TT BLOG

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom discusses the Gulls

A BIG CHANCE

If someone had offered me last summer the chance for the Gulls to be 3 points off the top with 5 games to play, I’d have replied “DEAL” all day long! Exceeding expectations shows that Torquay United are in the midst of a successful season, a season that is creeping into what could be a fantastic crescendo that Westcott, MBC and all the Bryn Consortium would have dreamt of when they arrived in the Plainmoor hot seats! It’s been emotional, as usual, weeks where we’ve wondered whether the football on the pitch has been heading in the right direction, weeks where Paul Wotton’s style of play has been questioned, but also numerous weeks where the whole momentum of the club feels just perfect. We can all pretend to be happy to call 24/25 a building season, a year when Torquay United regather themselves as a football club, but once you’re in amongst the front runners with no dominant force, anything other than promotion will be a disappointment. That’s the life of a football supporter, the rollercoaster between success and failure will never change, and it’s a big reason why we always come back for more. Make no mistake, we have a big chance. Bring…it….on!

CODY COOKE

Cody Cooke has been a real talisman for the Gulls this season, leading the line with huge determination and scoring crucial goals at crucial times. The arrival of Ozzy Zanzala was timely for United, and gave us extra firepower that helped start our current unbeaten run, and he understandably gathered plenty of acclaim for his impact, but it’s so important to remember the massive part Cooke has had to play in our season. You could tell from Cody’s post match interview at Aveley that he’s desperate to find his way back into the starting line-up asap. With Zanzala nursing an injury in recent weeks, our Number 19 might get his wish as well at Plainmoor this Saturday, and it would be no surprise if he popped up with another winner.

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PLAYER OF THE YEAR CHAT

We asked Social Media followers to name their Gulls Players of Year contenders for 24/25, and the main two names mentioned were Sam Dreyer and Jordan Young. Dreyer was a nailed on candidate from pre-season onwards, such has been his confidence and ability. We all expected him to have a great season, and he’s delivered. Jordan Young may have joined later on, but his class was also obvious from his debut at Plainmoor, and his 10 goals and 10 assists are absolutely no surprise with that gem of a left foot. I’d like to mention Jordan Dyer and Jay Foulston, who have suffered injuries, but been very consistent when fit. Otherwise, Cody Cooke has been so important in that role upfront and whilst James Hamon hasn’t always convinced me in goal, he’s had a good season overall. We’ve got a squad that have been fully engaged and committed playing for Torquay United, and the younger players and management team will have learnt a lot from a big season in front of the Yellow Army. Whether we go up or not, that bodes well for the future.

HOLDING OUR NERVE

Chesham & Slough at home are two games that Torquay United should win, but we’ve played so many tense and tight fixtures this year, it’s hard to expect anything different! They both sit reasonably comfortably in the National League South, and they both will be looking forward to a trip to Torbay, with no pressure on them to win and a chance to upset the odds in front of the biggest crowd they’ll see all season. That makes them dangerous opposition, and Paul Wotton will be keen to relax his team where possible and make sure that the occasion does not affect their performance. These big games call for composure in the key moments, and we should have the players to do it. Comfortable wins would be lovely, but 3 points is all that matters. I can smell a glorious finale at Hemel, but of course there is plenty of work to do first….