Thank you to Nick, who has answered this weeks questions ahead of our longest journey of the season to Torquay.
Thank you to Nick, who has answered this weeks questions ahead of our longest journey of the season to Torquay.
Not going to the game today? Join us on Vital Lincoln City for Team News, Match Updates & LIVE Vanarama National League Scores RIGHT HERE.
How Long Have You Supported Torquay?
I started going very occasionally in the late 90’s/early 00’s, before going regularly in 2003/04. A wonderful season ending in a final day promotion. Little did I know what I had started!
Last Season’s League Finish?
13th (I think?). It was the most boring season I’ve ever had following TUFC. Usually we’ve been half decent or poo, but at least they make the season ending fun. Our season ended in February after a horrific 3-0 home defeat to Wrexham in the FA Trophy semis (which is clutching at straws in itself!)
What Do You Think Of Your Manager?
Too early to judge. While he was very loyal as a player, the last couple of years he was not very good. He still isn’t, which is a worry as he picks himself every week. I’d like to think he’ll come good and turn into our very own Eddie Howe. Some performances have been improvements on recent years, which is some doing considering the squad we have now, but then that has been counteracted by genuinely awful performances (Basingstoke in the Cup, I assume Barrow last weekend). I’d need to be asked again after Christmas to judge properly.
Hopes/Expectations This Season?
Survival. Otherwise I think it’s curtains for the club.
One(s) To Watch?
N/A.
đ
Nah, seriously, there isn’t many. Our best player did his cruciate during pre-season and is out for yonks. Our top scorer is a right back and has recently left the club on loan. Our next best player is a left back playing in midfield somewhere, so even he can’t play regularly. A few fans are pinning a lot of hope on Waide Fairhurst coming in and shaking things up, but it’ll take some time for him, I think.
Financial trouble, youth system closed down, manager resignation, Fairhurst injured, players sent off for turning on a team mate during a game, a player suspended pending an investigation and probably many other things that a non-Torquay fan wouldn’t know and on top of that, you’ve had to endure ‘Big Ex’ this season! Is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
And now no training facilities!
Errm, as above, you’d have to ask me again in a few months. Currently, it feels like darkness is closing in and all around.
In terms of team performances, what impact has Kevin Nicholson had?
As I mentioned above, some were good. We were genuinely unlucky not to hold out against Grimsby as we had them at arms length until the penalty decision. However, the week after we go to Basingstoke and get spanked by the worst team I have ever seen (and I’ve seen some bad teams!). We had gone four unbeaten in the league until last weekend, although three draws are included there. Win wise, we’ve got 1 in 9 since he came in, which isn’t much improvement on Cox.
Unusually, you’ve picked up more points on the road this season (11) than at home (5). What do you put that down to?
I believe there is a fear factor at home games, these days. Not too sure why. We have been pretty crap at Plainmoor since 2012. Four years of boring, dull football has meant attendances have gone down by not far off 50%. It’s going to take some time to bring that back up, but with our home record, it looks like it’s going to continue for a while yet. Playing away, infront of less of our fans, means less pressure for the players.
Top Five Predictions?
In no particular order: Grimsby, FGR, Cheltenham, Wrexham, Tranmere.
Bottom Four Predictions?
Again, in no particular order: Kidderminster, Guiseley, Southport, Halifax
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
Should be back up in the Football League. Good to see them back in the top half and pushing at the top of the table after a few seasons of misery down here. Good ‘big man little man’ combo of Rhead and Hearn up top. Very surprised to see Rhead scoring so many so far.
Score Prediction?
We have to win. Sorry, we just have to.
2-1 Gulls.
Random Fact About Your Club?
We are the only league club to have been knocked out of the FA Cup proper by non-league opposition for four seasons in a row (1991-1994).
