PLAYER RATINGS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom summarises the player ratings for 24/25 so far, as voted for by the Yellow Army

JAMES HAMON – 6/10

It’s been a mixed season for James Hamon so far. The keeper started well with some match saving heroics against Enfield, and was marked out as one of our better players in the early weeks of the season. Since then he’s drawn criticism for not keeping out long range shots and some indecisive work on crosses, but has been defended by Paul Wotton and has been more solid in recent games.

JAY FOULSTON – 7/10

A steady 7 for TT’s sponsored player, Jay Foulston has definitely been one of Torquay’s most consistent players of the season. One thing that stands out for me is his assured decision making in defence, he is adept at working out when to get tight or when to hang back a little, and attackers rarely get the better of him. Jay is also confident going forward, has a quality left foot on him and has chipped in a couple of important goals for good measure. Impressive.

JORDAN DYER – 7/10

Jordan Dyer’s season started well enough, before injury took him out of the reckoning for a number of games. Since returning he’s made a positive impact that’s helped the team stay solid. Much like Jay he reads the game well and generally makes the right decisions (not including last Saturday’s penalty). He also slotted perfectly into the middle of the defensive 3 when Sam Dreyer was given the day off against Truro. A shrewd signing.

SAM DREYER – 8/10

Sam Dreyer bounded into Torquay with all the confidence of a young player wanting to make a name for himself and so far he’s doing an excellent job of it. Big, strong and fast, Sam relishes a battle against an opposing striker, and whilst there’s been the odd lapse in concentration, in general he’s done the right things and clearly loves the challenge of being a leader in the back 3. There’s still more improvement to come from the defender I think as he learns his trade, and that’s a daunting prospect for NLS strikers!

ED PALMER 7/10

Ed Palmer probably didn’t expect to play many games by this time in the season, but an injury to Jordan Dyer allowed him a chance and the big guy took it. A winner at Bath was a lovely moment for Ed, and he’s gone on to make his presence felt when called upon, even including some lovely overlaps on the right wing. Nice work Ed!

MATT CARSON – 7/10

It’s been a tale of two halves to the season so far for Matt Carson. In the early weeks of 24/25, the wing back was undeniably one of United’s best players, creating havoc on the left hand side and scoring a couple of goals. But then opposition defences started to realise his danger and his output on the wing became less impactful, and after that Paul Wotton began to juggle his formation around, with Carson losing his place in the team. A player who can still play an important part in the 24/25 season, but he might have to bide his time to get back into the starting XI.

JORDAN THOMAS – 7/10

The loan signing of Jordan from Yeovil didn’t raise much enthusiasm from the Yellow Army, but since grabbing a place in the team, the full back has shown what he’s all about. Busy and industrious, quick to get forward and not afraid to get into the box (witness his goal at Enfield), Jordan’s has immediately repaid Paul Wotton’s faith in his ability. A strong signing.

FINN TONKS – 6/10

Finn Tonks has not done badly since arriving at Plainmoor on loan, he’s full of energy and loves getting down the wing, but defensively he’s got plenty to learn, as illustrated by 5 yellow cards. Still only 19, he’s got loads of time on his side and we’ll no doubt need him to play a part further down the line.

FINLEY CRASKE – 6/10

Finley had a very frustrating time with injuries during his first season at Plainmoor, and unfortunately he’s suffering more of the same in 24/25. A goal at Eastbourne and a run into the box to earn a penalty at Salisbury showed glimpes of what Finley can achieve, let’s hope he can make a successful return before long.

DEAN MOXEY – 5/10

Only seven appearances for the elder statesman of the United squad Mox, so not a lot to report. With the defence looking solid I’m not sure we’ll see much more of him, but we do have an FA Trophy match incoming and there’s always the possibility of injuries and suspensions. A player who can still slot in and do a great job if required.

OSCAR THRELKELD – 5/10

It’s been a tough season for Oscar Threlkeld so far. The midfielder was injured for a long spell before joining United, and it looks like the United captain has struggled to get back to speed again. There’s been some strong performances where Oscar shows his ability and controls the middle of park, but generally his lack of pace and fitness has been an issue, and a big reason why he finds himself currently on the bench.

DAN HAYFIELD – 7/10

Dan Hayfield had struggled to impress the Yellow Army faithful this season, but recent games have turned the tide and supporters have started to appreciate the midfielder as much as Paul Wotton does. With 3 goals, including two lovely free kicks, and 6 assists to his name, he’s certainly earning his place in the line-up, whilst his fitness and ability to get from box to box makes him an important cog in this Torquay United machine. A player who may not be showy or overly skilful on the ball, but someone who makes a difference in other ways.

LIRAK HASANI – 7/10

Lirak Hasani’s season sprang to life when he belted in that memorable goal against Dorking (with his weaker foot!). After that the attacking midfielder has been in and out of the starting line-up on numerous occasions, and his form has duly been rather inconsistent. His work rate is normally there, but he can’t always get on the ball as much as he would like and that’s been frustrating at times. Scored another beautiful goal last week though, and will be looking to bounce back into the team around the New Year (after his suspension) with a bang.

WILL JENKINS DAVIES – 8/10

The signing of WJD back on loan from Argyle looked like very astute business from Paul Wotton, and after an initial settling back in period, the skilful midfielder is finding his best form in a yellow shirt. He’s full of running, never shies away from taking possession of the ball, can beat a man and knows where the goal is – a key player as we head into the winter months.

OMAR MUSSA – 7/10

How to sum up Omar Mussa’s season so far? Well it’s not easy! Mussa started the season lacking fitness, but did have some terrific moments to entertain the Yellow Army. Since then there’s been injury, there’s been a lot of shuffling in and out of the Gulls line-up, and there’s been some more magic moments. Potentially a player that can light up any game and his performance at Enfield was exactly what Paul Wotton would hope to see. If he can speed up his decision making on the ball and get into the opposition’s boxes more then Omar can be a major asset in any game.

CODY COOKE – 8/10

Cody Cooke looked like a key signing when he was brought in towards the end of the summer, and he’s proven just that. No other Torquay striker can do what Cody does for the team, namely win headers and hold up the ball, and when he’s not been in the starting XI, he’s been sorely missed. He’s also chipped in a creditable 8 goals of course, and is a consistent battler in every game who reminds me a little of Tim Sills, and that’s a very good thing indeed.

JORDAN YOUNG – 7/10

Jordan Young’s first game for United against Chelmsford at Plainmoor was one of the best debuts I’ve seen in a long while. Constantly involved, the ex-Yeovil man showed all his quality and it looked like the goals would flow. Then Torquay’s attack stuttered and whilst Young continued to show for the ball, opposition defences were up to the task. The last two games have been better and Jordan’s 2nd goal for United at Enfield will have been a relief to him. A talented player.

BRAD ASH – 5/10

The hopes were high from the Yellow Army that Brad Ash would have a big season in tandem with Cody Cooke, but it’s not worked out for the striker and he’s become a peripheral figure in the squad. He helped to create the 4th goal at Enfield and can be a menace from the bench when beckoned on by PW.

RAKEALAN JEFFERS – 6/10

Keke Jeffers’ impact at United so far can be condensed into one moment, when he was denied a goal by an offside flag against Tonbridge. Since then he’s struggled to make an impression, but maybe he can contribute something vital from the bench in the coming games.