TT PREVIEW

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

THE FINAL PSF OF 2026

I can’t pretend to love pre-season friendlies, they lack the physical nature and intensity that makes Football such a special sport, and we’ve often flattered to deceive in them, meaning you can take the performances and results with a pinch of salt. But, having played more games than usual and with a squad large and well-covered in all positions, it really does look like Jimmy Ball has got the team exactly where he wants them to be, as we build up to the proper stuff. Some of the young players brought in may need more time to settle, but they bring pace, energy and motivation to the squad, whilst there is plenty of continuity from last season and a sprinkling of experienced guys arriving who could be very valuable indeed. All in all, we should feel confident about what lies ahead, I can’t promise it will be our time but the ingredients look promising!

ATTACKING OPTIONS

Will this match give an indication of how Torquay will line-up for Horsham (h)? Well, maybe! In attack we have a number of options, and Jimmy Ball has exciting decisions to make, with new signings Callum Morton, Isaac Westendorf and Sean Robertson raring to go, whilst Louis Dennis, Dylan Morgan, Jordan Young, Matt Jay, Cody Cooke and Deon Moore all remain at Plainmoor. I’d say Deon Moore is nailed on to be the main man upfront, but it’s hard to call who will start alongside him. Westendorf looks dangerous and confident, Morgan was electric towards the end of 25-26 and players like Dennis and Young would easily command a place in most other NLS teams! It’s a selection dilemma that shows how much potential this United side has for 2026-27.

GRECIANS

So this will be a young Exeter City side that we face on Friday and that’s a shame as the challenge will be far different to what Horsham will throw our way. City have to be careful this season, we know how downwards trajectory can be hard to stop after relegation, and we’re still trying to reverse our fortunes in the right direction. Not long ago they seemed like a financially well-run team who were ready to stick it out in League 1 for a long time to come, but now League 2 could eat them up as well. It’s been 12 years and counting since we faced them in a competitive fixture, could we get closer to a rematch by next year? Let’s hope so!

ALMOST THERE

Last year I’d predicted we’d be champions, and I still think we could have been…but it’s time to move on and I do fancy our chances again! Jimmy Ball has made a great impression on the Yellow Army, but he still has to prove his managerial credentials, and success at Plainmoor equals promotion. We still finished 3rd last season despite poor away form, fitness issues and far too many defeats – improve on those aspects, make us mentally tougher and this could be the season, good luck Jimmy!