In a season when we may not have been playing football at any level to fall at the last but one possible hurdle is galling and depressing but remarkable non the less considering what we started with, for those that believe that promotion was our only acceptable outcome, you should know that facts say we were we were the authors of our own downfall, we drew far too many matches and that abysmal defeat against chesham which in hindsight any other result on the day would have won us the league. Deep down ,many myself included believed that promotion this season would have been a huge stretch and we were not ready for the national in terms of budget or quality of players, but these negatives never stopped us coming through the turnstiles in ever growing numbers. I remember it wasn't that many seasons ago that on a tuesady night getting 1300 through the gates was deemed normal.
For me the stand out of the whole squad has been the back four, a unit who like most teams never receive the plaudits of these that stick the ball in th net at the other end but between them were responsible for the fewest losses of any team in the league and add into that mix their young age and the most complelling fact that all season they have little or no protection from the most dysfunctional midfield in the league.Wottons first task before his well deserved holiday is ensuring we keep them for next season.
In terms of a re build in the close season most would agree where theat needs to start, I foresee about ten departures, based on nothing more than contract dates, loan spells finishing and retirement, and lack of game time, these include Ash, illesami, wjd, hasani, threlkeld, mussa, carson, moxey, foster and wonnacott,craske possibly more so if we can sign thomas on a permanent basis and there was a lot of talk in the nest yesterday concerning cooke returning to bath or finishing his career in cornwall with his hme town club.
End of term report
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culmstockgull
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Agree, the playing side isnt ready for the step up and neither probably are the finances yet in the sustainable model. Another year of getting people used to coming to plainmoor watching a largely winning team and enjoying whats on offer may make up for the stiffer test in the league above should we get there and testing poeples will to turn up when it gets tougher. Look at Yeovils attendances dropping this year for a respectable mid table finish.
From that list id probably keep Hasani and Carson (under contract) and youd like to think young players can get better but midfield is the area to focus on for sure.
The football could be a little more exciting but PW has worked with the limitations that everyone knows about. Ive enjoyed the season, everyone has ownership.
From that list id probably keep Hasani and Carson (under contract) and youd like to think young players can get better but midfield is the area to focus on for sure.
The football could be a little more exciting but PW has worked with the limitations that everyone knows about. Ive enjoyed the season, everyone has ownership.
TUST #324
Its been a strange season. From what I've seen of us on the pitch we have been pretty average and never really looked like a title winning side. Despite that we have ground out results and somehow come within a few goals or promotion. It does still feel like a missed opportunity but all the sides in the top 6 will feel they should have won the league this year. Worthing were in prime position but couldn't get over the line. Dorking, Boreham Wood, us, and whoever else doesn't get through the play offs has had their chances to win the league and will look back on games where points were dropped.
Some fans just have unrealistic expectations and expect us to go out and put 3 or 4 goals past teams each week. That being said I would like us to play with handbrake off a bit. Use our home advantage and go after teams with much more intensity. Teams love coming to Plainmoor to cause an upset and will use every trick in the book to do it. The Chesham game comes to mind! But we have to be better than that and put these teams away. This is a massive summer for us. Keep the core of the side together (particularly defensively) and 4/5 quality additions and I think we are in a much better position next season.
Some fans just have unrealistic expectations and expect us to go out and put 3 or 4 goals past teams each week. That being said I would like us to play with handbrake off a bit. Use our home advantage and go after teams with much more intensity. Teams love coming to Plainmoor to cause an upset and will use every trick in the book to do it. The Chesham game comes to mind! But we have to be better than that and put these teams away. This is a massive summer for us. Keep the core of the side together (particularly defensively) and 4/5 quality additions and I think we are in a much better position next season.
I can't really add anything to what's already been said, but believe supporters want to see their team winning, primarily. Ask Plymouth supporters how much they've enjoyed Chanpionship football this season. We are clearly not physically capable of competing well in the National League yet. We would be playing and losing against teams with same physicality as BW, yesterday. That would naturally reduce our attendances proportionally and reduce income and the club's status locally. We are in a rebuilding phase, after 2 decades of asset stripping and zero investment. The ownership is arresting that change and that's clear to see. Hopefully, the budget next year will improve for our playing staff. PW saw enough yesterday to know where he needs to strengthen the squad.
As an aside, if Dean Moxey's affiliation with the club is at an end, I hope his efforts will be rewarded in some way. He's had an incredible career and that is worthy of recognition.
As an aside, if Dean Moxey's affiliation with the club is at an end, I hope his efforts will be rewarded in some way. He's had an incredible career and that is worthy of recognition.
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Taelee73
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Agree with pretty much all the above posters. WJD you wouldn’t expect back as he’s been in and out of the side, Threlkeld has been a big disappointment for me, in his play and on the field leadership, Wotton was shouting at him to organise things yesterday which he shouldn’t need to do, we need a loud leader on the pitch. Mussa I really don’t understand all those who sing his praises tbh, one good moment in five, always expect him to give the ball away and hasn’t the tricks to get past players. Thomas shows promise, it’s a real shame about Moxey as he’s pretty dependable and his crossing, long throws are a bonus.
I assume Jay and Young are on longer contracts, I like Young but everyone now knows he loves to cut inside and he is so one footed. Jay is quality but he obviously needs time, space and players on the same wavelength to really flourish.
If Lapslie is coming back, we certainly will need more pace, height in midfield, maybe Austen Booth will be given a chance, although I have no idea where he is now.
Cooke has grown on me, he seems more able to hold the ball up and his 19 odd goals is a good return, it would be a shame if he left, is Jarvis doing ok at Yeovil?
Wotton, I like him, he doesn’t make many excuses, doesn’t single players out after a game, although he does get himself worked up during games and berating players during the 90 minutes probably doesn’t help them. He doesn’t do any of Johnson’s hiding of injuries etc and he should be thanked for making us competitive in such a short period of time. Hopefully we’ll play a more expansive game when the right players are available.
All in all a promising start from owners, manager, players and us the supporters turning up in such good numbers.
I assume Jay and Young are on longer contracts, I like Young but everyone now knows he loves to cut inside and he is so one footed. Jay is quality but he obviously needs time, space and players on the same wavelength to really flourish.
If Lapslie is coming back, we certainly will need more pace, height in midfield, maybe Austen Booth will be given a chance, although I have no idea where he is now.
Cooke has grown on me, he seems more able to hold the ball up and his 19 odd goals is a good return, it would be a shame if he left, is Jarvis doing ok at Yeovil?
Wotton, I like him, he doesn’t make many excuses, doesn’t single players out after a game, although he does get himself worked up during games and berating players during the 90 minutes probably doesn’t help them. He doesn’t do any of Johnson’s hiding of injuries etc and he should be thanked for making us competitive in such a short period of time. Hopefully we’ll play a more expansive game when the right players are available.
All in all a promising start from owners, manager, players and us the supporters turning up in such good numbers.
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culmstockgull
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Austin booth is back in the UK and will no dount be looking for a club, would make a good squad addition. love to have lapslie back if he ever gets fit, but if we do sign him and any of the existing midfielders are extremely lucky enough to be retained they would be eshown up from day one by his work rate.Taelee73 wrote: 04 May 2025, 15:07 Agree with pretty much all the above posters. WJD you wouldn’t expect back as he’s been in and out of the side, Threlkeld has been a big disappointment for me, in his play and on the field leadership, Wotton was shouting at him to organise things yesterday which he shouldn’t need to do, we need a loud leader on the pitch. Mussa I really don’t understand all those who sing his praises tbh, one good moment in five, always expect him to give the ball away and hasn’t the tricks to get past players. Thomas shows promise, it’s a real shame about Moxey as he’s pretty dependable and his crossing, long throws are a bonus.
I assume Jay and Young are on longer contracts, I like Young but everyone now knows he loves to cut inside and he is so one footed. Jay is quality but he obviously needs time, space and players on the same wavelength to really flourish.
If Lapslie is coming back, we certainly will need more pace, height in midfield, maybe Austen Booth will be given a chance, although I have no idea where he is now.
Cooke has grown on me, he seems more able to hold the ball up and his 19 odd goals is a good return, it would be a shame if he left, is Jarvis doing ok at Yeovil?
Wotton, I like him, he doesn’t make many excuses, doesn’t single players out after a game, although he does get himself worked up during games and berating players during the 90 minutes probably doesn’t help them. He doesn’t do any of Johnson’s hiding of injuries etc and he should be thanked for making us competitive in such a short period of time. Hopefully we’ll play a more expansive game when the right players are available.
All in all a promising start from owners, manager, players and us the supporters turning up in such good numbers.
My reflection on the season. It's been a wild ride from early despair to the mad day at Hemel which was a great day out. The forum has been alive, a great place to discuss argue and debate. The ground buzzing and the media and comms exceptional. The club is definitely back as an entity and the cash generation significant. I would be happy with another share offer of perhaps £50 instead of the £250 to make it a bit more accessible.
Wooton built Truro over 5 yrs without our fan base and despite wondering around the south west grounds looking for a home and they went up. He's made us contenders this year. The support and his reputation will hopefully attract a few sturdy pacy experienced midfielders and I would definitely hope to get Lapslie in. Mussa!...Mussa Mussa Mussa...he got better as there season went on, he might be a liability at times but does make things happen, I know both good and bad!!...but with some strong coaching he could make it. Retained list will be interesting.
Wooton built Truro over 5 yrs without our fan base and despite wondering around the south west grounds looking for a home and they went up. He's made us contenders this year. The support and his reputation will hopefully attract a few sturdy pacy experienced midfielders and I would definitely hope to get Lapslie in. Mussa!...Mussa Mussa Mussa...he got better as there season went on, he might be a liability at times but does make things happen, I know both good and bad!!...but with some strong coaching he could make it. Retained list will be interesting.
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portugull
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My thoughts on 2024/25 Season.
Most enjoyable game. United 4 WSM 2 on 26th November when we had 10 men from the 48th minute. Worst Home performance losing 1-2 to Chesham on 5th April.
Player of the Season. Sam Dreyer. Goal of the Season. Matt Jay a Worthing on 11th Feb. Very rare you see such a goal executed to perfection from 45 yards?
To end the season with 9 wins from the last 11 games was outstanding. I do feel on reflection not being Promoted might at this time be a blessing in disguise.
The current squad is not good enough to compete in the NL. I know we will be recruiting this summer but we are so weak in crucial areas of the pitch and against experienced players fielded by Boreham Wood it was evident from early doors that we were going to struggle.
In Football sometimes only 2 or 3 players can make a huge difference to a team. Going back over the years players like O'Kane, Mansell, Branston, Hargreaves are the type of player who influence the whole team and usually operate in midfield. Our biggest issue is attracting players to the South West.
However there are a lot of Agents saying to their players if you want to play in front of 5,000 and not 900 Torquay United is the Club to join.
I feel sure Paul Wotton has a shopping list already because he knows better than anyone who will be moved on and who he would like to recruit if, and it is a big if, they become available.
Finally to the Yellow Army you are a credit to Football and to Torquay United. The best Fans in the Country.
Most enjoyable game. United 4 WSM 2 on 26th November when we had 10 men from the 48th minute. Worst Home performance losing 1-2 to Chesham on 5th April.
Player of the Season. Sam Dreyer. Goal of the Season. Matt Jay a Worthing on 11th Feb. Very rare you see such a goal executed to perfection from 45 yards?
To end the season with 9 wins from the last 11 games was outstanding. I do feel on reflection not being Promoted might at this time be a blessing in disguise.
The current squad is not good enough to compete in the NL. I know we will be recruiting this summer but we are so weak in crucial areas of the pitch and against experienced players fielded by Boreham Wood it was evident from early doors that we were going to struggle.
In Football sometimes only 2 or 3 players can make a huge difference to a team. Going back over the years players like O'Kane, Mansell, Branston, Hargreaves are the type of player who influence the whole team and usually operate in midfield. Our biggest issue is attracting players to the South West.
However there are a lot of Agents saying to their players if you want to play in front of 5,000 and not 900 Torquay United is the Club to join.
I feel sure Paul Wotton has a shopping list already because he knows better than anyone who will be moved on and who he would like to recruit if, and it is a big if, they become available.
Finally to the Yellow Army you are a credit to Football and to Torquay United. The best Fans in the Country.
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CourtierGull
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All in all it’s really been a great season. Highest average attendance since the 70s, Warnock being involved and finishing just 2 goals from promotion. Although a shame to miss out like we did, not getting promotion may be a blessing. Other than Young Dreyer and Matt Jay I’m not sure how many of the rest would actually cope with the step up and I believe we actually overachieved this year.
Looking towards next season it’ll be interesting too see how many actually stay and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a lot of ins and outs. It’s pretty much 100% certain lapslie is signing so let’s hope he can stay fit. I’m fully behind Wotton and expectations for next season will be promotion, I’d like us to add some more pace into the side especially on the wings as that’s one thing I think we’ve really missed all year and really Matt Jay needs to be playing central. If Dreyer has another year I would hope we would try and offer him a longer deal too before he inevitably leaves on a free in the future.
Looking towards next season it’ll be interesting too see how many actually stay and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a lot of ins and outs. It’s pretty much 100% certain lapslie is signing so let’s hope he can stay fit. I’m fully behind Wotton and expectations for next season will be promotion, I’d like us to add some more pace into the side especially on the wings as that’s one thing I think we’ve really missed all year and really Matt Jay needs to be playing central. If Dreyer has another year I would hope we would try and offer him a longer deal too before he inevitably leaves on a free in the future.
What a depressing end to the season that was. Cant honestly believe anybody can say that we were better off not getting promotion. You have got to take those chances when they come along and there isnt any guarantee that we will get so close next year despite what everyone is saying. We are just as likely to suffer a hangover from what happened this year as we are to walk the league. It is not going to be easy.
Imagine if Boreham Wood fail to gain promotion - Dorking will be better - we could rue missing our chance.
Looking at who we are going to retain? well I think there is going to be a big exodus of players. Thelkeld (who I think is going anyway), Craske (permanently injured) Ash,Seymouth (obviously) Moxey (too old now). Palmer (who I have to say did well as a back up player but I believe is leaving - probably wants first team football) Thomas (I doubt will stay). Zanzala (only signed until the end of the season)
I would possibly keep Hasani (although I am not sure Wotton will retain him) and Hayfield - I cannot for the life of me undesrtand why people wouldnt keep Mussa. I accept you never really know what he is going to do - but I guess that why hes at NLS level. As was shown in Saturdays match he is one of the few players we have who an cause the opposition trouble. I would have him as the defensive midfielder in Thelkelds place definately.
We have Cooke, Jay and Young for next season but all 3 are completely devoid of any pace and were found it big time in the play off semi final. Thats not a forward line who will get us promotion next season in my opinion.
Then theres Carson (2 year contract and nowhere near the first team and Dylan Morgan (produced absolutely nothing until he got injured)
Theres talk of Booth (pretty iffy last time) and Lapslie (would e get 15 games out of him) as potential signings.
Then WJD (doubt he will get another contract at Plymouth) Could see him ending up at Truro.
We have the nucleus if a very good defence in Foulston, Dryer And Dryer but there is one hell of alot of work to do to produce a side capable of winning the title.
Also despite the much vaunted Warnock connection are loan signings were generally awful.
Imagine if Boreham Wood fail to gain promotion - Dorking will be better - we could rue missing our chance.
Looking at who we are going to retain? well I think there is going to be a big exodus of players. Thelkeld (who I think is going anyway), Craske (permanently injured) Ash,Seymouth (obviously) Moxey (too old now). Palmer (who I have to say did well as a back up player but I believe is leaving - probably wants first team football) Thomas (I doubt will stay). Zanzala (only signed until the end of the season)
I would possibly keep Hasani (although I am not sure Wotton will retain him) and Hayfield - I cannot for the life of me undesrtand why people wouldnt keep Mussa. I accept you never really know what he is going to do - but I guess that why hes at NLS level. As was shown in Saturdays match he is one of the few players we have who an cause the opposition trouble. I would have him as the defensive midfielder in Thelkelds place definately.
We have Cooke, Jay and Young for next season but all 3 are completely devoid of any pace and were found it big time in the play off semi final. Thats not a forward line who will get us promotion next season in my opinion.
Then theres Carson (2 year contract and nowhere near the first team and Dylan Morgan (produced absolutely nothing until he got injured)
Theres talk of Booth (pretty iffy last time) and Lapslie (would e get 15 games out of him) as potential signings.
Then WJD (doubt he will get another contract at Plymouth) Could see him ending up at Truro.
We have the nucleus if a very good defence in Foulston, Dryer And Dryer but there is one hell of alot of work to do to produce a side capable of winning the title.
Also despite the much vaunted Warnock connection are loan signings were generally awful.
End of term report: ' Must try harder! '
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standupsitdown
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I don't think we were the best side in the league but we were equal with the winners on points and only two goals behind them.brucie wrote: 06 May 2025, 09:22
We have the nucleus if a very good defence in Foulston, Dryer And Dryer but there is one hell of alot of work to do to produce a side capable of winning the title.
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Plainmoorish
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Tbf to Craske, the worst injuries he’s had in three years of adult pro football are shoulder injuries picking up promotion trophies for Parkway, Truro (under Wotton) and Plymouth. Pretty cool record. And had the manager decided to play him (he was 100% fit) in the last 5 games of this season as one of the form players in that solid defence over the past few months, rather than completely ghost him and stick him up in the stands or by the corner flag at Hemel (where I spoke to him) without explanation, maybe the road map for away fixtures would look a bit different right now. It was great to see him get so much attention and support pitch side from fans. The manager picks the team, but I think Torquay United can and should treat their players a lot better than that. Just thoughts.brucie wrote: 06 May 2025, 09:22 What a depressing end to the season that was. Cant honestly believe anybody can say that we were better off not getting promotion. You have got to take those chances when they come along and there isnt any guarantee that we will get so close next year despite what everyone is saying. We are just as likely to suffer a hangover from what happened this year as we are to walk the league. It is not going to be easy.
Imagine if Boreham Wood fail to gain promotion - Dorking will be better - we could rue missing our chance.
Looking at who we are going to retain? well I think there is going to be a big exodus of players. Thelkeld (who I think is going anyway), Craske (permanently injured) Ash,Seymouth (obviously) Moxey (too old now). Palmer (who I have to say did well as a back up player but I believe is leaving - probably wants first team football) Thomas (I doubt will stay). Zanzala (only signed until the end of the season)
I would possibly keep Hasani (although I am not sure Wotton will retain him) and Hayfield - I cannot for the life of me undesrtand why people wouldnt keep Mussa. I accept you never really know what he is going to do - but I guess that why hes at NLS level. As was shown in Saturdays match he is one of the few players we have who an cause the opposition trouble. I would have him as the defensive midfielder in Thelkelds place definately.
We have Cooke, Jay and Young for next season but all 3 are completely devoid of any pace and were found it big time in the play off semi final. Thats not a forward line who will get us promotion next season in my opinion.
Then theres Carson (2 year contract and nowhere near the first team and Dylan Morgan (produced absolutely nothing until he got injured)
Theres talk of Booth (pretty iffy last time) and Lapslie (would e get 15 games out of him) as potential signings.
Then WJD (doubt he will get another contract at Plymouth) Could see him ending up at Truro.
We have the nucleus if a very good defence in Foulston, Dryer And Dryer but there is one hell of alot of work to do to produce a side capable of winning the title.
Also despite the much vaunted Warnock connection are loan signings were generally awful.
Decent player (Craske) but not too difficult to understand why he was left out recently with Palmer also available and a need to score goals for the other 4 spots on the bench. Defence isnt our problem.
Featured in 29 games this season according to google so not constantly crocked as some may think and has value in being able to fill a variety of positions. Would be surprised if we didnt offer him another year.
Featured in 29 games this season according to google so not constantly crocked as some may think and has value in being able to fill a variety of positions. Would be surprised if we didnt offer him another year.
TUST #324
I presumed that Craske was injured actually as he seemed to have been the regular full back in the past few weeks. I would agree it was quite puzzling that he suddenly disappeared from the team.
Maybe the manager decided that Thomas was the better option offensively as we were looking for goals but obviously I dont know the reason.
I accept that Craske did pretty well as the season went on.
Maybe the manager decided that Thomas was the better option offensively as we were looking for goals but obviously I dont know the reason.
I accept that Craske did pretty well as the season went on.
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