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TUST_Official
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30th August 2024

FAN ZONE

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

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A PROPER BANK HOLIDAY BONANZA TO REMEMBER WTH SIX VITAL POINTS

TUST’S COMMUNITY SHARE ISSUE SMASHES THROUGH £100,000 AFTER DAY FIVE

HELEN AND TIM TO RETURN WITH FOOTBALL PODCAST

For a revitalised Torquay United this was a Bank Holiday weekend to remember on and off the pitch. Firstly, Paul Wotton’s new look squad took all six points on offer with wins against much fancied Dorking Wanderers and then on Monday a late, late winner at Chesham.

The weekend also featured the launch of TUST’s Community Share Issue and what a response there has been to this.

Football first, and Saturday’s 1-0 win in front of another big Plainmoor crowd. Lirak Hasani’s left foot drive (his weaker foot) was worthy of winning any football match. For all their possession football Dorking were fortunate not to have suffered a heavier defeat although how Barry Fuller missed a sitter in the dying seconds only he knows as that would have rescued his side a point.

*****

This current batch of players are playing in the manager’s image - 100% commitment and effort with a determination to never give up. Saturday’s victory was well deserved and sent the Yellow Army home with smiles on faces.

Plainmoor is once again a welcoming home for Torquay fans reverting to the family, friendly club it once was.

*****

Monday’s game in Buckinghamshire underlined the importance managers like Wotton place on their squads. He’s not afraid to make changes during games and for starting elevens rotating players according to their fitness.

Wotton is a manager who thinks ahead and plans accordingly and we can all see why Neil Warnock holds him in such high regard. Success here in Devon and bigger clubs are bound to come looking not just at the manager but players too.

Whilst the performance at Chesham fell below Saturday’s standard as Wotton said after the game, “Play poorly but still get three points, I’m thrilled.”

Dean Moxey, playing his first few minutes of competitive football this season, drilled in a low cross and Brad Ash, making his 50th appearance, scored his 16th goal for United to snatch the winner.

The away support, helped by the ever reliable Travel Club, was estimated at around 800 in a crowd of 1,500.

The travelling Yellow Army deserve a huge round of applause - over 500 at Farnborough and 675 at Bath.

Congratulations to Hasani who was included in the Vanarama National South Team of the Week on Saturday and James Hamon and Ed Palmer who were in the Non-League Paper’s South team.

*****

Last Friday TUST launched its Community Share Issue with a brilliant video put together by the CutLeaf boys and an Offer Document outlining what buying a share means.

With TUST already committing £50,000 from its Forever Yellow fund resulting in myself becoming a director of the football club, by raising a minimum of £100,000 we will have a second TUST director.

But importantly, TUST will have a Golden Share guaranteeing heritage rights.

By the end of Day 1 the share issue had raised 50% of the minimum and as of today (Friday) the figure stood at an astonishing £128,531.

The issue runs for four more weeks and we now like to work towards a new target of £250,00. The more money we raise the more the club can use to bolster the playing budget and establish a proper youth academy to discover the next £1m plus player. There is a lot of talent here in the South-West which has been by-passing Torquay United.

*****

Non-League Crowd Watch Saturday: Scunthorpe 3,927, Hartlepool 3,614, Torquay 3,566, Barnet 2,932, Sutton 2,624.

Non-League Crowd Watch Monday: Southend 8,495, York 5,893, Oldham 5,583, Yeovil 3,686.

*****

Torquay United Women are to start their new league campaign on Sunday September 8 - any chance this could be at Plainmoor?

TUST is proud to sponsor the back of the women’s home shirt this season and we wish them every success and hopefully promotion to the National League to keep pace with the men.

*****

Hands up who still misses Sky Sports SoccerAM on a Saturday morning with Gulls fan HellsBells?

Well, here’s the good news. Helen Chamberlain, who joined SoccerAM in 1995 staying until 2017 and Tim Lovejoy who joined in 1996 leaving in 2007, are back together for a new football podcast, Soccer A-Z.

Each show is themed around a letter of the alphabet and the first episode starts on September 4.

*****

Yes, it’s too soon to form judgments but current National South leaders Slough Town are unexpectedly at the top with United second on goal difference, while in National North favourites Scunthorpe lead the pack.

Meanwhile in the National Premier Eastleigh are the surprise top side. But it’s a long way to the end of the season.

You can contact me at: [email protected]

COYY

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TUST_Official
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8th November

FAN ZONE

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

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EIGHT NON-LEAGUE CLUBS COUNT THE COST OF NO FA CUP REPLAYS

TUST HANDS OVER £222,000 COMMUNITY SHARE ISSUE TO CLUB CHAIRMEN

UNITED’S WIN AT SALISBURY PUTS A SPARKLE ON FACES

The weekend saw the magic of the FA Cup as a host of non-league sides battled it out against, in most cases, higher opposition. There are those who don’t find this the best competition in the world but when giant killing occurs you can’t but feel elated for the fans of that club.

And there were some shocks as expected. For the Yellow Army we could only watch from afar cursing going out at the first stage.

But wait a moment, what have the FA done to the cup? Taken away replays which in a number of cases would have meant an extra pay day, often crucial and life giving to ensure another year of existence, and the chance to cause an upset to progress to Round 2.

So feel for the supporters of Braintree Town, Boreham Wood, Weston-Super-Mare, Hednesford Town, Maidenhead United, Southend United, Guiseley and Forest Green who were all denied the opportunity to try again.

And why has this come about? Because of the power of the Premier League? Too many other competitions?

Top players in major sports like football and cricket are being overplayed for the sake of TV exposure and money to a limit which surely cannot be sustained.

What’s your view? Send to: [email protected].

*****

Congratulations to these non-league sides through to the next round after giant killing: Kettering beating local rivals Northampton Town, Tamworth defeating Huddersfield, Dagenham & Redbridge knocking out Crewe. And don’t forget Harnborough Town, a Leicestershire side playing in the Southern League Premier Central. Their reward is a tie at Reading in Round 2.

*****

Two weeks ago there was a pulsating game of football as Torquay overcame a talented and strong Worthing in front of 3,701 of whom around 700 were Blue Light guests. So, that couldn’t be repeated could it?

Well, yes it could and was as an amazing 3,466 watched United and Chelmsford battle it out with both managers claiming their team should have won.

The Yellow Army were treated to a front foot, dynamic opening 20 minutes which turned into a dream debut for new signing Jordan Young, named Man of the Match. His blistering pace opened up the chance for the opening goal and he himself notched the second. Had he scored a hat-trick which he might well have done he would have been added to the hall of fame for three on his debut. A second half free kick went close and a gaping goal was in his sights had he placed it rather than putting his boot through it. Never-the-less it was a great start for him.

Of course, it’s disappointing and frustrating to allow a 2-0 win to slip away but credit to the visitors who fought back. If you were a neutral on holiday in Torbay and came to Plainmoor for the Worthing match and again on Saturday you had your money’s worth of entertainment and excitement.

*****

Non-League & FA Cup Crowd Watch: Southend v Charlton 8,875, Chesham v Lincoln 3,963, Scunthorpe v Radcliffe 3,892, Hednesford Town v Gainsborough Trinity 3,866, Tamworth v Huddersfield Town 3,533, Torquay v Chelmsford 3,466, Tonbridge Angels v Harnborough Town, 3,132, Worthing v Morecambe 3,110, Woking v Cambridge United 3,105.

*****

It was heartache as United Women went out of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup at Round 1 as ex-player Connie Pengelly came back to haunt her old team when she blasted home the penalty, the only goal, to win the tie.

Pengelly had only signed for higher division Bridgwater Town on Friday, so she had a dream debut.

And United’s Under-18s were beaten 5-2 at Eastleigh in their FA Youth Cup match on Monday.

*****

There were a number of exciting things for fans to see at Plainmoor on Saturday besides the football. Fans on the Popside were treated to some new stunning murals on the walls to brighten up the entrances.

Then three of us from TUST, myself, former chairman Michel Thomas and vice-chairman Robin Causley presented, in the centre circle before the match, the Community Share Issue cheque for the huge £222,000 to co-chairmen Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh.

*****

One of the rewards for Platinum investors in the CSI is to be a Director for the Day and on Saturday the first recipient of this was Mike Tobin and his guest Guy James who were treated to a meal in the Cove sitting with some of the Bryn Consortium and Neil Warnock before watching events unfold in the game from the Directors’ Box.

*****

United were in action again on Bonfire Night at Salisbury with Cody Cooke’s 85th minute penalty lighting up the night sky sending home the 345 Gulls fans in a sparkling mood.

Saturday sees the Gulls back at Plainmoor for the visit of Tonbridge Angels. Let’s keep the 3,000 plus attendances going. With the team in the top seven and only just behind the leaders, a position which changes weekly, your support is vital.

COYY

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TUST_Official
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27th January 2025

JANUARY NEWSLETTER


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Chairman’s welcome

Welcome to 2025, a New Year of expectations, entertainment and hope. We are all well aware of the tumultuous events of last year which tested our resolve but brought out the best in each one of us.

The Bryn Consortium and TUST partnership has turned the club’s fortunes around but we are under no illusions that running a football club is not only a huge challenge but also a huge responsibility. Not everything will go according to plan but I can tell you that there is much work going on behind the scenes to ensure this special football club is sustainable and successful to make all of you proud to say you support Torquay United.

A key, major element in this transformation are you our members. We cannot thank all 1,146 of you enough for your support and loyalty. We appreciate that our membership was swelled as a result of those investing in our Community Share Issue for which we, and the club, are forever grateful. We are all on an exciting journey and the future is yellow!

Later in this newsletter we repeat parts of the club statement regarding an alleged homophobic incident on Saturday now being investigated. This comes in addition to a security sniffer dog being present at the ground on Saturday as a result of drugs being brought into the ground at a recent match.

These are serious matters putting the club at risk with the FA which can result in financial penalties and potentially the loss of points which could be the difference between being champions, being in the play-offs or even missing out on promotion.

Danni Wyatt and myself have been tasked with putting together a Club Charter for which we may call upon members to send in their views. More news on this as things develop.


TUFC Board

Last month saw new TUST appointed board member Danni Wyatt join existing TABM Nick Brodrick at her first Club board meeting. She says that she was warmly welcomed by the Bryn consortium and non-exec directors and was able to contribute to the discussions.

Much of that discussed is of a confidential nature and cannot be recorded here in detail. In summary, there are an increasing number of infrastructure issues arising at Plainmoor that are placing financial demands on the Club’s resources. Emphasis on improvements to the hospitality offer continue to be a priority such as the new TV screens in Boots & Laces. Matchday income has increased, not just from larger crowds but also increased and longer use of the bars and restaurants.

Other feedback from the Club board included approval for the additional handrails in Bristows Bench.

Truro ticketing

In light of supporters’ concerns about the allocation of Truro tickets for the Good Friday game, TUST was in contact with the club and has been advised that the Club received no communication from Truro prior to the tickets going on sale. Normally there would have been consultation between clubs and TUFC are ensuring that this is the case for forthcoming away games that are likely to attract a large following such as Weston-Super-Mare.

Unacceptable behaviour putting Club at risk

The Club has today announced that it is investigating an allegation of homophobic language being made by a Torquay United fan towards the referee at the end of Saturday’s match at Plainmoor against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Chief Executive Officer, Joe Lovell says: “Abuse and discriminatory behaviour is totally unacceptable and directly against our values as a club and a community. Beyond the harm and distress it causes individuals, it brings serious consequences for the club—reputational, financial, and sporting—including potential sanctions such as fines, reduction in crowd capacity and point deductions, all of which could have a material and tangible impact upon what happens on the pitch. We urge all supporters to stand with us and call out discrimination of all kinds, and ensure Plainmoor remains a welcoming, family-friendly and inclusive place for all,”

TUST shares the Club’s concern over such instances and calls on the very small minority of supporters who do this to think of the consequences before making unacceptable comments whether in the ground or on social media or online forums.

Read the Club’s full statement here: "https://torquayunited.com/club-statement-19/"]


Supporter Liaison

The Club are backing a TUST proposal to introduce a Supporter Liaison Officer and a team of Matchday Ambassadors. With this in mind, Nick Brodrick recently spent a day at St James’ Park shadowing Exeter’s Supporter Liaison Officer and his team. He has picked up a number of useful ideas from the visit and has met with Club representatives to discuss how they may be adopted at Plainmoor.

We shall be inviting applications for this voluntary position very shortly and sending candidates a job description with a view to holding interviews.

In addition, the club has appointed TUST member Sam Balsdon as an unpaid Disability Officer. Over the years Sam has done a fantastic job raising money for a roof on the home disability area as well as being the unofficial guardian for the disabled supporters’.


Marketing initiatives

A sub-committee chaired by Sam Druiff is exploring potential new schemes for raising funds for the Club. They have already spoken with the Club and both parties are excited by the opportunities identified. Details coming soon!

Other TUST projects

With last year’s challenges and successful share issue behind us, TUST is now embarking on some new projects. Fundamentally, we will be reviewing our strategic direction and how our funds should be spent. We will be consulting our membership over the next few months.

We are also reviewing our website with a view to launching a completely new site.

Harry Lovering, having been elected to the board in November, is leading a project to work with the Club to promote it with younger fans via players visiting schools and colleges.


Community Share Issue - Investor Rewards update

Director for the Day – is running well with positive feedback from participants. The next six matches are allocated and only three more to go this season.

Investor Member Board – delivery expected by the end of the month. Arrangements for mounting on the wall and access for investors to view the board being discussed with the Club.

Investor packs - share certificates and pin badges have been received and arrangements are being made to pack in envelopes which will be available in early February. The aim is to encourage as many investors as possible to collect these. Those not collected by hand will be posted at a later date.

Meet the Manager – details coming soon!

Paint Up Plainmoor

Decoration work is currently underway in The Gulls Nest and Devonshire Suite. External works will resume when the weather improves.

Back in the Game

TUST is backing a national campaign led by Prostate Cancer Uk and PHS Group to make provision for the disposal of male sanitary wear in football stadiums. We hope to introduce facilities shortly.

Contact TUST

If you have any issues that you wish to raise with TUST or its appointed directors on the Club board, please mail us at [email protected] or speak to any of our board members. We always welcome supporters’ views and you will get a response!


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TUST_Official
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Posts: 333
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FAN ZONE

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

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IT’S A CRAZY LEAGUE. HOW MANY TEAMS HAVE TOPPED THE TABLE?

UNITED WOMEN BACK TO WINNING WAYS HIT FIVE

HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO CONCEDE ONLY NINE GOALS IN 31 MATCHES?

“There’s no hiding place. Everyone is disappointed with the performance and the result.” The words of Torquay manager Paul Wotton after Saturday’s second 1-0 defeat in the last two matches.

The irony is that in the 1-0 home defeat to Hampton Wotton felt it was his side’s best all-round home performance so far. Rather underlines that football can be cruel and it takes more luck than skill to win the football pools.

The latest loss is, of course, doubly annoying as it was against a promotion rival. In fact, Maidstone have become a bogey side for Torquay after numerous pointless trips into Kent. Even an overnight stay did not produce the result we all hoped for.

*****

This National South season must be some kind of football record. As a question at a future sports quiz, ‘how many teams topped the table during season 2024-25?’ The answer to date is eleven as Dorking Wanderers took over from Worthing.

Amazingly, only six points and in some cases goal difference separate the top seven. United’s loss sent them down to sixth but they do have either a game in hand or two on several around them.

Boreham Wood, knocked out of the Trophy on Saturday, won 4-3 at Hemel on Monday to go back to top before being replaced on Tuesday by Dorking following their 2-2 draw at Hampton.

It’s definitely a race to the title with finishing second or third also important giving those teams home advantage in the play-off semi-finals.

We’re now definitely in the business end of the season where picking up as many points as possible is vital.

*****

There’s a race too in National North between possibly Chester and Scunthorpe, four points separate them with Scunthorpe having a game in hand. And the picture in the National League is similar where Barnet, York and Forest Green are in with a shout, the latter two each having two games in hand on leaders York City. For these teams the stakes are higher as a return to the EFL is the big prize with financial rewards.

*****

United’s opponents this Saturday are fifth placed Eastbourne who have 55 points, three ahead of Torquay so it’s another important fixture and one which, in the current climate, is likely to attract another 4,000 gate.

Then on Tuesday it’s a return to Worthing to put up a better performance than the recent disastrous Trophy game.

*****

Non-League Crowd Watch: York City 5,331, Southend 4,810, Maidstone 3,028, AFC Fylde 2,612. Southend were surprisingly dumped out of the Trophy by Isthmian League South-East division Sittingbourne whose reward is a home tie against Aldershot Town. Last mid-week in a National League game Southend’s home match attracted 5,638 of whom visitors AFC Fylde brought nine!

If United feel that away attendances in National South, apart from our own Yellow Army, are low, the division above may not be a lot better in some cases.

*****

United’s Women’s side got back to winning ways on Sunday with an impressive 5-1 away victory at Pucklechurch Sports Ladies. Lucy Solloway, Tee Kaptein, Chloe Williams and Lucy Palmer amongst the goal scorers. The win means they keep their pressure on the top of the table and their next four fixtures are all away.

*****

Don’t you love the last few hours of the transfer window? Suddenly there’s a huge rush to get deals ‘over the line’ often with eye-watering sums attached. Who would have thought a few months ago that Manchester United would have released Marcus Rashford? Luckily at our level there is no window.

*****

Any idea why the National League Board have not announced the play-off dates? With the last match on April 26th there will be many fans wanting to sort out their future commitments. Come on National League.

*****

On Wednesday a number of TUST board members met to put pin badges and share certificates in envelopes ready for distribution to investors. Also the investor board with everyone’s names is now proudly on display at the club. Check www.tust.co.uk for all the details.

*****

Saturday’s Torquay v Maidstone game put the two best defences against each other, 27 and 25 respectively but what about Burnley in the Championship? Burnley have played 31 with only nine in the ‘against’ column, four at home and five away - that’s some defending.

Let’s get behind the injury hit team on Saturday and return to fortress Plainmoor.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
TUST_Official
First Regular
First Regular
Posts: 333
Joined: 30 Apr 2018, 13:19
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Post by TUST_Official »

FAN ZONE

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

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LOVE IS ALL AROUND AS ANOTHER 4000 CROWD AT PLAINMOOR

THE NATIONAL SOUTH TITLE RACE HOTS UP IN A MINI LEAGUE

UNITED WOMEN HIT TWELVE TO SINK POOLE

At the end of the week it’s Valentine’s Day when you may or may not be celebrating. If you are apparently you’re in the minority for a YouGuv research last year found 51% British people did not.

However, judging by the amazing crowd attendances at Plainmoor, compared with recent years, a huge number have fallen back in love with the football club. Over 4,400 two weeks ago and over 4,300 on Saturday. For a team in the sixth tier of English football this consistent level of support is remarkable.

It was important that Torquay won on an occasion when the Wollens Terrace Away end was filled by another popular community day. Let’s hope that the majority liked what they saw and they will return as regular supporters.

*****

It was a battle of attrition between two top sides who didn’t want to lose and it took a deflected Sam Dreyer shot that cannoned off the head of the unfortunate Eastbourne defender Freddie Carter to roll, almost in slow motion, over the line.

A word, too, about Omar Mussa who is turning into a super sub for it was from his corner in the 86th minute which led to the goal and then in added time put the cherry on top with a cool one-on-one finish.

Whilst James Hamon received the Man of the Match award, I personally thought Matt Jay had his best performance in a Torquay shirt and after the game he told me he’s champing at the bit to score his first goal.

Well, there was another big game on Tuesday night at Worthing.

What a week for Sam Dreyer. His performance on Saturday got him into the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day and the Vanarama South Team of the Week then on Tuesday he was sent off.

*****

The top of the National South table remains ridiculously tight and as Paul Wotton pointed out seven, maybe eight, sides are now in a mini league of 15/16 matches in the race to the title. With Maidstone and Boreham Wood losing, United’s 2-2 draw was a valuable point.

Non-League Crowd Watch: York City 5,484, Torquay 4,343, Macclesfield 3,001, Kidderminster 2,392.

United’s gate was considerably higher than four matches played in League 2.


*****

Regular readers of this column will be familiar with the numerous times reference to ‘three-up, three-down’ has been written. Over the years we have been told that the National League board has been in discussions with Rick Parry Chief Executive at the EFL but that’s all that’s ever happened even though the Fan Led Review talked about this being implemented.

The Government’s Football Governance Bill by the way is currently ‘stuck’ in the House of Lords.

However, in the last week, following a meeting amongst all 72 National League team’s officials, the National League has launched ‘3 UP, Put Football First’, a campaign to get the rules changed.

The hope is that the topic will be on the agenda for June’s EFL AGM and that the change will be implemented in time for the 2025-26 season.

To be clear three-up/three-down is between the National League and League 2.


*****

Torquay United Women had a stunning 12-0 away win in Dorset over Poole Town Ladies with seven different players on the score sheet with Ellie Bishop (4) and Lucy Solloway (3) leading the way while, returning from injury, club captain Danni Wyatt came off the bench to score. After the game Danni said, “I had a good feeling about this game. Off the back of a good training session, I felt a bit more settled heading into the match.”

The win keeps the women tucked in behind leaders Marine Academy Plymouth, albeit eleven points separate them but crucially United have four games in hand and currently a superior goal difference.

*****

As one of the TUST directors on the football club board I am frequently asked about aspects of the running of the club. Our joint search for a Supporter Liaison Officer is hopefully to put in place someone who can help answer supporters’ questions.

We appreciate it is a lengthy job description for what is a non paid position but someone recently retired, local and a passionate Gulls’ fan might be tempted to apply.

A frequent question this season, especially because of the bigger crowds, is the problem of leaving Bristows Bench after a game. Why can’t we exit via the Babbacombe end after the away fans have left?

The answer is that the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) will not allow this as Plainmoor is a dedicated stadium and for football to operate SAG have to issue a safety certificate.

You can contact me by emailing [email protected].


*****

For TUST’s CSI investors have you been to see the investors’ board? It’s inside the Hospitality Entrance. And if you are going to the Hornchurch game on Saturday don’t forget to call in Boots & Laces 1.30pm to 2.45pm or 5.00pm to 5.30pm to collect your investor envelope containing your share certificate and pin badge if you haven't already done so

*****

By now all Gulls’ fans will be aware of the sad news about the death of fans’ favourite Tony Bedeau and more about him in next week’s column. In the meantime there will be a minute’s applause on Saturday.

COYY

JOIN HERE - www.tust.co.uk
Official Account of Torquay United Supporters Trust
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