TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman

@DomRoman

SEARCHING FOR IMPROVEMENT

Playing poorly could be accepted (somewhat grudgingly) when we were winning, but being terrible and losing at Aveley could not, and the loss came as no surprise to anyone who has watched the Gulls stumble along this season. The levels of performance are very similar in truth to last season, and like sitting through bad soap opera re-runs, it’s painful viewing. The same mistakes are being made and the Yellow Army are rightly at breaking point with their manager. I hear conjecture that improvement is around the corner, is this based on anything other than blind hope and optimism? With stale coaching and players looking around searching for answers, grinding out points and hoping for the best appears the only plans at Torquay United.

THE MIDFIELD

WHAT ARE WE DOING WITH THE MIDFIELD? Playing a 4-4-2 is rather old school, most teams even at NLS level bulk up numbers in midfield, but that doesn’t mean they should be walking through the middle of our team at will. For the last two games it’s been a partnership of Donnellan and Lapslie, workmanlike players who will try hard of course, but they’re not nearly mobile or fit enough to pick up pieces all round middle third and win loose balls. We fell into this trap last season and here we are slipping into it again. Perhaps a move back to 3-5-2 would be beneficial or we could alter to a 4-3-3? We’re missing Dawson of course, but that doesn’t excuse such poor set-up of the team. Tactical acumen is severely lacking at Plainmoor, with Farnborough a dangerous opponent, midfield (and everything else) needs tightening up, or Mark Halstead will be in for another busy 90 minutes.

THE OPPOSITION

Farnborough FC arrive at Plainmoor 9th in the NLS after a weekend win over Hampton & Richmond. They have yet to win away from home this season, but could well cause United plenty of problems with striker Alfie Pavey already bagging 6 goals this season, and veteran ex-Charlton and Sheffield United attacker Ricky Holmes still showing magic at the age of 36. Like any team arriving at Plainmoor, Spencer Day’s Boro will undoubtedly be excited by the prospect of turning us over and the onus will be on United again to raise their game.

STOP THE HOOFBALL

The phrase ‘Hoofball’ has become synonymous with the Gulls in recent times and Aveley was no different. A professional outfit in the NLS should not need to revert to long aimless balls and this should be instilled into the lads before every game. We found success against Braintree by taking time, allowing opportunities to present themselves and then moving the ball accurately into the strikers. Keep your calm and keep the ball on the ground lads…we have two very good strikers at this level, provide service that won’t give them neckache!

TWO HOME GAMES

Two home games this week and if we win both of them we will be near the top, so despite all the criticism around (much of it deserved), the world of Torquay United can feel better very quickly. I don’t think the manager’s job is in danger whatever happens this season, so I hesitate to say the pressure is on him..but fail to win these and the supporters’ angst will increase and plenty may decide to tune out from the football club. United need performances soon otherwise this season could turn ugly. No excuses please do better, show us why we should believe in you and why our hard earned money has not been wasted.