Torquay United Fans Forum

[quote="Bigman"]I find it oddly exciting when the board is so divided :)

Provided his wages won't break the bank and he understands he won't be guaranteed a starting place I'm on the side of YES. I believe he was amazing here because he was happy, and while he hasn't done well since he left he could be happy here again and thus reproduce some of that form. He's only just turned 33 so certainly isn't past it, or IMO even at the point where he could've become a bad player in the last 6 months, I just think he needs to refind himself and his form, and where better to do it than in a yellow shirt?[/quote]

I completely agree. If the deal is a good one financially, then I would take it. It was only half a season ago that Branno was our best player and we were gutted he was going. He hasn't turned into a bad player since then, I would just argue a bit unlucky.

He was brought to Bradford by Peter Jackson, who was sacked almost immediately after the season started. Since then Parkinson has come in and Branno was not his first choice, whereas he was captain and a certain starter under Jackson. If that hadn't happened he may well be performing the same for them as he did for us, but that's football. Since then he's been loaned to Rotherham and clearly isn't happy. I would argue he played so well here because he was finally settled and liked the area, whereas since he left he's turning back into a bit a nomad.

I would also add that when he first joined us, he'd not been playing great and was out of favour at a similar sized league two club. He certainly wasn't a bad signing then, helping us stay up and then helping us up to Old Trafford.

What would be the harm in a six month deal til the end of the season? We'd be getting a crowd favourite, someone who is familiar with several of the players who can probably slot in straight away, good cover at centre back and an experienced head for the run in when we could be challenging for promotion. In my mind definitely worth offering six months to if he'd be willing to take it.

We know what Branno can do, I'm sure Ling is aware of his exploits here last year, and its up to him to decide.

[quote="brucie"][u][b]Its nonsense to suggest that Branston is a judge of a player just because he preferred to play alongside Robbo rather than Ellis.[/b][/u]
Why the hell would have Branston back - I mean he would hardly be keen on sitting on the bench. He did really well for us but we definately got the best of him.
We all know that Ling will play Saah so that would mean thats Branston would replace Ellis - and he isn't half as good.
[u][b]You might want to knock Ellis but he has been as good as ever since getting back into the team[/b][/u].[/quote]


As usual you missed the point entirely, wake up Mr Senile.

I didn't knock him and also how would you know? You've not seen half a dozen games all season long, you plank.

I find it oddly exciting when the board is so divided :)

Provided his wages won't break the bank and he understands he won't be guaranteed a starting place I'm on the side of YES. I believe he was amazing here because he was happy, and while he hasn't done well since he left he could be happy here again and thus reproduce some of that form. He's only just turned 33 so certainly isn't past it, or IMO even at the point where he could've become a bad player in the last 6 months, I just think he needs to refind himself and his form, and where better to do it than in a yellow shirt?

Lot of good points made above, however Branston did pass some of his coaching badges last season, having that and his experience as back up to Ellis and Saah could be valuable, still dont think it will happen though.

I don't have a short memory but no room for sentiment. He's past his use by date for TUFC, be that due to age , wages etc etc. Loved him in a yellow shirt but you've got to move on.

I agree but it only takes a injury like Saah had and he would be in the same poistion again because the way that Robertson and Ellis were playing he would never of got back in the team. Branston for cover/push Ellis and Saah. If they know he is on the bench then they know every game they have to perform and that makes a big difference if you know you have a decent player sat on the bench waiting to get a chance.

Noone has said that Branston didn't do well for us - but Ling is going to play Saah making Branston surplus to requirements.

People have short memories, Branston was excellent for us, and just because he has been loaned out by Bradford to Rotherham and now back and surplus to requirements everyone thinks he is a bad player. Not true, he helped both Ellis and Robertson when he played along side both of them and he could more than do a job for us along side Ellis again he is IMO much better than Saah who seems to be a yard to slow and gets caught the wrong side of players and doesn't read the game as well as someone like Branston.
Branston back.........definate YES. :engflag:

Branston back. No way, we got the best out of him and would be paying high wages to sit on the bench.

Its nonsense to suggest that Branston is a judge of a player just because he preferred to play alongside Robbo rather than Ellis.
Why the hell would have Branston back - I mean he would hardly be keen on sitting on the bench. He did really well for us but we definately got the best of him.
We all know that Ling will play Saah so that would mean thats Branston would replace Ellis - and he isn't half as good.
You might want to knock Ellis but he has been as good as ever since getting back into the team.

Is Martin Ling still on the look out for a player coach, Branston? Just a thought.

He didn't refuse to play alongside Ellis, he just preferred to play with Robbo. For all the Ellis hero worship it seems Branno isn't a bad judge of character seeing as it was Robbo that drew the attention during the transfer window.

Branston back? Definitely a YES.

Yep, and remember seeing him having a right go at him after a corner when Ellis got in his way (can't remember the game). Ellis was dropped for a while after.

BRAN[b][size=150][color=#FF0000]NO[/color][/size][/b]

I seem to remember something about Branston refusing to play alongside Ellis, anyone recall that?

Loans and permanent deals all count under the rules, which are fifa rules , which states a player can play for no more than 3 clubs in one season, therefore Branston could join Torquay, however cant see than happening can you ?

http://www.inbrief.co.uk/football-law/footballers-transfer-in-season.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;