Torquay United Fans Forum

Exodus
Angus
Smith
Fisher
Spiess

On way home from the game. Very proud of the boys - they dug in and worked their socks off to win that. I feared the worst when Halifax levelled to make it 2-2 but we got our noses back in front and held on.

It's the first match I've watched this season and I liked the shape of the side. I've always been fond of wing-backs since the Gurney-Gibbs days and Hurst and Butler have the attributes to play that system. The problem is when one of them can't play we have no cover. When Hurst was subbed - he was understandably knackered on his delayed debut - Richards slotted in and we were significantly weaker (that's nothing against Richards who I thought did well in midfield - he's just not a wing-back).

The first half was fairly even. Both sides struggled to carve out chances from open play so it was no surprise to see all three goals before the break come from dead ball situations. Our first was from a trademark Exodus throw - what a useful weapon it is. It's even more effective than Nicholson's because Exodus can fire in flat throws with plenty of pace, meaning the player who gets on the end of it doesn't need to generate much power on his header. Angus was the target and he flicked his effort over the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Disappointingly, our lead didn't last long when a Halifax free-kick - conceded by Butler for a late tackle - was whipped into the box and smashed in from close range after we failed to win the first ball. Poor defending but I'll have to look at it again to decide who was at fault. Spiess had no chance though. We always looked dangerous from set-pieces and another training-ground routine worked to perfection when Butler's pin-point free-kick over the defence was glanced in by Hurst to restore our advantage. He scored an identical goal later in the half but was flagged offside. It must be very satisfying for Cox to see the hard work at Seale Hayne pay off when we score goals that are no doubt drilled into the players Monday-Friday.

Unfortunately, we were very slow out of the blocks after the interval. Even though the half was only a few minutes old, you could sense Halifax scoring because we were sitting off and second to every ball. Hurst gambled to win a header, lost out and left a huge space behind him which Halifax expolited. I'm not sure if it was a shot or cross but it squirmed its way past Spiess who again I didn't think could do much about it. I expected us to crumble after that - similar to in midweek - and we survived a few nervy moments, whilst also hitting the crossbar at the other end from another giant Exodus throw. Then out of very little, we scored our third.

Fairhurst had replaced Briscoe a few minutes earlier and slotted in immediately behind the strikers. It was his header that freed Quigley down the line and he twisted past the full-back before crossing the ball to Fisher, who opened his body and caressed the ball into the corner of the goal with the inside of his left boot. Easily the best goal of the day. Halifax put us under some late pressure but I can only remember Spiess making one save and that was at 2-2. Fenwick was sent off in stoppage time after two petty yellows. The first was time-wasting when we had a throw and the second for kicking the ball away after we conceded a free-kick. No harm done though. The win meant a lot to the players and staff - there seems to be a great team spirit already assembled by Cox. Fantastic atmosphere in the away end too - about 100 fans but the noise was non-stop.

I thought our back three were excellent. Exodus especially who led the team superbly. Very little got past him and he read the danger. Angus and Smith were solid - both love a challenge and throw their bodies in front of the ball. Spiess flapped at one cross but his handling was very good apart from that minor blip and he made a crucial save in the second half. Hurst was fantastic for the first 35 minutes but was then blowing out of his arse. Partly at fault for Halifax's second but he did score himself and will be a key player for us when fully fit. Butler looks a decent player on the other side and has a lot of energy.

We lacked creativity in midfield - which I think is our biggest problem - but then we did score three goals! Richards worked hard and breaks up play well but his passing isn't his greatest asset. I didn't really notice Carmichael much but we have a few players who look alike from a distance! Briscoe wasn't very effective but it was his first match and will be important. I was impressed with Fairhurst when he came on. Showed some nice touches and linked up well with the strikers. Quigley struggled to get involved. He is slow to react to things and often second to the ball but he did set up the winner and had something about him. Fisher will be s fan favourite. Excellent finish and covers a lot of ground. He moves quickly too for his size. I've rambled on for too long now - off for a beer!

Alley wrote:Sorry to say I was looking at a report about how Torquay are delighted with the 2 young loan players from bournemouth the report is good but they have in the report a photo of Quigley but the other photo is not josh Carmichael as I met him when he played for gosport v cambridge in the trophy final 2 years ago .

You joined the forum two days after Carmichael signed on loan and most of your posts have been about him... You're not fooling anyone, Josh

If Exodus is less cultured than Downes then we could be in trouble! Downes was brilliant with his head but less so with his feet. Aside from the odd over-the-top through ball, I always used to panic when he had possession. I actually thought he was a good leader - his deficiencies were his lack of pace and positional sense.

I do worry a bit about the spine of our team but hopefully Cox will fix that over the next week or so. We need a couple of older heads and a bit more physical presence.

Ives' head was turned a long time ago - he'd made his mind up to leave long before the new manager and consortium came in. I don't see how we could have got six figures if he refuses to sign a contract. He's only been with the club for two years and was on a youth contract so we would have been lucky to get anything over £10,000 up front.

Ives was our best left-back for most of last season because after Cruise got injured he was the only left-back we had. And I actually thought Cruise performed well in the first 10 games before he got crocked.

He's done well to get a move to the Championship, not that I expect him to feature anywhere near their first team for the foreseeable future. He's clearly got ability but his lack of pace and height will work against him. Good luck to the lad but I do think he thinks he's better than he is. Time will tell. I think we'll be stronger in that position next season with Butler on board.

Just read that Angus wasn't risked because of a knee problem. Didn't he have a similar injury at the end of last season? I'm sure there was talk of needing an operation but can't remember if he went through with it. Cox has refused to comment about Bowman's absence which sounds to me like he'll be off.

I've never really warmed to Bowman. He's definitely got an an attitude problem and is frustrating to watch because he missed so many gilt-edged chances throughout the season. However, he still scored 19 goals in all comps and was our best striker against little competition. Isn't he also a Geordie? Perhaps he's requested to leave if he's Gateshead-bound. Or maybe Cox has another striker on his radar - likely a targetman - and needs to move Bowman on to bring him in.

Interesting that Angus didn't feature unless he's carrying an injury. I thought he was one of the 'safest' players after Cox's arrival - hopefully it was a niggle that kept him out and not an impending move elsewhere as I rate him at this level. Does this also mean that Exodus has turned down our offer? If Cox wants to play with three centre-halves then we need to strengthen that area asap.

As for Fairhurst, Cox did say he was a few weeks away from being fully fit so I wouldn't worry too much about his shape at this stage.

stefano wrote: Has one of you shagged the others wife or something?

I thought that was Hector and your wife

It's my understanding that Dean and Steve - along with Mark Bowen - rounded up this consortium and are responsible for Torquay still having a professional football club. Without their sheer hard work, passion and determination we'd be out of business or at the very best, on the brink of going bust. Their first act has been to replace a manager 90% of fans wanted out with a proven and experienced alternative who has an excellent non-league record. I don't know any of them personally but will buy them a pint if I bump into them at a game, shake their hand and say thank you for saving our club. It's fine to ask questions but to criticise them at this point is quite frankly ridiculous.

Sunnysideup wrote: Sometimes it seems like it. Though Nico as assistant may not be as left field as you imagine.
Just qualified at "B" I believe and will be looking to consolidate that with real world experience, lives in the area already and still good enough to cover for injuries on the pitch?

Not going to argue with any of that. As I mentioned earlier, I would like an experienced player with coaching aspirations to double up as player/assistant. Nicholson ticks both boxes and I would guess be relatively cheap given that he was playing for expenses only at the start of last season with Kiddy.

I see the Herald has just published an article on their site, linking Cox, Elliott and Nicholson to the job - three names all mentioned on the forums. I was actually joking when I suggested Nico but the Herald has taken the bait. Do they get all their info from the message boards?

http://m.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/TOR ... story.html

I've heard strong rumours Matt Hockley is on the shortlist

Kernowgull wrote:A few people on the other site who appear to be in the know, seem very positive about a name being circulated for the new manager. One said he can't imagine any Torquay fan being unhappy with him. That pretty much rules out all mentioned on this thread bar Paul Cox. Ling, Buckle, Tully, Elliott, Herrera would all be criticised in some corners I'm certain.

My money's on Paul Cox. Would be happy if I'm right.

goodluckgull wrote:Feel a bit sad about this news. Really wanted Greavsie to be Torquay's Manager this coming season. I wonder what Dan Lavercombe is thinking ? He is probably wondering if the club will even have a goal keeping coach and how that will effect his development.

I hope that the club will look to sign an experienced goalkeeper who can combine playing with coaching and therefore saving us money. Same for a player/assistant manager.