TT BLOG
Dom Roman
@DomRoman
Dom discusses the Gulls
AWAY WIN
Away losses have because such a regular occurrence for Torquay this season, so the team actually grabbing 3 points in Gloucester felt like a surprise, even if we were playing a side who are fighting their way through a crazy fixtures backlog! On Monday night United’s loyal away following made the effort (as always) and thankfully so did the team! Arkell Jude-Boyd has been our shining light in recent months and his goal to open the scoring was an absolute belter. Too many of our squad are shrinking violets and they’ve been shown up by the young lad who’s only just starting his football career. At the other end of the spectrum Dean Moxey also stood out (as did the beetroot shirts!), you have to question his sanity at wanting to stay on at Plainmoor again this season, but he’s done what he can. The game wasn’t without concerns in the 2nd half. Had Truro found a little more quality and composure then I’m sure they could have pierced our defence earlier, but United didn’t do anything silly and got a big result. And in the current situation the result is all that really mattered.
AARON DOWNES
The Truro game was Aaron Downes’ 10th in charge of the Gulls, and with 3 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses it’s been a mixed time. I think the general consensus amongst Gulls supporters is that the Australian is a good guy who appreciates supporters and will give his all for Torquay United, but also that he’s not the man to manage us going forward. I’d agree with that. No disrespect to AD, he has tried to put his own stamp on the tactics and at times the team have played sharper football than we have seen all season…but it feels like we need a completely new character to come in with new ideas and new players. Someone different with an aura and personality that helps refresh the dressing room from the grim losing mentality that has reigned in recent years under Johnson/Downes and helps make us dream again. Who we can get all depends on the ownership situation and what finances are available, but even after all our troubles I’m sure the job of managing Torquay United would still appeal to many capable candidates.
TUST
With the news that the TUST/consortium bid had not been accepted by the administrators, we now await the unmasking of who will be the new supremo. But in the meantime the TUST members should be proud of the work they have put in. Being dismissed by the club time and time again made life so difficult for them, but they kept on pushing and after Osborne’s statement, TUST made a concerted effort to come up with a plan to help save the club, a plan that was scary to many but also a plan that could have led to an exciting future, with the Yellow Army at the forefront. I know they won’t give up fighting for our club, and I hope the new owners will communicate effectively with them, and overall just understand the importance of our loyal supporters. Any return to the previous regime’s approach will be thoroughly demoralising that’s for sure.
THE WAITING GAME
That old gossip Dave Thomas was giving out the Haymans as the figure heads of one of the ownership bids the other night in the Torbay Weekly, only for the paragraphs to be deleted by the morning! I’m not sure what to make of that to be honest, but the thought of Mel Hayman and perhaps her close ally George Edwards remaining in place at Plainmoor is a bloody tough one to swallow. After all, they’ve been part of the miserable failures at United alongside Osborne and Johnson, supporters will not forget this and the lack of trust would be a real issue going forward. Of course we could be fretting over nothing…it could be a different party altogether, with people involved who we’ve never heard of. If the choice is between Hayman/Edwards and the unknown, then I know who I’m picking! We know the club will be saved at least which gives reassurance, but how will the new Torquay United look? The wait goes on.
GULL’S EYE VIEW
We’re reaching the end of our 3rd season doing the Gull’s Eye View on YouTube, and with the excellent Sam Swann, Thomas Kelly and Chris Wade all regulars, I’m proud of how we’ve kept tackling everything week in week out. With the Gulls struggling on and off the pitch it’s not been easy, but we always enjoy getting it off our chests together, whilst our views are passionate, unscripted and honest if nothing else! Check out the link for our latest episode below, and subscribe if you can, it would be much appreciated.
COYY – DOM
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