Torquay United Fans Forum

While Wroe has lacked creativity in the last few games, he has actually improved the defensive side of his game and along with Mansell, has offered significant protection to our centre-backs. O'Kane lacks strength and his inclusion at the expense of our captain would make Mansell's job twice as difficult in a 4-4-2 formation. It may be a move that would give us more going forward, but as O'Kane likes to drift, it would leave holes in the middle of the park and expose Mansell. Don't understimate the role Wroe has played in our successful run of clean sheets, Southend aside.

I would say Lathrope is next in line to replace Wroe should he get injured or suspended.

Unfortunately, playing 4-4-2 and fitting O'Kane into the line-up is tricky, unless you play him in a wider (and less effective) position. I actually think Buckle may do that for the Macclesfield game, with Zebs and Benyon leading the line and Stevens retaining his spot ahead of Carlisle.

Thanks for the reports. I always target three points at home and one away. That would give us 92 points at the end of the season - comfortably enough to go up. With three home games and four away gone, the target would have been 13 points, so we're one better off based on my rash formula. Of course as soon as you lose a few home games, it goes downhill very quickly! (Please note I am not suggesting we will come anywhere near those dizzy heights)..

While it seems clear O'Kane impresses whenever he's in the side, we don't have a striker who can effectively play on his own up top. The position of a sole striker usually requires strength and skill, as well as the ability to hold the ball up and score goals. Benyon, Gritts and Kee possess some of these qualities but not all of them (unless you mould them as one). In fact, I would say Zebs would suit the striker role best in a 4-5-1 formation.

I think though we need to revert back to the trusty 4-4-2 which served us so well in the first batch of games. The downside of that is O'Kane will probably miss out unless you shift him in a wide position - which wouldn't get the best out of him. Harsh, but have to think of the big picture.

Target is six points for the next two home games. Anything less would go against my Freudesque formula.

Warwickgull wrote: I dont believe some of the stick im reading about Billy so early into a campaign. Not good enough for the league!!!!! Everyone is ofcause entitled to their opinion but give the boy a chance, I think that statement is a little out of order.

If you remember Billy Key has done it at this level already, look at his stats for last season. We are 5 games into the season, top of the league, and a 19 year old kid who has not hit the ground running is not good enough??? Maybe he is guilty of trying a little to hard and things have not quite gone for him yet, im sure once he has stuck one in the back of the net he will relax and we will see some better form.

Good post.

People need to remember that Kee is a 19-year-old kid. He's three years younger than Benners and a just a year older than the three young musketeers Halpin, Yeoman and Palmer. It's important not too expect too much so soon. He had an excellent pre-season, but his five-goal haul came against Tiverton. The likes of Richard Bouton and Carl Motteram have looked liked Rooney and Ronaldo in past pre-season fixtures against them. He clearly has potential, has come highly recommended and was sought after over the summer. Give the boy time to settle and I'm sure we'll be rewarded down the line.

As for O'Kane, I'm a huge fan. I personally think he'll end up at a higher level and go on to become a full international in the Northern Ireland team. As others have highlighted, it's difficult to fit him into our line-up. I think it was Fonda who previously compared his position to that of Joe Cole's. Not strong enough to play central midfield, and not enough width to be considered a winger. His best position is in the hole, but I'm not sure we have a striker who can lead the attack alone.

I guess you could do something like this:

------------------------Bevan-------------------------

----------Ellis-------Branston------Charnock--------

--Carlisle-------------------------------------Nico---

----------------Manse---------Wroe-----------------

------------------------O'Kane------------------------

----------------Benyon---------Zebs------------------

That would bring the best out of O'Kane, but I'm not suggesting for one minute we should change the formation to accomodate any one single player!

forevertufc wrote:I have to make clear like matt i am NOT having a go at drummer gull.

however i totaly agree with what matt says,it seemed to be case with last season's squad ,who was going to be first in the que to sign a new contract,i understand pro footballers and livelyhoods,however if you were not 100% happy at aclub you would at least check out your options.

not one of our players dragged there feet whilst signing a new contract,which would suggest that paul buckle is held in high regard by the players.

also was a bit shocked how quickly some turned on him yesterday,yep it was bad performance even the best teams have the odd nightmare,we have been on a fantastic run it was never going to last forever,the team need our support in the bad times aswell good.

That will always happen with Buckle in charge. Some fans have just never taken to him, although it does now seem to be a minority. Usually it's the same ones that have given the likes of Carlisle abuse in the past.

I wasn't at the game, but the switch to 4-5-1 at home was surprising. If we continue to play that formation, I'd love to see O'Kane more involved. It's a disappointing result, but looking at the table cheered me up last night.

To be honest, I think a presentation like this would look cheap and a rip-off of last season's shenanigans from our neighbours.

There are already official end-of-season awards which will mean far more to a player than a bottle of champers from a few keyboard warriors.

Plus, as selfish as it may sound, I already spend a heck of a lot following the Gulls. 'Just' turning up and supporting the team should be enough. After all, we're already the ones helping to fund Benners' fizzy pop, and Lil' Danny's weekly dose of pix 'n' mix.

So based on that, count Scrooge out.

I've been critical of the FLS in the past, but it was a good piece. Quite lengthy and good to see our lads get some coverage (even if it did backfire).

It did make me laugh when people emailed in to answer the '5 and 8' crossword clue for former Torquay manager. Leroy's acting was top notch.

It's the same group of morons that are at most away games. I think puberty has hit them late. Hopefully they will grow up soon.

As for Salako, it did anger me that he couldn't get simple facts correct while reporting the game. According to his commentating, we have a couple of new signings called Grifton and Nichols. The least he can do is read the team sheet and remember the names of the players. That is what he's supposed to be getting paid for. That being said, the abuse was way out of line.