Torquay United Squad Review:
Manager: Paul Buckle
A surprise choice for the job last year, Bucks suprised us all and probably exceeded expectations in his first season. A strong team spirit and work ethic was the secret for our success last season, as well as some very impressive signings. However, at times he proved himself to be tactically naive, relying too much on the long ball with no plan B in place. Yes, he made mistakes, all young managers do - this is his chance to make up for them.
Goalkeepers:
GK: Martin Rice:
A number one keeper he certainly aint. A competant enough shot stopper, but thats where the praise ends for me. Nervous on crosses, and his decision making leaves a lot to be desired at times, with the defence not knowing if he's coming or going. Hardly inspires confidence in his defence, or the fans. Made 12 appearances last season, mostly as back-up.
GK: Michael Poke:
Surely the number one keeper. Confident and assured between the sticks, and no obvious weakness in his game -Poke is the keeper we were crying out for all of last season. It's a position where you need consistency and continuinity and Poke will give us that. Hopefully the recall clause wont kick in at a critical stage of the season. Played 6 times last season, a time where we broke the record for consecutive clean sheets.
Overall, we're pretty strong in this area. Rice wont pull up any trees, but on his day is a decent back-up. Poke on the otherhand is the solid goalkeeper we've been crying out for since Andy Marriott left in 2004. As long as Southampton don't recall him (and they shouldnt need to, with 3 keepers ahead of him) - we're fine in this area.
Overall, we're pretty strong in this area. Rice wont pull up any trees, but on his day is a decent back-up. Poke on the otherhand is the solid goalkeeper we've been crying out for since Andy Marriott left in 2004. As long as Southampton don't recall him (and they shouldnt need to, with 3 keepers ahead of him) - we're fine in this area.
Defenders:
DL: Kevin Nicholson
Surely the best left-back in non league. Defensively sound, good energy levels, and dangerous going forward with a terrific left foot. Once again his set-pieces will be critical, so many goals came from Nicho's sweet left foot last season. A regular last season, with 48 appearances to his name.
DC: Chris Todd
For me, the first name on the team sheet. Brave, strong and uncompromising, Toddy (wow, he doesnt sound so tough with a name like that..) leads by example, and chips in with the odd goal - 8 in total last season. Not bad for a centre-half. 44 appearances to his name last season.
For me, the first name on the team sheet. Brave, strong and uncompromising, Toddy (wow, he doesnt sound so tough with a name like that..) leads by example, and chips in with the odd goal - 8 in total last season. Not bad for a centre-half. 44 appearances to his name last season.
DC: Steve Woods
Experienced, and a decent reader of the game, but his lack of pace seems him caught out all too often these days. Also likes to try the odd hollywood pass from his own half all too often, which inevitably ends up in the Popular Stand. His best days are behind him I feel, unless deployed in a back 5 where his weaknesses can be covered. Played 23 times last season before injury stopped his season early.
Experienced, and a decent reader of the game, but his lack of pace seems him caught out all too often these days. Also likes to try the odd hollywood pass from his own half all too often, which inevitably ends up in the Popular Stand. His best days are behind him I feel, unless deployed in a back 5 where his weaknesses can be covered. Played 23 times last season before injury stopped his season early.
DC: Chris Robertson
Transfer listed, and I have no clue as to why. At 6'3 and with a fantastic leap behind him, has all the attributes to be a good centre-back, but constantly found himself played out of position at right-back last season, despite his lack of pace and mobility for that position. If played in his right position, would be a great asset in my opinion, but it isnt up to me. Played 25 times last season, mostly in the first half of the season.
Transfer listed, and I have no clue as to why. At 6'3 and with a fantastic leap behind him, has all the attributes to be a good centre-back, but constantly found himself played out of position at right-back last season, despite his lack of pace and mobility for that position. If played in his right position, would be a great asset in my opinion, but it isnt up to me. Played 25 times last season, mostly in the first half of the season.
DC: Mark Ellis
Young, raw...but the talent is there. Saw glimpses of it last season with some assured displays, despite his lack of experience. Still has a lot to learn however, in terms of positional sense and concentration for the full 90 minutes. The fact he's a former Grecian matters not - Ellis is a top prospect for the future. Played 23 times on loan from Bolton last season, and impressed enough to be signed permanently.
Young, raw...but the talent is there. Saw glimpses of it last season with some assured displays, despite his lack of experience. Still has a lot to learn however, in terms of positional sense and concentration for the full 90 minutes. The fact he's a former Grecian matters not - Ellis is a top prospect for the future. Played 23 times on loan from Bolton last season, and impressed enough to be signed permanently.
DC/MC: Chris Hargreaves
No, I havent got this wrong, he really is a centre-back now..according to Bucks anyway. Is strong in the tackle and good in the air, but it's his distribution which pleases Bucks the most, with his left foot able to pass the ball out of defence. All well and good, but he's never really played in defence. A big gamble for me. Played 40 times last season in midfield, incredible for a 36 year old, and scooped both player of the year awards.
No, I havent got this wrong, he really is a centre-back now..according to Bucks anyway. Is strong in the tackle and good in the air, but it's his distribution which pleases Bucks the most, with his left foot able to pass the ball out of defence. All well and good, but he's never really played in defence. A big gamble for me. Played 40 times last season in midfield, incredible for a 36 year old, and scooped both player of the year awards.
DR: Lee Mansell
As hardworking as they come. Primarilly a midfield player, but Manse will play anywhere and give his all. Made the right-back spot his own at the end of last season with some solid performances, showing a willingness to get forward but also staying disiplined with regards to his defensive duties. After playing 36 times last season in a variety of positions, was wanted by some FL clubs, but signed a new deal here.
Relatively well covered here, but the lack of pace at the back concerns me. We like to play a high line and impose ourselves on teams, and as a result we tend to get caught out with the ball over the top. Also a lack of cover on the right hand side, with not an out and out right-back in sight. There is some genuine quality on the left side of defence though, with Nicho and Hodges two great options for that spot. And the less said about the Hargreaves experiment, the better..
As hardworking as they come. Primarilly a midfield player, but Manse will play anywhere and give his all. Made the right-back spot his own at the end of last season with some solid performances, showing a willingness to get forward but also staying disiplined with regards to his defensive duties. After playing 36 times last season in a variety of positions, was wanted by some FL clubs, but signed a new deal here.
Relatively well covered here, but the lack of pace at the back concerns me. We like to play a high line and impose ourselves on teams, and as a result we tend to get caught out with the ball over the top. Also a lack of cover on the right hand side, with not an out and out right-back in sight. There is some genuine quality on the left side of defence though, with Nicho and Hodges two great options for that spot. And the less said about the Hargreaves experiment, the better..
Midfielders:
ML: Mustafa Carayol
Pacy, an eye for goal. and full of tricks, Carayol is a great prospect. Paul Ince took him to Macclesfield and the Dongs, so there's clearly something about him. Has had a very impressive pre-season, and will be pushing for the starting berth on the left hand side. Has Chris Zebroski's 30 goal a season shoes to fill though, so no pressure on the lad. Had a short loan spell at Crawley last year, with 2 goals in 13 games.
Pacy, an eye for goal. and full of tricks, Carayol is a great prospect. Paul Ince took him to Macclesfield and the Dongs, so there's clearly something about him. Has had a very impressive pre-season, and will be pushing for the starting berth on the left hand side. Has Chris Zebroski's 30 goal a season shoes to fill though, so no pressure on the lad. Had a short loan spell at Crawley last year, with 2 goals in 13 games.
ML/MR: Wayne Carlisle
Well travelled versatile winger who is comfortable across the midfield. A clever player who is comfortable on the ball, and scores the odd goal. Hopefully his injury problems are behind him - if so, we have a gem of a player for this level. Turned down a new 1 year contract at Exeter to sign a 2 year deal here, after 34 appearances and 4 goals last season for the Grecians.
Well travelled versatile winger who is comfortable across the midfield. A clever player who is comfortable on the ball, and scores the odd goal. Hopefully his injury problems are behind him - if so, we have a gem of a player for this level. Turned down a new 1 year contract at Exeter to sign a 2 year deal here, after 34 appearances and 4 goals last season for the Grecians.
ML/MC/DL: Lee Hodges
Versatile player with lots of experience in the higher higher leagues. At 35, his knowhow and experience will be vital to our younger players. A true unsung hero who can always be relied upon. Played 27 times at Championship level last season for Plymouth.
Versatile player with lots of experience in the higher higher leagues. At 35, his knowhow and experience will be vital to our younger players. A true unsung hero who can always be relied upon. Played 27 times at Championship level last season for Plymouth.
MC/DC: Michael Brough
Versatile player who was FGR's captain last season, mostly playing in defence, but is equally comfortable in midfield. A cult hero at the New Lane, Brough is tenacious in the tackle and fully committed to the cause. A mainstay of Rovers' team last season with 31 appearances.
Versatile player who was FGR's captain last season, mostly playing in defence, but is equally comfortable in midfield. A cult hero at the New Lane, Brough is tenacious in the tackle and fully committed to the cause. A mainstay of Rovers' team last season with 31 appearances.
MC/MR/FC: Tyrone Thompson
Arguably the most impressive new signing of the summer, if pre-season is anything to go by. An athletic player, with lots of stamina and pace, but is also productive with the ball. Very much an all action midfield player who likes to get from box to box, Tyrone made 42 appearances at Crawley last season.
Arguably the most impressive new signing of the summer, if pre-season is anything to go by. An athletic player, with lots of stamina and pace, but is also productive with the ball. Very much an all action midfield player who likes to get from box to box, Tyrone made 42 appearances at Crawley last season.
MC: Nicky Wroe
Comfortable on the ball, likes to get forward, scores goals from midfield...where was he last season? With a change in style promised, Wroe could flourish if given the license to get forward. Has a habit of going missing in the tougher games, however. Scored 10 in 27 starts for York last season, and was signed for (rumoured) £17.5k.
Comfortable on the ball, likes to get forward, scores goals from midfield...where was he last season? With a change in style promised, Wroe could flourish if given the license to get forward. Has a habit of going missing in the tougher games, however. Scored 10 in 27 starts for York last season, and was signed for (rumoured) £17.5k.
MC: Steve Adams
The forgotten man. An intelligent midfielder who likes to drop deep and spread the play, but there are doubts over his fitness, and if he can cope with the physical side of the BSP. In my mind, he's a class player, but people think just because he doesnt run around like a headless chicken, he's not trying. It's called positional sense. Signed in January, and made 13 appearances. May have a big part to play this season.
The forgotten man. An intelligent midfielder who likes to drop deep and spread the play, but there are doubts over his fitness, and if he can cope with the physical side of the BSP. In my mind, he's a class player, but people think just because he doesnt run around like a headless chicken, he's not trying. It's called positional sense. Signed in January, and made 13 appearances. May have a big part to play this season.
MR/ML: Danny Stevens
A true fans favourite. In terms of skill and technique, he's light years ahead of the rest of the squad, but his lack of height (5'1) and physical presense lets him down. The ultimate impact sub, who with 20 minutes left scares the life out of defenders with his pace and trickery. Made 28 appearances last season, and scored 4 goals.
A true fans favourite. In terms of skill and technique, he's light years ahead of the rest of the squad, but his lack of height (5'1) and physical presense lets him down. The ultimate impact sub, who with 20 minutes left scares the life out of defenders with his pace and trickery. Made 28 appearances last season, and scored 4 goals.
Honestly, it's like a completely different midfield from last term. As I mentioned, a more expansive style of play has indeed been promised, with more emphasis on keeping the ball on the floor, and creating chances. And the players signed all compliment that. We're certainly stronger than last season in this department, with many of our back-ups able to walk into most other XI's at this level. Keeping them all happy may be a problem - but a good problem to have. I just hope we dont sacrifice too much substance for style.
Attackers:
Attackers:
FC: Tim Sills
A good old fashioned centre-forward. Good in the air, holds it up well, and can finish. It's just a lack of pace that's the problem, hence his failures in the FL. At this level he is dangerous however, 20 goals in 45 appearances last season proves that fact.
A good old fashioned centre-forward. Good in the air, holds it up well, and can finish. It's just a lack of pace that's the problem, hence his failures in the FL. At this level he is dangerous however, 20 goals in 45 appearances last season proves that fact.
FC: Matt Green
Lighting quick with great off the ball movement..but will his knee hold up? Oxford fans dont seem to think so, despite trying to sign the apparant crock themselves. Sour grapes anyone? But if kept fit, his 10 goals in 16 starts last season for Oxford would indicate we have a hell of a player on our hands, though he's yet to score in pre-season.
Lighting quick with great off the ball movement..but will his knee hold up? Oxford fans dont seem to think so, despite trying to sign the apparant crock themselves. Sour grapes anyone? But if kept fit, his 10 goals in 16 starts last season for Oxford would indicate we have a hell of a player on our hands, though he's yet to score in pre-season.
FC: Roscoe D'Sane
Pfft. I have no idea why he was kept on. Shown nothing to me last season, none of this electric pace or deadly finishing I heard about. In fairness to him, struggled for fitness a bit, so has a fresh start now..maybe to rekindle the old Shots partnership with Sills? The jury is still out for me. Scored 3 goals in 14 starts last season, joining from Accrington Stanley.
Pfft. I have no idea why he was kept on. Shown nothing to me last season, none of this electric pace or deadly finishing I heard about. In fairness to him, struggled for fitness a bit, so has a fresh start now..maybe to rekindle the old Shots partnership with Sills? The jury is still out for me. Scored 3 goals in 14 starts last season, joining from Accrington Stanley.
FC: Elliot Benyon
The best natural finisher we have at the club. Unfortunately, a lack of physical presense lets him down, as the big burly centre-halfs tend to dominate him. In pre-season he seems to be working very hard indeed, showing some new found strength, and is scoring a few goals. A point to prove perhaps? Scored 5 in 22 appearances last season, mostly as sub.
The best natural finisher we have at the club. Unfortunately, a lack of physical presense lets him down, as the big burly centre-halfs tend to dominate him. In pre-season he seems to be working very hard indeed, showing some new found strength, and is scoring a few goals. A point to prove perhaps? Scored 5 in 22 appearances last season, mostly as sub.
The loss of Super Lee will certainly hurt us, but the addition of Green looks a good one on paper. The emergence of Benyon from the cold is also pleasing, he's really hit the ground running in pre-season. Overall there's more than enough goals here in my opinion, with lots of different options.
Best XI (in my opinion)
---------------------------------Poke---------------------------------
Mansell----------------Todd-----------Ellis----------------------Nicho
Carlisle----------------Thompson-----Wroe----------------------Carayol
--------------------------Sills----------Green--------------------------
---------------------------------Poke---------------------------------
Mansell----------------Todd-----------Ellis----------------------Nicho
Carlisle----------------Thompson-----Wroe----------------------Carayol
--------------------------Sills----------Green--------------------------
Final verdict? Promotion. Nothing less will do this season, and I have every confidence that we will achieve that aim. A good start is vital - we cant afford to be suffering from any kind of hangover, we really need to hit the ground running. We've strengthened where we needed to, and the squad has so much more depth now - I'd even go as far to say we have the strongest squad in the league. There are some concerns, mainly in the defensive area, but going forward we look a real force.
Champions.
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