Retain or Release?

[DevonYellow]

Now it's been confirmed that the little sawn off runt has been released I'm absolutely overjoyed. I said I wouldn't get on his case last season and stayed true to my word. Now he's gone, it's no holds barred. For now, I'm out to celebrate . . . . . .


Ding Dong! The sawn off runt,
The sawn off runt, the sawn off runt,
DIng Dong! the sawn off runt has gone . . . . . .

Struggling for a rhyme with runt.........

[gullintwoplaces]

I take the points made above about Rene and Oxford. Yes, they may be a "bigger" club than Torquay, yes Rene will probably (but not necessarily) be paid more. However, in my experience Oxford fans are the most intolerant, impatient, arrogant bunch of sh*theads that you can find. They demand success, think they have a god given right to be higher than they are and they give Oxford players a very, very hard time when they appear to "fail". Go two or more games without scoring Rene and see what happens! I know a former Oxford player well, and he fell foul of their "fans". Lovely lot.

I remember going there a few years ago and seeing us win. The "fans" from Oxford had all left long before the final whistle. A great trip away.

[tktufc91]

Not surprised by those going except for Oastler. I know he wasn't brilliant this season but I think he's a decent player at this level. Wonder whether Macklin will find another club, I'm guessing it will be at least at BSS level at least.

Tbh, I'd be more upset if Downes left then Howe. We did alright without him at Morecambe and Rovers. Downes has been brilliant (in the main) at the back and without him, it will be a big hole to fill.

[SuperNickyWroe]

Not surprised by those going except for Oastler. I know he wasn't brilliant this season but I think he's a decent player at this level. Wonder whether Macklin will find another club, I'm guessing it will be at least at BSS level at least.

Tbh, I'd be more upset if Downes left then Howe. We did alright without him at Morecambe and Rovers. Downes has been brilliant (in the main) at the back and without him, it will be a big hole to fill.

agree with that mate.

we still scored goals without howe.

[AustrianAndyGull]

RE: THE OXFORD THING

Tell me about it. They've got that syndrome up here in Chesterfield too. Build a new stadium, spend money you haven't got to get promotion and then a few years later when they're struggling again the fans all forget that they are actually a small lower league club and still expect the f*cking earth!!

You are Chesterfield not the next Swansea or Hull. Accept it and move on.

Tossers.

[chunkygull]

Rumours on Twitter suggest that all those offered new deals are set to turn down the chance to stay as they 'dislike the new kit'...

(Leave this comment be, SNW)

seriously though, not disappointed in the retained/released list at all. disappointing to lose rene but was always on the cards. if its a case of a desired location or more money you cant blame the guy for that.

we've lost good players like that before, some a hell'uva lot better, but we move on and keep trying, its that simple.

[Jerry]

A quick look at historical stats shows that we, Torquay United, ARE a better club than Oxford: http://stats.football365.com/hist/overall/attable.html

Apologies but its a holiday over here today and I've been attempting to entertain my seven year old all day!!

Try here for an up to date all-time table Scott.

http://www.statto.com/football/stats/en ... time-table

Note that we are above the Greeks!

And if you look at the all-time table for this division:

http://www.statto.com/football/stats/en ... table/full

You'll see that we are odds on for automatic promotion!

[hector]

Pretty much agree totally with the retained list. Really hope that Downes and Saah sign on again but like others cannot see Rene Howe staying. He will be the biggest miss because I cannot see where we are going to replace his goals. Howe was almost damaged goods when he signed for us, after a fairly nomadic loan ranger and problems with his weight and discipline. That was the only reason we were ever going to get a player of his talent.

One thing is certain, Elliot Benyon will not replace his goals. We need someone else but cannot see which 15+ goal striker would come here. I suspect there are some non-league gems that could make the step up but do we have the scouting network that could find them?

[Scott Brehaut]

Thanks Jerry.

So both your tables and mine both show Oxford lower than the mighty Torquay

[ferrarilover]

If we can't sign a striker capable of getting 9 goals next year, I suggest we resign our league status.

Matt.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Pretty much agree totally with the retained list. Really hope that Downes and Saah sign on again but like others cannot see Rene Howe staying. He will be the biggest miss because I cannot see where we are going to replace his goals. Howe was almost damaged goods when he signed for us, after a fairly nomadic loan ranger and problems with his weight and discipline. That was the only reason we were ever going to get a player of his talent.

One thing is certain, Elliot Benyon will not replace his goals. We need someone else but cannot see which 15+ goal striker would come here. I suspect there are some non-league gems that could make the step up but do we have the scouting network that could find them?

I'd say that the release of Oastler and Leadbitter and the decision not to try and get Angus on a deal makes the signings of Saah and Downes of much greater importance than keeping Howe, no offence Hector. These two are the bedrock of our defence along with Pokey and if we were to fail in keeping them on then we'll have to pretty much start from scratch defensively. We'll get someone who scores goals from somewhere i don't doubt especially as we are more likely to be spending a lot more time in the opposition box under Knill than under Ling so i don't believe he'll be that big a miss. Could be wrong though and i guess we'll find out next season.

[ferrarilover]

I think the 'release' of McDonald is a clear indication that deals for Downer and Saah are competed bar the formalities. Am I jumping the gun for having added 2 and 2 to make 5?

Matt.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Hope you're right Matt.

[clemy1989]

I make no apologies for mentioning the name again but if its a goal scorer we want to replace Howe. Keiffer Moore honestly could be the man. 20 in 30 in his first season at BSS. 19 years old paignton lad. Being looked at by bristol rovers and from what ive heard southampton! His manager at Dorchester also managed Charlie Austin at non league level and has said that Keiffer has potential to go further than him. Would be massively dissapointed if we don't even offer him a trial as ive no doubt he will go on to bigger and better things and escape from right beneath our noses

[ferrarilover]

Charlie Sheringham is available.

Matt.