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Dom Roman

@DomRoman

Dom discusses the Gulls

YOU TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

So it’s goodbye to Shaun Donnellan who heads up to Bonnie Scotland to play in the Scottish Premier! It’s become clear in recent weeks that we’d seen the last of the Right Back/Centre Back/Defensive Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder in a Yellow Shirt, and there’s been mixed responses from the Yellow Army, with disappointment entangled with ‘who cares’ and ‘no great loss’, showing that this was a player that divided opinions.

Personally I found the Don a frustrating player to watch at Plainmoor. Soon after joining in the summer of 2022, it became apparent that he had too many flaws in his game to be anything other than a half decent Non League player, and frankly it would be a surprise if he’s pulling up any trees in the Scottish Premier.

The flaws include switching off at crucial moments and also making bad decisions, which has cost us a few goals. Technically he knows what he wants to do but often fails to achieve it, and overall he is not skilled enough to be good in any particular position. Is he a right back? Not a natural wide player or crosser of the ball, and lacks pace. Is he a midfielder? Lacks composure and ability on the ball. Is he a centre back? Not big or clever enough to dominate strikers. I’ve seen him play 1 1/2 seasons for United, and I really couldn’t tell you! If I’m pressed he’s maybe best in a centre back 3, but there’s nothing I can commit to with confidence!

It’s not all been bad. With the Gulls toiling horribly last winter, Shaun did step up and put in some of his best performances for the team, with driving runs from the back and commitment winning him admirers and respect amongst supporters in a torrid time for all. Fitness wise he’s been able to play week after week, and he’s never shied away from the action on our worst days. Shaun has also often been one of the first players to head over to fans after defeats and acknowledge the Yellow Army.

But defeats have been the issue haven’t they. He’s been involved in many many losses at Torquay and was a big part of a wretched season that ended up with the drop to the NLS. Without staying to make amends and helping us bounce back up, his name will not provide me with any fond memories to look back on and any images of him will only remind me of the shambles of 2022/23 and relegation. Farewell Shaun, like any player departing, we’ll keep tabs on you I’m sure!

THE FORUM

A quick mention on the forum answers. Overall, after watching the whole thing, my thoughts were mixed. On the plus side it was better (and a lot longer!) than I expected, covering a range of questions and topics, and actually providing interesting responses to many of them. As the minutes ticked on it became apparent how much Gary Johnson is adored by Osborne, Edwards and Hayman, and our success, as it has been for years, depends hugely on how he performs as manager.

Meanwhile they sound confident on Stadium plans, and want us to believe in them and the club, without really giving us round and detailed enough answers on why – “ONE CLUB, WE ARE UNITED”! Sorry George but that’s not really good enough is it. I also didn’t hear any admissions of failure, with luck being blamed, whilst relegation was brushed past with a “All managers have good and bad seasons” type of response.

Do I trust these people any more with our club after this? Not particularly! But we’ve asked for better communication and engagement, and we’ve got something that’s a step in the right direction at least, with Osborne and Johnson making an effort to give considered answers. Next time face to face please, if you believe in yourselves that much, talk to us in person.