TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman

@DomRoman

LAST PSF OF 2023

It feels like these pre-season friendlies have been going on for a while now, and after the fireworks against Exeter City, we look very much ready for action…so another game against the Southampton youngsters is hard to get excited about! I’m not sure this fixture will give us great preparation for playing the NLS likes of Dover, Worthing etc, but it’s another game to fine tune the harmony amongst the squad, tighten up fitness and for some of the squad, state their cases for a first team berth at the Crabble. A win, no injuries and perhaps one of Saints finest youngsters added to the Gulls squad? That would do nicely this weekend.

BRETT MCGAVIN

With Kevin Dawson seemingly out for a little white, it appears that Brett McGavin will start the season in the Gulls midfield and the Saints game is another opportunity for him to impress. I think we can be reasonably confident of his selection in the NLS, especially with Tom Lapslie and Asa Hall sitting next to him and doing the battling. Also with United on the front foot this season, he should have more time to think and more opportunities to move forward and get in and around the box. After last season’s woes, McGavin simply has to deliver in 23/24, his career as a pro depends on it. Will the often lethargic looking midfielder step up to the task? Time will tell.

ROSS MARSHALL

Ross Marshall will be hoping for a proper chance against Saints, a chance to show Gary Johnson he’s ready for the upcoming season and at the same time improve his match fitness. It’s possible that Marshall will be overlooked for the Dover game in favour of Ollie Tomlinson or even a late signing that could arrive next week, but much like McGavin, if he has any aspirations of eventually playing at a higher level and forging a successful career, then 23/24 is pretty much make or break. The squad players will be leaned on at times in this long season, let’s hope some of these disappointing 2022 signings can illustrate why they were brought to Plainmoor in the first place.

KEEPING MOMENTUM GOING

Torquay United is a club that so often rides a wave of emotions, getting stuck horribly in the doldrums when events don’t go their way or enjoying a splurge of success when things are going right…all in all making for a Yellows rollercoaster journey we’ve all experienced as supporters. Now after the doldrums of 22/23, the current vibes around the Gulls World feel mainly positive and we have very welcome momentum taking us into 23/24. This stemmed originally from the late wins in 22/23, then continued with the push to make early signings that helped the Yellow Army believe that there was life after relegation. The good feelings have then been underlined with the strong pre-season showings. Another strong performance, entertainment and goals against Southampton B keeps the momentum going and enhances belief in what Gary Johnson is building. I’m picking up good vibrations…