Torquay United Fans Forum

Culmstock - look to see how Exeter make their decisions.

TUST_Official wrote: ↑25 Oct 2023, 11:45 Details of the TUST fans forum now out - https://mailchi.mp/02905fabbfec/april-n ... a63ef53ed3

Zoom details as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86952787756?p ... 12L3hWZz09

Forum ID: 869 5278 7756
Passcode: 646293

25th October 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

CLAMOUR FOR ACTION GROWS AFTER WOEFUL WESTON DEFEAT

FOOTBALL FANS ALL OVER RIGHTLY MOURN SIR BOBBY CHARLTON

DILLON’S GOOD DEEDS RECOGNISED


“We want six” chanted the youngsters in the away end amongst the 850-odd in the club’s first community day of the season. Their presence helped swell the attendance to a healthy 2,510 on a day when Torquay finally managed, for the first time, to put on a decent performance for two halves.

It has to be said that a bizarre penalty in the first half changed the outcome of the match, not just for United’s fortunes but also for James Holden the on-loan Welling keeper from Cambridge United who ended up getting himself a second yellow and so sent off. With five goals by this time many hoped that total would be increased, certainly the youngsters behind the goal United were attacking. But stand-in outfield player Tristan Abrahams who took over the green jersey had, in truth, little to do in the final fifteen minutes.

Cynics would question whether the way this squad are playing are champions in waiting especially as they have allowed rivals Yeovil a four point advantage. Whilst four points doesn’t seem too much it does make the home clash with them on November 7 vital if Torquay have any aspirations of winning the league to avoid the play-offs.

*****

For the first 30 minutes Torquay huffed and puffed allowing Welling to dictate and it was not surprise when the visitors went ahead but in a moment of madness the Welling keeper turned the game on its head.

Dean Moxey and Aaron Jarvis both made the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day while Jarvis and Tom Lapslie featured in the Vanarama Team of the Week.

*****

Prior to the match there had been a growing swell of unrest on social media with threats of a half-time pitch protest. But Torquay’s CEO who has all social media monitored had beefed up security particularly on the Popside so in the end nothing transpired.

Whilst TUST has called the club to account, no way does it support protests or boycotts. TUST would much prefer to have a civilised conversation with those running the club. But all attempts to do this have fallen on deaf ears. So, as the club has turned down requests for a fans’ forum with club officials, we have organised our own to be held at the Livermead Cliff Hotel on Wednesday November 8 with a Zoom option for those who cannot be there in person. We have sent an invitation to owner Clarke Osborne to be there too.

Now, following the abject showing at Weston-Super-Mare on Tuesday the clamour for the club to act is growing stronger by the day. It was a woeful performance and rightly the 850 who stood in the rain have every right to be angry. Defeat now leaves United a massive seven points behind leaders Yeovil who have now won five in a row, last night in front of a record National South crowd of 6,289.

*****

Non-League Crowd Watch: Rochdale v Oldham 6,722, Southend v Solihull Moors 6,356, Bury FC v Wythenshawe Town 3,195, Hereford v Curzon Ashton 2,932, Chester v Scunthorpe 2,676.

*****

Those readers of a certain age will recall with fondness and a hint of nostalgia where they were watching England win the World Cup in 1966. Whilst Geoff Hurst grabbed the headlines with his hat-trick, the others in the team shone too, no more than Bobby Charlton who sadly died on Saturday.

Charlton, a most unassuming person, became Sir Bobby but his last years were spent with dementia from which all his teammates except goalkeeper Gordon Banks died. Only Hurst remains of that side.

Did Bobby Charlton ever play at Plainmoor? Yes, for Manchester United on July 29 1972 with his photo on the front of the programme. 15,000 turned up to watch this pre-season friendly with Manchester United’s team boasting Denis Law and George Best amongst others and managed by none other than Frank O’Farrell. It ended in a 0-0 draw. The programme must be a treasured collectors’ item especially if it has any autographs on the cover.

Were you there? Send me your memories to: [email protected] or Twitter/X: @FanszoneT.

*****

Torquay United Women’s FA Cup journey came to a swift end on Sunday going down 7-0 to a strong Exeter City. Time to concentrate on the league and pick up some much needed points.

Better news for the Under-18s who remain unbeaten in the league following a 4-0 win over Wimborne.

*****

Torquay are proud to be involved in a variety of community projects as Gary Johnson told us recently but here is an unprompted example of the public spirited way a United player went out of his way to help some elderly train passengers. Reader Mark takes up the story, “We were travelling back from watching England at Wembley (last Tuesday, England beat Italy 3-1) we realised we were sitting next to Dillon de Silva. Due to problems at Dawlish when the train arrived at Exeter St David’s quite late there was some chaos and Dillon immediately started helping elderly passengers with their luggage”. Well done Dillon.

*****

On Saturday Torquay travel to Hampton to take on Hampton & Richmond for whom this is only their fifth at home following their pitch improvements taking longer than planned. On Tuesday they had a comprehensive 4-1 win over Worthing who remember embarrassed Torquay earlier.

Meanwhile leaders Yeovil have two home games, a local derby last night against Weymouth winning 2-0 and on Saturday Braintree are the visitors. With the arrival of Sonny Cox on loan from Exeter he gives them four strikers in their squad. If only.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

nickbrod wrote: ↑25 Oct 2023, 10:49 To answer an earlier point TUST has arranged a Fans' Forum, open to all, at the Livermead Cliff Hotel on Wednesday November 8. Bar open from 6.30pm and meeting starts 7pm.
For those who can't be there you will be able to join us on Zoom.
And yes we have invited Clarke Osborne but he is yet to reply!

https://mailchi.mp/02905fabbfec/april- ... a63ef53ed3

Details of the TUST fans forum now out - https://mailchi.mp/02905fabbfec/april-n ... a63ef53ed3

18th October 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO OUR FOOTBALL CLUB MR OSBORNE?

NO LOANS - HAS THE MONEY RUN OUT?

BREAKING NEWS: FANS’ FORUM ON THE WAY

Saturday’s second match with fellow relegated Maidstone, this time an FA Cup tie, was another shocker despite Torquay having a decent opening 40 odd minutes. The first half performance was certainly a big improvement on the previous week and the underwhelming second half against Hungerford but no end product.

But inexplicably somehow the ever reliable Mark Halstead and fall guy Shaun Donnellan contrived to allow the Maidstone forward a simple tap in. Gary Johnson claimed it was a foul but the referee gave a goal and the video of the incident confirms it was legitimate.

The second half showed, once again, that United’s players are incapable of playing for a full ninety minutes. The squad seems to be made up from predominately players discarded by their previous clubs and there appears, alarmingly, little prospect of any loans coming in.

The fear is that the money has run out.

*****

So, I ask the question, “What is happening to my football club?”

We have an owner, Clarke Osborne, who pays the bills but as he once told me, the only person who is responsible for running the club is his employee George Edwards who acts as the club’s CEO.

The owner will have agreed a sum for the players’ wage bill after relegation and it’s either the manager who has spent it all - Johnson told us this earlier in the season - or it’s the CEO who has signed off all the use of it. Could this be the reason for no loans?

*****

Here we are in regional football, nowhere near a promised return to the Football League, and those running the club appear satisfied with what’s happening.

Yet in similar circumstances the previous manager Gary Owers was relieved of his duties. So what is the difference this time?

Like it or not, supporters are the life blood of any football club so the manager, as a result of comments he made at last week’s press call has, rightly, been called out for stating he only wants “the right supporters” to attend. Well, 800 of the ‘wrong’ supporters chose not to return after the league game against Maidstone the previous week.

It is a sad fact that there’s a growing number of long sanding fans who are refusing to attend matches at Plainmoor under the current ownership.

And where is the communication from the club to the supporters? Yes, in a fashion the manager communicates but when did we last hear from the owner? And the two directors remain silent too.

*****

It gives me no pleasure to report that due to no words from those in charge that there is concerning speculation about the state of this wonderful club. Many supporters are beginning to question what is happening to the football club they have supported for a lifetime.

Whilst we do not have the right to think we should win every game in this league, we should be going into every game expecting to. To have now lost three in a row to fellow National South sides does not bode well.

If social media is a barometer of current feelings then momentum of dissatisfaction is growing not helped by the manager’s jibe at dissenting supporters. These are just a few of the printable comments: ‘The disrespect the club has to the supporters at the minute is disgraceful’, ‘This club has never been so disconnected with the fans ever’ and ‘There are no right or wrong fans in supporting Torquay. We do it out of passion and love for the club we adore’.

*****

Last week’s Yellow Army podcast asked whether the club is going through a managed decline.

There’s certainly a decline but whether it’s a managed one is open to conjecture. What there is though, is denial as no one running the club or picking the team is taking responsibility.

It’s time the owner spoke up and addressed the increasing unrest. And perhaps he would like to share with us his exit strategy as surely a second season in this league is unsustainable. The likelihood of a new stadium faded long ago when the preferred site at Nightingale Park was chosen as a solar farm. So, what is Mr Osborne’s plan?

*****

FA Cup Crowd Watch: Chesterfield v Kettering 5,153, Altrincham v Oldham 3,874, Hartlepool v Chester 3,205, Hereford v Rochdale 2,817, Yeovil v Southend 2,697.

Compare Torquay’s attendance with two sides in the Isthmian Premier on Saturday: Torquay 1,636, Dulwich Hamlet 3,191 and Chatham Town 1,758.

*****

Torquay Women had no game on Sunday having played in mid-week going down to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Bridgwater Town ladies.

National League South manager of the month for September was announced as Rob Dray of Taunton Town having led them to the top of the table.

Maidstone’s 2-0 win was their sixth league and cup victory in a row conceding just once; Lucas Covolan keeping five clean sheets. If only… Their reward is an away First Round tie at either Braintree or Chesham.

*****

Thanks to readers Lee Cross and Dave Sellman for responding to last week’s question. As Dave says, “We are far enough into the season to be very concerned about the progress of the club.”

So, is this a managed decline? Send your views to: [email protected] or X (Twitter): @FanszoneT

The Plainmoor faithful will be willing the team to defeat Welling, who sit in the relegation zone, on Saturday which is another of the club’s community days.

Finally, I can announce that TUST is to hold a Fans’ Forum open to all supporters with details coming soon.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

11th October 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

IS TORQUAY’S START TO THE SEASON A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS?

FOUR LEAGUE MATCHES LOST ALREADY

HOW MANY OF THE CURRENT SQUAD EFL BOUND? NONE

JUST WHAT IS GOING ON AT UNITED?

It might be only eleven matches into the league season but Torquay suffered their fourth defeat, the second at home, this time to fellow relegated side Maidstone. Being a long standing United supporter one wants to put a positive spin on what occurred on Saturday. But in truth the performance mirrored the second half of the Hungerford FA Cup tie the previous week.

There are many supporters who are still very unhappy about being in regional football for the second time but the majority of the fanbase appear ambivalent to the club’s current low status. In his latest programme notes manager Gary Johnson says, “…it’s our supporters we want to impress and entertain.”

By his own admission his team didn’t do this last week in the second half and on Saturday against Maidstone only occasionally. Entertainment and a winning team is the minimum a fan wants.

Is this a club seeking automatic promotion? To the average fan the answer is no. No striker on the bench and for the first time for several years no loan players. Just what is going on? Note that Luke Pearce, the loanee from Southampton who couldn’t get a game, swiftly joined Weston-Super-Mare where he played a full match, more than he did when with us unless you count the Devon Bowl.

Is this a recipe for success? Many fans fear that at best a play-off place will be achieved with this management and squad. And what will happen should Torquay remain in National South for a second year?

*****

“Professional football is demanding on both managers and players and it is fair that our supporters expect success on the field. I am sorry that despite our strenuous efforts in providing the financial resources necessary, we have not found consistency and are behind our intended journey…” - Clarke Osborne, September 2018 on the sacking of Gary Owers.

Owers lost his job after nine National South matches, losing three of them.

As of today United have 19 points from a possible 33 and sit in the last play-off place. Is this automatic promotion form, which is what skipper Asa Hall said the players are trying for in his profile in the matchday programme? We are led to believe the club wants to return to the Football League but the chance of this is currently zero.

It is worrying to note that all four league defeats have been by teams in the top half of the table: Aveley, Worthing, Hemel Hempstead and Maidstone. Torquay have now lost two consecutive league matches.

When Torquay won the National South title in 2019 they had lost just eight times, now after only eleven games we’re already half way there with the losses.

*****

Should Ross Marshall have been sent off? Yes. But surely blame should be attributed to Donnellan whose throw in caused the problem. Marshall, of course, is a red card liability having been sent off twice last season.

Will United beat Maidstone this week in the FA Cup? Will Johnson use his experience to motivate his chosen players? They certainly owe him.

For a club in regional football a crowd of 2,436 is pretty impressive in the unseasonably warm sunshine; the club should be thankful for this level of support but will these numbers return following such a dismal performance?

*****

Where is the style of football that took us to the brink of an EFL return? The quality of players is shown by how many of that team joined Football League clubs: Lucas Covolan (Port Vale, now Maidstone), Sam Sherring (Northampton), Kyle Cameron (Notts County), Joe Lewis (Stockport County now Wimbledon), Armani Little (Forest Green now Wimbledon), Connor Lemonheigh-Evans (Stockport County now Wimbledon) Adam Randell (Plymouth) and sub Billy Waters (Wrexham). How many of the current group are likely to reach these levels?

When Johnson became manager five years ago of a poorly performing side in National South it didn’t take him long to send some players on their way replacing them with better quality. It’s looking like he should be doing this again - and soon.

*****

So just what is going on at Torquay? Even from a distance Mr Osborne must be concerned.

Please let us not get into situations like fans of Southend and Scunthorpe have had to endure; now, thanks to mid-week take-overs, both look to be heading for brighter futures. But there has been a lot of pain and heartache along the way. And not long ago Yeovil supporters were also despairing of their then owner before their take-over.

The often common factor for clubs like these are misguided owners who see football grounds as assets to sell for building purposes, they are motivated for financial gain not football.

Some may say it’s too early in the season to be concerned about the present situation but what is your view? You can send your thoughts to: [email protected] or X (Twitter) @fanszoneT.

*****

Non-League Crowd Watch: Scunthorpe 5,063, York 4,363, Yeovil 2,793.

Goal Watch: 11 League 1 fixtures and not a single goal but on Saturday ex-Gull loanee Rob Street netted for Cheltenham in a 1-1 draw.

Torquay United Women, back with Steve Elswood as manager, had a thumping 6-0 of Selsey to notch their first win in the Women’s National League. Tracey Cross (2), Danni Wyatt (2), Chloe Kind and Lily Burton the goalscorers. United’s Under-18s suffered their first defeat going down 2-1 to Bath City in the league cup.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

8th September 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

MARK HALSTEAD TO THE RESCUE ONCE AGAIN AS AVELEY HUMILIATE UNITED

BANK HOLIDAY NON-LEAGUE ATTENDANCES SOAR

UNITED WOMEN FINDING LIFE TOUGH IN NATIONAL LEAGUE

Four wins on the trot, albeit not very convincingly but never-the-less twelve welcome points on the board and the Yellow Army were behind the team. Then, the wheels came off with a miserable performance on Saturday at Aveley.

Where? Yes, Essex side Aveley population of just over 9,000 who have an upwardly mobile football club.

Credit to United’s travelling support, most of whom managed to navigate themselves around the M25 to arrive at the ground long before the team coach. How on earth is it possible for a professional club to leave it so late before turning up?

For those who were there, the team, apart from Mark Halstead, once again, didn’t offer anything. And the manager, after the game, gave a withering assessment of what went on accusing a number of players of “stealing a living”.

Halstead, of course, made the Vanarama South Team of the Week.

For a full-time club with the resources provided by the owner these type of performances cannot be allowed to continue for much longer. It’s bad enough being in this league once more but it wasn’t that long ago that the club were pushing for a return to the EFL. With the current set-up that is a long way off.

*****

Getting out of National South has to be the priority this season. Yes, only eight games played and close to the ‘judge us after 10 games’ vibe but the performances are way off what we saw at the tail end of last season.

United’s home crowd average so far is 2,448, second only to Yeovil Town’s 3,131 so the support is there. And the away attendances are pretty impressive too. On Saturday there were more Yellow Army present than home fans.

With the team in the play-off places there has to be something not right for so many to feel the need to post negative comments.

Of course, it’s not just Torquay fans who are moaning, what about those following Chelsea? Thirteen new players and £1billion spent since the new owners took charge. A shock home defeat on Saturday to Nottingham Forest goes to show that money doesn’t always guarantee success.

*****

It was interesting to see on Bank Holiday Monday last week how popular non-league football is, especially as there were no EFL or Premier League fixtures.

Many clubs had record attendances and these are just a few examples: Macclesfield v Warrington Rylands 3,144, Hednesford Town v Chasetown 1,486, Tunbridge Wells v FC Rusthall 1,043, Herne Bay v Ramsgate 1,039, Basingstoke v AFC Totton 1,003, Hertford Town v Ware 959 and in Kevin Hill’s 150th game in charge Exmouth Town v Bideford 463.

*****

Playing for the first time at their new home ground, Brixham AFC’s Wall Park, Torquay United Women are finding life tough in the National League as they went down 2-5 to Moneyfields on Sunday. Despite going into an early lead United found their opponents too strong.

They then suffered a 7-0 defeat at local rivals Exeter City on Wednesday.

*****

United aspire to re-joining the National League where currently Ben Wynter’s Barnet are top and favourites with Chesterfield are not far behind. If it stays like that then former Football League clubs will be returning to the league.

And talking of returning clubs, Notts County top League 2.

*****

Average National League gates this season: Chesterfield 8,091, Oldham Athletic 7,457, Southend 5,708, York City 4,724, Hartlepool 4,466.

*****

How many eagle-eyed fans have noticed goalkeepers stepping out of their penalty areas to fly- kick the ball out of their hands up field? Braintree’s keeper did this most of Bank Holiday’s match and at the Taunton Town v Dartford game on Saturday visiting manager Alan Dowson, formerly at Woking, asked the linesman to check Dan Lavercombe in the Taunton goal for doing this.

Is this an unfair advantage or is it hand ball?

Dartford, by the way, had mostly 6 foot plus players in their side including a number 28 who would look more at home in a basketball side. Let’s hope Torquay do their homework before we play them. Taunton, a very direct side, sneaked home with the only goal of the afternoon.

*****

At Plainmoor on Tuesday night were Farnborough who have had a very chequered recent history, going into administration as Farnborough Town before eventually achieving promotion into National South. But on Tuesday they were very average and the Gulls eased home 3-0 with strikers Aaron Jarvis (2) and Brad Ash sharing the goals.

And on Saturday it’s Chelmsford City coming to town. City as of Monday were unbeaten with the meanest defence in the league, only four conceded but lost at home to Hemel Hempstead.

*****

Now that United are in National South the journey in the FA Cup starts in the 2nd Qualifying Round and it means a difficult away trip to Wimborne Town managed by Tim Sills.

*****

At TUST we are often asked why fans should become members, what does membership bring?

Well, thanks to board member Bob Cole a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions is now on the website FAQ's | TUST

TUST sends its congratulations to the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust who celebrated their 20th year of running the club with a special anniversary dinner at St James Park on Monday evening.

You can contact the fans’ zone: [email protected] or Twitter/X: @FanszoneT.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

1st September 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

DON WALKS INTO WORLD CUP HISTORY BOOK

WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE? UNITED NOTCH UP FOUR WINS IN A ROW

MORE WOE AS SOUTHEND HIT ROCK BOTTOM

RENDELL AND BENYON TURN BACK THE CLOCK

Torbay footballer Don Ford is walking tall following his performance in the England Over 50s team as they won the Walking World Cup at St George’s over the Bank Holiday weekend. Ford, who plays for Torquay United under the umbrella of the Community Sports Trust, helped England to victory in a penalty shoot-out against the Czech Republic in the final.

Ford said, “Absolutely fantastic experience and to win the World Cup was amazing.”

*****

Torquay United’s National South side are a long way from winning any cup or title but although performances have not been what many would like, four wins on the spin is a decent start to ensure the Gulls are flying high near the top of this league as they should be being full-time professionals.

But it’s not pretty and not flowing football. Saturday at Slough and Monday home to Braintree it was a case of ‘no show’ first halves. I don’t know what is said at half-time but can only guess; the cost of replacement hair dryers must be increasing game by game.

On Saturday it was Brad Ash to the rescue as, if those there had their way, the flames would have been licking around the manager’s tenure. Then on Monday it took a 95th minute penalty, won and neatly despatched by Aaron Jarvis to save the day.

As one fan commented, “We have good players but not a good team.”

*****

It’s a far cry from United teams of yesteryear as those with long memories can trot off players and teams which produced winning, entertaining football. No more so than prolific goal scorer Robin Stubbs who last Thursday, August 24 in 1963 made his United debut in a 1-1 home draw with Tranmere Rovers. Stubbs still attends home games sitting in the Directors’ Box at Plainmoor.

News on two other ex-Gulls: sadly Andy Donnelly died last week at age 80. Donnelly or ‘Handy Andy’ as he was affectionately known, was a great goalkeeper despite his lack of inches. In total, between 1967 and 1972 he played 160 games for United before playing in South Africa for ten years.

A few weeks ago we brought you news of Paul Holmes who had been unwell with cancer and about whom super fan Helen Chamberlain raised awareness to crowdfund for a giant TV. Needless-to-say the money was raised in super quick time.

Now the club are holding a special event in Boots & Laces on Sunday September 10 at 2pm with a number of ex-players in attendance. In addition there is an online signed shirt auction. All details at torquayunited.com.

*****

Yet more ex-Gulls news: how about this? On Saturday in the Southern League Premier Division AFC Totton met Hanwell Town. Nothing unusual here except Scott Rendell opened the scoring for AFC Totton who went on to win 5-3 with Elliot Benyon netting Hanwell’s third. Many will remember Rendell and Benyon had a useful partnership up front for Torquay a while back.

*****

Saturday’s Non-League Crowd Watch: Southend v Eastleigh 5,696, Hartlepool v AFC Fylde 4,376, Bury FC v Cheadle Town 3,235, Hereford v Peterborough Sports 2,510, FC United v Macclesfield 2,342.

Bank Holiday Monday’s Non-League Crowd Watch: Chesterfield v Hartlepool 8,451, Oldham v Solihull Moors 6,815, Torquay v Braintree 2,543, Maidstone Utd v Taunton Town 2,014.

*****

Last week Southend United appeared in the High Court once again to hear the judge say, “If this was not a football club with the attachment of its fans, I would be winding you up today.”

As a result of the club’s failure to pay its HMRC tax bill, the National League, as promised, has docked the club 10 points, subject to an appeal, dumping them bottom of the table. In Friday night’s game fans, to show their displeasure, threw tennis balls onto the pitch in the 10th minute to show their feelings at the way the club is being run.

The club’s supporters’ trust - The Shrimpers Trust - has had conversations with interested parties thinking about taking over the club from Ron Martin with currently an Australian favourite, and tellingly had this to say, “We have made it abundantly clear to everybody we have spoken to that supporter involvement should be a key component of any new structure.”

The trust continued, “We believe this to be the only way to avoid our beloved football club being at the mercy of unscrupulous and/or deficient owners again and to ensure that supporters are afforded a voice in the running and direction of the club.”

*****

It’s been a rough start for two National League managers as both Eastleigh and York City have sacked theirs even before the magical ‘judge us on ten games’.

Torquay United’s Women’s side have had a tough start to life in a higher division. Their opening league fixture ended in defeat and on Sunday were knocked out of the league cup when opponents Moneyfields scored a late winner. United now go again in the Plate competition.

*****

Saturday sees United travel to Aveley, a side the Gulls have never played. Aveley, based in Essex, were founded in 1927 and play at Parkside with a ground capacity of 3,500. For a team that’s just been promoted they’ve made a solid start and play on a 3G pitch.

So, what’s your view on Torquay’s start? Contact: [email protected] or Twitter/X: @FanszoneT.

COYY


Don Ford of Torquay United Walking FC and England with the World Cup

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18th August 2023

TUST STATEMENT

The TUST board has concerns about the running of our club

Back in 2018, a few months after taking over Torquay United, owner Clarke Osborne wrote this to the then chairman of TUST: “I know from the discussions you and your members have held with the club that there are plans to enhance supporter engagement, both through TUST and Torquay United Official Supporters Club.”

“I and the club are committed and keen to continually improve this dialogue and develop improved communication and links with all supporters.”

Why then is TUST currently frozen out?

Prior to September 2021 TUST held fairly regular meetings with the club’s supporter liaison officer usually at Plainmoor but then on Zoom when Covid struck. Then the club’s directors, unfortunately, cancelled any further meetings with TUST, as a group, due to the club’s lack of ability to react constructively to some criticism during the meeting.

Current chairman Nick Brodrick then undertook a year long series of meetings, five in total, with the club’s two in-house directors culminating in the re-engagement of sessions, at Plainmoor, with the club’s supporter liaison officer. The first of these took place in March.

Another meeting was agreed for May but in-between Mr Osborne made his statement about the club remaining full-time in National South and TUST issued its statement in response.

The May meeting was due to take place but was cancelled the night before. Since then TUST and its chairman have been cancelled.

Speaking with supporters at a recent home match and reading posts on the various fans’ forums and social media in general, there is a growing groundswell of opinion questioning the running of the club.

Under previous owners/chairmen Tony Boyce, Mike Bateson and Alex Rowe, for example, supporters were welcomed and you were made to feel like a guest instead of a paying customer.

There was an open channel of dialogue and fans were allowed to say their piece. There was no secrecy about plans for the future and fans were kept in touch with developments on and off the pitch.

Under this current regime fans are not allowed to know anything about OUR football club. Yes, we are all very grateful to Mr Osborne for rescuing us and writing the cheques but there is more to running a football club than ploughing in money, because Torquay United is the heart of the community.

Where is the Five Year Plan we were promised?

Where is the local board of directors we were promised?

Where is the academy Mr Osborne said was so vital? In a statement made on January 19 2018 Mr Osborne said this: “The major success, in my opinion, is the reformation of a youth system and the start of building a strong sustainable Academy. It forms the backbone of future sustainable success.”

So, now five years later not one player has made regular appearances in the first team. Where is the pathway? Why can other clubs, one notable one not far away, produce players, some of whom were born in Torbay, to be sold for £1million+?

From day one Mr Osborne talked up moving the club to a new stadium: “I am convinced that a purpose built multi-event stadium and academy, with supporting leisure activities, good road, and rail communication and acres of car parking will provide the facilities and finance for sustained success and bring considerable inward investment and spend to Torbay.” (Quoted from club statement 2018).

We’re still waiting.

Despite repeated requests, why won’t the club allow the trust, along with the Community Sports Trust, to run, what were very popular, fan zones before selected matches?

Numerous long standing supporters refuse to attend matches because of the decisions taken by those running the club on Mr Osborne’s behalf. Supporters are treated with contempt, trying to buy a ticket is impossible for many and there is no encouragement to promote the club in the town as there used to be.

Now, as the only official supporters’ group, with a growing membership, TUST has been muted and not allowed to communicate fans’ feelings to the board, being told ‘we are negative’.

We know there have been calls for a boycott which we do not subscribe to but all we do ask is for the right to have engagement with the club on behalf of all the Yellow Army.

To quote Mr Osborne from 2018: “Engagement is the key word for the team at Torquay United and they are working hard to improve our processes and communication.”

Well, Mr Osborne, those whom you have entrusted to run the club like this have failed.

********************************************
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN TUST NOW?
The most important thing right now is for TUST to have a bigger, more authoritative voice. The more members we have, the bigger the voice we have and the greater influence we may be able to have in the future on how the club is run sustainably for the benefit of supporters.

See other Frequently Asked Questions on our website here; https://www.tust.co.uk/faq | TUST

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17th August 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

UNITED WOMEN START THEIR NATIONAL LEAGUE CAMPAIGN ON SUNDAY

DESPITE TUESDAY’S WIN WHAT HAS GONE WRONG AT PLAINMOOR?

BURY FC’S PRAISEWORTHY ATTENDANCES

These are exciting times for the Torquay United Women’s team: promoted as champions into the National League, tier 4 of women’s football for the first time and with the mouthwatering prospect of the new season only days away. They play their opening match on Sunday at Portishead Town.

Director of Football and Chairman Steve Elswood gave the FansZone his take on the forthcoming challenge which lies ahead. For there’s no disguising his appetite for the journey which has taken meticulous planning during the summer break.

In order to satisfy the demands of National League football the club has recently made changes to how the club operates with Elswood taking up his new roles allowing Alan Wyatt to take control of team affairs as manager.

Not only have decisions taken place off the pitch but the club has also been busy in signing new players, seven in total. Elswood explained, “I very much wanted an ethos to bring in young players, meaning they have a real sustainable future for the football club to grow their careers.”

Of those signed four are under 18 and all from Devon. The others who have joined are experienced National League players with previous clubs including Birmingham City, Cardiff City and London Bees.

Elswood continued, “Guess we’re at that point now where we are looking at aims and expectations for the season. It would be remiss of me to say that the first box on my list to tick is getting National League football secured for 2024-25.”

In order to get the squad up to speed they have had a tough pre-season bedding the new players in. They started with a difficult game with a strong Cardiff City side but since then they have won the next four friendlies, including a satisfying 2-1 win on Sunday against an Exeter City Under-23 side.

As we all know, pre-season is for getting minutes into legs ensuring every player is fit and able to take on the challenges of a higher standard league.

Elswood is confident he has a very talented squad and says, “I believe we can certainly fight for a top half finish and look to go as far as possible in a couple of cup competitions. We’re here on merit and we’re here to enjoy it.”

*****

TUST is pleased to announce that we will be sponsoring four squad players this season: defenders Jess Smith and Emma Hollingsworth, midfielder Tee Kaptein and striker Chloe Kind.

Like all the Yellow Army, TUST wishes the club a successful season and hope that some of their home fixtures will be played at Plainmoor; last season’s one game there was a great success.

*****

Now, what is to be made of Saturday’s woeful display? Playing Worthing for the first time, a side very recently in the Isthmian League, no wonder many of the 2,733 left the ground early after the second goal went in.

Those who have been voicing their feelings on social media and the fans’ forums are those who are loyal Torquay supporters but Saturday’s abject performance was the final straw. It is bad enough to see the club playing in this league but to capitulate as easily as the team did against Worthing was unforgivable.

What has gone wrong? Well, to sum up supporters’ feelings, the defence is too inexperienced, it needs a central defender who knows this league, who is strong, tough and robust. The mid-field sorely misses Kevin Dawson, now not expected to return until at least October. Tom Lapslie misses too many matches through injury and Asa Hall’s legs ‘have gone’.

Whilst the side’s attacking players are capable, the cry is for Collins and Stobbs to be used as out and out attackers rather than wing backs.

Of course, it’s easy being an armchair critic and hiding behind a keyboard but there is no doubt there is a growing groundswell of opinion that is pretty negative about the current state of affairs.

United had a chance on Tueday to right matters but faced a Chippenham side who have made a flying start with two wins including winning 4-2 on Saturday at Havant & Waterlooville. And Torquay’s record against Chippenham is not great; the last time they played South league matches Chippenham won both.

It took the visitors going down to ten men and a 94th minute winner from Aaron Jarvis to get United past Chippenham this time. Playing 4-4-2 this was an improved performance but still not great and there were further injuries with Asa Hall taken to hospital.

***************************

Non-League Crowd Watch: Oldham v Aldershot 7,593, Hartlepool v Gateshead 5,018, York City v Kidderminster 4,371, Bury FC v Chadderton 4,115, Scunthorpe v Peterborough Sports 3,390.

Next up it’s a trip to St Alban’s City on Saturday so safe travel to the Yellow Army.

What is the solution to the situation at Plainmoor? Contact; [email protected] or Twitter/X: @FanszoneT.

COYY

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21st July 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

SOUTHEND’S BATTLE TO SURVIVE CONTINUES AS FANS PROTEST

END OF THE OLDEST FOOTBALL GROUND IN MAIDENHEAD?

UNITED WOMEN LOOKING TO START NEW SEASON AS WORLD CUP STARTS

With the new football season a matter of weeks away and the pre-season for every club in full swing, it’s the build up to the opening fixture that excites every football fan. The hopes and anticipation that this is going to be your club’s time in the limelight.

Well, maybe not for those long suffering Southend United fans as their club appears to be dying in front of them as their existence continues to be in doubt.

On Saturday, as their second scheduled friendly (at Billericay Town) was called off, fans spent the day in protest outside the owner Ron Martin’s home.

“It is time for this matter to be brought to a swift conclusion with a clear public deadline and consequences.” This is the view of the Shrimpers Trust who want the National League to set Southend a public deadline as the club continue their battle to start the new season.

In a statement issued before the weekend, the Trust said, “In summary, following Wednesday’s statement from the owner, we have little faith that he will be able to resolve the matter before the next adjourned court hearing in 42 days.”

For Southend to fulfil their fixtures they must pay all debts to HMRC - £275,000 - and football creditors, including all club employees, in line with National League rules.

Commenting on Saturday’s protest the Trust confirmed, “The damage that Ron Martin has done to our beloved football club is unforgivable and he must pay his debts and leave now.”

Full credit to the York City Supporters Trust for their bucket collection before their match with Middlesborough to raise funds for Southend.

This is an ever changing story with further developments likely.

*****

Meanwhile, there’s trouble brewing in Berkshire where Maidenhead United are looking to move from York Road, their ground being the oldest continuously-used senior football ground in the world by the same club since 1871.

The club is planning to move to a new complex at Braywick where Maidenhead Rugby club play and whose chairman has cast doubts on the plans causing the football club’s chairman to respond in the local press.

It would seem that York Road requires investment of millions of pounds to improve both the spectator and wider stadium facilities but these are deemed not possible hence the need to move.

Just goes to underline how important it is for everyone to be involved in a club moving to a new stadium.

*****

Pre-Season Crowd Watch: Chesterfield v Sheffield United 9,476, Gateshead v Newcastle United 7,200, Havant & Waterlooville v Portsmouth 4,250, Gainsborough Trinity v Man Utd XI 2,510 and Mousehole v Dorking Wanderers 447.

Torquay played their second pre-season friendly behind closed doors against a strong Championship side Bristol City. Final score was a 6-2 defeat but a first half performance ending 2-2 pleased the manager with Gary Johnson hinting this side was his strongest, although it was without Dawson, Moxey and Marshall for the second week running, also missing from Tuesday’s Plymouth friendly. Moxey and Marshall are recovering from operations but Dawson’s absence is unexplained.

Social media sleuths did discover that one of the trialists was defender Finley Craske recently released by Plymouth Argyle after spending some of last season on loan at Yeovil Town and Truro City. He certainly didn’t do any harm to his chances of getting a contract after his performance on Tuesday.

United’s loyal support - 3,585 inside the ground - got to see the ‘new’ squad at Tuesday night’s friendly at Plainmoor against local rivals Championship Plymouth Argyle gaining a well deserved 1-1 draw. Brad Ash scoring his first, hopefully of many, goal at home.

And on Saturday League 1 Exeter City come to TQ1. After that it’s Southampton B who lost 3-1 at Oxford United over the weekend and whose manager has just taken over at Forest Green.

*****

Ex-Gull Watch: He’s likely to be remembered as the sub being subbed and following release by both Plymouth and Torquay before joining Oxford City helping them to promotion to the National League, striker Kladi Lolos has just secured a two year deal at League 2 side Crawley Town.

*****

For those of you who subscribe, BT Sports is now known as TNT Sports and as well as showing National League matches are also televising some National South fixtures.

With United’s Women’s side playing National League football this coming season, women’s football takes centre stage as the Women’s World Cup started on Thursday with England playing their opening match on Saturday on ITV. All matches are shared between the BBC and ITV.

You can contact the Fans’ Zone: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT.

COYY

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5th July 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

SOME UNITED FANS HAVE GOT SHIRTY OVER THE NEW KIT

FROM YEOVIL TO YORK BUY A CLUB WITH A Y

ALDERSHOT SHOW HOW VALUABLE A FANS FORUM CAN BE

Pre-season training started for Torquay’s players last Thursday when several, as yet unnamed, trialists, specially invited according to manager Gary Johnson, took part.

And this coincided with the club releasing photos and details of the new home and away kits to, being polite, a mixed reaction on social media. Majority opinion feels the home version is straying too far from the club’s traditional yellow and blue but in contrast the away shirt is a winner.

As several fans have voiced, if the team is promoted it won’t matter what kit the team wears.

By contrast Exeter City revealed their new home and away shirts on Sunday and by early evening 949 had already been sold. These shirts come from Newton Abbot company Pro:Direct, as do Torquay’s.

Interesting too, to see that the no sponsorship on the front, as has been the case in recent seasons, having 1899 instead, has been changed. The home shirt now has South Devon College and the away shirt with Torbay Story as sponsors.

*****

Those hoping to see Frank Nouble in a yellow, blue and white shirt had their hopes dashed when he signed for Yeovil.

By the time you are reading this the fixtures for the new National South season will be out. So, it’s an opening day (August 5) away trip to Dover and United will play Truro on Boxing Day (Home) and away on New Year’s Day.

For those thinking United’s second spell in regional football will be an easy ride like last time should think again, for the league is considerably more competitive this time round. For a start there are more full time outfits and many of the clubs have made astute summer signings. Add in the number of 4G pitches United will have to play on and it’s easy to see that this is going to be a challenging season.

*****

A few short months ago Yeovil Town were in disarray on and off the pitch as the waiting-in-the- wings new owners, the Uggla family, mother and son, fronting 394 Sports Ltd, were having a public slanging match, via Twitter, with the manager Mark Cooper.

That association with Yeovil ended almost as swiftly as it had begun with the Ugglas withdrawing. But lo and behold, their desire to own a football club with the letter Y was realised last week when they took control of York City, subject to FA approval. They have acquired a 51% stake in the club.

Matthew Uggla had this to say, “We can really take this club as far as we want to take it. I think the sky is really the limit. It’s just a case of putting the right structures and plans in place to really go for it.”

Let’s wait and see what happens.

*****

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) is currently urging the Government to implement the Fan-Led Review as set out in the White Paper. Supporters really need to be treated by club owners and directors with greater respect as we are supporters not customers. Communication and transparency are key so hats off to Aldershot Town who recently held a Fans’ Forum.

The evening was divided into three parts, opening with the club chairman providing supporters with an update.

Next came information about the ground redevelopment taking place with representatives of the company carrying out the work answering questions.

And finally manager Tommy Widdrington and his assistant answered supporters’ questions.

For fans who couldn’t make the forum, the club have added a portal on their website for any questions.

*****

It’s back, Crowd Watch! Pre-season crowd watch: Welling Utd v Charlton 2,765, Felixstowe v Ipswich 2,350, Melksham Town v Bristol Rovers 2,014.

*****

The positions most fans would like to see filled to bolster Johnson’s squad are a left back, centre back and a striker although it’s a little concerning when Johnson admitted that he’s already over budget.

Can you help? Many United fans who read this will be sorry to learn that defender Paul Holmes who played over 200 times for Torquay has recently undergone the removal of a tumour in Torbay Hospital. He’s also awaiting tests on his liver and a lymph node.

United fan Helen Chamberlain alerted the Yellow Army on social media asking for donations. The initial target was £1800 but by Sunday evening this had gone past £2000. You can donate by going to: gofundme.com

You can contact this column: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

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30th June 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

UNITED’S GARY JOHNSON OPENS UP ABOUT HIS PLANS FOR THE SEASON

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF HEADING IN FOOTBALL?

RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS SO KEEP IT TUESDAYS

Torquay United supporters starved of football news will be delighted to know that manager Gary Johnson, in an in-depth interview in Sunday’s Non-League Paper, has hinted that more signings are on the way.

“Bradley Ash is our only outside signing and he was in the top four or five strikers in National South last year for Weymouth. That’s one down so it’s really just a couple more that we’ve already identified and are negotiating with now.”

In the interview Johnson talked about last season. “We came away disappointed by relegation, obviously, but everything else was really positive.”

He went on, “We’ve got 15 who’ve stayed from last year and nobody has left who we wanted to keep. Even the two lads Lewis (Collins) and Jack (Stobbs) have dropped divisions to sign on permanently.”

On staying on as manager Johnson had this to say, “I’ve never left any club in a worse position than I found it. And when you get players like these, who are loyal and give everything, I think you owe them some loyalty yourself.”

On the season ahead he told the paper, “I’ve watched parts of pretty much every team [in National South on his iPad] and like every year in the National League, it’s got stronger.”

He had this to warn United fans, “I know there’s a lot of people who think we should win every game but it’s not like that. You’ve got to earn your results.”

******

Almost 10,000 fans took part in the Football Supporters’ Association’s National Supporters’ Survey, last carried out in 2017, to give their thoughts on the current state of football before the new season.

88.2% agreed on the need for an independent regulator to ensure clubs are run sustainably.

Just under half of those polled - 46.9% - believed that their club cared about them and their views. Maybe too many treat their fans as customers rather than as supporters. Lack of communication between owners and fans is a common theme.

One in five - 21.7% - said they were attending fewer games because of the cost of living and almost a third - 31.9% - had reduced their matchday spending on food, drink and programmes.

FSA chair Malcolm Clarke said, “Football has said for years it can regulate itself. The findings from our survey show that it has become apparent that it cannot; fans say that independent regulation is required to safeguard the future of our clubs.”

*****

The recent death of former Manchester United and Scotland defender Gordon McQueen from complications of vascular dementia has once again drawn attention to the dangers of heading a football.

Research has discovered that professional footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to develop a neurological disorder than the rest of the population and five times more likely to develop dementia.

It is a sobering thought that of the eleven players who won the World Cup in 1966 for England, six have died of dementia while a seventh, Sir Bobby Charlton, has the disease.

So, what’s the answer? A couple of years ago the FA limited professional clubs to ten ‘high force’ headers per week in training.

There’s also a move to see dementia acknowledged as an industrial injury which would mean compensation being paid. There is also a group called Head for Change which would like to see heading taken out of football.

One thing is for certain this issue is not going to go away.

*****

The debate about when to play mid-week fixtures continues with reader Richard Privett adding his views: “Keep it Tuesday. Gives players longer recovery time after Saturday and also allows the management team a coaching session. Playing on a Monday is not ideal especially after a Saturday away game.”

It seems pretty conclusive that United fans prefer matches on a Tuesday night.

*****

Last week’s column was about the first Test between England and Australia and that ‘bonkers’ decision of skipper Ben Stokes to declare on the first day. Did that result in England’s defeat?

Seems there is divided opinion on that. But with England one down it’s still all to play for with the second Test started at Lord’s on Wednesday but so far it’s advantage Australia.

Two more players to sign - not including loans - so which positions do you want? Send your view to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

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24th June 2023

Fan Zone

HOW DO YOU FILL YOUR SATURDAYS WITHOUT FOOTBALL?

ENGLAND’S CRICKET IN THE ASHES IS BONKERS

RUBBISH CHAMPIONSHIPS IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE. REALLY?

It’s the middle of June, it’s summer and we all have had sunny, muggy days so what’s there to do for the football fan suffering withdrawal symptoms?

How do you fill your Saturdays with no football?

Football finished at the end of April, United’s new squad are yet to start pre-season training and the new season is still weeks away (August 5).

You scour the internet for football stories hoping to come across something interesting; you keep looking at the club’s website, is there another player ‘on board’?

You trawl through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram just in case there’s a story you missed elsewhere.

What about the fans’ forums? United have three but you can tell there’s little news as there’s hardly any traffic with few meaningful posts.

Many go out and buy the Herald Express in the hope that any Torquay related news will keep us satisfied but let’s face it, it’s called the close season for a reason.

So, for many, thank goodness for cricket and this summer it’s the Ashes, that deadly rivalry between England and Australia. And what a time to be watching, for under skipper Ben Stokes England are serving up a feast of attacking cricket, Bazball as it’s called.

*****

The Ashes, by the way, originated in 1892 when a small urn, 4.1 inches tall, made of terracotta was supposed to contain the ashes of a cricket bail presented to the then England captain, Ivo Bligh, on their tour of Australia.

A test match lasts five days so who on earth would declare their first innings on day one? Well, Ben Stokes did which Saturday’s national papers called ‘bonkers’. One pundit summed the decision up like this: “An utterly bonkers but totally brilliant and absolutely in-character declaration from Stokes.”

Going out to attack your opponent makes perfect sense as England’s cricketers have been demonstrating so let’s hope Gary Johnson can install this mantra into his squad to hit the National South from game one.

Recent pictures of the progress of Plainmoor’s pitch renovation show it wouldn’t disgrace a cricket ground.

*****

Summer is a bonkers time too for odd and unusual events and not just village fetes. How about this?

In Weston-Super-Mare at the weekend was the National Refuse Championships. Rubbish you say? No, really.

It’s now into its fourth year with participants from around the UK. The event, on the seafront, involved twenty four teams who race to load wheelie bins with bags of sand before pushing them into bin lorries.

The purpose of the event is to raise money for charity, this year Alzheimer’s with £20,000 the target.

*****

There might be no football but TUST keeps busy. As a board we meet monthly to fulfil our remit to monitor all things Torquay United. Recently two of us represented TUST at the South-West Supporters’ Trust group - a body consisting of trustees from Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City, Bristol City, Swindon Town, Hereford United and Yeovil Town, the only one of its kind in the UK.

This year sees the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust celebrating their 20th Anniversary of ownership of the football club.

*****

Which night of the week to watch Torquay? This was last weeks question. Reader Tony Clark sums up, “ Mondays usually have a Premier League match on TV, Wednesdays often have a Champions League so keep it Tuesdays.” Do you agree?

[email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

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