TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman

@DomRoman

Dom discusses the NLS game

BIG WEEK?

Two home games in a week coming up and also a 10 days delay to administration and a possible 10 point deduction. This could be a fantastic 10 days for the Gulls where they finally get over the hump and grab 3 points, and where the off the field uncertainty is removed and new owners are announced. Perhaps this is wishful thinking…however it’s a possibility, and it’s an exciting prospect in a season that had been anything but until Clarke Osborne pulled the rug from under our feet. All Aaron Downes and the players can do is look after their own business, starting this Saturday with a game against relegation-threatened Dartford FC. After two performances of effort and enthusiasm, optimism is high that this will be a successful afternoon and it’s important the team rise to the occasion.

THE OPPOSITION

Dartford FC finished 2nd last season, so were expected to be amongst the front runners (we know that feeling) under Alan Dowson. But the reality has been completely different and the Darts are currently languishing in 19th place, hoping that new manager Ady Pennock can knock them into shape. They didn’t seem like a struggling team when we faced them in November, as they dominated the Gulls from the off and ended up winning 3-0, but that’s as good as their season has so far got. With Pennock coming in the Darts could find new energy and spirit at Plainmoor, so we’ll have to be wary of the ‘new manager bounce’, and winger Luke Coulson is a dangerous player with 10 goals to his name this season. No excuses though, this is a very good chance for 3 points.

THE LINE-UP

Aaron Downes reported a clean bill of health this week, apart from Finley Craske, who has had a nightmare season with injuries. This means that Tom Lapslie could return to the line-up, possibly in place of Will Jenkins Davies, as I can’t see either McGavin or Dawson dropping out in midfield. Otherwise the XI may well stay the same in the 3-5-2 formation, with Jude-Boyd again asked to do his best at left wing back and the Ash/Jarvis partnership looking to find the net once more at Plainmoor. From the bench I do wonder if Lewis Collins could make a big impact in the last 11 games, whilst Ethon Archer gave us something different last Saturday. Whatever the line-up, this team must improve their attacking edge and push forward in better numbers to force the issue. This has only happened in short spells this season, but if the Aussie wants to prove his mettle as manager then now is the time to do it. Attack attack attack!

LOOKING FOR MOMENTUM ON THE PITCH

Momentum is key for teams like ours, and whilst at the moment there are plenty of unknowns about what the future will bring – the ownership, management, playing squad, our very existence is all up in the air – if suitable people come into our club (the statements feel positive this week) the 2024-25 season can hopefully be a prosperous one for Torquay United. So what I hope to see from the existing players is a hunger to prove themselves in the remaining games and show that they are more than likeable triers. Because whilst we have lots of positive vibes off the pitch of a club regaining it’s heart and a Yellow Army coming together in support of their club (the crowd will, I’m sure, be big and noisy on Saturday) – on the pitch the table does not lie. We have a united fanbase, now show us your worthy of the shirt lads….and for goodness sakes just win a bloody game!

BACK YOUR CLUB

Be there if you can on Saturday, contribute to the club’s coffers if you can on Saturday, make as much noise as you can on Saturday, show prospective owners once more just how much we flipping care about Torquay United on Saturday! I know the Yellow Army will keep stepping up for their football club, it’s what we do isn’t it. Our support is now more important than ever. Come on you Yellows.