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I'm quite stunned Ian Morris has found a bigger League Two club willing to give him a 2 year contact after last season's injury. Good luck to him!

He wasn't everyone's cup of tea, and certainly doesn't fit the pacy winger preference we hear Knill has. For central midfield, Morris may well have been seen as a similar option to Nathan Craig, with age, expense and injuries counting against him.

Our depleted squad has plenty of industry with the likes of Downes, Mansell and Lathrope, but very little technical ability in possession from front to back after the departures of Saah, Morris and Howe.

Here's hoping Knill isn't being too speculative with his targets and can sign the players we desperately need. The players signed over the next two weeks or so will define the coming season - no pressure!

Fnda - Realistically we would never have got a fee for Morris because he is worth precisely bugger all. I do agree that in general we are seen off by all and sundry as far as transfer dealings are concerned but on this occasion? - the chances of Morris getting another contract in six months time were slim at best. Remember he was fit at the end of last season and Knill hardly use him at all.
In all fairness to Morris after being crocked all last season this must be a dream move for him - be churlish to stand in his way.

I am not worried- I mean when Manset,Robertson, Benyon,Mozika,Labadie and Chappell and co rock up on our doorstep we won't be bemoaning the loss of Morris and Jarvis will we.

brucie wrote:I am not worried- I mean when Manset,Robertson, Benyon,Mozika,Labadie and Chappell and co rock up on our doorstep we won't be bemoaning the loss of Morris and Jarvis will we.

Followed by promotion to the promise land and Torquay being voted city of culture 2014.

Saddened to hear this but not overly surprised. AK obviously intended to rid himself of one of the midfield four (yes I do believe that Morris and Craig are central midfielders) when he included a centre-mid on his wanted list.
I like Morris as a player but I don't think we ever really saw the best of him in a yellow shirt and I am surprised that is is Northampton who have signed him, maybe they want to make some effort to live up to their AC tag a little more!

Not bothered by this, didn't really hit it with us. Just thinking yet another player to get is worrying though.

Who is Ian Morris?

Torquay and Morris never hit it off so this is fine with me.
I am sure the Cobblers believe they are getting a world beater but every time I saw him play he never showed anything more than average. He has also yet to fully show he has recovered to fitness so this is a massive risk on their part. Perhaps Boothroyd got him confused with Eunan the season before last!

Just hope for some incoming player news soon as I am getting a little concerned at present!

Pretty good news for both parties. He never really got settled in one postion here, and to this day I have no idea where his best psoition is.

Fonda, what sort of fee were you expecting for a 26 year old with 6 months left on his contract that missed the last season with injury and isn't a first choice? Getting him off the wage bill will allow us to bring in someone else.

Gulliball wrote:Pretty good news for both parties. He never really got settled in one postion here, and to this day I have no idea where his best psoition is.

Fonda, what sort of fee were you expecting for a 26 year old with 6 months left on his contract that missed the last season with injury and isn't a first choice? Getting him off the wage bill will allow us to bring in someone else.

Precisely, getting him off the wage bill without having to pay up his contract, it's wins all the way round.

PhilGull wrote: Precisely, getting him off the wage bill without having to pay up his contract, it's wins all the way round.

Exactly.

To be honest, when I first clicked on this post my first thought was that it was probably about us having reached a settlement with Morris on the remainder of his 6 month contract, as I just don't see him as a Knill type of player.

If we assume (as most are doing), that Knill wanted rid, then of course it's sensible to get him off the wage bill and no fee would be expected. I was looking at it from the other perspective - that perhaps Knill did want him around, and might not have wanted him to leave.

A fly on the wall insight into the conversation between Knill and Morris:

(PHONE RINGS)

KNILL: “Hello?”
MORRIS: “Boss – it’s Ian here”
KNILL: “Who?”
MORRIS: “Ian.....Morro....you know, Torquay midfielder/winger
KNILL: “Sorry – I am not sure who......”
MORRIS: “You know, dodgy leg, no real position or pace”
KNILL: “Ian! – of-course, how are you?”
MORRIS: “Gaffa, listen, I have had an offer I just cannot turn down, I am really sorry but I have to ask whether you can let me go. The Cobblers have offered me two years and I am really excited about it and them, it seems like the next stepping stone for me to develop my career and.....”
KNILL: “Is it April in Ireland or something???”
MORRIS: “What? Ummm, no boss. Listen, please could I have the chance to do this. I plead with you, I just.....”
KNILL: “Listen, I will not stand in the way Ian. You have to follow your gut on this and it sounds as if has already made been made the decision in your heart and in no way would I want to stand in the way of that. All the very best son, and thank you for all your efforts in a Torquay shirt.
MORRIS: “Thanks gaffa, you’re a legend. Talk Soon.
KNILL: Bye Ian.

(PHONE IS HUNG-UP)
(PHONE IS PICKED UP IMMEDIATELY AND DIALLED)

KNILL: “Hello, can I talk to Damien Mozika please”

Shame, as Morro showed he could be decent. However, recovering from a big injury so might not be up to scratch. Bearing in mind he played at the top of l1, probably wasn't cheap so makes a nice hole in the budget we can fill

Just posting to thank Ian for his service to the Gulls. I think some of what has been posted about him is a little harsh, he struggled with injuries and for form but he stuck out in my mind on a couple of occasions when appearing for us because he was the only player on the pitch trying to gee up the others and the crowd with hand and arm gestures other than Mansell. He didn't fulfil his potential here but no doubt has some and i hope it works out for him at Sixfields. I can't for the life of me see how he is going to fit in to a direct, overtly physical side like Cobblers but he's gone now so i thank him generously for all his efforts and wish him all the best.