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Post by rjdgull on May 18, 2024 14:57:59 GMT
18th May 2024 FAN ZONE TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news. ************************************************************** BRYN TO THE RESCUE ONCE MORE AS NEW MANAGER SIGNS A NEW ERA OF COMMUNICATION WITH FANS HAS BEGUN PAINT UP PLAINMOOR - WHAT A FANTASTIC RESPONSE The news that all Torquay United fans had been waiting for came through just before midday last Friday when the administrators confirmed that, subject to the club’s creditors accepting a deal, the aptly named Bryn Consortium were the new owners of the club. In the short space of ten days lead investor Michael Westcott, along with five others, spent hours long into the nights putting together a deal that would more than satisfy not only the administrators but also the National League. Over last weekend Westcott has been open, honest and transparent in a variety of interviews on radio and in the press. Every Torquay United fan should have been jumping up and down with a mixture of excitement and relief. For we have got our club back. The days of feeling unwelcome and regarded as customers are over - stand by for that friendly, welcome to Plainmoor feeling that we are all in this together. Torquay is returning to a proper community club, for the fans and run by fans as all the investors are life-long supporters of the club. ***** On Saturday on Radio Devon Westcott confirmed the role Neil Warnock will play at the club and he has been involved very much in the background leading up to this moment. With Warnock in charge of the football operations he led a Press Conference on Tuesday afternoon to introduce the new Torquay United manager, Paul Wotton, at the Livermead Cliff Hotel. This has the potential to be an exciting partnership. Stand by for the journey. The new manager will be handed a very competitive playing budget, maybe the highest in the National South and it will be up to him and Warnock as to how it is spent. A mixture of full and part time players is on the cards and maybe some of last season’s squad retained. We shall all find out soon. ***** A number of TUST board members spent a three hour meeting with Michael Westcott and Joe Lovell from the Bryn Consortium on Monday evening outlining the trust’s involvement in the future running of the club. More details will be released over the coming weeks. One of the immediate tasks which TUST will undertake is to organise working parties to help paint and renovate areas of Plainmoor during the summer and once the Consortium are the official owners. We have had an amazing response to the request for volunteers with over 60 putting their names forward while two national companies are in discussions with us about donating paint and painting materials. The love for Torquay has been immense. ***** In recent weeks TorquayTalk on X (formerly Twitter) has been asking about what changes fans would like to see under the new owners and these are just a few: a community engagement plan, regular open fan engagement, transparent, open and honest leadership, rebuild the youth academy, pay on the gate and owners who come to games . Maybe you have your own suggestions? Send to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com ***** Two other non-league clubs have announced new managers this week. Hampton & Richmond have moved coach Alan Julian up to be manager, while Richard Luffman has moved from a successful time at Cribbs FC to become the new Taunton boss. Those of you who have Sky Sports+ will have virtually wall-to-wall football coverage this coming season under Sky’s £935million five year deal with the EFL. For starters, every game of the opening weekend of the English Football League will be broadcast live including matches kicking-off at 3pm. During the season Sky will broadcast 328 Championship matches, 248 from League One, 248 from League Two, all 15 play-offs, all 93 League Cup matches and all 127 EFL Trophy matches. ***** The Football Governance Bill is progressing through Parliament at the moment and whilst there are many positive issues coming, including, of course, the introduction of an Independent Football Regulator, the FSA (Football Supporters’ Association) are lobbying for a number of amendments. The FSA are asking supporters’ trusts around the country to speak to their MP about these. There are eleven in total including strengthening the duty not to re-locate a stadium without fan consultation. ***** These are exciting times for our football club and we all owe the Bryn Consortium our grateful thanks for stepping in at such short notice when the original preferred bidders pulled out, the possible consequences of that do not bear thinking about. The future of Torquay United is in safe hands. COYY JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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Post by rjdgull on May 25, 2024 8:20:51 GMT
24th May 2024 FAN ZONE TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news. ************************************************************** WWW TORQUAY UNITED - WESTCOTT WARNOCK WOTTON TUST’S PAINT UP PLAINMOOR GATHERS PACE FANS ARE ASKED TO CHOOSE AWAY SHIRT - NOT PALMED OFF ANY MORE To most people ask them what they understand by www and they will tell you ‘world wide web’, of course but to all Torquay United fans those three letters only mean one thing - Westcott, Warnock, Wotton. What a trio who have come to put that love back into Plainmoor that has been missing for so long. Those years of mismanagement, barriers put in the way of well meaning fans and lack of communication are now history - a new, open era has begun. Last Tuesday, much to the surprise of local journalists, local TV and radio the Bryn Consortium held a press conference at the Livermead Cliff Hotel proceeded by a fantastic film that went viral with over 3million hits featuring Neil Warnock, Paul Wotton, two deck chairs and umbrellas in the rain on the Princess Pier - priceless. As Chairman of TUST I was able to welcome both to Torquay and to assure them that all the Yellow Army are very much with them and behind them. On the back of Warnock’s involvement, working for free as the new board’s football advisor, he alone has boosted Torquay’s national profile with stories in the national press, appearance on TalkSport and last Friday evening bigging up the club on Sky Sports. On Sunday he was the front page story in the Non-League Paper. What’s not to like? ***** One of the roles TUST has agreed to front is Paint Up Plainmoor. Our request for volunteers brought an amazing response and we were inundated with offers of help not just to paint but two national companies are in discussions with us about donating paint and painting materials. Having had a lengthy tour of Plainmoor last Thursday evening we have drawn up a programme to paint and refresh the tired areas of the ground. We hope to announce plans for working parties to carry out the tasks, probably throughout June, in due course. ***** Yes, these are exciting times and signals a return to a true community feel around the club and hopefully heralds the start of an era where volunteers are encouraged and welcomed. To this end there has been a terrific response to you sending in your suggestions for improvements in the match day experience. There are too many to list here but all suggestions will be passed on to the Bryn Consortium. Here are just a few: have a TUFC shop in the town, pay for season tickets by direct debit, improvements to the queues at the refreshment kiosk, remove £2 booking fee, pay on the gate and bring back the crossbar challenge. Many thanks to Ross, Jon, Tony and Ian. If you have some ideas send them to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com. ***** Throughout the season this column has reported on numerous controversies regarding VAR and last week Wolves took the system a step further as the club proposed a motion at next month’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting to scrap the TV reviews. About a month ago the Premier League voted to introduce semi-automated offside next season so it seems unlikely the Wolves motion will be successful but there is no doubt the topic has divided opinion. In another VAR development FIFA is to introduce a cricket/tennis style challenge system that will allow players and managers to order reviews of decisions involving goals, penalty decisions, red cards and mistaken identity. Teams will start each match with two review requests which will reduce if an on-field decision s upheld, but not if it is overturned. This coming season is the last for the joint screening of FA Cup ties from the BBC and ITV as the contract with the FA comes to an end. From the 2025-26 season FA Cup matches will be screened by mostly TNT with the BBC showing a limited number. ***** Southend United have been placed under a fresh transfer embargo by the National League as the club’s takeover saga drags on. Under fire previous owner, Ron Martin, sold the club to a consortium headed by an Australian businessman Justin Rees last December. However, as a result of ongoing local council due diligence over housing contracts involving Southend’s Roots Hall stadium the matter has yet to be concluded. ***** Last Friday VX3, the club’s new kit company, launched a vote for the most popular away shirt design and the choices certainly divided opinion. Over the weekend 5,960 votes were cast with the winner being announced as option 2, the one with palm trees, with 2,531 votes. It’s certainly different even if the palms are not Torquay Riviera ones. We now await the home shirt, hoping that it will be on more traditional lines with yellow and blue. ***** Manchester City might well be champions for a fourth time but for many there are 115 reasons why maybe this could be the last time. This season’s final Premier League table underlines the gap between the top teams and those in the Championship with the three promoted sides Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United falling straight back. Lower down the pyramid both Forest Green and Sutton only had shortish spells in the EFL before returning to non-league. Clubs need the right infrastructure - and funding amongst other things to be successful. COYY JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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Post by rjdgull on Jun 8, 2024 9:00:57 GMT
7th June 2024 FAN ZONE TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news. ************************************************************** TORQUAY UNITED NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT NEW SQUAD ARRIVALS ANNOUNCED WITH FUN VIDEOS FEATURING TORBAY WHICH NATIONAL SOUTH SIDES TRAVEL THE FURTHEST? ‘Are You With Me?’ - yes Neil we’re with you and all the Bryn Consortium, as last Friday they became the new custodians of Torquay United. What a momentous occasion and I felt privileged to be inside the ground sorting out TUST’s involvement in Paint Up Plainmoor. Work was taking place on the pitch with machines sand banding, which has not been done for a few years, and all the staff I met were excited about the future. None more so than Julian Gouldthorpe, the groundsman who was keeping a close eye on his beloved pitch. These really are moments to remember. ***** Also around were a number of players with manager Paul Wotton and each new arrival was spending time on making their own personal video, the first of which featured Austen Booth, the only contracted player left from last season, and Jay Foulston who joins his ex-team mate from Taunton although Foulston made 21 appearances on loan at Yeovil. Having seen two great videos featuring Neil Warnock, it’s now the turn of the players and what a fun way to introduce new arrivals to the Yellow Army. And there were more as the week progressed thanks to Will Hancox @productionsatcl. On Monday evening we watched Finley Craske slide into the new squad with a big splash. What fun and such a good way to get fans talking. Since then we’ve seen players unveiled at attractions such as Kent’s Cavern and Paignton Fun Fair. One element of the manager and players’ announcements that has been welcomed is the length of the contracts; three years for Wotton, two years for Foulston. This, of course, is in total contrast to the previous ownership where everything was a mysterious, closely guarded secret. ***** Tickets for Warnock’s show at the Princess Theatre on June 28 (7.30pm) went on sale on Tuesday and they are bound to sell out. Joining him on stage will be two United fans, Helen Chamberlain and from TalkSport Charlie Baker. It promises to be a great evening with all proceeds going to the club. ***** On Wednesday FanHub, the app that recognises and rewards match going fans filmed a mini-documentary with a number of fans highlighting the excitement around the takeover. FanHub have recently run similar documentaries at Portsmouth and Derby. Paint Up Plainmoor’s current task is to wash and prepare all 32 sets of steps in all the stands before they are painted, not the most glamorous of jobs but if you fancy getting on your hands and knees with a bucket and scraper please contact me - fanszone.tu@gmail.com. A group were at the ground on Friday afternoon and another working part are helping on Saturday afternoon. One of our co-opted TUST board members, Jon Gibbes, became the club’s secretary as of this week. Our loss is the club’s big gain for there is nobody who knows the history of Torquay United like Jon. The Bryn Consortium have chosen well. ***** Last week’s column mentioned that 170 supporters’ groups had signed the FSA letter to the leaders of all the political parties involved in the forthcoming General Election to ensure that the Football Governance Bill is passed by the incoming Government. This number has gone up to 224 to see that the key principles which would block breakaway leagues, improve financial sustainability, protect club heritage and give fans a greater say in how the game and the clubs they love are run are enshrined in law. When clubs go into administration the effect on the fan base can be devastating and Gulls’ fans know this only too well - thankfully United came out of administration on Friday with the transfer embargo lifted not long after - but spare a thought for fans of Morecambe who believe they could be next. ***** For the coming season the Non-League Paper has worked out travelling statistics for all the major divisions and National South makes for interesting reading. Not surprisingly, Truro City, back playing in Cornwall, have the longest trips. The top five total distances (round trip) are 1. Truro 11,232, 2. Torquay 8,189, 3. Weston-Super-Mare 6,352, 4. Weymouth 5,927, 5. Bath City 5,263. That’s a lot of time on the road and expensive too especially if overnight stays are included. ***** Football fans who can’t wait, first for the fixtures to be released and then the season to start, have the Euros to look forward to as they are just weeks away. England have their opening match in Germany against Serbia on June 16. Manager Gareth Southgate has just reduced his initial squad of 33 down to 26 with several established names missing out. And who will be the next signings as there are a number still to come? Torquay United is in the news for all the right reasons - and long may that last. With the weather picking up and Summer officially here, the future is bright, the future is yellow. COYY JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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Post by rjdgull on Jun 13, 2024 17:21:01 GMT
13th June 2024 FAN ZONE TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news. ************************************************************** TORBAY ATTRACTIONS HIGHLIGHTED AS NEW PLAYERS ARRIVE SPECIAL SURPRISES AT THE NEIL WARNOCK PRINCESS THEATRE SHOW THANKS AND GOOD LUCK AS ASA HALL JOINS TIVERTON After years of being taken for granted under the previous ownership who appeared to ban communication with fans, media and broadcasters, the Bryn Consortium have been the exact opposite. Last week was a revelation with daily videos from around the Bay which must have had the Tourist Board rubbing their hands as the new player arrivals highlighted the area’s top attractions. If holiday bookings aren’t up as a result it will be a huge disappointment. Which has been your favourite so far? Austen Booth and Jay Foulston? Finley Craske at Splashdown? Oldway Mansion featuring Oscar Threlkeld. Or maybe Catch of the Day At Brixham Fish Market James Hamon? How about Jadyn Crosbie enjoying the Paignton Fun Fair or a trip into Kents Cavern showcasing Sam Dreyer, following in his father’s footsteps as a Gull. ***** Co-Chairman Michael Westcott, although a busy person, finds time to post on social media and appear on Radio Devon with John Acres interviewing Westcott last week refering to him as a friend of the show. Acres and others in the local media are amazed at the openness and availability of the club’s new custodians. There is a fascinating interview, available now, with a previous chairman, Alex Rowe, well worth a listen on TorquayTalk. Last weekend Westcott and fellow co-Chairman Mark Bowes-Cavanagh were representing the club at the National League AGM taking with them TUST board member Sam Druiff underlining the relationship between the trust and the club. ***** Have you purchased your tickets for the Neil Warnock show on Friday June 28? If not hurry because tickets are flying out the door with a 1500 sell-out in prospect. Michael Westcott posted on X (formerly Twitter) last week, “It’s going to be a night to remember I can promise you that…and there may even be a surprise or two that we think you’re gonna love…” With all proceeds going to the football club it promises to be a memorable night. ***** With all this excitement and looking to the future it would be wrong to forget two stalwarts from the previous squad. First, it was sad news to hear that the ‘Duracell’, never stop running dynamo Tom Lapslie is going to be out of football for at least a year following injury. There aren’t many players who have an official Appreciation Society in their name but Tom did because his style of play endeared him to the Yellow Army. The other player who was a great servant to the club was Asa Hall who led from the front. The team was poorer in quality when he was unable to play and it’s to his credit that in those key games when relegation was a real worry, Asa stepped up to shore up the defence playing effectively centre-half. He issued a personal farewell on social media, “I have given my all to the club and badge and have lived and breathed Torquay United on and off the pitch during that time and I am beyond proud to have been captain for the past 6 seasons.” “And to the Yellow Army, I have loved representing this football club and I thank you for all the noise, support, atmosphere you have all created week in week out. It’s been a pleasure playing for you.” Needless-to-say, all United fans wish both players best wishes for the future and thank them for their commitment. Not surprisingly, Hall has quickly been snapped up by Tiverton so he’ll play his football in the Southern League. ***** The TUST led Paint Up Plainmoor gathered pace last Friday evening and Saturday afternoon with working parties inside the ground scraping off flaking paint and washing down the flights of steps in the stands. The Family Stand is completed and two thirds of Bristow’s. Once this stand is finished and the steps in the away end and on the Popside are done we can start on painting them. This coming weekend, June 15 and 16, more working parties are needed to help take up the carpets in the hospitality boxes and Number 10 restaurant with re-decorating taking place too. If you can help contact David McNair : David.mcnair@btinternet.com. Work starts at 9am on both days with sandwiches and beer plus a number of the Bryn Consortium will be around to chat. You will actually be able to have contact with the owners! Other dates for further working parties will be announced on social media. ***** National South fixtures will be released on Wednesday July 10 with the new season starting on August 10. Interest in the Euros is building with England’s first match only days away against Serbia. Seems that nothing is ever straightforward when it comes to tournaments, a surprise defeat to Iceland (other supermarkets are available) and controversy over the omission of Jack Grealish but it wouldn’t be football without talking points. You can contact the column by sending an email to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com COYY JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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Post by rjdgull on Jul 27, 2024 10:06:13 GMT
FAN ZONE TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news. ************************************************************** IT’S EXCITING AS FOOTBALL RETURNS TO REFRESHED PLAINMOOR IT’S THE START OF A NEW ERA IN FRONT OF A BUMPER CROWD WHO WOULD YOU WANT AS THE NEXT ENGLAND MANAGER? After what feels like a very long time without any football here we are eagerly anticipating the challenge of Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle today followed swiftly by Exeter City next Tuesday. Argyle are newly returned from their training camp in Marbella and had a comfortable 5-1 pre-season friendly win at Cheltenham. A year ago United held the Pilgrims to a 1-1 draw and many thought that would herald a fight for the National South title with Yeovil. We now know it was nothing of the sort. And what a disastrous year it turned into. ***** But let’s focus on the present and future with Torquay under new management. The Bryn Consortium are to be praised for turning the club around in a very short time. You only have to listen to co-chairmen Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh to be infected with their enthusiasm while manager Paul Wotton goes quietly about his business. United have played two friendlies to date both against lower league opposition without yet conceding a goal. Come Saturday it’s bound to be different and promises to be a real test, as will Tuesday night’s game against Exeter. But surely this is just what Wotton and his players need, to be tested to their limits by technically better players. Most managers say they learn more from defeats than easy victories. The weather forecast for Saturday is good and there promises to be a bumper crowd, 6,000 is predicted especially as the Plymouth away tickets sold out. And yesterday saw the arrival of loan player Finn Tonks from Bournemouth and the signings of Omar Mussa and Matt Wonnacott not to mention an audacious video of Gilbert the Gull sterling a bag of chips! ***** Home fans will hopefully note the changes to Plainmoor’s appearance with newly painted hospitality areas inside the Family Stand plus new carpets. While outside the Popside and entrances to the Family Stand and Bristows have undergone redecorating. There is still much to be done but the outstanding items on the list will be attended to as and when. TUST and the club wish to thank all those who have given freely of their time to Paint Up Plainmoor. **** Of course the other major re-set is the need for the FA to appoint a replacement for Gareth Southgate as the next England manager. Inevitably, there is plenty of speculation from football journalists in the national press and armchair ‘experts’. The front runners, in no particular order, are: Graham Potter who has been out of work since Chelsea sacked him, Thomas Tuchel who has also managed Chelsea and last season was at Bayern Munich, Lee Carsley is the manager of the England Under 21s and could be an interim appointment should the FA go down that route, Mauricio Pochettino another ex-Chelsea manager, Ange Postecoglou currently in charge at Spurs and Eddie Howe the Newcastle manager. So is it best man for the job regardless of his nationality or must the England manager be English? Who’s your choice? fanszone.tu@gmail.com. ***** One of the key projects the Bryn Consortium want to establish - and TUST is fully supportive - is a proper pathway for youngsters to develop their football skills from a young age and move up to the first team and beyond. The partnership with the South Devon College is the first step towards achieving this goal and the next Ollie Watkins. The new Government has pledged its support for grassroots football ahead of the UK hosting Euro 2028. The plan is to build on the legacy of the England side reaching this year’s final and the Lionesses winning theirs in 2022. With the UK and Ireland hosting in 2028 the Government have committed to supporting grassroots facilities and clubs, whilst ensuring all children have access to sport in schools. Funding packages are to be put in place with the Government set to work with the FA, the Football Foundation and Premier League. Alongside this, the Government have committed to protecting time for PE in schools, with an upcoming review of the curriculum set to ensure no child misses out on playing sport. It all sounds very laudable and let’s hope the local talent, boys and girls, commit themselves to Torquay United, the Bay’s top professional outfit. **** All Torquay fans are well aware of the pain and drama of going into administration and the elation of finally being ‘saved’, so spare a thought for ‘rivals’ Woking whose owner, Drew Volpe, has put the club up for sale for £1 and says there’s a danger of going into administration if a buyer cannot be found in the next few weeks. The club is able to start the season thanks to a £600,000 loan. We feel for all Cards fans. Meanwhile, there’s good news for the long suffering supporters of Southend United as their take-over saga has been completed. The group of businessmen headed up by Australian Justin Rees officially took over last Friday. They now have a mountain of work to put the club on an even footing. Having been there recently, and still in the mending process, we know how much work is required to turn things round and TUST wishes them well. COYY JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.ukSUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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Post by rjdgull on Aug 31, 2024 7:48:31 GMT
30th August 2024 FAN ZONE TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news. ************************************************************** A PROPER BANK HOLIDAY BONANZA TO REMEMBER WTH SIX VITAL POINTS TUST’S COMMUNITY SHARE ISSUE SMASHES THROUGH £100,000 AFTER DAY FIVE HELEN AND TIM TO RETURN WITH FOOTBALL PODCAST For a revitalised Torquay United this was a Bank Holiday weekend to remember on and off the pitch. Firstly, Paul Wotton’s new look squad took all six points on offer with wins against much fancied Dorking Wanderers and then on Monday a late, late winner at Chesham. The weekend also featured the launch of TUST’s Community Share Issue and what a response there has been to this. Football first, and Saturday’s 1-0 win in front of another big Plainmoor crowd. Lirak Hasani’s left foot drive (his weaker foot) was worthy of winning any football match. For all their possession football Dorking were fortunate not to have suffered a heavier defeat although how Barry Fuller missed a sitter in the dying seconds only he knows as that would have rescued his side a point. ***** This current batch of players are playing in the manager’s image - 100% commitment and effort with a determination to never give up. Saturday’s victory was well deserved and sent the Yellow Army home with smiles on faces. Plainmoor is once again a welcoming home for Torquay fans reverting to the family, friendly club it once was. ***** Monday’s game in Buckinghamshire underlined the importance managers like Wotton place on their squads. He’s not afraid to make changes during games and for starting elevens rotating players according to their fitness. Wotton is a manager who thinks ahead and plans accordingly and we can all see why Neil Warnock holds him in such high regard. Success here in Devon and bigger clubs are bound to come looking not just at the manager but players too. Whilst the performance at Chesham fell below Saturday’s standard as Wotton said after the game, “Play poorly but still get three points, I’m thrilled.” Dean Moxey, playing his first few minutes of competitive football this season, drilled in a low cross and Brad Ash, making his 50th appearance, scored his 16th goal for United to snatch the winner. The away support, helped by the ever reliable Travel Club, was estimated at around 800 in a crowd of 1,500. The travelling Yellow Army deserve a huge round of applause - over 500 at Farnborough and 675 at Bath. Congratulations to Hasani who was included in the Vanarama National South Team of the Week on Saturday and James Hamon and Ed Palmer who were in the Non-League Paper’s South team. ***** Last Friday TUST launched its Community Share Issue with a brilliant video put together by the CutLeaf boys and an Offer Document outlining what buying a share means. With TUST already committing £50,000 from its Forever Yellow fund resulting in myself becoming a director of the football club, by raising a minimum of £100,000 we will have a second TUST director. But importantly, TUST will have a Golden Share guaranteeing heritage rights. By the end of Day 1 the share issue had raised 50% of the minimum and as of today (Friday) the figure stood at an astonishing £128,531. The issue runs for four more weeks and we now like to work towards a new target of £250,00. The more money we raise the more the club can use to bolster the playing budget and establish a proper youth academy to discover the next £1m plus player. There is a lot of talent here in the South-West which has been by-passing Torquay United. ***** Non-League Crowd Watch Saturday: Scunthorpe 3,927, Hartlepool 3,614, Torquay 3,566, Barnet 2,932, Sutton 2,624. Non-League Crowd Watch Monday: Southend 8,495, York 5,893, Oldham 5,583, Yeovil 3,686. ***** Torquay United Women are to start their new league campaign on Sunday September 8 - any chance this could be at Plainmoor? TUST is proud to sponsor the back of the women’s home shirt this season and we wish them every success and hopefully promotion to the National League to keep pace with the men. ***** Hands up who still misses Sky Sports SoccerAM on a Saturday morning with Gulls fan HellsBells? Well, here’s the good news. Helen Chamberlain, who joined SoccerAM in 1995 staying until 2017 and Tim Lovejoy who joined in 1996 leaving in 2007, are back together for a new football podcast, Soccer A-Z. Each show is themed around a letter of the alphabet and the first episode starts on September 4. ***** Yes, it’s too soon to form judgments but current National South leaders Slough Town are unexpectedly at the top with United second on goal difference, while in National North favourites Scunthorpe lead the pack. Meanwhile in the National Premier Eastleigh are the surprise top side. But it’s a long way to the end of the season. You can contact me at: fanszone.tu@gmail.com COYY JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 5, 2024 18:20:48 GMT
link - nice to see TUST are in the running in the non league category of the FSA awards. An organization that will have an appreciation of all the hard work that has been carried out this year and often invisible to most.
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 9, 2024 9:44:49 GMT
8th November 2024 FAN ZONE TUST's Chair and TUFC board member, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news. ************************************************************** EIGHT NON-LEAGUE CLUBS COUNT THE COST OF NO FA CUP REPLAYS TUST HANDS OVER £222,000 COMMUNITY SHARE ISSUE TO CLUB CHAIRMEN UNITED’S WIN AT SALISBURY PUTS A SPARKLE ON FACES The weekend saw the magic of the FA Cup as a host of non-league sides battled it out against, in most cases, higher opposition. There are those who don’t find this the best competition in the world but when giant killing occurs you can’t but feel elated for the fans of that club. And there were some shocks as expected. For the Yellow Army we could only watch from afar cursing going out at the first stage. But wait a moment, what have the FA done to the cup? Taken away replays which in a number of cases would have meant an extra pay day, often crucial and life giving to ensure another year of existence, and the chance to cause an upset to progress to Round 2. So feel for the supporters of Braintree Town, Boreham Wood, Weston-Super-Mare, Hednesford Town, Maidenhead United, Southend United, Guiseley and Forest Green who were all denied the opportunity to try again. And why has this come about? Because of the power of the Premier League? Too many other competitions? Top players in major sports like football and cricket are being overplayed for the sake of TV exposure and money to a limit which surely cannot be sustained. What’s your view? Send to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com. ***** Congratulations to these non-league sides through to the next round after giant killing: Kettering beating local rivals Northampton Town, Tamworth defeating Huddersfield, Dagenham & Redbridge knocking out Crewe. And don’t forget Harnborough Town, a Leicestershire side playing in the Southern League Premier Central. Their reward is a tie at Reading in Round 2. ***** Two weeks ago there was a pulsating game of football as Torquay overcame a talented and strong Worthing in front of 3,701 of whom around 700 were Blue Light guests. So, that couldn’t be repeated could it? Well, yes it could and was as an amazing 3,466 watched United and Chelmsford battle it out with both managers claiming their team should have won. The Yellow Army were treated to a front foot, dynamic opening 20 minutes which turned into a dream debut for new signing Jordan Young, named Man of the Match. His blistering pace opened up the chance for the opening goal and he himself notched the second. Had he scored a hat-trick which he might well have done he would have been added to the hall of fame for three on his debut. A second half free kick went close and a gaping goal was in his sights had he placed it rather than putting his boot through it. Never-the-less it was a great start for him. Of course, it’s disappointing and frustrating to allow a 2-0 win to slip away but credit to the visitors who fought back. If you were a neutral on holiday in Torbay and came to Plainmoor for the Worthing match and again on Saturday you had your money’s worth of entertainment and excitement. ***** Non-League & FA Cup Crowd Watch: Southend v Charlton 8,875, Chesham v Lincoln 3,963, Scunthorpe v Radcliffe 3,892, Hednesford Town v Gainsborough Trinity 3,866, Tamworth v Huddersfield Town 3,533, Torquay v Chelmsford 3,466, Tonbridge Angels v Harnborough Town, 3,132, Worthing v Morecambe 3,110, Woking v Cambridge United 3,105. ***** It was heartache as United Women went out of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup at Round 1 as ex-player Connie Pengelly came back to haunt her old team when she blasted home the penalty, the only goal, to win the tie. Pengelly had only signed for higher division Bridgwater Town on Friday, so she had a dream debut. And United’s Under-18s were beaten 5-2 at Eastleigh in their FA Youth Cup match on Monday. ***** There were a number of exciting things for fans to see at Plainmoor on Saturday besides the football. Fans on the Popside were treated to some new stunning murals on the walls to brighten up the entrances. Then three of us from TUST, myself, former chairman Michel Thomas and vice-chairman Robin Causley presented, in the centre circle before the match, the Community Share Issue cheque for the huge £222,000 to co-chairmen Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh. ***** One of the rewards for Platinum investors in the CSI is to be a Director for the Day and on Saturday the first recipient of this was Mike Tobin and his guest Guy James who were treated to a meal in the Cove sitting with some of the Bryn Consortium and Neil Warnock before watching events unfold in the game from the Directors’ Box. ***** United were in action again on Bonfire Night at Salisbury with Cody Cooke’s 85th minute penalty lighting up the night sky sending home the 345 Gulls fans in a sparkling mood. Saturday sees the Gulls back at Plainmoor for the visit of Tonbridge Angels. Let’s keep the 3,000 plus attendances going. With the team in the top seven and only just behind the leaders, a position which changes weekly, your support is vital. COYY JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 12, 2024 16:56:50 GMT
link - nice to see TUST are in the running in the non league category of the FSA awards. An organization that will have an appreciation of all the hard work that has been carried out this year and often invisible to most. - bit more about this on the club’s website now. |
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rjdgull
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Posts: 12,227
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 20, 2024 16:55:44 GMT
20th November 2024 TUST APPOINT DANNI WYATT TO TORQUAY UNITED BOARD ******************************************************************************** The Torquay United Supporters’ Trust has selected Danni Wyatt as its second representative director on the football club board. Wyatt’s appointment follows the successful Community Share Issue which resulted in TUST acquiring a 28.6% share in Torquay United and a second seat on the club board. The 30-year-old’s appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process, whereby eight strong applications were received and five short-listed for a preliminary interview. The two best candidates were then invited to make a presentation to the TUST board and face questions from members. Club co-chairmen Mark Bowes-Cavanagh and Michael Westcott were also present at the meeting, but did not participate in the final TUST board vote. TUST Chair Nick Brodrick commented: “Danni is a well-known face in Torquay United circles having been a devoted supporter since she attended her first game as an eight-year-old. She is a long-standing player with the Women’s Football Club, of which she is captain. She is an active TUFC representative of the highly acclaimed national “Her Game Too” campaign”. “She works as an Operations Manager for a large DIY store and her senior management experience and heading a team of 30 staff brings many transferable skills to the role. One of TUST’s key criteria for its representative director was a candidate who would bring a fresh and dynamic approach to the club board, and we believe that Danni delivers this in spades”. On learning of her appointment Danni said: “I am delighted to be given this amazing opportunity to represent supporters on the board of our football club. My vision centres on fostering a vibrant atmosphere where supporters feel valued and engaged, further strengthening the bond between the club and its community” Michael Westcott, Club Co-Chairman said: “We are delighted that Danni is joining the board. She has a wide set of skills and new perspectives to bring to the boardroom as she becomes our youngest board member – possibly one of the youngest directors in the history of the football club. This is yet another significant milestone in the transformative journey of Torquay United.” TUST Chairman, Nick Brodrick, added: “"Firstly, thank you to all those who put their names forward with the final two being strong candidates, but Danni stood out as a fresh new face and represents a cohort of younger fans with whom the club is eager to increase engagement. In addition, her deep involvement with the Women's game brings a wealth of ideas and new contacts which will help move the club forward. I look forward to working with her as a voice of the fans on the club board." The appointment is subject to Danni passing the FA’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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