TT BLOG

Clive Hayward – @Byehorse

Clive discusses the Gulls

TT BLOG

DON’T GET TOO HIGH, DON’T GET TOO LOW

Walking away from Tonbridge on a sunlit evening, three points in our back pockets and a song in our hearts, the world felt a lovely place. A 1-0 win on the road and some still-warm late afternoon sunshine buoyed the spirits. It was 6 points from two away games, and the air was thick with predictions of a charge up the table: promotion slap bang back on the agenda.

Fast forward to a frustrating day after the Plainmoor night before. After a hugely disappointing and bewildering poor performance against struggling Salisbury, some of us have been doubting if the manager is up to the job and questioning the players’ desire: “they looked like they didn’t want it enough.”

The truth of the matter is this. We aren’t world-beaters. Neither are we unfit to wear the shirt. This Torquay team is probably around about where it deserves to be in a league where, with the possible exception of Worthing, nobody has imposed themselves for a lengthy period.

So if you want my advice (I know you haven’t asked for it, and other than being an old codger I have no credentials to dish it out) you won’t get too high when we win or too low when we don’t. Inconsistency is normal. Unexpectedly poor days are a fact of life in football in general and for this team in particular. Buckle up, by all means. Try to enjoy the ride. It’s definitely OK to celebrate the wins, but try to chill when we mess it up. There are few things certain in this life, apart from death, taxes and unpredictable football results!

CODY’S IN MY HEAD, OZZY’S IN MY TEAM

Whilst we’re talking about unpredictability: who do you reckon will lead the line on Saturday? A month ago, the answer would have been clear. Cody Cooke was our only centre forward, and he had been making a decent fist of it all season. One of the first names on the teamsheet, the former Bath striker had turned in brave and effective performances. Not a prolific goal-scorer, but the pivot of our attack and reliable from the penalty spot.

Weston super Mare (a) changed all that. Cody took a nasty knock and his injury heralded the introduction of Offrande Zanzala, who has joined us having apparently been on Paul Wotton’s radar for several months.

“Ozzy” started the Borehamwood game, and Cody looked worryingly off the pace when he came off the bench in that game and at Chippenham the following midweek. He has since missed the Tonbridge and Salisbury games with a pulled calf whilst Ozzy became our new and only hope up top. As we know, he had damaged a knee scoring at Chippenham and he has shown brilliant commitment “playing hurt” ever since. Not for him a rest after an hour. We’ve needed him for the full 90.

So what happens at Dorking? I get the impression that if Cody is fit, he is likely to start. The manager has spoken about Zanzala having had “too many minutes.” I understand that. For me, though, Ozzy has earned the shirt. I do think he offers a bit more in terms of running in behind, and ideally I would like him to give Dorking lots to think about before giving way to a fresh Cooke for the last 20 minutes.

DRUMS

I’d be really interested in fans’ views about this. Drumming has become a real feature of Torquay games in recent years. A good drummer can really help getting an atmosphere going. Equally, some people find it a bit monotonous at times, and have said it can spoil their enjoyment of the game. We are going to have a discussion at the next Supporters Trust board meeting and I would be very interested to hear your opinions. Realistically, nobody is likely to try to stop drums , but it is a subject that can divide opinions. It would be great to get as many views as possible by Sunday night. Please either email INFO@TUST.CO.UK or drop me a tweet @Byehorse.

DORKING (AWAY)

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for Saturday. Against all odds, Torquay v Dorking has become a bit of a marquee fixture.

Their owner and manager Marc White is a huge personality who has lived and breathed his project for many years. He is a “marmite” character for sure, but it’s very clear that beneath the bluster and showmanship there is a real football person, who thinks deeply about the game. He will never let you die wondering what he thinks, either! He has been generous with his time for Torquay Talk, and he left us an interesting voicenote this week. He is very clear that he feels there is currently a “chasm” between NLS and the National League. That gives real pause for thought, because like it or not if we were lucky enough to get promoted in a few weeks’ time there would need to big decisions about the squad needed to take us forward.

Marc also said that he loves it when clubs bring big away support to Meadowbank. With ticket sales for Saturday thought to be at 700 and rising, Torquay certainly won’t lack backing on Saturday. You can certainly get a beer in the away end, even if the view might not exactly be of Bernabeu standard. I’m really looking forward to it. The result won’t define our season, but if we can get a result against decent opposition it will have been hard earned- see you there!