Calling on reserves at Torquay United

Among the many storylines at Torquay United over the course of this gruelling and unhappy campaign, selection problems have taken unfortunate prominence.

Whatever the opinion on manager Gary Johnson and the general performance of the team, there is no question the Gulls have been hampered by a crippling spate of injuries to key players.

One of the problems facing those in charge of rehab at Plainmoor is getting players back to match sharpness and, when allied with the ongoing challenge of bridging the gap between U18 football and the physical rigours of the adult game, it brings back the age-old question of a competitive ‘reserve’ competition that would benefit both senior players needing game time and developing youngsters. 

“Years ago, there was the Football Combination where kids could play with pros coming back from injury,” said Johnson. “Some clubs don’t have that capacity for two teams, so we have to create that 11 v 11 during the week for the injured players.

“When people come back from injury, they’re always fit because they’ve worked hard in the gym but it’s the match sharpness that is so important. Ideally, you would have a reserve team but it’s a difficult one.

“It would be great if we could and also for the 18s to have a bridge to men’s football but the situation at our club is that the youth team plays for us alongside the South Devon College teams, so they play enough games as it is.

“We’ve had young lads going out on loan but they’ve got to be ready. At the moment, our 18s are playing for Torquay United and the College. We do send players out on loan but teams have got to want them, or need them.

“At the end of last week, we had four or five 18s joining in with training and we blood them in by putting them on the bench, so they get that experience of the dressing room and it doesn't become too much of a shock to them.

“The kids are doing alright at the moment and we’ll have to make decisions on them pretty soon.”