Torquay United Fans Forum

27th January 2025

JANUARY NEWSLETTER


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Chairman’s welcome

Welcome to 2025, a New Year of expectations, entertainment and hope. We are all well aware of the tumultuous events of last year which tested our resolve but brought out the best in each one of us.

The Bryn Consortium and TUST partnership has turned the club’s fortunes around but we are under no illusions that running a football club is not only a huge challenge but also a huge responsibility. Not everything will go according to plan but I can tell you that there is much work going on behind the scenes to ensure this special football club is sustainable and successful to make all of you proud to say you support Torquay United.

A key, major element in this transformation are you our members. We cannot thank all 1,146 of you enough for your support and loyalty. We appreciate that our membership was swelled as a result of those investing in our Community Share Issue for which we, and the club, are forever grateful. We are all on an exciting journey and the future is yellow!

Later in this newsletter we repeat parts of the club statement regarding an alleged homophobic incident on Saturday now being investigated. This comes in addition to a security sniffer dog being present at the ground on Saturday as a result of drugs being brought into the ground at a recent match.

These are serious matters putting the club at risk with the FA which can result in financial penalties and potentially the loss of points which could be the difference between being champions, being in the play-offs or even missing out on promotion.

Danni Wyatt and myself have been tasked with putting together a Club Charter for which we may call upon members to send in their views. More news on this as things develop.


TUFC Board

Last month saw new TUST appointed board member Danni Wyatt join existing TABM Nick Brodrick at her first Club board meeting. She says that she was warmly welcomed by the Bryn consortium and non-exec directors and was able to contribute to the discussions.

Much of that discussed is of a confidential nature and cannot be recorded here in detail. In summary, there are an increasing number of infrastructure issues arising at Plainmoor that are placing financial demands on the Club’s resources. Emphasis on improvements to the hospitality offer continue to be a priority such as the new TV screens in Boots & Laces. Matchday income has increased, not just from larger crowds but also increased and longer use of the bars and restaurants.

Other feedback from the Club board included approval for the additional handrails in Bristows Bench.

Truro ticketing

In light of supporters’ concerns about the allocation of Truro tickets for the Good Friday game, TUST was in contact with the club and has been advised that the Club received no communication from Truro prior to the tickets going on sale. Normally there would have been consultation between clubs and TUFC are ensuring that this is the case for forthcoming away games that are likely to attract a large following such as Weston-Super-Mare.

Unacceptable behaviour putting Club at risk

The Club has today announced that it is investigating an allegation of homophobic language being made by a Torquay United fan towards the referee at the end of Saturday’s match at Plainmoor against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Chief Executive Officer, Joe Lovell says: “Abuse and discriminatory behaviour is totally unacceptable and directly against our values as a club and a community. Beyond the harm and distress it causes individuals, it brings serious consequences for the club—reputational, financial, and sporting—including potential sanctions such as fines, reduction in crowd capacity and point deductions, all of which could have a material and tangible impact upon what happens on the pitch. We urge all supporters to stand with us and call out discrimination of all kinds, and ensure Plainmoor remains a welcoming, family-friendly and inclusive place for all,”

TUST shares the Club’s concern over such instances and calls on the very small minority of supporters who do this to think of the consequences before making unacceptable comments whether in the ground or on social media or online forums.

Read the Club’s full statement here: "https://torquayunited.com/club-statement-19/"]


Supporter Liaison

The Club are backing a TUST proposal to introduce a Supporter Liaison Officer and a team of Matchday Ambassadors. With this in mind, Nick Brodrick recently spent a day at St James’ Park shadowing Exeter’s Supporter Liaison Officer and his team. He has picked up a number of useful ideas from the visit and has met with Club representatives to discuss how they may be adopted at Plainmoor.

We shall be inviting applications for this voluntary position very shortly and sending candidates a job description with a view to holding interviews.

In addition, the club has appointed TUST member Sam Balsdon as an unpaid Disability Officer. Over the years Sam has done a fantastic job raising money for a roof on the home disability area as well as being the unofficial guardian for the disabled supporters’.


Marketing initiatives

A sub-committee chaired by Sam Druiff is exploring potential new schemes for raising funds for the Club. They have already spoken with the Club and both parties are excited by the opportunities identified. Details coming soon!

Other TUST projects

With last year’s challenges and successful share issue behind us, TUST is now embarking on some new projects. Fundamentally, we will be reviewing our strategic direction and how our funds should be spent. We will be consulting our membership over the next few months.

We are also reviewing our website with a view to launching a completely new site.

Harry Lovering, having been elected to the board in November, is leading a project to work with the Club to promote it with younger fans via players visiting schools and colleges.


Community Share Issue - Investor Rewards update

Director for the Day – is running well with positive feedback from participants. The next six matches are allocated and only three more to go this season.

Investor Member Board – delivery expected by the end of the month. Arrangements for mounting on the wall and access for investors to view the board being discussed with the Club.

Investor packs - share certificates and pin badges have been received and arrangements are being made to pack in envelopes which will be available in early February. The aim is to encourage as many investors as possible to collect these. Those not collected by hand will be posted at a later date.

Meet the Manager – details coming soon!

Paint Up Plainmoor

Decoration work is currently underway in The Gulls Nest and Devonshire Suite. External works will resume when the weather improves.

Back in the Game

TUST is backing a national campaign led by Prostate Cancer Uk and PHS Group to make provision for the disposal of male sanitary wear in football stadiums. We hope to introduce facilities shortly.

Contact TUST

If you have any issues that you wish to raise with TUST or its appointed directors on the Club board, please mail us at [email protected] or speak to any of our board members. We always welcome supporters’ views and you will get a response!


JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

8th November

FAN ZONE

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

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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: [email protected].

*****

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

30th August 2024

FAN ZONE

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

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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: [email protected]

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

FAN ZONE

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

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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? [email protected].

*****

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.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

13th June 2024

FAN ZONE

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

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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 : [email protected]. 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: [email protected]

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

7th June 2024

FAN ZONE

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

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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 - [email protected].

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

To Fans of a certain age who follow Cricket the 3 WWW's who appeared at a Torquay Cricket Festival in 1958 were Worrell, Walcott and Weekes, 3 of the greatest Test Match Players of all time all of whom played for West Indias and who all came from Barbados.

I still have my old Autograph book and the first page has Eric Webber, Mervyn Gill, Dennis Penford and Eddie Marsh again I guess late 1950's anyone remember them? Mervyn was our Goalkeeper and Eric Webber our longest ever serving Manager over 14 years!

JimNichol'sdog wrote: 25 May 2024, 18:13 I might be being obtuse, but would someone enlighten me on the reference to '115 reasons'?

115 FFP charges against Manchester City

I might be being obtuse, but would someone enlighten me on the reference to '115 reasons'?

24th May 2024

FAN ZONE

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

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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?

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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.

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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: [email protected].

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

18th May 2024

FAN ZONE

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: [email protected]

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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.

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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.

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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

On what is the club’s 125th birthday, TUST welcomes the statement released by the administrator today. Our discussions with the Bryn Consortium led by Michael Westcott are positive and ongoing.

More updates will be issued when appropriate.

A BRIGHT YELLOW FUTURE

CONSORTIUM BID UPDATE

Dear member

Following today’s announcement that the club has gone into administration we are writing to update you on TUST’s position.

We can confirm that a final offer was submitted yesterday (Thursday) by our consortium, which includes a group of six businessmen (all long-standing supporters). We have been advised by the Administrator’s legal representative to expect a decision early next week.

We are pleased that the Club has said in its statement earlier today that it has received at least one offer from other parties – we think this is excellent and encouraging news for the Club and TUFC supporters given that there are options to choose from. We have full confidence in the Administrator to make the best choice for the sustainable future of our beloved football club.

In the event the Administrator indicates that ours is the preferred bid, then we will immediately commence our due diligence workstreams (financial, legal, operational) which we need to be completed to our satisfaction ahead of final confirmation of our offer.

Concurrently during this period, TUST will consult its members on the final bid proposal and the planned launch of a fund-raising campaign, which will include a Community Share Issue.

Together with our consortium partners, we plan to organise an in-person open forum for TUST members, potentially as early as next week (possibly Thursday evening – April 11th), to provide more details of the bid and the wider business plan to members and fans and during which we can address your questions as best we can.

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

A BRIGHT YELLOW FUTURE

TUST is working in partnership with a group of business people who are long-standing supporters on a plan to save and rebuild our football club. This will involve a call to arms to raise further funds with details to follow in due course.

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EASTER MONDAY UPDATE

It may be 1st April but with another huge game at Plainmoor this afternoon it will be no place for fools. Let's get as many of us as possible along to the game and support the team on to a much-needed victory in our relegation battle.

The match will be preceded by Radio Devon coverage from 2pm including interviews with TUST Chairman, Nick Brodrick, and lead investor Michael Westcott. Tune in and hear more about our bid to take over the club and reset it as a fan-friendly, community focused club.

Since the announcement of our bid last Thursday we have seen another surge in TUST membership to well over 800. We simply don't know what other offers the club have received, if any, but many supporters now see this as the most attractive option for the club's future.

Furthermore, since going public with our bid other potential investors have come forward and we have introduced these to the consortium thereby strengthening the funding of the offer.

We have received a number of enquiries about TUST's own fundraising and Community Share Issue. Details of this will follow soon with additional information about our consortium's plans for the club. If you are interested in supporting the bid in this way please wait until these details are released.

These are challenging but exciting times for our football club but the absolute priority today has to be victory and 3 points this afternoon. Let's all get behind Aaron and the boys and hopefully we can take one step closer to NLS safety.

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
DEVON DAY SUCCESS FOR UNITED IN FRONT OF RIVAL FANS

WILL TUST’S FAN LED CONSORTIUM SAVE TORQUAY UNITED?

WILL AN INDEPENDENT REGULATOR BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO FOOTBALL?

On a crisp, sunny but windswept Spring afternoon the Yellow Army, swelled by fans predominantly from Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, plus a few seen with scarves of Nottingham Forest, Bristol Rovers, Yeovil, Leicester and Carlisle swelled the Plainmoor gate to 3,029 on what was a special Devon Day on the annual Non-League Day.

They witnessed two sides of Torquay United; in the first half an exhibition of possession, fast flowing football which resulted in a 1-0 lead and a backs-to-the wall rearguard display with players putting their bodies on the line to defend that lead in the second half.

And there was a collective sigh of relief as the final whistle blew.

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United’s woes off the pitch are well documented as the club goes into a second extension of 10 business days (more when you factor in Easter) to buy more time to find a buyer.

Both Argyle and Grecian fans are well aware of grave situations like this. It was 20 years ago that Exeter City fell into administration with Plymouth suffering a similar fate 12 years ago.

Both went through pain and demotion before making return journeys back through the leagues with Argyle now in the Championship and City in League 1.

Yes, the Gulls might be fighting for their lives to stay in National South but who is not to say that at some point in the future United will be a football league side once again, under the right ownership?

And on Thursday the TUST led consortium was announced as a bidder to take over the club to take the club off life support. But it’s now in the hands of owner Clarke Osborne to decide - unless the club goes into administration.

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Saturday was a special day for several reasons for a number of people. Much travelled Neil Warnock, manager of eighteen clubs, including a stint at Torquay, having been in talks with a group of potential investors, made an appearance.

It was also a day to remember for TUST’s 750th member, Stuart Chapman from Essex, who was presented with a book, “Torquay United - A History in 50 Matches” written and signed by its author Steve Harris in a ceremony in Boots & Laces before the game.

And for the one lucky winner of the half-time 50-50 draw who walked away with a whopping £1,900 which included a £750 rollover from an unclaimed draw last home match.

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So, after two damaging defeats - Taunton and Tonbridge - what had changed to see such a transformation?

Last week’s column called for no more Mr Nice Guy and maybe Robbie Herrera being drafted in to help Aaron Downes helped. However, Downes’s ‘get out of jail’ card was putting skipper Asa Hall in the middle of defence with Dean Moxey.

This experienced duo gave a master class in defending not bad for 37 and 38 year olds with between them almost 1,200 professional appearances in their careers.

The big question now is can Downes motivate this squad to replicate Saturday’s performance on the away travels? Good Friday’s defeat at Yeovil answered that.

With only six fixtures left, four on the road, and United’s last away success back in November, points on their travels are vital. Saturday’s three points gave the Gulls a cushion of five points away from the danger zone, now down to four.

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With new owners one of the hopes is the establishment of a proper academy. Last week I wrote about Ollie Watkins, local lad who ‘got away’ and is now an England international. So, what about another local boy Kieffer Moore? A Wales international. And to these two we can now add Jamie ‘he’s one of our own’ Reid who on his Northern Ireland debut scored inside the first seven minutes. Future talented youngsters living in and around Torbay have to be snapped up in the Torquay model for they are the ones who will generate much needed income.

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In the National League it’s congratulations to Chesterfield who clinched promotion back to the EFL with a 3-0 win over Boreham Wood, surprisingly in the relegation drop area. Chesterfield have dominated the division having been top since September.

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It’s well known that the Premier League is awash with funds which they keep talking about distributing down through the football pyramid but have yet to agree how. With their recent inability to deliver £900million, the Government announced the Football Governance Bill which has cross-party support in the Commons. With an independent regulator running football with powers to fine clubs, as well as sorting out financial mismanagement, it’s a win for fans who will have a stronger voice in the running of their clubs.

The one disappointing fact is that the regulator’s influence will stop at the National League Premier but that doesn’t mean clubs below that can’t set up their own fan involvement.

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Non-League Crowd Watch: Chesterfield 9,907, Southend 7,251, Bromley 3,738, Aldershot 3,501, Torquay 3,029.

An Ocean Latto goal mid-way through the second half looked to have given Torquay Women a precious three points at relegation rivals Southampton on Sunday but the home side netted a late equaliser.

Easter Monday sees United at home to Weston-Super-Mare with a win top of the agenda.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk