Gary Owers was pleased with his side’s performance despite losing the opening game of United’s pre-season campaign 4-1 against Forest Green Rovers at Plainmoor. It was the team’s first step forward this season and the Gaffer was pleased to get pre-season underway.
United were missing Bobson Bawling on the night, a slight injury ruling him out of the game. There was plenty of time for the Gaffer to try out a few ideas.
“We played three or four different formations this evening, so there was nothing set in stone,” said Owers. “We had three trialists and probably seven new players.
“We did a heavy session yesterday; they’ve been out training again this morning so I’m not too concerned about anything other than we came through the game without any injuries, and get a certain amount of conditioning out of the game.”
United fielded three trialist on Tuesday night, and they look set to stay at the Club for the foreseeable future.
“I think they’ll be here for the weekend because we need big numbers. One or two of the lads I would have liked to have taken off but I couldn’t. We had three lads from the [Torquay] Academy on the bench but maybe it wasn’t the right evening or occasion for them.”
Midfielder Samir Nabi notched for the first time in a United shirt.
“I was pleased for him [Nabi], he was one of the big positives, I thought. It’s good when you see midfielders get on the scoresheet. When he had the ball, most of the time he found a pass.”
The Gaffer spoke again of his desire to be a force in the National League South. United will be on the front foot from the first league fixture.
“I have really got in my mind if we’re going to be a force then I want to play at least two strikers. I can’t see myself playing 4-5-1 or anything like it in this league. We’re going to have a go, definitely at home. We’ve got to win as many home games as possible and make the teams in our league defend.”
“Possibly before the weekend, yes,” Owers said of further transfer activity. “Until it is signed and registered then there is no point. You think you have got something done and it doesn’t materialise that way.”