TT BLOG
Dom Roman
@DomRoman
The first eleven is shaping up nicely at Plainmoor, but looking beyond the players who had success at the end of last season, there are doubts over four chaps who joined us in the summer of 2022. Yes I’m talking about Crowe, Hanson, Marshall and McGavin. Let’s discuss those guys 22/23 season and their chances of having more success in 23/34….
DYLAN CROWE
Profile:
Position: Right Back/Right Wing Back – Height: 1.81 – Age: 22 – Signed: 1st July 2022
Pre-TUFC:
Crowe has more youth pedigree than any of these guys, signing up to the Ipswich Academy at the age of 12 and becoming a pro in 2019. During that time he was capped up to U18 level with England and was also apparently linked with Manchester United.
22/23 Highlights
- A cracking late goal against Altrincham at Plainmoor salvages a point for the Gulls.
- Crowe comes on as sub for Dean Moxey in the home Cup game against Derby and does well marauding up the left wing.
22/23 Lowlights:
- His defensive play is quickly called into question as the season progresses and United struggle.
- He picks up a silly second Yellow Card in the Boxing Day game against Yeovil Town.
- His last game of the season is early February, he is sub for 4 games but is unused by Gary Johnson.
Thoughts for 23/24:
It’s difficult to feel confident about Dylan Crowe even in the National League South. His defensive intelligence and awareness is severely lacking and you can’t help but feel he’ll be found out in the regional league. He also lacks the physical strength and confidence to impose himself in games and that’s disappointing for someone whose youth CV includes Ipswich Town and England. When he does play the defender is keen and enthusiastic to make an impression and after more coaching maybe he can bring something positive on the right hand side if required. I need plenty of convincing.
TUFC STATS: APPEARANCES 29, GOALS 1, ASSISTS 0, YELLOW/RED CARDS 3/1
RYAN HANSON
Profile:
Position: Midfield – Height: 1.82 – Age: 22 – Signed: 1st July 2022
Pre-TUFC:
Hanson started out as a youngster at Crystal Palace, before moving to Hull. He was then released and spent a season with Dover Athletic, who were doomed to relegation in 21-22. He ended the season as captain and then signed for the Gulls last summer on a 2 year deal.
22/23 Highlights:
- Hanson scores an early goal for United in the September win at Southend.
22/23 Lowlights:
- Hanson is an ever-present at the start of the season, but is replaced in late September and never commands a first team place after that.
- He starts the Notts County game in Feb, but having picked up a booking and also made some reckless challenges, Ryan is subbed off before half time.
Thoughts for 23/24:
If Ryan Hanson was brought into deputise for Asa Hall, then he has an awful long way to go! The midfielder looked like a rabbit caught in headlights when he did play, and having trusted him to start the season in the team, Gary Johnson clearly lost patience in him. I’m having difficulty in working out what Ryan’s attributes are as a player, such was his lack of impact last season, and he also looks very lightweight. NLS action could perhaps give him more time to think in the midfield, and perhaps we’ll see a different player emerge in 23/24. But it’s hard to believe that he’d be staying around for another year if his contract wasn’t still running.
TUFC STATS: APPEARANCES 33, GOALS 1, ASSISTS 0, YELLOW/RED CARDS 6/0
ROSS MARSHALL
Profile:
Position: Centre Back – Height: 1.91m – Age: 23 – Signed: 5th July 2022
Pre-TUFC:
Another ex-Ipswich youngster, having left them in 2019, Ross Marshall then played for Maidstone, Stevenage and Barnet (loan), before Gary Johnson brought him to Plainmoor last July.
22/23 Highlights:
- Playing very well as the Gulls kept a clean sheet at Daggers in early December and won 0-1.
- He put in a commanding performance alongside Nico Lawrence against Barnet in February.
22/23 Lowlights:
- He collected two red cards before the end of October, one for a professional foul at Bromley and then one for a silly stamp in the Altrincham home game.
- He gave away a penalty at home to Dagger at the end of March, and then didn’t make the squad for the rest of the season.
Thoughts for 23/24:
Marshall had a really tough 22/23, capable of some strong performances he would then let himself down with a silly or panicked decision, which at centre back will often get punished. He did show potential in a 4-4-2, and unlike others in this group has an aggressive personality and doesn’t shy away from the challenges on the pitch. If Gary Johnson can polish this very rough diamond by honing his organisational and positional play, and improving his erratic composure at the same time, then I do believe there is a player in there. No promises mind, a lot of work to be done!
TUFC STATS: APPEARANCES 29, GOALS 2, ASSISTS 1, YELLOW/RED CARDS 5/2
BRETT MCGAVIN
Profile:
Position: Midfield – Height: 1.83m – Age: 23 – Signed: 1st July 2022
Pre-TUFC:
Brett McGavin progressed through Ipswich Town’s youth system and even played 11 games for them. He was loaned out to King’s Lynn in 2021, spending a season with the club, before being released by Ipswich in 2022.
22/23 Highlights:
- He scored a close range goal in the 2nd game of the season at Halifax to take all 3 points for the Gulls.
- Brett scored a beauty from outside the box in the FA Cup game against Hampton.
22/23 Lowlights:
- His lack of pace is evident time and time again, nowhere more than Southend (h) when he can’t catch the striker in a late loss at Plainmoor.
Thoughts for 23/24:
I don’t think any player was talked about more last season than Brett McGavin! He clearly wasn’t a Gary Johnson-type player, and whilst the United manager asked for hustle and bustle, the midfielder struggled to find the energy and intensity to deliver. There was flashes of quality with some good goals and set pieces, but overall the languid looking chap appeared off the pace. He simply needs to work harder and prove himself as a a full-time footballer, because the midfielder does have playmaking abilities to make a splash in the NLS. Time will tell.
TUFC STATS: APPEARANCES 38, GOALS 4, ASSISTS 4, YELLOW/RED CARDS 5/0
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