TORQUAY UNITED SUPPORTERS TRUST

30th June 2022

FAN ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

TORQUAY UNITED WALKERS EARN A CRISP DOUBLE AND BOSS GARY IS VERY PLEASED WITH HIS SUMMER TRANSFER BUSINESS

While the Women’s team won the Devon FA Cup Final back in April and Chris Todd’s Under 18s had success with a league and cup treble, step forward the latest Torquay United team into the roll of honour, the Walking Football team - the Yellows. For these dedicated footballers have achieved further glory for the club with a league and cup double.

The Yellows - and the ‘B’ team the Blues - are run by the Torquay United Community Sports Trust (TUCST) with manager Matt Anthony and his assistant Jay Carter looking after the sides.

These over 50s players won the Taking Care Division without losing a game with a record boasting played 18, won 15 and drawing three. They certainly clinched the title as runaway leaders twenty four points clear of their nearest rivals.

Last week, at Coach Road, they won the Devon FA Cup.

Delighted Yellows’ skipper Steve Meadows had this to say to Fans’ Zone, “We are a group of great players, all different in many ways but we gel together as a great team with great team spirit.”

Meadows continued, “I’m proud of all my team mates but thanks too to our coaches Matt Anthony and Jay Carter.”

The Yellows are made up of Garry Evans, Dave Mason, Dave Haycock, Steve Meadows, Jeff Gilbert, Don Ford, Clive Pope and Martin Passmoor.

For those who might be interested in playing, there are eight in a team with six on the pitch at any one time with two rolling subs.

The team spirit Meadows talks about is shown by the family feel of the group with good news for team member Billy Hartstein whose season was cut short back in November due to a brain aneurysm as he is to be awarded a winner’s medal.

The team is not resting on its laurels as Meadows explains, “We entered the National Cup competition and have played some great football against good opposition defeating Plymouth Argyle 4-1 in the First Round.” Last week they defeated Eastleigh 3-2 to reach the South West Regional Final.

With their winning formula don’t bet against their reaching the National Finals at Lilleshall in September.

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TUST has been supporting another club in the community through sponsoring Stroke City Torbay, a walking football team for stroke survivors and their supporters. This is a group of mixed ages of all abilities for both men and women who enjoy playing football on Tuesday evenings at the Torbay Leisure Centre, Clennon Valley. For anyone interested in joining you can find out more information at strokecitytorbay@gmail.com.

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United supporters are feeling starved of transfer news but stay calm! Boss Gary Johnson speaking to the Non-League Paper had this to say at the weekend, “There’s no need for doom and gloom. We’re actually very pleased with our business at the moment. Really pleased, in fact.”

He added, “When the names come out, people will inevitably go ‘who?’ The players we’re signing won’t have supporters jumping up in the air but as I always say, they ain’t marquee players now but they will be marquee players by the time we’re finished with them.”

For the Yellow Army worried about when we’re going to hear the names of the new players Johnson had this to say, “We don’t tend to announce people that we’ve signed when they sign.

The contracts don’t get registered until July 1 and anything can happen before then. We just keep it quiet, then at the end of the day we announce them all.” With a press conference called for Friday, sounds as if all will be revealed.

Even before a ball’s been kicked the early betting odds are out with the Gulls priced at 16/1 which makes them sixth favourites behind (in order) Wrexham (7/5), Notts County (15/2), Solihull Moors (15/2), Chesterfield (11/1), Dagenham & Redbridge (14/1).

“Everybody is going to say that they want to be in the play-offs before the season starts. We’re no different but within that, I think there are six or seven teams who are saying that they have to win the league - and we’re in that as well,” says Johnson.

He concludes, “You’ve got to go into it [the new season] aiming to win the league and you’ve got to recruit with that aim in mind. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

Seems like the doubters are in for a pleasant surprise.

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Well done to Damon Lathrope whose playing career was cruelly cut short on being appointed Head Coach of Watford FC Women. Lathrope, 32, is a UEFA A Licence coach and a manager with a bright future.

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United announced last week the launch of ‘Friends of TUWFC’ - for a £100 donation Friends of Torquay United Women will receive special benefits including two tickets in the Family Stand for a forthcoming home National League match, a certificate and a listing on the TUWFC website. Your funds will go towards supplying the squad with new training gear alongside the £1,500 TUST has contributed towards new tracksuits.

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For those of you who listen to the Yellow Army podcast you’ll have heard me talking about all things Torquay United and TUST. You can join a growing number who are becoming members, at 50p per week, by going to www.tust.co.uk and you may have heard our radio ad on Palm Torbay Radio.

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Reader Richard Cox asks about the goal nets at Plainmoor. He says we have a great new pitch so he hopes the club have purchased white nets. As he says, “There is nothing like seeing goals scored into a brilliant white net.”

Last week’s questions were answered with a resounding no to matches being reduced to 60 minutes but a big yes to the return of ball boys/girls at Plainmoor. Their presence would, as one reader put it, speed up the game but added, “Please can referees make players take the throw from where the ball went out.” We know what he means!

Who’s missed the half-time crossbar challenge? It disappeared during Covid but time to bring it back? Send your view to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

16th July 2022

FAN ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

SLEUTH THEY’RE HOT AS UNITED FANS QUICKLY UNCOVER THE TRIALISTS AS THE GULLS LOOK FORWARD TO EFL OPPOSITION FOR SOME REAL TESTS AND CAN THE PLAYERS BECOME ROCK STARS?

Yippee, after weeks of speculation and pretending we didn’t miss football as there were lots of other distractions to keep our fingers on the keyboards, along came match action last Friday night at Homers Heath as a new-look Torquay United ran out 1-0 over hosts Buckland Athletic. 1,211 watched on a bright, warm summer’s evening as United’s new faces and four trialists got ‘minutes into their legs’ - as all football coaches say at this early part of pre-season.

It was also google-time, to see who could come up first with the names of the mystery players only known by a single letter. With social media clamouring to spill the beans these seem to be the best bets:

Player A was central defender Cameron Evans formerly of Swansea City and Waterford; second half keeper.

Player B, was former Cheltenham Town (under Gary Johnson) Gloucester City, Maidenhead - he played 15 National League games - and Billericay player Rhys Lovett. Whilst at Cheltenham he had loan spells at Tiverton Town.

Player C was ex- Bristol City and Barry Town Marcus Day with recently released Plymouth Argyle’s Ollie Tomlinson as Player D.

Waiting in the wings was ex- AFC Wimbledon striker Corie Andrews who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Aldershot last season.

The Yellow Army had another chance to see the new side and the new Puma kit in action at Kevin Hill’s Exmouth Town on Tuesday night when two late goals gave United a 2-0 win. Newly promoted Exmouth into the Southern Premier for the first time had a special souvenir programme (£2) on sale, surely a collectors’ item.

And fair play to Buckland who announced ‘Football for a Fiver’, an offer to all Torquay United season ticket holders, and to those who have a ticket from a previous Torquay match, to watch Buckland’s home games when United are away.

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You might not be a cricket fan but you have to admire the re-vamped England test squad. Virtually the same players who lost test after test - 17 in total - have been transformed. And how?

The answer is pretty basic involving a complete new mindset: United boss Gary Johnson is regularly emphasising to his players the need to entertain, well England’s captain Ben Stokes has told his players to do just that. He wants them to be ‘rock stars’ and to have fun on the pitch.

England’s new coach tells them to be positive, express themselves and not be intimidated by anybody. With four wins on the spin this formula seems to have some merit.

And worth copying by Johnson’s squad for if United could do this over 46 matches, return to the EFL beckons.

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Good to see that last season’s Player of the Season Shaun MacDonald got a move into the Football League when he joined Cheltenham Town, keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw at Bath City on Saturday.

Moves too for Lucas Covolan, a season long loan from Port Vale to Chesterfield and another popular recent player Sam Sherring moved from Bournemouth to Northampton Town.

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More signings for the Torquay United Women with Mia Preston joining from Exeter City and a new keeper Emma Ayres while favourites from last season Tracey Cross and Bec McMullin both re-signing. Congratulations to Danni Wyatt on being made club captain. Wyatt, after Sunday’s 6-0 loss in the Cardiff City heat said, “I’m delighted to be appointed. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of our pre-season unfolds. I feel everything is heading in the right direction.”

Good news, though, for England Lionesses with their emphatic 8-0 victory over Norway.

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Looks like good news for all Bury fans after the club was expelled from the Football League in August 2019. After that shock a group of supporters formed Bury AFC and last season they won promotion up to Step 5 from the North West Counties Division 1 North.

However, a separate group of fans completed a deal to buy Gigg Lane, Bury’s ground. So, one group have a team with no ground and another have a ground with no team!

Needless-to-say, the two groups are in talks to merge which hopefully will be lead to a conclusion.

In other news, York City Supporters’ Trust took ownership of the club last week when long standing owner Jason McGill sold his shareholding. A South African entrepreneur Glen Henderson acquired 51% of the club’s shares and became Chairman with Trust member Alastair Smith becoming CEO.

Henderson said, “I am thrilled to be working with the Trust to build a sustainable future for the club, all the while aiming to get York City back into the Football League.”

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Last week’s Fans’ Zone brought you news of Gulls’ fan Phil Swann’s local group Drifting Sands. Well, it appears that there’s an American band with the same name and the American Music lawyers have been in touch! So, Phil’s new name for his group is Swann Sands - their music is still worth listening to!

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In this current heatwave there’s nothing better than finding a shady corner and settling down with a good book. So, here’s one that will leave you with a smile on your face, especially if you’re a teacher or have an affinity with schools. For former Head of Torquay Girls’ Grammar 2007 - 2021, Dr Nick Smith, has had his book ‘The Bruising Diary of a Headteacher’ featured in a national paper’s magazine at the weekend. The book at £18.99 is out on August 18 and it’s full of laughs.

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Yes, the Yellow Army are looking for pre-match and half-time entertainment please. How about local schools and clubs being allowed their youngsters on at half-times for mini-tournaments asks one reader. There have been marching bands, solo singers and other entertainers to keep fans amused. Let’s make match day a fun day.

And congratulations to the club for organising a Family Community Fun Day on Plainmoor Green on Friday July 29, 1pm - 7pm.

So, it’s goodbye to Paignton born and bred Sue Barker, former No. 3 ranked player, from her role at the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage; she’ll be missed.

Are you likely to buy a new home or away shirt? Send your answer to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet

It’s down to Plainmoor on Saturday for the visit of Newport County. Don’t forget to pick up your season ticket.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

30th July 2022

FAN ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

MARK SAVES THE DAY. KEEPER HALSTEAD IS A STAR AS FIVE NEW FANS WILL NOW FOLLOW UNITED FROM SPAIN

Torquay United’s three Plainmoor pre-season friendlies in a week against EFL opposition drew an impressive 6,300 spectators in glorious July Riviera weather. A win, a draw and a loss indicate that this United group of players are looking stronger than last season’s hastily put-together squad.

On the evidence so far Gary Johnson can be pleased with his recruitment with a number of signings catching the eye and destined to make a name for themselves….dare we suggest to become marquee players?

But it has not been plain sailing for one, Number One for that matter, goalkeeper Mark Halstead who, hopefully unbeknown to him, has had to endure a torrid time on social media for having let in five goals on Tuesday night last week against a rampant Plymouth Argyle.

From my position in the Family Stand there was no way any keeper, not even Argyle’s outstanding Michael Cooper, could have saved the first three after those in front of him parted like the Red Sea.

That he proved his critics wrong with a string of fine saves in a Man of the Match display in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Exeter City was a great way to show he has what it takes.

Maybe these two matches being billed ‘Devon Derbies’ helped hype the games to a level not needed in a friendly. Had, for instance, Tuesday’s 0-5 defeat been against Lee Johnson’s Hibernian nobody would have been surprised, disappointed yes.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and in football ‘banter’ is a crucial part of a fan’s make-up but there’s a line to be drawn.

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Stepping into my MatchDay Ambassador role I noticed on Tuesday night five Spanish lads here in Torbay for a month to learn English. They had walked to Plainmoor from the Town Centre and three of them had been in the club shop to buy shirts and scarves. One of them, a 15 year-old, told me he is a journalist writing match reports about his team (in the Spanish Third Division) for his local paper and he wondered how he could interview a Torquay player for his paper after the game.

After talking with Gary Johnson to get his approval, we stayed behind after the match waiting for the players to emerge from the dressing-room. Needless-to-say they were kept in there for some time before emerging for their warm-down.

After a 5-0 drubbing it’s fair to say the squad were pretty subdued and showed little sign of interest in talking to a 15 year-old Spanish boy except…Mark Halstead who agreed and patiently, politely and professionally answered all the questions with good humour and seriousness.

By now the lights were going out and stewards keen to lock gates but five Spanish lads, reviewing the phone footage of the interview, went on their walk back into town happy with their success.

And the club now has five more supporters.

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In the absence of Asa Hall it’s looking like Dean Moxey is to be given the skipper’s arm band. With the addition of Will Goodwin, on loan until the New Year from Stoke City, Johnson has an exciting group of strikers to pick from but could Brett McGavin end up being top scorer?

And now he’s added defender Ben Wyatt, recently at Sutton United.

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How did other National League sides do on Saturday? Here’s a round-up of results from the friendlies: Aldershot Town 3 Crawley Town 2, Altrincham 0 Stockport County 2, Barnet 1 MK Dons 3, Chesterfield 3 Bradford City 0, Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Leyton Orient 2, Dartford 2 Boreham Wood 2, Eastleigh 2 Brighton U-23 1, Farsley Celtic 2 FC Halifax 1, Gateshead 1 Harrogate Town 3, Leatherhead 3 Dorking Wanderers 2, Macclesfield 4 York City 0, Oldham Athletic 0 Mansfield Town 3, Scunthorpe United 1 Peterborough United 1, Solihull Moors 0 Walsall 2, Southend United 0 Gillingham 1.

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The following story appeared in Wednesday’s Herald Express:

This Friday, July 29, sees the club’s first ever Community Fun Day and it promises to be just that.

First of all, from 11.00am United season ticket holders can watch a training session from the Family Stand and then chat to the manager, his staff and players afterwards.

Then from 1pm, on the Plainmoor Lawn, there are football games, including the Speed Goal run by the Torquay United Community Sports Trust, and entertainment as well as food and ice creams; Boots & Laces is open too. All this is to raise money for a very worthy cause, the purchase of a defibrillator.

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The club’s 1899 logo is not only on the team shirts, now worn by both the men’s and women’s sides but also it’s now appearing on one or two legs… step forward United’s women’s captain Danni Wyatt; that’s taking leadership to another level!

In their second pre-season friendly goals from Mia Preston and a brace from Danni Garland gave United’s Women a spirited 3-3 draw with visitors Portishead Town Ladies.

Two of last season’s Devon FA Cup Final winning side, Ocean Latto and skipper Emma Hunt have moved on to join Exeter City Women.

Meanwhile England’s Lionesses faced Sweden in their Euro Championship semi-final in Sheffield on Tuesday night running out emphatic 4-0 winners. Without tempting fate it’s 56 years since a national football team won a trophy - could football be coming home with a morale boosting victory over Germany on Sunday?

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Hooray, the opening league match of the new season, on Saturday August 6 when recently relegated Oldham Athletic are the visitors, sees the return of the half-time crossbar challenge, always good for a laugh and the occasional piece of skill.

Might the 50-50 draw be made on the pitch too? And could Gilbert the Gull make an appearance?

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Changes are coming to the National League’s TV partner BT Sport. A new £633m sports joint venture run by BT Sport and Eurosport will launch within weeks after the competition watchdog waved through the deal.

As a result BT and Discovery will join together to form a new company at some point in the future, potentially providing even more sport to watch.

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Gary Johnson was the star attraction at a local curry house to meet supporters prompting a flurry of curry themed United players: Roghan Josh Rees, Papa Don O’Riordan, of course Tony Currie and in goal who else but Martin Rice!

Can you do better? Send yours to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet

Saturday sees United play their last pre-season friendly against Truro City at Plymouth Parkway’s Bolitho Ground.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

12th August 2022

FAN ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

MOXEY GIVES A MASTER - CLASS PERFORMANCE AND WHO WENT FROM TORQUAY BALL-BOY TO PREMIER LEAGUE STAR?

On a glorious sunny Saturday in the Torbay Riviera heat it was a day full of happy returns: Gilbert the Gull, the Cross-Bar Challenge, the 50-50 draw on the pitch and, of course, the new National League season.

Unfortunately, Torquay United’s new squad, for various reasons, didn’t read the script and in all honesty were fortunate to come away with a point but importantly a clean sheet. However, this was only due to the visitors wayward shooting.

Full credit to both sets of supporters, Oldham’s, apparently ‘only’ 827 when over 1,000 were rumoured to be coming, but their noise, augmented by timely shouts from new Oldham owner Frank Rothwell in the Directors’ Box, was matched by the Yellow Army, bizarrely awarded the Man of the Match accolade.

Most fans would have given that award to Dean Moxey who produced a flawless performance belying his age and rightly acknowledged in the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day.

The half-time entertainment, which included the three mascots in a penalty shoot-out against Sasha Mole, saw fan Rich Whatman take on the cross-bar challenge with his first attempt just going out but his second, rather like Will Goodwin’s third minute attempt, thudded against the bar. Rich won £25, Goodwin won nothing but had it gone in he might well have been the headline, it certainly would have been a good win!

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More seriously and of concern for not only many fans but also the management must be the number of players in the treatment room and at a time when the club’s physio has left to join the ex-Gulls’ revolution at Yeovil Town.

Gary Johnson knows full well that he has a decent new group of players but if he can’t have a matchday squad of 16 United are going to find it tough. In his post match interview he hinted he may have to look to bring in a few more.

He sprung a surprise, although not for the first time, with the arrival of ex-Crawley Town and Southend United winger Ashley Nathaniel-George who made an impressive substitute appearance and but for a timely block might have broken the deadlock.

The regular number of injured players over the last couple of seasons is worrying and is not helping the club’s desire to return to the EFL. It has a manager who can achieve this but he needs a fit group to select from. One player looking to return is Tom Lapslie who, sitting nearby in the Family Stand, was confident he would be back this week.

Might forward Tommy Hughes, from Ipswich Town, be joining on loan?

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Towards the end of last season there were a number of unsavoury incidents involving crowd trouble and pitch invasions so the FA have acted invoking a crackdown. Fans who invade pitches, take drugs or carry flares face bans under football’s anti-hooligan drive.

From the outset of this new season, automatic bans for pitch invaders and other offenders come into force; any pitch invader will also be reported to the police and for any underage, parents will also face action. There is a distinction to be made: a club ban means a club bans you from a certain number of matches while a Football Banning Order is a criminal conviction and potentially life changing. Fans have been warned.

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Non-League Crowd Watch: Wrexham, title favourites, had an opening day scare but won 2-1 in the end in front of 9,897, Notts County were watched by 6,331 and Southend lost in front of 5,681. United’s 3,690 was pretty good when for many it could have been a beach day!

Elsewhere, National North Hereford FC, managed by ex-Gull Josh Gowling, drew a six goal thriller with 2,205 in attendance while in the FA Cup Bury AFC drew at Hallam watched by 1,128 and Macclesfield Town won comfortably 2-0 at Wythenshawe Town drawing in 1,122.

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Torquay United’s Women’s side ran out comfortable 4-1 winners in a pre-season friendly against Saltash Ladies at Coach Road. New signings Rhi Bailey and Mollie Orr-Love got off to cracking starts with a goal apiece and two more came from Mia Preston and skipper Danni Wyatt who is soon to make her 100th appearance for the club.

New signings announced are Daisy Self and Kiara Robins.

The drive to get the women’s side to play at Plainmoor is carrying pace on social media and it’s interesting to note that a number of Premier League sides are allowing their women’s teams to play at their home ground including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Newcastle United.

The victorious Lionesses’ football squad, determined to set up a legacy for girls’ football, have written a letter to the next Prime Minister to ensure that girls have the same access to football as boys and at least two hours of PE a week. As United’s Women’s manager, Steve Elswood, has said from now on it’s not boys’ football and girls’ football, it’s football. He has a point.

The letter says, “Only 63 per cent of girls can play football in PE lessons. The reality is we are inspiring young girls to play football, only for many to end up going to school and not being able to play. We want to create real change in this country.”

The next move is to explore a potential bid for the Women’s World Cup in 2027.

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Sad news was announced over the tannoy at half-time on Saturday with the death of 15 year-old Ben Oliver an ardent Gulls’ fan. Almost immediately a GoFundMe page was set up and at the time of writing over £3,000 has been donated. TUST sends its condolences to all Ben’s family and friends who would like to have a plaque in Ben’s memory on the Popside.

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Last week we asked where do you think United will finish and many feel in the top seven; a play-off place would be good!

Let’s end on a happy story. From Torquay United ball-boy to scoring a goal, for Bournemouth, on his Premier League debut. He also, whilst on loan from Forest Green Rovers, scored his first ever hat-trick in a National League fixture against Solihull Moors at Plainmoor in November 2016. Who is it? Kieffer Moore who, in an interview with a National newspaper on Saturday, said that playing in front of his friends and family at Torquay “kick-started the hunger” and not long after signed for Ipswich Town (although United thought he was about to sign for them).

Was Moore’s the best hat-trick you’ve seen at Plainmoor? Send your choice to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet

Saturday sees the Gulls at FC Halifax so safe travels to the Yellow Army.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

30th September 2022

FAN ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
BOTTOM OF THE TABLE UNITED NEED A RESULT ON SATURDAY AND TIME TO HEAR FROM THE OWNER.

UNDER - 18s SCORE EIGHT AND THE WOMEN’S SIDE WIN AGAIN

Predictably a 6-0 drubbing away from home has led to a lot of head scratching and vitriolic comments on social media as United sunk to bottom of the National League, on goal difference, as money bags Wrexham ran riot.

Wrexham are not title favourites for nothing and their victory was the fifth consecutive home one of the new season with a goal tally of: For 20, Against 3. Judge the squad after the first ten games say most managers and Gary Johnson was no different.

So, after ten games being in the relegation zone is not what the owner, directors or management team pictured back in August when newly relegated Oldham Athletic came to Plainmoor on the opening day.

Win your home games and, at the very least, draw away and you have a good recipe for a promotion push. Sadly, until Saturday, United’s away results were far superior to home performances.

Johnson has been around long enough to know that United’s start is unacceptable and he has the experience to know how to fix it - as long as the owner is prepared to continue to bankroll the club. A few words of encouragement from Clarke Osborne would be timely.

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This coming Saturday throws up a match of real significance: Firstly, because it will be a real test of United’s support - will further fans have drained away leaving only the die-hards and secondly, because a home win is long overdue and the three points could take the team out of the bottom four.

In fact, Torquay’s last home win was on May 7, defeating Chesterfield 2-0 with goals from Duke-McKenna and a Little penalty.

Where do we go from here? Well, as the saying goes, the only way is up.

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Who would have predicted a six-pointer, relegation battle at the beginning of October as Scunthorpe United come to town? The last time United played them at Plainmoor was a League 2 fixture in April 2014 with the visitors winning 1-0.

You have to go back to February 2004 to find a home win against The Iron, a 1-0 win thanks to an early Matt Hockley goal.

United lined up that afternoon: Dearden, Hockley, Taylor, Woods, Canoville, McGlinchey, Fowler, Hill, Russell, Graham, Gritton.

Used subs were: Bedeau, Wills, Woozley.

What would we give for these players now!

And let’s not discuss Scunthorpe’s visit in 1995 … 1-8.

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Non- League Crowd Watch: Wrexham had the biggest attendance, 9,970 for the visit of the Gulls and home fans got their money’s worth. Next best was 6,759 at York City, followed by Bromley’s 3,628. In National North Hereford’s 3-0 win was watched by 1,908 but in the Northern Premier 2,331 turned up at South Shields.

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Steve Elswood’s Torquay United Women recorded back-to-back wins coming back from a goal down at Forest Green with goals from Tracey Cross and Daisy Self to clinch victory.

And what about the amazing 47,367 who were at the Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal women trounce Tottenham Women 4-0 in the Women’s Super League.

Meanwhile, United’s Under-18s hit eight in a 8-1 Devon Youth Cup win over Central Youth Under-18. Then on Monday evening they recorded a 3-1 hard fought win in the FA Youth Cup 2nd Round Qualifying at Falmouth Town with goals from Jayden Gilbert, Ben Aldous and Isaac McCue.

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As this column reported a couple of weeks ago, lower league sides are seriously considering early kick-offs to avoid floodlight use and Mansfield Town are the first EFL side to announce this. A club spokesman saying, “The club is endeavouring to mitigate the forthcoming, considerable increase in energy bills.”

Another hidden rising cost is for teams’ hotel overnight stays. Whereas one night for a squad in a hotel last season cost £2,000 to £3,000 it is more than £4,000 now.

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Another topic raised by Fans’ Zone has been the issue of heading and on Sunday, backed by the charity ‘Head For Change’, there was a second match where no heading was allowed following a trial last year.

Alan Shearer is leading a campaign to have temporary rather than permanent concussion substitutes, so that doctors have more time to make an assessment, rather like the 10 minute head injury assessment in rugby.

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Fans be warned. The FA, the Premier League and EFL announced last week that fans caught carrying or activating pyrotechnics or smoke bombs, or entering the pitch without permission, would receive a minimum one year stadium ban.

This is because of an increase in fan disorder last season right through from the Premier League to the National League. The Police say that anyone who commits a criminal offence either outside or inside a football ground can expect to face the consequences of their actions.

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From the replies, the return of live streaming cannot come fast enough. Reader Rob Chandler’s reaction was typical of many when he says, “I live a good three and a half hour’s drive from Plainmoor and would subscribe to live streaming and be prepared to pay more than the entrance fee.” Hopefully, the club are dusting off their equipment and planning ahead.

Performances are not great but Saturday’s match followed swiftly by the visit of Maidenhead on Tuesday night are matches which need the Yellow Army as the 12th man.

Would you still watch football if there was no heading? What are your thoughts? Send them to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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14th October 2022

FAN ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

UNITED’S LOYAL FANS AS MORE POINTS DROPPED

PLAYERS IN LAST CHANCE SALOON ?

TUST ENJOYS A BUSY WEEK MEETING LOCAL MP AND AT HOME PARK FOR JACK LESLIE STATUE UNVEILING

A train strike (yet another), cost of living crisis and a mis-firing Torquay United propping up the National League table with points in single figures but 251 Yellow Army fans made the trip to York’s new stadium.

The hosts seem to have taken the jump from National North in their stride as their win on Saturday took them into the play-off places, a position Gulls’ fans can only dream of; it’s proving to be a tough season.

Not only are United bottom of the table, although with other teams still within catching distance - what a difference a win could make - the team are also bottom of the form table.

These disappointing times are not what the club’s directors or management were picturing back in August when the first ball was kicked in anger. Many fans are equally disillusioned but the manager is determined to work hard to put it right.

Long standing - or is that long-suffering? - Torquay supporters have been here before. Remember the Football League days when pleading for re-election? And about the then Conference champions Stevenage having their ground deemed unfit thus allowing United to escape relegation?

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Yes, Torquay fans have been through all the emotions available, some several times. Gary Johnson is an experienced manager who knows the ultimate penalty he’ll have to pay should the worst happen but there are 33 games or 99 points still to play for.

And what about this basically young squad? The life of an average footballer is pretty short and playing in the National League as a full time pro means there are only two ways to go. One is to be spotted by an EFL club and Torquay under Johnson has a reputation as a development club.

Look at Armani Little, Connor Evans and Joe Lewis as recent examples.

On the other hand the other route is falling down the leagues into part-time football, for example Jake Andrews now at Poole Town on loan and Klaidi Lolos at Oxford City.

So, a number of Johnson’s squad must be in the last chance saloon.

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Next up is the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round with a home tie against National South Hampton & Richmond whose only previous visit to Plainmoor resulted in their 2-0 win.

What would everyone at TQ1 give for a cup run with increasing money prizes round by round. The last time United reached the Fourth Round - seven times in total since 1948 in its history - was in 2011 when the Gulls were in League 2 and drawn at home to Steve Evans’ non-league Crawley Town. In a bad tempered affair, two sendings off, Crawley won 1-0 with a Matt Tubbs goal although United keeper Scott Bevan saved two penalties in quick succession. Then, to make matters worse, who did Crawley draw in Round Five? Manchester United of course. Oh for a draw like that this season!

Without putting a curse on it, United’s lowest FA Cup attendance is 1,429 in a First Round Replay to Windsor & Eton in November 1985.

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Last week was a busy one for TUST. First, following rumours that the new government was contemplating putting the Fan-Led review on hold, TUST, along with many other supporter trusts, wrote to our three local MPs urging them to ensure a promised White Paper is actually published and that the new Prime Minister presses ahead with all the recommendations from Tracey Crouch’s review.

Torbay MP Kevin Foster then invited two TUST board members to meet him at his Torbay surgery. Vice-Chairman Robin Causley and fellow board member Bob Cole enjoyed a productive meeting before driving to Plymouth to meet myself at Home Park for the unveiling of the Jack Leslie statue.

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This story rightly made not only the local news channels but also the main BBC Evening News for Leslie should have been the first black player to play for England until it was realised the colour of his skin. Thanks to the determination of a couple of Argyle fans plus the funding from well wishers including TUST and the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust a marvellous 12-feet high bronze statue on a granite plinth was unveiled.

And it was announced at the ceremony that the FA would award Leslie a posthumous England cap much to the grateful thanks of his three granddaughters who were present.

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Did you see that last week the Premier League has promised £12.6m over the next three years for National League clubs? Funding is for maintenance and new infrastructure in Steps 1-6. £9m is to be spread across all 72 clubs.

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Interesting stats from Tuesday’s last second defeat to Maidenhead, United had 57% ball possession, 394 passes to the visitors 238 and United had 76% pass accuracy.

And what about the crowd for the Notts County top of the table clash with Wrexham? 10,471 on a Tuesday night with the visitors bringing 1,892.

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Saturday’s Non-League Crowd Watch: 9,987 saw twelve goals at Wrexham - home side seven Barnet five. In National South Dulwich Hamlet had 3,334 and on the way back Bury AFC were watched by 1,330.

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Steve Elswood’s Women’s team are in a good run of form with another emphatic victory as goals from Tracey Cross, Danni Wyatt, Mia Preston and Ellie Bishop gave United a 4-2 win against Warminster Town, setting them up for a local derby in the Devon FA County Cup with Exeter City.

What a pity this match isn’t being played at Plainmoor, it’s at Coach Road, Newton Abbot on Sunday.

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News of a manager on the move, ex-Gull Tim Sills has left Hamworthy Utd to join Wimborne Town while Kevin Nicholson is doing a good job as caretaker at Exeter City.

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What’s your view on refereeing standards not just in the National League but throughout football?

Send your opinion to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet

The bad run has to end soon so why not on Saturday in the FA Cup? Get behind the team.

COYY


TUST board members Nick Brodrick, Robin Causley and Bob Cole at the unveiling of the Jack Leslie statue in Plymouth
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28th October

FAN ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

UNITED SERVE UP A TV DRAMA WITH ALL FOUR SIDES OF PLAINMOOR ROCKING WITH ANOTHER PAY DAY AS ITV ARE COMING TO TOWN

TUST’S SUPPORT OF THE WOMEN’S TEAM AS THEY PROGRESS IN FA CUP


Torquay United’s latest Community Day project saw almost 1,000 grassroots teams welcomed to Plainmoor for free entry thanks to sponsors Wollens, with notable, audible numbers of children keeping up an almost incessant chanting of support urging the team to what seemed, after a shocking first half which rightly saw the side booed off, an improbable thrilling draw.


And what a match to choose to provide eight goals, a penalty save, a red card and a blockbuster of an equaliser in the dying seconds as United sent everyone, including keeper Rhys Lovett, up for one last hope of the latest of late ‘Gary Time’ goals.


All this in front of the BT Sport cameras with the commentators saying at the end they would need to go and lie down in a darkened room!


United were fortunate to be changing ends at only 2-0 down when in truth it should have been more, maybe not quite as many as Altrincham’s Number 8 Josh Lundstram said to me as we walked back to their team coach, “It should have been seven.” Whilst this might have been an exaggeration it should easily have been more than two and Phil Parkinson, the Alty manager, gave his side a rocket at half-term for not having done so. And they were later to regret not having put clear daylight between Torquay and themselves with a yet again mis-firing Gulls.


The match, though, was a dream for BT with the last ten minutes, plus the time added on, ‘edge of your seat’ moments once Tom Lapslie’s first touch put United 3-2 ahead in the 81st minute. But then unfolded a breathtaking finale as 3-2 went to 3-3, 3-4 and then 4-4 in the 90th + 7. Asa Hall for his leadership and two goals made the Vanarama Team of the Week.


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From comments he made after the game on TV, could Gary Johnson be about to bring some much needed recruits? He hinted this was in his mind for, as he says, plenty of these players have been given every opportunity to get up to speed in the National League. Time will tell.


And he seemed to confirm this in his weekly press call on Thursday as he’s looking for experience.


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All this came after United overcame a stubborn Hampton & Richmond in last week’s FA Cup replay and very nearly blew meeting League 1 team Derby County, one of only a handful of teams the Gulls have never played in a competitive match.


Now, of course, we know it’s not only professional pride at stake but also the match is to be shown on ‘free-to-air’ ITV; what an incentive to get into Round 2.


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Talking of getting into the next round of a cup competition, Women’s manager Steve Elswood has challenged his talented young squad to reach Round 3 of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup after they defeated Wootton Bassett in the 3rd Qualifying Round on Sunday.


Goals from Ocean Latto, Mia Preston, Tracey Cross and two from Ellie Bishop gave the women a 5-2 win setting up an away tie with Warminster Ladies next month.


This Sunday they have a league fixture at Bishop’s Lydeard. TUST is pleased to announce that it is one of the main sponsors of the women’s side for the season.


What about Arsenal’s women’s team in the Barclays Women’s Super League? They recorded their twelfth successive victory without conceding a goal - pretty impressive.

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Back to Saturday’s 4-4 draw - this was the fifth time in the history of the club, thanks to Torquay Fan Stats, that Torquay have been involved in a similar score line, the first being against Northampton in 1928 with the most ‘recent’ at Southport on September 28 1962.

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FA Cup Replay Crowd Watch: Wrexham v Blyth Spartans 6,845, Chester v Oldham 3,651, Taunton Town won the Somerset derby 1-0, although it should have been more, in front of a sold out home attendance of 2, 347 while United were watched by 1,191 at Hampton.

Saturday’s Non-League Crowd Watch: On the rise Macclesfield surprisingly lost at home by the only goal to 1874 Northwich but 3,597 were there to see it. Meanwhile, Wrexham’s away support continues to impress taking 1,107 to Boreham Wood contributing to breaking the home side’s attendance record, now standing at 2,536.


There were also big crowds at Notts County 6,765, Oldham 6,483, Chesterfield 5,909 and Southend 5,842.

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Another win for Ryan Dickson’s Under-18s thanks to a hat-trick from Ben Aldous as Torquay’s young side ran out 3-1 winners at Swindon Supermarine.


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Over time this column has brought you stories across the football spectrum, heading issues leading to dementia, the importance of the fan-led review - the promised White Paper is still on the cards - live streaming (about to return), the refereeing debate and many more.


Referees’ performances along with managers’ and players’ attitudes have been in the news even more this season so the FA have decided to act through introducing over the weekend of November 5-6, the “The National Silent Support Weekend”.


Spectators and coaches are being urged to stay completely silent at youth matches in efforts to tackle a rise in unpleasant touchline behaviour. The FA wants players to be allowed to make mistakes and make their own decisions with good play by either side applauded by those on the touchlines.


Those in breach of the guidelines “may be asked to leave the venue, meet with the club’s committee and/or welfare officer or asked not to attend future matches.”


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Here’s a heart-warming story: I went to the Taunton v Yeovil FA Cup replay last Tuesday only to find the match sold out with no tickets on sale. Luckily, from standing behind a chain link fence, I spotted Chris Hargreaves who recognised me and despite about to go into the dressing room to give his team talk, he got on his phone and arranged for me to get a complimentary ticket. Top man Chris, thank you. (I know he reads this column).


Since then he’s lost his job at Yeovil. Football is a results business and there’s little sentiment in it.

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Divided opinions about whether clubs should have earlier kick-offs. On the one hand this could prove expensive for the away clubs, for example factoring in overnight accommodation but on the other, readers Laurie Walker and Dave Stillman are in favour. Do you have a view? fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet


So, on Tuesday night depleted United were at Eastleigh hoping for at least a point but it was not to be and yet another penalty and red card before a daunting trip to Notts County on Saturday.


Safe journeys to all the Yellow Army on their travels this week.


COYY

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