Taiwo Atieno

[Fonda]

How many 'scouts' do we have at other friendlies, up and down the country, of a summer Saturday afternoon? Do we really think there were representatives from other clubs at Tiverton or at Plainmoor yesetrday? He's a journeyman that has failed several times previously. I very much doubt there is a string of other clubs looking to beat us to his signature. He's done well for us in 90 minutes of football - i imagine the rest of the football world is completely oblivious or disinterested to that fact. If we offer him a deal, i'm confident he won't take too much persuasion.

[Jeff]

I don't see his nomadic career history as much of an issue. If you look back 8 or 9 years ago or so, we signed David Graham who didn't exactly come with a glittering reputation and look how that panned out.

Of course, I'm not suggesting Atieno could even touch DG in full flight, but it goes to show that past performances don't alway mean a dud signing. If Atieno has done the business on trial, then he's earnt a contract.

[Fonda]

I didn't deny that. If what i saw yesterday is a pointer to what he might offer for the season, he's worth a deal. My point was to question how much 'other interest' there is in him. His recent career isn't impressive, so i'm not convinced there are a string of scouts following his progress at this time. Well done to Ling on identifying a potential diamond in the rough.

[hector]

How many 'scouts' do we have at other friendlies, up and down the country, of a summer Saturday afternoon? Do we really think there were representatives from other clubs at Tiverton or at Plainmoor yesetrday? He's a journeyman that has failed several times previously. I very much doubt there is a string of other clubs looking to beat us to his signature. He's done well for us in 90 minutes of football - i imagine the rest of the football world is completely oblivious or disinterested to that fact. If we offer him a deal, i'm confident he won't take too much persuasion.

I would agree with you, that I think it unlikely that there are going to be many clubs queuing up to sign him. His record prior to this trial has been poor. Only twice in his career as he hit double figures and that was in much lower standards of footy than League 2.

But perhaps that is to our advantage. It does puzzle me that Graham Westley only ever played him once in a 3 months but for whatever reason that may be, hopefully he will find his feet at Plainmoor. I think the comparison with David Graham is wrong however, as Graham came to us after playing in the SPL not semi-pro in the USA but I gget what is meant.

I have not seen the friendlies yet, so cannot comment on how he played but lets just hope it is not playing for a contract and it offers potential to how good he might be.

[highweekgull]

I'm hoping that Martin Ling is going to turn into one of those managers who can polish these journeyman, rough diamond strikers (Atieno & Howe) into a great pairing up front.

Couple of early goals does not a season make though...remember David Byng...

[Bloggy]

Who was the chap who scored a hat-trick in a pre season but we never signed him up? 5 or 6 years ago I think?

Edit: Found in my stats - Richard Bouton (04/05 season) hat-trick against Newton Abbot.

[Fonda]

Who was the chap who scored a hat-trick in a pre season but we never signed him up? 5 or 6 years ago I think?

Edit: Found in my stats - Richard Bouton (04/05 season) hat-trick against Newton Abbot.

And he went on to do such good things... =D

[royalgull]

scoring in pre season doesn't really mean anything. Going up against teams playing at about 50% of their normal level just easing their way back into matches, but the general feeling is he could offer something? Let's hope we can be the club he settles down at and produces his best.

[Bloggy]

That was my point.
I was really worried last season with Kee! He'd scored against the lower league oppos in PSF but not the bigger teams. I said to a mate at the time that he wouldn't score in the league... I'm so glad he proved me wrong.

I just read also that Bristol City played Argyle on Friday night!

If he is offered a contract (and he accepts it), I hope he settles and proves his worth.

[tufcbrett]

That was my point.
I was really worried last season with Kee! He'd scored against the lower league oppos in PSF but not the bigger teams. I said to a mate at the time that he wouldn't score in the league... I'm so glad he proved me wrong.

I just read also that Bristol City played Argyle on Friday night!

If he is offered a contract (and he accepts it), I hope he settles and proves his worth.

They played two diffrent teams for each game. Both sides were strong and we played well against a decent side, even if it was a PSF.
Im sure Taiwo will do fine. I dont expect loads of goals from him, but can see him getting his fair share and playing a bigger part. I honestly think Kee will do more this season as Ling seems to play him in the right position

[Dave]

Thats the whole thing with summer trialists,they are allways going to be risk,remember we once had the choice between Carl Motteram and Ryan Harley,we went for Motteram who now plays for Straford town,and rejected Harley who now is the premier league.

The point i am making is Harley not so long ago was one of these summer trialist's who made good,the rough diamond's are in there,not saying that Atieno is going to make the big time,just give him a chance,you never know he could turn out to be rather good.

[passatgull]

oastler at rb are you real ??????????????

[tufcbrett]

oastler at rb are you real ??????????????

He was decent in there against City. Looked the part and i feel he wil be decent in there.

[Dave]

Neil Warnock seems to think Oastler is a right back aswell.

[Fonda]

It was all very bizarre. We played a right-back at right-back (Oastler), a central midfielder in the centre of midfield (Manse) and a striker up front rather than on the right-wiing (Kee). I don't know what he's thinking of with these new-fangled ideas.