Torquay United Fans Forum

I think I can win this. On the 3rd January 1983, as part of my 30th birthday celebrations, I took my wife to Halifax. She saw aunties nearby while I went to the Shay to see Torquay play them on a Monday night. It was absolutely freezing with sleet falling throughout the game. I was in my blue and yellow scarf. I did not see one other fan. The ground was almost deserted and resembled the opening scene of Blade Runner. The previous attendance at the Shay was 912 for the visit of Tranmere. If I remember correctly Torquay lost 3-0. I bet no other Torquay fan was there, I certainly didn't hear anyone not that there was much to cheer about. I shouted a few times, the locals too frozen, too bored or thinking I was a sectioned person out for the evening, to cause any bother. I would love to hear from anyone who shared this most depressing match in terrible conditions in this L.S. Lowry landscape.

I'll put this on this more relevant thread.

Well there we have it. A statement saying a stadium built in less than 3 years. This is indeed an important comment. You are all right to be sceptical. What with the new drainage/flood regulations that came out in April (the percolation tests alone would take over 12 months) building on made up ground, building on contaminated ground etc, you are closer to a decade before any new ground manifests itself. This is a huge mistake by the new owners. I would say it is IMPOSSIBLE for a new ground to be built in three years. It is either a downright lie and they are trying to have people over or they are so out of touch with planning as to be unbelievably incompetent.


I have seen various comments about how we should perhaps give GI the benefit of doubt in relation to this statement about being in a stadium within 3 years. Trouble is the statement is incorrect and they know it and consequently they have no credibility at all from now on. This is further evidence that you cannot trust them - I regret to say.

A Freedom of Information request to the council planning department would reveal whether any pre-application enquiry has been made. Councils notify pre-application applicants that should a Freedom of Information request is made they have to disclose details. Even if they started 12 months ago, the time scale is just nonsense. 5 years minimum - more likely closer to 10 - if it ever happens.

Well there we have it. A statement saying a stadium built in less than 3 years. This is indeed an important comment. You are all right to be sceptical. What with the new drainage/flood regulations that came out in April (the percolation tests alone would take over 12 months) building on made up ground, building on contaminated ground etc, you are closer to a decade before any new ground manifests itself. This is a huge mistake by the new owners. I would say it is IMPOSSIBLE for a new ground to be built in three years. It is either a downright lie and they are trying to have people over or they are so out of touch with planning as to be unbelievably incompetent.

I had a chance meeting with Deborah Brewer today the Lib Dem candidate for Torbay. A cheery soul, local girl and when asked whether Plainmoor would be safe she said, 'read my election literature, yes it will be'. She can't be a mason which is a big plus for me. Are any of the decision makers on the lease/freehold of Plainmoor women.

Thank you for the update Soupdragon. I am an optimistic fellow but I still can't work it out. If GI are a property company - what have they bought that is tangible - nothing, or do they own the stands, I can't remember. Why then would they put in 6 figures to something that is not turning a profit. No company, especially involved in property, would do this unless there was a game plan for the future. That game plan could only be formulated with positive indications from the land owners. It would be far to speculative to chuck £100,000 + on a scheme where the land owners have a duty to get the best price from the highest bidder. Torbay Council are not a private company or individual, they have to get the best price they can - by law.

I'm reading Wolf Hall at the moment, soon we will need a list of characters and their role like in the book to keep track of things. My personal opinion - something has been going on for ages between GI and the council, there would be too many imponderables for GI to get involved if there wasn't.

Some people out there not connected to GI know what the true situation is, whether they are ex-directors - forum members - councilors - club officials. They know what the score is. I don't. Does Dave Thomas, I don't know. I suspect after the North Ferriby game the bomb will be dropped.

Perhaps all will be revealed soon and we will breathe a sigh of relief, or we will be fuming and think 'of course -but we missed it or couldn't work it out'.

This is Hereford United with palm trees.

I have been told that it is UNLIKELY the council will get rid of the freehold to GI (from an excellent source). However, although involved in property and planning myself, I have struggled to work out what the GI game plan is. I have juggled all the scenarios, spoken to several people in the know. In the offices at Plainmoor I have seen concept drawings of the new stadium, all purpose training pitch, hotel and retail outlets at The Willows. Looks lovely on paper but can only come to fruition as a result of a combination of shenanigans of immense proportions and deals so convoluted with so many uncertainties it would be a massive gamble. Assurances would have to be given by Torbay Council who are duty bound to get the highest price for their assets.

Problem with all of this is the secrecy and the fans being kept in the dark by the previous board, the mayor, the council - everyone. The confidentiality clause was an affront to the paying fan. Is there some missive - on any of the forums - where has someone actually worked out what would happen if GI actually did nothing. No investment in the team, just maintain the buildings, pay off the staff. Torquay United would fold. Then what, the freehold would be worth much less wouldn't it. The covenant would be diluted. I just can't work it out what they are up to. I would be interested to know whether Mr. Osbourne is a mason, didnt Mr. Oliver and his cohorts have a problem with this organisation a few years back - The Nolan Report recommendations not being adhered to. All this crap about whether meetings took place or not - officially or unofficially - between GI and the council is a smokescreen. 'What if' scenarios were discussed, probably in detail. As a fan of 55 years I just want someone to be open and truthful with me.

Incidentally, I believe the Torbay Tory MP is on side. With the election coming up - if he wasn't, I would give Mr. Sanders another go, a true fan.

No dilemma for me tomogull. If fit, Sparkes in Reid out. Reid is poor, how many goals has he scored this season from almost a centre forward position. He is just not up to it.

50 years ago - Easter Monday 27th March 1967 - diary entry

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Woke up at twenty to eight. Went back to sleep again and didn't wake up till nine o'clock. Mad rush to get to Plainmoor on time and meet Lynda. She didn't turn up but Torquay made up for it by beating cup killers Swindon 1-0. Fryatt scored the goal eleven minutes from time. Wyatt had his name taken. Torquay moved up one place to fourth position. Torquays biggest crowd of the season today. Went to bed at nine thirty.

Weather: Nice and sunny in between snow and hail showers. Sky everso black before it began to hail.

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I was being stood up at 14, this being one of the first of many occasions. Bet the crowd was 10,000+. The next day we went to Swindon and drew 0-0. I went and we were held up by a hit and run accident where a lorry had hit a telegraph pole, snapping it in half and depositing cabbages all over the road.

Hidden Figures - saw it last night in Dartington. Best film I have seen for years.

Not sure of the significance of this but the indoor bowls club underneath the pop side have just signed a 10 year lease with Torbay Council for continued use of the facility.

The time wasting last night was probably the worst I have seen and yet, amazingly, not one Eastleigh player was booked. How is it, the most popular sport in the world, cannot get to grips with cheating. It is seriously affecting my enjoyment of the game. Add to the time wasting the diving, feigning injury, it's become an absolute joke. Why didn't the referee sort this out. We have the keeper feigning injury to such an extent he can't take the goal kick. His plan to get the Torquay player sent off didn't work. Next moment he IS taking the goal kicks. Then he slaps the ground after a 50/50 challenge as if he has a serious injury. All a sham. If Torquay played like that I would be embarrassed and would not go. The time wasting and cheating is so bad and so regular now it has almost become the norm. I don't know if in the long term I can hack it, I just don't like these tactics which are a million miles away from the football I grew up with.

Yes I would go and I would get a season ticket. Been going for 55 years now, what can I do? Some people get hooked on porn, gambling, booze, scratchcards etc. Me, it's Torquay United. Sad I know.

Mellow, I have nice trips away this season, apart from the football. All have been welcoming (especially Maidstone). The fans have been friendly and pleased that we have made the trip. I wear a hat and scarf in Torquays colours, many fans have said safe trip home etc and hope you stay up. I do not like being in the National League but I have to say there is a far better atmosphere towards rival fans although I didn't get any hostility in the football league either. I always try and find a local boozer near the ground and have had a superb time before the match. There are some really good days out to be had on away trips with Torquay. If only the football would improve.

Signed - thanks for this.