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Post by rjdgull on Jan 28, 2021 20:01:54 GMT
28th January 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
TORBAY MP KEVIN FOSTER URGES GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER SEASON FUNDING METHOD FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE CLUBS
The Government department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s decision to offer loans rather than funds led, over the weekend, to National League clubs issuing a plea for every club’s local MP to lobby the DCMS to help save the season.
To this end TUST, on behalf of the club and the Yellow Army, has written to Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for DCMS and copied in the area’s three MPs - Kevin Foster, Anne Marie-Morris and Anthony Mangnall.
Over the weekend Kevin Foster has been in contact with myself as TUST Supporter Liaison Officer and Chairman Michel Thomas. Together, along with input from the club, Kevin Foster has now written to Dowden attaching a copy of TUST’s letter.
We are not the only club contacting the DCMS to review their method of financial support as in the last few days, as the Non-League Paper reports, clubs including Chesterfield, Dagenham & Redbrdge, Hartlepool and Woking have involved their MPs.
The funding row has escalated over the last few days following the suspension, for two weeks, of National North and South. No sooner had this decision been made then the NL board amazingly withdrew option two of the three on the table, the one about the league taking on the loan and then redistributing it as grants.
As a result of this there’s been a flurry of accusations and counter claims: the DCMS issued a statement saying, “It’s untrue to suggest funding to the National League was ever promised as all grants and they (NL) have been unable to substantiate this claim.”
So if grants weren’t promised why do all the NL clubs believe they were? Have the NL board misled its clubs?
To this end, Ollie Bayliss who presents the Non-League Show on BBC Three Counties Radio has submitted a Freedom Of Information request asking for all agendas, minutes and summaries from all meetings between representatives of the DCMS, the FA and the National League between August 1 2020 and January 24 2021 including correspondence and internal communications. Once received these should shed some light on the proceedings.
A majority of National Premier clubs were in favour of the NL taking the loan and redistributing it as grants in order to allow the season to continue until Friday’s late u-turn A crunch meeting was due to be held on Monday between the DCMS and the National League.
There has been a lot of anger following the funding news, no more so than amongst many managers and Hartlepool’s Dave Challinor didn’t hide his feelings, “ The NL have taken a lot of criticism for how they run things .. they’ve made themselves look even more unprofessional with the way things are being run." He went on, “There’s been no decisiveness in their actions. But the hope we had in our league from the majority of teams to continue having voted for option 2, that hope has been dashed.”
There were further developments today (Thursday) when Secretary of State for Sport, Nigel Huddleston, wrote to all National League clubs basically saying the money available through Sport England, the so called Winter Survival Package, is public money but doesn’t rule out grants as opposed to loans if - and a big ‘if’ - clubs ‘open their books’. The DCMS acknowledges the urgency and so has set up a meeting for tomorrow (Friday) morning for all National League clubs. Those who cannot attend have a second chance next Tuesday - so the funding can’t be that urgent. But the letter does say the support is provided to ‘ensure clubs survive’.
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If all this threat to the possibility of the season ending prematurely wasn’t enough, there’s more unrest in football. The pandemic has, for everybody, been unsettling and disrupting but it was clear long before Covid came along, that football itself needed a shake up.
Many advocate any changes should be solely for the Premier League. Remember ‘Project Big Picture’ back in October? That was quickly shelved after an outcry but has it gone away? Now comes along a proposed European Super League.
This, too, is being resisted but at some point something will give but whatever it is must be for the good of the whole of the football pyramid. On Saturday Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called for a reduction of teams not only in the Premier League but also in the EFL. He doesn’t specify how this is achievable but says, “ Go to quality over quantity.”
On the other side of the coin, with the current situation in the National League would it not be sensible to introduce a League 3 as the NL’s full-time sides, by and large, have business models which, when fans are allowed back, would keep them competitive. The current NL Premier has eleven former members of the football league.
The NL wanted to be ‘elite’ so why not let them into the EFL? The majority of clubs in National North & South are your typical, part-time non-league clubs. It might well be wishful thinking at the moment but a debate on this can’t be far away.
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The last week has seen a 4-0 win at Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy, a hard earned point on the road at Notts County followed by a second 0-0 against challengers Sutton United on Tuesday evening keeping United nine points clear at the top. A trip to The Hive on Saturday against rock bottom Barnet beckons, lets hope the bees don’t come to sting us!
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Last week’s vote saw Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’ gain a few more votes than The Fireballs ‘Torquay’ but neither can dislodge ‘Children’ or ‘A Banda’ - some traditions can never die!
Should the season continue no matter what? Your thoughts to: fanszone@gmail.com or Twitter:@fanszonet.
In these challenging times, ‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
To all the Yellow Army stay safe - and get your vaccination.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Feb 5, 2021 23:30:40 GMT
5th February 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
THE CLAMOUR GROWS : ‘WE PLAY ON, WE FINISH THE SEASON'
It’s been a turbulent week for all National League football fans with a dark cloud hanging over the National Premier matches played while teams in National North & South had a second week of suspended games but the talk all came to a head with resolution Monday.
How did we get to this point? At the beginning of last week, after endless speculation, confirmation came from a DCMS letter from Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston, saying further funding would be loans and only grants in exceptional circumstances, as the finance was public money from Sports England. The letter added that the support provided was to “ensure clubs survive.”
This coincided with Torbay MP Kevin Foster’s letter to Secretary of State, Oliver Dowden and TUST’s letter which was later praised by the Football Supporters Association.
By Thursday 20 or so chairmen, directors and some supporters of National League clubs met Labour leader Kier Starmer. But not much was achieved with Starmer saying later that “ Labour is clear: no community should lose a much loved club because of Covid.”
This was followed by second DCMS letter to all NL clubs setting up a meeting with Sports England with a second on Tuesday for those who couldn’t attend Friday’s.
Meanwhile the NL board announced there would be a vote on a resolution, which turned out to be four fairly complicated resolutions sent to clubs on Monday evening. These resolutions are, once worked out, relatively easy for National Premier sides, basically continue the season, yes or no? But it’s more complicated in National North & South where a number of clubs are determined to end the season now if no further grants are available.
However, National South Eastbourne Borough’s chairman issued a statement, “ We will be voting to continue playing. We are also asking for National North & South to have separate votes. Relegation and promotion from the NL could be adjusted if necessary if only one division continues.”
National North Boston United chairman added, “ All clubs applied to the league to play the season, and have commenced, so we believe that we all have an obligation to complete the season if possible.”
A growing number of NL Premier clubs have declared their intention which is to continue. And this surely has to be the decision because if the NL wishes to be part of elite football and most importantly wants to retain the ‘two up, two down’ system with the EFL it has to continue playing.
The importance of this cannot be underestimated and is summed up by this statement from United’s Tuesday night opponents Altrincham, “ The member clubs must avoid any actions that could jeopardise our Elite status.”
Over the weekend there were two developments led by the National League, one is the setting up of a petition to DCMS to ‘Save National League football clubs with urgent support grants - not loans’. NL clubs and supporters are urged to sign the petition at: chng.it/2jrr7p95 and by Friday lunchtime this had reached 7,600, clearly not enough yet but the next target is to get to 10,000. If you haven’t signed up do it now!
Secondly, there have been talks with government about Covid testing - possibly free - across all three divisions to fall into line with fellow elite competitions.
Of the four resolutions sent to clubs on Monday evening; Resolution 1 sets out criteria for voting and requires a 75% majority.
Assuming this passes, Resolution 2, requiring a 50% majority, is the key one for the Gulls as it’s only about National Premier (Step 1). For legal reasons, clubs have 28 days to respond.
With Wrexham not involved it would need 11 clubs to vote against Resolution 2 for the National Premier to carry on.
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Whilst off the pitch matters dominate, fortunately there’s been football to watch via streaming with United notching their third consecutive clean sheet, four if you count the FA Trophy win, with the defeat of rock bottom Barnet on Saturday, as United moved ten points clear at the top, with Adam Randell making the Team of the Day. So how to explain Tuesday night’s loss? Manager Gary Johnson never ceases to amaze when just hours before the Sutton fixture he conjured Joe Lewis out of the hat. Another great signing and surely a sign of building a squad fit for League 2.
And what of his philosophy about what to do when you go down to ten men? All the other players have to raise their game with an extra 10% which equals 100% - genius!
Jake Andrews’ goal at Barnet was the Gulls 40th with only FC Halifax on 32 close. But if it’s goals you crave, how about watching League 1 Rochdale who in 25 matches have been involved in a staggering 88 goals, 40 for and 48 against.
Tuesday night’s fixture at home to Altrincham was a huge disappointment. An off night? Poor team selection? Gary Johnson said afterwards that everybody had the Wednesday and Thursday off - there must have been a lot of head clearing going on around The Bay!
So it’s off to Southport for tomorrow’s FA Trophy 5th Round with £6,000 for the winners. It seems odd that the hosts are happy to play this but not any league matches and they’ve recently sold their top scorer to Accrington.
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This week we’re back to ‘Three Word Fun’ - can you sum up in three words how you’re feeling about United leading the table?
Send your three to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com. or Twitter: @fanszonet
To the Yellow Army stay safe - and get that vaccination!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Feb 8, 2021 18:46:26 GMT
8th February 2021
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
Dear members and supporters,
As the lockdown and 'virtual football' continues, many of us are thankful that at least this streaming is regularly available. I hope this finds you all well and keeping up your spirits at this difficult time.
TUST's recent initiatives have been regularly posted via our excellent media team and TUST's Supporter Liaison Officer's weekly Fans’ Zone articles, which always aim to keep you up to date with news which might be relevant to TUFC. I am very grateful for the ongoing work that they voluntarily put in to this for us all.
Needless to say, since the onset of 2021, there has been increasing concern as to whether the future of many National League clubs, and so this season's leagues, will be able to continue to a successful conclusion. The disquiet has been augmented by the government's decision to cease the original 'Covid survival package' of grants and replace this with an offer of loans, which has not been found acceptable by numerous NL clubs, for many valid reasons. We have communicated these concerns to our local MPs as well as directly to Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State.
TUST's commitment is to think about our club and to listen to members and supporters’ views, whilst also maintaining contact with the club. Furthermore, we have attended a special national FSA webinar on the future of football governance, also with a focus on the NL situation as the FSA council were holding a special meeting the next evening to decide on how they would respond. The day after, we hosted the Devon/SW Supporters Trust Group, at which we were able to share many thoughts and experiences. Then we held our monthly board meeting last Monday (summarised below). Furthermore, we have publicised the NL petition, which has been supported by a majority of NL clubs and by many supporters.
At our board meeting we discussed the suggestion made at last November's AGM to hold informal get togethers on Zoom for any interested members and exiles in particular. We propose to hold the first of these on Monday 8th March at 6:30pm. Details will follow nearer the time, we look forward to this opportunity to chat to you.
Meanwhile, to all members and supporters, hoping you stay safe and keep well, whilst wishing our club and players ongoing good health and success in maintaining the drive for a promotion and Cup double.
Best wishes,
Michel Thomas
Chairman
SUMMARY OF LATEST TUST BOARD MEETING
Partnership with Torquay United Community Sports Trust (TUCST)
We welcomed Matt Anthony, the recently appointed manager of TUCST who stated how keen he was to build on the strong partnership between TUST and TUCST.
He then gave a presentation on how TUCST proposes to use the balance of the Premier League Fans Fund (approx. £1,850) to provide ‘Stay At Home Training Packs’ for the Torquay United Inspirations group of physically or mentally disabled supporters. He explained how much the junior and adult members of TUI were missing their regular training sessions and friendly tournaments during the pandemic. The idea was to provide a training top and shorts, a ball and cones to each member so that they could train at home and follow on-line sessions. The tops would carry the TUCST and TUST logos and would provide good PR for both organisations.
The board considered the proposal to be a great idea that aligns with the requirement for the Premier League Fans Fund to be used to support community projects that promote inclusion and physical or mental health. It was unanimously agreed that the balance of PLFF money should be used for this purpose.
In addition, TUST agreed to offer TUCST a further allocation of £700 from its own community outreach funds towards the cost of providing mid-layer tops bearing the TUST logo.
National League update
Nick Brodrick updated the board on the latest position in the constantly evolving discussion about the future of the current season for the National League clubs. The most contentious issue was the government’s offer of loans rather than grants to assist member clubs. TUST had written to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and local MPs requesting this decision be reversed, Nick informed the board of a petition launched by the NL asking the government to reconsider. It was suggested that this should be flagged up for TUST members to sign via a bulletin and on social media.
The 66 members of the NL were being consulted about a range of options which could see all three leagues continue or the season declared null and void for all teams or the NL continue but NL North and South ceasing.
There was much discussion about the situation and reference was made to individuals’ correspondence on the matter with local MPs, the work of the Football Supporters Association (FSA), and football journalist Ollie Bayliss’ request for details under the Freedom of Information Act.
Nick will keep members updated on progress via his Fans Zone articles.
Football Supporters Association
TUST representatives had attended a FSA webinar the previous week about the future governance of football. Trust members from a wide cross-section of the game were present but notably none from Premier League.
Key points discussed included the proposal for a fan-led review, a fit and proper person test for club owners/directors and strengthening the powers of the Asset of Community Value legislation.
Devon / SW Supporters Trust Group
Nick Brodrick summarised the meeting of the group hosted by TUST on 28th January.
It had been agreed to extend the group across the region and rename it the SW Supporters Trust Group. Founding members are TUST and the trusts of Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City, Yeovil Town, Bristol City and Hereford United.
Items discussed had included the arrangements made by clubs for the return of fans (widely praised), the financial support available to clubs at various levels of the game and the relationship between trusts and club ownership (often not fulfilling acceptable levels of engagement).
Plymouth Football Boot Bank
Rob Burkitt drew attention to this charity which had been successfully collecting unwanted boots and other kit and recycling them to those in need. It was suggested that TUCST and the Club might consider setting up a collection point when Covid restrictions ease.
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Post by rjdgull on Feb 11, 2021 22:23:23 GMT
11th February 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
WILL THE SEASON CONTINUE AS THE GULLS REMAIN ON TRACK FOR A LEAGUE AND CUP DOUBLE?
News was filtering out over the weekend that the results of the 66 clubs’ ( will Wrexham vote or not?) voting on the four resolutions could be known this week. From those who have declared so far it’s certainly looking as if National North & South will be ending their seasons - as an indicator only six matches across the two divisions were played on Saturday when fixtures resumed, while on Tuesday no team in National North played although four fixtures were fulfilled in South.
Predictions for the fate of National Premier are not so clear as only a handful of clubs have publicly declared their intentions with Altrincham, Chesterfield, Hartlepool, Notts County and Sutton voting to continue and one assumes United too judging by comments attributed to Gary Johnson while Dover and King’s Lynn want the season to end.
Last week’s column revealed that all National League clubs were likely to be given free Covid testing kits. The NL board is now set to ratify this so that all clubs will be provided with twice-weekly lateral flow tests.
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In recent months this column has brought to your attention the growing clamour for football to tackle the ‘dementia scandal’. According to stories in the national press, football’s governing bodies are preparing to make England the first country to formally limit heading in professional training as part of a wide-ranging strategy.
Guidelines are being formulated to limit “inappropriate prolonged heading sessions.” Heading for primary aged children was banned last year and now the FA is working with the professional leagues in the men’s and women’s games to establish heading guidance. Last week trials for permanent concussion substitutes began across English football with trials in the Premier League, the Women’s Super League & Championship and in this week’s FA Cup.
There is, though, disquiet in some quarters as many want to have temporary subs as is used in rugby while the player is assessed.
West Ham’s Issa Diop became football’s first player to be removed for a permanent concussion substitution on Tuesday night, but only after he was initially judged not to have shown concussion symptoms to continue until half-time.
Following this, the argument is had temporary subs been allowed Diop would have gone off and not been allowed to carry on until being assessed, for allowing him to play on may well have exacerbated his injury.
Seems the new rule needs a re-assessment already.
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Not the most fluid of displays at Southport on Saturday in the FA Trophy but job done, £6,000 banked and into the Quarter Finals with another away tie against Woking as the reward at the end of the month, after a League game at Woking this Saturday, should the pitch be playable. It was another clean sheet and with the Yellow Army ‘watching’ contributing to Southport’s record streaming figures.
So the Gulls remain on track for Gary Johnson’s hopes of a League & Cup double. But Tuesday’s late, late Billy Waters’ goal salvaged a point against managerless Wealdstone as United fielded the only 15 players available for selection.
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Whilst grounds have been deprived of spectators during the various lockdowns, some interesting stats have emerged centering around the number of away wins - in the Premier League there has never been a higher proportion of away wins in the history of the top-flight football - 41%. In the National League, the two previous seasons 2018-19 and 2019-20 recorded 32% away wins each time but this season so far away wins have risen to 38%.
There are a number of theories as to why, amongst them are the absence of fans. Are home teams missing the motivation that comes with playing in front of their own supporters? Or are away teams playing with more freedom without the intimidation of home fans? Or could this manager be right?
Following his side’s second home defeat, now three, he said, ”We looked really like we were not fresh enough mentally and physically …. there were a lot of moments where we gave the ball away too easily. In the moments the boys looked tired mentally.”
Which manager said this? Gary Johnson after that disappointing defeat to Altrincham? No, although it could quite easily have been, it was, in fact, Jurgen Klopp.
It’s worth reflecting on the relentless number of matches being played, United have played twice a week cramming in 26 League & Cup games in 17 weeks lessening player recovery times.
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TUST hosted the recent Devon Supporters’ Trusts Group (DSTG) meeting at which we were joined by representatives from supporters’ trusts from Bristol City, Hereford United and Yeovil Town.
As a result the original group consisting of TUST, Exeter City ST and Argyle Fans’ Trust, has now been expanded to include the other three to form the re-named South-West Supporters’ Trust Group (SWSTG).
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Many thanks to the Yellow Army for signing the National League petition at: chng.it/2jrr7p95 and with numbers heading past 8,500 there’s still time to sign with 10,000 the next target.
Last week’s ‘Three Word Fun’ brought in ‘Johnson’s Winning Team’ and ‘Keep It Going’ but the best was Michel from Torquay with ‘Yellows Shine Light’.
This week how about three words to sum up your feelings to describe the impact of Captain Sir Tom Moore to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet.
To the Yellow Army stay safe - and get your vaccination.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Feb 19, 2021 17:12:32 GMT
19th February 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
THE VOTES ARE IN BUT WHAT NEXT ?
NATIONAL LEAGUE SEASON CONTINUES BUT WITH HOW MANY ?
In the National Premier seven clubs voted to end the season, 13 wanted to continue, Dover have already said ‘that’s it, no more football’ (but could there be a dramatic u-turn when they see the sanctions?) and what about the other six? Do they play on? If yes, with weakened squads? And add in that two clubs have yet to vote!
So what does the National League board propose happens next? Do they even know? Will Dover’s points - and any others - be annulled? On what basis are the reluctant clubs going to play?
It’s pretty clear the only certainty from the details of the last 48 hours is that this long running saga has some way to go yet. What has to be preserved, at all costs, is the ‘two up, two down’ with the EFL.
And who has the final say to sort out all this mess? The FA.
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Ask any Yellow Army fan to name the two most significant aspects to come out of this terrible pandemic, as supporters remain unable to watch matches inside football grounds, and they’ll be guaranteed to answer, live streaming and the ‘Inside Plainmoor’ series.
Being able to watch the Gulls home and away from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home has to be top of the agenda. And supporters would, in most cases, be willing to pay more, say the same cost as if going through the turnstiles, to watch if this becomes regularly available when life returns to ‘normal’. Especially as the Torquay United product is of a very high quality having developed into a football programme with highlights and player and manager interviews.
In the same way ‘Inside Plainmoor’, with the impressive Dom Mee asking the questions, showcases manager Gary Johnson giving his honest, insightful opinions about the latest developments at the club.
Last week, for example, the Boss answered almost an hour’s worth of questions sent in by a number of United fans. Johnson underlined the unity at the club saying, “I love the club,” confirming he’s going nowhere as he doesn’t want to let players, supporters, directors down. He’s here to do a job which is to get the club back into the Football League.
In a refreshing session the manager fielded a variety of fans’ concerns: the club is ‘trying very hard to improve the squad’, in these Covid times the club uses a specialist company that arranges their hotel stays for away games, as used by Premier League and Championship teams with fewer numbers travelling on the team coach.
Johnson did answer at length about two pressing issues: on the current injury ‘crisis’ he gave details about the long term injuries to Liam Davis, Andrew Nelson, Danny Wright and touched on Ben Wynter’s return. About any others he rightly kept these to himself. The Yellow Army is anxiously waiting to see the team news for the BT Sport match with FC Halifax on Saturday evening.
Following the postponement of Saturday’s match at Woking, in the light of these injuries, the management could be forgiven if they weren’t too disappointed to lose this fixture until a later date.
The second topic was about set pieces and he reckons by the end of the season the stats will show that 50% of the total goals scored will have come from a set piece.
Whilst those running the club prefer to stay in the background the Yellow Army can be grateful to have such an open, engaging manager who clearly puts communicating with fans a priority.
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With Step 2 clubs in National North & South having their seasons ended, feel some sympathy for the 12 South & 7 North teams who voted to continue - combined that’s almost a league in itself! Among them are many former Football League sides still with dreams of returning to the promised land but now on hold for at least another year.
Although it might seem premature, thoughts must already be forming about the make-up of the 2021-2022 season.
Meanwhile, Solihull Moors chairman, whose club voted to continue, has said that playing without fans from now until the end of the season will cost an extra £450,000 explaining, ”This is the reality of the size of the financial burden being placed on us by the current circumstances.”
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TUST met with the newly appointed manager, Matt Anthony, of the Torquay United Community Sports Trust (TUCST) to discuss how the two trusts, who have built up a strong relationship over recent years, can help the Torquay United Inspirations, a group of physically or mentally disabled supporters.
This coinciding with national news reporting on research carried out by Activity Alliance showing the impact of Covid-19 on the activity levels of the disabled.
Within Torbay as a result of the pandemic the 35 junior and adult members of TUI have been missing their regular training sessions.
In an agreement between TUST and TUCST “Stay At Home Training Packs’ consisting of a training top, shorts, a ball and cones, using the balance of the Premier League Fans Fund, are to be bought as well as additional mid-layer tops paid from TUST funds set aside for community projects. TUI members will now be able to train at home and via online sessions.
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Three words in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore could only be ‘Tomorrow’s Another Day’.
In last week’s ‘Inside Plainmoor’ there was a suggestion there should be statue of Gary Johnson erected. What’s your view? Send your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszone.tu.
To all the Yellow Army stay safe - and have your vaccination.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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Post by rjdgull on Mar 1, 2021 8:51:29 GMT
26th February 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST ZOOM SOCIAL – Monday 8th March from 6.30pm
Following a suggestion made at last year’s AGM, the TUST board are delighted to host an informal meeting for current and potential members on Zoom. This will run between 6.30pm and 8.30pm and you can join or leave at any time during this period.
This will give all supporters an opportunity to meet the board and other members for an open discussion about TUST’s activities and all things TUFC related.
Further details including a link to join the Zoom meeting will be circulated nearer the time. If you are not familiar with Zoom and would like any advice on how it works, please contact the Secretary at tustsecretary@gmail.com including your phone number if you would prefer a call back.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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Post by rjdgull on Mar 5, 2021 19:24:33 GMT
5th March 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
TIME TO CONCENTRATE ON PROMOTION AS GULLS EXIT FA TROPHY
No football fan wishes their team to lose in the Quarter-Finals of a cup competition but just maybe the majority of the Yellow Army were not sorry to see the Gulls slip to a one goal defeat to Woking in Saturday’s FA Trophy - providing United do what every club says on these occasions, ‘we’re now going to concentrate on the league’ with that meaning promotion.
Mind you it was a weekend of baffling decisions by match officials when you look at the Six Nations clash in Cardiff, the Premier League games at The Hawthorns and Stamford Bridge not to mention United’s disallowed goal in sunny Surrey.
These remain difficult Covid times despite the gradual relaxation of lockdown rules having been announced. Whilst we, football supporters, have our own situations to manage, spare a thought for sportsmen and women who have to spend their lives in their secure bubbles. Take United’s Fraser Kerr, hundreds of miles from home, not playing, and wanting to negotiate his contract so he can return to his family which, with his move to Chesterfield, he has now achieved.
A number of Yellow Army fans are currently questioning the club’s escalating injury list and frustrating as it is to have more injured than available, it’s not just Torquay suffering from this problem.
With Kyle Cameron the latest to succumb to a hamstring pull he’s not alone. There are numerous players in other divisions unavailable, for example in the latest round of Premier matches of 82 players not available for selection 25 were due to thigh/hamstring problems which most agree is down to lack of recuperation time with there being three matches a week, including Burnley’s Ashley Barnes, Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.
Manager Gary Johnson has tried to address these criticisms in this week’s ‘Inside Plainmoor’ with some pretty detailed frank answers and in the earlier Yellow Army podcast.
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Since the results of the National League vote there’s still no news about the way forward. Dartford manager Steve King talks some sense when he says what should happen: for there to be promotion into the EFL there has to be relegation into Step 2. And for that to happen there has to be promotion from North and South. To achieve this King says the remaining clubs who want to continue - 19 spread over North & South - are given 2-0 wins and three points from the clubs not playing as well as using the points already accumulated.
So what’s going to happen about Dover’s refusal to play, subject to an Independent Panel’s review? If their results are expunged how would the current table look, after Tuesday night’s results? Well, it would look like this:
P W D L GF GA GD PTS
Sutton Utd 22 14 4 4 41 21 20 46
Torquay Utd 23 13 5 5 44 24 20 44
Hartlepool Utd 25 13 5 7 34 24 10 44
Notts County 21 11 5 5 28 16 12 38
Eastleigh 23 10 8 5 30 21 9 38
Stockport 23 10 7 6 29 21 8 37
Wrexham 24 10 6 8 31 26 5 36
In other National League news FC Halifax are taking out a Sports England loan to survive; Yeovil Town have run out of money; Chesterfield, Wealdstone and Weymouth have furloughed players while King’s Lynn’s future changes on a daily basis.
On the other side of the coin, Wrexham’s Holywood owners have announced an incentive scheme whereby every time the side wins, albeit within the play-off places, the players get a £200 bonus for a win and £50 for a draw. Is this possible for players’ contracts to be changed mid season?
And an interesting stat, with Danny Wright in the side the Gulls score 2.2 goals per games but without him it’s 1.3. Let’s hope new signing Scott Boden can fill those - and his - boots!
Good luck to ex-Gulls striker Lee Phillips who has taken his first steps into management after joining the coaching staff at South Western Premier West side St. Blazey.
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From your comments the time’s not right for a Gary Johnson statue ( nor even ones for Leroy Rosenior or Paul Bastard if you listened to Charlie Baker on last week’s YA podcast ) and Gary may not thank me for reminding him it was four years ago this month, 2017, he had life saving surgery with a triple heart by-pass (followed by a serious attack on his nervous system) in the Bristol Royal Infirmary and this is where I have been, having had my double heart by-pass last week hence the missing column.
TUST is holding a Zoom Social on Monday, March 8 from 6.30pm, this is an opportunity for members and non-members to chat with TUST officials and we would love you to join us. Look out for an invite over the weekend.
As always if you have any news and views you would like to share contact me at: fanszone.tu@gmail.com. or Twitter: @fanszonet.
With the real possibility of the Yellow Army returning to Plainmoor for the final home match against Barnet on May 22, stay safe and, when offered, get your vaccination.
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Post by stefano on Mar 5, 2021 19:50:52 GMT
I have just picked up on BTPR that Nick Brodrick has just come out of hospital in Bristol having had a double heart by-pass. I am sure everybody on TFF would wish him well for his recovery. ⚽️
EDIT: ...and have just read the article for this week and see there is a brief mention of this at the end, albeit that of course does not change our best wishes....⚽️
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Post by rjdgull on Mar 5, 2021 21:16:38 GMT
I have just picked up on BTPR that Nick Brodrick has just come out of hospital in Bristol having had a double heart by-pass. I am sure everybody on TFF would wish him well for his recovery. ⚽️ EDIT: ...and have just read the article for this week and see there is a brief mention of this at the end, albeit that of course does not change our best wishes....⚽️ With some good advise from the gaffer at the end of his inside Plainmoor interview. Best wishes to Nickbrod and hope he is able to pass a fitness test when fans are allowed back into Plainmoor.! |
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Post by Jon on Mar 6, 2021 13:31:37 GMT
I have just picked up on BTPR that Nick Brodrick has just come out of hospital in Bristol having had a double heart by-pass. I am sure everybody on TFF would wish him well for his recovery. ⚽️ EDIT: ...and have just read the article for this week and see there is a brief mention of this at the end, albeit that of course does not change our best wishes....⚽️ Get well soon Nick B. Top man. |
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Post by rjdgull on Mar 6, 2021 18:49:46 GMT
6th March 2021 ZOOM SOCIAL Monday 8th March - 6.30pm to 8.30pm Sadly we still cannot host a meeting in person but we hope you will join us for an informal virtual meeting for current and potential members on Zoom. At least it will be an opportunity for Exiles to attend. Put Saturday's disappointing result behind you, grab a drink and come along between 6.30pm and 8.30pm - you can join or leave at any time during this period. This will give all supporters an opportunity to meet the board and other members for an open discussion about TUST’s activities and all things TUFC related. Join Zoom Meeting via this link: us02web.zoom.us/j/88133061111?pwd=NmRzakpyd2JNRW1hN1lzcVYvQ0xDdz09or manually via the Zoom website using Meeting ID: 881 3306 1111 and Passcode: 320889 If you are not familiar with Zoom and would like any advice on how it works, please contact the Secretary at tustsecretary@gmail.com including your phone number if you would prefer a call back. We look forward to seeing you on Monday! SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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Post by rjdgull on Mar 12, 2021 20:04:24 GMT
12th March 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
UNITED’S LATEST HOME DEFEAT LEADS TO UNREST AMONGST FANS - IS IT JUST DOWN TO INJURIES?
Not the home form of a top side and no longer ‘Fortress Plainmoor’, so what’s happening? If you read the forums after Saturday’s 1-0 reverse to rivals Hartlepool, who, in October, were hammered 5-0 on their ground, comments like: ‘Teams are no longer playing with fear against us’, ‘Best we can hope for is the play-offs’ were the mildest ones and, of course, the inevitable ‘get rid of the manager.’
It was uncomfortable viewing, even from the comfort of home, so it was good for the players’ morale that the Yellow Army were not inside Plainmoor.
These are, certainly, testing times especially when you look at the stats, for example the last time United defeated Hartlepool at Plainmoor was thanks to a David Graham strike in October 2001.
And the current form tables make for uncomfortable reading: last six matches the Gulls are 12th with 7 points from 18; last 10 matches United are 15th with 12 points from 30.
So is the manager under pressure? From himself undoubtedly but there’s bound to be discussions amongst those running the club, for it’s no secret that the club’s owner and directors see this season as United’s best chance of returning to the EFL.
What will it take to put things right? The obvious answer is the swift return of the key injured players - Wright, Cameron, Nemane spring to mind. Return some of the current loan players and recruit more fit-for-purpose ones? Probably easier said than done and the Boss did say in the question and answer session last week that there would be no more signings.
Clarke Osborne has poured in £Millions already, does he continue to do so in order to reach the promised land or has Gary Johnson used up his share already? Interestingly, in last week’s ‘Inside Plainmoor’ he did comment on several other sides having bigger budgets.
It could be a blessing that Tuesday’s match against Aldershot was called off giving the missing players a little longer to recover, we’ll find out just before kick-off on Saturday.
The Gulls still have 19 games to play - that’s 57 points at stake - but were Dover’s results to be expunged then only 17 games would be left.
Somehow United have to re-discover the form that took them to such a commanding lead earlier. With the Gulls now third they become the chasers so will this alter the mindset? We’ll soon find out!
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In National League news the Daily Mail reported last week that NL chairman Brian Barwick is expected to stand down at the end of the season after a revolt from clubs about his leadership.
The former FA chief executive is understood to have lost the support of key allies on the board. Meanwhile plans for a new league for Step 2 teams in National North & South who want to continue have been sent this week to the FA’s Alliance Committee for consideration with eventually the FA Council making the final decision.
Crucially should this be given the green light it will mean promotion into the National League and therefore relegation out of it. There might still be three months of the season to play but big decisions like these need to be known sooner rather than later as well as the fate of Dover whose situation has dragged on for another week.
You can see why clubs in Steps 1 & 2 are reluctant to take on Sports England loans to complete the season as it’s been revealed that the funding, doubled to £600,000 in the Budget, has strings attached - any club that accepts the money cannot be sold until it has been repaid.
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By the time United play Boreham Wood in Saturday’s BT Sport evening kick-off, rivals Sutton will have caught up their games in hand. The Wood, though, are coming to terms with their loan request to see them through to the end of the season, from Sport England, being turned down.
That penalty save in the FA Trophy game that saw the Gulls miss out on a potential Wembley final was a key part of the match as Woking keeper Craig Ross explained after watching previous clips, “ With Asa Hall, he mixes them up, the two previously he went to the keeper’s right and I just had a feeling he favoured my left. It was one of those gut instinct decisions.”
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Many thanks for all the ‘get well soon’ messages I’ve received from the club’s directors, manager Gary Johnson and from fellow fans.
Over the weekend there were comments about Gary Johnson’s position so this week’s question is should he stay and complete the season or go?
Send your ‘stay or go’ reply to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet
In the meantime to all the Yellow Army stay safe and, when offered, get your vaccination.
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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Post by rjdgull on Mar 20, 2021 12:32:51 GMT
19th March 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
UNITED SLIP TO THIRD, EIGHT POINTS ADRIFT - OR WILL IT BE ELEVEN AS THE GOALS DRY UP?
But for the thickness of Shaun MacDonald’s left hand post, in a four minute spell, in front of the BT Sport cameras, United would have been 2-0 down in Saturday’s late kick-off at Boreham Wood following Asa Hall’s second consecutive penalty save in the first half. Fine margins!
Gary Johnson’s after match verdict, “ We know we’ve still got to improve a little bit ”, must rate as one of the biggest understatements for a while. Even the most biased Gulls’ fan would have been thankful for the point as, despite the build-up play the lack of a cutting edge up-front was once again in evidence, three blanks from the last four So a lucky point or a valuable one keeping United tucked in third behind the top two?
With the mid-week Aldershot game called off many were hoping a few more first choice players might have returned from injury but in the end only one, keeper Lucas Covolan, appeared. Seasoned Yellow Army watchers recognise the absence of key players, Kyle Cameron, Aaron Nemane, Danny Wright and even Dean Moxey are hampering the return to the fast, free flowing football that took United to a commanding lead in the first three months of the season We last saw Nemane on February 2 in the home defeat to Altincham while Moxey’s last appearance was in the FA Trophy win at Southport on February 6.
Monday’s arrival of Plymouth Argyle’s left back Ryan Law on loan suggests Moxey isn’t returning anytime soon. Law played 18 games for Truro last season before it was voided.
Johnson talks of now being the chasers but with the goals drying up - on Saturday there were only three shots on target - compare those stats with the Boxing Day rout of Yeovil Town when the Gulls had nine shots on target and five off, at this moment there seems more chance of Bradley Walsh’s TV quiz chasers catching Sutton.
If United want automatic promotion they cannot afford to lose many more of their remaining matches, they have seven losses to date. In 2018 Macclesfield were promoted having lost only eight and in 2019 Leyton Orient went up with seven losses. In a curtailed season, both Barrow and Harrogate each lost nine times before joining the EFL. So far Sutton have only been beaten four times.
In last week’s YA podcast the manager tells us that most of the injured will be back for the last ten games, we can only hope he’s right.
What to make of our two outfield loan players who can’t get a game? Max Sheaf, from Hull City made 22 League 2 appearances scoring five when on loan at Cheltenham in 2019-20 and has started three times for his parent club in League 1.
Rob Street has less experience with only ten Premier League 2 starts for Crystal Palace so that could explain why he’s only had 184 minutes pitch time with the Gulls.
So, what’s to be made of Tuesday’s 4-1 thumping at Maidenhead? The manager says he takes full responsibility and quite right. Chesterfield had lost there 2-0 on Saturday with their manager confessing he’d picked the wrong team. It was a shocking performance with not one ‘regular’ playing to their potential, only the three second half subs showed they were up for the fight. And to be honest, four was kind as it could quite easily have been double that.
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In National League news it’s the end of the season - or is it? - for all North & South clubs following last Friday’s decision by the Alliance Committee to support the termination and reject the proposal for an alternative competition in order to protect the “ integrity of the National League system.” Whilst the rules allow an appeal it looked like the FA Council would ratify the committee’s ruling but at their meeting on Thursday, the result of a vote was delayed giving rise to speculation that maybe there’s been a change of heart. After all no promotion from or relegation into Step 2 makes a mockery of the integrity of the whole National League.
Dorking Wanderers did issue a strongly worded statement saying they will publish their legal findings as well as meeting with other clubs to discuss taking the matter to arbitration.
To the average football supporter all this seems very strange, how can such an important proposition be decided on the day when the Dover situation is now into its seventh week, having last played on January 30? Surely the integrity of the league has been severely compromised by Dover’s refusal to play? And what does the NL board propose to do about it? If there’s no promotion from Step 2 how will Macclesfield be replaced?
Last week saw three managerial changes: Wealdstone appointed caretaker Stuart Maynard to the role, Barnet replaced Tim Flowers with former manager Paul Fairclough coming in to advise while Solihull Moors ‘borrowed’ Mark Yates from Stourbridge to the end of the season.
Last week also saw Vanarama renew their sponsorship of the league for £4m until 2025.
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Last week’s question, should Gary Johnson stay or go, brought the biggest response so far with 100% replies saying he must stay. Readers Dave Sellman and Richard Cox felt strongly that the question shouldn’t have been asked!
This week’s poser: Should it be Dover and out? Should the National League expel the Kent side? Send your yes or no to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet
To all the Yellow Army stay safe and, when offered, get your vaccination.
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Post by rjdgull on Mar 26, 2021 18:29:22 GMT
26th March 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
IT’S ALL SMILES AT PLAINMOOR AND BEYOND AS UNITED RETURN TO WINNING WAYS
Following that ‘out of character’ 4-1 thumping at Maidenhead last Tuesday, did United, as manager Gary Johnson wanted, get their Mojo back on Saturday with the much needed return to winning ways?
Well, despite their lowly position, King’s Lynn were no pushover and it took visiting keeper Theo Richardson spilling Lemonheigh-Evans’ shot into the path of Scott Boden to separate the two sides to give the Gulls not only three valuable points but also importantly a renewed energy and belief Remarkably, for the league’s top scorers this was only the second goal scored from open play since January. It was, too, a welcome return to see the players having greater confidence to shoot with five shots on target and seven off. That gives something to build on. And after being asked to play in unfamiliar roles it was good to see Jake Andrews back to what he does best, rewarded with a place in the National League Team of the Day.
Let’s reflect on the Boss, Gary Johnson who, rightly or wrongly, has been under pressure to reverse the alarming slump in form. Having made a point, after Saturday’s match, of thanking fans for sending in their good wishes he will be doubly reassured that he has 100% support from the Yellow Army.
Bearing in mind the current situation, not helped, as every supporter agrees, by the serious loss of so many key players, it’s worth revisiting what Gary Johnson said before his very first home game in charge against Woking in September 2018, “..they were playing with a bit of fear, so don’t be scared to make a run or try a shot - if you miss five chances, go for the sixth.”
We all know Johnson is a very experienced manager in a career which started with his first job at Newmarket Town in 1986 and, with six promotions to his name, who can argue with these stats:
Played 1,123 Won 461 Drawn 263 Lost 399 Win % 41
His Gulls’ record: Played 113 Won 62 Drawn 17 Lost 34 Win % 55
So, on to Tuesday night’s 2-0 win, the double over Solihull Moors with Jake Andrews standing out again, topping his performance with a class free kick and then providing the assist for Adam Randell’s great finish.
United remain third still six points behind the leaders as, perhaps surprisingly, both Hartlepool and Sutton won away against what should have been strong opposition, respectively Dagenham and Bromley who then sacked the longest serving National League manager, Neil Smith.
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In the last few days talk in the National League has been about Stockport County’s amazing transfer fee of £250,000 paid to Fleetwood Town for striker Paddy Madden signed on a three and a half year contract worth around £3,500 a week.
Other talk has continued over the fate of Dover as the saga drags on into an eighth week, Dover chairman Jim Parmenter has shed some light on what’s going on when he revealed, “ We’re in the process of taking legal advice. We’ve got to answer our charges ( League rule 8.39 regarding the non-fulfilment of a fixture), once we’ve got the legal advice we’ll be doing that and see what comes out.”
An independent panel, with those on it yet to be named, is due to assess the evidence but no date has been announced.
After Tuesday’s fixture the Gulls enter into the really important part of the season with fourteen matches to play, seven at home with the prospect of more players returning and signing as owner Clarke Osborne seems willing to add to Gary Johnson’s budget to chase down promotion.
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In the past week TUST is aware of the latest accounts, from Companies House, being posted on various fans’ forums showing that up to March 2020 the club had received loans from Riviera Stadium Limited totalling £3,039,000 indicating that the debts had increased over the previous twelve months by a further £900,000. One can only guess the figure from last year to the present with the club’s spending on its promotion push.
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Sad news this week with the passing of Alan Slough, grandfather of Louie. Slough made his name as an outstanding mid-fielder for Luton, Fulham, Peterborough and Millwall, joining United as coach to his boyhood friend Bruce Rioch from 1982 - 84. TUST sends its condolences to Alan’s family and friends as it does too to those of supporter Michael Hughes who passed away last week.
Last week’s question asked about what action should be taken over Dover’s refusal to play but there was no overall conclusion other than something should happen - perhaps underlining why the National League has taken no action yet.
This week what are your thoughts about returning to watch ‘live’ football, when allowed, only if those attending have been vaccinated, yes or no? Send to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet.
As always to the Yellow Army stay safe and, when offered, get your vaccination.
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Post by rjdgull on Apr 2, 2021 19:09:06 GMT
2nd April 2021
FANS' ZONE
TUST board member and Supporter Liaison Officer Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
DEFIANT UNITED WILL FIGHT TO THE BITTER END AS NEW STRIKER IS TOLD GRAB A HATFUL AND ENJOY THE BEACHES DUDE
Football fans and the twenty-two other clubs have been asking for the past eight weeks just what are the National League board going to do about Dover’s refusal to play any matches since February.
Well, the answer came late on Friday afternoon last week when the adjudication of the independent panel revealed that the Kent side’s results - 15 games - would, as predicted, be expunged with United losing three points following their 2-0 win earlier in the season and, of course, Kyle Cameron having his two goals chalked off.
But that was not the full decision as with no relegation from the National League Dover will, much to the annoyance of many, be allowed to remain in the division for the 2021-22 campaign but with minus twelve points.
Compare this punishment with Luton Town back in 2008 who had 30 points deducted for matters involving player transfers and breaking rules on exiting administration.
But nothing beats rugby’s penalty of minus 105 points to Saracens for salary cap breaches.
In addition the panel fined Dover £40,000 explaining the club had “avoided costs” by not completing and were therefore “significantly benefitting” from the grant allocation given to them last October - £84,000 a month for the first three months of the season, a total of £252,000.
Dover’s chairman, Jim Parmenter, speaking over the weekend reckons his club’s “been hung out to dry” and is to take legal advice about an appeal. There are many who think they’re lucky to stay in the top division while there are others who believe they should pay back some of their grant money.
In total contrast Chesterfield have confirmed their request for a loan of just under £1m has been granted from Sports England.
Bromley, who sacked longstanding manager Neil Smith last week, have appointed Andy Woodman in his place. Yellow Army fans with good memories may recall Woodman had a brief spell at Exeter City but not helped by two red cards in six appearances!
With sixteen clubs in Step 2 charged with non-fulfilment of fixtures and fined accordingly, it’s not surprising to learn, that proposed by Maidstone Utd and Dorking Wanderers, the other 64 NL clubs are being asked to support an EGM to debate the resolution: ‘The meeting has no confidence in the Chairman and the Board’.
So there are more twists and turns of this saga to come.
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‘We won’t be giving up on anything, we’ve got to keep going until the bitter end’, defiant words coming out of Plainmoor following a disappointing lone goal defeat in East London on Saturday.
And this after owner Clarke Osborne was reported to have sanctioned additional funding to the manager for a promotion push in the all important run-in, swiftly followed by the signing of exciting Sunderland prospect, striker Benji Kimpioka who was unlucky not to have scored on his debut, United taking advantage of the NL altering the transfer window; due to close on March 25 being extended to April 22.
Lots of Sunderland fans took to Twitter on Saturday praising Kimpioka and wishing him well with the best being, “Grab a hatful and enjoy the beaches dude.”
Dagenham, though, seem to have some spell over United. The last time Torquay scored against their National League rivals was in November 2016 with Kieffer Moore’s goal completing the double in that season.
Since then in the last six fixtures between the two sides United have failed to score, that’s over 540 minutes without a goal. A rather unwanted stat. The Gulls now go into the Easter fixtures knowing that every match is vital and that if they can’t catch Sutton - Tuesday April 13 is a big, big game - then finishing either second or third is really important for the play-offs to ensure a home tie playing against the winner of one of the sides that finish fourth to seventh.
This afternoon’s Good Friday fixture at home to Woking is hopefully the start of closing in on the top two with 39 points still to play for and with the added bonus of Danny Wright and Gary Warren back in the squad.
Before all National League games today there will be a minute’s silence to pay tribute to Yeovil Town’s captain, Lee Collins, who has passed away at age 32.
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Ex-Gull watch: good luck to Joe Oastler who’s become head of coaching at Havant & Waterlooville’s Pro:Direct academy.
What’s your view on the management of the National League? Send your opinion to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or to Twitter: @fanszonet
Last week’s consensus is that fans should be allowed back into grounds regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated or not.
To all the Yellow Army, club directors, management and players a very Happy Easter and remember the rule of six - that’s six important points from Good Friday and Easter Monday!
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