TT PREVIEW

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

LAST PSF OF 2024

After a fantastic return to Plainmoor and two fixtures against Plymouth & Exeter, the Torquay United squad finish their pre-season schedule on a quieter note with a trip to Ladysmead to face Southern League Premier Tivvy Town. This fixture is no less important than those other two, as it represents another chance to sharpen up all aspects of the Gulls’ play and also the final chance for the squad to stake a claim for a starting spot versus Enfield Town. A sound performance coupled with no injuries would be just the ticket for Paul Wotton, and no doubt there will be plenty of buoyant Yellow Army followers cheering the side on.

COMPETITION FOR PLACES

I think Paul Wotton probably knows the team he’d like to start against Enfield in 8 days time, but that doesn’t mean it’s set in stone and of course things can change very quickly, with one player dropping out of contention only this week as news of Austen Booth’s betting charges came to light. The choice of pairing upfront will be an interesting one, with Cody Cooke looking a more suitable partner for Brad Ash or Ben Seymour, whilst in midfield Oscar Threlkeld will expect to start, but will have to be managed carefully after his injury problems during the last year. In defence a 3 of Foulston, Dreyer and Dyer look well set in the friendlies, but that doesn’t mean Dean Moxey can’t wedge his way back into the reckoning if things don’t go to plan. Meanwhile Carson and Tonks are in the driving seat for wing back roles, as Wotton’s favoured 3-5-2 pushes full steam ahead.

OMAR MUSSA

It feels like Omar Mussa has been linked with Torquay United forever, so it’s a little surprising that he won’t be 24 years-old until later this month! The midfielder came on and made an impact on Tuesday night, providing a sweet free kick for Jordan Dyer to head in and looking very comfortable in the beautifully designed new retro kit! The midfield has looked a little short on quality, so this is a great chance for him to play regular football and make a big impression at Torquay. Mussa will no doubt feature at Tiverton, developing relationships with the likes of Hayfield and Threlkeld in a Gulls midfield that should offer more than 23/24.

DREYER STANDS OUT

Ask anyone to pick out their top Gulls’ players from the first four pre-season friendlies and Sam Dreyer is mentioned more often than anybody. Big, confident and comfortable on the ball, the early indications look very good for the 20 year-old to maybe become the next excellent centre back for Torquay (a position we’ve excelled in more than any other over the years). His CV already lists a number of clubs and that valuable experience could be our big gain in the coming seasons. It’s still only pre-season and we’ll know a lot more once NLS fixtures have been played, but Dreyer already looks like a key man for this new Torquay United.

MOMENTUM

The Austen Booth news was possibly the first sour note we’ve had this summer, but overall the positive vibes and hard work at Plainmoor have created a gathering momentum that takes us towards 2024-25 in excellent health. This is mainly due to what the Bryn Consortium are pushing to achieve at Torquay United, and how different the whole club now feels in all areas. Leigh Robinson’s Tiverton Town will enjoy the challenge of facing United, and the Yellow Army will be in happy spirits feeling that we are heading in the right direction. We should be optimistic, and also ready for the odd bump in the road…this is Torquay after all!