Ex-Gull watch

[tomogull]

I can't say I'm hugely surprised or disappointed. I don't really understand why it wasn't at a neutral venue, you can't make a play-off final a home game for one of the teams, especially when said home game is a 7 hour drive in a car, let alone a bus.

A lot of annoyed people in St Neots today, especially the ones who couldn't make it because of money, 14 hours of driving and/or getting back at nearly 3am on the supporters bus.

Although I wanted Truro to win, I agree that the play off arrangements seem bizarre to say the least. Truro played HOME to Hungerford in the first leg whilst St Neot's played AWAY to Poole (no home and away ties). Then the final - Truro home again and St Neots away again. I can perhaps accept the team finishing higher in the league having the home advantage in the first leg but surely it is only fair that the final should be played on a neutral ground. Mind you, Truro still would have won .........

[Southampton Gull]

I don't see the problem in giving the team that finished higher up the league the benefit of a home tie. In fact I think it is a much fairer way than seeing a team finish 15 points ahead of another team to then have no advantage at all.

[cambgull]

I can see the argument for a one-legged semi final with home advantage to the team finishing higher up the league, but in the final there should not be that advantage. Otherwise, you might as well not bother with the play-offs at all.

[leetufc]

I don't see the problem in giving the team that finished higher up the league the benefit of a home tie. In fact I think it is a much fairer way than seeing a team finish 15 points ahead of another team to then have no advantage at all.

I agree it makes it is fairer for the team that finishes higher in the league to get more advantage from the play offs - my only gripe is the fact it is a not a consistent policy applied down the pyramid.

I would personally rather this format in the playoffs:
- 3rd playoff place plays 4th at home in a one off game
- Winner goes away to the 2nd placed playoff team
- Winner of that then goes away to the team in first place

That way the team finishing higher up gets a big advantage, but they deserve so due to finishing higher. The only reason playoffs exist are to lengthen the season and make it more interesting towards the end so most leagues have spots up for grabs going into the last game.

This was the excitement still exists and it's fairer on thos who perform better throughout the season, not just those who make a last minute push.

[hector]

Completely favour systems that favour teams that finish higher. Preston on 89pts play Chesterfield on 69pts in the play-offs, a whole 20pts difference. Chesterfield were nearer relegation than they were to Preston. It is ridiculous that they now have the same chance of promotion.

[divingbboy]

Bobby Olejnik signs for Exeter: http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/arti ... 79082.aspx

[stevegull]

Best Keeper I've seen in a TUFC shirt. Great signing for Exeter, and a sign that some of that Matt Grimes transfer money has filtered through in to the playing budget.

[divingbboy]

Best Keeper I've seen in a TUFC shirt. Great signing for Exeter, and a sign that some of that Matt Grimes transfer money has filtered through in to the playing budget.

Yep, can't blame them one bit. Bobby was IMMENSE when he played for us.

[hector]

Billy Kee signs for Accrington. He should have stayed at Burton.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33299011

[HeavenAndHele]

Despite offers from other League Two sides, Ryan Jarvis has dropped two leagues to join his brother at Lowestoft Town:
http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/ ... p?a=404283

Added in 22 hours 54 minutes 59 seconds:
Martin Rice and Aaron Dawson sign for Truro City:
http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Tru ... story.html

[happytorq]

Paul Buckle has a new gig, coaching a USL (3rd tier) team in Sacramento.

Currently on twitter bitching about him to anybody who'll listen (nobody)

[leetufc]

Duane signed for Dover

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33499119

[happytorq]

Paul Buckle has a new gig, coaching a USL (3rd tier) team in Sacramento.

Had his first game last night. A win.

They beat Sunderland 1-0.

[Glostergull]

Kevin Nichleson has signed for Bath City.. raring to go he says.

[cambgull]

Kevin Nichleson has signed for Bath City.. raring to go he says.

And has been saying for the last 4 years. Let me guess, he feels fitter than ever? It's easy to feel fit when your running pace is as fast as I walk.