Torquay United manager Jimmy Ball says his players are fully locked in for Saturday’s final home game of the regular season, with all eyes fixed firmly on Hemel Hempstead Town at Plainmoor.
With just two league fixtures left to play, the stakes could hardly be higher – but Ball insists the message inside the dressing room is simple: stay focused, stay brave and take care of the job in front of you.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, the United boss made it clear that motivation is not something his squad is lacking.
“If I’ve got to motivate them now, they’re probably not the right people,” he said.
After an impressive run that has reignited belief across the club, Ball says his players have earned the right to be in this position – but he is not interested in looking beyond Saturday.
What may have felt a long shot just a few weeks ago is now very much alive, but for Ball there is no value in getting distracted by league table permutations or talk of what might come next. The focus is all on Hemel Hempstead and delivering another big performance in front of the Yellow Army.
Ball says he wants his players to approach the challenge with “no fear and no regrets” – a mentality that has helped drive recent performances and one he believes is crucial at this stage of the season.
There is more good news in the shape of United’s squad availability heading into the weekend.
Aside from long-term absentee Cody Cooke, who has successfully undergone shoulder surgery, Ball has a strong group to choose from, giving him real options across the pitch and the chance to make game-changing decisions from the bench if needed.
That strength in depth has been hard-earned after the injury issues the Gulls have had to contend with across the campaign, and Ball believes it could prove vital in the final push.
He also reserved praise for Deon Moore, whose recent goals at Slough were reward for the effort, persistence and unselfish work he has shown since arriving at the club.
And, as ever, Ball was quick to acknowledge the “incredible” supporters.
The United boss described the current connection between players and fans as a “nice marriage”, and the backing the side has received on the road in recent weeks has clearly left an impression. Outstanding support at places like Weston-super-Mare and Slough has helped give the squad extra energy at a crucial point in the season.
Now the attention turns to Hemel Hempstead Town — and Ball knows the Gulls will need to be at their best.
The visitors arrive at Plainmoor with plenty of physicality, athleticism and threat, particularly from set-pieces, and Ball has seen enough in their recent performances to know there can be no complacency.
“We’ve got to be front-footed, brave and unafraid of making mistakes,” he said.
That attacking mindset, combined with discipline and composure, will be central to what United are trying to deliver on Saturday.
With the play-off picture continuing to take shape, it would be easy for minds to wander. But Ball is refusing to let that happen. Tonbridge can wait. The play-offs can wait. Right now, only one game matters.
This is Plainmoor. This is the final home game of the regular season. And with a big crowd expected, the stage is set for another huge afternoon at TQ1.
See you at Plainmoor tomorrow, Yellow Army. Let’s make it count.
