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Post by northyorkshiregull on Oct 18, 2008 16:29:43 GMT
Looking at the run we are on and with the teams we have beaten I have to say that I think were better than last season.Anyone agree
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Oct 18, 2008 17:35:04 GMT
Now that we are playing football and playing players where they play best, I would have to agree. I do wonder If we would be top Of the table now, If we had not tried playing midfielders as defenders.
It Is indeed a good run and one that we have every reason to believe we can continue. While we all felt that Bucks had lost It at the start Of the season, sticking to his experiments, he did In the end,see If was not working Or getting results.
Since playing with Woods,Robertson and Todd(before his injury) the results have turned around, how daft It seems now, to have played games with our three defenders sat In the stands.
When you think Of the players who did not play today, you realize that this season we really do have much better depth In the squad. What Is even more pleasing Is that we are now scoring goals from open play, there was a time earlier, when we were questioning where we the goals were going to come from
So yes I think this team Is better than last season, we had a slow start, we are past that now and the future looks bright.
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paulr
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Post by paulr on Oct 18, 2008 18:06:22 GMT
Not only are we playing better, we are also playing the ball on the ground and would seem to have stopped playing hoof ball.
My only concern is that we do at times still sit back on a lead, Oxford for example, and we tend to then sit too deep as opposed to pushing up the field. (then again what do I know!)
I do however think that our slow start has worked in our favor. The team at the top is there to be shot at and has more pressure placed upon it by supporters and the players themselves. I think that we are perfectly placed at this time and really do believe that this will be our season. I always want to see the Gulls win, but with the exception of the FA Cup, I will not be too disappointed to spend as little time as possible in the other 'Cup' rounds.
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Post by northyorkshiregull on Oct 18, 2008 18:56:42 GMT
I have to agree that I think the poor start could work to our advantage,I also think that the defence is better without Todd.A good player but at times can make costly mistakes.Its good too to see Robbo play in his best position
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chelstongull
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Post by chelstongull on Oct 18, 2008 19:03:33 GMT
When you think Of the players who did not play today, you realize that this season we really do have much better depth In the squad. What Is even more pleasing Is that we are now scoring goals from open play, there was a time earlier, when we were questioning where we the goals were going to come from Quite agree Dave, compared to last years squad. There's no filler in the squad apart from poor old Brough (and perhaps Ricey). I am surprised that no one's taken Brough on loan. Woods this year has been outstanding when paired with either Robbo or Ellis. I would feel a lot happier (and perhaps take a first trip to the bookies since Red Rum) won the National if we had either Bevan or Poke as a permanent player rather than a loan one. |
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Post by ohtobeatplainmoor on Oct 18, 2008 19:07:03 GMT
It's easier to feel more positive on the back of an away win against a bogey side and a fantastic run of results!
5 successive defeats in the next BSP games will see the discontent return (although some of the t*** that have the audacity to call themselves fans that jump on the players after 5 minutes in home games will probably on need 1 match!).
That said, other than Zebs I don't look at last season's squad and feel that there is anyone that has left that I would rather have instead of the new arrivals. Whilst we sometimes have still looked short of a striker of quality to play along Sills at times, Benyon (who I am a big fan of) and Green have upped their games and with Carlisle chipping-in with a "striker's rate", maybe that isn't the problem so far that I thought it would be.
There is certainly much more balance in the team - Wroe and Hargreaves are turning into a great pair (and the signs are there from Robertson and Woods), there has also been other partnerships developing (Mansell and Carlisle on the right have been very encouraging as well), but the whole play has lost the "disjointed" feel and there is a definate improvement in performances compared to the previous spell of deterioration (which more or less started on Boxing Day),
There is over a third of the season that as been played so far. I reckon that we are at least six points "worse-off" compared to where we were at this stage last season (I'm sure that our Resident Statistitian Andygulls will be able to put me right on that!!), however I feel that in so many ways there has been such significant progress on the pitch.
I believe that Bucks and the whole team have learnt so much - just as much by what hasn't worked as well as what has and is working very well.
I'm realistic to know that promotion from this league is a huge, huge ask, but all things being equal, we will be in with a shout.
Paulr, I see where you are coming from with regards to the cup competitions I firmly believe that with the reduced crowds and the withdrawal of the youth sponsorship (not sure exactly what the implications of that is though) then we need every additional pound that we can get - even the odd couple of grand from a perceived "tin pot trophy" like the Setanta Shield is really needed. It didn't do Aldershot any harm last season!
Players like Todd, Benyon, Ellis could do with easing themselves back into the fray (and we have at least 3 cup games coming up over the next few weeks) and Brough (unless FGR pull-out the stops to bring him back), Yeoman and the other fringe players need some competitive match time.
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Oct 18, 2008 19:24:11 GMT
Potential Setanta Shield line up:
Rice
Gwinnett Todd Ellis Hodges
Stevens Adams Brough Carayol
Dsane / a rested Green Benyon
Not a bad reserve side to put out against a team not necessarily in the same league as us. Sure would beat last years line up in the corresponding fixture. A prolonged run in this competition would also give some 90 minutes of match practice to the bench warmers etc who will probably be called upon as the season progresses.
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Post by andygulls on Oct 18, 2008 20:56:05 GMT
There is over a third of the season that as been played so far. I reckon that we are at least six points "worse-off" compared to where we were at this stage last season (I'm sure that our Resident Statistitian Andygulls will be able to put me right on that!!), however I feel that in so many ways there has been such significant progress on the pitch. Actually we are 8 points worse off than at the same stage last season as the table below shows.  I would agree with your view however.  |
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joebarlow
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Post by joebarlow on Oct 18, 2008 22:10:02 GMT
Potential Setanta Shield line up: Rice [glow=red,2,300]Gwinnett[/glow] Todd Ellis Hodges Stevens Adams Brough Carayol Dsane / a rested Green Benyon Not a bad reserve side to put out against a team not necessarily in the same league as us. Sure would beat last years line up in the corresponding fixture. A prolonged run in this competition would also give some 90 minutes of match practice to the bench warmers etc who will probably be called upon as the season progresses. Raiff wont be able to play for us seeing as he is on a season-long loan at Tiverton. Unless he iscalled back I cant see him playing unless it is a reserve friendly. |
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Oct 19, 2008 7:12:14 GMT
Potential Setanta Shield line up: Rice [glow=red,2,300]Gwinnett[/glow] Todd Ellis Hodges Stevens Adams Brough Carayol Dsane / a rested Green Benyon Not a bad reserve side to put out against a team not necessarily in the same league as us. Sure would beat last years line up in the corresponding fixture. A prolonged run in this competition would also give some 90 minutes of match practice to the bench warmers etc who will probably be called upon as the season progresses. Raiff wont be able to play for us seeing as he is on a season-long loan at Tiverton. Unless he iscalled back I cant see him playing unless it is a reserve friendly. That's the one position we are short on particularly with Robertson's recent performances at centre half! Looking at the stats we now have got an identical home and away record and that has been against some decent teams recently as well. I see that Kettering at the top of the table have hit the 32 mark in 16 games - something we achieved in 13 games last year which again shows how open the league is and with our recent form that we have got a very real chance of winning this thing. Kettering have won all four league matches this month ( compared to us winning three and drawing one ) so hopefully they will get the manager of the month. Crawley just managed four points from four games so maybe the dreaded curse has struck again! |
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Post by pikeygull on Oct 19, 2008 11:38:31 GMT
I think we are getting close to what we were last season. It certainly is a very close league this season and I believe it won't sort it's self out until at least Feb. So were 1/3 of the way through the season now  as it has been stated we are 8 points worse of than last year which show just what a tremendous/freak start we had. We really were spoilt. I couldn't be happier with our current position. Thankfully we haven't been punished for our poor start and are only 4pts off top. We all know it's a marathon and not a sprint and some of the best runners like to tuck in behind and kick on in the home straight. Looking at the the league to last year Kettering 32pts would only get you tied for 4th place and our 28pts into 7th 1pt more than Exeter's total at this stage last year. Also I noticed we have only played 2 of the top 15 at home so far compared to 6 away. All in all its coming together nicely P.S I'm not a anorak statto (although I love stats) its all here stats.football365.com/dom/ENG/teams/TorquayUtd.html P.P.S Next league game , Mansfield H who have 1 win in 8 away games and 1 win in the last 8 games  |
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NickGull
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Post by NickGull on Oct 19, 2008 12:11:48 GMT
It all sounds so positive now. I hope that these upcoming FA Cup games lose our attention though, for example if we beat Chipstead (which we really should!) and get a draw like Leicester/Leeds I hope the players won't lose concentration in the League games, as that is my priority, after last seasons miss out.
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Post by weathergull on Oct 19, 2008 12:31:25 GMT
It all sounds so positive now. I hope that these upcoming FA Cup games lose our attention though, for example if we beat Chipstead (which we really should!) and get a draw like Leicester/Leeds I hope the players won't lose concentration in the League games, as that is my priority, after last seasons miss out. I take it that means the next round involves the league clubs?  |
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merse
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Post by merse on Oct 19, 2008 13:59:00 GMT
 I would have to say "yes we ARE better than last season" I've watched a lot of Conference football over nearly twenty years and would put this squad up there with those that impressed me so much at Barnet, Wycombe, Yeovil, Dagenham and Aldershot and better at this stage of their development than the ones I saw play for Lincoln, Boston, Maidstone, Rushden, Doncaster and Colchester; and at least on a par with Exeter of last season. The manager has overcome intense pressure to evolve a squad that is more rounded, adaptable and comfortable on the ball than last season whilst retaining that never say die attitude and intense will to win. The players that fill our bench week after week would walk into most other BSP starting elevens and unlike last season, we do NOT have any lightweights making up the numbers and even Elliott Benyon has proved he now has what it takes through sheer hard work and dedication to developing his shortcomings of last season................he's a work in progress, but he IS working! Without over passing or over playing the flowery stuff, we looked imperious yesterday in the good Conference traditions of getting off on the right foot, staying on top and playing the whole game on OUR terms; just as we did at Rushden last Sunday. That's how Championships are won and THAT'S why I happily took us at 20/1 after the Cambridge win (we are now in to 6/1 to win the BSP) and I only wish I could get rid of that nagging feeling that the South Devon public will be reluctant to get us back to the levels of support this excellent management and squad of players deserve.
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Enzo
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Post by Enzo on Oct 19, 2008 15:33:16 GMT
As long as the first month of the season can be put down to teething troubles, I think we are a better side and, perhaps more importantly, a far stronger squad than last year.
Not all results will go our way and we are bound to have off days, but if we can keep anywhere near the standards of the last 5 or six games then I think we will be a play off certainty - to get anywhere beyond that requires the sort of consistency that Aldershot displayed and the little bit of luck that Exeter enjoyed last season.
There will certainly be a few in the BSP who have sat up and taken notice of our form over the last 6 weeks. It is worth remembering that we all had this run of games as a bit of a "make or break" period for Buckle and that the complete dismantling of the likes of Stevenage, Rushden and Ebbsfleet has been achieved whilst the squad has suffered injuries and suspensions to central figures like Todd, Ellis and Poke. Last season, I feel that we would not have had the strength in depth to cope with such problems - if Adams sneezed then the very limited Hockley was in the side for four games. When given their opportunity (albeit limited) the likes of Wring and Mullings failed to take their chance. In contrast, this season when one player has suffered either injury or suspension there have been a queue of players waiting to make the most of the opportunity - for example Woods and Robertson have performed very well when stepping into the shoes of Todd and Ellis. Similarly, when Green got himself suspended we had options that few, if any BSP club, would have to fill his shoes. After his development this season, Benyon can consider himself very unlucky to miss out on a place, but, as long as his attitude is correct I am sure his chance will come.
Off course, there are still improvements that can be made. I'd like to see competition for Sills........although I do feel criticism of him a little misguided. I'd like to see either of Stevens, Carayol or Dsane really make a grab for the left wing / midfield slot - they all impress when coming on off the bench, but when given a starting berth seem less effective. Very frustrating. I'd also like to sort the keeper situation out once and for all. Another thread asks the question of whether anyone would fancy Zebroski returning. It is fanciful thinking based on one event and the chances are remoter than remote, but if it were possible and his attitude was right I'd take him back without hesitation. He carried us for long periods last season and could be one of the final pieces of the jigsaw. Hopefully the present squad will continue to demonstrate that we don't need him. I really hope the performances of the last few weeks can be continued until we next face Crawley so Buckle can enjoy ramming the words of Evans back down his throat.
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as it has been stated we are 8 points worse of than last year which show just what a tremendous/freak start we had. We really were spoilt. I couldn't be happier with our current position. Thankfully we haven't been punished for our poor start and are only 4pts off top. 