TUST Updates
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6th December 2023
RESPONSE TO CLUB'S PROPOSALS
At a meeting between the TUST Chairman and Secretary and directors George Edwards and Mel Hayman last week, the club's proposals for an Independent Steering Group and renewed meetings between TUST and the club were tabled.
Following feedback received at our AGM and consideration of the proposals and related conditions, the TUST board have now sent the response below to the directors.
For reference, we also include the club's original statement at the bottom of this bulletin.
*************************************************
TUST letter to club directors
Further to our meeting last Thursday, the TUST board has now had the opportunity to consider the paper that you tabled which was also discussed with members at our AGM on Thursday evening. TUST welcomes the proposals set out by the club subject to clarification of a few key points.
We agree that it is time to look to the future rather than back and in this spirit we welcome the opportunity to build a fresh and productive relationship with the club’s directors.
Independent Steering Group
We note that the club has already published its proposals for an Independent Steering Group. We believe that the success of the Group will depend on the democratic appointment of its members, independent of the club. We understand from our discussion on Thursday that this will be the case and look forward to seeing details of how this is to be achieved.
To give the Group the credence it requires, TUST would suggest that it should be structured along the lines of the Fan Advisory Boards (FAB), which have come out of the Fan-led Review. If Torquay are to rise to the National League and the EFL in the coming years then this sort of engagement will be required under the independent regulator anyway, and so the club can be said to be getting a head start on things and future proofing their setup for when the requirements change upon promotion.
Requirements for a FAB are to;
operate according to written terms of reference registered with the regulator (IREF), which should be based on a standard IREF template (which may be varied to allow flexibility according to local circumstances if so requested by supporters and the club)
consist of 5 - 12 members appointed according to a democratic process
have a Chair appointed from among its members on a seasonal basis
have reserved seats for representatives from key supporter groups including: representatives of the body holding the Golden Share (TUST), equality, diversity and inclusion representatives, youth supporters and international supporters (if relevant)
members should be subject to retirement by rotation, ensuring both that there is a regular turnover of members but also that at any one time there will be a number of experienced members on the FAB.
hold at least quarterly meetings with club executives, with guaranteed attendance from the club CEO or equivalent twice per year
TUST/TUAFC liaison meetings
We welcome the proposed return of regular meetings and suggest that their frequency should be mutually agreed as the relationship develops.
We recognise that all engagement between TUST and the club should be on a professional and respectful basis and we are disappointed that the club felt the need to specify this when it is a given in any such relationship. We endorse the adoption of an appropriate Code of Conduct and terms of reference, preferably in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding as adopted by many clubs.
Can you please provide clarification on the following points;
That ‘meetings with TUAFC board representatives’ means at least one TUAFC board member will attend.
What the restriction on ‘publishing an opinion’ means. Clearly both TUST and its board members as individuals need to be able to express opinions, always in a respectful way in accordance with the Code of Conduct. TUST has a social media policy which sets out guidance on how we use such platforms both as a board member and as an individual.
Agreed notes of the meetings to be available to our members, whilst recognising that on occasions there may be confidential items which cannot be published.
In conclusion, TUST welcomes the club’s proposal to arrange a meeting of TUST board representatives and the TUAFC board to consider how the club and TUST can work to improve the club’s communications, its reputation, influence and supporters’ experience. As we agreed on Thursday, we all have the same ambitions and goals.
We look forward to hearing from you.
**************************************************************************
Club statement issued on 30th November in full:
In talking to the supporters at home and away games it is clear TUST’s actions prior to and following the Fans Forum have resulted in a division between supporters – those that like the TUST and those that don’t.
TUST have decided based on a small number of supporters 150 – 50 in attendance and 100 on zoom to hold a protest. Everyone has the right to free speech, to their opinion and have the right to vent their emotions positive and negative but being personal, aggressive, and threatening is not acceptable.
We have taken on board what TUST Board, TUST members and other supporters have said in relation to communication and have introduced an online fans forum. We believe an online Fans Forum will allow the opportunity of all supporters to ask a question without worrying about what others will say or how they will react. This is the first phase of improving communication.
The second phase is to ensure that all supporters are represented therefore we are going to encourage an independent Supporters’ Steering Group, which we will assist in setting up and will include representatives of the following groups: Over 60’s – Men – Women – Under 18’s – Disability -Travelling Away Supporters and a TUST representative, if TUST agree to show respect to the owner, the board and its employees.
Once set up this will be an independent Supporters’ Steering Group which will have monthly meetings with board representatives and Club representatives. This will ensure that all supporters are represented equally.
We will reintroduce Monthly TUST meetings with board representatives if TUST can agree to the following:
1) We establish basic principles required to make dialogue possible.
a) An agreed code of conduct for engagement/dialogue with TUAFC Board. – we do not wish to silence dissent of the Club or management, direction, but need to ensure that disrespectful and personal remarks are not made by any individual within the management, governance of TUST and not encouraging or condoning any action by others to the same
b) Respect between TUST and TUAFC Board – no comments on person, character, background or publishing an opinion.
c) Agreed notes of meetings (both parties).
2) Based on this we will arrange a meeting of TUST Board and TUAFC Board to consider; How the Club and TUST can work to improve the Club’s performance, its reputation and influence and the supporters experience.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
RESPONSE TO CLUB'S PROPOSALS
At a meeting between the TUST Chairman and Secretary and directors George Edwards and Mel Hayman last week, the club's proposals for an Independent Steering Group and renewed meetings between TUST and the club were tabled.
Following feedback received at our AGM and consideration of the proposals and related conditions, the TUST board have now sent the response below to the directors.
For reference, we also include the club's original statement at the bottom of this bulletin.
*************************************************
TUST letter to club directors
Further to our meeting last Thursday, the TUST board has now had the opportunity to consider the paper that you tabled which was also discussed with members at our AGM on Thursday evening. TUST welcomes the proposals set out by the club subject to clarification of a few key points.
We agree that it is time to look to the future rather than back and in this spirit we welcome the opportunity to build a fresh and productive relationship with the club’s directors.
Independent Steering Group
We note that the club has already published its proposals for an Independent Steering Group. We believe that the success of the Group will depend on the democratic appointment of its members, independent of the club. We understand from our discussion on Thursday that this will be the case and look forward to seeing details of how this is to be achieved.
To give the Group the credence it requires, TUST would suggest that it should be structured along the lines of the Fan Advisory Boards (FAB), which have come out of the Fan-led Review. If Torquay are to rise to the National League and the EFL in the coming years then this sort of engagement will be required under the independent regulator anyway, and so the club can be said to be getting a head start on things and future proofing their setup for when the requirements change upon promotion.
Requirements for a FAB are to;
operate according to written terms of reference registered with the regulator (IREF), which should be based on a standard IREF template (which may be varied to allow flexibility according to local circumstances if so requested by supporters and the club)
consist of 5 - 12 members appointed according to a democratic process
have a Chair appointed from among its members on a seasonal basis
have reserved seats for representatives from key supporter groups including: representatives of the body holding the Golden Share (TUST), equality, diversity and inclusion representatives, youth supporters and international supporters (if relevant)
members should be subject to retirement by rotation, ensuring both that there is a regular turnover of members but also that at any one time there will be a number of experienced members on the FAB.
hold at least quarterly meetings with club executives, with guaranteed attendance from the club CEO or equivalent twice per year
TUST/TUAFC liaison meetings
We welcome the proposed return of regular meetings and suggest that their frequency should be mutually agreed as the relationship develops.
We recognise that all engagement between TUST and the club should be on a professional and respectful basis and we are disappointed that the club felt the need to specify this when it is a given in any such relationship. We endorse the adoption of an appropriate Code of Conduct and terms of reference, preferably in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding as adopted by many clubs.
Can you please provide clarification on the following points;
That ‘meetings with TUAFC board representatives’ means at least one TUAFC board member will attend.
What the restriction on ‘publishing an opinion’ means. Clearly both TUST and its board members as individuals need to be able to express opinions, always in a respectful way in accordance with the Code of Conduct. TUST has a social media policy which sets out guidance on how we use such platforms both as a board member and as an individual.
Agreed notes of the meetings to be available to our members, whilst recognising that on occasions there may be confidential items which cannot be published.
In conclusion, TUST welcomes the club’s proposal to arrange a meeting of TUST board representatives and the TUAFC board to consider how the club and TUST can work to improve the club’s communications, its reputation, influence and supporters’ experience. As we agreed on Thursday, we all have the same ambitions and goals.
We look forward to hearing from you.
**************************************************************************
Club statement issued on 30th November in full:
In talking to the supporters at home and away games it is clear TUST’s actions prior to and following the Fans Forum have resulted in a division between supporters – those that like the TUST and those that don’t.
TUST have decided based on a small number of supporters 150 – 50 in attendance and 100 on zoom to hold a protest. Everyone has the right to free speech, to their opinion and have the right to vent their emotions positive and negative but being personal, aggressive, and threatening is not acceptable.
We have taken on board what TUST Board, TUST members and other supporters have said in relation to communication and have introduced an online fans forum. We believe an online Fans Forum will allow the opportunity of all supporters to ask a question without worrying about what others will say or how they will react. This is the first phase of improving communication.
The second phase is to ensure that all supporters are represented therefore we are going to encourage an independent Supporters’ Steering Group, which we will assist in setting up and will include representatives of the following groups: Over 60’s – Men – Women – Under 18’s – Disability -Travelling Away Supporters and a TUST representative, if TUST agree to show respect to the owner, the board and its employees.
Once set up this will be an independent Supporters’ Steering Group which will have monthly meetings with board representatives and Club representatives. This will ensure that all supporters are represented equally.
We will reintroduce Monthly TUST meetings with board representatives if TUST can agree to the following:
1) We establish basic principles required to make dialogue possible.
a) An agreed code of conduct for engagement/dialogue with TUAFC Board. – we do not wish to silence dissent of the Club or management, direction, but need to ensure that disrespectful and personal remarks are not made by any individual within the management, governance of TUST and not encouraging or condoning any action by others to the same
b) Respect between TUST and TUAFC Board – no comments on person, character, background or publishing an opinion.
c) Agreed notes of meetings (both parties).
2) Based on this we will arrange a meeting of TUST Board and TUAFC Board to consider; How the Club and TUST can work to improve the Club’s performance, its reputation and influence and the supporters experience.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
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- b) Respect between TUST and TUAFC Board – no comments on person, character, background or publishing an opinion.
This is very obtuse, or, it's not obtuse all and they actually are requesting that no opinions are allowed to be written on any form of social media by any TUST member.
Time and again through history, especially recent history, when an individual or group attempt to stifle and shutdown speech, it is always because they have something to hide and the said speech is too close to the truth for comfort.
This is very obtuse, or, it's not obtuse all and they actually are requesting that no opinions are allowed to be written on any form of social media by any TUST member.
Time and again through history, especially recent history, when an individual or group attempt to stifle and shutdown speech, it is always because they have something to hide and the said speech is too close to the truth for comfort.
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A lot has happened in one week, the TUST has had a meeting with the board something they have been requesting for several years, the board agrees to regular meetings and more inportantly the TUST now has a seat at the table albeit at this early stage of the relationship it may not be in the expensive seats, did they get everything they were after, NO, I would have been surprised if they did.
I agree with the clubs views on respecting personal opinion but not having to endure personal, aggressive and threatening attitudes, such as occurred at dartford. if our case is strong we should not have to resort to such behaviour, were such comments made by TUST members, or even regular home supporters I would like to think not, and I am not sure how the club can hold the TUST responsible for such comments if they are not members of the TUST.
But the relationship has started and that can only be a good thing.
I agree with the clubs views on respecting personal opinion but not having to endure personal, aggressive and threatening attitudes, such as occurred at dartford. if our case is strong we should not have to resort to such behaviour, were such comments made by TUST members, or even regular home supporters I would like to think not, and I am not sure how the club can hold the TUST responsible for such comments if they are not members of the TUST.
But the relationship has started and that can only be a good thing.
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" b) Respect between TUST and TUAFC Board – no comments on person, character, background or publishing an opinion."culmstockgull wrote: ↑07 Dec 2023, 15:21 A lot has happened in one week, the TUST has had a meeting with the board something they have been requesting for several years, the board agrees to regular meetings and more inportantly the TUST now has a seat at the table albeit at this early stage of the relationship it may not be in the expensive seats, did they get everything they were after, NO, I would have been surprised if they did.
I agree with the clubs views on respecting personal opinion but not having to endure personal, aggressive and threatening attitudes, such as occurred at dartford. if our case is strong we should not have to resort to such behaviour, were such comments made by TUST members, or even regular home supporters I would like to think not, and I am not sure how the club can hold the TUST responsible for such comments if they are not members of the TUST.
But the relationship has started and that can only be a good thing.
They are not respecting personal opinion, according to the line in speechmarks. How you manage to make so many misinterpretations and continue to view the situation with rose tinted optimism is beyond comprehension.
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15th December 2023
FAN ZONE
TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
FA TROPHY SUCCESS FOR UNITED’S YOUTHFUL TEAM
WOMEN’S GAME TO GET 30 NEW 3G PITCHES
AND NEW TV DEAL MEANS FEWER SATURDAY AFTERNOON MATCHES
Saturday’s FA Trophy game at Southern League South Frome Town was a day to remember for all kinds of reasons, one of them being Frome’s biggest gate for 50 years, 1,305.
Importantly Torquay’s comprehensive 4-1 victory takes them into Round Four with an away tie against Hereford FC in January. Two former Football League teams battling it out for a round closer to a Wembley final. Winners of this tie receive £5,250.
Then the side Gary Johnson put out on Saturday, average age 20.5, was one of the youngest in the club’s history for a competitive match. It was certainly a day to remember for 16 year-old Jacob Wellington. And there were more from the Under-18 squad on the bench.
Finally, Rhys Lovett made it a hat-trick of penalty saves this season for three different Torquay goalkeepers.
*****
There certainly has been a change of fortunes over the last few weeks as Johnston’s side has now notched up a fourth consecutive win - and these with a depleted squad. Maybe Johnson “only needing some luck”, which owner Clarke Osborne alluded to in a recent interview, has helped turn the corner.
Lovett’s penalty save, with United 2-0 ahead, came at a crucial time as 2-1 might have made it a different game.
*****
With Yeovil and Maidstone looking for a swift return to the National League at the first time of asking, as are Torquay, it was interesting to see how United’s rivals got on. Yeovil were in league action dropping two points at Dartford which was good news, the gap between Yeovil and Torquay currently stands at nine points.
Maidstone, one of United’s rivals for promotion, were in Trophy action but went down 4-0 at Barnet while National North Scunthorpe, also looking for a quick return to non-league’s top flight, lost at home 2-0 to NL Solihull Moors. So, do these two defeats suggest a big gap in standards between the National League and North and South? Maybe, but the South team Bath City beat NL Boreham Wood.
*****
Whilst we all hope United will, by the end, be promoted, just how many of the regulars in the current squad will be able to keep the team up? How many contracts will be up? And will it be a case for the manager to re-build once again?
FA Trophy Crowd Watch: Southend v Hampton & Richmond 2,185, Kidderminster v Stourbridge 2,159, Scunthorpe v Solihull Moors 1,899.
*****
Although there remains a pocket of mistrust about the growth of women’s football there is no denying its growing popularity. On Sunday the clash between the two women’s teams of Arsenal v Chelsea attracted over 59,000 to the Emirates Stadium.
Only last week the FA in conjunction with the Government and the Premier League announced a £30m fund to deliver 30 new state-of-the-art 3G pitches at sites supporting women’s and girls’ teams across the country. This initiative comes as a direct result of the success of the Lionesses.
The 30 new pitches and accompanying facilities are designed to prioritise women’s and girls’ teams, with reserved peak-time slots, women and girls-only evenings plus priority booking for women’s and girls’ teams. Be interesting to see how far west one of these might come.
After all, we are led to understand that Clarke Osborne is still looking for a site.
*****
A new deal for TV football coverage of the Premier League was announced last week. With Amazon Prime dropping out it was the top two TV companies, Sky Sports and TNT (formerly BT Sport) to share the fixtures.
Now, if you asked your typical football fan about when they’d prefer the Saturday matches to start, the majority are likely to say 3pm. Whilst that may be true for leagues down the pyramid, it’s not the case in the top division.
Because under the new deal there will only be 113 potential 3pm games with the others dotted around Saturday lunchtimes, evenings, Sundays and Monday evenings. And kick-offs for many of these seem to be getting later without any regard to fans, particularly of the away sides, being able to get home.
Amazingly, last season Manchester United only played three times on a Saturday with a 3pm kick-off and Arsenal five times. Just shows how the football map has changed for the sake of TV money. What’s your view on this? Send yours to: [email protected].
*****
With five of the Under-18s with the first team at Frome, the youth side notched up another league win to close the gap with Bridgwater, winning 2-1 at Fairford Town thanks to a last minute winner.
This Saturday it’s back to league action with the return fixture with Hemel Hempstead who, in the home match, won the points with two late goals. Hopefully somebody from the management team was at Havant on Wednesday to see Havant & Waterlooville defeat Hemel Hempstead 2-0.
Annual Christmas Quiz starts next week.
COYY
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
FAN ZONE
TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
FA TROPHY SUCCESS FOR UNITED’S YOUTHFUL TEAM
WOMEN’S GAME TO GET 30 NEW 3G PITCHES
AND NEW TV DEAL MEANS FEWER SATURDAY AFTERNOON MATCHES
Saturday’s FA Trophy game at Southern League South Frome Town was a day to remember for all kinds of reasons, one of them being Frome’s biggest gate for 50 years, 1,305.
Importantly Torquay’s comprehensive 4-1 victory takes them into Round Four with an away tie against Hereford FC in January. Two former Football League teams battling it out for a round closer to a Wembley final. Winners of this tie receive £5,250.
Then the side Gary Johnson put out on Saturday, average age 20.5, was one of the youngest in the club’s history for a competitive match. It was certainly a day to remember for 16 year-old Jacob Wellington. And there were more from the Under-18 squad on the bench.
Finally, Rhys Lovett made it a hat-trick of penalty saves this season for three different Torquay goalkeepers.
*****
There certainly has been a change of fortunes over the last few weeks as Johnston’s side has now notched up a fourth consecutive win - and these with a depleted squad. Maybe Johnson “only needing some luck”, which owner Clarke Osborne alluded to in a recent interview, has helped turn the corner.
Lovett’s penalty save, with United 2-0 ahead, came at a crucial time as 2-1 might have made it a different game.
*****
With Yeovil and Maidstone looking for a swift return to the National League at the first time of asking, as are Torquay, it was interesting to see how United’s rivals got on. Yeovil were in league action dropping two points at Dartford which was good news, the gap between Yeovil and Torquay currently stands at nine points.
Maidstone, one of United’s rivals for promotion, were in Trophy action but went down 4-0 at Barnet while National North Scunthorpe, also looking for a quick return to non-league’s top flight, lost at home 2-0 to NL Solihull Moors. So, do these two defeats suggest a big gap in standards between the National League and North and South? Maybe, but the South team Bath City beat NL Boreham Wood.
*****
Whilst we all hope United will, by the end, be promoted, just how many of the regulars in the current squad will be able to keep the team up? How many contracts will be up? And will it be a case for the manager to re-build once again?
FA Trophy Crowd Watch: Southend v Hampton & Richmond 2,185, Kidderminster v Stourbridge 2,159, Scunthorpe v Solihull Moors 1,899.
*****
Although there remains a pocket of mistrust about the growth of women’s football there is no denying its growing popularity. On Sunday the clash between the two women’s teams of Arsenal v Chelsea attracted over 59,000 to the Emirates Stadium.
Only last week the FA in conjunction with the Government and the Premier League announced a £30m fund to deliver 30 new state-of-the-art 3G pitches at sites supporting women’s and girls’ teams across the country. This initiative comes as a direct result of the success of the Lionesses.
The 30 new pitches and accompanying facilities are designed to prioritise women’s and girls’ teams, with reserved peak-time slots, women and girls-only evenings plus priority booking for women’s and girls’ teams. Be interesting to see how far west one of these might come.
After all, we are led to understand that Clarke Osborne is still looking for a site.
*****
A new deal for TV football coverage of the Premier League was announced last week. With Amazon Prime dropping out it was the top two TV companies, Sky Sports and TNT (formerly BT Sport) to share the fixtures.
Now, if you asked your typical football fan about when they’d prefer the Saturday matches to start, the majority are likely to say 3pm. Whilst that may be true for leagues down the pyramid, it’s not the case in the top division.
Because under the new deal there will only be 113 potential 3pm games with the others dotted around Saturday lunchtimes, evenings, Sundays and Monday evenings. And kick-offs for many of these seem to be getting later without any regard to fans, particularly of the away sides, being able to get home.
Amazingly, last season Manchester United only played three times on a Saturday with a 3pm kick-off and Arsenal five times. Just shows how the football map has changed for the sake of TV money. What’s your view on this? Send yours to: [email protected].
*****
With five of the Under-18s with the first team at Frome, the youth side notched up another league win to close the gap with Bridgwater, winning 2-1 at Fairford Town thanks to a last minute winner.
This Saturday it’s back to league action with the return fixture with Hemel Hempstead who, in the home match, won the points with two late goals. Hopefully somebody from the management team was at Havant on Wednesday to see Havant & Waterlooville defeat Hemel Hempstead 2-0.
Annual Christmas Quiz starts next week.
COYY
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
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19th January 2024
FAN ZONE
TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
TORQUAY DROP OUT OF FA TROPHY WITH FANS UNHAPPY
UNREST AT READING AND TAUNTON ON AND OFF THE PITCH
IS TV RUINING FOOTBALL WHAT’S YOUR VIEW?
267 travelling Yellow Army vented their disgust at the end of Torquay’s FA Trophy defeat at Hereford on Saturday with assistant manager Aaron Downes taking the brunt of the anger. By all accounts it was another unacceptable performance with United outplayed by the National North outfit. Even manager Gary Johnson had to say the better side had won a place in the next round and, as Johnson outlined at his press call last week, into the final 16 and with Wembley in sight.
Yes, injuries are not helping with the better players on the sidelines but as Johnson himself has admitted, those players who are available are of a quality that should be able to step up.
However, the evidence tells another story.
*****
In the last few weeks two players have left the payroll. First Shaun Donnellan moved to Scottish Premier’s bottom team Livingstone on a 2 and a half year contract while the most recent departure was Dylan Crowe who came on as a second half sub for King’s Lynn in National North joining ex-Gull Gabby Rodgers, who scored in their 2-2 draw.
A late surprising signing late on Friday was ex-United striker from 9 years’ ago, Duane Ofori-Acheampong, but his afternoon lasted only a matter of minutes pulling up with a hamstring problem. He talked about ‘unfinished business’ referring to his previous time at Plainmoor but this time around his short-term contract may be what it says. His arrival suggests Ash and Jarvis are still some way from a return although Ash may well be back before Jarvis.
This Saturday it’s back to league action with bottom side Dover the visitors; they secured a 1-1 draw at Taunton and presumably somebody from the club was there watching. Taunton fans, still reeling from all those player departures, have set up a supporters’ trust. And the club is now under an HMRC winding up petition.
*****
Torquay really do now need to pick up National South points as Yeovil’s 1-0 mid-week win at Taunton puts them 18 points ahead of the Gulls. The aim must be to get back into the play-off race and try to end up second but United’s away form, in particular, is a real concern. Play-off rivals Worthing had a comfortable win at Truro but Maidstone dropped three points.
*****
It was a great day for several lower division non-league sides in the FA Trophy: Southern League Premier South Hendon dumped National League Oldham out, National North Bishop’s Stortford hit Aldershot for six with striker Kane Critchlow hitting five of them. Two other National sides crashed out to lower league opposition, Hartlepool to Hampton and Dorking to Macclesfield.
Trophy Crowd Watch: Oldham 2,819, Hereford 2,264, Hartlepool 2,129, Macclesfield 1,833.
*****
For football authorities, club owners and directors these must be worrying times as fans show their displeasure with how their clubs are being run. It happened earlier at Everton with fans protesting at their 10 point deduction and at Southend as fans interrupted matches to protest against their owner. Now it has gone a stage further with Reading supporters flooding on the pitch to ensure their League 1 fixture with Port Vale was abandoned.
Reading are now anxiously waiting news of punishment from the EFL. Under tougher rules announced in July 2022 fans invading the pitch would receive an automatic club ban and be reported to the police. Other sanctions could include stadium closure and potential points deduction.
*****
There’s a growing rift brewing between fans and the TV companies in the scheduling of televised matches. In the spotlight now are the FA Cup 4th Round games coming up at the end of the month.
Fans of Manchester City and Newcastle United are particularly incensed, City play Spurs on a Friday night on January 26 with an 8pm kick-off with their travelling supporters lucky if they get home in the early hours of Saturday morning. Meanwhile, Newcastle play Fulham at Craven Cottage on the Saturday with a 7pm kick-off time.
Newcastle United Supporters Trust said, “The last train for Newcastle departs King’s Cross at 9pm, leaving thousands looking for accommodation in London with only two weeks’ notice. It’s always the fans who pay the price.”
In recent weeks a number of Premier League fixtures have been changed to suit the TV broadcasters at the expense of travelling fans.
*****
Local football followers will be aware that successful Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher moved on last month to take over at Stoke. Recently a national newspaper published an interesting interview with him. Stoke, for many, are under-achieving following their relegation from the Premier League in 2018 and desperately need a new direction and Schumacher believes he can succeed. He is certainly a modern manager who believes in the importance of data in recruitment. He says, “If there’s information in front of your eyes you should be using it, for recruitment and game planning.”
*****
Torquay Women played their first match of 2024 on Sunday but it resulted in a disappointing 4-2 home defeat at Wall Park despite visitors Abingdon Ladies finishing the game with nine after two red cards. After the game manager Steve Elswood resigned.
The Under-18s had a comfortable 4-0 league cup win at Fairford Town.
*****
Are TV companies ruining football? What’s your opinion? Send your view to: [email protected]
Saturday sees Dover make their second journey to the South-Week inside a week, let’s hope for three points and maybe a few returning from injury.
COYY
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
FAN ZONE
TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
TORQUAY DROP OUT OF FA TROPHY WITH FANS UNHAPPY
UNREST AT READING AND TAUNTON ON AND OFF THE PITCH
IS TV RUINING FOOTBALL WHAT’S YOUR VIEW?
267 travelling Yellow Army vented their disgust at the end of Torquay’s FA Trophy defeat at Hereford on Saturday with assistant manager Aaron Downes taking the brunt of the anger. By all accounts it was another unacceptable performance with United outplayed by the National North outfit. Even manager Gary Johnson had to say the better side had won a place in the next round and, as Johnson outlined at his press call last week, into the final 16 and with Wembley in sight.
Yes, injuries are not helping with the better players on the sidelines but as Johnson himself has admitted, those players who are available are of a quality that should be able to step up.
However, the evidence tells another story.
*****
In the last few weeks two players have left the payroll. First Shaun Donnellan moved to Scottish Premier’s bottom team Livingstone on a 2 and a half year contract while the most recent departure was Dylan Crowe who came on as a second half sub for King’s Lynn in National North joining ex-Gull Gabby Rodgers, who scored in their 2-2 draw.
A late surprising signing late on Friday was ex-United striker from 9 years’ ago, Duane Ofori-Acheampong, but his afternoon lasted only a matter of minutes pulling up with a hamstring problem. He talked about ‘unfinished business’ referring to his previous time at Plainmoor but this time around his short-term contract may be what it says. His arrival suggests Ash and Jarvis are still some way from a return although Ash may well be back before Jarvis.
This Saturday it’s back to league action with bottom side Dover the visitors; they secured a 1-1 draw at Taunton and presumably somebody from the club was there watching. Taunton fans, still reeling from all those player departures, have set up a supporters’ trust. And the club is now under an HMRC winding up petition.
*****
Torquay really do now need to pick up National South points as Yeovil’s 1-0 mid-week win at Taunton puts them 18 points ahead of the Gulls. The aim must be to get back into the play-off race and try to end up second but United’s away form, in particular, is a real concern. Play-off rivals Worthing had a comfortable win at Truro but Maidstone dropped three points.
*****
It was a great day for several lower division non-league sides in the FA Trophy: Southern League Premier South Hendon dumped National League Oldham out, National North Bishop’s Stortford hit Aldershot for six with striker Kane Critchlow hitting five of them. Two other National sides crashed out to lower league opposition, Hartlepool to Hampton and Dorking to Macclesfield.
Trophy Crowd Watch: Oldham 2,819, Hereford 2,264, Hartlepool 2,129, Macclesfield 1,833.
*****
For football authorities, club owners and directors these must be worrying times as fans show their displeasure with how their clubs are being run. It happened earlier at Everton with fans protesting at their 10 point deduction and at Southend as fans interrupted matches to protest against their owner. Now it has gone a stage further with Reading supporters flooding on the pitch to ensure their League 1 fixture with Port Vale was abandoned.
Reading are now anxiously waiting news of punishment from the EFL. Under tougher rules announced in July 2022 fans invading the pitch would receive an automatic club ban and be reported to the police. Other sanctions could include stadium closure and potential points deduction.
*****
There’s a growing rift brewing between fans and the TV companies in the scheduling of televised matches. In the spotlight now are the FA Cup 4th Round games coming up at the end of the month.
Fans of Manchester City and Newcastle United are particularly incensed, City play Spurs on a Friday night on January 26 with an 8pm kick-off with their travelling supporters lucky if they get home in the early hours of Saturday morning. Meanwhile, Newcastle play Fulham at Craven Cottage on the Saturday with a 7pm kick-off time.
Newcastle United Supporters Trust said, “The last train for Newcastle departs King’s Cross at 9pm, leaving thousands looking for accommodation in London with only two weeks’ notice. It’s always the fans who pay the price.”
In recent weeks a number of Premier League fixtures have been changed to suit the TV broadcasters at the expense of travelling fans.
*****
Local football followers will be aware that successful Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher moved on last month to take over at Stoke. Recently a national newspaper published an interesting interview with him. Stoke, for many, are under-achieving following their relegation from the Premier League in 2018 and desperately need a new direction and Schumacher believes he can succeed. He is certainly a modern manager who believes in the importance of data in recruitment. He says, “If there’s information in front of your eyes you should be using it, for recruitment and game planning.”
*****
Torquay Women played their first match of 2024 on Sunday but it resulted in a disappointing 4-2 home defeat at Wall Park despite visitors Abingdon Ladies finishing the game with nine after two red cards. After the game manager Steve Elswood resigned.
The Under-18s had a comfortable 4-0 league cup win at Fairford Town.
*****
Are TV companies ruining football? What’s your opinion? Send your view to: [email protected]
Saturday sees Dover make their second journey to the South-Week inside a week, let’s hope for three points and maybe a few returning from injury.
COYY
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
TV companies just make money. It is profitable for them to show what is popular. Good thing there's YouTube. Everyone can post their own video of their favorite team playing.TUST_Official wrote: ↑20 Jan 2024, 12:34 Are TV companies ruining football? What’s your opinion? Send your view to: [email protected]
Saturday sees Dover make their second journey to the South-Week inside a week, let’s hope for three points and maybe a few returning from injury.
COYY
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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TUAFC STADIUM ANNOUNCEMENT
Following yesterday’s club statement regarding a potential new stadium for Torquay United, TUST welcomes the club’s openness in keeping supporters informed, as promised in the recent online fans’ forum.
TUST supports the continued use of Plainmoor but are open to alternative proposals providing they clearly indicate a sustainable long-term future for TUAFC within the local community.
We recognise the need to maximise potential use of the club’s facilities and look forward to hearing more details so that fans are fully informed.
We are willing to work constructively with the ownership to consider any plans to relocate the club providing that such plans are transparent and realistic.
We await news of the Steering Group where TUST’s involvement, along with other supporters, will be able to discuss, amongst other topics, the club’s heritage and stadium plans.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
Following yesterday’s club statement regarding a potential new stadium for Torquay United, TUST welcomes the club’s openness in keeping supporters informed, as promised in the recent online fans’ forum.
TUST supports the continued use of Plainmoor but are open to alternative proposals providing they clearly indicate a sustainable long-term future for TUAFC within the local community.
We recognise the need to maximise potential use of the club’s facilities and look forward to hearing more details so that fans are fully informed.
We are willing to work constructively with the ownership to consider any plans to relocate the club providing that such plans are transparent and realistic.
We await news of the Steering Group where TUST’s involvement, along with other supporters, will be able to discuss, amongst other topics, the club’s heritage and stadium plans.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
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9th February 2024
FAN ZONE
TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
SATURDAY’S DEFEAT TO ST ALBANS WAS A NEW LOW IN TORQUAY’S HISTORY
FANS VENT THEIR ANGER AT THE MANAGER AS HUNDREDS WALK OUT
NEW MANAGEMENT SEES TORQUAY WOMEN WIN THREE CRUCIAL POINTS
“You’re not very good, we lose every week”, sang three 7-year olds as they ran behind the St Albans goal mid-way through the second half as those in the Family Stand sat in stunned silence as a dreadful defeat unfolded in front of us.
It might have been semi quiet in front of the Directors’ Box but those on the Popside and many in Bristow’s vented their fury at mostly the manager but owner Clarke Osborne and CEO George Edwards came under fire too.
With the Gulls 0-2 down two bright yellow tennis balls found themselves on the pitch and a couple of ‘Johnson Out’ banners were unfurled before stewards were seemingly sent in to confiscate them.
Talking of the Directors’ Box, sat in there watching and listening were Gary Johnson, serving his touchline suspension, son Lee, recently sacked from Fleetwood and Mrs Johnson. When matters ramped up during the second half - there was a 60th minute walk out from over 100 from the Popside - Johnson son and mother left, probably advised to do so for their own safety.
*****
Johnson Snr made the post match press call and whilst repeating that “the boys didn’t play well”, he unfortunately didn’t apologise for what was an abject performance. The defeat making the ambition to finish second that much harder as Worthing stretched their lead over Torquay to eleven points.
There were a number after the game who felt there should have been a club statement to address supporters’ concerns, all this ironically on the day when the outline details of the promised steering group were announced.
The fans’ anger didn’t stop inside Plainmoor as a large group assembled outside the club’s offices and entrance chanting for a good twenty minutes. It was enough for the club to shut the Gulls Nest early as there were concerns for the safety of club employees.
The majority of United supporters are usually the type that just shrug their shoulders when things are bad but we now live in an age where demonstrations are becoming the norm. Fans around the country have seen what angry people can do with examples this season at Everton, Southend, Scunthorpe and Reading not to mention marches in London over the Israeli war.
*****
What about the match itself? It was a joy to see a high octane side entertain with fast, slick football, great awareness on and off the ball and with players who know how to score - all reminiscent of those heady United days only a penalty kick away from an EFL return - but sadly the team turning in a match winning performance were St Albans. That the score was only 4-0 masks what really should have been an even worse scoreline. This from a part time side without a manager after David Noble moved on to take over at Wealdstone.
And what a missed opportunity to gain new younger fans as the club’s praiseworthy Community Day for Years 7, 8 & 9 had to witness such an abject display.
Final thought on Saturday’s debacle, there was no leadership on the pitch although as the senior pro, keeper Mark Halstead was given the armband until Asa Hall took over late on. It was not a heavy defeat local lad Austen Booth would have dreamt about the night before as he made his debut after buying out his contract at Taunton.
*****
Where does the club go from here? Based on evidence so far it will be ‘business as usual’ no matter what supporters feel.
The steering group has the potential to bring supporters and the club closer together but only time will tell if it’s going to have any positive influence.
*****
What do National League Kidderminster and Torquay Women have in common? Back on January 14 Kidderminster were bottom and changed their manager appointing experienced Phil Brown while Torquay Women appointed their own new management team last week with player Tracey Cross and Jake Ellis taking over. Result? Kidderminster have now won their last four games and look as if they could climb out of the bottom four. Meanwhile, the Torquay Women, one league win all season, defeated visitors Southampton Women 2-1 at Coach Road with a stoppage time winner from Emily Eaton.
United’s Under-18s had a comfortable 4-1 league cup win over Swindon Supermarine to take them into the semi-finals.
*****
Non-League Crowd Watch: Southend 6,372, York 4,667, Kidderminster 3,298, Scunthorpe 3,285, Maidstone 3,119, Bromley 3,026, Macclesfield 3,005.
*****
So, on Tuesday night it was a daunting trip to FA Cup giant killers Maidstone United who have been transformed by a rooky manager George Elokobi. Before their sweet victory at Ipswich in the last round Elokobi addressed the fans before the match with a rousing speech - that’s the way to get supporters on your side. Whilst it was a spirited performance with new addition Arkell Jude-Boyd from QPR showing how to play at right-back, it was yet another disappointing loss.
For those who felt the need it was possible to watch the match on the National League streaming service but from this month they have said, due to a low take-up, only selected North and South fixtures will be shown live on a match to match basis.
United have another home match on Saturday with Slough Town the visitors. They sit twelfth only two points behind.
What are your thoughts on the current situation at Plainmoor? Send to: [email protected].
COYY
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
FAN ZONE
TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
SATURDAY’S DEFEAT TO ST ALBANS WAS A NEW LOW IN TORQUAY’S HISTORY
FANS VENT THEIR ANGER AT THE MANAGER AS HUNDREDS WALK OUT
NEW MANAGEMENT SEES TORQUAY WOMEN WIN THREE CRUCIAL POINTS
“You’re not very good, we lose every week”, sang three 7-year olds as they ran behind the St Albans goal mid-way through the second half as those in the Family Stand sat in stunned silence as a dreadful defeat unfolded in front of us.
It might have been semi quiet in front of the Directors’ Box but those on the Popside and many in Bristow’s vented their fury at mostly the manager but owner Clarke Osborne and CEO George Edwards came under fire too.
With the Gulls 0-2 down two bright yellow tennis balls found themselves on the pitch and a couple of ‘Johnson Out’ banners were unfurled before stewards were seemingly sent in to confiscate them.
Talking of the Directors’ Box, sat in there watching and listening were Gary Johnson, serving his touchline suspension, son Lee, recently sacked from Fleetwood and Mrs Johnson. When matters ramped up during the second half - there was a 60th minute walk out from over 100 from the Popside - Johnson son and mother left, probably advised to do so for their own safety.
*****
Johnson Snr made the post match press call and whilst repeating that “the boys didn’t play well”, he unfortunately didn’t apologise for what was an abject performance. The defeat making the ambition to finish second that much harder as Worthing stretched their lead over Torquay to eleven points.
There were a number after the game who felt there should have been a club statement to address supporters’ concerns, all this ironically on the day when the outline details of the promised steering group were announced.
The fans’ anger didn’t stop inside Plainmoor as a large group assembled outside the club’s offices and entrance chanting for a good twenty minutes. It was enough for the club to shut the Gulls Nest early as there were concerns for the safety of club employees.
The majority of United supporters are usually the type that just shrug their shoulders when things are bad but we now live in an age where demonstrations are becoming the norm. Fans around the country have seen what angry people can do with examples this season at Everton, Southend, Scunthorpe and Reading not to mention marches in London over the Israeli war.
*****
What about the match itself? It was a joy to see a high octane side entertain with fast, slick football, great awareness on and off the ball and with players who know how to score - all reminiscent of those heady United days only a penalty kick away from an EFL return - but sadly the team turning in a match winning performance were St Albans. That the score was only 4-0 masks what really should have been an even worse scoreline. This from a part time side without a manager after David Noble moved on to take over at Wealdstone.
And what a missed opportunity to gain new younger fans as the club’s praiseworthy Community Day for Years 7, 8 & 9 had to witness such an abject display.
Final thought on Saturday’s debacle, there was no leadership on the pitch although as the senior pro, keeper Mark Halstead was given the armband until Asa Hall took over late on. It was not a heavy defeat local lad Austen Booth would have dreamt about the night before as he made his debut after buying out his contract at Taunton.
*****
Where does the club go from here? Based on evidence so far it will be ‘business as usual’ no matter what supporters feel.
The steering group has the potential to bring supporters and the club closer together but only time will tell if it’s going to have any positive influence.
*****
What do National League Kidderminster and Torquay Women have in common? Back on January 14 Kidderminster were bottom and changed their manager appointing experienced Phil Brown while Torquay Women appointed their own new management team last week with player Tracey Cross and Jake Ellis taking over. Result? Kidderminster have now won their last four games and look as if they could climb out of the bottom four. Meanwhile, the Torquay Women, one league win all season, defeated visitors Southampton Women 2-1 at Coach Road with a stoppage time winner from Emily Eaton.
United’s Under-18s had a comfortable 4-1 league cup win over Swindon Supermarine to take them into the semi-finals.
*****
Non-League Crowd Watch: Southend 6,372, York 4,667, Kidderminster 3,298, Scunthorpe 3,285, Maidstone 3,119, Bromley 3,026, Macclesfield 3,005.
*****
So, on Tuesday night it was a daunting trip to FA Cup giant killers Maidstone United who have been transformed by a rooky manager George Elokobi. Before their sweet victory at Ipswich in the last round Elokobi addressed the fans before the match with a rousing speech - that’s the way to get supporters on your side. Whilst it was a spirited performance with new addition Arkell Jude-Boyd from QPR showing how to play at right-back, it was yet another disappointing loss.
For those who felt the need it was possible to watch the match on the National League streaming service but from this month they have said, due to a low take-up, only selected North and South fixtures will be shown live on a match to match basis.
United have another home match on Saturday with Slough Town the visitors. They sit twelfth only two points behind.
What are your thoughts on the current situation at Plainmoor? Send to: [email protected].
COYY
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
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Are YOU happy with the way YOUR football club is being run?
So many aspects of the running of our wonderful football club are causing concern among the fan base. It is worrying to hear of so many long-standing supporters staying away from games because they are so disillusioned and others threatening not to buy a season ticket next year unless things improve.
Rising levels of dissatisfaction are evident from declining attendances, recent matchday protests and the number of critical views posted across social media. Yet those in charge of the club from owner to CEO to manager give the impression that everything is fine and we should all be positive or not express our views.
Well things are not ‘fine’ and now is the time for concerned supporters who have the future of the club at heart to unite and make our voices heard.
TUST is working with other interested groups to bring supporters together to press for change. Further details will be released very soon.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
So many aspects of the running of our wonderful football club are causing concern among the fan base. It is worrying to hear of so many long-standing supporters staying away from games because they are so disillusioned and others threatening not to buy a season ticket next year unless things improve.
Rising levels of dissatisfaction are evident from declining attendances, recent matchday protests and the number of critical views posted across social media. Yet those in charge of the club from owner to CEO to manager give the impression that everything is fine and we should all be positive or not express our views.
Well things are not ‘fine’ and now is the time for concerned supporters who have the future of the club at heart to unite and make our voices heard.
TUST is working with other interested groups to bring supporters together to press for change. Further details will be released very soon.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
Done ![✔️](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/2714.svg)
Life is like TUFC. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. ![Goal :goal:](./images/smilies/goal.gif)
![Goal :goal:](./images/smilies/goal.gif)
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Clarke Osborne's statement
In light of today’s announcement that Clarke Osborne is unwilling to continue his financial support for the club and has applied to appoint an administrator, Saturday’s proposed yellow card protest has been suspended.
Instead TUST would encourage every supporter to get along to Plainmoor to get behind the team and the club’s staff and to show their support for the future of the club.
We can assure all supporters that the TUST board will be working tirelessly to do everything it can to secure a long-term future for the club. We thank those who have already offered their assistance with either practical help or financial support. We are already in discussion with a number of individuals and organisations that can advise us.
Now is the time to join TUST and to fight for our wonderful football club.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
In light of today’s announcement that Clarke Osborne is unwilling to continue his financial support for the club and has applied to appoint an administrator, Saturday’s proposed yellow card protest has been suspended.
Instead TUST would encourage every supporter to get along to Plainmoor to get behind the team and the club’s staff and to show their support for the future of the club.
We can assure all supporters that the TUST board will be working tirelessly to do everything it can to secure a long-term future for the club. We thank those who have already offered their assistance with either practical help or financial support. We are already in discussion with a number of individuals and organisations that can advise us.
Now is the time to join TUST and to fight for our wonderful football club.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
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Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
I can't make the game due to a wedding. I'd like to buy 1 or 2 ghost tickets. Can I be sure the money will go to running the club and not go to Osborne? Or should I donate to TUST?TUST_Official wrote: ↑22 Feb 2024, 20:54 Clarke Osborne's statement
In light of today’s announcement that Clarke Osborne is unwilling to continue his financial support for the club and has applied to appoint an administrator, Saturday’s proposed yellow card protest has been suspended.
Instead TUST would encourage every supporter to get along to Plainmoor to get behind the team and the club’s staff and to show their support for the future of the club.
We can assure all supporters that the TUST board will be working tirelessly to do everything it can to secure a long-term future for the club. We thank those who have already offered their assistance with either practical help or financial support. We are already in discussion with a number of individuals and organisations that can advise us.
Now is the time to join TUST and to fight for our wonderful football club.
JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
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- Posts: 321
- Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 14:19
- Contact:
In light of the current situation, fans are understandably very concerned about the future of the club and some have started setting up various Go Fund Me accounts to help raise money. However it is important that fundraising is properly coordinated and done at the right time with TUST currently in the process of setting up a crowd funding page and request that all fans wait for this before making any donations.
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
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