TT BLOG
Dom Roman
Dom rates the Gulls squad that finished 22/23
GOALKEEPERS
MARK HALSTEAD – 7.5/10
Mark Halstead should be proud of how he has bounced back this season. It wasn’t all good of course, and at times the keeper doesn’t breed enough confidence into the defence, but overall he’s kept United in a number of games, has commanded his box and will no doubt be offered a chance to come back as number 1 in 2023/24.
RHYS LOVETT – 5
Rhys Lovett was never likely to usurp Mark Halstead this season, but he did okay when called upon. His shortfalls were obvious, but he also made good stops and as a backup keeper United have had far far worse!
DEFENDERS
DYLAN CROWE – 2
Oh dear. Crowe looked the part in pre-season and I really did think he’d be an astute signing. But then it became obvious that his game intelligence was completely lacking, and despite his good intentions, Dylan’s struggles were there for all to see. He seems a nice lad and if his time at Plainmoor is over I wish him well.
SHAUN DONNELLAN – 5.5
Shaun Donnellan had an up and down season at United. Unfit and sluggish at the start, then an upsurge in form and a show of character followed where he was often amongst our better players. But then when the team faltered again in Feb/Mar, so did Shaun, making numerous errors that cost us dearly. A proper mixed bag.
NICO LAWRENCE – 8
Now here’s a player! Nico Lawrence wasn’t perfect during his time at Plainmoor, but for a 19 year-old moving down to Plainmoor on loan he did brilliantly. Strong, imposing and confident, Nico will surely be playing at a high level next season. Another loan player we’ll be recalling with fondness for years to come.
ROSS MARSHALL – 3
Well, it wasn’t all bad from Ross Marshall, he played some solid games for United and showed a few times that there is potential. But there was too many poor decisions, too much panic and too little skill to give you confidence in him as a player. Maybe he could do a job in the NLS…maybe.
DEAN MOXEY – 7.5
Deano is definitely one of my players of the season. Unlike many others at the club his standards were still high this year and he showed this time and time again. Mox still managed 42 games at the age of 37 and remains at a higher level than most of his team mates.
ALI OMAR – 4
Ali Omar is a likeable fella, and he’s played some good games for the Gulls this season. However, I’m not seeing any improvement in his game overall and he lacks any of the intelligence that someone like Dean Moxey has in abundance. It’ll be interesting to see whether GJ feels he worth keeping on for 23/24.
BEN WYATT – 4.5
Ben Wyatt arrived from the EFL and I did hope for good things, but generally he’s been disappointing. The effort is there and he scurries around looking to get involved, but defensively he’s not the best and attacking wise he brings little to the party.
MIDFIELDERS
KEVIN DAWSON – 8
Expectations were low when Kevin Dawson arrived from Gloucester, but he’s been excellent. A leader who drives the team forward and scraps for every ball, had we signed him instead of Hanson last summer then we’d probably still be in the National League.
KIERON EVANS – 4.5
Hands up I have a soft spot for Kieron, he’s always been keen to get involved and approaches games in the right way, which is better than plenty this season. On the flip side with the ability he possesses, he didn’t do enough in the final third for the Gulls, scoring only 3 goals as the young Gulls players failed to deliver.
ASA HALL – 6.5
It was almost a dream ending to the season for the skipper, as he came back into the side and helped inspire us to 5 wins on the bounce. But then heartbreak at Alty ensued and our hopes were all but dashed. When fit (which is an obvious problem) the midfielder is still one of our best players, and his tally of 9 goals this season is not to be sniffed at.
RYAN HANSON – 2
I could have gone with a 1/10 but held back! What a disappointment Ryan Hanson has been this season. It was hoped he could become a midfield fulcrum for the Gulls, but he’s made absolutely no impact at all, and I really don’t know what he does well as a footballer.
TOM LAPSLIE – 6.5
We all love Tom Lapslie don’t we? His energy and determination is there to be admired week after week. He’s also chipped in 5 goals and tried everything to help United win games. You can’t ignore the trouble he has with fitness, but clearly he’s still been one of our better players.
BRETT MCGAVIN – 3
Biggest disappointment of the season? Brett McGavin. High hopes in pre-season soon diminished as we watched the midfielder toil slowly around the football field. There were odd glimpses of quality and some tasty goals, but not nearly enough from Brett. A talented player who needs to find more enthusiasm and mental strength to be a professional football player.
JACK STOBBS – 7
Jack Stobbs is a good lad, he works hard and has given us decent width in the last 10 games. Having been released by Oldham Athletic I think we’d all take him back for 23/24. Go on Jack you know it makes sense…
ATTACKERS
LEWIS COLLINS – 6.5
Lewis Collins, much like Jack Stobbs, is a good lad who has proven his worth to United since joining. He’s normally a striker, but has done admirably at Wing Back, and scored a big goal away at Scunny. It’s unlikely he’d want to stoop down to the NLS with United, but you never know.
AARON JARVIS – 8
Hopes were not high for Jarvis last summer and early injuries didn’t help, but once the big striker arrived on the scene he proved his worth. 18 goals and 8 assists have followed and a deserved Player of the Year award, Jarvis is a strong character who has enough variety in his game to move back up to the EFL
FRANK NOUBLE – 8
Frank Nouble made a huge impression at Plainmoor during his 9 game stay, from engaging with supporters on social media, to scoring goals at Maidenhead and showing all his experience alongside Jarvis, it’s been a pleasure big man.
COYY – DOM
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Great assessment which I can’t disagree with but only goes to show the players we are going to have to fight to hang on to next season!
Thanks Dom, and let’s hope next season brings an instant return to the National although let’s not forget that behind the scenes things could do with a bit more real football knowledge🙄
Yes I know we have an owner but a “Football Owner” I don’t think so 🙄
Cmon you Gulls
and well done Dom for a season of sensible assessment 🤗
Tony Counter
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Excellent review of every player. Sad Reading nevertheless. Majority have been woeful throughout , poor recruitment and the table does not lie. Awaiting an apology from owner, ceo and manager. Well done Dom for saying it how it is, very refreshing.
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