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21st May 2022

FAN ZONE

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

UNITED’S RETAINED LIST SHEDS LITTLE LIGHT ON ANY DEPARTURES WHILE SAM’S 122 LAPS OF PLAINMOOR HELP TO SET UP A JUNIOR DISABILITY LEAGUE

Yesterday’s retained list released by the club shows thirteen squad members have been offered contracts alongside three still in contract, keeper Mark Halstead who came good when called upon recently but for most supporters surprisingly Gabby Rogers and Keelan O’Connell. Rogers spending much of the season out on loan and O’Connell finding National League football a challenge.

Of course, the wait is now on to see how many of the thirteen will sign again. There are strong indications that Connor Lemonheigh-Evans is on his way to join Stockport and several of the others are likely to be tempted away. It promises to be an interesting few weeks ahead.

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With nothing riding on the match, other than pride to finish the National League season, Torquay United and Southend played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday in front of 6,294 while those watching on BT Sport saw Stockport County crowned champions but more importantly booked their return to the EFL after an absence of eleven years, much of which was spent in National North. The carnival atmosphere was bolstered by an attendance of 10,307.

When manager Dave Challinor took over, County were tenth but with the help of a hefty budget, the former Hartlepool boss found that winning formula, something United’s Gary Johnson is anxious to re-create in 2022-23 after, by his standards, a disappointing eleventh place finish. Too many times this season Johnson’s side have dominated their opponents in the first half of matches, creating chance after chance but failing to capitalise, then only to run out of steam in the second half.

Sunday’s ‘dead-rubber’ was a case in point where the three points should have been wrapped up inside the first forty-five minutes. On too few occasions the team have clicked for both halves as witness the home game of the season, the 5-1 demolition of Notts County.

In the end Torquay fell eight points short of claiming a play-off spot but with fourteen defeats for the season, that’s four more than Stockport, those ‘missing’ twelve points would have seen United comfortably playing for that final EFL place.

As it is Wrexham, for all their spending power, only finishing one point ahead of third team Solihull Moors together with FC Halifax, Notts County, Grimsby and Chesterfield, who clung on to seventh watched by 9,013, are battling it out through the lottery of the play-offs for that ‘golden ticket’.

Once again, the focus should be on the National League being granted a third promotion so that there’s three up, three down between it and League 2, something which Gary Johnson has been advocating for a long time.

Maybe this can be achieved in the near future once the Fan-Led Review recommendations appear in a Government White Paper announced in the Queen’s Speech when the Prince of Wales opened the new Parliament last week.

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Step forward fund raiser and long-term Torquay supporter Sam Balsdon. It was almost three years ago, May 23 2019, that Sam, in his quest to raise £2,500 to cover the wheelchair section of the away end of Bristow’s Bench, ran an astonishing 122 laps of Plainmoor.

Manager Gary Johnson joked at the time, “This is probably a lot more than most of the players have done this season, even though we’re still the [National South] champions.”

Balsdon added, “It was about raising money for the disabled section, particularly the away end, because the home end has been done.”

When the pandemic hit any work was put on hold and eventually the club carried out the project but that left around £1,500 from the sponsorship funds.

TUST is pleased to announce, after much discussion, that these funds will set up a first ever Junior Disability League in conjunction with the Torquay United Community Sports Trust (TUCST) under manager Matt Anthony.

The first event will take place at the Paignton Community & Sports Academy on Saturday June 11 starting at 10am. TUCST are looking to run four events over the remainder of 2022.

Anthony said, “We are delighted to finally have in place a start date for this brand new Disability League and are grateful to Sam and TUST. Running these events for Juniors with Special Educational Needs will provide opportunities for participants to take part in competitive and friendly matches, allowing individuals to showcase their talent and ability.”

Good to see the Club encouraging families to Plainmoor, with the emphasis on the younger generation to become long-term fans, through next season’s ticketing policy. With Under-18 season tickets available at the Early Discount rate of £100 and Under-12s for just £46 - that’s £2 per home game - there are no excuses for not snapping these up.

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With marquee signings on the horizon, season 2022-23 promises to be exciting and, just maybe, the season we’ve been longing for after that play-off final disappointment. Who’s joining the National League? We know Oldham Athletic and Scunthorpe United are dropping down from League 2, Gateshead from National North and Maidstone United from National South but which other two?

The North play-off final is between two former football league sides York City and Boston United. Back in February York were 15th in the table but have put in a great late charge; their eliminator 2-1 win over Chorley drew 6,394. On Saturday they beat Brackley, who finished second and 21 points ahead of York, in the semi-final.

The South play-off final is between Dorking Wanderers, who finished second and third placed Ebbsfleet United who put out Elliot Benyon’s Oxford City. Both finals will be played on Saturday.

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It’s the time of the year for presenting awards. Norfolk Gull Pete Groom, with TUST’s support, helped organise the first ever Yellow Army Exiles’ Away Player of the Season with the winner, Shaun MacDonald, awarded his trophy after Sunday’s game at Southend.

TUST’s Ian Twitchin Trophy, given to the United player who’s made the most appearances goes to Ben Wynter, who played in every game - an impressive feat.

Best goal of the Season? Surely Joe Lewis’s strike in the home match against Wealdstone.

Congratulations to ex-Gull Chris Hargreaves on his appointment as the next manager at Yeovil Town.

Exeter City and Southend have already sold 2,000 season tickets, so for Gulls’ fans to catch up a few decent signings in the next couple of weeks would give sales a boost.

What do you do to occupy your time in the close season? Gardening, DIY, cricket, bowls? Let me know: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT.

COYY!

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25th May 2022

TUST END OF SEASON NEWSLETTER 2021-22

Dear Members,

The Gulls’ season may have finished but as supporters reflect on the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs and start to speculate on new signings, TUST can look back on another busy year. Football is an all year round sport these days and that applies to supporters’ trusts too, with plenty to keep them busy over the summer.

As you are well aware, the aim of supporters' trusts is to continuously monitor and support the longer term sustainability, governance and heritage of our nation’s community football clubs. In many cases, particularly where clubs are in crisis, this future stability has depended not only on the support of the fan base, but also on their democratic, representative organisations. In most cases this has been the club's independent supporters' trust working together with supporters in ensuring the above. Most significantly, the sense of importance clubs hold within their local areas as a community asset and the ownership of the actual ground has a major role to play in sustainability.

To this end, your TUST board has continued to develop its efficacy over the last season by:

Holding monthly TUST board meetings.

Developing possible action plans using others’ professional advice should the club need ‘saving’ or restructuring, which we would present to everyone if the need ever arose.
Developing these through meetings of our professionally led Strategy team. Obviously we would all prefer never to have the need to move them forward, but it is good to be prepared as hindsight is often too late.

Keeping in regular contact with the FSA and other fellow trusts, particularly through the South West Supporters Trust Group meetings. Furthermore, meeting with local councillors and with our MP, whilst also talking and listening to other important friends of TUFC.

As has been widely publicised, we have been closely involved with developing and supporting the Government Independent Fan-Led Review. This culminated with a TUST delegation meeting with the IFLR chairman, ex sports minister Tracey Crouch MP and our local MP, Kevin Foster, in Parliament recently. This was particularly to feedback the impact the IFLR might have on well supported, non-league community based clubs such as ours. Since then, the IFLR has been included in the Queen’s Speech, the recommendations receiving full cross-party support in Parliament, which means that the next step is a White Paper to move this towards being passed as statutory law. This will include establishing an Independent Regulator and panel, who will legally oversee the governance of football clubs, be they privately, supporter or community owned. Supporters will also be given a greater voice, for example in terms of decisions relating to the heritage and location of their clubs.

Secondly, as part of our remit, TUST has also continued to be there to represent supporters concerns and suggestions to the club. Sadly, the club executive have declined to meet with us in person despite our best efforts to foster positive relations. Our recent communications have therefore been in writing, as you have been regularly updated upon. For example the widely discussed new ticketing arrangement concerns and their impact on inclusion. Whilst also working to develop, in support of the club, the awareness of TUFC’s value within the community and its linked organisations through outreach. Examples of this within the last year include:-

The TUFC Inspirations (disability) team receiving full kit and home training equipment from TUST, run by TUCST.
The TUCST mini, below 6 years old, mixed football group receiving new tailor made mini-goals from TUST.
The TUFC Women’s team receiving a full grant from TUST to purchase new tracksuits for next season as sponsorship.
Weekly Fans’ Zone articles in the Herald Express and to members by Nick Brodrick, our Supporter Liaison Officer on all things TUFC as well as related football news.
Regular updates to members via Facebook and Twitter, including advertising the club and corporate members when requested.
Publicising TUST on Devonlive and other online ‘Live’ publications throughout the UK during March and currently on Palm Torbay Radio.
0ffering to support other linked TUFC supporter groups, as appropriate.
Sponsoring the TUST Ian Twitchin Memorial shield and trophy.
Likewise, sponsoring the new TUFC exile supporters’ Away Player of the Season Award.
There are other initiatives currently in the pipeline.
This is what your basic 50p a week subscription pays for, and thank you to those that can volunteer more! Not only the above, but half of your fees go into the substantial contingency fund as outlined earlier.

This has been established, as directed by you, in order to be ready to coordinate an action or business plan to protect our club’s future, if ever the need unfortunately arises. This would be irrespective of whether the club was in private, supporter or community ownership. It would also obviously create a platform to involve our members and anyone with TUFC’s longer term sustainability and heritage at heart.

Have a great summer and do keep contacting us if you have any suggestions or concerns.

[email protected]

We are always here for our club!

Best wishes,

Michel Thomas
Chair, on behalf of the TUST board


The TUST sponsored Ian Twitchin Shield and Trophy for the player making most appearances and awarded this season to Ben Wynter who played every minute of every game.

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3rd June 2022

FAN ZONE

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

WHO’S IT FOR YOU? GRIMSBY OR SOLIHULL FOR EFL PROMOTION?

NEXT SEASON’S NATIONAL LEAGUE FULL OF EX-LEAGUE CLUBS SO TIME FOR LEAGUE 3?

With the eliminators over in mid-week and the two semi-finals played over the weekend, we now know the two teams battling it out in the National League Play-Off Final this Sunday at the London Stadium, home of West Ham and famously the scene for the 2012 Olympics. Step forward Grimsby Town and Solihull Moors. But is this the right ground for fans of these two teams to access, and on Jubilee Sunday?

The pricing too is excessive, between £40 and £45 with no concessions, compare this with £26 for the League 2 play-off final at Wembley. No wonder the league’s sponsors, Vanarama, have stepped in with a donation of £20,000 for each side’s supporters to help subsidise costs.

The two semi-finals produced thirteen goals, nine of which were at the Racecourse ground where Grimsby won a thriller 5-4 with ironically their winner, in the final minutes of extra time, scored from a long throw-in, just to show what Wrexham use as a weapon, Grimsby could do better.

Town boss Paul Hurst is no stranger to the National League having taken Grimsby up into the EFL in 2016 so, can he do it again? They certainly must be favourites but underdogs Solihull, who have never been a football league team, have a switched on manager in Neal Ardley; oh how Notts County may wish they hadn’t sacked him.

It promises to be a tantalising finale to the 2021-22 season and there are likely to be many willing Solihull to succeed.

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Next season the National League is back to its full quota of twenty-four teams, fourteen of which are former football league sides strengthening the argument for three up, three down between it and League 2. Several months ago the league’s General Manager, Mark Ives, told this column that there were talks between the two leagues to discuss such a topic, so we should be told how these discussions are progressing.

One of the most impressive facts of this season has been the attendance figures with many higher than crowds in Leagues 1&2. Notts County had over 12,000 for their eliminator, nearly 10,000 for Wrexham’s semi-final while Solihull created a new record on Sunday.

These crowd numbers add weight to the clamour for more automatic promotion places.

With the likely implementation of the Fan-Led Review on the horizon, with a Government White Paper out in the summer, new initiatives for football’s future could herald all kinds of changes to how football is governed and whether it’s more places for EFL status from the National League or turn it into League 3 remains an option that isn’t going to go away.

What does seem certain is the introduction of an independent football regulator whose first task will be to channel more of the Premier League’s money into lower league clubs, there’s talk of taking up to 25% of its broadcast revenues - and potentially 10 per cent of top flight transfer fees.

EFL chairman Rick Parry said, “The EFL would support the introduction of an independent statutory-backed regulator, if it provided the means by which we can deliver a reset of the game’s finances.”

Not everyone in football is happy with the idea of a regulator while others are urging the Government to set up a proper timetable as, at the moment, plans are rather vague. As the Football Supporters’ Association says, “Each day drafting White Papers is another day when a club might cease to exist. Another day for a dodgy owner to get their hooks into a club. Another day for remote billionaires to try to create European Super League 2.0. The FSA urges the Government to move fast and legislate now.”

Nadine Dorries, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said, “We will introduce reforms to corporate governance to mitigate the financial mismanagement of recent years and support fans having a veto over any changes involving vital parts of their club’s heritage and identity - like stadium, colours and badge. We are also working on plans to give fans a greater role in the day-to-day running of clubs.”

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With the National League AGM coming soon there should be plenty there on the agenda for clubs to discuss especially final decisions on whether to introduce a salary cap. Will the big spending from certain clubs this last campaign be knocked on the head?

Stockport and one other may well have left but potentially big clubs in York, Oldham and Scunthorpe are joining the likes of Wrexham and Chesterfield who both made mouthwatering signings last season.

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Having asked last week about pre-season friendlies, being used as a marketing ploy for ticket sales, the club has announced three matches against EFL opposition which should provide a sterner test than last year’s hastily put together fare. Matches at Plainmoor against Newport County, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City ought to give Johnson’s new look squad decent workouts. And prices for entry are pretty competitive as adults can gain entry for £10 (£8 concessions) but season ticket holders get in for half-price. With pre-season training drawing closer, the new 2022-23 season kicks off on August 6, a few proven National League or above players putting pen to paper would be welcome; maybe Mrs Johnson has been providing some of her famous afternoon tea parties to help persuade players to sign!

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Whilst both Notts County and FC Halifax gave it their best shots to return to the EFL at least their respective managers, Ian Burchnall and Pete Wild, have done with Burchnall taking over at Forest Green Rovers and Wild at Barrow.

Will Wrexham stick with Phil Parkinson and Chesterfield with Paul Cook?

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Congratulations to the Torquay United Development team becoming champions of the Devon Women’s League Western Division after a 2-1 win over Teignmouth. Women’s football at Torquay has never been higher, well done to all those involved.

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Keep the goals - posts and crossbars - as they are now but what to do about pitch invasions caused greater interest with the majority believing clubs failing to control their fans should be punished by playing future fixtures behind closed doors. The number to be decided depending on the severity of the incident.

This week, which team would you like to see win Sunday’s final, Grimsby or Solihull? Send your choice to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

9th June 2022

FAN ZONE

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

THREE UP THREE DOWN ON THE WAY? AND WHY WAIT UNTIL JULY FOR NEW SIGNINGS? WHEN IS A MARQUEE NOT A MARQUEE?

Last week’s column led the way with asking about three up, three down between the National League and League 2 reporting that the league’s General Manager, Mark Ives, had told Fans’ Zone some weeks ago that talks had started well. This week Ives has given an encouraging update.

“We’ve made it clear three up, three down is something we would like to pursue,” said Ives. “Absolutely, we are having open dialogue about it. It would be fairer and more fitting for our competition [next season there’ll be 15 ex-football league clubs]. It is a matter for the EFL and it has to have discussions with its clubs but is it something it is willing to have dialogue over? I think so.”

Regarding the implementation of a salary cap, Ives has hinted that, although discussions are continuing, it is unlikely, in the short term, that any changes will be agreed [at their next AGM].

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If ever a team deserved to regain their place back in the EFL doing it the hard way through the play-off system, it was Grimsby Town, one of only a few clubs who have returned at the first attempt. Although finishing the proper season in sixth, they won their eliminator round 3-2 at Notts County after extra time, they defeated Wrexham on their own turf 5-4 after extra time, the winning goal the result of a long throw-in and on Sunday clinched promotion, again after extra time, 2-1 over Solihull Moors with that vital second goal coming from yet another long throw.

Just goes to show the importance of set pieces. All Torquay fans would love to see more productive corners and free kicks in the new season.

Anyway, readers of this column voted for Grimsby to win the final and so congratulations to Paul Hurst, the Grimsby manager, who’s now taken his side back into the football league for the second time in six years.

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What does it take to get out of the National League? Torquay United have done it once, in 2009, with a Wembley Play-Off Final 2-0 victory over Cambridge United and came oh so close last year.

In season 2008-09 in the then called Blue Square Premier the Gulls finished fourth with 83 points, Burton Albion, champions that campaign ended up with 88 points.

Let’s just look at the number of points needed to be champion and automatic promotion over recent years:

2021-22: Stockport County 89, 2020-21: Sutton United 81, 2019-20: Barrow 67 (due to Covid this was a curtailed season), 2018-19: Leyton Orient 87, 2017-18 Macclesfield 83, 2016-17 Lincoln City 96, 2015-16 Gary Johnson’s Cheltenham 90.

So, if Johnson’s Torquay have any aspirations to re-join the EFL for 2023-24 then these are the kinds of points totals they must strive to achieve. But with a pretty major squad re-build it’s going to be a massive challenge.

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Interesting stats compiled by Thomas Wagstaff about the number of National League appearances each champion winning squads had for that promotion winning success: 2021-22: Stockport County 1762 games, 2020-21: Sutton United 1304, 2019-20: Barrow 951, 2018-19: Leyton Orient 1224, 2017-18: Macclesfield 1514, 2016-17: Lincoln City 1942, 2015-16: Cheltenham 774 compare these figures with Torquay’s total National League figure for last season: 941 appearances.

This would strongly suggest that Johnson’s summer recruitment needs a number of experienced National League/former EFL players alongside those gems he’s hoping to turn into marquee level.

And on this point why is it that there won’t be any signings, according to a recent interview the United boss gave, until July 1 when other National League sides have already announced new recruits? Stockport’s released skipper Liam Hogan joining Oldham along with Crewe striker Chris Porter and Notts County signing Gateshead’s top scorer - and top National North marksman - Macaulay Langstaff, while Scott Boden joins York City from Boreham Wood.

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Then there were two: Asa Hall and Olaf Koszela are the only two left at Plainmoor from the National South championship winning squad following last week’s released/retained list. Since when it’s been confirmed that fans’ favourites Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, Shaun MacDonald,(Player of the Year and TUST’s Exiles’ Away Player of the Year) ,Armani Little snapped up by Forest Green Rovers in League 1, Ben Wynter (TUST’s Ian Twitchin award winner), Danny Wright who’s signed for Havant & Waterlooville to join Jake Andrews and Joe Lewis, have turned down new contract offers.

While it is disappointing to lose so many in one go, it does leave manager Johnson with a blank canvas and hopefully a competitive budget to entice a number of good quality, experienced replacements. With the first pre-season match on July 8 and the new season beginning on August 6, that’s only 59 days away to put together a team that can be a top seven challenger, it certainly needs to get off to a better start than last year’s new look side. Catching up, as the squad tried last season, doesn’t work unless you have terrific good luck.

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Ex-Gull striker Billy Waters looks to be moving from FC Halifax to re-join his manager at Barrow this week.

Of course what a difference it would be if United could produce their own marquee players. A few years ago owner and chairman Clarke Osborne wanted to re-establish the club’s youth system.

And to be fair, with the appointment of Chris Todd, the youth set up has seen the Under-18s achieve unprecedented success but the recent loss of promising goalkeeper Matt Wonnacott, 16, to Wigan has underlined the pitfalls of not having a proper academy. And now comes news of Todd leaving to join up with Chris Hargreaves at Yeovil. As an EFL club, clubs receive EPPP funding to run an academy (as long as they have a covered training area), or a centre of excellence.

Torquay, having closed their youth centre in 2007, missing out on lucrative transfer deals for the likes of Keiffer Moore and Ollie Watkins, don’t have an academy anymore. Theirs is a Pro-Direct version attached to South Devon College with players/parents having to pay for their football. And in the case of Wonnacott, 17 is the youngest age a player can be offered a professional contract.

There are a lot of FA rules regarding players’ contracts of employment aged 16-18 and if Torquay are ever to cash in on promising talent they need to regain EFL status pretty quickly.

In the meantime Exeter City have seen work start on their £2.9m Cliff Hill training ground upgrade, money generated from Watkins’ sell-on clause when he moved from Brentford to Aston Villa.

Also look out for ambitious French club PSG who are setting up academies in the UK, the latest, the twentieth, near Cardiff opening in 2023. They’re state-of-the-art, football pitches, therapeutic pools, 15 classroom school, library, accommodation for 180 and a 3,000 seat stadium.

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This week it’s back to the popular Three Word Fun. How would you sum up the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in three words for you? Send yours to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

17th June 2022

FAN ZONE

TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
TUST HELPS LAUNCH THE NEW JUNIOR DISABILITY LEAGUE AND SPONSORS TONIGHT’S LEGENDS OF THE LEROY ERA.

PLUS "DON’T PANIC" SAYS UNITED BOSS GARY JOHNSON

It might be the close season but the Torquay United Supporters’ Trust (TUST) have been busy working hard, as is its remit, to be involved in projects with the local community.

On Saturday, TUST along with the Torquay United Community Sports’ Trust (TUCST) organised the first ever Junior Disability League held at the Paignton Community & Sports Academy.

There are around 50 boys and girls, aged from 5 years old, already signed up with the support of their enthusiastic parents and carers who will benefit from this new initiative.

It has come about thanks to the amazing fund raising of long-term Gulls’ supporter Sam Balsdon who ran 122 laps of Plainmoor on a sponsored marathon back in 2019, at that time raising money to build a cover over the wheelchair away end of Bristow’s Bench.

In the end the club completed this work during the Covid lockdowns so with around £1,500 in the kitty, helped by contributions from TUST members, it was decided to support TUCST’s Junior Inspirations Group.

The sums raised have helped to pay for not only facility hire but also purchase of all the kit, including the distinctive yellow and blue footballs.

TUCST manager Matt Anthony said, “This is an opportunity for participants to take part in competitive and friendly matches.”

And his colleague Jake Topping added, “We had an exciting and fun morning, helping the kids to enjoy playing football.”

The plan is, over the summer, to hold more sessions and TUCST welcomes any other children to come along and try it out - keep a look-out in the local press and schools for further information.

Topping explained, “The idea is to help the juniors by providing a positive and safe environment to prepare them for competitive football, leading to the adult inspirations teams.”

TUST chairman Michel Thomas said, “I would like to sincerely thank our TUST membership for their continuing support in reaching out to our local community with wonderful causes relating to our football club, such as this.”

Let the last word go to the fund raiser, Sam Balsdon who was present at the inaugural opening, “It was personally a very moving moment to see this initiative coming to fulfilment. A lovely idea.”

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Tonight Friday, June 17, TUST are also sponsoring another great idea, this time it’s the ‘Legends of the Leroy Era’ being run by the TalkingTorquay Pod.

This event, a reunion of those key players who played under Leroy Rosenior’s promotion winning squad of season 2003-04, will be streamed live on YouTube from 7pm. You can see and hear not only Rosenior himself but also Martin Gritton, Kevin Hill, Alex Russell and Jo Kuffour. Tickets are still available at £10, register on Eventbrite, with all proceeds going to charity. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/legends- ... 3152014567

Last year a similar session, the ‘Legends of the Buckle Era’, raised £1,800. This year’s money is going to The Trussell Trust which supports a nationwide network of food banks providing emergency food and support to people in poverty in the UK.

If you can’t watch live, you’ll be able to access a recording.

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With the Government due to release a White Paper soon on Tracey Crouch’s Fan-Led Review, the FA and the Premier League separately, last week, held discussions, which seem to have gone under the radar, to pre-empt any likely sanctions imposed on them.

At the Premier League’s clubs’ panel meeting one of the ideas put forward is a Fan Engagement standard. The proposal would lead to the introduction of Fan Advisory Boards within every Premier League club, with a nominated Board level official taking responsibility for the club’s fan engagement.

The Premier League said, “These new standards will ensure long-term meaningful engagement with supporters.” The PL will consult with clubs and the Football Supporters’ Association to finalise the framework, with the aim to see its introduction next season.

“Fans are the lifeblood of the game and are essential to their clubs” the spokesman added.

Meanwhile the FA are looking into setting up a new board to act as an independent regulator, the key element of the Fan-Led Review, consisting of representatives from football, in particular grass-roots.

This could prove popular with football’s two main governing bodies by setting up their own regulator rather than having one imposed.

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So, how did the pundits do with their pre-season predictions for promotion back in 2021?

Steve Harris: Chesterfield, Wrexham, Stockport
Adam Virgo, BT Sport: Chesterfield, Stockport, Dagenham & Redbridge
Fans’ Zone: Stockport, Chesterfield, Wrexham

All three included champions Stockport County, not bad!

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Gary Johnson told the Yellow Army to enjoy their summer holidays leaving him and his staff to worry about recruiting his new side. But in this age of social media there is forever speculation about potential targets and various names have been banded about.

With the club releasing the latest photos of the work done on the pitch renovations, it’s looking top class, let’s hope the new intake will be looking forward to playing on it. It’s a green carpet.

What we do know is the current make-up of those left: Keeper Mark Halstead; Defenders Dan Martin, Dean Moxey and Ali Omar; Midfielders Asa Hall, Tom Lapslie, Alex Moyse, Keelan O’Connell and Gabby Rogers; one Striker in Olaf Koszela.

In the past week Danny Wright has moved on to National South Havant & Waterlooville, Armani Little has followed Notts County manager, Ian Burchnall, out of the National League and on to League 1 Forest Green Rovers and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans is moving his young family north to join newly promoted Stockport County. United’s third choice keeper, Marcin Brzozowski, has joined Southern League South Hendon. We await the destinations of Ben Wynter and probably Joe Lewis.

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Last week’s Jubilee Three Word Fun produced some gems: Glorious Jubilee Weekend, Loads of Overtime, Prince Louis Shone, Bringing Everyone Together and Marmalade Returns, Hooray!

The new National League season’s fixtures are out on Wednesday July 6.

Kick-ins instead of throw-ins are to be trialled. What’s your view? Send yours to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

CLICK HERE

25th June 2022

FAN ZONE

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

TORQUAY UNITED TAKE THE WOMEN’S SIDE UNDER THEIR WING AS NEW BOSS STEVE ELSWOOD SPEAKS ABOUT HIS HOPES FOR THE NEW SEASON AND TIME WE HEARD FROM UNITED’S OWNER?

Newly appointed Torquay United Women’s manager Steve Elswood has acted quickly to appoint his staff with Alan Wyatt, who has a wealth of experience in women’s football in Devon, working alongside him as well as Strength and Conditioning coach Clare Williams. Elswood, who stepped up as interim manager towards the end of last season, was in charge of the team’s historic Devon FA Women’s Cup Final penalty shoot-out victory over local rivals Exeter City back in April.

In an exclusive interview Elswood told Fans’ Zone of his plans for the coming season starting with a list of pre-season friendlies running through July and August, the first of which is a tough fixture against National League Cardiff City, two divisions higher on Sunday July 10.

Elswood reasons, “I prefer to test ourselves against a higher level team so we can learn more about ourselves and our opposition can give us that conditioning test we are looking for.”

Other friendlies include matches against Portishead (H), Liskeard Athletic (A), Plymouth Argyle (H), Barry Town (H) and Weymouth Town (TBC).

The manager has kept virtually the same squad from last season with a couple of new recruits replacing the departures as their aim is promotion.

“We are very focused on an even more successful campaign with our Devon cup defence and promotion to the National League our priorities.”

The Yellow Army will be able to see a lot more of the women’s squad at Plainmoor, maybe one day being able to play on the pitch. One big change will see the women’s side play in the same kit as the men’s team as the club takes the women under its wing.

We certainly wish them a successful season.

*********

There has been a notable rise in popularity in following the women’s game and this is likely to increase with the Euro Championships starting next month. England’s first fixture is at Old Trafford on July 6 against Austria, followed by Norway at the Amex Stadium on July 11 and Northern Ireland on July 15 at St Mary’s.

********

This time a year ago United owner and chairman Clarke Osborne had this to say after ‘that’ devastating play-off final disappointment, “Defeat is just a moment; it will not halt the Yellow Army.”

He added, “It is one step on our journey that we have delayed until next season. A season where we will all give our best, work hard with determination to take the next step to Division 2.”

Well, as we are all aware, after a difficult start Gary Johnson got his squad firing in the second half of the season but to no avail.

This time around, with greater time to recruit to re-build, Johnson, in his latest interview, talks about ‘spinning plates’ with a number of possible deals up in the air. So, again fans have to be patient until any news comes out of Plainmoor next month. However, one player who looks to be signing is 20 year old winger Kieron Evans on loan from Cardiff City.

In the meantime is it too much to ask Osborne for his plans for the club for the coming season?

As fans we appreciate he chooses to remain in the background leaving the day-to-day operation of running the club to the two directors. However, a statement from the owner would not only be welcome but also reassuring.

*********

Many supporters are disappointed to see the bulk of the side move on but as Johnson has said more than once, Torquay United is a transitional club, taking on players with prospects and turning them into ‘marquee’ players. It is comforting in a sense then to see the likes of Armani Little (Forest Green Rovers in League 1), and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans along with Joe Lewis joining League 2 Stockport County. Some reports estimate the compensation fee for Lewis to be as much as £50,000.

Johnson’s staff should be pleased to have seen these players join EFL teams rather than, like last year’s leavers, move sideways to National League rivals. We still await to hear the destinations of Ben Wynter and Shaun MacDonald.

Stockport boss Dave Challinor had this to say about Lemonheigh-Evans joining, “He’s been a standout player in the National League over the last two to three seasons and was highly sought after this summer. He has a great profile in terms of his age and playing attributes. This is a big move for him and his young family.”

*********

Last week we asked - throw-ins replaced by kick-ins - what’s your opinion? The International Football Association Board (IFAB), at its annual meeting last week, agreed to setting up trials of FIFA’s Head of Global Development, Arsene Wenger’s proposal. It seems this is all to do with making the game quicker for the younger generation whose concentration spans are apparently limited.

IFAB also confirmed plans to test the reduction of matches from 90 to 60 minutes - with the clock running only while the ball is in play.

IFAB did, though, much to the anger of those who have been advocating their introduction, decide not to allow temporary substitutes for players taken off thought to have concussion. They did, however, agree that trial protocols should continue.

Back in January this column reported on some sobering Premier League stats about the average ‘ball in play’ times, for 2021-22 this was 54 minutes 35 seconds.

So should, as IFAB are to trial, matches be reduced to 60 minutes? Should we also see the return of ball boys at Plainmoor?

Send your thoughts to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

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30th June 2022

FAN ZONE

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

TORQUAY UNITED WALKERS EARN A CRISP DOUBLE AND BOSS GARY IS VERY PLEASED WITH HIS SUMMER TRANSFER BUSINESS

While the Women’s team won the Devon FA Cup Final back in April and Chris Todd’s Under 18s had success with a league and cup treble, step forward the latest Torquay United team into the roll of honour, the Walking Football team - the Yellows. For these dedicated footballers have achieved further glory for the club with a league and cup double.

The Yellows - and the ‘B’ team the Blues - are run by the Torquay United Community Sports Trust (TUCST) with manager Matt Anthony and his assistant Jay Carter looking after the sides.

These over 50s players won the Taking Care Division without losing a game with a record boasting played 18, won 15 and drawing three. They certainly clinched the title as runaway leaders twenty four points clear of their nearest rivals.

Last week, at Coach Road, they won the Devon FA Cup.

Delighted Yellows’ skipper Steve Meadows had this to say to Fans’ Zone, “We are a group of great players, all different in many ways but we gel together as a great team with great team spirit.”

Meadows continued, “I’m proud of all my team mates but thanks too to our coaches Matt Anthony and Jay Carter.”

The Yellows are made up of Garry Evans, Dave Mason, Dave Haycock, Steve Meadows, Jeff Gilbert, Don Ford, Clive Pope and Martin Passmoor.

For those who might be interested in playing, there are eight in a team with six on the pitch at any one time with two rolling subs.

The team spirit Meadows talks about is shown by the family feel of the group with good news for team member Billy Hartstein whose season was cut short back in November due to a brain aneurysm as he is to be awarded a winner’s medal.

The team is not resting on its laurels as Meadows explains, “We entered the National Cup competition and have played some great football against good opposition defeating Plymouth Argyle 4-1 in the First Round.” Last week they defeated Eastleigh 3-2 to reach the South West Regional Final.

With their winning formula don’t bet against their reaching the National Finals at Lilleshall in September.

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TUST has been supporting another club in the community through sponsoring Stroke City Torbay, a walking football team for stroke survivors and their supporters. This is a group of mixed ages of all abilities for both men and women who enjoy playing football on Tuesday evenings at the Torbay Leisure Centre, Clennon Valley. For anyone interested in joining you can find out more information at [email protected].

*********

United supporters are feeling starved of transfer news but stay calm! Boss Gary Johnson speaking to the Non-League Paper had this to say at the weekend, “There’s no need for doom and gloom. We’re actually very pleased with our business at the moment. Really pleased, in fact.”

He added, “When the names come out, people will inevitably go ‘who?’ The players we’re signing won’t have supporters jumping up in the air but as I always say, they ain’t marquee players now but they will be marquee players by the time we’re finished with them.”

For the Yellow Army worried about when we’re going to hear the names of the new players Johnson had this to say, “We don’t tend to announce people that we’ve signed when they sign.

The contracts don’t get registered until July 1 and anything can happen before then. We just keep it quiet, then at the end of the day we announce them all.” With a press conference called for Friday, sounds as if all will be revealed.

Even before a ball’s been kicked the early betting odds are out with the Gulls priced at 16/1 which makes them sixth favourites behind (in order) Wrexham (7/5), Notts County (15/2), Solihull Moors (15/2), Chesterfield (11/1), Dagenham & Redbridge (14/1).

“Everybody is going to say that they want to be in the play-offs before the season starts. We’re no different but within that, I think there are six or seven teams who are saying that they have to win the league - and we’re in that as well,” says Johnson.

He concludes, “You’ve got to go into it [the new season] aiming to win the league and you’ve got to recruit with that aim in mind. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

Seems like the doubters are in for a pleasant surprise.

*********

Well done to Damon Lathrope whose playing career was cruelly cut short on being appointed Head Coach of Watford FC Women. Lathrope, 32, is a UEFA A Licence coach and a manager with a bright future.

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United announced last week the launch of ‘Friends of TUWFC’ - for a £100 donation Friends of Torquay United Women will receive special benefits including two tickets in the Family Stand for a forthcoming home National League match, a certificate and a listing on the TUWFC website. Your funds will go towards supplying the squad with new training gear alongside the £1,500 TUST has contributed towards new tracksuits.

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For those of you who listen to the Yellow Army podcast you’ll have heard me talking about all things Torquay United and TUST. You can join a growing number who are becoming members, at 50p per week, by going to www.tust.co.uk and you may have heard our radio ad on Palm Torbay Radio.

*********

Reader Richard Cox asks about the goal nets at Plainmoor. He says we have a great new pitch so he hopes the club have purchased white nets. As he says, “There is nothing like seeing goals scored into a brilliant white net.”

Last week’s questions were answered with a resounding no to matches being reduced to 60 minutes but a big yes to the return of ball boys/girls at Plainmoor. Their presence would, as one reader put it, speed up the game but added, “Please can referees make players take the throw from where the ball went out.” We know what he means!

Who’s missed the half-time crossbar challenge? It disappeared during Covid but time to bring it back? Send your view to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

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9th July 2022

FAN ZONE

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

NEW NAMES, NEW SQUAD, NEW OPPORTUNITIES - HAS JOHNSON GOT IT RIGHT?

The life of a football fan during the close season is an interesting one - forget all about football and concentrate on cricket and Wimbledon tennis or keep hoping your club signs a star player?

As it turned out, weeks of waiting for transfer news peppered with speculation of names of players available and the Yellow Army hoping they might be signed ended on the day the players returned for pre-season training when five new players were announced in quick succession.

Yes, the new intake aren’t household marquee names but we get the feeling that these lads are a higher quality than last year’s hastily put together squad. So, has Gary Johnson pulled some rabbits out of the hat? His new signings, on paper, look like shrewd business and it won’t be long before we begin to find out with the fixtures now out and the 2022-23 season only a month away with three EFL clubs coming to Plainmoor this month to give the squad a proper work-out.

Can the five, with two or more promised, be Torquayfied in quick time and be turned into the marquee players Johnson talks about? Armani Little, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Joe Lewis were not well known when first signed and now they are all EFL players with Lewis showing the most potential as the sell-on clauses in the deal with Stockport County indicate.

*********

Who then can we look forward to seeing in Torquay colours? At 21 Dover’s captain, midfielder Ryan Hanson, caught the eye in a relegated side and United see him with potential having paid an undisclosed fee. Joining him in mid-field will be 22 year-old Brett McGavin released by Ipswich who loaned him out to another relegated team King’s Lynn.

A right back to replace Ben Wynter, who has joined Barnet, is 21 year-old Dylan Crowe also from Ipswich. In his early days Crowe looked set for a big move, Manchester United amongst others were seemingly interested in the England Under-18 international but then, as can happen, it all went wrong. He wants to put his career back on track and as he says, “This is a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get going.”

Last season United’s three main strikers - Danny Wright, Dan Holman and Klaidi Lolos - didn’t score the goals that a team looking for promotion requires so will the two replacements Aaron Jarvis, 24, from Scunthorpe and wide man 20 year-old Kieron Evans, on a season long loan from Cardiff City, make the grade?

And from United’s highly successful Under-18s welcome to the professional ranks to two of its brightest stars, Jack Winsor and Lewis Brooks.

*********

United’s Under-18s manager Chris Todd joined Chris Hargreaves’ new look Yeovil Town as assistant manager last month but in his place welcome another ex-Gull Robbie Herrera.

Torquay born and raised Herrera was a youth team coach with the Gulls for several years until 2014 when the academy closed.

Herrera joined QPR in 1988 and during his time at Loftus Road he was loaned to United for 16 games in 1992. A year later Fulham bought him for £60,000 playing 144 games before Torquay paid £30,000 in August 1998 and between then and 2001 he had 107 appearances scoring once against Rochdale.

After being released he played for several local teams including Bideford and Taunton Town before going into youth coaching - at Torquay and Plymouth Argyle - and management at United, with Kevin Nicholson, and Dorchester Town.

And another ex-Gull, Ryan Dickson becomes Head of the Pro:)irect Academy Devon.

**********

This coming National League season sees a number of teams having to travel considerable distances; the Yellow Army will be clocking up the miles, a total of 5,143 on the road with the average being 223.6 miles.

The furthest will be Gateshead at 385 so thank goodness for Yeovil, a mere 67 miles.

********

With a sold-out Old Trafford the Women’s Euro 2022 got underway on Wednesday with England opening the tournament with a 1-0 victory against Austria. They play again on Monday 11 against Norway and Friday 15 against Northern Ireland, all matches are on BBC TV.

Meanwhile, United’s Women have been in weeks of pre-season training and conditioning with announcements of players re-signing coming one day at a time - Ellie Bishop, Laura Lewis, Jana-Kate Richards, Danni Wyatt, Antonia Nash, keeper Konnie Kleczkowski, Scarlett Williams and Sasha Mole so far.

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It’s true to say there’s always been a close association between football and music, not surprising as both are in the entertainment business.

Over the years, football teams have made the Top Ten, such clubs as Arsenal, Leeds United, Chelsea's ‘Blue is the Colour’ reached number 5, West Ham’s ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ and who can forget the England national teams’ two number one hits - in 1970 with ‘Back Home’ and with New Order in 1990 singing ‘World In Motion’.

Then there’s players themselves, the most famous and successful being Glen Hoddle and former United favourite Chris Waddle with ‘Diamond Lights’ peaking at number 12.

Now step forward long standing Torquay supporters, father and son Phil and Sam Swann who support United from the Family Stand or Popside, with their band Drifting Sands, consisting of local musicians as they release an album called ‘New Beginnings’.

As Swann Snr explains, “A lot of the music is instrumental taking the listener on a journey with local references such as ‘Dartmoor’ and ‘Teign Valley’.” There are some vocals, written mainly by Phil, and sung by another Gull fan, Ian Churchwood.

The album is available on all major streaming platforms like Spotify and on YouTube. You can find out more details on https://philswnn.wixsite.com/driftingsands. Give it a listen, maybe the club will play some tracks before matches.

*********

Yes, please bring back the crossbar challenge; any entertainment before games and at half-time is to be welcome.

What other entertainment would you like to see before games? Send your suggestions to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

16th July 2022

FAN ZONE

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

SLEUTH THEY’RE HOT AS UNITED FANS QUICKLY UNCOVER THE TRIALISTS AS THE GULLS LOOK FORWARD TO EFL OPPOSITION FOR SOME REAL TESTS AND CAN THE PLAYERS BECOME ROCK STARS?

Yippee, after weeks of speculation and pretending we didn’t miss football as there were lots of other distractions to keep our fingers on the keyboards, along came match action last Friday night at Homers Heath as a new-look Torquay United ran out 1-0 over hosts Buckland Athletic. 1,211 watched on a bright, warm summer’s evening as United’s new faces and four trialists got ‘minutes into their legs’ - as all football coaches say at this early part of pre-season.

It was also google-time, to see who could come up first with the names of the mystery players only known by a single letter. With social media clamouring to spill the beans these seem to be the best bets:

Player A was central defender Cameron Evans formerly of Swansea City and Waterford; second half keeper.

Player B, was former Cheltenham Town (under Gary Johnson) Gloucester City, Maidenhead - he played 15 National League games - and Billericay player Rhys Lovett. Whilst at Cheltenham he had loan spells at Tiverton Town.

Player C was ex- Bristol City and Barry Town Marcus Day with recently released Plymouth Argyle’s Ollie Tomlinson as Player D.

Waiting in the wings was ex- AFC Wimbledon striker Corie Andrews who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Aldershot last season.

The Yellow Army had another chance to see the new side and the new Puma kit in action at Kevin Hill’s Exmouth Town on Tuesday night when two late goals gave United a 2-0 win. Newly promoted Exmouth into the Southern Premier for the first time had a special souvenir programme (£2) on sale, surely a collectors’ item.

And fair play to Buckland who announced ‘Football for a Fiver’, an offer to all Torquay United season ticket holders, and to those who have a ticket from a previous Torquay match, to watch Buckland’s home games when United are away.

********

You might not be a cricket fan but you have to admire the re-vamped England test squad. Virtually the same players who lost test after test - 17 in total - have been transformed. And how?

The answer is pretty basic involving a complete new mindset: United boss Gary Johnson is regularly emphasising to his players the need to entertain, well England’s captain Ben Stokes has told his players to do just that. He wants them to be ‘rock stars’ and to have fun on the pitch.

England’s new coach tells them to be positive, express themselves and not be intimidated by anybody. With four wins on the spin this formula seems to have some merit.

And worth copying by Johnson’s squad for if United could do this over 46 matches, return to the EFL beckons.

*********

Good to see that last season’s Player of the Season Shaun MacDonald got a move into the Football League when he joined Cheltenham Town, keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw at Bath City on Saturday.

Moves too for Lucas Covolan, a season long loan from Port Vale to Chesterfield and another popular recent player Sam Sherring moved from Bournemouth to Northampton Town.

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More signings for the Torquay United Women with Mia Preston joining from Exeter City and a new keeper Emma Ayres while favourites from last season Tracey Cross and Bec McMullin both re-signing. Congratulations to Danni Wyatt on being made club captain. Wyatt, after Sunday’s 6-0 loss in the Cardiff City heat said, “I’m delighted to be appointed. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of our pre-season unfolds. I feel everything is heading in the right direction.”

Good news, though, for England Lionesses with their emphatic 8-0 victory over Norway.

*********

Looks like good news for all Bury fans after the club was expelled from the Football League in August 2019. After that shock a group of supporters formed Bury AFC and last season they won promotion up to Step 5 from the North West Counties Division 1 North.

However, a separate group of fans completed a deal to buy Gigg Lane, Bury’s ground. So, one group have a team with no ground and another have a ground with no team!

Needless-to-say, the two groups are in talks to merge which hopefully will be lead to a conclusion.

In other news, York City Supporters’ Trust took ownership of the club last week when long standing owner Jason McGill sold his shareholding. A South African entrepreneur Glen Henderson acquired 51% of the club’s shares and became Chairman with Trust member Alastair Smith becoming CEO.

Henderson said, “I am thrilled to be working with the Trust to build a sustainable future for the club, all the while aiming to get York City back into the Football League.”

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Last week’s Fans’ Zone brought you news of Gulls’ fan Phil Swann’s local group Drifting Sands. Well, it appears that there’s an American band with the same name and the American Music lawyers have been in touch! So, Phil’s new name for his group is Swann Sands - their music is still worth listening to!

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In this current heatwave there’s nothing better than finding a shady corner and settling down with a good book. So, here’s one that will leave you with a smile on your face, especially if you’re a teacher or have an affinity with schools. For former Head of Torquay Girls’ Grammar 2007 - 2021, Dr Nick Smith, has had his book ‘The Bruising Diary of a Headteacher’ featured in a national paper’s magazine at the weekend. The book at £18.99 is out on August 18 and it’s full of laughs.

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Yes, the Yellow Army are looking for pre-match and half-time entertainment please. How about local schools and clubs being allowed their youngsters on at half-times for mini-tournaments asks one reader. There have been marching bands, solo singers and other entertainers to keep fans amused. Let’s make match day a fun day.

And congratulations to the club for organising a Family Community Fun Day on Plainmoor Green on Friday July 29, 1pm - 7pm.

So, it’s goodbye to Paignton born and bred Sue Barker, former No. 3 ranked player, from her role at the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage; she’ll be missed.

Are you likely to buy a new home or away shirt? Send your answer to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

It’s down to Plainmoor on Saturday for the visit of Newport County. Don’t forget to pick up your season ticket.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

23rd July 2022

FAN ZONE

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

PROPER PRE-SEASON TESTS AS UNITED FACE EFL OPPOSITION BUT ARE UNITED MISSING A TRICK WITH NO LIVE STREAMING?

Picture the scene, an idyllic sultry summer’s afternoon, with clear views across to Dartmoor, a lush green carpet freshly manicured to play on - and football was back at Plainmoor on Saturday. League 2 Newport County were the visitors as the new-look Torquay United took on their EFL opponents. This, and matches this week with Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night and Exeter City on Saturday are better tests of Gary Johnson’s new squad rather than the likes of Buckland Athletic and Exmouth Town.

1,026 braved the Torbay heat instead of a deck chair on the beach and were treated to a compelling contest, albeit ending in a no-score draw.

Newer signings Corie Andrews, Shaun Donnellan and Ross Marshall got minutes in their legs as did striker Aaron Jarvis and midfielder Ryan Hanson for their first starts.

With plenty of youngsters being given their opportunity to taste first team football the future looks bright but what are the plans for Gabby Rogers and Keelan O’Connell? With a year left on their contracts are they about to hit the loan trail?

The answer about O’Connell was answered on Monday when it was announced he had joined Weymouth in National South after their relegation from the National League.

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Last season’s strike force was a real disappointment for a variety of reasons but Johnson is pinning his hopes on three of his new signings Aaron Jarvis, Corie Andrews and Kieron Evans although he does concede, “We may have to bring another one in.” Wonder where that leaves Olaf Koszela? There are plenty of supporters who would love to see him succeed.

The answer to ‘another one’ was the arrival of Will Goodwin on loan from Stoke City.

His new squad is packed with mid-field players to compete for a starting place but he may well have recognised that Asa Hall and Tom Lapslie are unlikely to be regulars.

So, when Hall is unavailable who will wear the captain’s armband? Seems it will be Dean Moxey.

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On such a warm afternoon might the club have missed a trick by not live streaming the match? It has been well established that there is a worldwide market out there for exile Gulls’ fans to be able to see their team in action. Whilst TUFC Radio commentary was available it’s not quite the same as watching the game live.

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The latest National League betting odds look like this: Wrexham 6/4, Chesterfield 8/1, Notts County 10/1, Solihull Moors 11/1, Oldham 16/1, Dagenham & Redbridge 16/1, FC Halifax 16/1, Torquay United 16/1, Southend United 20/1, Yeovil Town 25/1.

How did other National League sides fare in their pre-season matches on Saturday? Bromley 0 Dartford 0, Brackley Town 1 Solihull Moors 1, Kettering Town 2 Southend United 2, Farnborough 1 Woking 1, Eastleigh 1 Swindon Town 0, FC Isle of Man 1 Altrincham 5, Maidenhead United 1 Brentford B 0, Maidstone United 6 Enfield Town 1, Oldham Athletic 1 Wigan Athletic 3, Slough Town 0 Aldershot 3, Scunthorpe United 3 Sheffield United 2, Spennymoor Town 0 Gateshead 4, Yeovil Town 1 Exeter City 1, York City 1 Bradford City 4, Wealdstone 0 Charlton Athletic 1.

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Last week’s column talked about the changes to expectations and attitude in the England cricket team with a relaxed approach paying immediate dividends and now it seems something similar has helped transform the England rugby team on their tour in Australia.

England rugby coach Eddie Jones’ vice-like grip on discipline has undergone a complete change with the players being allowed much more of a say in their training schedules. Relaxing training and granting autonomy to the players saw the squad come back from a first match defeat to win the series 2-1 after a well earnt victory in the final test 21-17.

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And what about England’s Women’s Euro Championship progress? Another crushing victory, 5-0, over Northern Ireland saw them top their group unbeaten with 14 scored and none against to take them into the Quarter-Finals to face Spain in Brighton on Tuesday resulting in a 2-1 extra time victory.

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Over the past year this column has talked about the connection between heading a ball and dementia. Last season the FA brought in rules for the amount of heading practice allowed in training.

The FA have now been granted approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to introduce a new trial to remove deliberate heading in football across Under-12 level and below in England from the start of the 2022-23 season.

If the trial is successful the FA will apply to IFAB for a law change for all Under-12 matches and below from the start of the 2023-24 season.

Talking of changes to football, the Government’s White Paper on the Fan-Led Review must be due out soon.

And Fans’ Zone is aware that the FSA (Football Supporters’ Association) has been in talks recently with Mark Ives, the National League General Manager, about a number of issues including three-up, three-down and live streaming.

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Now that we’re into the holiday season with visitors pouring into Torbay it seems the club is not making it easy for holiday makers wanting to pop along to Plainmoor on the day of a match as there’s a £2 surcharge if you haven’t booked your ticket in advance. Tickets can be purchased on the day of a game at the Ticket Office, up to 7.45pm on a Tuesday night and 3pm on a Saturday but all the turnstiles are cashless.

As a reader says, “If the local Mr Whippy ice cream van who comes around my area three times a week and takes payment by card for 99 cones can do it, so can TUAFC.” He asks why the turnstiles can’t have card readers.

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Seems the new style home and away shirts are popular, hopefully selling well in the club shop.

This week who do you predict will be top scorer: Corie Andrews? Aaron Jarvis? Will Goodwin? Maybe Brett McGavin? Send your vote to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

The second of the two Devon Derbies sees Exeter City at Plainmoor on Saturday.

COYY

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30th July 2022

FAN ZONE

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

MARK SAVES THE DAY. KEEPER HALSTEAD IS A STAR AS FIVE NEW FANS WILL NOW FOLLOW UNITED FROM SPAIN

Torquay United’s three Plainmoor pre-season friendlies in a week against EFL opposition drew an impressive 6,300 spectators in glorious July Riviera weather. A win, a draw and a loss indicate that this United group of players are looking stronger than last season’s hastily put-together squad.

On the evidence so far Gary Johnson can be pleased with his recruitment with a number of signings catching the eye and destined to make a name for themselves….dare we suggest to become marquee players?

But it has not been plain sailing for one, Number One for that matter, goalkeeper Mark Halstead who, hopefully unbeknown to him, has had to endure a torrid time on social media for having let in five goals on Tuesday night last week against a rampant Plymouth Argyle.

From my position in the Family Stand there was no way any keeper, not even Argyle’s outstanding Michael Cooper, could have saved the first three after those in front of him parted like the Red Sea.

That he proved his critics wrong with a string of fine saves in a Man of the Match display in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Exeter City was a great way to show he has what it takes.

Maybe these two matches being billed ‘Devon Derbies’ helped hype the games to a level not needed in a friendly. Had, for instance, Tuesday’s 0-5 defeat been against Lee Johnson’s Hibernian nobody would have been surprised, disappointed yes.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and in football ‘banter’ is a crucial part of a fan’s make-up but there’s a line to be drawn.

********

Stepping into my MatchDay Ambassador role I noticed on Tuesday night five Spanish lads here in Torbay for a month to learn English. They had walked to Plainmoor from the Town Centre and three of them had been in the club shop to buy shirts and scarves. One of them, a 15 year-old, told me he is a journalist writing match reports about his team (in the Spanish Third Division) for his local paper and he wondered how he could interview a Torquay player for his paper after the game.

After talking with Gary Johnson to get his approval, we stayed behind after the match waiting for the players to emerge from the dressing-room. Needless-to-say they were kept in there for some time before emerging for their warm-down.

After a 5-0 drubbing it’s fair to say the squad were pretty subdued and showed little sign of interest in talking to a 15 year-old Spanish boy except…Mark Halstead who agreed and patiently, politely and professionally answered all the questions with good humour and seriousness.

By now the lights were going out and stewards keen to lock gates but five Spanish lads, reviewing the phone footage of the interview, went on their walk back into town happy with their success.

And the club now has five more supporters.

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In the absence of Asa Hall it’s looking like Dean Moxey is to be given the skipper’s arm band. With the addition of Will Goodwin, on loan until the New Year from Stoke City, Johnson has an exciting group of strikers to pick from but could Brett McGavin end up being top scorer?

And now he’s added defender Ben Wyatt, recently at Sutton United.

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How did other National League sides do on Saturday? Here’s a round-up of results from the friendlies: Aldershot Town 3 Crawley Town 2, Altrincham 0 Stockport County 2, Barnet 1 MK Dons 3, Chesterfield 3 Bradford City 0, Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Leyton Orient 2, Dartford 2 Boreham Wood 2, Eastleigh 2 Brighton U-23 1, Farsley Celtic 2 FC Halifax 1, Gateshead 1 Harrogate Town 3, Leatherhead 3 Dorking Wanderers 2, Macclesfield 4 York City 0, Oldham Athletic 0 Mansfield Town 3, Scunthorpe United 1 Peterborough United 1, Solihull Moors 0 Walsall 2, Southend United 0 Gillingham 1.

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The following story appeared in Wednesday’s Herald Express:

This Friday, July 29, sees the club’s first ever Community Fun Day and it promises to be just that.

First of all, from 11.00am United season ticket holders can watch a training session from the Family Stand and then chat to the manager, his staff and players afterwards.

Then from 1pm, on the Plainmoor Lawn, there are football games, including the Speed Goal run by the Torquay United Community Sports Trust, and entertainment as well as food and ice creams; Boots & Laces is open too. All this is to raise money for a very worthy cause, the purchase of a defibrillator.

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The club’s 1899 logo is not only on the team shirts, now worn by both the men’s and women’s sides but also it’s now appearing on one or two legs… step forward United’s women’s captain Danni Wyatt; that’s taking leadership to another level!

In their second pre-season friendly goals from Mia Preston and a brace from Danni Garland gave United’s Women a spirited 3-3 draw with visitors Portishead Town Ladies.

Two of last season’s Devon FA Cup Final winning side, Ocean Latto and skipper Emma Hunt have moved on to join Exeter City Women.

Meanwhile England’s Lionesses faced Sweden in their Euro Championship semi-final in Sheffield on Tuesday night running out emphatic 4-0 winners. Without tempting fate it’s 56 years since a national football team won a trophy - could football be coming home with a morale boosting victory over Germany on Sunday?

********

Hooray, the opening league match of the new season, on Saturday August 6 when recently relegated Oldham Athletic are the visitors, sees the return of the half-time crossbar challenge, always good for a laugh and the occasional piece of skill.

Might the 50-50 draw be made on the pitch too? And could Gilbert the Gull make an appearance?

********

Changes are coming to the National League’s TV partner BT Sport. A new £633m sports joint venture run by BT Sport and Eurosport will launch within weeks after the competition watchdog waved through the deal.

As a result BT and Discovery will join together to form a new company at some point in the future, potentially providing even more sport to watch.

********

Gary Johnson was the star attraction at a local curry house to meet supporters prompting a flurry of curry themed United players: Roghan Josh Rees, Papa Don O’Riordan, of course Tony Currie and in goal who else but Martin Rice!

Can you do better? Send yours to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

Saturday sees United play their last pre-season friendly against Truro City at Plymouth Parkway’s Bolitho Ground.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

5th August 2022

FAN ZONE

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

FOOTBALL’S BACK HOME SO LET’S SEE UNITED WOMEN PLAY AT PLAINMOOR

TUST SUPPORTS STROKE CITY WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM

It’s home, football’s come back in front of 87,192 at Wembley and 17.4 million watching on BBC TV. Thanks to the Lionesses national pride has been restored as England triumphed over Germany in extra time with their 2-1 victory in the Euro 22 Final.

What a boost too for women’s football to inspire all young girls to not only play football but, if good enough, to be a professional.

England’s success has come at a timely moment not only for the morale of the country but closer to home as Torquay United’s Women side have become an integral part of Torquay United. The men’s and women’s sides wearing the same kit are under the same club umbrella.

As this column has been asking for some time and now the women’s skipper, Danni Wyatt, has joined in - let’s see Plainmoor host a league game and allow the Yellow Army inside to support the Devon FA Cup winners.

********

The countdown has begun and there are only a day to go before the new National League season starts with the arrival of recently relegated Oldham Athletic. Will the Gulls be ‘oven-ready’?

Will Gary Johnson’s new-look squad fit together like a jigsaw and look like the picture on the box It’s not long to find out.

With Oldham under new ownership, led by extrovert local businessman Frank Rothwell the Latics are sure to give United an opening day test and no doubt will have a decent following so let’s get Plainmoor rocking in the Riviera sunshine. A large crowd creates a buzzing atmosphere which hopefully will encourage United to entertain and play like rock stars.

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For any holiday visitors in the Bay reading this, book your tickets before Saturday as on the day there’s a £2 surcharge or put another way, you get a £2 discount before Saturday! No cash or card readers on the turnstiles but the ticket office is open.

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Long standing football supporters still want a physical programme in their hand and whilst there’s a trend developing towards online versions fortunately Torquay still have the 1899 magazine to buy. So if you want these to continue make sure you purchase a copy from one of the several programme sellers around Plainmoor.

*********

This is the time of the year for all those pundits out there to put their reputations on the line and look into their crystal ball to predict the National League table at the end of the season.

And it seems all agree that their top sevens will include Chesterfield, Wrexham, Solihull Moors and Notts County. The order they appear might vary and the final make-up of the play-offs will include a variety of clubs.

Adam Virgo, BT Sport: Wrexham, Chesterfield, Notts County, Solihull Moors, FC Halifax, Aldershot Town, Woking.

The Honest Football Podcast: Wrexham, Chesterfield, Dagenham & Redbridge, Solihull Moors, Oldham Athletic, Scunthorpe Utd, Notts County

Official National League Predictions: Wrexham, Chesterfield, Notts County, Solihull Moors, Oldham Athletic, Torquay United, FC Halifax

Fans’ Zone: Chesterfield, Solihull Moors, Wrexham, Southend United, Notts County, Dagenham & Redbridge, Torquay United.

********

How did many of these teams fare in their final pre-season matches on Saturday? AFC Fylde 2 Oldham Athletic 1, Altrincham 2 Man Utd XI 1, Bromley 1 Chelsea XI 1, Concord Rangers 2 Southend United 1, Dorking Wanderers 0 Chelsea XI 4, Farsley Celtic 1 Scunthorpe United 5, Farnborough Town 1 Maidenhead United 0, Hampton & Richmond 0 Woking 1, Havant & Waterlooville 0 Aldershot Town 0, Maidstone United 2 Dulwich Hamlet 2, St. Albans City 2 Barnet 1, York City 0 Notts County 1, Wealdstone 0 Chelmsford City 3, Weston-Super-Mare 0 Yeovil Town 1, Wrexham 4 Macclesfield Town 0.

Torquay finished their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 victory against Truro City despite playing the bulk of the game with ten men after Ali Omar’s 7th minute red card. Hopefully, some of the squad left out due to minor injuries will be available for selection on Saturday but we all know Johnson keeps team news very close to his chest.

He is, though, looking for a big home crowd for as he says, “Positive support will help everybody at the end of the day.”

With latest addition Ben Wyatt, formerly at Sutton United, one hopes that, for the time being, his signing is the final piece of the jigsaw.

Saturday’s opening EFL season saw an ex-Gulls reunion with Stockport’s Joe Lewis on the losing side to Ben Whitfield and Billy Waters’ Barrow - and both scored. Lemonheigh-Evans wasn’t in Stockport’s match day squad.

********

Steve Elswood, the Women’s manager, was also busy signing players last week. In come strikers Molly Orr-Love from Peterborough United Ladies and Nashya Paz from Shaldon Ladies while mid-fielder Leah Brooks has re-signed.

********

We already know the cross-bar challenge is returning as half-time entertainment, could the 50-50 draw also return and what about having ball boys/girls too? Other clubs seem to have flag waving children for when the teams enter the pitch from the tunnel.

********

As part of TUST’s commitment to the local community, a donation of £500 has been made to Stroke City, a local walking football team whose players have either had a stroke, are at diagnosed risk of a stroke or are friends and carers of those living with stroke.

Stroke City spokesman Jerry Byford had this to say, “We would like to thank TUST for the wonderful donation; it is a contribution that will make a huge difference to our sustainability. It will help us to remove a barrier to those who cannot afford to play and it helps us meet the increasing cost of facility hire.”

TUST board members went recently to join in a session with evenings held at the Torbay Leisure Centre. Currently players range from 20 to 76 with the club being all inclusive. Sessions encourage physical recovery, group activity helping improve mental health. The club has the full support of NHS Torbay and South Devon and has proved so inspirational that other similar clubs have opened in Bristol, Plymouth and Poole.

Byford added, “Our purpose is to demonstrate that stroke is not an ‘end’, it may be a place one finds oneself but with the inspiration and encouragement of others walking football can make our players feel a part of something.”

Further details can be found at: [email protected].

*******

Here’s this week’s challenge, where will Torquay finish at the end of the season? Send your prediction to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

Let’s make some noise on Saturday.

COYY


Members of TUST board join Stroke City walking footballers for a game to celebrate TUST's sponsorship

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12th August 2022

FAN ZONE

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

MOXEY GIVES A MASTER - CLASS PERFORMANCE AND WHO WENT FROM TORQUAY BALL-BOY TO PREMIER LEAGUE STAR?

On a glorious sunny Saturday in the Torbay Riviera heat it was a day full of happy returns: Gilbert the Gull, the Cross-Bar Challenge, the 50-50 draw on the pitch and, of course, the new National League season.

Unfortunately, Torquay United’s new squad, for various reasons, didn’t read the script and in all honesty were fortunate to come away with a point but importantly a clean sheet. However, this was only due to the visitors wayward shooting.

Full credit to both sets of supporters, Oldham’s, apparently ‘only’ 827 when over 1,000 were rumoured to be coming, but their noise, augmented by timely shouts from new Oldham owner Frank Rothwell in the Directors’ Box, was matched by the Yellow Army, bizarrely awarded the Man of the Match accolade.

Most fans would have given that award to Dean Moxey who produced a flawless performance belying his age and rightly acknowledged in the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day.

The half-time entertainment, which included the three mascots in a penalty shoot-out against Sasha Mole, saw fan Rich Whatman take on the cross-bar challenge with his first attempt just going out but his second, rather like Will Goodwin’s third minute attempt, thudded against the bar. Rich won £25, Goodwin won nothing but had it gone in he might well have been the headline, it certainly would have been a good win!

********

More seriously and of concern for not only many fans but also the management must be the number of players in the treatment room and at a time when the club’s physio has left to join the ex-Gulls’ revolution at Yeovil Town.

Gary Johnson knows full well that he has a decent new group of players but if he can’t have a matchday squad of 16 United are going to find it tough. In his post match interview he hinted he may have to look to bring in a few more.

He sprung a surprise, although not for the first time, with the arrival of ex-Crawley Town and Southend United winger Ashley Nathaniel-George who made an impressive substitute appearance and but for a timely block might have broken the deadlock.

The regular number of injured players over the last couple of seasons is worrying and is not helping the club’s desire to return to the EFL. It has a manager who can achieve this but he needs a fit group to select from. One player looking to return is Tom Lapslie who, sitting nearby in the Family Stand, was confident he would be back this week.

Might forward Tommy Hughes, from Ipswich Town, be joining on loan?

*******

Towards the end of last season there were a number of unsavoury incidents involving crowd trouble and pitch invasions so the FA have acted invoking a crackdown. Fans who invade pitches, take drugs or carry flares face bans under football’s anti-hooligan drive.

From the outset of this new season, automatic bans for pitch invaders and other offenders come into force; any pitch invader will also be reported to the police and for any underage, parents will also face action. There is a distinction to be made: a club ban means a club bans you from a certain number of matches while a Football Banning Order is a criminal conviction and potentially life changing. Fans have been warned.

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Non-League Crowd Watch: Wrexham, title favourites, had an opening day scare but won 2-1 in the end in front of 9,897, Notts County were watched by 6,331 and Southend lost in front of 5,681. United’s 3,690 was pretty good when for many it could have been a beach day!

Elsewhere, National North Hereford FC, managed by ex-Gull Josh Gowling, drew a six goal thriller with 2,205 in attendance while in the FA Cup Bury AFC drew at Hallam watched by 1,128 and Macclesfield Town won comfortably 2-0 at Wythenshawe Town drawing in 1,122.

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Torquay United’s Women’s side ran out comfortable 4-1 winners in a pre-season friendly against Saltash Ladies at Coach Road. New signings Rhi Bailey and Mollie Orr-Love got off to cracking starts with a goal apiece and two more came from Mia Preston and skipper Danni Wyatt who is soon to make her 100th appearance for the club.

New signings announced are Daisy Self and Kiara Robins.

The drive to get the women’s side to play at Plainmoor is carrying pace on social media and it’s interesting to note that a number of Premier League sides are allowing their women’s teams to play at their home ground including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Newcastle United.

The victorious Lionesses’ football squad, determined to set up a legacy for girls’ football, have written a letter to the next Prime Minister to ensure that girls have the same access to football as boys and at least two hours of PE a week. As United’s Women’s manager, Steve Elswood, has said from now on it’s not boys’ football and girls’ football, it’s football. He has a point.

The letter says, “Only 63 per cent of girls can play football in PE lessons. The reality is we are inspiring young girls to play football, only for many to end up going to school and not being able to play. We want to create real change in this country.”

The next move is to explore a potential bid for the Women’s World Cup in 2027.

*******

Sad news was announced over the tannoy at half-time on Saturday with the death of 15 year-old Ben Oliver an ardent Gulls’ fan. Almost immediately a GoFundMe page was set up and at the time of writing over £3,000 has been donated. TUST sends its condolences to all Ben’s family and friends who would like to have a plaque in Ben’s memory on the Popside.

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Last week we asked where do you think United will finish and many feel in the top seven; a play-off place would be good!

Let’s end on a happy story. From Torquay United ball-boy to scoring a goal, for Bournemouth, on his Premier League debut. He also, whilst on loan from Forest Green Rovers, scored his first ever hat-trick in a National League fixture against Solihull Moors at Plainmoor in November 2016. Who is it? Kieffer Moore who, in an interview with a National newspaper on Saturday, said that playing in front of his friends and family at Torquay “kick-started the hunger” and not long after signed for Ipswich Town (although United thought he was about to sign for them).

Was Moore’s the best hat-trick you’ve seen at Plainmoor? Send your choice to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

Saturday sees the Gulls at FC Halifax so safe travels to the Yellow Army.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

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19th August 2022

FAN ZONE

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

HALSTEAD THE HERO (AGAIN) - UNITED WOMEN FACE OLD FOES IN CUP - NATIONAL LEAGUE TICKETING SURVEY

Hats off not only to the 135 Yellow Army who made the long trip to Halifax on Saturday but also to hero Mark Halstead whose performance between the sticks was the difference between Torquay United winning or losing. Not surprisingly, Halstead was star keeper in both the Non-League Paper and in the Vanarama Team of the Week.

For the match stats make sobering reading: Ball possession Halifax 64%, Torquay 36%; Shots Halifax 26, Torquay 3; Passes Halifax 436, Torquay 165; Corners Halifax 10, Torquay 0. Add in five yellow cards and even the most ardent Gulls’ supporter, not having seen nor listened to the match, would have expected a big loss.

“I’ve never been involved in such a one-sided game and lost it,” lamented FC Halifax manager Chris Millington. Even looking at the highlights package you expect to see Halifax score at least once!

This time around there’s a bit more height and determined steel to the side. It would be good if the new physio, Regan Miles, can work his magic and reduce the numbers in the treatment room; now even the Women’s skipper Danni Wyatt has joined them after suffering a knee injury in a pre- season friendly.

*******

Non-League Crowd Watch: Oldham’s first ever home game in the National League, despite being televised on BT Sport, drew 8,412 as they edged a nervy 3-2 win over fellow new comers Dorking Wanderers. It is, though, refreshing to see what a new owner, Frank Rothwell, has done in such a short time to galvanise the local community.

There were 6,060 at Chesterfield while in the Northern Premier West Division Macclesfield continued their inevitable journey back up the divisions with a 3-0 home win in front of 3,008 and in the Premier Division itself South Shields attracted 2,001.

*******

It is worth noting that Wrexham’s newest striker, Elliot Lee, is on a reported £14,500 per week plus £500 for every goal scored! Had a salary cap been agreed for the league this may not have been allowed.

Early on in the summer there were stories about Gary Johnson putting in a bid for Poole Town’s prolific scorer Tony Lee but interest in him cooled and the story disappeared. Fast forward to last week and Tony Lee moved to National South side Farnborough Town on a month’s loan. He scored, with a penalty, in a 1-1 home draw with Dulwich Hamlet.

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Torquay United’s Women’s team had mixed fortunes in their two recent pre-season friendlies: a comfortable 3-0 win at Budleigh Salterton with goals from 16-year-old Nashya Paz, Skipper Danni Wyatt and Mia Preston but came crashing back down against a strong Welsh Premier side in Barry Town losing 1-4.

The draw for the 1st Round of the Devon FA County Cup has been made … and would you believe it, United’s Women have been drawn at home to the side they beat in last season’s final, Exeter City on October 16.

*******

There has been, not for the first time, heavy criticism of United’s ticketing policy, the latest concerning the £2 additional fee for purchases on the day of the match not to mention no cash or cards on the turnstiles.

Fans’ Zone has carried out a survey of other National League clubs and found Bromley, Southend and Yeovil add a similar £2 extra and Chesterfield have just announced a similar scheme, with £2 added if purchased over the phone or at the stadium on the day of the match. They are also trialling a cashless system inside the ground with only credit/debit cards accepted at the serving hatches for drinks and snacks.

They say the scheme is being piloted at three home games in August and, “If it proves to be a success, the plan is for it to continue.”

Other clubs have other new restrictions: Aldershot have no ticket sales on the turnstiles, you need to pre-book; Eastleigh, Notts County and Scunthorpe have cashless turnstiles and at Dagenham, Wealdstone and Yeovil online sales stop typically at mid-day on a Saturday fixture and at 4.45pm for an evening match.

Wrexham have the right marketing policy with a £1 discount for buying online.

For the modern football fan, like it or not, we are going to have to get used to a new way of going to watch your team.

*******

Talking of changes, what about the BBC dropping the classified football results at 5pm on Radio 5 Live Sports Report? Yes, there are other ways of finding out the scores but this tradition started in 1948 on the Light Programme and, with its distinctive opening music, continued on Radio 2 before 5 Live Sport in 1994.

You can, however, hear the classified results at 5pm on BBC Radio Devon.

*******

For several weeks this column has been urging the club to bring back the half-time crossbar challenge, the 50-50 draw on the pitch, Gilbert the Gull and ball-boys/girls. Well, for those who turned up for the opening league game the first three on the list happened and now the club has announced ‘ball retrievers’! A fancy title for ball-boys/girls - but thanks to the club’s officials for making these requests happen to enhance the matchday experience.

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A while back both TUST and the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust contributed to the Jack Leslie fund for a statue to be made in his honour. Leslie played for Plymouth Argyle back in the 1920s and 30s scoring 137 goals. His talents earned him an England call-up so he would be the first black player to represent his country but when they discovered his colour his name disappeared and he never won a cap.

It has now been confirmed that the statue unveiling will be at Home Park on Friday October 7.

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Memorable hat-tricks by a Torquay player? Kieffer Moore definitely, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans’ recent one against Notts County but the most popular is, on his debut from Barry Town, Eifion Williams against Hartlepool in March 1999.

Are you going to miss not hearing the football results on your way home or just accept that things change? Send your opinion to: [email protected] or Twitter: @FanszoneT

Saturday sees United at home to always competitive Boreham Wood so let’s be there in good numbers.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

The TUST board share the concerns expressed by many supporters regarding the recent developments at Swindon Speedway and welcomes the Herald Express’ approach to TUFC directors for clarification of their intentions for our Club.

TUST’s principle objective is the long-term sustainability of our football club and to this end we have developed contingency plans for a number of scenarios. Our aim is to be as prepared as possible for any situation and we are ready to put an appropriate plan into action immediately if required. The plans are subject to constant review and updated accordingly.

We hold a contingency fund to help deliver such plans but it must be made clear that we fully understand that TUST would not have sufficient funds to buy the club and this is not one of the scenarios under consideration.

We do believe that in the event of a crisis situation arising there would be a huge level of interest and support from the silent majority of supporters including many of those with a public profile. To this end we maintain a list of contact details for such sympathisers.

Contrary to the views expressed by certain fans, TUST is not a militant organisation and does not seek ownership of the Club. We aim to support it whilst representing the views of our members (nearly 400) and doing everything we can to ensure its future.

We want long term sustainability and good governance for our football club so that we and our successors can enjoy supporting it for generations to come. It is that simple.

Join TUST now at www.tust.co.uk