TT BLOG
Danny Burnell – @dannyburnell_92
Both seasons were as depressing as each other. I look at and compare the squads between the two campaigns.
GOALKEEPERS
2017/18
Ryan Clarke – Gulls apps: 11.
Clarke arrived at Plainmoor in the summer of 2017 as #1. He lasted just 10 league games before injuries got the better of him, and ultimately giving up the keeper spot to Dorel.
Vincent Dorel – Gulls apps: 36
The French stopper signed not long after the season started and quickly established himself as the #1. He made his debut in a 1-1 home draw with Chester.
2022/23
Mark Halstead – Gulls appearances: 39
Once tasked with keeping Drogba & Lampard from scoring in his Blackpool days, Halstead has recently taken over the captaincy in the absence of Hall & Moxey. He has been one of the more consistent performers in a very underwhelming campaign.
Rhys Lovett – Gulls appearances: 7
At one point looked in command to take the #1 jersey, but after a MOTM display at Hampton & Richmond back in October, has failed to trouble the starting XI.
FULL BACKS
2017/18
Jazzi Barnum-Bobb – Gulls apps: 8. Goals: 0
The right-back joined on loan from Newport in November, playing a handful of times before returning to his parent club at the turn of the year.
Aaron Barnes – Gulls apps: 16. Goals: 1
Barnes originally signed on loan from Charlton, making one appearance before signing permanently for Colchester. The full-back was however loaned back to the Gulls’ for the remainder of the season. He scored in the 2-1 win at Maidenhead.
Ryan Higgins: Gulls apps: 18. Goals: 0
His time cut short due to a serious medical condition. Higgins was forced to retire.
Liam Davis – Gulls apps: 100. Goals: 3
One of the more consistent members of the squad, and a real fan favourite in his time at Plainmoor. The bombarding left-back had excellent attacking intent, and equally superb defensive qualities. Unfortunately injury got the better of Davis, as his time at TQ1 was cut short.
2022/23
Dylan Crowe – Gulls apps: 16. Goals: 1
Signed as Ben Wynter’s replacement, the former Tractor-Boy has failed to impress since joining. Dylan’s undoubtable highlight being his last gasp equaliser against Altrincham in that crazy 4-4 draw.
Shaun Donnellan Gulls apps – 30. Goals 0
A player who has had to deputise in just about every position this season, but more regular than not at RB. The Irishman tries and works hard, but sometimes to no avail.
Dean Moxey: Gulls apps – 87. Goals: 3
The most experienced of the bunch, and a player who oozes class. Playing in the Prem with Palace just 10 years ago, he now faces down the barrel of a relegation to the NLS. Now into his third year at Plainmoor, he is someone who will be very hard to replace.
Ben Wyatt – Gulls apps: 24. Goals: 0
Wyatt is another one to have struggled for form this season.
Dan Martin – Gulls apps: 41. Goals: 0
Just 9 appearances in an injury-plagued campaign. The rampaging left-back looked to be hitting form with his goal against Scunthorpe in October. Indications are he’s not far from full-fitness with a handful of substitute appearances.
CENTRE BACK
2017/18
Josh Gowling – Gulls apps: 26. Goals: 0
Somewhat of a ‘stellar’ signing when he signed in the summer, but failed to make any real impression. Loaned to Alfreton half way through the season.
Sean McGinty – Gulls apps: 97, Goals: 6
An ever present in both seasons at Plainmoor. Formed partnerships with the likes of Gowling, Balatoni & Efete. The former Manchester United youth product showed some consistency in a dire season for the club.
Conrad Balatoni – Gulls apps: 16. Goals: 0
Came in on a free transfer in Janaury from Falkirk. Many fans wish he hadn’t…..
Michee Efete: Gulls apps: 27. Goals: 0
The Norwich loanee arrived half way through the season, having spent the first half of it in Iceland. Largely became a mainstay in the team alongside McGinty .
2022/23
Ali Omar – Gulls apps: 47. Goals: 1
A likeable lad, but many questions still surround the former Barnsley defender. Recently back in the fold having not been involved for the past couple of months.
Ross Marshall – Gulls apps: 25. Goals: 2
Another one from the ‘Manic Monday’ shopping spree. In and out the team for the majority of the season, but looks to have secured a starting XI slot of late.
Mark Ellis – Gulls apps: 144. Goals: 2
A welcome addition when he returned in October. Became a mainstay in the side before his injury ultimately ended his second-coming.
Nico Lawrence – Gulls apps: 10. Goals: 0
A classy player who will go far in the future. The Southampton defender has looked assured since his arrival in January.
WINGERS
2017/18
Jake Gosling – Gulls apps: 14. Goals: 0
Managed only a handful of appearances after his arrival from Bristol Rovers. Gosling remains one of only a few players who have represented their county (Gibraltar) whilst playing for Torquay.
Jamie Reid – Gulls apps: 176. Goals: 13
Deployed as a winger throughout the season, his potential wasn’t uncovered until his switch up top the following seasons.
2022/23
Dillion De Silva – Gulls apps: 19. Goals: 3
On his day a real handful. Unfortunately for Gulls fans, that day was too irregular. Wing-back was not his forte.
Kieron Evans – Gulls apps: 27. Goals: 1
More often than not in recent times starting on the wing. The young Cardiff loanee has showed improvement since joining in the summer.
CENTRE MIDFIELD
2017/18
Luke Young – Gulls apps: 142. Goals: 18
The former Pilgrim was an influential player in his time at Plainmoor, winning back-to-back POTS awards and being an ever present in the side that season.
George Dowling – Gulls apps: 21. Goals: 2
The Bristol City loanee endured an injury ridden time at Plainmoor, but did manage 21 games, often impressing in a poor side.
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans – Gulls apps: 164. Goals: 30
The first of his many loan stints at Plainmoor. The Welshman became a mainstay in the side since his arrival at the end of January. Had more success in his future loan spells at Torquay.
Damon Lathrope – Gulls apps: 168. Goals: 0
The injury stricken former Norwich man managed 19 appearances that season.
2022/23
Asa Hall – Gulls apps: 142. Goals: 31
The current captain and leader of the side. His absence his often felt in a team full of inexperience. A modern day Gulls great for sure.
Ryan Hanson – Gulls apps: 25. Goals: 1
Signed from Dover in the summer, the midfielder has failed to deliver.
Brett McGavin – Gulls apps: 28. Goals: 2
Another midfielder who came with high expectations, but has often flattered to deceive.
Tom Lapslie – Gulls apps: 59. Goals: 6
A tenacious player who has shone in a season of woe. Never fails to give 110%, sometimes to his detriment….
STRIKERS
2017/18
Elliot Romain – Gulls apps: 13. Goals: 4
The on Loan Daggers frontman showed great work rate in his time at TQ1. Having joined in January, he remained for the season.
Brett Williams – Gulls apps: 77: Goals: 16
Returned to Plainmoor following a spell with Bromley. Although he pitched in with 4 goals from 16, the Southampton-born striker failed to save the Gulls from the drop.
J-P Pittman – Gulls apps: 19. Goals: 3
A bit part player, often used from the bench as he played second fiddle.
Rhys Healey – Gulls apps: 8. Goals: 6
6 goals in 8 showed how potent the Cardiff loanee was.
Ruairi Keating – Gulls apps: 119. Goals: 16
A hugely popular figure in his time at Plainmoor. The Irishman never failed to give it his all. Still held in high regard.
2022/23
Aaron Jarvis – Gulls apps: 27. Goals: 10
Signed from Scunthorpe in the summer, Jarvis is one of very few to impress this season.
Tope Fadahunsi – Gulls apps: 10. Goals: 2
Pitched in with a couple of crucial goals in his time here, but often dissapoints.
Will Goodwin – Gulls apps: 20. Goals: 5
A player with undoubted quality, and a real shame he left when he did.
COMBINED XI (3-5-2)
A combined XI purely from their respective season performances.
GK: Mark Halstead
CB: Dean Moxey
CB: Nico Lawrence
CB: Michee Efete
RW: Jamie Reid
CM: Luke Young
CM: Tom Lapslie
CM: George Dowling
LW (LWB): Liam Davis
ST: Aaron Jarvis
ST: Rhys Healey
COYY – DANNY
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