TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

Management Selection

At the time of writing, we still don’t know who the new manager at the helm will be for Saturday. The rumour mill has been doing overtime, but we still don’t have the name of who will lead us into the last nine games of the season. Neil Warnock said on Thursday that the new man should be in, so we may well be welcoming the man to drive us forward at Plainmoor on Saturday. Whoever it is will find us full of spirit and lifted by the midweek win against Salisbury, which was massive for the belief and confidence that we have been so missing in recent weeks. Another win will push us into the final hurdles with a chance of anything.

Who’s Available?

The injury crisis is unprecedented. In all my years watching this wonderful club, I have never seen injuries like this. The midweek departure of Nash Sundire to injury left us with one out field substitute, and we made it through it with eleven men on the pitch. With Sundire absent, and Matt Worthington suspended, more changes are inevitable at the weekend. Jordan Dyer could be back at the heart of the defence, which would be massive. Louis Dennis missed midweek with a dead leg and could also return, so the numbers could yet lift. So Paignton Academy development players also look set to gain experience of the match day experience.

Super Seb

The arrival of Seb Stacey from MK Dons lifted everybody on Tuesday. With black boots and black gloves, there was a glorious old school look to him. He was comfortable with the ball at his feet, and also confident in his handling at crucial stages. Freshness can sometimes all it needs in key areas of the pitch, and he made a positive impression on everybody. With resident keeper James Hamon now available again, it will be interesting to see who plays in goal against Chesham. The man in possession of the shirt will be key one might think.

Morgan Magic

Whilst quality output may at times be frustrating with winger Dylan Morgan, there can be no denying that he has magic in his boots. Tuesday’s barnstorming finish into the top left hand corner of the Salisbury net broke the game open and gave us what we desperately needed, and his pace and drive was a threat throughout. Wingers can drive you up the wall at times, but they have to try things, and creative players come at a price sometimes. Tuesday showed the work rate of Morgan and Jordan Young, and the quality won out in the end. Everybody will be keen to show the new manager what they can do.

The Opposition

Chesham United come to Plainmoor in the mix for promotion. Following a burst up the table, one win in four, including defeats against Worthing and Dagenham have slowed their progress. But they will be buoyed by Tuesday’s 4-0 win over fellow promotion chasing Weston-super-mare. This league is so unpredictable that you never really know what will happen when you turn up to a stadium, but with 11 home wins, we must back ourselves against any opposition. The presence of a new manager is always an important time, so let’s get behind the man (whoever it may be) and drive us to three points. In this open league, who knows what is yet possible….