Torquay United Fans Forum

TUST is aware of numerous concerns raised by supporters about the way in which fans’ protests last Saturday were dealt with, both inside and outside the stadium.

To enable us to get an accurate picture of events which we can take up with the Club we require evidence from those who were affected by or witnessed heavy-handed actions or unacceptable behaviour by club staff or security personnel.

With a further home game and the prospect of more protests this coming Saturday we need details asap. If you wish to submit any information please e-mail us at [email protected] or via a direct message on Facebook or Twitter/X.

It is about preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. A lot of hard work has gone into ensuring that TUST is as prepared as possible should the worst ever happen. We sincerely hope that it won’t be needed.

Much of TUST's work has been to research and prepare for the launch of a phoenix club including how finance can be raised in a crisis through Crowdfunding and a Community Share Issue. We have met with the trusts of other clubs which have been through the process and the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) can provide expert assistance.

For more information on TUST's activities visit the FAQ page on our website: https://www.tust.co.uk/faq

It is about preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. A lot of hard work has gone into ensuring that TUST is as prepared as possible should the worst ever happen. We sincerely hope that it won’t be needed.

Much of TUST's work has been to research and prepare for the launch of a phoenix club including how finance can be raised in a crisis through Crowdfunding and a Community Share Issue. We have met with the trusts of other clubs which have been through the process and the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) can provide expert assistance.

For more information on TUST's activities visit the FAQ page on our website: https://www.tust.co.uk/faq

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

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

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

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

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TUST REACTION TO TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Whilst TUST welcomes the interview with the football club’s owner Clarke Osborne, having waited
so long for this communication, it is disappointed that questions fans would like answers to were
not asked.

At the same time the club has bowed to increasing pressure by announcing an online fans’ forum.

Although this may be seen as a step forward TUST asks why this cannot be a face to face
meeting.

TUST acknowledges that whilst these may be seen as positive developments they do not meet
the criteria as set out at the recent Fans’ Forum.

As things stand Saturday’s sit-in protest goes ahead as planned

TALK TO US! - PROTEST

The decision of the recent Fans Forum was to hold a legal, peaceful protest objecting to the complete lack of meaningful communication from the club owner about his plans for the future.

The Forum was open to all supporters and many attendees were not TUST members. The proposal to protest was a fans’ decision which TUST has agreed to fully support. We have made it absolutely clear that any protest must not breach the ground regulations or other laws or cause concern or distress to any other supporter. To do so would undermine the whole purpose of the action.

All fans are encouraged to stay in their position for 15 minutes at the end of the game on 2nd December against Tonbridge Angels. A chant of ‘Talk to us’ should be aimed at the directors’ box to get the message across.

In this way the protest and its purpose will be picked up by the media.

Supporters demand a club-led Fans Forum with Directors present to address our concerns and tell us about their plans for the future of OUR club.

17th November 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

FANS’ FORUM VOTES FOR LAWFUL AND PEACEFUL PROTEST

CLUB’S STATEMENT LEADS TO TV AND RADIO COVERAGE FOR TUST

KING’S SPEECH INCLUDES INTRODUCTION OF INDEPENDENT REGULATOR

It has certainly been an interesting week on and off the pitch in the story of Torquay United with an embarrassing home defeat to Somerset rivals, Yeovil Town, a fans’ forum and a welcome away victory to steady everyone’s nerves.

Let’s deal with matters off the pitch first. Through the club’s unwillingness to grant the request to hold a fans’ forum it fell upon TUST to organise one which took place a week ago at the Livermead Cliff Hotel. Around 150 supporters followed the session either in person or virtually with the overriding concern being the lack of communication from the directors and particularly the owner about his plans.

The promises Clarke Osborne made on acquiring Torquay United Football Club are well documented, none of which sadly have transpired. That the plans for the future of the club are shrouded in mystery creates a void which, in this day and age of social media, leads to all kinds of speculation.

And of course references are made to Gaming International’s track record of taking over sporting venues, promising new stadia without ever actually building any. Torquay United Football Club is currently owned by the majority share holding of Riviera Stadium Ltd.

*****

The events of last Wednesday’s forum leading to a motion for a peaceful sit-in protest which was carried unanimously resulted in the club issuing a statement.

This statement generated immediate media interest not just from the Torbay press but the local news programmes on ITV and BBC who both featured the story last Friday evening and Radio Devon on their Saturday pre-view programme.

The statement contained a personal attack on myself which was at best both unfortunate and inaccurate. It would be good to think someone at the club could reflect on the wording and issue a retraction and an apology.

*****

TUST was pleased that Torbay MP Kevin Foster made it back in time from Westminster to join the meeting along with a representative from the Exeter City Supporters Trust as they celebrate their 20th year running their club.

And since the meeting and the subsequent statement there has been a surge in TUST membership with around 50 new members signing up.

Due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas the idea of protests is very much in the national news and whilst it is every citizens’ right to protest these should be peaceful and lawful and this is what was stipulated at the fans’ forum.

For there was a proposal, which was carried, for a sit-in following the home National South fixture with Tonbridge Angels.

*****

There were other significant football events last week when, in the King’s Speech, Charles III told those assembled that ministers will establish an independent football regulator who will give fans more power over their clubs. This legislation will safeguard the future of football clubs.

Clubs in the top five tiers will all have to apply for a licence to continue operating in England and Wales so that means that Torquay’s current league status (tier 6) excludes them from being eligible.

The legislation will introduce tougher owner and director tests for clubs to address what the Government calls “growing concerns about financial mismanagement.”

Tracey Crouch MP who led the Fan-Led Review commented, “…it is important that measures are put in place to ensure the national game is fit for the future.”

*****

On the pitch the Plainmoor faithful were simmering down from Tuesday’s unacceptable loss to runaway league leaders Yeovil Town who put on a five star display reminiscent of some of Gary Johnson’s earlier sides under his management with slick, fast attacking football. That Yeovil only scored three was a relief and a surprise - as their manager Mark Cooper said afterwards - but it was their 12th consecutive victory.

So, it was on to bottom club Havant & Waterlooville, with only one win all season and that over Yeovil, on Saturday. United’s syndrome of only playing one half was in evidence and it seemed to need divine intervention over half time, with manager Gary Johnson giving what he referred to as “a sermon”, to jolt his team into action which saw the introduction of recently signed sub keeper Filip Chalupniczak.

And what a fillip he turned out to be saving a penalty to deny the home side an equaliser.

Fortunately new loan signing Theo Williams and Brad Ash saved United’s blushes as they came away with three much needed points …but still remain ten points behind Yeovil. New signing Ethon Archer had the Yellow Army all a quiver with an impressive debut.

*****

Non- League Crowd Watch: Chesterfield 9,667, Oldham 6,418, Scunthorpe 4,195, Dulwich Hamlet 3,334, Yeovil 3,162 and Macclesfield 3,002. The magic of the FA Cup continued this week with these key replays for non-league sides: Grimsby v Slough Town, Horsham v Barnsley and Cray Valley Paper Mills took on neighbours Charlton. Predictably, the league sides all won but for the losers it was a great pay day.

United’s Under-18s had a 2-1 league win over Bath City and on Saturday United’s first team take on Yeovil again this time in the FA Trophy.

Send your views on the fans’ forum to: [email protected]

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

12th November 2023

FANS' FORUM RECORDING

The audio recording of the Fans' Forum held on 8th November is now available on the TUST website here;


https://www.tust.co.uk/forum
Fans' Forum Playback | TUST


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11th November 2023

MEMBERSHIP INCREASES

Following on from the Fans’ Forum held last Wednesday with 150 in attendance, either in person or virtually, and the subsequent club statement issued by Torquay United Football Club, TUST would like to thank those fans who have joined as members.

Since Wednesday membership numbers have increased by 46 taking the current total to 474. TUST chairman Nick Brodrick said, “We are heartened by this show of support which highlights the depths of feelings currently felt amongst the loyal fan base.”

TUST is also grateful to the coverage given to the lack of communication from the football club by BBC Spotlight and ITV Westcountry who both featured the story in their programmes on Friday evening.

If you would like to become a member to help us towards our target of 500 please go to www.tust.co.uk for how to join.

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

10th November 2023

FAN ZONE

TUST's Chair, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.

UNITED DEFEAT BATH BUT WHAT A SHOWER AGAINST YEOVIL

OTHER CLUBS SHOW HOW TO INVOLVE FANS

BREAKING NEWS TUST’S OPEN FANS’ FORUM HITS THE HEADLINES

In what was a dour match looking to end in a goalless draw, Shaun Donnellan lit up Plainmoor with an early Fireworks Night rocket. His 82nd strike from 35 yards caught the head of a Bath defender and hit the roof of the goal in front of the Family Stand like an exocet beating excellent Bath keeper Will Buse.

Buse, on loan from Yeovil, who played last season for Taunton Town, is the brother of ex-Gull Matt Buse. Goalkeeper Buse made a string of fine saves early on to deny Torquay from taking the lead when they controlled the game.

United dominated much of the match and the stats, which Gary Johnson likes to refer to, will show much possession, penalty area entries, final third entries and shots on target. But the one key stat missing is scoring and thanks to a Bath City head United grabbed all three points to close the gap with Yeovil setting up a potential thriller on Tuesday night.

Well, that hope evaporated once Frank Nouble, who else, opened the scoring. That his goal didn’t also open the flood gates is the one amazing statistic of a depressing evening.

Ollie Tomlinson, a youngster learning the game who has so far avoided any yellow or red cards, was not only named Man of the Match versus Bath but was also in the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day.

That the game was played after days of rain is testimony to the club’s ground staff and not to mention the money spent in recent close seasons on pitch upgrades. A few seasons back this match would almost certainly have been called off.

*****

It may be coincidence and possibly due to fate that after CEO George Edwards was questioned about the club’s direction following the Hampton loss, going from no loan players there are now three although Dolan joined before that defeat.

Following Tuesday’s defeat that’s now seven league defeats and Yeovil stretched their lead to 10 points, even Aveley are seven points ahead.

*****

Football’s a funny old game somebody once said and it’s strange how often there are parallels between teams.

With an unacceptable number of defeats, playing well below the standard expected and falling behind the top teams it’s no wonder the manager comes under pressure from supporters. And on Saturday it took a late goal to secure a much needed win. Of course I’m talking about Manchester United and manager Ten Den Hag. Stands to reason both he and Gary Johnson breathed a huge sigh of relief as they went home on Saturday evening.

*****

There is often much to admire and take as a role model in how others run their football clubs. Take, for example, Simon Hallett, Chairman of Plymouth Argyle who has not only released his Five Year Plan but also appeared live on BBC Radio Devon on Monday to discuss it for the benefit of the Green Army.

And what about how Australian manager Ange Postecoglou has transformed not just the football fortunes of Spurs but has ensured every employee is part of the journey. Last week the club released a photo of the current squad central in the picture but surrounded by every member of staff from coaches to chefs, to cleaners, to admin, academy players and the communications team.

That Spurs are second in the Premier table is probably no coincidence. If only those at Plainmoor were so open and willing to engage. Yeovil’s new regime has found a winning formula too to involve everyone.

*****

FA Cup Watch: The weekend was when lowly non-league teams were in the limelight recording record attendances. Hats off to Aldershot who hit seven at Swindon winning 7-4, little Isthmian Premier side Horsham drawing 3-3 at Barnsley. 8,377 saw National League league leaders Chesterfield defeat Portsmouth 1-0, National South Slough drew 1-1 against Grimsby in front of a record crowd 2,205 whilst Ramsgate of the Isthmian League South East beat Woking 2-1 with 3,000 watching. And good luck to Cray Valley Paper Mills in their replay against neighbours Charlton, their grounds are 13 minutes apart!

Other FA Cup Crowd Watch: Hereford v Gillingham 4,376, Yeovil v Gateshead 3,241, Scarborough v Forest Green 3,209, Chesham v Maidstone 2,984.

*****

For the majority of the Yellow Army being in regional football is a bitter pill to swallow being far from a promised Football League return but to do so is a tough ask, just look at the current status of the last eight sides relegated from League 2: Rochdale (NL 9th), Hartlepool (NL 13th), Scunthorpe (NL North 2nd), Oldham (NL 10th), Southend (NL 14th), Grimsby (L2 21st), Notts County (L2 2nd) and Yeovil (NL South 1st).

*****

After last week’s column thanks to reader Peter Cluer who shared his memories of his first match, at home to Barrow in 1968. He recalls fondly chairman Tony Boyce, manager Frank O’Farrell and players John Bond and Robin Stubbs.

Wednesday was TUST’s Open Fans’ Forum and to date there has been plenty of reaction especially to the club statement with both ITV and BBC covering the story. More of this in next week’s column.

Saturday sees a trip to bottom side Havant & Waterlooville in a must not lose game. Maybe Dylan Crowe’s recent loan there will help with planning.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk

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10th November 2023

FANS FORUM STATEMENT

From numerous messages and posts on social media TUST is fully aware of the depth of feeling that the club statement, issued late on Wednesday, has generated.

The statement has sparked considerable local media interest with ITV, BBC - TV and radio - and the Torbay press picking up the story.

In the interests of accuracy and for confirmation at no point did Nick Brodrick, as chairman of TUST, incite or express a desire for any unlawful acts. That the club chose to name Nick as if the ‘ringleader’ was not only potentially defamatory but also inaccurate.

The majority of the meeting was spent discussing the lack of openness and little or no communication between those running the club and the fanbase.

The groundswell of opinion of the meeting was to hold a protest but by doing so not to financially affect the club or players on the pitch. It was decided, by a vote, to hold a peaceful, law abiding sit-in at the end of the home National South fixture with Tonbridge Angels on Saturday December 2 2023.

It should be made clear that whilst the forum was run by TUST, those present/on Zoom, were not all TUST members as it was an open forum. We would, though, like to thank all those fans who have joined as members in the last 48 hours.

TUST would also like to thank the 150 who attended either in person and online and we apologise to those who were ‘locked out’. For the next forum we intend to upgrade to a Business Zoom which will allow 300 to participate online.

We would also like to thank other clubs’ supporters trusts for their goodwill posts showing the solidarity of the football community.

As was said at the meeting, the forum, which should have been set up by the club, is the start of a journey to ensure the future long term sustainability of Torquay United Football Club.


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