Guiding the Gulls to Glory - Taking Torquay To The Top

BanOly127

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BREAKING NEWS: PORLOCK TAKES OVER AT TORQUAY
The position had been vacant since Martin Ling's contract was terminated before the start of the season. Despite much speculation that Alan Knill would be taking over, the Torquay United board announced this morning that they had turned to a relatively unknown manager to take them to greater things.

Raymond Porlock, 37, has been a qualified football coach since he was 19. Yet he has never played football at a semi-professional level, according to the Football Association. Furthermore, he is completely unheard of in the managerial world - he is yet to have managed a club in any division since his qualification.

SUMMARY
The board have not stated to Ray their demands for performance in League 2.
He is, however, on a one-year contract.

GOALS
Raymond hopes to avoid relegation this season.

His priorities for this season are to:
- Build relationships with his team and backroom staff
- Strengthen weak areas of the squad
- Train the team year round to adapt to his tactics
- Prepare the squad to contend for promotion in 2014-15

TEAM OVERVIEW
GK - Michael Poke (27) - Fantastic first choice, unfortunately injured for what looks to be around 4-5 months.
GK - Martin Rice (27) - Decent backup cover, just about good enough for League 2.

DR - Dale Tonge (28) - Solid backup, but inconsistent performer. Should only be called upon when needed.
DR - Anthony O'Connor (20) - On loan from Blackburn Rovers, solid first-choice at this level.
DC - Krystian Pearce (23) - Best defensive ability but doesn't tend to perform when required.
DC - Aaron Downes (28) - Not as talented as Pearce, but definitely consistent.
DL - Kevin Nicholson (32) - Experienced full back with good ability but poor pace.
DL - Thomas Cruise (22) - Good potential, but inconsistent and not good enough to be first choice yet.

MC - Ben Harding (28) - Great backup, can play in defensive or supporting roles.
MC - Shaun Cooper (29) - Backup but good enough to rotate. Favours defensive-minded roles and can play DC.
MC - Lee Mansell (30) - Club captain, can play DR. Defensive-minded player with high Work Rate.
MC - Joss Labadie (22) - Best player on the team, capable of defensive or support and a high Work Rate.
MC - Damon Lathrope (23) - Good potential, great backup for now. Favours defensive-minded roles.

MR/L - Courtney Cameron (20) - Great potential, good enough to start games or provide backup.
MR - Jordan Chapell (21) - Great potential, performs well from the bench when called upon.
ML - Nathan Craig (21) - Good potential, makes a decent backup. On a run of form at the moment.
MR/L - Billy Bodin (21) - Great potential, performs well on the left or right, especially with Stevens opposite.
MR/L - Danny Stevens (26) - First choice on either side, works great with Bodin.

ST - Karl Hawley (31) - Good ability, but an inconsistent performer whose attributes don't match any specific role.
ST - Elliott Benyon (24) - Good ability, more consistent and still getting better as time goes.
ST - Ashley Yeoman (21) - Great potential, makes a solid backup and performs well when called upon.

OTHER CLUB INFORMATION
Finances are poor due to Torquay United sitting in over £500k of debts.
No transfer budget, wage budget almost maxed out already.
Will have to rely on selling players in order to bring in replacements.

The media predicts Torquay United to finish 21st (out of 24) in League 2.
 
Last edited:
AUGUST 2013

Cristian Montaño chooses to sign for Notts Co instead of Torquay United.
Martin Rice is sold, following the arrival of goalkeeper Alan Martin (24).
Ben Harding agrees to Mutual Termination of his contract.
Torquay sign experienced forward Steve Howard (37) on a free transfer.
Left-back Bradley Garmston (19) joins Torquay United on loan from West Brom.
Shelton Martis unable to sign for Torquay due to shortage of funds.
Torquay sign centre-back Oliver Modeste (18) following successful trial period.

FRIENDLY MATCHES
Drew 2-2 at Home to Rangers.
Lost 2-0 at Home to Peterborough.
Lost 5-2 at Home to Hearts.
Won 3-1 at Home to Man City U21s.

INJURIES
Michael Poke still expected to be out for 2-3 more months.
Nathan Craig out for 3 weeks with pulled hamstring.
Steve Howard out for 1-2 weeks with a sprained ankle.​
 
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