo which is heading up this article. Again the work of Luke Hunter (he’s got too much time on his hands!). The palm tree reminds me of Josh Gowling kicking a football. A situation I hope to be reporting on very soon as the big man looks to finally get back on the football pitch!

Dominic – TT Editor