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I'm rather surprised that so many 'out of contract' players have been offered new deals because as finances are stretched, Hargreaves isn't giving himself much room to bring in new blood. I am particularly surprised at Tom Cruise staying as he hasn't really lived up to his potential and slightly surprised at Poke being offered a new contract. Poke has been a good keeper for us in the past but he started the season injured and finished the season 'not able to kick a ball'. Clubs in Torquay's position can't afford to carry a goalkeeper who could spend half the season out injured.

It's a balancing act. Players at our level differ from players at the top A) in the level of their natural talent and B) they have some flaw or another. In Pokey's case, his flaw is that he is, one would presume, genetically predisposed to weak muscles which are prone to tearing under stress. That's (partly) why he plays for us.
Chris knows who's available, how much they cost etc and has decided to keep what he's got, believing that, all things considered, Poke is the best option.
Dave, who knows things about goalkeepers, will tell you that, when fit, Pokey is a bloody good option to have, especially at Conference level.
It's a gamble, but when you're a club like ours, everything's a gamble. Some (Olejnik, Eunan) pay off. Others (that **** we signed for £75k, scored about 2 goals for us, among many, many others) don't. We're chancing our arm that Damien can get him and keep him fit enough to be a decent investment.

I guess it's like buying a good car cheap but knowing it's cheap for a reason. If you get it home and it's completely **** from top to bottom, you're weighing it in having lost your money. If all it needs is a service, you're quids in. We've rolled the dice, to an extent, let's wait and see what comes up.

That said, if he is proper crocked, you're right, we can't afford to carry passengers.

Matt.

I agree with all of the players that CH has put on the transfer list and can he see his thinking with those offered new deals.

However, I would have been tempted to let both keepers go and attempt to go for Jake Cole.

hector wrote:I agree with all of the players that CH has put on the transfer list and can he see his thinking with those offered new deals.

However, I would have been tempted to let both keepers go and attempt to go for Jake Cole.

But then we'd still have to find a second 'keeper unless we relied on emergency loans and we all remember what problems that caused. In any case, there's no knowing if Jake Cole would want to drop down to Conference at lower wages but if the rumours are correct that Ricey may be off to City, then Cole could be an option. No - on balance, Matt's posting makes more sense. A gamble, yes - but a fully fit Pokey is a good 'keeper.

Yeoman's just put on twitter he's signed a new contract.

Good lad. Will be interesting to see his progress under Hargreaves.

Was a 6 month offer I think?

Given the slow and unconvincing start our new boss made to football management, I am expecting a complete shambles with regards to close season deals and any new signings.

Hargreaves and Hodges still sounds to me like a 70's comedy act.

So now the real list is out we know that Mansell has actually been offered a new deal. Also Stevens can't be transfer listed as he was only on a short term contract to the end of the season, so he has been released.

kevgull - you are hurting my head you miserable bar steward. Stop it!

Richinns wrote:kevgull - you are hurting my head you miserable bar steward. Stop it!

Sorry Richinns sometimes I can't help myself.

I like to think of myself as an optimist with experience.