TT BLOG

Dom Roman

@DomRoman

After two behind closed doors games the supporters finally get their first glimpse of Torquay United this summer, and surprisingly not many of the faces have changed since Wrexham (h) in April. Let’s discuss the Plainmoor game against the Greens of Plymouth…

1ST TEAM LOOKING READY

Gary Johnson’s squad came together fairly rapidly this summer as the players who finished 22-23 signed back on one by one…well apart from Nouble and Lawrence. These first teamers have started the two games against the Reading youngsters and Bristol City, and produced two pleasing first halves. You can’t under-estimate how much continuity helps, especially at a club like ours. Team mates have already gelled together and formed trusting relationships that should bode well for the weeks and months to come. Heck we might even avoid our usual hammering against Argyle, but no promises!

TRIALISTS AND SQUAD STRENGTH

Whilst we have a strong fulcrum to build on, having not signed any players for a number of weeks, the squad still needs reinforcement and Gary Johnson will be hoping that the trialists make strong enough claims to earn contracts. One of the trialists appears to be right back Finley Craske who left Argyle this summer, having played at Truro last season on loan. There still seems to be gaps in the squad for a capable centre back, apart from that a full back and a couple of attacking options would give us a squad of 21 to take into the NLS season. We’ll be keeping a keen eye on the hopefuls on Tuesday night, and who knows maybe Steven Schumacher will be ready to loan us their next big thing…

ARGYLE

It seems like a lifetime ago since we did the double over Plymouth Argyle in 11-12, with Eunan goals at home and glory at Home Park. Around that time Argyle had struggled hugely with financial issues and been relegated down the leagues, but around 10 years later they have not only turned things around, but made it back to the Championship for the first time since 2010. Last season saw regular big crowds at Home Park as they bagged the League 1 title, and no doubt the buoyant Green Army will swell our coffers with large numbers as usual. One very familiar face will be Adam Randell. Adam’s presence is a reminder of better times at Torquay and I’m sure the midfield diamond will receive a warm welcome from the Yellow Army.

JARVIS AND ASH

The talk of Aaron Jarvis leaving sent shivers down the spine of all the Yellow Army. With Frank Nouble joining Yeovil we didn’t need any more unsettling news, but credit to Gary Johnson and the club for acting swiftly and easing our troubled minds with a speedy statement stating that the big man was staying. He’s our leader upfront and someone who should be a sure thing in the NLS, so although no-one is irreplaceable, losing Jarv would have left a big hole to fill this close to the start of the season. Both Jarvis and Ash scored against Bristol City and I’m hearing good things about Bradley’s work rate and energy. I’m sure the striker will be very keen to make a positive impression in his first run-outs at Plainmoor, no doubt he’ll have plenty of running to do against the Championship Greens.