5th May 2021
JOIN THE SENIOR REDS FOR A CHAT WITH NICHO!
With apologies for the short notice, we have received an invitation from the Senior Reds at Exeter City for any Senior Gulls (over 55s) to join a Zoom chat with Kevin Nicholson on Thursday 6th May at 12pm.
Here are the details for this event being hosted by the Senior Reds:
Time: May 6, 2021 12:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87131020484?p ... VyRllMUT09
Meeting ID: 871 3102 0484
Passcode: 639234
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the review and other matters affecting our club and the wider footballing world.
Details to follow - save the date!
TUST Updates
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
7th May 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
BANK HOLIDAY BONANZA AS UNITED’S LONG STANDING UNWANTED RECORDS ARE SMASHED TO KEEP THE GULLS NUMBER ONE
Over the weekend the Daily Mail reported that figures from TripAdvisor confirmed that the English Riviera is all the rage once more as they show searches for Torquay leaping ahead of all UK rivals.
Yellow Army fans could be forgiven if they thought this referred to the football club, which it could easily have done bearing in mind its scintillating form, but of course it rightly means Torbay is seen as an attractive holiday destination as businesses start to re-open. Surely a successful football team and its town should go hand-in-hand.
MayDay magic - what a sensational Bank Holiday weekend as Torquay secured six important points scoring some outstanding goals - particularly two cracking left foot thunderbolts from often under-rated Billy Waters - to retain top spot in the National League. If anyone deserved these it was Waters for his relentless running and harrying of defenders.
MayDay voodoo - records? Records are there to be broken and two were smashed over this Bank Holiday weekend. Before Saturday’s match United’s record against Eastleigh for the last nine fixtures between the two sides was lost eight, drawn one. Could the Gulls surpass this and break another unenviable record at Chesterfield on Monday? For in twenty one League visits to Derbyshire over a 50 year period, the Gulls had never won - well not until this week.
Gary Johnson’s experience and player management is there to be seen match after match, and it’s no fluke that his team, his players have edged Torquay closer to a hopeful return to the promised land of the EFL, helped by a wonderful run of eight wins and one draw from the last nine.
Credit where credit is due, Saturday’s emphatic 3-1 win over Eastleigh was a great all-round performance from every player from start to finish. But the way United play comes from the manager who sets the positive tone. It’s not just the winning but the manner in which these three points are achieved.
And, still without a number of key players and following a long, overnight journey, the Gulls played on the front foot from the off at Chesterfield on Monday. Their rewards? Well, besides staying top, close rivals Hartlepool lost at this Saturday’s opponents Bromley but the really big boost was Sutton slipping to a late defeat at Notts County thanks to ex-Gull Mark Ellis winning a stoppage time penalty.
United’s destiny is now in its own hands.
***************
In a recent meeting with a club official TUST asked if there are any plans to continue live streaming after this season, as it has been such a success notably for exiles, but it appears there are none at the moment.
So news coming out of Home Park last week was of interest as Plymouth Argyle announced they are to introduce their own streaming service for the Green Army for next season. Currently, the majority of EFL clubs use iFollow but Argyle are to produce “a cutting edge website.”
Live streaming for all football clubs promises to be an important source of income for clubs in the future, even after Covid-19. Head of Argyle marketing Jamie Yablsey said, “This is a really exciting development for the club as this project allows us to produce our own digital solution, controlled by us, designed specifically for Argyle supporters.”
Sounds an exciting concept and one the Yellow Army would love to see at Plainmoor next season.
***************
Last week Trust Oldham - Oldham Athletic’s supporters’ trust - became the latest trust to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with their football club. MoUs help to formalise the relationship between a fan group and their club, setting out key terms of reference for how the club engages with its supporters on a formal basis. The MoU, particularly in these fragile times with a fan-led review taking evidence following the Government’s recent terms of reference, could be seen as a method of ensuring there’s a regular dialogue between a club and its fanbase.
As a reminder, TUST, following meetings and discussions at the time, presented the club with a legally drawn up draft MoU on June 27 2018.
***************
Four cup finals to go but thankfully none of those are on Tuesday nights, just four Saturdays with the prospect of fans being inside Plainmoor on Saturday May 22. The final League match on May 29 at Altincham, like all the other NL fixtures, kicks-off at 12.30pm.
Who’s your likely candidate for POTS? Responses from last week vary between Asa Hall, Sam Sherring and Adam Randell- to name the three most popular.
So who would you vote for? Send your name to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT
These are exciting times for the Yellow Army, stay safe, and, when offered, get your vaccination.
COYY - ‘Gary Johnson’s Yellow Army’.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the review and other matters affecting our club and the wider footballing world.
Details to follow - save the date!
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
BANK HOLIDAY BONANZA AS UNITED’S LONG STANDING UNWANTED RECORDS ARE SMASHED TO KEEP THE GULLS NUMBER ONE
Over the weekend the Daily Mail reported that figures from TripAdvisor confirmed that the English Riviera is all the rage once more as they show searches for Torquay leaping ahead of all UK rivals.
Yellow Army fans could be forgiven if they thought this referred to the football club, which it could easily have done bearing in mind its scintillating form, but of course it rightly means Torbay is seen as an attractive holiday destination as businesses start to re-open. Surely a successful football team and its town should go hand-in-hand.
MayDay magic - what a sensational Bank Holiday weekend as Torquay secured six important points scoring some outstanding goals - particularly two cracking left foot thunderbolts from often under-rated Billy Waters - to retain top spot in the National League. If anyone deserved these it was Waters for his relentless running and harrying of defenders.
MayDay voodoo - records? Records are there to be broken and two were smashed over this Bank Holiday weekend. Before Saturday’s match United’s record against Eastleigh for the last nine fixtures between the two sides was lost eight, drawn one. Could the Gulls surpass this and break another unenviable record at Chesterfield on Monday? For in twenty one League visits to Derbyshire over a 50 year period, the Gulls had never won - well not until this week.
Gary Johnson’s experience and player management is there to be seen match after match, and it’s no fluke that his team, his players have edged Torquay closer to a hopeful return to the promised land of the EFL, helped by a wonderful run of eight wins and one draw from the last nine.
Credit where credit is due, Saturday’s emphatic 3-1 win over Eastleigh was a great all-round performance from every player from start to finish. But the way United play comes from the manager who sets the positive tone. It’s not just the winning but the manner in which these three points are achieved.
And, still without a number of key players and following a long, overnight journey, the Gulls played on the front foot from the off at Chesterfield on Monday. Their rewards? Well, besides staying top, close rivals Hartlepool lost at this Saturday’s opponents Bromley but the really big boost was Sutton slipping to a late defeat at Notts County thanks to ex-Gull Mark Ellis winning a stoppage time penalty.
United’s destiny is now in its own hands.
***************
In a recent meeting with a club official TUST asked if there are any plans to continue live streaming after this season, as it has been such a success notably for exiles, but it appears there are none at the moment.
So news coming out of Home Park last week was of interest as Plymouth Argyle announced they are to introduce their own streaming service for the Green Army for next season. Currently, the majority of EFL clubs use iFollow but Argyle are to produce “a cutting edge website.”
Live streaming for all football clubs promises to be an important source of income for clubs in the future, even after Covid-19. Head of Argyle marketing Jamie Yablsey said, “This is a really exciting development for the club as this project allows us to produce our own digital solution, controlled by us, designed specifically for Argyle supporters.”
Sounds an exciting concept and one the Yellow Army would love to see at Plainmoor next season.
***************
Last week Trust Oldham - Oldham Athletic’s supporters’ trust - became the latest trust to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with their football club. MoUs help to formalise the relationship between a fan group and their club, setting out key terms of reference for how the club engages with its supporters on a formal basis. The MoU, particularly in these fragile times with a fan-led review taking evidence following the Government’s recent terms of reference, could be seen as a method of ensuring there’s a regular dialogue between a club and its fanbase.
As a reminder, TUST, following meetings and discussions at the time, presented the club with a legally drawn up draft MoU on June 27 2018.
***************
Four cup finals to go but thankfully none of those are on Tuesday nights, just four Saturdays with the prospect of fans being inside Plainmoor on Saturday May 22. The final League match on May 29 at Altincham, like all the other NL fixtures, kicks-off at 12.30pm.
Who’s your likely candidate for POTS? Responses from last week vary between Asa Hall, Sam Sherring and Adam Randell- to name the three most popular.
So who would you vote for? Send your name to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT
These are exciting times for the Yellow Army, stay safe, and, when offered, get your vaccination.
COYY - ‘Gary Johnson’s Yellow Army’.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the review and other matters affecting our club and the wider footballing world.
Details to follow - save the date!
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
14th May 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
KEEP CALM AND GARY ON - TRUST IN THE MANAGER OF THE MONTH WITH THREE CUP FINALS TO PLAY
Fine margins 1: inside two minutes, Bromley keeper Mark Cousins strays off his line and quick as a flash Scott Boden lobs him, not dissimilar to his deft shot at Woking a few weeks earlier, only for the ball to hit the inside of the far upright and then be cleared to safety.
Fine margins 2: minutes into added time - ‘Gary time’ - Benji Kimpioka can make himself a hero as he’s engineered himself into a one-on-one with the keeper but Mark Cousins spreads himself to make a courageous save. And who was the National League keeper of the day? Cousins.
The chances go, the game ends goal-less and Bromley do a job. Nobody said promotion was going to be easy and the Yellow Army are still right behind the manager and players as it’s now down to three cup finals with the promised land tantalisingly close.
Let’s just look at some recent stats: In United’s last three games shots on target 18, off target 14, goals scored 5. 39 league games played, 16 clean sheets. Torquay have scored 22 goals from set plays conceding 12.
This is a time for everyone, manager, players, supporters to ‘hold your nerve’ as there are crucial points to play for - starting again on Sunday at Stockport. It’s certainly been a memorable April and no wonder the manager has been awarded what he prefers to call the ‘Club of the Month’ trophy - no doubt to deflect from the often cursed ‘Manager of the Month’ award!
The Gulls came out of the weekend top of the table by two points but with close rivals Sutton beating Woking 3-2 on Tuesday night, the positions were reversed and as Sutton now hold a one point advantage it’s theirs to lose. But there’s plenty of football to play and anything can still happen. Most Gulls’ fans will be hoping Maidenhead can do us a favour on Saturday.
There’s much talk about the ‘integrity of the league’ with Covid issues being used as a convenient cover. For example, because the National League suspended relegation to North and South this has had a knock-on effect.
Firstly, it appears to have changed the course of the season for teams like Wealdstone and Woking. If you look at their results from the middle of March it makes for sorry reading:
Wealdstone P 14, W 1, D 1, L 12, Goals For 10, Goals Against 41
Woking P 16, W 1, L 15, Goals For 15, Goals Against 37
For teams still to play them, it seems a guaranteed three points and a boost for their goal difference. Surely, this can’t be right and severely affects the league’s ‘integrity’.
And now secondly, the two relegated League 2 sides, Grimsby and Southend feel their relegation isn’t fair as a result and have, accordingly, lodged a proposal with the EFL.
United boss Gary Johnson had this to say,” Everybody looks after their own interests as much as they can but it comes down to what the rules say. You can’t suddenly change.”
“ The National League has got two teams that go up, League 2 has got two teams that come down. And that’s it. There’s not been a World War. Everybody has had to cope with Covid whether you’ve got promoted or relegated.”
“ The National League is the lowest league where 99 per cent of teams are full-time. I’ve always said we should be part of the EFL but of course there should be promotion and relegation.”
**************
So for Torquay it’s on to Stockport County for the next big test on Sunday, once again in front of the BT Sport cameras for a lunch time fixture.
Since 1948 United’s record against Stockport is Won 27, Drawn 18, Lost 21
The last time United lost at Stockport was in League 2 1-0 in October 2006. There’s been a 4-0 FA Cup success at Edgeley Park for the Gulls in December 2009, a 1-1 League 2 draw in November 2010 and most recently a 4-0 triumph in a National League fixture in September 2019 thanks to two own goals and a brace from Jamie Reid.
Of course, if you’re the manager none of this counts for anything as it’s the here and now, the quality of the players and desire.
As Johnson said in last week’s ‘Inside Plainmoor” he’s recruited a group of players with personality, character and desire and, although it’s extra expense, he takes injured players to away matches to keep them involved. All credit to the club for funding this.
With the end in sight the manager is using all his years of experience to ensure he has all the motivational tricks to ensure the players keep their nerve - and the Yellow Army’s too!
**************
Every Gulls’ fan has their favourite player and no doubt the club will be announcing soon the voting for POTS. In the meantime the responses coming in here to: [email protected] or to
Twitter: @FanszoneT indicate it’s going to be close between Asa Hall and Adam Randell with Sam Sherring and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans in the frame. So, who’s your choice, let me know.
Top scorers, in all competitions, are: Asa Hall 13, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans 10, Danny Wright 9, Billy Waters 8, Ben Whitfield 6.
To all the Yellow Army, stay calm, and when offered, get your vaccination and just one more match before fans are allowed back inside Plainmoor.
COYY.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the review and other matters affecting our club and the wider footballing world.
Details to follow - save the date!
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
KEEP CALM AND GARY ON - TRUST IN THE MANAGER OF THE MONTH WITH THREE CUP FINALS TO PLAY
Fine margins 1: inside two minutes, Bromley keeper Mark Cousins strays off his line and quick as a flash Scott Boden lobs him, not dissimilar to his deft shot at Woking a few weeks earlier, only for the ball to hit the inside of the far upright and then be cleared to safety.
Fine margins 2: minutes into added time - ‘Gary time’ - Benji Kimpioka can make himself a hero as he’s engineered himself into a one-on-one with the keeper but Mark Cousins spreads himself to make a courageous save. And who was the National League keeper of the day? Cousins.
The chances go, the game ends goal-less and Bromley do a job. Nobody said promotion was going to be easy and the Yellow Army are still right behind the manager and players as it’s now down to three cup finals with the promised land tantalisingly close.
Let’s just look at some recent stats: In United’s last three games shots on target 18, off target 14, goals scored 5. 39 league games played, 16 clean sheets. Torquay have scored 22 goals from set plays conceding 12.
This is a time for everyone, manager, players, supporters to ‘hold your nerve’ as there are crucial points to play for - starting again on Sunday at Stockport. It’s certainly been a memorable April and no wonder the manager has been awarded what he prefers to call the ‘Club of the Month’ trophy - no doubt to deflect from the often cursed ‘Manager of the Month’ award!
The Gulls came out of the weekend top of the table by two points but with close rivals Sutton beating Woking 3-2 on Tuesday night, the positions were reversed and as Sutton now hold a one point advantage it’s theirs to lose. But there’s plenty of football to play and anything can still happen. Most Gulls’ fans will be hoping Maidenhead can do us a favour on Saturday.
There’s much talk about the ‘integrity of the league’ with Covid issues being used as a convenient cover. For example, because the National League suspended relegation to North and South this has had a knock-on effect.
Firstly, it appears to have changed the course of the season for teams like Wealdstone and Woking. If you look at their results from the middle of March it makes for sorry reading:
Wealdstone P 14, W 1, D 1, L 12, Goals For 10, Goals Against 41
Woking P 16, W 1, L 15, Goals For 15, Goals Against 37
For teams still to play them, it seems a guaranteed three points and a boost for their goal difference. Surely, this can’t be right and severely affects the league’s ‘integrity’.
And now secondly, the two relegated League 2 sides, Grimsby and Southend feel their relegation isn’t fair as a result and have, accordingly, lodged a proposal with the EFL.
United boss Gary Johnson had this to say,” Everybody looks after their own interests as much as they can but it comes down to what the rules say. You can’t suddenly change.”
“ The National League has got two teams that go up, League 2 has got two teams that come down. And that’s it. There’s not been a World War. Everybody has had to cope with Covid whether you’ve got promoted or relegated.”
“ The National League is the lowest league where 99 per cent of teams are full-time. I’ve always said we should be part of the EFL but of course there should be promotion and relegation.”
**************
So for Torquay it’s on to Stockport County for the next big test on Sunday, once again in front of the BT Sport cameras for a lunch time fixture.
Since 1948 United’s record against Stockport is Won 27, Drawn 18, Lost 21
The last time United lost at Stockport was in League 2 1-0 in October 2006. There’s been a 4-0 FA Cup success at Edgeley Park for the Gulls in December 2009, a 1-1 League 2 draw in November 2010 and most recently a 4-0 triumph in a National League fixture in September 2019 thanks to two own goals and a brace from Jamie Reid.
Of course, if you’re the manager none of this counts for anything as it’s the here and now, the quality of the players and desire.
As Johnson said in last week’s ‘Inside Plainmoor” he’s recruited a group of players with personality, character and desire and, although it’s extra expense, he takes injured players to away matches to keep them involved. All credit to the club for funding this.
With the end in sight the manager is using all his years of experience to ensure he has all the motivational tricks to ensure the players keep their nerve - and the Yellow Army’s too!
**************
Every Gulls’ fan has their favourite player and no doubt the club will be announcing soon the voting for POTS. In the meantime the responses coming in here to: [email protected] or to
Twitter: @FanszoneT indicate it’s going to be close between Asa Hall and Adam Randell with Sam Sherring and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans in the frame. So, who’s your choice, let me know.
Top scorers, in all competitions, are: Asa Hall 13, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans 10, Danny Wright 9, Billy Waters 8, Ben Whitfield 6.
To all the Yellow Army, stay calm, and when offered, get your vaccination and just one more match before fans are allowed back inside Plainmoor.
COYY.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the review and other matters affecting our club and the wider footballing world.
Details to follow - save the date!
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
16th May 2021
TUST EXCLUSIVE!
CONSULTATION EVENT WITH THE FSA CHAIR
The TUST board are delighted to announce that Malcolm Clarke, Chair of the Football Supporters’ Association and FA Council member, will be joining us on Zoom for a discussion about the fan-led review of football governance.
This event will be held on Tuesday 1st June from 6.30pm and will be open to all Gulls supporters (TUST members or not).
Join Zoom Meeting here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83615632012?p ... tPWWdBQT09
Meeting ID: 836 1563 2012
Passcode: 096328
This is your opportunity to help shape the TUST and FSA’s response to the review. If you have any questions you would like to raise in advance please submit them to [email protected] by Sunday 30th May.
There will also be time for an informal chat about the latest TUFC news on and off the pitch and to celebrate our incredible promotion (or at least look forward to the play-offs!)
The Football Supporters' Association have welcomed TUST's offer to contribute to the fan-led review.
TUST EXCLUSIVE!
CONSULTATION EVENT WITH THE FSA CHAIR
The TUST board are delighted to announce that Malcolm Clarke, Chair of the Football Supporters’ Association and FA Council member, will be joining us on Zoom for a discussion about the fan-led review of football governance.
This event will be held on Tuesday 1st June from 6.30pm and will be open to all Gulls supporters (TUST members or not).
Join Zoom Meeting here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83615632012?p ... tPWWdBQT09
Meeting ID: 836 1563 2012
Passcode: 096328
This is your opportunity to help shape the TUST and FSA’s response to the review. If you have any questions you would like to raise in advance please submit them to [email protected] by Sunday 30th May.
There will also be time for an informal chat about the latest TUFC news on and off the pitch and to celebrate our incredible promotion (or at least look forward to the play-offs!)
The Football Supporters' Association have welcomed TUST's offer to contribute to the fan-led review.
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
21st May 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
THAT’S THE TICKET AS THE YELLOW ARMY RETURNS FOR A CRUCIAL HOME GAME
Football fans display a wide range of emotions and opinions which make for interesting conversations especially when able to meet up - and that opportunity is less than a day away when the Yellow Army are finally allowed back inside Plainmoor. Assuming, of course, as a non-season ticket holder you were able to buy a ticket after the unprecedented demand last Wednesday. For the unlucky ones at least there’s still the live streaming. With the club not divulging how many are permitted to attend it’ll be of interest to see Saturday’s gate.
As a good example of the variety of opinions of fans there are those, after Sunday’s pulsating match against Stockport County, who are resigned to the Gulls being in the play-offs while there are those who believe nothing has been decided yet.
As United boss Gary Johnson said after the game, “ The title’s not gone until it’s gone.”
The BT Sport cameras served up a lunchtime menu of four goals, chances missed and the number one contender, by Lucas Covolan, for Save of the Season. It was certainly a great advert for National League football and tempting as it is to refer to it being a non-league fixture, these were two sides who, as BT Sport’s Chris Hargreaves rightly said, are both fit for the Football League.
Sunday’s Man of the Match Connor Lemonheigh-Evans deserved his award as he was at the heart of all Torquay’s best chances, beating the keeper but not the foot of the post, winning the penalty and a wonder pass with the outside of his boot to create the opportunity for Scott Boden’s second.
Although a 2-2 draw was not the result United fans wanted, after dropping two points the previous week, it was, though, a very entertaining and competitive game, with the red card for Aaron Downes being ‘unfortunate’.
So, with two cup finals to go to have a chance of automatic promotion the Gulls have to beat Barnet, preferably by a big margin to improve the goal difference, and hope Hartlepool can win at Sutton in next Sunday’s BT Sport clash. Barnet had a narrow 1-0 mid-week defeat at Solihull Moors so Saturday could be a nervy affair!
With Ben Whitfield and Kyle Cameron back from injury and getting some minutes under their belt what a boost it would be to see Danny Wright again.
***************
Last week the Premier League announced their renewal of their broadcasting deal to run from 2022-2025 with their current TV partners. The Government’s fan-led review is likely to put pressure on football governing bodies and so some see the Premier League trying to get in first as this new contract includes an additional £100m of funding “ available to more than a 1000 clubs in the National League system, women’s and girls’ football, EFL Leagues 1 & 2 and the Football Foundation.”
This column brought news of the two relegated League 2 clubs hoping to find a loop-hole to avoid dropping into the National League but one of them, Grimsby Town, have agreed with the EFL not to pursue a proposed rule change and now accept their fate. That would seem to be the end of the matter.
***************
When word spread about the creation of a European Super League football fans throughout were horrified and their collective reaction led to the Government implementing a fans-led review, to be chaired by former Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch, into football governance.
TUST is looking to be involved in this review but would like to hear the opinions of the Yellow Army. To this end TUST will be holding a Zoom Social on Tuesday June 1 at 6.30pm and joining us will be Malcolm Clarke, Chair of the Football Supporters’ Association and FA Council member.
This promises to be a great, once in a lifetime opportunity for TUST members and non-members to join in the debate to shape the response to the review. Your opinions matter and if you have any questions you would like to raise in advance please submit them to [email protected]
Full details of the Zoom Social can be found at: TUST EXCLUSIVE! CONSULTATION EVENT WITH THE FSA CHAIR
*****************
This is going to be an anxious week in two Johnson households. Father Gary still bent on promotion while son Lee’s Sunderland take on Lincoln City in the League 1 Play-Off Semi-Finals over two legs but on Wednesday Lincoln triumphed so it’s all on Sunderland tomorrow to over-turn a 2-0 deficit. Let’s hope it’s smiles for both Johnsons come Saturday evening.
With the club providing information on how to vote for Player and Young Player of the Season, judging from the responses this column has received, it’s going to be a close run competition. Asa Hall has plenty of support for POTS but don’t rule out Connor Lemonheigh-Evans or even Adam Randell.
As for Young player this will also be close, maybe between Randell and Sam Sherring. It’s up to you!
At last, on Saturday there’ll be a crowd inside Plainmoor and could the Yellow Army really make a difference and be that 12th man? Gary Johnson is certainly hoping so - make some noise for the boys!
As always you can contact me at: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT
To all the Yellow Army keep the faith, anything’s still possible and COYY!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the fan-led review and other matters in the footballing world with our special guest, Malcolm Clarke, Chair of the FSA and FA Council member.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83615632012?p ... tPWWdBQT09
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
THAT’S THE TICKET AS THE YELLOW ARMY RETURNS FOR A CRUCIAL HOME GAME
Football fans display a wide range of emotions and opinions which make for interesting conversations especially when able to meet up - and that opportunity is less than a day away when the Yellow Army are finally allowed back inside Plainmoor. Assuming, of course, as a non-season ticket holder you were able to buy a ticket after the unprecedented demand last Wednesday. For the unlucky ones at least there’s still the live streaming. With the club not divulging how many are permitted to attend it’ll be of interest to see Saturday’s gate.
As a good example of the variety of opinions of fans there are those, after Sunday’s pulsating match against Stockport County, who are resigned to the Gulls being in the play-offs while there are those who believe nothing has been decided yet.
As United boss Gary Johnson said after the game, “ The title’s not gone until it’s gone.”
The BT Sport cameras served up a lunchtime menu of four goals, chances missed and the number one contender, by Lucas Covolan, for Save of the Season. It was certainly a great advert for National League football and tempting as it is to refer to it being a non-league fixture, these were two sides who, as BT Sport’s Chris Hargreaves rightly said, are both fit for the Football League.
Sunday’s Man of the Match Connor Lemonheigh-Evans deserved his award as he was at the heart of all Torquay’s best chances, beating the keeper but not the foot of the post, winning the penalty and a wonder pass with the outside of his boot to create the opportunity for Scott Boden’s second.
Although a 2-2 draw was not the result United fans wanted, after dropping two points the previous week, it was, though, a very entertaining and competitive game, with the red card for Aaron Downes being ‘unfortunate’.
So, with two cup finals to go to have a chance of automatic promotion the Gulls have to beat Barnet, preferably by a big margin to improve the goal difference, and hope Hartlepool can win at Sutton in next Sunday’s BT Sport clash. Barnet had a narrow 1-0 mid-week defeat at Solihull Moors so Saturday could be a nervy affair!
With Ben Whitfield and Kyle Cameron back from injury and getting some minutes under their belt what a boost it would be to see Danny Wright again.
***************
Last week the Premier League announced their renewal of their broadcasting deal to run from 2022-2025 with their current TV partners. The Government’s fan-led review is likely to put pressure on football governing bodies and so some see the Premier League trying to get in first as this new contract includes an additional £100m of funding “ available to more than a 1000 clubs in the National League system, women’s and girls’ football, EFL Leagues 1 & 2 and the Football Foundation.”
This column brought news of the two relegated League 2 clubs hoping to find a loop-hole to avoid dropping into the National League but one of them, Grimsby Town, have agreed with the EFL not to pursue a proposed rule change and now accept their fate. That would seem to be the end of the matter.
***************
When word spread about the creation of a European Super League football fans throughout were horrified and their collective reaction led to the Government implementing a fans-led review, to be chaired by former Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch, into football governance.
TUST is looking to be involved in this review but would like to hear the opinions of the Yellow Army. To this end TUST will be holding a Zoom Social on Tuesday June 1 at 6.30pm and joining us will be Malcolm Clarke, Chair of the Football Supporters’ Association and FA Council member.
This promises to be a great, once in a lifetime opportunity for TUST members and non-members to join in the debate to shape the response to the review. Your opinions matter and if you have any questions you would like to raise in advance please submit them to [email protected]
Full details of the Zoom Social can be found at: TUST EXCLUSIVE! CONSULTATION EVENT WITH THE FSA CHAIR
*****************
This is going to be an anxious week in two Johnson households. Father Gary still bent on promotion while son Lee’s Sunderland take on Lincoln City in the League 1 Play-Off Semi-Finals over two legs but on Wednesday Lincoln triumphed so it’s all on Sunderland tomorrow to over-turn a 2-0 deficit. Let’s hope it’s smiles for both Johnsons come Saturday evening.
With the club providing information on how to vote for Player and Young Player of the Season, judging from the responses this column has received, it’s going to be a close run competition. Asa Hall has plenty of support for POTS but don’t rule out Connor Lemonheigh-Evans or even Adam Randell.
As for Young player this will also be close, maybe between Randell and Sam Sherring. It’s up to you!
At last, on Saturday there’ll be a crowd inside Plainmoor and could the Yellow Army really make a difference and be that 12th man? Gary Johnson is certainly hoping so - make some noise for the boys!
As always you can contact me at: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT
To all the Yellow Army keep the faith, anything’s still possible and COYY!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the fan-led review and other matters in the footballing world with our special guest, Malcolm Clarke, Chair of the FSA and FA Council member.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83615632012?p ... tPWWdBQT09
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
28th May 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
ALL CREDIT TO SUTTON - WORTHY CHAMPIONS AS THE BEES PROVE TO BE TOO IRRITATING BUT THERE IS ANOTHER ROUTE TO THE EFL
Congratulations to National League Champions Sutton United for a dream promotion into the EFL or the first time in their 123 year history - and still with one round of matches to play.
Go back 48 hours and United fans- the 1561 lucky ones with tickets - were looking forward to not only returning to Plainmoor but more importantly to three points against lowly Barnet. But then, how many teams like Saturday’s visitors come to Torquay and spoil the party?
In reality, socially distanced inside such a small ground and masked-up, is not conducive for relentless chanting and vocal support and so it proved and that mythical 12th man never really materialised. If only…..
Still, 2-0 ahead, it has to be said against the run of play, and Torquay were doing what was required. But even before the penalty give-away the warning signs had been there as United’s defence seemed to crumble against speedy forwards, the most notable being Adam Randell’s diving header off his own goal-line.
With seven shots on target and three off fans would have been forgiven thinking all could be put right but these stats remarkably belong to the visitors so it was no surprise when Barnet’s endeavours were rewarded with an equaliser. And, in truth, nobody would have been shocked had they gone on to win.
So, ever the optimists many of the Yellow Army went into Sunday expecting Hartlepool to give Sutton a tough encounter but nothing could have been further from the truth as the visitors never had a look in with the Champions comfortably collecting their title, trophy and medals.
As Adam Virgo, BT Sports, said on Sunday, “ Champions by chance? No, by quality.” Sutton can now go ahead with digging up their 3G surface as they have been planning for this eventuality for some time. And, when asked on BT Sport, their chairman did suggest that the work could be done in time without needing to ground share.
***************
What next for United? Well, clearly the play-offs to prepare for after this Saturday’s final league fixture at Altrincham. With six dropped points from the last three matches Gary Johnson would want his side to go into the play-off semi-final with some kind of positive momentum. And if his lengthy managerial experience hasn’t been needed from time to time already it’s certainly going to be in the next month as he settles not just the players’ nerves but the Yellow Army’s too.
With a potential final not until June 20 that’s a long old time in which to remain mentally sharp. Waiting until then to know if you’re promoted raises other issues too, players need a break, managers, coaching staff need a break before pre- season training starts.
Have some sympathy for on-loan Adam Randell, for example, with his final game now hopefully June 20, his Plymouth Argyle colleagues start their pre-season on June 23. Still, he’s young and fit!
Add in the date for the first round of League 2 fixtures being August 7 and you can see things are tight. Factor in retained lists and players released and signed and it’s easy to see there are many varied and complicated football decisions ahead. Guess it’s called the business end of the season for a reason!
****************
The Government’s fan-led review on football governance is building nicely as Tracey Crouch’s ten person panel was announced over the weekend with former England manager and recently retired Crystal Palace boss, Roy Hodgson, added to the committee who met for the first time on Monday.
It has been interesting to note how a number of clubs have begun to make moves to involve their supporters. Take for example Chelsea who have made a move to improve transparency by promising to elect three ‘supporter advisers’. There’s talk, too, about clubs offering a ‘golden share’ along the lines that Brentford do as their trust has a fan director who holds one.
And don’t forget there’s still time for the Yellow Army to be involved in having a say as to how football is run by joining the TUST social next Tuesday, June 1 at 6.30pm. Join us to welcome Football Supporters’ Association Chair, Malcolm Clarke who will show us how to be involved and get our opinions across to Tracey Crouch. It promises to be an important evening, find full details at: TUST EXCLUSIVE! CONSULTATION EVENT WITH THE FSA CHAIR
***************
Although the visit to Altrincham doesn’t carry the weight it did, nevertheless it is a vital part of the build-up for the play-offs.
Back to ‘Three Word Fun’ - can you sum-up in three words the season we’ve all just watched over the past nine months? Send yours to: [email protected] or to Twitter: @FanszoneT
To all the Yellow Army stay safe and with the age groups dropping, when offered, get your vaccination.
COYY
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the fan-led review and other matters in the footballing world with our special guest, Malcolm Clarke, Chair of the FSA and FA Council member.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83615632012?p ... tPWWdBQT09
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
ALL CREDIT TO SUTTON - WORTHY CHAMPIONS AS THE BEES PROVE TO BE TOO IRRITATING BUT THERE IS ANOTHER ROUTE TO THE EFL
Congratulations to National League Champions Sutton United for a dream promotion into the EFL or the first time in their 123 year history - and still with one round of matches to play.
Go back 48 hours and United fans- the 1561 lucky ones with tickets - were looking forward to not only returning to Plainmoor but more importantly to three points against lowly Barnet. But then, how many teams like Saturday’s visitors come to Torquay and spoil the party?
In reality, socially distanced inside such a small ground and masked-up, is not conducive for relentless chanting and vocal support and so it proved and that mythical 12th man never really materialised. If only…..
Still, 2-0 ahead, it has to be said against the run of play, and Torquay were doing what was required. But even before the penalty give-away the warning signs had been there as United’s defence seemed to crumble against speedy forwards, the most notable being Adam Randell’s diving header off his own goal-line.
With seven shots on target and three off fans would have been forgiven thinking all could be put right but these stats remarkably belong to the visitors so it was no surprise when Barnet’s endeavours were rewarded with an equaliser. And, in truth, nobody would have been shocked had they gone on to win.
So, ever the optimists many of the Yellow Army went into Sunday expecting Hartlepool to give Sutton a tough encounter but nothing could have been further from the truth as the visitors never had a look in with the Champions comfortably collecting their title, trophy and medals.
As Adam Virgo, BT Sports, said on Sunday, “ Champions by chance? No, by quality.” Sutton can now go ahead with digging up their 3G surface as they have been planning for this eventuality for some time. And, when asked on BT Sport, their chairman did suggest that the work could be done in time without needing to ground share.
***************
What next for United? Well, clearly the play-offs to prepare for after this Saturday’s final league fixture at Altrincham. With six dropped points from the last three matches Gary Johnson would want his side to go into the play-off semi-final with some kind of positive momentum. And if his lengthy managerial experience hasn’t been needed from time to time already it’s certainly going to be in the next month as he settles not just the players’ nerves but the Yellow Army’s too.
With a potential final not until June 20 that’s a long old time in which to remain mentally sharp. Waiting until then to know if you’re promoted raises other issues too, players need a break, managers, coaching staff need a break before pre- season training starts.
Have some sympathy for on-loan Adam Randell, for example, with his final game now hopefully June 20, his Plymouth Argyle colleagues start their pre-season on June 23. Still, he’s young and fit!
Add in the date for the first round of League 2 fixtures being August 7 and you can see things are tight. Factor in retained lists and players released and signed and it’s easy to see there are many varied and complicated football decisions ahead. Guess it’s called the business end of the season for a reason!
****************
The Government’s fan-led review on football governance is building nicely as Tracey Crouch’s ten person panel was announced over the weekend with former England manager and recently retired Crystal Palace boss, Roy Hodgson, added to the committee who met for the first time on Monday.
It has been interesting to note how a number of clubs have begun to make moves to involve their supporters. Take for example Chelsea who have made a move to improve transparency by promising to elect three ‘supporter advisers’. There’s talk, too, about clubs offering a ‘golden share’ along the lines that Brentford do as their trust has a fan director who holds one.
And don’t forget there’s still time for the Yellow Army to be involved in having a say as to how football is run by joining the TUST social next Tuesday, June 1 at 6.30pm. Join us to welcome Football Supporters’ Association Chair, Malcolm Clarke who will show us how to be involved and get our opinions across to Tracey Crouch. It promises to be an important evening, find full details at: TUST EXCLUSIVE! CONSULTATION EVENT WITH THE FSA CHAIR
***************
Although the visit to Altrincham doesn’t carry the weight it did, nevertheless it is a vital part of the build-up for the play-offs.
Back to ‘Three Word Fun’ - can you sum-up in three words the season we’ve all just watched over the past nine months? Send yours to: [email protected] or to Twitter: @FanszoneT
To all the Yellow Army stay safe and with the age groups dropping, when offered, get your vaccination.
COYY
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
COMING SOON - OUR NEXT MEMBERS' ZOOM EVENING
Tuesday 1st June at 6.30pm
Your opportunity to discuss the fan-led review and other matters in the footballing world with our special guest, Malcolm Clarke, Chair of the FSA and FA Council member.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83615632012?p ... tPWWdBQT09
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
30th May 2021
TUST EXCLUSIVE!
CONSULTATION EVENT WITH THE FSA CHAIR
Calling all TUFC supporters..... a great chance for you to input
into the Government Fan- led review of football governance.(FLR)
TUST open meeting this Tuesday, 1st June at 6.30pm.
To all supporters (not just TUST members),
There has been growing concern over the general governance of football, with many clubs having differing problems. This culminated in the proposed breakaway European Super League by the 'big six' owners....
We are providing a unique early opportunity to become directly informed and involved in contributing to the resulting fan-led review on football governance.
The main national supporter representative and FA council member, the Football Supporters Association chairman, Malcolm Clarke, has kindly agreed to talk and then to listen to the TUFC supporter community directly, this Tuesday Ist June from 6.30-8pm.
He will also endeavour to answer any questions you may have relating to the above Fan-Led Review. We are of course focussing on the national game, both league and non-league clubs in the football pyramid. Furthermore, we will then be relaying your thoughts directly to Tracey Crouch, who is chairing and will be signing off the final report on the FLR.
Everyone's opinion and input will be welcomed. We ask you, if possible, to please submit any questions you wish to raise to our secretary at [email protected] by Monday at the latest.
ALL TUFC SUPPORTERS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN
Join Zoom Meeting here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83615632012?p ... tPWWdBQT09
Meeting ID: 836 1563 2012
Passcode: 096328
Meanwhile, huge congratulations to the manager, players and staff in achieving 2nd place, and let's give all our support to them during the play offs. COYY!
The Football Supporters' Association have welcomed TUST's offer to contribute to the fan-led review.
TUST EXCLUSIVE!
CONSULTATION EVENT WITH THE FSA CHAIR
Calling all TUFC supporters..... a great chance for you to input
into the Government Fan- led review of football governance.(FLR)
TUST open meeting this Tuesday, 1st June at 6.30pm.
To all supporters (not just TUST members),
There has been growing concern over the general governance of football, with many clubs having differing problems. This culminated in the proposed breakaway European Super League by the 'big six' owners....
We are providing a unique early opportunity to become directly informed and involved in contributing to the resulting fan-led review on football governance.
The main national supporter representative and FA council member, the Football Supporters Association chairman, Malcolm Clarke, has kindly agreed to talk and then to listen to the TUFC supporter community directly, this Tuesday Ist June from 6.30-8pm.
He will also endeavour to answer any questions you may have relating to the above Fan-Led Review. We are of course focussing on the national game, both league and non-league clubs in the football pyramid. Furthermore, we will then be relaying your thoughts directly to Tracey Crouch, who is chairing and will be signing off the final report on the FLR.
Everyone's opinion and input will be welcomed. We ask you, if possible, to please submit any questions you wish to raise to our secretary at [email protected] by Monday at the latest.
ALL TUFC SUPPORTERS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN
Join Zoom Meeting here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83615632012?p ... tPWWdBQT09
Meeting ID: 836 1563 2012
Passcode: 096328
Meanwhile, huge congratulations to the manager, players and staff in achieving 2nd place, and let's give all our support to them during the play offs. COYY!
The Football Supporters' Association have welcomed TUST's offer to contribute to the fan-led review.
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
4th June 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
PLAY OFFS IT IS WITH A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS STILL AHEAD. SUPPORTING TORQUAY UNITED WAS NEVER EASY
Was it true? Was the 2020-2021 National League season actually going ahead last October, thanks to Government/National Lottery funding? Yes that it was, was echoed with a big sigh of relief across the football community.
That journey, which now brings us into June, has, for the most part been without fans present but often out of adversity comes something positive, in this case the live streaming provided by member clubs. If you ask any football fan what they’d like to see continue, it’s this but as you read later this may not be possible.
So, at the onset of any new football season, every club and its supporters hopes this is going to be ‘your year’. Pundits stick their necks out to pick their champion and play-off contenders and back in October this column selected the following suggestions:
The Non-League Paper’s Adam Virgo went for Notts County as Champions with his six in the Play-offs being: Boreham Wood, Hartlepool, Solihull Moors, Stockport County, Wrexham and Yeovil.
This column’s modest attempt was Torquay (C), Stockport, Wrexham, Sutton, Boreham Wood, Solihull, FC Halifax.
Finally, Dave Thomas had a go and, as it turned out, his predictions were not far off: Wrexham (C), well maybe not that, but his play-off contenders being: Boreham Wood, Maidenhead, Notts County, Stockport, Sutton, Torquay.
But what do any of us know?
And with the last whistles of the season hardly finished being blown, the manager sacking season began. Wrexham’s Hollywood owners were clearly so unimpressed with not even achieving a play-off place that Dean Keates lost his job. And, a few day’s ago Simon Bassey left Barnet after barely two months.
*****************
As this column mentioned last week we are now in the middle of a two week period to wait before the home semi-final on June 12. That’s a long time to remain positive and focussed and whilst the injury situation regarding key players doesn’t appear to be easing nevertheless these senior pros have a part to play in keeping the younger ones on track. A wily, old manager in Gary Johnson will know that.
At least by Saturday evening we’ll know whether it’s Notts County or Chesterfield.
Perplexing as it seemed, there are clearly reasons why the manager decided to start Kyle Cameron up front at Altrincham on Saturday and maybe there’ll be some clarity when the semi- final team is announced.
Although, quite rightly, there’s a very positive spin coming from the manager’s post match comments these must be concerning times for all those running the club, as there’s been no secret that the club’s sole intention this season is to return to the EFL. And on that hangs a great weight of responsibility.
***************
The national press was reporting last week that EFL clubs will stop streaming all their matches on the iFollow service next season on the proviso that fans will be permitted to attend matches in significant numbers.
Because of the exceptional circumstances clubs were allowed to stream 3pm fixtures but the traditional blackout is expected to return once clubs are allowed to operate their stadiums at 75 per cent capacity.
There is one positive, because iFollow has been successful, there is no reason to stop streaming games taking place outside the 2.45pm to 5.15pm blackout.
**************
Back in 2016 long standing supporter Sam Balsdon, with support from TUST, offered to raise funds to provide a roof for the home end disabled supporters’ area in Bristow’s. Setting up a crowdfunding page and putting himself through a number of events, including the Spitzbergen marathon, work was completed that year for the Boxing Day fixture.
Sam turned his attention to putting a roof on Bristow’s away end disabled area at the start of 2019 involving himself in more physical commitment, this time running 122 laps of Plainmoor.
This column is pleased to say that this roof work has now been completed and TUST, on behalf of Sam, would like to thank the club for carrying this important work out whilst Plainmoor has had no fans. Great work motivated by two big causes so many thanks to the club, Sam and his sponsors.
*************
How would you sum up the season in three words was last week’s challenge. The two best answers for ‘Three Word Fun’? David Beer’s ‘Remarkable, just remarkable’ and Diane Jody’s ‘A rollercoaster ride’ - many thanks to those who contributed.
This week who would you want United to play in the semi-final on June 12, Notts County or Chesterfield and why.
Send your choice to: [email protected] or to Twitter: @FanszoneT
Let’s all stay positive and hope that those allowed inside Plainmoor on June 12 will be able to make the kind of noise the Yellow Army delivers as a 12th man.
To all the Yellow army stay safe and, when offered, get your vaccination. COYY.!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
PLAY OFFS IT IS WITH A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS STILL AHEAD. SUPPORTING TORQUAY UNITED WAS NEVER EASY
Was it true? Was the 2020-2021 National League season actually going ahead last October, thanks to Government/National Lottery funding? Yes that it was, was echoed with a big sigh of relief across the football community.
That journey, which now brings us into June, has, for the most part been without fans present but often out of adversity comes something positive, in this case the live streaming provided by member clubs. If you ask any football fan what they’d like to see continue, it’s this but as you read later this may not be possible.
So, at the onset of any new football season, every club and its supporters hopes this is going to be ‘your year’. Pundits stick their necks out to pick their champion and play-off contenders and back in October this column selected the following suggestions:
The Non-League Paper’s Adam Virgo went for Notts County as Champions with his six in the Play-offs being: Boreham Wood, Hartlepool, Solihull Moors, Stockport County, Wrexham and Yeovil.
This column’s modest attempt was Torquay (C), Stockport, Wrexham, Sutton, Boreham Wood, Solihull, FC Halifax.
Finally, Dave Thomas had a go and, as it turned out, his predictions were not far off: Wrexham (C), well maybe not that, but his play-off contenders being: Boreham Wood, Maidenhead, Notts County, Stockport, Sutton, Torquay.
But what do any of us know?
And with the last whistles of the season hardly finished being blown, the manager sacking season began. Wrexham’s Hollywood owners were clearly so unimpressed with not even achieving a play-off place that Dean Keates lost his job. And, a few day’s ago Simon Bassey left Barnet after barely two months.
*****************
As this column mentioned last week we are now in the middle of a two week period to wait before the home semi-final on June 12. That’s a long time to remain positive and focussed and whilst the injury situation regarding key players doesn’t appear to be easing nevertheless these senior pros have a part to play in keeping the younger ones on track. A wily, old manager in Gary Johnson will know that.
At least by Saturday evening we’ll know whether it’s Notts County or Chesterfield.
Perplexing as it seemed, there are clearly reasons why the manager decided to start Kyle Cameron up front at Altrincham on Saturday and maybe there’ll be some clarity when the semi- final team is announced.
Although, quite rightly, there’s a very positive spin coming from the manager’s post match comments these must be concerning times for all those running the club, as there’s been no secret that the club’s sole intention this season is to return to the EFL. And on that hangs a great weight of responsibility.
***************
The national press was reporting last week that EFL clubs will stop streaming all their matches on the iFollow service next season on the proviso that fans will be permitted to attend matches in significant numbers.
Because of the exceptional circumstances clubs were allowed to stream 3pm fixtures but the traditional blackout is expected to return once clubs are allowed to operate their stadiums at 75 per cent capacity.
There is one positive, because iFollow has been successful, there is no reason to stop streaming games taking place outside the 2.45pm to 5.15pm blackout.
**************
Back in 2016 long standing supporter Sam Balsdon, with support from TUST, offered to raise funds to provide a roof for the home end disabled supporters’ area in Bristow’s. Setting up a crowdfunding page and putting himself through a number of events, including the Spitzbergen marathon, work was completed that year for the Boxing Day fixture.
Sam turned his attention to putting a roof on Bristow’s away end disabled area at the start of 2019 involving himself in more physical commitment, this time running 122 laps of Plainmoor.
This column is pleased to say that this roof work has now been completed and TUST, on behalf of Sam, would like to thank the club for carrying this important work out whilst Plainmoor has had no fans. Great work motivated by two big causes so many thanks to the club, Sam and his sponsors.
*************
How would you sum up the season in three words was last week’s challenge. The two best answers for ‘Three Word Fun’? David Beer’s ‘Remarkable, just remarkable’ and Diane Jody’s ‘A rollercoaster ride’ - many thanks to those who contributed.
This week who would you want United to play in the semi-final on June 12, Notts County or Chesterfield and why.
Send your choice to: [email protected] or to Twitter: @FanszoneT
Let’s all stay positive and hope that those allowed inside Plainmoor on June 12 will be able to make the kind of noise the Yellow Army delivers as a 12th man.
To all the Yellow army stay safe and, when offered, get your vaccination. COYY.!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
5th June 2021
FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION CHAIR MALCOLM CLARKE SHARES HIS WISDOM WITH TUST ON THE UPCOMING FAN - LED REVIEW
TUST’s Special Social consultation event took place earlier this week on Zoom and the TUST board was joined not only by a number of members but also by representatives from the trusts at Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town and Hereford United.
The meeting was led by the Football Supporters’ Association Chair, Malcolm Clarke, a very experienced football fan who was informative, insightful, constructive and full of useful ideas. He led the meeting through the background to where we are now regarding the Fan-Led Review and how to put forward any views to Tracey Crouch.
Malcolm then kindly answered up to a dozen previously submitted questions sent in by TUST members and his replies to these will help form TUST’s submission to the F-L Review.
The time scale is tight as Crouch is expecting to submit her interim report by the end of July. To help her, there are various network meetings during June which she will be attending. Her final report is due in October.
As Malcolm Clarke said at the meeting, this F-L Review may not be perfect but it offers a big opportunity to do something.
The Football Supporters' Association have welcomed TUST's offer to contribute to the fan-led review.
FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION CHAIR MALCOLM CLARKE SHARES HIS WISDOM WITH TUST ON THE UPCOMING FAN - LED REVIEW
TUST’s Special Social consultation event took place earlier this week on Zoom and the TUST board was joined not only by a number of members but also by representatives from the trusts at Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town and Hereford United.
The meeting was led by the Football Supporters’ Association Chair, Malcolm Clarke, a very experienced football fan who was informative, insightful, constructive and full of useful ideas. He led the meeting through the background to where we are now regarding the Fan-Led Review and how to put forward any views to Tracey Crouch.
Malcolm then kindly answered up to a dozen previously submitted questions sent in by TUST members and his replies to these will help form TUST’s submission to the F-L Review.
The time scale is tight as Crouch is expecting to submit her interim report by the end of July. To help her, there are various network meetings during June which she will be attending. Her final report is due in October.
As Malcolm Clarke said at the meeting, this F-L Review may not be perfect but it offers a big opportunity to do something.
The Football Supporters' Association have welcomed TUST's offer to contribute to the fan-led review.
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
7th June 2021
YELLOW ARMY
YOUR TEAM NEEDS YOU!
We now know our opponents in the play-off semi-final on Saturday and the lucky ones have secured their tickets to be inside Plainmoor for one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history.
We have seen this past weekend what an impact a noisy, supportive home crowd can have and TUST calls on all those present on Saturday to provide a positive vibe and loud support for our beloved team.
Unfortunately, the crowd at the last home game against Barnet were rather subdued, probably because of nervous tension around the fixture and one couldn’t help feeling this was reflected on the pitch.
We now have the opportunity to get fully behind the team on Saturday and cheer them on to the final at Bristol the following Sunday. A vibrant, positive crowd really can be Gary’s 12th Man.
To help us provide this atmosphere TUST has asked the club to consider the following steps:
Relaxation of the mandatory requirement for face masks.
We have all seen how many fans at games elsewhere have chosen not to wear masks which enables them to offer the all-important vocal support. Our understanding is that there is no statutory requirement to do so at outdoor sporting events as set out in the Government’s guidance for the return of spectators to elite sport and confirmed by the national SAG office. The club and the local Safety Advisory Group have some discretion in the matter. With the low incidence of Covid in Torbay, temperature testing upon entry to the stadium and social distancing within, we would ask the club to consider relaxation of the requirement for masks.
Drum up support
Allow drums and other appropriate instruments in to the stadium.
Pump up the volume!
Play suitably stirring music at high volume in the build up to the game, hiring a louder PA system if necessary. The players use this technique to get themselves fired up for the challenge so why not the crowd?
COME ON YELLOW ARMY – BANNISH ANY NEGATIVITY AND GET BEHIND THE LADS FROM FIRST KICK TO LAST! TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!
YELLOW ARMY
YOUR TEAM NEEDS YOU!
We now know our opponents in the play-off semi-final on Saturday and the lucky ones have secured their tickets to be inside Plainmoor for one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history.
We have seen this past weekend what an impact a noisy, supportive home crowd can have and TUST calls on all those present on Saturday to provide a positive vibe and loud support for our beloved team.
Unfortunately, the crowd at the last home game against Barnet were rather subdued, probably because of nervous tension around the fixture and one couldn’t help feeling this was reflected on the pitch.
We now have the opportunity to get fully behind the team on Saturday and cheer them on to the final at Bristol the following Sunday. A vibrant, positive crowd really can be Gary’s 12th Man.
To help us provide this atmosphere TUST has asked the club to consider the following steps:
Relaxation of the mandatory requirement for face masks.
We have all seen how many fans at games elsewhere have chosen not to wear masks which enables them to offer the all-important vocal support. Our understanding is that there is no statutory requirement to do so at outdoor sporting events as set out in the Government’s guidance for the return of spectators to elite sport and confirmed by the national SAG office. The club and the local Safety Advisory Group have some discretion in the matter. With the low incidence of Covid in Torbay, temperature testing upon entry to the stadium and social distancing within, we would ask the club to consider relaxation of the requirement for masks.
Drum up support
Allow drums and other appropriate instruments in to the stadium.
Pump up the volume!
Play suitably stirring music at high volume in the build up to the game, hiring a louder PA system if necessary. The players use this technique to get themselves fired up for the challenge so why not the crowd?
COME ON YELLOW ARMY – BANNISH ANY NEGATIVITY AND GET BEHIND THE LADS FROM FIRST KICK TO LAST! TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
11th June 2021
WHEN SATURDAY COMES!
When Saturday comes let's raise the roof at Plainmoor!
All those supporters who are fortunate enough to have tickets, we are lucky, this is probably one of the hugest home matches for a number of years. Let's make ourselves count by being Gary's 12th man.
Any one who has played football will know how much of an effect positive support can have on each and every player. Whether the team is on top and driving towards a victory, has fallen behind and is striving to level the score or individuals are struggling, for whatever reason, and maybe making mistakes, your positive encouragement has an effect.
The one thing we have seen this season is a togetherness of our team on the pitch, high energy performances and a never say die spirit, aka 'Gary Time'.
We, the Gulls' supporters, can do the same from the stands and the terraces- be together for the team, maintain a high energy of noise in support and keep positively encouraging players if mistakes are made and never say die!
Let's show what we know the yellow army can do as Gary's 12th man!
COYY
Michel Thomas
Chairman on behalf of TUST
COME ON YELLOW ARMY – BANNISH ANY NEGATIVITY AND GET BEHIND THE LADS FROM FIRST KICK TO LAST! TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!
WHEN SATURDAY COMES!
When Saturday comes let's raise the roof at Plainmoor!
All those supporters who are fortunate enough to have tickets, we are lucky, this is probably one of the hugest home matches for a number of years. Let's make ourselves count by being Gary's 12th man.
Any one who has played football will know how much of an effect positive support can have on each and every player. Whether the team is on top and driving towards a victory, has fallen behind and is striving to level the score or individuals are struggling, for whatever reason, and maybe making mistakes, your positive encouragement has an effect.
The one thing we have seen this season is a togetherness of our team on the pitch, high energy performances and a never say die spirit, aka 'Gary Time'.
We, the Gulls' supporters, can do the same from the stands and the terraces- be together for the team, maintain a high energy of noise in support and keep positively encouraging players if mistakes are made and never say die!
Let's show what we know the yellow army can do as Gary's 12th man!
COYY
Michel Thomas
Chairman on behalf of TUST
COME ON YELLOW ARMY – BANNISH ANY NEGATIVITY AND GET BEHIND THE LADS FROM FIRST KICK TO LAST! TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
11th June 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT AND VOICE ON SATURDAY.
MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE BOYS!
Having watched the two play-off eliminators over the weekend, both won 3-2 by the home sides, (a good omen?) what was evident was the vital importance of having home fans inside the two grounds. Their involvement cannot be underestimated.
It was no coincidence that both winning managers, players and pundits underlined the role played by the crowd - literally the 12th man. Or as Gary Johnson has now asked, to be in the team!
And, interestingly at both matches was the absence of face coverings for, to be fair, singing and chanting for ninety minutes plus with a mask is not pleasant. Let’s hope the Yellow Army are able to ‘give it their all.’
So, Notts County will be the visitors for Saturday lunchtime and whilst one player does not make a team, many United fans will have the name Mark Ellis on their lips, for various reasons. Kingsbridge born Ellis made his Gulls’ debut in a 5-2 win at Kidderminster in September 2007 on loan from Bolton Wanderers. Between 2008 and 2012 Ellis scored 12 times in 136 appearances before moving to Carlisle.
Saturday’s semi-final sets up an intriguing test between the two managers. On the one hand there’s United’s vastly experienced Gary Johnson whose various sides over the years have had play-off successes and six promotions.
On the other hand there’s Notts County boss, Ian Burchnall, 38, who began his coaching career at age 22 at the University of Leeds. His managerial and coaching career has, over the past few years, been spent in Scandinavia, most recently, until 2020, as manager of Ostersund taking over from Graham Potter. Burchnall was appointed head coach at Meadow Lane in March this year.
There’s no doubt, then, that Saturday’s match is going the need the Yellow Army at its vocal best. There needs to be a buzz and atmosphere from the moment the first fans step inside Plainmoor, crank up the music, put on records people sing along to and plenty of positive announcements. Pity there’s unlikely to be any pre-match entertainment especially with BT Sport cameras present.
This is the club’s biggest opportunity to get back where we belong - being a 12th or 11th man has never been so important.
Going into the play-offs the number of ex-Football League clubs involved showed they totalled 488 years of EFL experience. It is, of course, now clear that one former Football League club will, after the Final on June 20, be returning to the promised land and of the four contenders it’s interesting to see how long each side has waited: United fell out in 2014, Notts County 2019, Hartlepool 2017 and Stockport County 2011.
It’s all to play for and could Gulls’ boss Gary Johnson have a selection surprise in store?
************
TUST’s Special Social consultation event took place last week on Zoom when the TUST board was joined not only by a number of members but also by representatives from the trusts at Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town and Hereford United.
The meeting was led by the Football Supporters’ Association Chair, Malcolm Clarke, a very experienced football fan who was informative, insightful, constructive and full of useful ideas. He led the meeting through the background to where we are now regarding the Fan-Led Review and how to put forward any views to Tracey Crouch.
Malcolm then kindly answered up to a dozen previously submitted questions sent in by TUST members and his replies to these will help form TUST’s submission to the F-L Review.
The time scale is tight as Crouch is expecting to submit her interim report by the end of July. To help her, there are various network meetings during June which she will be attending. Her final report is due in October.
As Malcolm Clarke said at the meeting, this F-L Review may not be perfect but it offers a big opportunity to do something.
*****************
In National League news, it didn’t take long to discover that ex-Barnet manager, Simon Bassey, who quit the Bees after only two months in charge has become First Team coach at Portsmouth under Danny Cowley.
Meanwhile, the winner of May’s Vanarama Volunteer of the Month was none other than match day commentator Ray Duffy; congratulations Ray.
Saturday, then, is a defining day in Torquay United’s recent history and the big opportunity is there to be grasped with the Yellow Army’s support -so make some noise for the boys. Sing your heart out and make that difference.
Sadly, I’m not well enough to be there but I’ll be kicking and heading every ball. COYY!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
CLICK HERE
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT AND VOICE ON SATURDAY.
MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE BOYS!
Having watched the two play-off eliminators over the weekend, both won 3-2 by the home sides, (a good omen?) what was evident was the vital importance of having home fans inside the two grounds. Their involvement cannot be underestimated.
It was no coincidence that both winning managers, players and pundits underlined the role played by the crowd - literally the 12th man. Or as Gary Johnson has now asked, to be in the team!
And, interestingly at both matches was the absence of face coverings for, to be fair, singing and chanting for ninety minutes plus with a mask is not pleasant. Let’s hope the Yellow Army are able to ‘give it their all.’
So, Notts County will be the visitors for Saturday lunchtime and whilst one player does not make a team, many United fans will have the name Mark Ellis on their lips, for various reasons. Kingsbridge born Ellis made his Gulls’ debut in a 5-2 win at Kidderminster in September 2007 on loan from Bolton Wanderers. Between 2008 and 2012 Ellis scored 12 times in 136 appearances before moving to Carlisle.
Saturday’s semi-final sets up an intriguing test between the two managers. On the one hand there’s United’s vastly experienced Gary Johnson whose various sides over the years have had play-off successes and six promotions.
On the other hand there’s Notts County boss, Ian Burchnall, 38, who began his coaching career at age 22 at the University of Leeds. His managerial and coaching career has, over the past few years, been spent in Scandinavia, most recently, until 2020, as manager of Ostersund taking over from Graham Potter. Burchnall was appointed head coach at Meadow Lane in March this year.
There’s no doubt, then, that Saturday’s match is going the need the Yellow Army at its vocal best. There needs to be a buzz and atmosphere from the moment the first fans step inside Plainmoor, crank up the music, put on records people sing along to and plenty of positive announcements. Pity there’s unlikely to be any pre-match entertainment especially with BT Sport cameras present.
This is the club’s biggest opportunity to get back where we belong - being a 12th or 11th man has never been so important.
Going into the play-offs the number of ex-Football League clubs involved showed they totalled 488 years of EFL experience. It is, of course, now clear that one former Football League club will, after the Final on June 20, be returning to the promised land and of the four contenders it’s interesting to see how long each side has waited: United fell out in 2014, Notts County 2019, Hartlepool 2017 and Stockport County 2011.
It’s all to play for and could Gulls’ boss Gary Johnson have a selection surprise in store?
************
TUST’s Special Social consultation event took place last week on Zoom when the TUST board was joined not only by a number of members but also by representatives from the trusts at Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle, Yeovil Town and Hereford United.
The meeting was led by the Football Supporters’ Association Chair, Malcolm Clarke, a very experienced football fan who was informative, insightful, constructive and full of useful ideas. He led the meeting through the background to where we are now regarding the Fan-Led Review and how to put forward any views to Tracey Crouch.
Malcolm then kindly answered up to a dozen previously submitted questions sent in by TUST members and his replies to these will help form TUST’s submission to the F-L Review.
The time scale is tight as Crouch is expecting to submit her interim report by the end of July. To help her, there are various network meetings during June which she will be attending. Her final report is due in October.
As Malcolm Clarke said at the meeting, this F-L Review may not be perfect but it offers a big opportunity to do something.
*****************
In National League news, it didn’t take long to discover that ex-Barnet manager, Simon Bassey, who quit the Bees after only two months in charge has become First Team coach at Portsmouth under Danny Cowley.
Meanwhile, the winner of May’s Vanarama Volunteer of the Month was none other than match day commentator Ray Duffy; congratulations Ray.
Saturday, then, is a defining day in Torquay United’s recent history and the big opportunity is there to be grasped with the Yellow Army’s support -so make some noise for the boys. Sing your heart out and make that difference.
Sadly, I’m not well enough to be there but I’ll be kicking and heading every ball. COYY!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
CLICK HERE
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
11th June 2021
GARY JOHNSON SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION
TUST commends the club's owner and directors for securing GJ for longer and for the brilliant timing of announcing the news on the eve of such an important fixture.
COME ON YELLOW ARMY – BANNISH ANY NEGATIVITY AND GET BEHIND THE LADS FROM FIRST KICK TO LAST! TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!
GARY JOHNSON SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION
TUST commends the club's owner and directors for securing GJ for longer and for the brilliant timing of announcing the news on the eve of such an important fixture.
COME ON YELLOW ARMY – BANNISH ANY NEGATIVITY AND GET BEHIND THE LADS FROM FIRST KICK TO LAST! TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
18th June 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
WHAT A PERFECT DAY AS THE GULLS SWOOP TO BRISTOL FINAL - RETURNING DANNY WRIGHT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Just 35 seconds is all it took for the returning Danny Wright to send the Gulls to Bristol for Sunday’s National League Play-Off Final. What a brilliant return for Wright, clearly the ace up Gary Johnson’s sleeve, with his two goals at crucial times and for lasting ninety minutes.
So, how can 1709 football fans sound like 5000? Put the Yellow Army inside Plainmoor on a warm, sunny mid-day in June add in happy clappers for all, an inspired idea (maybe copied from Thea Bristow?!), allow in two drummers, ramp up the pre-match music - who doesn’t sing along to ‘Sweet Caroline’ - wear special scarves for loyal season ticket holders - another great gesture from the club - all mixed together with fans giving it their all in noise and passion from start to finish.
There’s no coincidence that the electric afternoon, full of singing and passion, was helped by the ‘relaxation’ of the face covering issues which had been debated over the previous few days.
What an occasion it proved to be and full marks to everyone at the club for organising such a special atmosphere. TUST had spent the week in helping to ‘pump up the volume’ and whilst we take no credit for what the club arranged we feel, on behalf of our loyal members, we helped to prepare for the day.
It was, though, a fantastic 100% response from those 1709 inside the ground. Gary Johnson is a canny, experienced manager who had clearly wanted the week’s build-up to be low key. When asked about the preparations he quipped back, quoting a well known slogan for a popular chocolate bar, telling us about the players ‘work, rest and play’.
He knows how to reduce the tension and pressure with his friendly banter leaving the important stuff to behind closed doors.
Of course, contract talks between club and manager and between manager and players are quite rightly private and confidential. So what a boost, on the eve of this vital semi-final, and what a great piece of timing, as the club announced Gary Johnson’s contract extension - a further two years? - which must have gone down well in the dressing room because it certainly has throughout the Yellow Army.
These are heady times in TQ1 and TUST fully endorses the manager’s extension, we are fortunate to have such an experienced boss who clearly is loving his time at Torquay fully supported behind the scenes.
That he is staying for longer does imply, no matter which League the club may be in next season, that he will continue to have the full backing of owner Clarke Osborne and the other directors George Edwards and Mel Hayman. And thanks to the tireless work of the directors and their staff for all their preparation and efforts on Saturday.
***************
As to the match top picks: the cross from Joe Lewis for Danny Wright’s opener, Adam Randell’s sublime cutback for Wright’s second, Asa Hall, playing a real captain’s role and the BT Sport and the Non-League Paper’s Man of the Match, putting his head where it hurts and then Dean Moxey’s coolly struck penalty. And the manager’s astute use of the subs’ bench.
For those who were there it’ll live long in the memory.
Now it’s on to Bristol to face Hartlepool United whose manager Dave Challinor acknowledged the Gulls have “ individual threats all over the pitch - but it’s a one off game.”
Wonder if we’ll be hearing from Jeff Stelling during the build-up?
And has Johnson got another ace up his sleeve?
With high ticket prices not every fan will be able to get to Bristol so TUST has asking whether the match can be watched on the big screen at Plainmoor or in Boots & Laces.
***********
National League news: Manager of the Season Matt Gray Sutton. Player of the Season Stockport’s John Rooney who won it last year at Barrow. Top Scorer Michael Cheek with 21 for Bromley.
For those who may have missed it, the EGM call for a no confidence vote against the board and chairman Brian Barwick was rejected with only seven of the thirty-three clubs backing the motion which received no support from the National League Premier clubs.
It’s also confirmed that season 2021-2022 will see the same number of clubs currently in the three leagues.
*************
Congratulations to Connor Lemonheigh-Evans on being the Yellow Army’s Player of the Season and to our ‘Torquayfied’ on loan Adam Randell for his much deserved Young Player award. Great choices with perhaps Asa Hall just missing out but he is currently top scorer.
So, it’s on to the final and who can have been failed to be dazzled with Gary Johnson’s vivid yellow 1899 club tie. Surely this is a must for Sunday. Check out the club shop.
Would you buy and wear the club tie at the final, yes or no? Send your reply to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT
To all those who have a ticket have a great day out. COYY
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
WHAT A PERFECT DAY AS THE GULLS SWOOP TO BRISTOL FINAL - RETURNING DANNY WRIGHT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Just 35 seconds is all it took for the returning Danny Wright to send the Gulls to Bristol for Sunday’s National League Play-Off Final. What a brilliant return for Wright, clearly the ace up Gary Johnson’s sleeve, with his two goals at crucial times and for lasting ninety minutes.
So, how can 1709 football fans sound like 5000? Put the Yellow Army inside Plainmoor on a warm, sunny mid-day in June add in happy clappers for all, an inspired idea (maybe copied from Thea Bristow?!), allow in two drummers, ramp up the pre-match music - who doesn’t sing along to ‘Sweet Caroline’ - wear special scarves for loyal season ticket holders - another great gesture from the club - all mixed together with fans giving it their all in noise and passion from start to finish.
There’s no coincidence that the electric afternoon, full of singing and passion, was helped by the ‘relaxation’ of the face covering issues which had been debated over the previous few days.
What an occasion it proved to be and full marks to everyone at the club for organising such a special atmosphere. TUST had spent the week in helping to ‘pump up the volume’ and whilst we take no credit for what the club arranged we feel, on behalf of our loyal members, we helped to prepare for the day.
It was, though, a fantastic 100% response from those 1709 inside the ground. Gary Johnson is a canny, experienced manager who had clearly wanted the week’s build-up to be low key. When asked about the preparations he quipped back, quoting a well known slogan for a popular chocolate bar, telling us about the players ‘work, rest and play’.
He knows how to reduce the tension and pressure with his friendly banter leaving the important stuff to behind closed doors.
Of course, contract talks between club and manager and between manager and players are quite rightly private and confidential. So what a boost, on the eve of this vital semi-final, and what a great piece of timing, as the club announced Gary Johnson’s contract extension - a further two years? - which must have gone down well in the dressing room because it certainly has throughout the Yellow Army.
These are heady times in TQ1 and TUST fully endorses the manager’s extension, we are fortunate to have such an experienced boss who clearly is loving his time at Torquay fully supported behind the scenes.
That he is staying for longer does imply, no matter which League the club may be in next season, that he will continue to have the full backing of owner Clarke Osborne and the other directors George Edwards and Mel Hayman. And thanks to the tireless work of the directors and their staff for all their preparation and efforts on Saturday.
***************
As to the match top picks: the cross from Joe Lewis for Danny Wright’s opener, Adam Randell’s sublime cutback for Wright’s second, Asa Hall, playing a real captain’s role and the BT Sport and the Non-League Paper’s Man of the Match, putting his head where it hurts and then Dean Moxey’s coolly struck penalty. And the manager’s astute use of the subs’ bench.
For those who were there it’ll live long in the memory.
Now it’s on to Bristol to face Hartlepool United whose manager Dave Challinor acknowledged the Gulls have “ individual threats all over the pitch - but it’s a one off game.”
Wonder if we’ll be hearing from Jeff Stelling during the build-up?
And has Johnson got another ace up his sleeve?
With high ticket prices not every fan will be able to get to Bristol so TUST has asking whether the match can be watched on the big screen at Plainmoor or in Boots & Laces.
***********
National League news: Manager of the Season Matt Gray Sutton. Player of the Season Stockport’s John Rooney who won it last year at Barrow. Top Scorer Michael Cheek with 21 for Bromley.
For those who may have missed it, the EGM call for a no confidence vote against the board and chairman Brian Barwick was rejected with only seven of the thirty-three clubs backing the motion which received no support from the National League Premier clubs.
It’s also confirmed that season 2021-2022 will see the same number of clubs currently in the three leagues.
*************
Congratulations to Connor Lemonheigh-Evans on being the Yellow Army’s Player of the Season and to our ‘Torquayfied’ on loan Adam Randell for his much deserved Young Player award. Great choices with perhaps Asa Hall just missing out but he is currently top scorer.
So, it’s on to the final and who can have been failed to be dazzled with Gary Johnson’s vivid yellow 1899 club tie. Surely this is a must for Sunday. Check out the club shop.
Would you buy and wear the club tie at the final, yes or no? Send your reply to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT
To all those who have a ticket have a great day out. COYY
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
-
TUST_Official
- First Regular
- Posts: 327
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
26th June 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
CLARKE OSBORNE : "DEFEAT IS JUST A MOMENT , IT WILL NOT HALT THE YELLOW ARMY" - FOLLOWING PENALTY SHOOT - OUT HEARTACHE
In an electric atmosphere the 3,100 Yellow Army sang their hearts out, once again acting as the 11th man, but a penalty shoot-out defeat was a bitter pill to swallow in Sunday’s nail biting play-off final as United now face an eighth season in the National League.
The match was the second outstanding spectacle on the Ashton Gate pitch in 24 hours following Harlequins stunning comeback against hosts Bristol Bears in the Premiership rugby play-off.
What drama unfolded, with Torquay’s chances of moving the game into extra time ebbing away we entered the 95th minute and ‘Gary Time’. Step forward hero Lucas Covalan, waved up for a last ditch Andrews’ corner which was half cleared but slung back in for Covalan to head home and into Gulls’ folklore. Cue wild scenes but that was not the end as ultimately United paid the penalty for not taking more advantage in extra time.
So, to the match talking points and key moments: Two disallowed headed ‘goals’ from Kyle Cameron in each half. You can see an argument for why the first was chalked off from TV replays as Joe Lewis pushed Rhys Oates as the header went in - but as Gary Johnson said afterwards, when isn’t there pushing and shoving in the box - but the second looked a perfectly legitimate header as Cameron once again beat keeper James to the ball.
Then there was the Jake Andrews’ injury delay, with Hartlepool visibly out on their feet at that point maybe they benefitted from the rest to rejuvenate.
Although the format is established, no football fan looks forward to the lottery of a penalty shoot- out. Johnson had talked earlier in the week about their list of takers, in order, but by the time it came to take them some of the original names had been subbed.
Despite Lucas Covalan’s heroics, as the Boss said, “ Missing three is unforgivable.”
With the new season around five weeks’ away there are busy times ahead and with Grimsby and Southend dropping down the National League will have twelve ex-EFL clubs fighting for promotion.
Good luck to Hartlepool on their return to League football - the match was another great advert for the top tier of non-league - but there were some unsavoury crowd scenes as their fans invaded the pitch at the end which spoilt the occasion.
And after the game a nice touch from the club’s directors for going into the dressing room to pick everyone up by thanking them for their efforts throughout the season.
***********
At this point it’s worth putting into context what has happened to Torquay United since the inspired recruitment of Gary Johnson in September 2018 when he saw a 2-0 win at Hungerford Town as the Gulls were at their lowest ebb.
With Clarke Osborne’s financial backing the Gulls went on to be crowned Champions of National South then came a 14th finish in a Covid curtailed campaign.
This season United got off to a flying start but injuries, resulting in a loss of form, slowed progress allowing Sutton to take advantage but hats off to not only the management, who in just three seasons have restored pride in the club, but to the owner who has overseen Torquay to be a professionally run football club.
A timely statement from Clarke Osborne on Monday who said, “ It is one step on our journey that we have delayed until next season, a season where we will give our best, work hard with determination to take that next step to League 2.”
It’s worth reflecting on Johnson’s record: Played 129, Won 71, Drawn 22, Lost 36, Win% 55.0
Many clubs in Torquay’s situation seem to suffer a hangover the following season but Johnson is too canny, experienced and astute a leader to allow this to happen.
Final words from Osborne, “ Defeat is just a moment, it will not halt the Yellow Army.”
This week has seen the release of eight players, no real surprises, followed by the losses of Lucas Covolan to Port Vale and Kyle Cameron to Notts County and maybe a couple more.
On the plus side Gary Johnson has years of experience in building sides and recruiting - let’s hope his couple of tea parties for prospective players went well!
***********
Congratulations to Bournemouth loanee Sam Sherring named in the Vanarama Team of the Season and to Asa Hall and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans for inclusion in the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Season.
For those who may have missed it, Dover Athletic will start season 2021-2022 with minus twelve points as well as their £40,000 fine following the FA rejecting their appeal.
Interesting comments from Argyle boss Ryan Lowe last week, following Adam Randell’s successful loan, “ I think with the relationship I have built up with Gary from manager to manager, we could play games against each other and send kids there on loan.”
************
Now, let’s look forward. The club have given us a season to remember despite loss of income due to Covid, so in return will you be renewing/buying a season ticket?
Send your answer to: [email protected] or to Twitter:@FanszoneT
To all the Yellow Army stay safe and enjoy the close season.
COYY!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
CLARKE OSBORNE : "DEFEAT IS JUST A MOMENT , IT WILL NOT HALT THE YELLOW ARMY" - FOLLOWING PENALTY SHOOT - OUT HEARTACHE
In an electric atmosphere the 3,100 Yellow Army sang their hearts out, once again acting as the 11th man, but a penalty shoot-out defeat was a bitter pill to swallow in Sunday’s nail biting play-off final as United now face an eighth season in the National League.
The match was the second outstanding spectacle on the Ashton Gate pitch in 24 hours following Harlequins stunning comeback against hosts Bristol Bears in the Premiership rugby play-off.
What drama unfolded, with Torquay’s chances of moving the game into extra time ebbing away we entered the 95th minute and ‘Gary Time’. Step forward hero Lucas Covalan, waved up for a last ditch Andrews’ corner which was half cleared but slung back in for Covalan to head home and into Gulls’ folklore. Cue wild scenes but that was not the end as ultimately United paid the penalty for not taking more advantage in extra time.
So, to the match talking points and key moments: Two disallowed headed ‘goals’ from Kyle Cameron in each half. You can see an argument for why the first was chalked off from TV replays as Joe Lewis pushed Rhys Oates as the header went in - but as Gary Johnson said afterwards, when isn’t there pushing and shoving in the box - but the second looked a perfectly legitimate header as Cameron once again beat keeper James to the ball.
Then there was the Jake Andrews’ injury delay, with Hartlepool visibly out on their feet at that point maybe they benefitted from the rest to rejuvenate.
Although the format is established, no football fan looks forward to the lottery of a penalty shoot- out. Johnson had talked earlier in the week about their list of takers, in order, but by the time it came to take them some of the original names had been subbed.
Despite Lucas Covalan’s heroics, as the Boss said, “ Missing three is unforgivable.”
With the new season around five weeks’ away there are busy times ahead and with Grimsby and Southend dropping down the National League will have twelve ex-EFL clubs fighting for promotion.
Good luck to Hartlepool on their return to League football - the match was another great advert for the top tier of non-league - but there were some unsavoury crowd scenes as their fans invaded the pitch at the end which spoilt the occasion.
And after the game a nice touch from the club’s directors for going into the dressing room to pick everyone up by thanking them for their efforts throughout the season.
***********
At this point it’s worth putting into context what has happened to Torquay United since the inspired recruitment of Gary Johnson in September 2018 when he saw a 2-0 win at Hungerford Town as the Gulls were at their lowest ebb.
With Clarke Osborne’s financial backing the Gulls went on to be crowned Champions of National South then came a 14th finish in a Covid curtailed campaign.
This season United got off to a flying start but injuries, resulting in a loss of form, slowed progress allowing Sutton to take advantage but hats off to not only the management, who in just three seasons have restored pride in the club, but to the owner who has overseen Torquay to be a professionally run football club.
A timely statement from Clarke Osborne on Monday who said, “ It is one step on our journey that we have delayed until next season, a season where we will give our best, work hard with determination to take that next step to League 2.”
It’s worth reflecting on Johnson’s record: Played 129, Won 71, Drawn 22, Lost 36, Win% 55.0
Many clubs in Torquay’s situation seem to suffer a hangover the following season but Johnson is too canny, experienced and astute a leader to allow this to happen.
Final words from Osborne, “ Defeat is just a moment, it will not halt the Yellow Army.”
This week has seen the release of eight players, no real surprises, followed by the losses of Lucas Covolan to Port Vale and Kyle Cameron to Notts County and maybe a couple more.
On the plus side Gary Johnson has years of experience in building sides and recruiting - let’s hope his couple of tea parties for prospective players went well!
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Congratulations to Bournemouth loanee Sam Sherring named in the Vanarama Team of the Season and to Asa Hall and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans for inclusion in the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Season.
For those who may have missed it, Dover Athletic will start season 2021-2022 with minus twelve points as well as their £40,000 fine following the FA rejecting their appeal.
Interesting comments from Argyle boss Ryan Lowe last week, following Adam Randell’s successful loan, “ I think with the relationship I have built up with Gary from manager to manager, we could play games against each other and send kids there on loan.”
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Now, let’s look forward. The club have given us a season to remember despite loss of income due to Covid, so in return will you be renewing/buying a season ticket?
Send your answer to: [email protected] or to Twitter:@FanszoneT
To all the Yellow Army stay safe and enjoy the close season.
COYY!
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