Torquay United Fans Forum

I don't usually predict results, but I'll go for Weymouth 2 Torquay 2.

The reason I'm posting a comment is to admire the stunningly eloquent commentary by Weymouth's chairman. The only person I can compare him to is my children's primary school headteacher who was a brilliant public speaker.

He comes across as a genuine football person and Weymouth can count itself fortunate to have him.

A complete contrast to the charlatans that have been in charge at Plainmoor for the past five/six years.

This exchange of views - I disagree with you, but defend your right to express them - could be infinite.

I would suggest we wait and see if he purchases the club and then see how events pan out.

I know that you shouldn't rely on it as a medium, but anyone who things that Norman Smurthwaite is a knight in shining armour should read his profile on Wikipedia.

I stand by my contention that he is an Osborne clone and would be bad news for Torquay United.

To coin a cliche - 'better the devil you know'.

I'd suggest that Smurthwaite is another businessman who would only purchase the club if he believed his investment would generate a profit.

I wouldn't touch him with the proverbial barge pole.

He also banned the local paper from Port Vale's ground for criticising him. Osborne clone!!

Edwards and Hayman - the Caeusescus - of TUFC need to be advised, in no uncertain terms, that they are 'persona non grata' at Plainmoor and at any other football/sporting club.

You mean the club was actually paying Mr Johnson to oversee the dross signings and performances over the past two years!!

Unbelievable!!

Let me firstly say 'good riddance' to the charlatan Osborne, a man without scruples and ignorant of the moral compass. Let's hope he takes his sycophants, Edwards, Hayman, and the 'Chuckle Brothers' with him. None of them should be allowed anywhere near a football club again.

In response to those who grieve at his departure, I would contend that if/when he acquired Plainmoor this scenario would have occurred, albeit some time in the future. Just look at his previous business dealings. To plagiarise a previous posting, there was as much chance of Osborne having a new ground built as there would be of Lord Lucan riding Shergar to victory in the Derby.

I have the utmost sympathy for any of the club's non playing staff whose jobs have been put in jeopardy by this vindictive action. I sincerely hope that if Torquay United is liquidated that they find alternative employment quickly.

I am also sorry for those loyal fans who have followed the club through desperate times.

Judging by the posts on this forum there are, however, numerous fans who would welcome and support a phoenix club. It won't be easy, but there are examples of clubs folding, being re-formed and then prospering. If it comes to it let's hope that Torquay United follow that path.

Finally, it is a condemnation of society today that an individual can contribute to the potential ruination of a long-standing institution that, despite its frustrations, has provided entertainment for more than 100 years.

Let's be brutally honest - tomorrow's result is to all intense and purposes an irrelevance.

The club, unfortunately, is on a vertical downward spiral with an owner who is to football what Hamas is to liberal democracy and a manager who couldn't select a pick and mix let alone a winning football team.

It pains me to make these comments as I've always had a soft spot for Torquay despite living some 100 miles to the west.

I feel incredibly sorry for those who spend hard-earned money following the Gulls, only to be treated abysmally by the management structure.

I would respectfully suggest that lessons could be learnt from Exeter City, while conceding that they had a major stroke of luck with the income from their cup ties with Manchester United. However, from a distance, they do appear to be well run.

Colorado - I think that Troy Tempest would be a better option!!

A couple of points.

It would be interesting to know how many inadequate players and crocks Torquay United has signed over the past three seasons. I know he won't be given his P45, but it merely emphasises what an utterly useless 'scout'-and I use the term advisedly - Peter Johnson is. A prime case of nepotism.

Secondly, my son has heard a rumour that the club can't sack Gary Johnson as he, apparently, worked unpaid for some months due to the financial position. The tom tom drums have it that there is now a clause in Johnson's contract that he can't be dismissed.

A couple of generic points:

More information emanates from North Korea than is released by Torquay United re just about anything - e.g. injuries, selection & potential recruitment.

Secondly, the Eastbourne goal was awarded and no amount of protest by players or supporters will have changed that fact.

Johnson saying that he will 'see the job out' must be the most dispiriting four words that anyone has so far uttered in 2024.

In any other walk of life, someone proving as incompetent as Johnson would have been handed their P45 a long time ago.

I don't think it's been mentioned yet, so I'll possibly be the first to say it 'Johnson G, Downes, Johnson P and Edwards OUT!!

Why does Mr Johnson need to keep the identity of any signings covert?

I'm sure that it won't make one iota of difference to the tactics or formation adopted by the opposition.

Based on the quality of signings over the past two seasons, any new recruits are unlikely to be stellar!!

No disrespect to the last post but one.

However, if Ross Marshall is considered an 'almost certain starter' that, in my opinion, sums up the club's current predicament. He may be an honest trier who gives 100% commitment but also appears to be a liability who, judging by previous posts, evidently doesn't have the skills or acumen to be a professional footballer.