TUST Updates

[TUST_Official]

26th September 2020

HERALD EXPRESS - FANS' ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's latest column in this week's Herald Express

LATEST PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS DEAL A HAMMER BLOW TO NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUBS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES

(Note: Nick's column was written at the start of the week - there have been developments since then)

The safe return of fans to elite football stadiums continues, for obvious reasons, to be a major topic but yesterday’s news that the Government has paused the return of fans to all sports stadiums has dealt a hammer blow to any hopes of a return anytime soon. With the National League’s chosen start date for season 2020-21 of October 3 drawing closer - now only eleven days away - there’s a huge decision to be taken by the league’s board. At the time of going to press they may well be waiting for further details but the likelihood is that this embargo on fans returning will be in place for some time. So what are the likely repercussions?

From the outset of the coronavirus outbreak the National League has made it clear that fixtures will not be played behind closed doors. So will that mean no season at all or a curtailed one, for example each team only playing each other once? After all no gate revenue is unsustainable.

There was a glimmer of hope last Saturday when, after intense lobbying by the EFL to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, seven clubs, down from the original 10, across the Championship, Leagues One & Two, were able to admit up to 1000 spectators.

And finally the National League board joined in and were given permission for fans to be admitted at friendlies last night at Dagenham & Redbridge, Yeovil Town and Dartford plus a further one at Notts County on Saturday. But this turned out to be a false dawn.

The worst case scenario is a threat to the very existence of the clubs that supporters hold dear, so could historic football clubs go to the wall? Are we about to see National League & EFL teams go out of business - many were on the brink even before Covid-19. And don’t forget the impact of this on every club’s local community.

The only way to avoid this potential disaster is for a support package to be put in place. More than 100 sports organisations have written a letter to the Government warning of an increasing crisis in professional and grass-roots sport, stating, “ Covid-19 has undermined our commercial revenue streams with both stadium and leisure facilities closed or greatly reduced in capacity.” Adding, “ The impact of this will potentially lead to a lost generation of sport and activity.”

These are serious times calling out for measured leadership.

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Could live steaming be a possible saviour assuming all National League clubs can offer the facility?

It’s rightly been welcomed by all United fans for its good quality pictures - now with replays - (and on Saturday was considerably better than the performance against Chippenham who, don’t forget, in National South season did the double over the Gulls) - and there are, no doubt, many Plainmoor faithfuls, with or without a season ticket, who would be happy to pay to watch from their sofa. Perhaps the commentary team would be better situated centrally rather than in Number 10 restaurant?

Currently the pre-season matches have cost £4 but assuming there’s no conflict with the NL contract with BT Sport, then the league matches could be live streamed at say £10 or £12. All this should be possible in the short term but for many clubs this would not be sustainable potentially leading to more Macclesfields.

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Macclesfield being wound up was not a shock given their debts of £500,000 but has highlighted the need for the FA’s owners’ and directors’ tests being tightened up. Back in August this column did pose the question about Macclesfield actually taking part this season and there is still the possibility, albeit rather remote, that they could. National League CEO Michael Tatershall explains, “ The winding up order has been made but what are the options for the club? Is there any way of that being rescinded under the law? We will have to see what the club’s options are and what it chooses to do next.”

TUST has been in contact with the club’s supporters’ trust to offer support for a club founded in 1874 starting out as the 8th Cheshire Rifle Volunteers before amalgamating with the Olympic Cricket Club and moving into Moss Rose in 1891. They made it into the Football League in 1997 and their debut opening match was a 2-1 home win over visitors ….Torquay United.

Following the weekend news that Isthmian League South East side Guernsey pulled out of the season, on Monday Southern League Merthyr Town also decided to forfeit the season and their place in the FA Cup or face going bust.

So how many more will follow suit?

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No ‘Three Word Fun’ this week as it would be interesting to learn how many Gulls fans would pay for matches live streamed. Please answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and send to: [email protected]

As always to the Yellow Army stay safe.

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

[TUST_Official]

TUST, on behalf of the Yellow Army, and all other National League fans, is relieved to learn that, with the 2020-21 season just days away, the Government has bowed to the growing pressure put on it, to hand a bailout grant thought to be £2 - £3 million per month to support all clubs in the three divisions.

TUST has, along with many other organisations and individuals, contributed to and supported the campaign to save the National League.

As the Minister for Sport, Nigel Huddlestone said today, “ local teams are the heartbeats of their communities.”

Whilst the funding is an important, vital element, TUST urges all football fans to contact their MP to petition for stadiums to be re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so. The live streaming of matches is a very welcome initiative but is no substitute for supporters being inside grounds.

[TUST_Official]

3rd October 2020

HERALD EXPRESS - FANS' ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's latest column in this week's Herald Express

DEVASTATING NEWS WITH THE KNOCK-ON EFFECT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES TOO AWFUL TO CONTEMPLATE

(Note: Nick's column was written at the start of the week - there have been developments since then)

Could this be the most momentous week in the history of Torquay United and other clubs like them in the National League?

The start of the 2020-21 National League season was decided some time ago but here we are three days away with clubs still not knowing if it will or won’t kick-off. Last Thursday the NL board held a meeting with member clubs at which three options were discussed, namely, delaying the season, cancelling the season or playing without fans.

While there is a determination to get the season underway, there are major concerns about the implications of continuing with no income.

As a result, the National League, decided against making a decision about starting the season and issued a statement: “ In recognition of the financial uncertainty facing its member clubs, the NL is actively engaged with government, with the assistance of the FA, to secure a critical financial package, and it is hoped this can be announced very soon.” All clubs were then asked to fill in a financial questionnaire based on net gate receipts for the next six months.

However, by Saturday the NL board sent out another statement, “ The Board is aware that whilst some clubs may want to commence the season without external support, ie help from the Government, the vast majority of clubs require financial help to be able to sustain their participation over the coming months without crowds.”

Then on Sunday the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, announced on BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show that the Premier League were moving towards a £250 million rescue package for the EFL. This may be all well and good but it doesn’t include the National League.

On behalf of not only all Gulls’ supporters but all NL clubs TUST wrote to Dowden to point out, in detail, the seriousness of the situation for our clubs. TUST also issued a press release as well as contacting our three local MPs and Andy Walsh at the FSA.

It would appear that the National League’s hopes are pinned on Government support but says, “ Should this not occur, the Board will review and consider its stance.”

For a professional, elite league this leadership is extremely disappointing.

By Monday afternoon the BBC was reporting that it was unlikely a rescue package would be agreed this week so where on earth does this leave the NL? Also on Monday, former FA chairman, Greg Dyke, and others wrote to the Government in the strongest possible terms, stating, “ the collapse of the national league structure that we have known for 100 years is now at risk.”

Many EFL and National League clubs are actively preparing to “ cease playing …and put their businesses into administration which includes making all but essential staff redundant, closing down their youth academies and community foundations.”

All this is devastating news with the knock-on effect on local communities and businesses too awful to contemplate.

There are other issues too with non-league clubs thinking of withdrawing from this weekend’s FA Cup qualifying round. Clubs in National League North met last week as they were concerned that their participation would have financial repercussions because playing the ties would trigger contracts which teams would then have to honour for the full campaign.

These contracts were drawn up based on information provided by the FA via the NL and the clubs say,” ..should there be a delay to the NL North season then these contracts would be activated by the FA Cup fixture leaving clubs exposed to having to pay players for the rest of the season.”

By the time this column appears let’s hope there is positive news.

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There also remains a National League mystery. Just what is the status of Macclesfield Town? Are they or aren’t they in business? There’s been no confirmation from the NL as to whether the top division has one team less or not.

The NL fixtures for Saturday in all the national newspapers list Macclesfield at home to Bromley, the NL website lists the fixture but the Macclesfield site doesn’t and Bromley’s says TBC.

Whether the league season starts and Macclesfield Town are part of it we all await to find out.

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After the Bath City friendly was called off, Gulls’ boss Gary Johnson must have been grateful for Monday afternoon’s workout against an Exeter City side, giving useful preparation should Stockport, despite being a lockdown area, come to Plainmoor.

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Last week’s question about live streaming produced a flood of positive replies, 100% would willingly pay to watch the Gulls, home and away. One, from Nigel Hickman feels it would be popular with exiles living away from the Bay.

Interestingly, over the first two weekends of the EFL season live streams on club websites have attracted 150,000 viewers, around 40% of the average match day crowd across the three divisions, equalling around one third of their usual gate receipts, including season ticket holders

Please send me your thoughts about what’s happening to football to: [email protected]

To the Yellow Army stay safe.

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

[TUST_Official]

8th October 2020

FANS' ZONE

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

LATE STRIKES ON SATURDAY AND TUESDAY GO FOR AND AGAINST UNITED - #LETFANSIN PETITION HITS 100,000 SIGNATURES - LIVE STREAMING ISSUES AT BROMLEY

Whilst it might have been the late, late show when that ball rolled into the Family Stand goal on Saturday in the 90th+1 minute, the club’s directors, sitting behind, could have been excused for breathing a collective huge sigh of relief. Not just because United had beaten the title favourites, Stockport County, but those months of hard work by everyone at the club had all been worthwhile.

TUST and the Yellow Army salutes all those at the club who have worked tirelessly to welcome competitive football back.

Yes, it’s only the first game and whilst the visitors dominated play for the majority of the match and must have been kicking themselves all the way home that they didn’t win, three points from the opening game are of greater importance than the performance.

The ‘surprise’ arrival of three gifted loan signings on the day underlined the owner’s financial support for the manager and the club’s determination to make this the season United return to the Football League.

However, two late goals at the Silverlake Stadium on Tuesday night from Eastleigh’s on loan striker, Ben House, from Reading, brought the Gulls crashing back to earth.

The absence of fans inside grounds and the work carried out by clubs to make stadiums Covid secure was laid bare in Saturday’s Football Focus when BBC cameras visited Dagenham & Redbridge. Managing director Steve Thompson explained that whilst there has been no football nor any of their entertainment areas open they’ve taken in around £150,000, whereas in the same period this would normally be £1million.

Amazingly, it was only on Friday evening that the National League confirmed the financial help which could guarantee a start. “ A £10m grant has been secured over three months following negotiations between the league, the FA and the government, “ it announced.

There is potential to expand the support should supporters still not be allowed to return to stadiums. But the next issue is how this money is to be divided up across the three divisions, probably based on average attendances but this may not be straightforward. Every club will have its own business model to satisfy so let’s hope this gets resolved soon.

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Saturday was a pretty wet and windy day so actually the Yellow Army were grateful to view the game from the comfort of their own home with the top quality live streaming. A few clubs unfortunately had issues, in particular Dover’s match against Notts County. And on Tuesday Dover’s supporters had more heartache as they once again failed to watch their team in action when Bromley’s streaming hit problems - mind you Dover did lose 4-1. With United at Bromley on Saturday it may have to be TUFC Radio for commentary.

A TUST survey over the weekend found that every National League club is offering this service. Prices vary from Eastleigh’s £7.99 to Woking’s £12 and Wrexham leaving the fans to choose from three options, £10, £15 or £20 depending on their circumstances. £9.99 was the most popular.

Hopefully, it may be possible to have a table of attendances to see how each club does as the EFL have done. To date the most streamed games are: in the Championship Watford v Luton 12,497, League 1 Sunderland v Peterborough 8,617 and League 2 Bolton v Newport 6,223.

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There does appear to be some movement to finding a way for spectators to return as the Government has a ‘crack team’ charged with finding a high-tech solution. The Tech Innovation Group will feature sport, health and tech experts and as Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden explained, it would look at innovations such as tracking devices to measure social distancing between fans, fluorescent disinfectants to reveal how often surfaces were touched and ways of making travel to and from venues safer.

Who would have thought? Sounds like something from a sci-fi novel!

However, in the last few days it has been announced that the Royal Albert Hall is to be allowed a maximum of 3,000 audience members in December and the O2 as many as 4,700. So why not football in the open air?

On Wednesday this week the #LetFansIn petition, backed by TalkSport, to allow football fans to attend matches at all levels has now collected more than 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a debate in Parliament.

The Government really needs to re-think its policy on spectators attending outdoor events.

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This is the time of a new season when pundits put their reputations on the line to predict the champions and their choices for play-off contenders.

Dave Thomas goes for Wrexham (Champions) with Boreham Wood, Maidenhead, Notts County, Stockport, Sutton and Torquay.

The Non-League Paper’s Adam Virgo has Notts County (C) with Boreham Wood, Hartlepool, Solihull, Stockport, Wrexham, Yeovil.

A Dag & Red blogger goes for Boreham Wood (C) with Stockport, Yeovil, Solihull, Notts County, Eastleigh, Bromley.

In the spirit of joining in, this column goes for Torquay (C) with Stockport, Wrexham, Sutton, Boreham Wood, Solihull, FC Halifax.

So now it’s your turn! Send me your title tip to: [email protected]

As always to the Yellow Army stay safe and keep streaming!

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

[TUST_Official]

15th October 2020

FANS' ZONE

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

GARY JOHNSON’S BIG PICTURE IS A PROMOTION PUSH BACK TO THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE - WITH AN FA CUP RUN?

If you are an ardent Gulls’ fan, with the Yellow Army running through you, you wouldn’t want to be leaving your living room live streaming the match before the end - if you were in a ground and did so, the opposition fans would be singing “ Cheerio, cheerio” and waving you goodbye as you headed for the exits - as the winner, and only goal, at Plainmoor on the opening day, came in the 91st minute but last Saturday’s late penalty drama came in the 93rd minute as Danny Wright coolly sent the Bromley keeper the wrong way.

Then on Tuesday evening Wynter’s touch - yes, the club have accredited Ben as the scorer - to claim the winner, came in the 94th minute; talk about leaving it late!

But for a little better finishing the late Eastleigh winner in the 83rd minute wouldn’t have mattered; fine margins and United could, after four games, have been unbeaten. Eastleigh seem to be a bogey side as the last time the Gulls won against them was in 2015 with nine defeats, and a draw, from the last ten played between the teams.

Despite a number of the squad having to play out of position, it’s clear to see that the Gary Johnson magic and philosophy of how to play football is rubbing off onto the players. The bonus now is that a number of the injured ones are beginning to return.

It was good to see that on the opening day, the National League Team of the Day featured Lucas Covolan and Aaron Nemane while last Saturday Kyle Cameron was picked.

If evidence was needed that no matches in this league are easy it was there on Monday evening as Maidenhead - no points from three games and minus 8 goal difference - travelled to the Racecourse ground to beat fancied Wrexham.

Next up at Plainmoor are Dover, thrashed 5-0 at home by Aldershot on Tuesday evening and come with a goal difference of minus 10, having already shipped twelve goals.

After that it’s an FA Cup trip to Hampshire to play Sholing, currently 8th in the Southern League Division One South - the same division as Willand Rovers, Bideford and Barnstaple.

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Whilst in certain areas of the country coronavirus cases are increasing, the #LetFansIn campaign petition has continued to gather pace and now has around 200,000 signatures. This column makes no excuses for this being a recurring weekly theme because football clubs need their supporters to be allowed back before more clubs follow Bury and Macclesfield.

TUST continues to support the FSA’s Sustain the Game initiative while the #LetFansIn has the backing of the Premier League, the FA and EFL. An open letter sent to the Government asks for the return of the test event programme adding, “ We will continue to urge the relevant authorities to let us use innovative ways to bring fans safely back into football grounds.”

Disappointingly the National League board has yet to announce how the Government’s £10m grant is to be distributed to the 67 members, many of whom are desperate to learn how much of the pot they’ll be allocated. As every week goes by clubs with no fans and no income are in danger of folding.

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Now, as if the current situation isn’t bad enough along comes another bombshell in the form of Project Big Picture with the top six big boys wanting to orchestrate a football revolution that is likely to split the game into the haves and the have-nots.

Should this plan gain sufficient support the Premier League will end up with 18 teams - down from 20 - but the three EFL leagues will keep their current numbers totalling 72. So the current football pyramid will ‘lose’ two teams down from 92 to 90.

How would this affect promotion and relegation between League 2 and the National League?

There’s no question that Covid-19 has hastened the need for football to have a total re-think with reduction in squad sizes and introducing salary caps as a start to address some of the issues but surely Project Big Picture is a step too far but bound to split opinion. Especially as it comes hot on the heels of another suggestion that Premier League B teams should be part of the EFL structure.

Following a Premier League meeting on Wednesday the Big Picture has been kicked into touch but other plans are now being discussed.

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Something positive has, though, come out during these difficult times and that’s the introduction and availability of live streaming. With the Yellow Army spread far and wide, it’s now possible to watch United’s games from anywhere in the world and when life returns to normal with fans allowed inside stadiums, keeping the live streaming would be fantastic and a money spinner for the home clubs.

There have been, not unexpectedly, teething problems such as recent games at Dover, Bromley and Aldershot. The Shots expect to have a new version in time for their next home game …against the Gulls.

Bromley’s coverage on Saturday, a three hour show with pre-match interviews, in-game graphics, first-half highlights at half-time and multi-camera angles with replays has set the bar high for other National League clubs to follow.

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Stockport County were the title favourites with the bookmakers, various pundits have Notts County and Wrexham as theirs while this column has gone for Gary Johnson’s Gulls.

So who is your title tip? Go on stick your neck out and then send your choice to: [email protected]

To all the Yellow Army stay safe - and keep streaming.

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

[TUST_Official]

22nd October 2020

FANS' ZONE

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

THREE WINS ON THE SPIN - BUT COULD GOAL DIFFERENCE BE IMPORTANT BY THE END OF THE SEASON ?

Three league wins on the spin and one narrow defeat, second in the early table - what’s not to like? If being picky is allowed, had Dover lost the game last Saturday by at least 5-0 as United’s chances and misses began to stack up indicated they should, then the Gulls would be sitting top, on goal difference, as we go into FA Cup week.

During the summer Gary Johnson said it would be important to accumulate as many points as quickly as possible in case the season is curtailed early. So has the National League formally adopted the points per game formula as part of the rules for this season? And if so how many matches have to be played for this scenario to kick in? Winning matches as conclusively as possible is going to be vital as goal difference could be crucial - finishing top rather than second with automatic promotion at stake.

As we move towards winter, it seems likely that coronavirus cases will increase with more footballers potentially being affected and matches called off. This was highlighted last weekend when a Barnet player tested positive resulting in their home match being postponed late Friday evening after Hartlepool had already travelled to North London. By Sunday, Barnet sent out a statement saying more than one player was affected But Notts County, probably now wishing they hadn’t as they lost 2-3, played their home game against Maidenhead despite having four players testing positive.

It would seem the National League needs to urgently issue clear guidance about the protocol for postponing matches due to Covid positive tests as currently clubs can effectively make their own decisions but any club could call off a match if they have a key player(s) missing.

The integrity of the competition would then be compromised if any club is tempted to abuse this loophole. It will, then, be important to avoid a fixture pile-up especially as FA Cup and Trophy matches are about to be added into the mix.

One match day bonus is that with numerous sanitised balls dotted around touchlines, the games have speeded up as the ball is quickly back in play so there is more actual football to watch.

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United will have received news on Wednesday telling them that as an ex-Football League club and based on average attendances, they will be receiving £95,000 a month over the next three months from the Government/National Lottery £10million grant to the National League. Six other former League sides will be given the same amount although Aldershot, Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet are not so lucky as they and all the others in the NL will receive £84,000 a month while teams in North & South will get less. As part of the deal when stadiums are open again National Lottery players will be offered free tickets and VIP tours of Wembley Stadium.

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United’s FA Cup record over the past few years has been pretty disappointing going out last season at the first attempt at Maidstone. This time round it’s a trip to Southern League Division One South Sholing, with £9,375 going to the winning side.

So who are Sholing? Maybe some of their own fans might ask the same question as they’ve had four name changes in their history. Known as The Boatmen, this Hampshire side started in 1884 as Woolston Works. After the First World War they re-formed as Thornycrofts playing in the Hampshire County League and their moment in the limelight came in 1920 when they played Division One Burnley in the FA Cup in front of 10,000 at Fratton Park drawing 0-0 before losing the replay.

In 1960 as Vosper Thornycroft FC they played in the Southampton Junior League until 2010 when they became Sholing FC. Their greatest moment came in 2014 when they defeated West Auckland 1-0 in the FA Vase Final at Wembley.

Player to watch: Dan Mason who, in the 2018-19 season, scored 64 goals in all competitions and last season he netted 21; he has seven so far this season, including the only goal in their 1-0 Hampshire Cup Final win over Lymington Town on Tuesday evening.

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Kyle Cameron appeared, for the second week, in the National League Team of the Day, after the Dover victory. His performances have been eye catching and, if he hasn’t already, he must be attracting interest from clubs higher up the pyramid.

Good to see United’s live streaming on Saturday has filled the half-time void but more acknowledgement of the visiting side would be a further addition as fans from those clubs are watching too. Bromley announced 700 watching when United played there; perhaps these attendance figures could become the norm.

Thanks to those who have sent in their Title Tip for the National League; seems many are agreeing with this column’s tip for the Gulls.

One last week for you to send in yours to: [email protected]

To the Yellow Army stay safe - and keep streaming.



SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

[TUST_Official]

29th October 2020

FANS' ZONE

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

THE TRICK IS TO GET INJURED PLAYERS BACK A LITTLE AT A TIME, THE TREAT IS A HOME FA CUP TIE AS UNITED WRIGHTMOVE TO THE TOP

“ We’ve got a squad now that’s growing and competing for a place, and that’s what we need,” said United manager Gary Johnson after the Gulls’ FA Cup 2-0 victory over Sholing on Saturday.

With experienced players like Asa Hall and Gary Warren returning from injury getting 90 minutes the boss must have been delighted, with the icing on the cake being the return of Armani Little after eight months out. His summer recruitment, topping up the already established players, has given Johnson a formidable squad providing, as all top managers want, a selection headache before each match.

It was interesting to learn from his comments on last week’s Yellow Army podcast that there’s a list of three players compiled every time a goal’s scored - scorer, assist player and contributor. That must be good for team morale acting as an incentive as he’s a great advocate of game management.

So it’s Crawley at home in Round 1, originally it was £22,629 for the winners but the FA have changed the prize money so that the losing teams, which previously got no money will now get 25% of the total to lessen the financial impact of ties being played without fans. The losing side will get £5,657 leaving the winners with £16,972. Last time the teams met in the Cup United, a League club, lost 1-0 to Crawley, then non-league and we all know who Crawley drew in Round 5. This time we’ll know about their haircuts, shoe sizes and relatives!

Following Tuesday night’s thrashing of Aldershot the Gulls find a new home as leaders of the National League after four Wonder goals from Winter, Whitfield and Wright (2) - wow, all power to the W-formation!

If we didn’t already know or appreciate the ability of Gary Johnson, it hit home on Tuesday evening with his half-time ‘ear wigging’ as he demonstrated his managerial experience through making just one personnel change which transformed the Gulls.

United now travel to Hartlepool for Saturday evening’s BT Sport TV match which promises to be a real test for both sides.

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The National League’s Government/National Lottery grant allocation has come under close scrutiny for whilst the top seven ex-Football League clubs, including United, were awarded £95,000 per month for the next three months - a figure based on average attendances - many clubs in National North & South are not happy.

Chester FC in particular have asked the NL board for clarification as to how the support package was put together. They’ll receive £36,000 per month for being one of the five top attended clubs in the North & South with their average being 1,835 but compare that with National club Boreham Wood’s 724 who are receiving £84,000.

Chester, meanwhile, are doubly annoyed as their plans to hold a six day drive-in Hallowe’en cinema event this week had to be called off due to coronavirus rules as whilst the screen in their Deva Stadium car park is in England, the toilets are across the border in Wales!

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Last week this column raised the issue of clubs being able to call off matches with as few as one positive Covid-19 test on a player as Barnet did. Notts County played - and lost - their league match against Maidenhead despite having four players test positive but this weekend cancelled their FA Cup fixture against King’s Lynn, when six players tested positive.

County manager Neal Ardley said, “ I look to the authorities to see what should be done about this. With the lack of testing, ignorance isn’t bliss.” Ardley reckons that every team will have three or four players on the pitch carrying Covid-19. He argues that all clubs should be testing players twice a month but at present this is not mandatory. Maybe this is down to costs but it is an issue which is going to possibly determine whether this season will actually be completed.

Currently there is no player testing protocol in either the EFL or National Leagues.

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Momentum is building to get fans back into grounds after a survey of spectators who attended pilot events drew overwhelmingly positive feedback. This column has brought to your attention the #LetFansIn campaign with the petition to trigger a debate in Parliament reaching almost 200,000 signatures; this is now scheduled for November 9 and in preparation for this Parliament’s Petition Committee has released a follow-up survey which is short and easy to fill in at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CYLH7W/ to be completed by 9am Monday November 2. All football fans are asked to take part You can watch the debate on November 9 at: https://www.youtube.com/UKParliament

Then last Thursday in Parliament MP Ian Mearns asked the Government for a debate “ about the future of our national game.”

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In recent weeks TUST, not only on behalf of its members but also for all football fans, has communicated with our three local MPs on football matters, such as supporters being allowed back into stadiums at the earliest opportunity as well as to the Department for Digital Culture Media & Sport receiving positive responses from all four.

Then last week TUST hosted the meeting of the Devon Supporters Trust Group which involves the supporters trusts of Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle at which views and ideas are exchanged.

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Seems opinion is divided on a Title Tip for the NL league between either Stockport, Hartlepool or the Gulls. Let’s wait to find out!

So would you return to Plainmoor should fans be allowed back into stadiums? Send your yes or no answer to:[email protected]

To the Yellow Army stay safe.

SUPPORT TUST - ATTEND THE VIRTUAL AGM ON 25TH NOVEMBER AT 6.30PM.

Details to follow :

[TUST_Official]

2nd November 2020

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Chairman's comments

Dear members, and fellow TUFC supporters,

Firstly, we congratulate all at Torquay United in making such an excellent, and increasingly entertaining start to the season. Long may it last! Furthermore, we hope that you and your families stay safe and well during this difficult time.

Despite this, I would like to reassure members that your TUST board has been working hard behind the scenes during the last several months in following your remit to support and keep alert to Torquay United's future potential sustainability. Furthermore, to maintain our community outreach on behalf of our supporter base and club.

Secondly, we thank you all for your continued support despite the challenges you may all be facing. We have not received one request to cancel a subscription or take us up on our offer to waive this temporarily during this Covid crisis. YOUR NUMBERS COUNT! Fifty percent of the balance of TUST's income is added to the 'contingency fund', which is there in case it is needed due to any immediate concern that our club's future is at significant risk. The rest is devoted to TUFC related community outreach initiatives, as agreed at the last AGM.

Speaking of AGMs, please note that our 2020 AGM will now be online via Zoom, due to the current and ongoing government coronavirus related restrictions. However, I believe that this provides our 'exiled' members who may live a long distance away, with a number actually abroad, the opportunity to attend. We ask any members who have difficulty with using online to contact us as we would like to make every effort to be as inclusive as we can. The AGM is set for Wednesday, 25th November at 6:30pm and hopefully you will have already received the details. Further instructions re the link up with the meeting and passcode etc. will be sent to you in due course.

Although we have a strong and professional board in place, we are keen to talk to anyone interested in becoming a board member. Particularly, we would like a younger supporter, another female member and someone with an interest in marketing to join our team. Please get in touch via [email protected] if you would like to know more.

Finally, if you read our monthly minutes and weekly Fan Zone bulletins from the Herald Express, you will be aware of the many actions the board have taken on your behalf. These have included keeping abreast of the national football situation, successfully lobbying our local MPs, and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in relation to the government including non- league clubs in any support package as well as the FSA's 'Let Fans In Campaign', obviously with the appropriate safety measures in place. We received detailed and supportive response from all three. Furthermore, we have held virtual meetings with the TUFC directors' representative (Dom Mee) as well as with the Devon Supporters' Trust group (TUST, Argyle ST and Exeter City ST), where we have been able to support each other and share many ideas. Meanwhile, we have also kept in touch with our friends from the Torquay United Community Sports Trust, our MPs, local councillors and business fraternity.

Thank you all for your continued loyal support of TUST and our beloved club.

Michel Thomas

Summary of October board meeting

Review of the commencement of the season
Despite the disappointment of fans not being allowed to attend games, the team has made a successful start to the season, currently five points clear at the top of the National League following the hugely impressive 5-0 win at Hartlepool on Halloween Night.

In the circumstances, the coverage of all games home and away via video streaming is a welcome service. This has given exiles the opportunity to see home games and many supporters who wouldn’t normally get to see away matches have been able to do so.

Feedback from members has indicated that the TUFC's coverage has been positively received but a few have experienced difficulty with the purchasing process and there has been some dissatisfaction with the variable quality of the commentary. In particular it is felt to lack appropriate recognition and reference to visiting teams and respect for the away fans who may be watching and thereby contributing to the Club’s revenue.

The coverage provided by Bromley has set the standard for this level with an extended programme including interviews before and after the game and half-time chat. The coverage had provided several camera angles and the effective use of action replays.

Meeting with club representative

Our next meeting with Dominic Mee (Media and Supporter Liaison Officer) has been scheduled for 4th November. We will report on the outcome of this shortly.

Lobbying and support

In September we contacted the three local MPs and Oliver Dowden (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) to campaign on behalf of TUST in support of fans returning to stadiums. Favourable responses had been received from both Kevin Foster (MP for Torbay) and Anthony Mangnall (MP for Totnes and District). Our Chairman reported that he had exchanged correspondence with Kevin and spoken at length with his representative. He continued to be supportive of TUST, TUFC and the football community in general.

Devon Supporters Trust Group

The latest meeting of this group was hosted by TUST on Zoom on 22nd October. Among the issues discussed were extending the group to cover the SW, the impact of Covid on clubs, trusts’ work in schools, the role of Disability Liaison Officers and the Jack Leslie Campaign.

AGM

Sadly, we will not be able to meet our members in person this year but we hope that as many of you as possible will attend. It will be particularly good to welcome any exiles who would have been unable to attend a local venue. Full details will be sent to our members next week and we would urge you to join us and take the opportunity to let us know what you think.

SUPPORT TUST - ATTEND THE VIRTUAL AGM ON 25TH NOVEMBER AT 6.30PM.

Details to follow

[TUST_Official]

5th November 2020

FANS' ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
OH DANNY BOY - WHAT A WONDERFUL WEEK WITH WRIGHT ON SONG AS UNITED GO FIVE POINTS CLEAR

On Hallowe’en on live TV, the Gulls ghosted through a static Hartlepool defence five times to cement their place as early season pacesetters in the National League. Surely that was the perfect team performance to show on national TV. And to add to the spooky nature of the evening the developing W- formation continued with further strikes from the W-lads, as in the last two fixtures - both away - the goals have come from Wright 5, Whitfield 2, Wynter and Warren. So big pressure on Waters when he gets the nod.

Danny Wright, at 36, showed his class and experience, to record United’s first hat-trick since Jake Andrews against Oxford City in January 2019 and, of course, it was the perfect one: left foot, right foot and header. Not surprisingly he was named in the NL Team of the Day. This was Hartlepool’s joint heaviest home defeat for 26 years and United’s first win there since 1989.

Not only is United’s boss showing his vast experience in game management but also he knows how to motivate, with a smile on his face, as he explained to the BT Sport audience that he tells his defenders to “ defend like your mother’s in goal - you’ve got to protect her!”

Great news that both Sam Sherring and Adam Randell have had their loans extended into early 2021 as they have established themselves as key players in the Gulls’ rise to the top.

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

On Friday on the club’s website an official TUAFC statement acknowledging receipt of the National Lottery grant, said, “ This funding is a lifeline for our club and all National League clubs, it will assist to mitigate the effects of behind closed-doors matches.”

However, as mentioned here last week the allocation of the £10million grant has not gone down well with a host of NL clubs and the Chairman of Hereford United has written, on behalf of 12 other clubs, including Notts County, Wrexham and Yeovil, asking for a funding review and the NL board is to meet this week to discuss the issue. But, with the first instalment already sent to clubs it’s difficult to see how the system can now be changed.

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

Of greater concern is, will the season be completed? Although we are about to enter another lockdown it’s been confirmed that elite football will continue but every week matches are being called off due to Covid-19 related issues. And, as this column has touched on, clubs appear to be calling off matches pretty quickly.

Three NL matches were postponed on Saturday and Tuesday’s re-arranged Barnet v Hartlepool fixture was called off on Saturday, not because either side had coronavirus infections but because Barnet had just played Wrexham who subsequently had a positive case. At this rate to avoid a fixture pile-up the NL will have to consider extending the season.

In Scotland, St Mirren are to be investigated by the Scottish Professional Football League for allegedly breaching Covid-19 rules which led to the postponement of two matches.

And leagues below Step 3, including the Northern Premier, Southern & Isthmian leagues look likely to postpone their fixtures until December 2. But for how much longer could any club below Step 3 survive should lockdown be extended?

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

With clubs throughout the football pyramid at risk of outbreaks of Covid-19 and having to play three matches a week, shouldn’t the special rule allowing five subs, introduced during Project Re-start, be re-visited? Gulls boss Gary Johnson is on record wanting this to be part of the National League and now Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, is on the case as he’s pressing the Premier League to put it back on the table. As Klopp explained, with teams playing every three days and the danger of a rise in muscle injuries, “ I thought it should have been in place in the first place.”

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

Sadly with the introduction of a second lockdown the return of fans to football stadiums has obviously suffered a serious set-back but many thanks to those of you who sent your vote to last week’s question - a 100% yes was the overwhelming consensus for the Yellow Army happy to return to Plainmoor.

Now let’s look forward to Sunday’s FA Cup clash with League 2 Crawley Town on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website. Crawley clearly are not good travellers on the road losing not only their goalkeeper to injury but also the match, 1-0, to Walsall on Tuesday evening.

Last season, before it was curtailed, their away record was: Played 18, Won 1, Drawn 10, Lost 7 with their only win away from home being 3-2 at Leyton Orient on August 24 2019 This season their away record is: Played 7, Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 5 with the only win, 3-2 at Oldham on September 26.

Last time United met Sunday’s visitors was in League 2 in March 2012 with the Gulls winning 1-0 at the Broadfield Stadium thanks to a 79th minute strike from Eunan O’Kane.

The one and only meeting in the FA Cup was in 2011 - and that disappointing result losing to, a then non-league side in Round 4. Sunday should see a competitive test for both sides but what a pity the Yellow Army can’t be there to create a cup upset atmosphere.

So can you predict the score on Sunday? 2-1 to United? Send yours to: [email protected]

In the meantime to all the Yellow Army stay safe.

SUPPORT TUST - ATTEND THE VIRTUAL AGM ON 25TH NOVEMBER AT 6.30PM.

Details to follow :

[TUST_Official]

12th November 2020

FANS' ZONE

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

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF A FOOTBALL MANAGER - SUNDAY DESPAIR WITH FA CUP EXIT - MONDAY ELATION WITH MONTHLY AWARD

With apologies to the Small Faces 1968 No 2 single United’s FA Cup match against Crawley was a Crazy Sunday Afternoon.

How do you explain a result like that? Well the answer is you can’t. 2-0 up at half-time and but for the width of the crossbar Ben Whitfield’s audacious shot would have been three and seemingly game, set and match. But as events turned out even if it had been 3-0 Crawley were made of stern stuff.

In the end, with eleven goals, extra time in normal time - and thank goodness Crawley keeper Tom McGill was released from hospital on Sunday evening - and then extra time, it was an historic encounter fit for the FA Cup record books.

The great pity was, apart from a handful, the Yellow Army cannot claim in years to come, ‘I was there’. You can’t but think had there been supporters the Yellow Army would have willed the team over the line.

Gary Johnson said before the game that he wanted to see how the Gulls matched up against a top half League 2 side and he did! As he said afterwards he and his coaching staff need to assess how six goals went in. And a good job it wasn’t Mothering Sunday as there would have been a lot of unhappy mums in goal!

With Johnson being an experienced manager - and Manager of the Month for October, although he might be hoping the curse of that award has already been erased with Sunday’s result - he will no doubt ensure that the players’ minds are fully tuned in to the important National League form starting on Saturday with the visit of Boreham Wood.

And indeed he has done, for as he explained to the Yellow Army podcast, on Monday he called his two loanees, Sam Sherring and Adam Randell, to check that they were ok. It was also good to hear that the manager had calls from the club’s directors to ensure that he was also in the right frame of mind.

The club should also be congratulated for having put a poppy on each shirt to pay tribute to it having been Remembrance Sunday, with these shirts now up for auction.

United banked £5,657 as Round 1 losers plus £12,500 from the BBC for broadcasting the fixture a little compensation but reaching Round 2 is proving elusive as the last time the Gulls reached this stage was in December 2011 going down 3-2 at Sheffield United with goals from Rene Howe and Danny Stevens.

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

Last week’s column brought to your attention that up to a dozen National League clubs had written to the NL board asking for a review and explanation as to how the £10m grant was allocated. Well the board responded by announcing the creation of an independent review sub-committee.

NL CEO Michael Tattersall wrote to clubs saying the payment schedule “ may vary from month to month due to the fluidity of the current situation and changes in the circumstances of NL clubs.”

This, though, may not satisfy those clubs which feel hard done by so there’s probably more to come with this story.

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

There is also another National League mystery which is the reluctance of clubs to announce their live streaming attendance figures whereas these are readily available in the EFL with monthly tables available for each division.

This may be partly due to the EFL clubs all using the same streaming - iFollow - while in the National League there’s more than one - inPlayer and Brandvox being used.

Whilst streaming in the National League is totally new, iFollow has been established for some time and this could account for the differences.

Using League 2 Carlisle United as an example, their September home matches: Southend 486 streaming ( but they had 1000 in the ground) and v. Barrow 961.

Their away figures were: at Cambridge 643, Scunthorpe 619 and Port Vale 684.

And Carlisle are fourth in the streaming league table in League 2.

The crucial factor from all this is the streaming income compared with ‘normal times’: walk-up ticket sales plus season tickets would normally generate £40,000 per game but streaming only brings in £5,000.

So how does the EFL system work? Before each game the two clubs have to agree on what the away attendance would have been in normal circumstances, that will be based on how many visiting fans made the trip for the corresponding fixture last season.

The home club receives the iFollow money for that number of away subscribers but if the away club sells subscriptions over and above the agreed ‘away attendance’ they bank that money.

As an example last month’s League 1 fixture between Ipswich Town and Accrington Stanley the away figure was agreed at 106 but actually Accrington sold 164 passes so they profited from the extra 58 - making £580.

A sobering thought, though, that although streaming gives the clubs some revenue, Ipswich owner, Marcus Evans, estimates his club will lose around £10m if the entire season is played behind closed doors.

It would interesting if the National League could shed some light on how their streaming system works.

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

No surprise that nobody predicted the correct score for Sunday’s FA Cup match as was last week’s challenge.

For this week who’s scored your ‘Goal of the Season’ contender so far?

Send your choice to: [email protected].

As always to the Yellow Army stay safe.

SUPPORT TUST - ATTEND THE VIRTUAL AGM ON 25TH NOVEMBER AT 6.30PM.

[TUST_Official]

19th November 2020

FANS' ZONE

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

POINTS DROPPED BUT UNITED CONTINUE UNBEATEN LEAGUE RUN AS FANS FAR AND WIDE ENJOY ENHANCED STREAMING

Watching Saturday’s newly extended MatchDay Programme streaming for the National League fixture against Boreham Wood, who gave the Gulls a real physical test, it is clearly a work in progress with the enhanced package much appreciated especially by exiles from far and wide.

It was good to hear from Chris Todd confirming there’s a definite pathway from the Youth Academy through to the first team. And with the match 1899 programme suspended it was important to see the marketing department had plenty of adverts up on the screen.

The most striking part of the pre-match entertainment was a reminder of the inspirational noise from the Yellow Army supporting the team to their 2-1 victory over Boreham Wood on the opening day of last season. How the Yellow Army miss being involved, their chants must be worth at least a goal a game.

The National League’s streaming benchmark is clearly Bromley’s Matchday Live and whilst Dom Mee is not a Helen Chamberlain, he is proving to be a perceptive interviewer. Nobody expects the club’s output to be Sky Sports standard but might the show be called Soccer PM?!

The chat with Billy Waters gave us the quote of the day, for when he was asked about the prolific goalscoring of the team’s previous three games - 14 goals - he replied, “Maybe I’m not needed!”

One last thought, on the BT Sport highlights package why does their camera filming from Bristows appear to be better positioned?

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

Disappointing that United’s game last Tuesday against visitors Solihull Moors was called off on Friday due to their whole squad going into isolation but at least there was plenty of notice unlike last Saturday’s Wealdstone v Dover game which was called off on the Friday afternoon because Dover’s squad held Covid testing that morning and results wouldn’t have been known in time. So the match was called off regardless. By Saturday evening all Dover’s players and staff returned negative results.

If this is how the season is going to continue then expect more postponements and inevitably a serious fixture pile-up.

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

The National League grant saga has now taken another twist as the number of disgruntled clubs increases with them calling for the resignation of the NL chairman, Brian Barwick, which if it happens would come hot on the heels of the FA chairman Greg Clarke quitting last week.

Now a number of MPs are involved including former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch who is appealing for a review into the funding. The crux of the issue is that the clubs argue the £10m lottery funded money was, according to the current Sports Minister Nigel Huddlestone’s statement in Parliament back in September, to be allocated based on gate receipts and this clearly hasn’t been the case.

With the announcement of an independent review committee last week maybe we’ll just have to wait to see the results of their deliberations. But the unrest needs a quick solution.

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

On Tuesday the Government held an all reaching virtual summit on the future of English football with the heads of the FA, National League and Kick It Out discussing the potential return of fans, the reform of football governance and finance, equality and diversity and the women’s game.

Subsequently, it has emerged that the Government has been exploring the possibility of fans being allowed into stadiums by Christmas in areas with the lowest coronavirus infection rates once the second lockdown ends but sadly, with new tiers expected to be introduced, this is likely to rule out Torbay and so no supporters inside Plainmoor.

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

Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElheanney whose takeover of Wrexham was given the green light on Monday, had originally tabled a multi-million pound takeover of Hartlepool in the summer but the current Pools’ owner, Raj Singh, turned them down. Wonder if he’ll regret that now that his only other director, Ian Scobbie, resigned last week.

Meanwhile Wrexham anticipate a big cash injection and plenty of publicity.

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

The Yellow Army podcast is keen to keep listeners updated on ex-Gulls and in particular Manny Duku, who on Saturday hit his 11th goal in all competitions in Raith Rovers 1-0 win over Cowdenbeath. The Johnson brothers knew there were goals in him but just not on the English Riviera or as French paper, L’Equipe, calls Torquay, the Cote d’Azur anglaise!

Last week’s question was to find your Goal of the Season contender so far and the favourite choices are: Adam Randell’s at Bromley, Ben Whitfield’s at Aldershot and Aaron Nemane’s strike against Crawley. So whose goal would you put number one? Send your vote to: [email protected].

Finally a reminder that TUST’s virtual AGM is next Wednesday November 25, for details go to: www.tust.co.uk.

As always to the Yellow Army stay safe.

SUPPORT TUST - ATTEND THE VIRTUAL AGM ON 25TH NOVEMBER AT 6.30PM.

[TUST_Official]

Hi all, just a quick final reminder that it is the TUST AGM tomorrow evening, members should have received an email with log in details and “doors” opening at 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start. Any problems in receiving this then please pm this account.

[TUST_Official]

26th November 2020

FANS' ZONE

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

FOLLOW THE TORQUAY WAY TO A NEW STADIUM AS THE YELLOW ARMY AWAIT NEWS OF A RETURN TO PLAINMOOR

When Clarke Osborne, whose fourth anniversary in charge falls next month, took over ownership of an ailing Torquay United, he set out his vision for the club which involved setting up a five year plan to include appointing local directors and a new stadium complex somewhere in the Bay.

It was good, then, to learn from local director Mel Hayman that the club’s plans are on course despite Covid.

Speaking at a recent Torbay Breakfast Bytes meeting on the Torbay Business Forum, Hayman, in a passionate promotion of the club, confirmed that the five year plan does still include a new stadium. The immediate goal is to put both the club and the English Riviera back into the EFL.

She went on to explain how the club wants to work not just with the local community but the whole of Torbay - ‘The Torquay Way’ - with Osborne still willing to invest millions.

Nobody can fail to see the professional way in which CEO George Edwards runs the club as Hayman explained, from Gary Johnson, his playing squad, and the innovative new shirts as shining examples, these had over 89,000 ‘likes’ on Sky Sports Instagram.

With the team top of the table these are heady exciting times and, as Hayman stressed, the club’s long term vision is to build a sustainable new stadium for the benefit of the Torbay community.

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

The light at the end of the tunnel football fans have been waiting for is in sight! For when lockdown ends next week supporters are to be allowed back into stadiums.

With Devon in tier 2 we know the maximum allowed but how many will actually be allowed into Plainmoor? We await news from the club to find out but it looks like there will be supporters inside the ground on December 5 for the visit of Wrexham. We should, though, accept there will be many who’ll prefer not to mix with others and so will the live streaming continue?

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

One of the major aspects of the pandemic has been the growing clamour for football to look at itself to have a reset. With the FA needing to appoint a new chairman this seems the perfect time for the football authorities to have a root and branch re-evaluation. However, football leaders are reluctant to do this.

As a result, over recent months there have been campaigns, such as ‘LetFansIn’ and ‘Sustain The Game’, to try to push for reforms but without anything changing. The DCMS committee is now becoming exasperated at the Premier League and FA’s intransigence, so much so that on Wednesday there was yet another meeting of MPs to press, as a matter of urgency, for the launching of the government’s fan led and independent review of the governance of football in the country which now looks like taking place.

Last week the government announced further funding of £28m for non-league and women’s football, of which £11m is to be shared between the three National League divisions. There does, though, appear to be a difference between this new money - a loan - and the previous £10m which was a grant.

This time maybe the NL board will have a different allocation policy from the current model which has caused much controversy as there are still questions to be answered: what was the criteria for the payments and who will actually sit on the ‘independent’ committee the NL has set up?

But with fans about to be able to return to grounds perhaps this new money will be allocated in different ways.

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

What was not to like about United’s fourth consecutive win on the road at Halifax on Saturday? The 2-1 victory underlined, yet again, the man management skills of Gary Johnson and how this group of players have bought into it. What is impressive is when one player drops out, for whatever reason, be it injury or suspension, there’s a quality replacement available.

The Gulls came home with three points despite Danny Wright’s penalty miss - if you’re going to miss a penalty then blazing it over the bar is the spectacular way to do it!

The match streaming figures are impressive for, at its height, there were 1300 watching. Director Mel Hayman has revealed that United’s streaming has been watched in Japan, Australia, Iraq, USA and Brazil - pretty good coverage!

*****************
In recent weeks this column has reported on many managers wanting a re-introduction of the five substitutes rule and last weekend the EFL agreed but no signs the National League will follow.

It’s that time of the year for buying Christmas presents and who doesn’t like a jigsaw puzzle? So what about a Torquay United one? Currently advertising in the weekend magazines is a national company selling 123 clubs ranging from Premier League (England & Scotland) down to League 2 and surprisingly a number of non-league teams including Barnet, Chesterfield, Hereford, Macclesfield, Maidstone and FC United of Manchester but no Torquay United; maybe an opening for the club shop.

Last week’s vote was for your Goal of the Season so far. Thanks for your contributions with the most popular being Adam Randell’s strike at Bromley which came at a crucial time in the game turning the Gulls’ fortunes around paving the way for that late winner.

This week it’s back to the popular ‘Three Word Fun’, send the three words which sum up the Gulls being top of the table to: [email protected].

To all the Yellow Army stay safe.

SUPPORT TUST

[TUST_Official]

29th November 2020

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Chairman's comments

Dear members, and fellow TUFC supporters,

Firstly, hoping this finds you all safe and well, 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us in different ways. Not least, the directors and staff at TUFC who have also had to deal with the numerous implications of the Covid restrictions, in order to keep our club functioning at the level it has achieved. I cannot go without mentioning the start that Gary Johnson and his team have made, and the apparent strength of the squad that our ownership has enabled to be built, has been so uplifting for I am sure all of us.

As we held our AGM last week, a complete summary of the minutes will be available to members shortly, I would like to thank those members who attended. There were pleasingly a number of exiles represented. I also wish to offer my gratitude to all of the TUST board for their support and continuing excellent voluntary work as a team, strictly following your remit, during the year. They are all completely committed TUFC supporters. We, as yourselves I am sure, just want our club to do well and have a long term future providing an important service within the fabric of our community.

If you read the following newsletter, we make them as brief as we can, you will obtain further information on our recent actions. We have had lengthy and useful meetings with TUFC, through Dominic Mee on behalf of the directors; maintained a positive and mutually supportive liaison with the Torquay United Community Sports Trust; likewise with the acting chair of the evolving Torquay United Supporters Club as well as with the Torquay United Women's team and kept in touch with the national situation, where it might relate to the well being of our TUFC.

This has included, most importantly, supporting the FSA in their 'Sustain the Game' and 'Let fans in' (when safe) campaigns; the lobbying of government and our local MPs to include non-league and grass roots clubs in any Covid survival package; communicating the need for the government proposal to initiate an 'Independent Fan-Led Review of the future governance of football' as soon as possible. Indeed, as well as receiving positive responses from our MPs, we also received a lengthy one from the parliamentary secretary for Digital, Media, Culture and Sports. The Parliamentary debate for this governance review to be launched as soon as possible received unanimous support from all parties!

Looking forward to seeing fans in football grounds again, and wishing TUFC well in the difficult task of making this happen.

Stay safe and well,
Michel Thomas


THE TUST IAN TWITCHIN TROPHY AWARDED TO KYLE CAMERON
This shield was provided by TUST in memory of our long serving, local legend and is fittingly awarded to the player who makes the most appearances during a season. Unfortunately, as you all know, last season was cut short but we were delighted to present the second award to Kyle Cameron whose name will be added to the previous winner’s, Liam Davis. We hope to arrange a further presentation to Kyle when supporters are able to return to Plainmoor next year.

AGM report - 25th November 2020

This year’s AGM was held virtually via Zoom due to the Covid restrictions. We were uncertain how many members would choose to attend in this way but were pleased with the turnout which included a number of exiles who would not normally be able to attend a local meeting. We hope that in future years we will be able to offer the opportunity for our distant members to attend virtually.

The Chairman opened the meeting with a detailed summary of the trust’s activities during the past twelve months including its community outreach, political engagement, business partnerships, press coverage, meetings with the Club and involvement with supporter organisations both locally and nationally. He also referred to the current calls for a fan-led review of the governance and financing of football at all levels.

The Treasurer presented the profit and loss accounts showing a turnover of £10,401 and an operating surplus of £5,442. In accordance with TUST policy, up to 50% of this would be committed to community initiatives. The balance sheet showed total funds of £48,766.

Only four nominations had been received for the seven vacancies on the board, all being existing board members and they were therefore duly elected for a term of two years without the need for a ballot. It was noted that the board was keen to attract new members, particularly from under-represented groups such as exiles, females and younger supporters. We are also seeking someone with marketing experience to join our dedicated team.

Report of the board

Nick Brodrick, board member with responsibility for Supporter Liaison, provided a detailed summary of his activities during the year which included his weekly column for the Herald Express and surveys of all National League clubs in respect of season ticket refund policies and streaming services.

Nick referred to TUST’s continued liaison with local MPs and councillors, national football organisations and the formation of the Devon Supporters Trust Group which was hoping to expand to cover the South West region.

He updated members on the improved relationship with the Club, indicated by the willingness of its directors to engage with TUST via regular meetings with Dominic Mee, the Club’s Media and Supporter Liaison Co-ordinator. He had recently requested an interview with Clarke Osborne to mark his fourth anniversary of ownership and was awaiting an answer.

Rob Burkitt gave a summary of TUST’s activities on social media and its website.

Robin Causley reported on TUST’s community outreach programme. A strong partnership had been developed with the Torquay United Community Sports Trust (TUCST) and we look forward to building on this with new manager Matt Anthony. Robin also reported on the informal dialogue held with the fledgling Supporters Club and that there was a desire from both parties to work constructively together to compliment rather than duplicate their respective roles.

Rob Dickinson reported on the Torquay United Womens Football Club which is run independently from the main Club. TUST had formed a strong partnership to support the team as part of its community outreach remit.

There were a number of questions and suggestions from the floor including discussion about plans for a new stadium, the owner’s investment in the team (which was widely welcomed) and uncertainty over his long-term strategy. More openness around such plans was required if they are to be creditable. It had, for example, been many years since the last Fans’ Forum.

However, it was agreed that regaining league status was the absolute priority.

It was suggested that occasional, informal Zoom meetings for members may be welcomed by exiles in particular. It was agreed to pilot this in the New Year.

The Secretary noted that despite the year’s economic hardship and the fact that some fans may lose interest in a trust when the team is successful, TUST membership had actually increased.

The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking the board for all their hard work during the year and the attendees for their support and valued contributions. He concluded that we all want Torquay United to be a successful community focused club and one with a secure future and that lies at the heart of TUST’s remit

MEETING WITH CLUB REPRESENTATIVE

Members of the TUST board held their latest meeting with Dominic Mee, the Club’s Media & Supporter Liaison Co-ordinator, earlier this month. It was another useful discussion about matters of mutual interest and an opportunity to provide suggestions for improvements and raise supporters’ questions. Inevitably, some of the issues we want to get involved in are on hold during the current pandemic restrictions.


SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

[TUST_Official]

3rd December 2020

FANS' ZONE

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

THE BUZZ IS BACK AS FANS ALLOWED INTO PLAINMOOR ATER 9 MONTHS

Out of lockdown 2 and into Tier 2 with the long awaited return of fans to Plainmoor on Saturday for the visit of Wrexham aka FC Hollywood, as the club announced the release of socially distanced passes for season ticket holders accompanied with a supporters’ code of conduct.

Whilst there will be many eagerly looking forward to the buzz of live football there will be others who will prefer to carry on live streaming until probably they’ve had the vaccine. This must have been a logistical nightmare for club officials and many hours must have been spent in getting all the Covid protocols in place.

There must, too, be a strong financial element as there are significant costs staging football matches and the majority of fans allowed into Plainmoor will be season ticket holders who have already paid so there won’t be much, if any, extra revenue from non-season ticket holders admitted to cover the bills and with no hospitality allowed there’s no bar takings.

Meanwhile Dover, Hartlepool and Notts County are amongst nine National League clubs whose grounds fall into Tier 3 areas with no fans allowed. It will be interesting to see if the teams with (limited) home support have any advantage and bearing on results.

But with United coming from behind at Wealdstone on Tuesday with a brace from Billy Waters, manager Gary Johnson, who has said that when fans are allowed back, he wanted his Gulls to be top of the table, has got his wish.

Every week the boss shows his experience with his astute man management and on Tuesday he demonstrated this with his inspired half-time team changes.

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Last week TUST held its first ever virtual AGM at which there was a healthy turn-out with exiles from Bedford, Essex and Reading amongst others.

Despite the last attended home game being on February 29, with 2,126 inside Plainmoor, TUST has been busy during the pandemic carrying out surveys of all National League clubs in respect of season ticket refund policies and streaming services.

TUST has had continued liaison with local MPs and councillors, national football organisations and has joined with the trusts of Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle to form the Devon Supporters Trust Group which is expecting, in the New Year, to expand into a South West group. The FSA (Football Supporters Association) inform us that we are the only successful area in the country to set up such a group.

TUST has supported, with funds, the Torbay Food Alliance in April and two donations to the Torquay United Women’s Football Club which is run independently from the main club, the first of which enabled them to stay afloat when lockdown 1 hit.

There has been a welcome increase in TUST membership over the last few months.

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A year ago TUST, in partnership with Laura Twitchin and her family, set up the Ian Twitchin Trophy to honour the memory of her father, a Torquay United legend who had passed away. Twitchin, a loyal one club professional, pulled on a Torquay United shirt 435 times in a career spanning eleven years between 1969 and 1980. The new trophy is awarded annually to the player making the most appearances in a season. Last year it went to Liam Davis while this year’s recipient, presented with the trophy on the pitch at Plainmoor last week was Kyle Cameron.

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National League news: Last week it was announced that Yeovil Town was in talks to sell its Huish Park stadium and surrounding land to South Somerset District Council. A loss of crowds at the club’s matches since March, the loss of sponsorship revenue following the withdrawal of the main shirt sponsors and the cost of bringing players out of furlough to compete in last season’s play-offs have all contributed to the financial difficulties at the club.

This shows the fine margins between solvency and impending disaster and underlines the lifeline extended to the Gulls from owner Clarke Osborne as highlighted in last week’s column.

Talk last week of the ‘Torquay Way’ to a new stadium has renewed speculation as to where this might be and, as this column mentioned in early July, a possible site is Edginswell especially as a railway station is part of the new development for housing, school, commercial, recreational, leisure and tourism facilities plans for this area to be built by 2024.

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A major brewing story of concern for all footballers and football fans is the link between heading and dementia. It has been established that heading the ball damages the brain, though it is not exactly clear how and over what period.

There are those who say heading should be banned as the sport is called ‘foot’ball to those who say that brain injuries suffered by former footballers should take into consideration the difference between balls then and now. The old leather one when wet was like heading a cannonball.

Clearly more evidence is required but the issue must be a serious concern for footballers young and old.

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Last week’s Three Word Fun brought the heartfelt ‘ Meeting Everyone Again’ ,’ Fans back, Yippee’ and Pete (Norfolk Gulls) ‘Please Keep Streaming’.

This week, if allowed, are you going to Plainmoor on Saturday? Yes or No to: [email protected].

As always to the Yellow Army stay safe.

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