Torquay United Fans Forum

I think a good move might be to place Ling on a monthly rolling contract from the start of the season IF he comes back. He might go for that anyway knowing he probably won't have many other options, and he worked well on those conditions when he first took over at Orient, won many games, got his contract extended. I know he's been off with stress, and it might seem a harsh way to come back but he always used to revel in these situations. Wouldn't be so much of a risk for TUFC financially if he were to not do well on his return. Seems harsh, but at least your giving him his job back with something to prove.

Hi, me again. I started this thread, my apologies.

Just a quick question. Been reading through this thread and since the club stated the 'cause' of illness to Martin as stress related it seems that everyone is convinced it's depression. Have i missed something? The club have stated the 'cause' not what the illness actually is unless i am not fully up to date. There are lots of 'stress related illnesses'. Anything from high blood pressure, heart problems, strokes or something attacks the nervous system. It might have nothing to do with depression. Don't get me wrong i'm no doctor but just seems strange a lot of people are convinced it's depression.

When we won promotion i will never forget Ling being asked the question how he dealt with the pressure his answer was with a laugh 'It's just what happens to you, i've felt ill at times, but then all that pressure is released with the winning goal and it's an amazing feeling you can't describe' Maybe he has had health problems that he has kept quiet before.

Ling has become properly ill this time. I just hope and pray it is nothing serious.

Nice to see Torquay have picked up some crucial points recently. Best wishes for more success.

Thanks Steve,

There are only a couple of Clubs that i have a geniune soft spot for other than Orient. Torquay are one of them. Been to Torquay a few times in my life and always enjoyed myself as it is a proper weekend away from the 'big smoke'. I would hate to see you go down, the football league desperately needs to retain traditional football league clubs with a long history (Torquay are definately one of those). There has been some utter rubbish floating around the L1 and particularly L2 in recent years. Morecombe, D&R, Accrington, Aldershot, Fleetwood, Creepy Crawley Town. They seem to have replaced 'old friends' like Lincoln City, Wrexham, Luton etc. Clubs with much better pedigree. Would hate to see you lose your status only to be replaced by someone like Dartford for example (who were in the conf play off spots until recently), even if Dartford is quite close to us.

Lets hope Lingy is Ok and ready to return to football at least even if Torquay do end up with someone else on a permenent bases.

Hi, I'm an Orient fan and just wondered if there was any news on Martin. Or are you still being kept in the dark like us? He's a bit of a legend up here having spent 13 years at the club and built strong foundations as a manager from which we are still seeing the benefits.

I know our supporters club sent a big get well card signed by directors and fans alike to your club.

Would also like to thank all the supporters of Torquay for a really enjoyable day back in August (Rochdale 4-2 win at home). All the people in the supporters bar before the game made me and a few of my friends who had been on holiday in Salcombe feel really welcome and what a great game to choose! I came out of that game thinking you played some great stuff and thought Martin's team was doing a great job of playing entertaining football. Therefore i was all the more shocked to read about all the negative football being played this season on here since that day.

Torquay are the first team i check for on results after i get back from Orient games. Good luck with the rest of your season.

Hi, Orient fan here in peace.

From my point of view Cambridge United had many problems at their club and Mr Ling was the scapegoat. He'll do well with Torquay, knows the division much better than the conference and worked miracles in L2 at our club. I don't believe you will make the top 6 this season but you will still have a decent one in my opinion.

Ling likes to work steadily and should have you going good guns in this division in a couple of years. Should be able to maintain mid table in the meantime, which considering the budget is ok in itself.

Cambridge wanted 'promotion or bust'. This is an entirely different job which will suit Ling.

I really hope you have a good season and will be looking out for your results.