Followers of Torquay United and South Devon football were left saddened by the passing of former Gulls' stalwart Ian Twitchin earlier this year.
Teignmouth-born Twitchin, who was 65, appeared 435 times for United between 1969 and 1981 after rising through the ranks as an apprentice at Plainmoor and appearing for England at Schoolboy level.
He is only one of five players ever to have made over 400 appearances for the Gulls - Ron Shaw, Dennis Lewis, Tommy Northcott and Kevin Hill are the other four.
Whilst he made his debut for United during one of the most successful eras in the club's history, which he remained one of the last remaining links with the Frank O'Farrell- Allan Brown years, in which the Gulls held in their own in what is now League One, until he was released at the end of the 1980-81 season.
Although Ian probably wasn't one of the most talented players to have ever pulled a Gulls shirt, he more than made up for it with his work-rate and tenacity. He was usually one of the leaders of the pack when the players were put through their paces on the notoriously gruelling Maidencombe run during pre-season training.
He was also perhaps unfortunate to have featured in a time in which the Gulls never seriously mounted a promotion challenge - aside from a few near misses towards the end of the 1970s under Mike Green, one of several managers that Ian served with distinction. However, he is one of several players from that spell who possibly deserved to be part of a promotion winning side, including goalkeeper John Turner, midfielder Clint Boulton and the deadly strike force of Steve Cooper and Les Lawrence.
As for ideas of how to honour him, they could range from an award for an outstanding young player to have progressed through the club's now revamped academy bearing his name - recognising local talent made good who have demonstrated the attributes that he himself displayed.
Or how about naming a stand after him, Bristow's Bench is already taken, but the Family Stand and Popular Side are up for grabs.
Either method would be a great way to give recognition to someone who gave the best year's of his life in the colours and the cause of Torquay United Football Club.
Friday 29 December 2017
Sunday 24 December 2017
TORQUAY UNITED'S FOUR POINT PLAN FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE SURVIVAL
As Torquay United prepare for their Boxing Day trip to Eastleigh, we will now take a look a four major points which will aid the Gulls in their bid for National League survival.
1. It's better to win one game and lose one than to draw two.
One of former Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock's favourite sayings was that 'draws can kill you - it's better to win one and lose one than to draw two.' The ex Dundee United and Scotland striker's famous phrase is very apt for the situation that the Gulls find themselves in.
A win and loss in two successive games would yield a return of three points for the Gulls, whilst two draws offer a return of two. Also over a period of five matches, a run of two wins, two draws and a defeat brings with it a haul of eight points, in contrast to a sequence of three victories and two losses offers a return of nine. In their current position United need all the points that they can muster.
2. More goals are required from other positions and not just strikers.
United have been crying out for a prolific striker in a season that has seen Ruairi Keating and Jamie Reid top the club's goal scoring charts with four goals each - which is something that manager Gary Owers still looking to address.
However, more goals from defence and midfield will also help aid the Gulls' cause. So far in the current campaign Luke Young has chipped in with three from midfield, and Bristol City loanee George Dowling has also found the target.
Meanwhile skipper Sean McGinty is the only defender to have found the target after netting twice so far this season. The aforementioned individuals will have to add to their tally and others will also need to follow their example to help boost the survival prospects of Owers' side.
3. Results against the teams around them are important.
As well as Xmas double header against Eastleigh, the Gulls also have home matches against Barrow, Guiseley and FC Halifax coming up in the second half of the season, and they also have to travel to Leyton Orient, Solihull Moors and Chester FC. Positive results in these matches could yet prove to be vital for United to help close the gap between themselves and safety - especially in a division where anyone can beat anyone on any given day.
4. Plainmoor needs to be a fortress.
With only two wins and five draws from 13 home matches this season, United's home form is the second worst in the National League. The importance of winning in front of their own fans is something that Gulls boss Gary Owers will need to impress on his players as they enter 2018, and what better late Christmas present could the United squad provide for their fans than three points on New Year's Day against Eastleigh.
1. It's better to win one game and lose one than to draw two.
One of former Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock's favourite sayings was that 'draws can kill you - it's better to win one and lose one than to draw two.' The ex Dundee United and Scotland striker's famous phrase is very apt for the situation that the Gulls find themselves in.
A win and loss in two successive games would yield a return of three points for the Gulls, whilst two draws offer a return of two. Also over a period of five matches, a run of two wins, two draws and a defeat brings with it a haul of eight points, in contrast to a sequence of three victories and two losses offers a return of nine. In their current position United need all the points that they can muster.
2. More goals are required from other positions and not just strikers.
United have been crying out for a prolific striker in a season that has seen Ruairi Keating and Jamie Reid top the club's goal scoring charts with four goals each - which is something that manager Gary Owers still looking to address.
However, more goals from defence and midfield will also help aid the Gulls' cause. So far in the current campaign Luke Young has chipped in with three from midfield, and Bristol City loanee George Dowling has also found the target.
Meanwhile skipper Sean McGinty is the only defender to have found the target after netting twice so far this season. The aforementioned individuals will have to add to their tally and others will also need to follow their example to help boost the survival prospects of Owers' side.
3. Results against the teams around them are important.
As well as Xmas double header against Eastleigh, the Gulls also have home matches against Barrow, Guiseley and FC Halifax coming up in the second half of the season, and they also have to travel to Leyton Orient, Solihull Moors and Chester FC. Positive results in these matches could yet prove to be vital for United to help close the gap between themselves and safety - especially in a division where anyone can beat anyone on any given day.
4. Plainmoor needs to be a fortress.
With only two wins and five draws from 13 home matches this season, United's home form is the second worst in the National League. The importance of winning in front of their own fans is something that Gulls boss Gary Owers will need to impress on his players as they enter 2018, and what better late Christmas present could the United squad provide for their fans than three points on New Year's Day against Eastleigh.
Sunday 17 December 2017
YEOVIL TOWN LADIES TIER ONE APPLICATION SUCCESS
It has been a memorable week for Yeovil Town Ladies as the Lady Glovers received the news that their application for Tier One status for next season's Women's Super League has been accepted.
The application for their new status was achieved following two months of hard work after receiving notification from the FA of their proposals for changes in the women's game in this country.
To achieve this goal, the club were required to implement plans that would have needed two or three years to introduce in the space of a couple of months. The Lady Glovers are also by far and away the smallest club applying for a licence and without the backing of a Premier League club to aid their cause it makes their achievement seem more remarkable.
However, with a motto that states 'Achieve by Unity' - Yeovil certainly lived up to the virtues of that phrase.
Other recipients of the new licence so far include: Arsenal Ladies, Birmingham City Ladies, Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies, Bristol City Women, Chelsea Ladies, Everton Ladies, Liverpool Ladies, Manchester City Women and Reading Women.
A further two places are available for clubs outside the current WSL structure are currently available and another five are up for grabs in Tier Two, which features: Doncaster Rovers Belles, Durham, Millwall Lionesses, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Sheffield Ladies, London Bees and Aston Villa Ladies.
The application for their new status was achieved following two months of hard work after receiving notification from the FA of their proposals for changes in the women's game in this country.
To achieve this goal, the club were required to implement plans that would have needed two or three years to introduce in the space of a couple of months. The Lady Glovers are also by far and away the smallest club applying for a licence and without the backing of a Premier League club to aid their cause it makes their achievement seem more remarkable.
However, with a motto that states 'Achieve by Unity' - Yeovil certainly lived up to the virtues of that phrase.
Other recipients of the new licence so far include: Arsenal Ladies, Birmingham City Ladies, Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies, Bristol City Women, Chelsea Ladies, Everton Ladies, Liverpool Ladies, Manchester City Women and Reading Women.
A further two places are available for clubs outside the current WSL structure are currently available and another five are up for grabs in Tier Two, which features: Doncaster Rovers Belles, Durham, Millwall Lionesses, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Sheffield Ladies, London Bees and Aston Villa Ladies.
Thursday 14 December 2017
BAGGIES NEXT FOR THE GRECIANS AND THE GLOVERS HOST BANTAMS
Exeter City will be hosting Premier League side West Bromwich Albion in the third round after overcoming Forest Green Rovers, whilst Yeovil Town face League One side Bradford City.
The Grecians played half of their match with ten men following the dismissal of Jordan Tillson, but a Jayden Stockley header in extra time was enough to give them a 2-1 win that sets them up for a date with Alan Pardew's Baggies.
Yeovil sealed their place in round three at the expense of fellow League Two outfit Port Vale, who finished their second round replay with nine men after Christian Montano and James Gibbons were dismissed.
The Glovers also needed extra time to see off the Valiants with experienced striker Francois Zoko scoring the crucial goal after Otis Khan netted a brace.
The Grecians played half of their match with ten men following the dismissal of Jordan Tillson, but a Jayden Stockley header in extra time was enough to give them a 2-1 win that sets them up for a date with Alan Pardew's Baggies.
Yeovil sealed their place in round three at the expense of fellow League Two outfit Port Vale, who finished their second round replay with nine men after Christian Montano and James Gibbons were dismissed.
The Glovers also needed extra time to see off the Valiants with experienced striker Francois Zoko scoring the crucial goal after Otis Khan netted a brace.
Monday 11 December 2017
GRECIANS AND GLOVERS PREPARE FOR CUP REPLAYS
Exeter City and Yeovil Town will have the second chance of reaching the third round of the FA Cup when they play their respective replays against Forest Green Rovers and Port Vale tomorrow night.
The Grecians, who famously took Liverpool to a third round replay in the 2015-16 campaign, will be facing another Premier League side in the form of West Bromwich Albion if they see off the challenge of Forest Green, who they drew 3-3 with in the original tie.
Forest Green are, of course, managed by former Exeter midfielder Mark Cooper, the son of former Grecians manager Terry Cooper.
Meanwhile the Glovers, who have been the subject of a takeover rumour recently, host Port Vale after drawing 1-1 at Vale Park and a home tie with League One Bradford City - conquerors of Plymouth Argyle in the second round - awaits the winner.
The Grecians, who famously took Liverpool to a third round replay in the 2015-16 campaign, will be facing another Premier League side in the form of West Bromwich Albion if they see off the challenge of Forest Green, who they drew 3-3 with in the original tie.
Forest Green are, of course, managed by former Exeter midfielder Mark Cooper, the son of former Grecians manager Terry Cooper.
Meanwhile the Glovers, who have been the subject of a takeover rumour recently, host Port Vale after drawing 1-1 at Vale Park and a home tie with League One Bradford City - conquerors of Plymouth Argyle in the second round - awaits the winner.
Saturday 9 December 2017
ROOS MARKS DEBUT IN IMPORTANT WIN FOR ARGYLE
On the day Kelle Roos, signed on loan from Derby County, became the seventh goalkeeper that they have used this season - Plymouth Argyle moved out of the League One relegation with victory over fellow strugglers Gillingham.
Derek Adams made the move after first choice keeper and skipper Luke McCormick sustained an injury on Wednesday and the other two other keepers on the Pilgrims books - Kyle Letheren and Robert Te Lokke - are both injured.
Roos joins a list of seven that also includes fellow loanees Remi Matthews and Will Mannion - signed from Norwich City and Hull City respectively - and rookie keeper Michael Cooper.
The match itself saw Joel Grant give Argyle the lead early in the second half on 55 minutes before former Yeovil Tom Eaves equalised for the Gills with six minutes to go.
However, Toumani Diagouraga picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the Pilgrims as he struck right at the death to clinch a valuable three points for Derek Adams' side.
With home games coming up over the festive and new year period against Oldham Athletic (December 23rd), Walsall (New Year's Day) and Bury (January 6th), if Argyle can turn Home Park into a fortress they can give their survival prospects a serious boost.
Derek Adams made the move after first choice keeper and skipper Luke McCormick sustained an injury on Wednesday and the other two other keepers on the Pilgrims books - Kyle Letheren and Robert Te Lokke - are both injured.
Roos joins a list of seven that also includes fellow loanees Remi Matthews and Will Mannion - signed from Norwich City and Hull City respectively - and rookie keeper Michael Cooper.
The match itself saw Joel Grant give Argyle the lead early in the second half on 55 minutes before former Yeovil Tom Eaves equalised for the Gills with six minutes to go.
However, Toumani Diagouraga picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the Pilgrims as he struck right at the death to clinch a valuable three points for Derek Adams' side.
With home games coming up over the festive and new year period against Oldham Athletic (December 23rd), Walsall (New Year's Day) and Bury (January 6th), if Argyle can turn Home Park into a fortress they can give their survival prospects a serious boost.
Thursday 7 December 2017
THE UNITED NATIONS OF TORQUAY
Torquay United's new loan signing, Icelandic Under-21 defender Axel Andresson who signs from Reading for an initial month, joins what is a fairly illustrious list of non-UK players who have appeared for the Gulls over the years.
Andresson's arrival at Plainmoor takes the list of the club's Icelandic representatives up to three, which includes Ivar Ingimarsson and Oli Gottskalksson. Certain parallels could be drawn between Ingimarsson, who also played for Andresson's parent club as well as Brentford.
Unsurprisingly, given the geographical approximately of the respective countries, the Republic of Ireland and France provide the highest numbers - which includes present squad members Ruairi Keating from the Emerald Isle and Vincent Dorel and Guy Gnaboyou from across the English Channel.
Other notable names on the list include player-managers such as Percy Mackrill - the club's first ever Football League manager - and Don O'Riordan, who led United to the brink of a Wembley Play-off final in the 1993-94 season.
Long serving club stalwarts as Jimmy Dunne who had two spells at Plainmoor in the 1960s and 1970s and Tony Bedeau - a star of the 1990s and 2000s - also feature.
A number of loan players also feature in the list such as Jason Roberts and Alan Lee who both went on to have good careers at Premier League and Championship level, as well as representing Grenada and Republic of Ireland respectively.
And then there is the club's record sale Rodney Jack, who left the Gulls for Crewe Alexandra in 1998 for a fee of £650,000 - which remains a club record to this day.
Republic of Ireland: Jerry Matier, Billy Hayes, Jimmy Dunne, Ben Murphy, Donal Murphy, Jimmy Holmes, Alan McLoughlin, Don O'Riordan, Pat O'Toole, Alan Lee, Daryl McMahon, Patrick O'Flynn, Aiden O'Brien, Ruairi Keating.
France: Jean-Pierre Simb, Jules Mendy, Habib Sissoko, Khalid Chalqi, Morike Sako, Mamadou Sow, Carl Priso, Bertrand Bossu, Damien Mozika, Ollivier Guegnen, Vincent Dorel, Guy Gnaboyou.
Australia: Paul Harries, Aaron Downes, Giancarlo Gallifuoco.
Iceland: Ivar Ingimarsson, Oli Gottkalksson, Axel Andresson.
Grenada: Tony Bedeau, ** Jason Roberts. **
Jamaica: Paul Hall, ** Darren Moore **
South Africa: Percy Mackrill, Anton Greyling.
Barbados: Gregory Goodridge, Mark Hall. **
United States of America. Jurgen Sommer, Brendan Moore.
Canada: Simon Rayner.
Cyprus: Danis Salman*.
Gambia: Mustapha Carayol **,
Germany: Mark Jermyn.*
Ghana: Benny Laryea*.
Kenya: Taiwo Atieno. **
Spain: Jose Mateu Pinto.
Portugal: Bruno Meirelles.
St Vincent and the Grenadies: Rodney Jack.
Holland: Arjan Van Heusden.
Denmark; Riffi Haddaoui.
New Zealand: Rory Fallon.
Zambia: Neil Gregory*.
* Denotes UK citizen born in different country.
** Born in UK, but represented country of heritage at international level.
Andresson's arrival at Plainmoor takes the list of the club's Icelandic representatives up to three, which includes Ivar Ingimarsson and Oli Gottskalksson. Certain parallels could be drawn between Ingimarsson, who also played for Andresson's parent club as well as Brentford.
Unsurprisingly, given the geographical approximately of the respective countries, the Republic of Ireland and France provide the highest numbers - which includes present squad members Ruairi Keating from the Emerald Isle and Vincent Dorel and Guy Gnaboyou from across the English Channel.
Other notable names on the list include player-managers such as Percy Mackrill - the club's first ever Football League manager - and Don O'Riordan, who led United to the brink of a Wembley Play-off final in the 1993-94 season.
Long serving club stalwarts as Jimmy Dunne who had two spells at Plainmoor in the 1960s and 1970s and Tony Bedeau - a star of the 1990s and 2000s - also feature.
A number of loan players also feature in the list such as Jason Roberts and Alan Lee who both went on to have good careers at Premier League and Championship level, as well as representing Grenada and Republic of Ireland respectively.
And then there is the club's record sale Rodney Jack, who left the Gulls for Crewe Alexandra in 1998 for a fee of £650,000 - which remains a club record to this day.
Republic of Ireland: Jerry Matier, Billy Hayes, Jimmy Dunne, Ben Murphy, Donal Murphy, Jimmy Holmes, Alan McLoughlin, Don O'Riordan, Pat O'Toole, Alan Lee, Daryl McMahon, Patrick O'Flynn, Aiden O'Brien, Ruairi Keating.
France: Jean-Pierre Simb, Jules Mendy, Habib Sissoko, Khalid Chalqi, Morike Sako, Mamadou Sow, Carl Priso, Bertrand Bossu, Damien Mozika, Ollivier Guegnen, Vincent Dorel, Guy Gnaboyou.
Australia: Paul Harries, Aaron Downes, Giancarlo Gallifuoco.
Iceland: Ivar Ingimarsson, Oli Gottkalksson, Axel Andresson.
Grenada: Tony Bedeau, ** Jason Roberts. **
Jamaica: Paul Hall, ** Darren Moore **
South Africa: Percy Mackrill, Anton Greyling.
Barbados: Gregory Goodridge, Mark Hall. **
United States of America. Jurgen Sommer, Brendan Moore.
Canada: Simon Rayner.
Cyprus: Danis Salman*.
Gambia: Mustapha Carayol **,
Germany: Mark Jermyn.*
Ghana: Benny Laryea*.
Kenya: Taiwo Atieno. **
Spain: Jose Mateu Pinto.
Portugal: Bruno Meirelles.
St Vincent and the Grenadies: Rodney Jack.
Holland: Arjan Van Heusden.
Denmark; Riffi Haddaoui.
New Zealand: Rory Fallon.
Zambia: Neil Gregory*.
* Denotes UK citizen born in different country.
** Born in UK, but represented country of heritage at international level.
Sunday 3 December 2017
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS ALDERSHOT TOWN
1. The Gulls are getting stronger defensively.
They might not have quite managed to pull off a third successive victory, but Torquay United manager Gary Owers can still make a lot of heart from the fact that the Gulls were able to complete three clean sheets in a row against Aldershot. Prior to their meeting with United, the Shots had scored eight times in the previous four league matches - but, of course, failed to find the target at Plainmoor.
2. Alex Davey should be near the top of the list of the loan players that Owers wants to keep.
Key to the Gulls' aforementioned defensive display yesterday was Alex Davey, who is currently on loan with the Gulls from Cheltenham Town. United's run of successive clean sheets had coincided with Davey's arrival, following an injury to Josh Gowling. He has slotted in seamlessly to the Gulls' back three alongside fellow loanee Michee Efete and current skipper Sean McGinty and has shown good composure on the ball as well as being dominant in the air.
3. Josh McQuoid was a major attacking threat.
After scoring against Leyton Orient last week, Northern Ireland international Josh McQuoid could have counted himself lucky not to have got on the score sheet again for the Gulls, particularly in the second half. On 62 minutes, he had a goal bound shot blocked and turned behind for a corner and two minutes later he agonisingly headed over after connecting with a superbly placed cross from left-back Liam Davis. The Yellow Army will be waiting to see if McQuoid can remain at Plainmoor beyond the end of his existing loan term.
4. Liam Davis continues to excel at left-back.
Once again Liam Davis produced an impressive performance at left-back in both an attacking sense and a defensive sense. He picked out McQuoid on a couple of crosses from the left wing, and he was a whisker away from scoring himself when his cross-cum-shot, after Ruairi Keating had hit the post in the 25th minute, flew across the face of goal.
5. United have the ability to raise their game against the top sides in the league.
Curiously, 28 of the 53 points that United won last season came against the top eight in the Vanarama National League and the rest against the other 15. Currently the Gulls have taken five against the present top eight in the league following yesterday's draw with Aldershot - in addition to a draw with Wrexham and their win at Sutton United. If United are to prove to be successful in their bid to beat the drop this season then it is a trait that will stand them in good stead if they are able to repeat it.
They might not have quite managed to pull off a third successive victory, but Torquay United manager Gary Owers can still make a lot of heart from the fact that the Gulls were able to complete three clean sheets in a row against Aldershot. Prior to their meeting with United, the Shots had scored eight times in the previous four league matches - but, of course, failed to find the target at Plainmoor.
2. Alex Davey should be near the top of the list of the loan players that Owers wants to keep.
Key to the Gulls' aforementioned defensive display yesterday was Alex Davey, who is currently on loan with the Gulls from Cheltenham Town. United's run of successive clean sheets had coincided with Davey's arrival, following an injury to Josh Gowling. He has slotted in seamlessly to the Gulls' back three alongside fellow loanee Michee Efete and current skipper Sean McGinty and has shown good composure on the ball as well as being dominant in the air.
3. Josh McQuoid was a major attacking threat.
After scoring against Leyton Orient last week, Northern Ireland international Josh McQuoid could have counted himself lucky not to have got on the score sheet again for the Gulls, particularly in the second half. On 62 minutes, he had a goal bound shot blocked and turned behind for a corner and two minutes later he agonisingly headed over after connecting with a superbly placed cross from left-back Liam Davis. The Yellow Army will be waiting to see if McQuoid can remain at Plainmoor beyond the end of his existing loan term.
4. Liam Davis continues to excel at left-back.
Once again Liam Davis produced an impressive performance at left-back in both an attacking sense and a defensive sense. He picked out McQuoid on a couple of crosses from the left wing, and he was a whisker away from scoring himself when his cross-cum-shot, after Ruairi Keating had hit the post in the 25th minute, flew across the face of goal.
5. United have the ability to raise their game against the top sides in the league.
Curiously, 28 of the 53 points that United won last season came against the top eight in the Vanarama National League and the rest against the other 15. Currently the Gulls have taken five against the present top eight in the league following yesterday's draw with Aldershot - in addition to a draw with Wrexham and their win at Sutton United. If United are to prove to be successful in their bid to beat the drop this season then it is a trait that will stand them in good stead if they are able to repeat it.
Friday 1 December 2017
GULLS CULL ON THE CARDS AS OWERS LOOKS TO TRIM SQUAD
As Torquay United head into the new year, head coach Gary Owers is looking towards working with a more streamlined squad as he battles to keep the Gulls in the National League.
However, Owers also has to perform a balancing act between maintaining a settled side that move United away from the relegation zone and potentially seeing several of his loan signings and players on short term deals leave Plainmoor.
Owers inherited a squad of 27 players upon his arrival as Gulls manager in September - many of whom were signed to combat the club's injury crisis before his appointment and he has also stated that had he taken over at the start of the campaign we would have wanted a smaller squad.
"If I was coming in on day one I'd go with a squad of 18 outfield players and two goalkeepers and try to spend more money on less players," said Owers.
"When I arrived I had a squad of 27, so that's what I've been dealt with and that's what I'm trying to sort out now.
"I am really looking at it at the minute and thinking about how we move forward.
As well as having seven players currently on loan, Owers also had four players out on loan as well as one player on non-contract forms and two on short term deals. In addition to this he also has 11 contracted players at the club.
The Gulls are currently able to add a maximum of another six short-term deals and three long-term loans before the end of the season, and Owers has also stated that he is within the parameters of his budget.
Such has been the turnover of playing staff this season, 32 individuals have donned the yellow shirt in the 2017-18 campaign with Sean McGinty and Luke Young the only ever presents in the Gulls squad.
In the meantime, the three points on offer in United's clash against Aldershot Town tomorrow remains the most important priority on the horizon for Owers and his assistant Martin Kuhl.
On loan at Plainmoor: Rhys Murphy & Callum Evans (both Forest Green Rovers), Josh McQuoid (Luton Town), Jazzi Barnum-Bobb (Newport County), Michee Efete (Norwich City), George Dowling (Bristol City), Alex Davey (Cheltenham Town).
Out on loan: Neal Osborn (Barnstaple Town), Myles Anderson (Chester FC), Sam Chaney (Whitehawk), Yan Klukowski (Kidderminster Harriers).
Non-contract players: Jennison Myrie-Williams
Short-term permanent deals due to expire in January 2018: Vincent Dorel, Guy Gnabouyou
However, Owers also has to perform a balancing act between maintaining a settled side that move United away from the relegation zone and potentially seeing several of his loan signings and players on short term deals leave Plainmoor.
Owers inherited a squad of 27 players upon his arrival as Gulls manager in September - many of whom were signed to combat the club's injury crisis before his appointment and he has also stated that had he taken over at the start of the campaign we would have wanted a smaller squad.
"If I was coming in on day one I'd go with a squad of 18 outfield players and two goalkeepers and try to spend more money on less players," said Owers.
"When I arrived I had a squad of 27, so that's what I've been dealt with and that's what I'm trying to sort out now.
"I am really looking at it at the minute and thinking about how we move forward.
As well as having seven players currently on loan, Owers also had four players out on loan as well as one player on non-contract forms and two on short term deals. In addition to this he also has 11 contracted players at the club.
The Gulls are currently able to add a maximum of another six short-term deals and three long-term loans before the end of the season, and Owers has also stated that he is within the parameters of his budget.
Such has been the turnover of playing staff this season, 32 individuals have donned the yellow shirt in the 2017-18 campaign with Sean McGinty and Luke Young the only ever presents in the Gulls squad.
In the meantime, the three points on offer in United's clash against Aldershot Town tomorrow remains the most important priority on the horizon for Owers and his assistant Martin Kuhl.
On loan at Plainmoor: Rhys Murphy & Callum Evans (both Forest Green Rovers), Josh McQuoid (Luton Town), Jazzi Barnum-Bobb (Newport County), Michee Efete (Norwich City), George Dowling (Bristol City), Alex Davey (Cheltenham Town).
Out on loan: Neal Osborn (Barnstaple Town), Myles Anderson (Chester FC), Sam Chaney (Whitehawk), Yan Klukowski (Kidderminster Harriers).
Non-contract players: Jennison Myrie-Williams
Short-term permanent deals due to expire in January 2018: Vincent Dorel, Guy Gnabouyou
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)