TT BLOG

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris rates player performance so far

As we reach a rather frustrating free weekend thanks to our earlier than planned cup exit, I have taken the opportunity to review the early season performances of our defensive set up, starting with the goalkeeper:

JAMES HAMON – 7/10

As is the keeper’s lot, James has made a positive start in some ways and not in others. Two outstanding saves at Farnborough immediately spring to mind, and he is a positive and modern keeper, always looking to play from the floor and is comfortable on the football. But there have been goals and situations where you may feel that he could have done better. A stronger hand may have kept Saturday’s goal against St Albans out. Time will tell if he is an upgrade on Mark Halstead.

FINLEY CRASKE 6/10

I’m still struggling with Fin a bit and what he is. He looked silky in midfield whilst on trial 18 months ago, and he seems to be through his injury issues. But Paul Wotton has used him mainly as a wing back on the right hand side, and he hasn’t had an outstanding game yet. He is solid in defence, but offers less offensively than Finn Tonks and doesn’t naturally look to get forward and deliver crosses into the box.

FINN TONKS 7/10

Arriving at the end of pre-season, Finn has settled well. He has been selected more regularly than Craske, and has more about him going forward, so is a more natural pick at home especially. He needs to work on his quality into the box and he’s also picked up a number of bookings already, but his indefatigable approach down the right has a lot to like about it.

JORDAN DYER 6/10

I have to say that I like what I have seen of him so far, but he hasn’t played since the second game due to a relatively serious hamstring injury. In pre-season you could see why Wotton wanted him into the club, as he is comfortable on the ball and is strong in the tackle. He didn’t look out of his depth against Plymouth Argyle in pre-season, and his return next month will give options in defence.

ED PALMER 7/10

As a former Torquay player, there is no doubt that a return to the club has meant a lot to Ed. Now in his early thirties and working as a barber also, Ed has been a regular since the early injury to Dyer and is a Wotton type of player, especially having brought him here from Truro with him. He is comfortable on the ball and likes to get forward, contributing two set piece goals in the early weeks. He does have a mistake in him on the ground that he will have to watch, although we may not see him for a while after his nasty facial injury sustained last week in a red carded challenge.

SAM DREYER 8/10

You can’t help but be impressed by all that Sam has done so far this season. He has all of the attributes of a good centre back. Tall, dark and handsome at the back, he is dominant in the air and commands the box and defensive dead ball situations, as well as being a threat in the opposition box too. He is comfortable on the ball too which is important for a modern defender. His age has shown in a couple of situations, one that has cost a goal, but that will happen as he develops. A lot to like about Sam.

JAY FOULSTON 7/10

A summer recruit from Taunton Town, TorquayTalk sponsored Jay has made a positive start to his yellows career. He has a quality left foot and has been employed mainly as a left sided centre back so far, but his height has enabled him to be a success. He is comfortable and calm on the ball, and has linked up with Matty Carson on the left side. He looks to have a goal in him, but we look forward to seeing that soon.

DEAN MOXEY 6/10

In a new role as a player coach, Dean has been used sparingly so far this season as he forms an important part of Paul’s new coaching set up. The quality cross at Chesham shows that he has still got it, and he will be needed in patches for sure. Still a fan’s favourite for sure but no longer a vital member of the first team..

MATT CARSON 8/10

When you sign a young lad, you are never quite sure what you will get. But Paul Wotton has gelled together a good young squad, and Matty is an example of that. His contributions have been very positive. Energetic and hard working down the left side, he brings width and balance to the 3-5-2 that Wotton like to play. He hasn’t been shown up with his defensive work either, and has already contributed two (rather fortunate goals). Lots to come and look forward to from Matty.