Torquay United are in a “sticky situation” following another defeat. “First and foremost, I cannot continue doing this, but I apologise to the supporters.”
Torquay United are in “a sticky situation,” according to interim manager Aaron Downes, following Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Tonbridge Angels, which leaves the Gulls with only eight games to save their National League South skin.
Torquay must pick up more points than they lose between now and the final game on April 20 if they are to avoid the huge embarrassment of dropping into the Southern League for the first time since 1927, but with the league operating even lower than it was then. However, based on the results of the last two games, including Tuesday’s 3-0 loss to Taunton Town, they will be hard pressed to achieve that.
Downes was quick to blame himself for the defeat, saying he put the players out there and gave them the game plan, and that they need to show more fight and passion from now on, beginning next weekend with a home game against Hampston & Richmond Borough on Devon Day – a day when fans of Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City come to Plainmoor to show solidarity with a club going through a difficult time.
Downes stated, “First and foremost, I cannot continue doing this, but I do apologize to the supporters.” This season’s away form has been far from satisfactory. And the amount of money, time, and effort that people spend, it has not been good enough from us.
“What I do know is that I have to accept responsibility for the players because I put them out there, gave them an opportunity, and provided them with a plan. So it’s up to me to look at myself, reflect, and get the boys going, because we’re definitely in a sticky situation right now.
“We need to fight with passion and commitment. I’ll make sure to instill that in the players and propel them forward, because it’s critical. We had it in parts today, but not enough, and the goals were easily avoided. There are clear issues with our goals against column.
“So there is a lot of fighting and leadership that I need to demonstrate to the players because we have a situation on our hands that requires some people to stand up and be counted. And I’ll make sure I’m one of them.
Torquay looked good early on on the plastic pitch in Kent, and if Aaron Jarvis had converted his 11th-minute chance, the outcome could have been different. However, Tariq Hinds’ goal in the 22nd minute put them behind, and at halftime, the score was 1-0. Nathan Odokonyero scored three goals in the 71st, 72nd, and 75th minutes, but Sean Shields and Odokonyero sealed the game, and Brad
It was a poor overall effort, and it was a little confusing. Torquay can destroy Dartford 4-1 at home, but then lose to Taunton and Tonbridge? At the very least, Downes is not making excuses, and he promises to try to address the situation before Hampton’s visit next weekend. But Torquay desperately needs points right now, as they sit in 18th place, three points above the relegation zone, with Truro City and Taunton both having many games in hand.
“We wanted to come here and dominate the ball, and we did in terms of possession, but that cutting edge and clinical nature was missing,” Downes explained. “And a few sloppy passes were penalized by
Leave a Reply