TALKING POINTS

Luke Hunter

@gullsgullsluke

Luke discusses another home defeat and the broader implications

“STRAWS ARE THERE TO BE CLUTCHED” UNTIL THEY ARE NOT

I really did chuckle yesterday overhearing somebody in the Gull’s Nest respond to “we’re clutching at straws” with “straws are there to be clutched” – I agreed to an extent, I was waiting for a moment, the moment, which defines a relegation battle – the moment it changes and you start to believe the impossible. Just to be clear, I am, and have been, resigned to relegation for a few weeks, but at some point we have to stop merrily tumbling to the trapdoor and actually acknowledge that a fight is necessary to remain at this level, a level which is already lower than that we have spent almost our entire existence. At half time, I found myself clutching at those same straws – a reasonable first half and a winning margin that was probably fair – could that goal finally jump start this absolute disaster-class of a season into life? Well, no, once again, we found a way to lose from a seemingly comfortable position.

JUST WHAT IS GOING ON AT TORQUAY UNITED?

For what it is worth, I can just about stomach the National League South and all the utterly grim realities that come with it again – but I really struggle with the broader management of the club that makes me feel – at best – a nuisance. When did we last hear publicly from the directors? I wouldn’t recognise George Edwards, Mel Hayman or Clarke Osborne if they walked passed me in the street – I’m not asking them to bounce around the Pop but why is it seemingly impossible for something as simple a weekly column/vlog or quarterly fans forum to be organised? Nobody has a clue what the long-term strategy is at TQ1 or how we have ended up here yet again – why are we expected to turn up, spend our money and be okay with that? There is a complete detachment between owner, manager and fans at the moment and it is utterly gut-wrenching; United fans of years (and years) are opting out now and the long term damage being done here is unbearable to think about.

KEVIN DAWSON

It feels as though 20,000 things are going to happen between now and the start of next season, and 20,000 more should have happened between now and the start of this season, in that context, it is obviously hard to look forward. Assuming everything settles down at some point, I hope Kevin Dawson is the first signing of a squad that needs an almost universal restructure – a fantastic work ethic and capable of knitting together passages of play in the centre on the rare occasion we decide to keep it on the deck; I really like the lad and despite feeling perhaps a little underwhelmed at his signing (on paper) I have been proved wrong.

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE’S NEW WORLD ORDER

Nothing has bored me more this season than the regular implication that referees are out to get us – lets be clear, there is no National League conspiracy determined to send Torquay United down. I actually thought the officials had a good game yesterday, he was consistent and sorry GJ, but VAR wasn’t necessary – it was offside. We have won SEVEN times in THIRTY EIGHT attempts and every mention of a referee decision going against us should come back to that – we are not where we are because of referees!

9 OUT OF 10 NAILS

Despite this piece, and many more before it, deep down I consider myself an optimist with all things United – I think back to the Nicho ‘Great Escape’ when we were further adrift than this, and some of the miraculous survivals that I’ve enjoyed prior to that… but this season is so different, there is no united front, no sense of urgency and no significant action (e.g. series of reputable signings, change of manager etc.) – three things that the gravitas of this situation completely demand – and demanded weeks ago if we’re being honest. When you put all these cold, hard facts out on the table – I have never been more concerned for the future of the club. The coffin is all but shut, with the final nail being mathematical relegation – it would take a squadron of howitzers to unpick the first nine.

COYY – LUKE

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