TorquayFans.com | Torquay United Fans Forum

limbsofsimb wrote:I'd rather cast judgement on Poke when he's faced a side which posed a proper threat. Feel very sorry for Ricey, been our too performer by a mile (which we own). I hope Michael finds the form of his first spell at TUFC and not his performances from last season.

Not sure what you mean by this. Poke was one of our best players last season. He did nothing wrong.

Pokey is a decent shot stopper its his forte, but it's the other sides to his game which I question. He will never smash into an opposition to claim a ball as Neville, Dearden or Bobby would. His kicking is average at best and needs to claim these crosses. Perhaps he's spent to long on the bench between his TUFC spells at Brighton & Bristol and lost his confidence. Its a big call for Al, i hope for all our sakes I'm wrong.

by Dutchgull » Yesterday, 19:09

Just how crap was that "commentary" !!!



should have dubbed it with radio devons commentary then legend stuff on sat

limbsofsimb wrote:i hope for all our sakes I'm wrong.

Wrong about what though? If you are implying that you believe Rice should keep the shirt, then don't worry; you ARE wrong!

It was only fair that Poke, having recovered from his injury, should be tested sooner or later in a full-scale League Two game. Martin Rice, although naturally disappointed to be dropped, to his credit has accepted the decision and fully supports Knill and Poke. It's quite conceivable that Rice will continue to improve as a goalkeeper and will hold down a regular place in a League Two team in the future, but for the present, we should consider ourselves fortunate to have two very capable keepers at the club who are fully supportive of each other, and to have Kenny Veysey as their coach.

jonnyfive wrote: Wrong about what though? If you are implying that you believe Rice should keep the shirt, then don't worry; you ARE wrong!

In your opinion, why would you pick Poke over Rice? What additional strengths does he have?

limbsofsimb wrote: In your opinion, why would you pick Poke over Rice? What additional strengths does he have?

Torquay scored Southend didn't.
3 points

limbsofsimb wrote:Pokey is a decent shot stopper its his forte, but it's the other sides to his game which I question. He will never smash into an opposition to claim a ball as Neville, Dearden or Bobby would. His kicking is average at best and needs to claim these crosses. Perhaps he's spent to long on the bench between his TUFC spells at Brighton & Bristol and lost his confidence. Its a big call for Al, i hope for all our sakes I'm wrong.

The above seem to be Rice's attributes and weaknesses and the very reason why many think that over the course of a season Poke is the better keeper.

limbsofsimb wrote: In your opinion, why would you pick Poke over Rice? What additional strengths does he have?

Your assessment of Poke is flawed, he's very good at taking crosses if and when a Manager decides he wants him rather than his central defenders to take control.

Poke is a far more accomplished keeper than Rice, better at positioning communicating and decision making. That said, all keepers thrive on confidence and Poke is no different. He's just a far better keeper than Rice and was always going to reclaim the place when fit, match fit that is.

Fair play to Ricey, he's done very well and I doubt many will be too worried from now on if Pokey gets a knock and needs resting.

Your assessment of Poke is flawed, he's very good at taking crosses if and when a Manager decides he wants him rather than his central defenders to take control.

Poke is a far more accomplished keeper than Rice, better at positioning communicating and decision making. That said, all keepers thrive on confidence and Poke is no different. He's just a far better keeper than Rice and was always going to reclaim the place when fit, match fit that is.

Fair play to Ricey, he's done very well and I doubt many will be too worried from now on if Pokey gets a knock and needs resting.

Spot on really, I just think some of us are getting sentimental about Rice, myself included because I happen to think the bloke is a really decent, solid, dependable and consummate professional and I feel sorry for him as I don't think he has done a lot wrong but at the end of the day if we win more than not with Pokey in then I'm happy.

Wouldn't disagree at all, Andy. He's one of the most dedicated Pro's at the club and has been faultless in his commitment to the cause. He's realising the potential he always had and there's no doubt this run of games will help him become even better. It's hard on him but that's one of the joys of being a keeper.

A lot of fans go on about Olejnik who was a superb keeper for us but he shipped loads when he first went to Posh because they had a struggling side. He saved loads however likewise with Rice, similar situation this season and that's why he can't be blamed for any of it. If anything he has kept us from a cricket score on many occasions. Maybe it is just a fortunate coincidence for Poke that he happens to come in the day we choose to alter the formation and put in one of our best performances thus far. It makes him look better because we kept a clean sheet and won even though we would probably have done the same with Ricey in goal. It's really, really harsh all round on Rice but like I said, so long as we get results that's all that matters. Rice has certainly proved me COMPLETELY wrong and I'm happy to admit it. Maybe one day he can get a gig at another league 2 club as first choice as he is more than capable.

Olejnik is a class above Poke, he should be playing top end Championship and even looking towards the Premiershit.

Agree, and he's Austrian too!

Which is why he's stuck in League 1