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Post by rjdgull on Oct 31, 2021 17:38:37 GMT
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 4, 2021 19:27:52 GMT
link nice to see some strong and robust action from Wrexham following this incident.
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 5, 2021 13:13:59 GMT
5th November 2021
WREXHAM ACTION WELCOMED
WREXHAM FANS IDENTIFIED AND BANNED
TUST welcomes the swift action taken by Wrexham AFC, Torquay United and the North Wales Police in identifying those responsible for the disgraceful crowd misconduct incident towards the end of last Saturday’s National League fixture between Wrexham AFC and Torquay United at the Racecourse Ground.
Twelve banning letters have been issued to those individuals identified with a number of season tickets revoked. And enquiries are continuing to identify all supporters involved.
Thankfully those Gulls’ fans who were hit by coins, bottles and a lighter are recovering from their injuries in what was a frightening ordeal.
TUST would like to thank the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust chairman and other Wrexham fans for contacting us with their messages of regret for these incidents and offering their support.
Wrexham fan Dave wrote:
May I offer my apologies for the behaviour of some of our fans on Saturday. It was truly disgusting behaviour and the type I have not seen since the 1980s when Chester City were ripping our seats up! My respect goes to all Torquay fans for doing what we, the majority, are doing, which is supporting our local club! I hope the incident will not put your fans off from returning to the Racecourse again. It is so nice to see away fans in numbers again, especially from a fair distance away. Please feel free to share this with your supporters. Good luck with the remainder of your campaign this season!
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 5, 2021 22:01:38 GMT
5th November 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.
OFF FIELD INCIDENTS OVERSHADOW UNITED’S GOOD POINT AT WREXHAM
Although Torquay United played a football match in North Wales on Saturday it was events off the pitch which have dominated the headlines with TUST heavily involved.
TUST, along with fan forum BTPIR, played a part in the case of the ‘mistaken identity’ sending off saga which started last Tuesday when Wrexham’s Bryce Hosannah was sent off for an elbow offence in the National League fixture against Maidenhead, only, as the footage from the match video showed, it was clearly his team mate, record signing Paul Mullin who was responsible. By Thursday despite sending messages to the National League and Welsh FA asking them to review the incident, both responded that it was not under their jurisdiction.
Accordingly TUST contacted the English FA and by late on Friday Hosannah’s three match ban was overturned with the punishment handed to Mullin whose suspension ruled him out of Saturday’s match. Whilst not claiming that TUST’s actions were the only ones, it was important, for the integrity of the league, that a wrong was righted.
Then, following United’s 1-1 draw at the Racecourse, members of the 242 Yellow Army who were at the game, contacted TUST to provide shocking accounts of coins, plastic and glass bottles hitting women and a child leaving them cut and frightened - a Hallowe’en horror.
It appears the opportunity for Wrexham ‘fans’ to do this could have been avoided had Wrexham AFC not decided, at the last minute, to move Gulls’ fans from the upper tier stand to the lower one.
By mid-morning on Sunday TUST issued a statement condemning the disgraceful scenes, calling on the appropriate authorities which included Wrexham AFC and the National League to take action. The Welsh club and North Wales Police are carrying out an investigation.
Superintendent Nick Evans said,”I’m sure I won’t be alone in feeling great disappointment, that on a weekend when there was international interest in Wrexham AFC, the headlines were grabbed by the idiotic actions of the few.” He added,”We are in discussions with the club in relation to banning those individuals identified from attending future games.”
The story has been picked up by BBC Sport online, ITV News, BBC Wales and DevonLive underlining one of TUST’s objectives, representing supporters’ interests and welfare in the community.
It is so disappointing that what began as a happy, enjoyable occasion for the home crowd welcoming their two Hollywood co-owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, ended in such a negative way.
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The Torquay United AwayTravel coach was given a police escort back to the motorway while members of the Yellow Army were escorted to the train station. There were later reports that a Wrexham fan, thought to be a Torquay fan, was beaten up, requiring stitches, by other Wrexham ‘supporters’.
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The match, by the way, ended in a draw as United’s last half hour saw them on the front foot, thanks to a triple substitution as Tom Lapslie added steel to the mid-field with pace from debutant Byron Moore and Alex Addai. Fittingly it was Welshman Connor Lemonheigh-Evans with the equaliser.
BBC Radio Devon summariser at the match, former favourite centre-back Steve Woods, whose comments were spot on, felt that Gary Johnson’s men could well be play-off contenders come the end of the season.
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National League Crowd Watch: Wrexham v Torquay 9,813, Grimsby v Notts County 7,213. Compare these with League 2 Salford City who only drew in 1,892 for Exeter’s visit while National South Dulwich Hamlet pulled in 3,045 against Hampton & Richmond.
Credit too to League 1 leaders Plymouth Argyle who had over 16,000 watching them beat Ipswich Town 2-1 as Adam Randell made his full League 1 debut ending up being named Man of the Match.
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The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has extended football’s five substitute rule, which has been in place since the Covid-19 pandemic began, until December 2022 but is likely to become permanent in March. Whilst it’s been used in the top four English divisions it hasn’t been allowed in the National League. The new substitute rule is to be introduced into the Laws of the Game for 2022-23.
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Further developments with the connection between heading and dementia in former professional footballers as the PFA has called on the game’s stakeholders to introduce an industry-wide fund to help ex-players.
The PFA statement said the full details of the fund would be revealed “once football families living with dementia have confirmed the proposal meets their needs.”
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Last week TUST was one of several supporters’ trusts taking part in the National Game Network meeting discussing topics such as the Fan-Led Review whose final report is now expected in mid-November. It has emerged that the review has cross party support in Parliament.
Gaining momentum is the ‘Get on Side’ campaign for women in football with the results of a FSA survey of women’s safety at matches coming soon and also there are a growing number of clubs partnering with #˙HerGameToo to ensure all women feel safe, comfortable and respected within football communities. Perhaps Torquay United could embrace this in time for the next Community Day.
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No match this Saturday, FA Cup day, so a chance for extra injury recovery time for those needing it.
Last week’s question about Wrexham trying to buy promotion was, of course, taken over by other events but if you have any football views / opinions send them to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or to Twitter: @fanszonet.
Finally congratulations to all the 242 who travelled to Wales and best wishes and a speedy recovery to those who were hurt.
COYY
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 14, 2021 22:30:00 GMT
12th November 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.
WREXHAM CEO SAYS SORRY FOR CROWD TROUBLE BUT SILENCE FROM NATIONAL LEAGUE
With United out of the FA Cup at the early stages, once again, it was a blankety blank Saturday for Gulls’ fans who dream of the day when Torquay get a plum, money spinning draw in Round 3 helping the club to open its cheque book and pen. Think of the excitement when the relevant balls are taken out of the velvet bag; oh well, we’ll just have to wait another year.
United’s victors from the last round, Havant & Waterlooville lasted 70 minutes level at The Valley before Charlton Athletic cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory.
Despite being 3-1 down at half-time in the FA Youth Cup Round 1 at EFL side Newport County, United’s Under-18s gave it a real go in the second half ‘winning’ it 2-1 and nearly forcing extra time. It was a valiant effort and maybe there are some promising stars of the future. It would be good to see some £million pound talent; Chris Todd and his staff are doing a great job.
**************
Repercussions continue to reverberate following the regrettable incidents towards the end of the match at Wrexham. Twelve banning orders, with the likelihood of more to follow, season tickets revoked as Wrexham fans suffer the consequences for their coins and bottle throwing at members of the Yellow Army.
TUST welcomes the swift action taken by Wrexham AFC, Torquay United and the North Wales Police in identifying those responsible. Thankfully those hit have recovered from their injuries in what was a frightening ordeal.
Fleur Robinson Wrexham AFC’s CEO has written to TUST to apologise for the behaviour of a small minority, explaining that the North Wales Police are collating the events anticipating they will be in contact with Torquay United “to ascertain the victims of these offences.”
Sadly there was more coin throwing reported at the King’s Lynn v. Walsall FA Cup match on Saturday with a number of fans ejected.
With safe standing about to be re-introduced at five Premier League and Championship grounds in the New Year we could have hoped that unsavoury crowd instances are a thing of the past but the Wrexham incident would suggest otherwise. Contrast football supporters with those who watch rugby. The same weekend Torquay were in North Wales down in Cardiff Wales were being well beaten by New Zealand but what was striking was to see Kiwi fans sitting amongst home fans without any conflicts. And don’t forget rugby spectators are allowed to drink during matches, something which is due to be trialled in the National League.
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Talking of the National League there has been a deafening silence from them for some time. Their involvement in the crowd disturbance was requested, result? Silence. Representations were requested regarding live streaming, result? Silence. Then there’s the recommendations back in the summer over the Fan-Led Review interim report - the final report is due soon - result? Board changes and change to voting rights but silence on other issues.
If the Daily Mail story is to be believed last weekend, National League general manager Mark Ives is under pressure from clubs concerned about a lack of commercial progress and unhappy about his failure to communicate with them.
The FA has confirmed that this season 2021-22 three teams will be relegated from the National League while four will be promoted - two each from National North and South and only one team from each of these two divisions will be relegated. This will take all three divisions back to 24 sides.
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Gary Johnson’s lengthy managerial career has to date seen him in charge of an impressive 1,154 matches but last week former Gulls’ manager Neil Warnock suffered the highs and lows of football. On Tuesday as manager of Middlesborough he broke the English record when he took charge of his 1,602nd game - including 15 (won 5, drawn 5, lost 5) when in charge at Plainmoor, helping to avoid relegation to the Conference, in 1993 - but by Saturday he’d been sacked!
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TUST applauds the second Community Day on Saturday, when Dover are the visitors, for NHS and care staff with up to 1,000 invited as guests as part of the club’s drive to work with the local community and its residents. Its vision is to use its heritage and profile to help support and promote local worthy causes.
Last week’s column has had much positive reaction on social media concerning #HerGameToo from the Gulls’ fan base including Helen Chamberlain with many ‘likes’. #HerGameToo has amongst its aims: develop a strong sense of community, create strong relationships with club trusts and communities, and crucially to have a presence at football grounds and sports bars to build a more welcoming environment for young girls and women. With United’s stated objectives, forming a partnership with #HerGameToo should be the next step and why not in time for Saturday especially as Torquay are the only Devon professional club not involved.
Torquay United Women were beaten at home 3-2 on Sunday by Sherborne Town Ladies, their first defeat of the season. However, their next game is a Vitality FA Cup match at St Austell.
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Did you spot Kingskerswell resident, the English National Statistician Sir Ian Diamond being interviewed on the BBC News At Six recently? If you did, did you also spot the Torquay United 1899 scarf hanging prominently behind him?
So, it’s back to football at Plainmoor on Saturday as strugglers Dover are the visitors some 20 points from safety but that’s when teams can be dangerous. Last time United took three points from them they stopped playing and the points were ‘lost’; let’s hope nothing similar happens again. No Armstrong available, on international duty and no Addai whose short term contract has not been extended.
This week it’s Three Word Fun. How did you fill your non-football Saturday? DIY? Gardening? Or something else? Send yours to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet
COYY.
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 18, 2021 19:18:24 GMT
18th November 2021 TUST AGM 2021 - one week to go! The AGM will be held at Torquay Athletic Rugby Football Club on Thursday 25th November at 6.30pm. Come along to meet the TUST board and have your say. There will be a free drink and pasty (meat or veggie) for all members attending in person. Sadly we cannot extend this offer to those attending virtually via Zoom! Details of the link will be sent early next week. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the meeting. Thursday 25th November 2021 at 6.30pm. Venue: Torquay Athletic Rugby Football Club or via Zoom (details to follow nearer the date) We need you at the AGM to show your support for TUST and have your say on our direction. If you are unable to attend you may appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf using the attached form which is also available to download on the TUST website at www.tust.co.uk . AGENDA 1. Chairman’s welcome and apologies for absence 2. Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 25th November 2020 3. Receipt of the accounts and balance sheet for the year ending 30th June 2021 including report of the Independent Examiner. 4. Proposal to disapply the requirement for a full audit for 2021/22 accounts and the appointment of Independent Examiner for 2021/22. 5. Election of Board members 6. Report of the Board 7. Q&A session 8. Chairman’s closing remarks. All papers including 2020 minutes, 2020/21 accounts and proxy form available to download at: www.tust.co.uk/agm-2021-documents MEMBER FORM OF PROXY For use at the Annual General Meeting to be held at 6.30pm on 25th November 2021 at Torquay Athletic Rugby Football Club and via Zoom If you are unable to attend the meeting, please complete this Form of Proxy and return to the Secretary at 4 Church End Road, Kingskerswell, TQ12 5DS or return the completed form by email to; tustsecretary@gmail.com by noon on 23rd November 2021. Members Name: Membership No: Address: I hereby appoint as my proxy: (a) the following member to vote on my behalf at the meeting (no member may act as proxy for more than 3 members except the Chairman) Enter member’s name here............................................................................................................ Or (b) the Chairman, who I wish to vote on my behalf as follows; Motion 1: To approve the minutes of the 2020 AGM For / Against Motion 2: To approve the 2020/21 accounts as presented For / Against Motion 3: To disapply the requirement for a full audit of the 2021/22 accounts and apply an Independent Examiner For / Against Signature ...................................................................................Date: ........................ (you must sign this form in order for your votes to be valid) Support TUST Support Your Community |
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 19, 2021 7:00:45 GMT
19th November 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. KANE AND LITTLE SHOW HOW TO RISE ABOVE CRITICS AND WHERE ARE THE MISSING FEATURES IN THE MATCH PROGRAMME ? In recent weeks many sports’ writers in the national press have written columns about Harry Kane’s poor form, particularly his lack of goalscoring for Spurs and England blaming all this on his failure to grab a move to Manchester City in the summer. Even his own fans turned on him at the last Spurs home game. Now, yes it might have been ‘only’ Albania but Kane’s perfect hat-trick - header, left foot, right foot - answered his critics, adding four more on Monday at San Marino. And surely answering your critics is best done on the pitch. So United’s Armani Little did the same on Saturday when sections of the crowd inexplicably booed him for the sponsor’s Man of the Match award. How did he do this? By scoring the winning goal - a searing left foot volley that dropped to him in a crowded Dover penalty area. Had it soared over the Family Stand roof nobody would have been surprised but it nestled comfortably in the roof of the net. Whilst Little’s play seems to divide opinion amongst supporters he had the last laugh when the Non-League Paper named him in their Team of the Day and Vanarama in the Team of the Week. ************** The manager was not the only one inside Plainmoor to express disappointment at what had been a lacklustre performance as Torquay failed to excite and entertain in front of the extra 1,000 from the NHS and care homes; a generous gesture from the club. The last two home games, named Community Days, have seen a potential extra 2,000 into the ground so the real test will be to see how many of them will return. United certainly made hard work of beating rock bottom Dover, the team line-up not helped by non available players. At present too many key members of the squad are injured with at least two more added to what must be a crowded treatment room. Chori Johnson must be a contender for the quickest sub subbed, lasting two minutes with what looked like a hamstring tear - certainly the way he beat the turf with his fists as he lay prone suggests he knew straightaway what had happened. Which leads to a question. United’s subs at half-time spent the interval out on the pitch in their tracksuits / long training coats chatting and nominally kicking a ball. Surely there should be more purpose to this. And before Johnson came on did he do any warm-up? With four home wins on the spin dare we hope for the much needed return of Fortress Plainmoor? ************* National League Crowd Watch: With adult tickets reduced to £5 and £1 for Under-16s Notts County set a new league record attendance of 12,843 for the visit of Solihull Moors beating the previous total of 11,085 set in 2015 for Bristol Rovers v Alfreton. Being an international weekend all matches attracted four figure gates, the other better ones being at Chesterfield 5,862, 5,821 at Southend and 5,515 for Stockport v Bromley. And in National South Dulwich Hamlet pulled in 3,334 for a 3-0 win over Bath City. ************* How many supporters buy an 1899 matchday programme? Guessing not as many as used to do and no doubt the number printed has fallen too. At £3 it is a glossy quality publication of 40 pages, 16 of which are full page adverts. But not having bought one for some time it’s interesting to compare today’s version with one sold in August 2019. Then there were 14 pages of adverts in a magazine of 48 pages, so what’s changed? Pre-Covid the programme had dedicated pages for Torquay Youth now re-named United Youth, Torquay United Travel Club, TU Community Sports Trust, Torquay United Ladies (including match reports) and Coming Up, a focus on the next opponents. Of all these only United Youth remains highlighted so why are the others not featured? Especially as they all are Torquay United branded but not included in the club’s only official printed publication? It’s the end of the Vitality FA Cup journey for Torquay United Women as they went down 2-0 at St Austell Ladies on Sunday, so it’s back to the league next week. ************** Latest news on the date for the release of the Fan-Led Review is that Tracey Crouch’s report is due to be published by the end of the month with the key recommendation being the establishment of an independent regulator. There will be other plans for re-structuring football’s governance but in the end it will be down to the Government to put them into practice via parliamentary legislation. ************** Next year is World Cup year and the Premier League has announced how the season 2022-2023 will operate, beginning on August 6, stopping on the weekend of November 12 - 13 and resuming on Boxing Day 2022. The EFL start on July 30, the Championship also stopping in November while Leagues 1 & 2 carry on. ************ It was personally a nightmare journey to the game on Saturday with an ‘incident’ on the M5 just before Telegraph Hill necessitating six fire engines, three ambulances and many police. Traffic was at a standstill for over an hour plus and we were finally on our way with kick-off 20 minutes away. After parking and walking to the ground I was pleasantly pleased - and relieved - to find a turnstile still open some 15 minutes after kick-off, maybe the result of some earlier TUST pressure to soften the club’s entry procedures. Anyway, well done Torquay United! *************** Next match up is a trip to The Hive, Barnet, let’s hope the Gulls are buzzing to improve on the away form - the last two trips to London have not gone well. What did you get up to with no football the previous week? ‘Christmas Shopping Started’, ‘Poppy Shirt Bid’, and ‘Saturday DIY Nightmare’ to name three. Best one came from Pete Groom with his ‘Saturday Afternoon Kip’. This week a new twist ‘One Magic Moment’ - what’s your best TUFC magic moment? Send yours to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet. To all the Yellow Army travelling to Barnet stay safe. COYY. SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY |
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 25, 2021 7:23:57 GMT
TUST AGM 2021 The AGM will be held at Torquay Athletic Rugby Football Club on Thursday 25th November at 6.30pm. Free parking available and complementary refreshments. Come along to meet the TUST board and have your say. For those members unable to attend in person we will be hosting the meeting on Zoom. Join here from 6.20pm: us02web.zoom.us/j/85743866866?pwd=OHBTQ1czdDc3bmxIbS9lekxmYmd0UT09Meeting ID: 857 4386 6866 Passcode: 097816 We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the meeting. Thursday 25th November 2021 at 6.30pm. Venue: Torquay Athletic Rugby Football Club or via Zoom (details to follow nearer the date) We need you at the AGM to show your support for TUST and have your say on our direction. If you are unable to attend you may appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf using the attached form which is also available to downlaod on the TUST website at www.tust.co.uk . AGENDA 1. Chairman’s welcome and apologies for absence 2. Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 25th November 2020 3. Receipt of the accounts and balance sheet for the year ending 30th June 2021 including report of the Independent Examiner. 4. Proposal to disapply the requirement for a full audit for 2021/22 accounts and the appointment of Independent Examiner for 2021/22. 5. Election of Board members 6. Report of the Board 7. Q&A session 8. Chairman’s closing remarks. All papers including 2020 minutes, 2020/21 accounts and proxy form available to download at: www.tust.co.uk/agm-2021-documents Support TUST Support Your Community |
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 27, 2021 12:09:37 GMT
27th November 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.
ON - FIELD FORM HAS FANS ASKING ‘ WHAT ARE CLARKE OSBORNE’S OBJECTIVE FOR THIS SEASON ?'
We’ve all come to accept, maybe reluctantly for some, that we live in different times, whether that be due to Covid related circumstances, ‘wokeism’, inappropriate comments from times gone by or something else. These are baffling times too if you follow Torquay United.
Last season it seemed like no expense was spared in the quest for the promised land - the Football League - but this season there is a different feel. The manager’s playing recruitment looks as if he has had one hand tied behind his back through lack of funds. So what are Clarke Osborne’s objectives for this season? Reaching the play-off zone by Christmas looks a forlorn aspiration and surely flirting with relegation cannot be contemplated either. So what is the plan?
In the past week or so there’s been a commendable move towards greater community involvement - notably promoting the NSPCC, the NHS and care homes and Torbay Children’s Services - which TUST applauds - but TUST hasn’t been asked to contribute. Fan entertainment such as the popular fan zones would be an added attraction especially for the younger fans on match days.
Yet, in the past few weeks these columns have been pushing the club to take on creating partnerships with #HerGameToo, backed by many including Helen Chamberlain, and Andy’s Man Club, which Torquay United have now done; looks as if someone from the expanded media team has taken note.
From the outside it’s appearing that funding is being allocated to off the field projects - giving away free tickets, whilst making good headlines, cannot be sustainable over a long period and mask what real attendances are likely to be whilst team performances ‘huff and puff’.
In his post match press call last Thursday Gary Johnson explained the club’s rationale about away travel - under four hours travel on the day, as happened on Saturday resulting in the team turning up at Barnet only forty-five minutes before kick-off, and over four hours having an overnight stay.
When in National South did the team travel on the day to matches no further than the London area? Didn’t they stay in a hotel? Has the travel budget been cut?
Where does the much heralded five year plan that we were told about when Osborne took over fit in? And there has been no talk about a new stadium for some time. And what about a fans’ forum so there can be dialogue between those running the club and supporters?
The fan-led review may well have a significant bearing on how, in the future, clubs have to operate alongside their supporters. The introduction of an independent regulator sounds like football could move in a different direction but ‘independent’ of whom? Cricket has its problems too and it’s being threatened with an independent regulator unless it cleans up its act.
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United’s form so far has been pretty much hit and miss especially away from home. Counting league and FA Cup the stats make uncomfortable reading: Played 10, Won 1, Drawn 3, Lost 6, with a goal difference of minus eight.
Saturday’s loss at Barnet could easily have been worse as the Bees swarmed around MacDonald’s goal too often with Tuesday’s defeat at fellow strugglers Aldershot a big disappointment to the amazing travelling Yellow Army.
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Which player can hold his head up and say he’s doing his best? Step forward Armani Little whose 15 appearances have seen him as top scorer with eight plus six assists. Gary Johnson hints at transfer activity in the New Year - let’s hope that doesn’t mean clubs looking for a goalscoring midfielder. But why wait until then for recruitment when there’s no transfer window restrictions in the National League?
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In the past week Wrexham AFC have announced that further banning orders have been issued to those involved in the coin / bottle throwing incident. The club have also made changes to their seating policy so that season ticket holders in the upper tier of the stand, accommodating away fans in the lower tier, have been moved. The new arrangements mean a reduction in the Racecourse Ground’s capacity.
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Praise for Robbie Savage’s ‘Making Macclesfield FC’ currently on BBC iPlayer chronicling how the once EFL club has been resurrected after being wound up in 2020 with half a million pounds of debts.
With a local car dealer buying the ground, Savage as director of football, the newly formed club has begun life in step five of the non-league pyramid, in the ninth tier of English football, currently top of the North West Counties League Premier Division, pulling in over 2,000 a home game.
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The Premier League is funding £5 million to the National League over the next four years and the NL board has decided to allocate £1 million to Step 1 and divide another £1 million between Nationals North and South now; one can only hope this is done in a fairer way than on a previous occasion last season ending in a furious row.
National League Crowd Watch: A dismal 595 went to watch Dover lose again and second placed Boreham Wood could only play in front of 601 while in National North seven home clubs drew in more, both Hereford United and York City had over 2,000 and in National South out of ten fixtures nine had higher attendances than at Dover and Boreham Wood while Worthing from the Isthmian League had a crowd of 1,218.
After their FA Cup exit Torquay United Women ran riot on Sunday with a 12-0 home league win over Bideford Women with seven different scorers.
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Where rugby leads will football follow? A trial has begun in the Premiership Rugby Cup in which supporters can hear, via the ground’s PA system, the referee’s thoughts and explanations during reviewed incidents involving the TV match official. Referees use a mic to relay these to the crowd.
If introduced to football it could take the sting out of managers raging at what they perceive as questionable decisions and lead to better fan engagement.
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TUST held its AGM on Thursday evening and more details of this to follow over the next few days.
Next up at Plainmoor is the visit of high-flying FC Halifax and the return of Billy Waters. What the
Gulls could do with is some Formula 1 pace to rev up and spark a turnaround as one United fan in Qatar on Sunday showed.
What’s your One Magic Moment of following the Gulls? Eunan O’Kane’s strike versus Plymouth Argyle? Derek Dawkins’ goal against Spurs in the League Cup? Armani Little’s winning volley against Dover? Just some of the suggestions. What’s yours? Send to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or to Twitter: @fanszonet.
Welcome #HerGameToo and Andy’s Mans Club to Plainmoor on Saturday.
COYY
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Post by rjdgull on Nov 29, 2021 7:37:22 GMT
28th November 2021
AGM REPORT
IT’S BEEN A BUSY YEAR FOR TORQUAY UNITED’S SUPPORTERS’ TRUST
TUST held its successful AGM on Thursday evening where members heard of its busy year fulfilling its objectives, representing supporters’ views whilst promoting the club’s name in the community.
TUST chairman Michel Thomas thanked his fellow board members for their willingness “ to give their time and money voluntarily to support our club and its community”. He reminded members that TUST is the main constitutionally organised group supporting Torquay United.
Those at the AGM, held at Torquay Athletic Rugby Club, with others following on Zoom, heard that the past year has been an exceptionally busy one despite Covid regulations and protocols.
TUST contributed to the Fan-Led Review, held meetings and correspondence with our local MPs, Torbay Council and the Safety Advisory Group as well as developing the South West Supporters’ Trust group, comprising representatives from Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle, Bristol City, Hereford United and Yeovil Town.
Thomas informed the meeting that the trust’s relationship with the club’s directors was at an all-time low with meetings on hold until the New Year at the earliest.
TUST treasurer Ali Bryant said there were currently 375 members, an increase from the previous year and that the trust held £55,000, the majority of which forms an emergency fund.
Secretary Rick Williams explained that this reserve was held in case there is ever a need for TUST to respond to unexpected changes of circumstance and step in to try and ‘save’ the club and ensure its survival in one form or another.
The meeting also supported the continuing policy of committing up to 50% of its net surplus to community initiatives. This means almost £4K is available in the coming year to support things such as Torquay United Community Sports Trust, the Women’s Team and schemes that benefit the wider, local community.
Two new members, Bob Cole and Sam Druiff, were elected to join the board.
TUST was instrumental in supporting members of the Yellow Army in the coin/bottle throwing incidents at Wrexham, represented fans’ views on the club’s original ticketing arrangements for this season and noticing a softening of these and pushing the club to engage with #HerGameToo and Andy’s Mans Club.
TUST’s supporter liaison officer, Nick Brodrick, gave a snapshot of the supporters’ trust’s achievements over the past year but posed a number of questions: What are owner Clarke Osborne’s plans for the club? At what stage is the Five Year Plan? What news is there about a new stadium? Is the club still actively seeking a return to the Football League?
TUST fully supported and endorsed the club’s recent Community Day initiatives with its free tickets for NHS and care home workers to thank them for their hard work during the worst of the pandemic and for another batch of free tickets for ‘Women’s Day’ but regretted not being able to be involved with such things as a fan zone entertainment area.
The AGM heard that at the forefront of TUST’s activities is its mission statement: promoting good governance, seeking to ensure the long-term sustainability of Torquay United for the benefit of current and future supporters and the wider community.
Among the topics discussed was the just released report of Tracey Crouch’s Fan-Led Review, particularly noting the proposed rules for new stadium builds, the revised owners’ and directors’ tests, the introduction of a Shadow Board, a Golden Share and the idea of being able to drink alcohol ‘in sight of the match’ which received a cautious welcome.
The meeting was told that TUST was writing letters to all three local MPs to urge them to see that the required legislation to implement the review is passed in Parliament.
Suggestions from the floor included TUST producing a template letter (see below) for supporters to send to their MP urging support for the Crouch recommendations and a membership drive.
TEMPLATE LETTER TO MP
YOU CAN GOOGLE THE NAME OF YOUR MP AND FIND THEIR E-MAIL OR POSTAL ADDRESS
YOU CAN ONLY CONTACT THAT MP AS LONG AS YOU HAVE AN ADDRESS IN THE CONSTITUENCY
Dear………
FAN-LED REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOOTBALL
As a long standing football supporter of Torquay United I am writing to you to ask for you to support the recently published Fan-Led Review recommendations as set out by Tracey Crouch MP and her team for the long-term sustainability of football in this country.
The report recognises there is a wide consensus on the need for change, from football fans in general and other stakeholders but it will need cross-party political support from MPs, like yourself, to ensure legislation is put into place.
I, therefore, respectfully urge you to put your full support behind this report to see that the necessary legislation is passed as quickly as possible.
Yours sincerely,
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Post by rjdgull on Dec 5, 2021 7:37:49 GMT
3rd December 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.
FAN-LED REVIEW - A HUGE STEP FORWARD?
“THAT’S ANOTHER FINE MESS YOU’VE GOTTEN US INTO GARY”
The much awaited and anticipated Fan-Led Review report was published last week a full 162 pages with 47 recommendations. Tracey Crouch MP’s review of football governance is based on evidence from hundreds of supporters’ groups, including submissions from TUST.
It is a thorough, comprehensive report outlining the vital changes that football has been crying out for, for the benefit and sustainability of football. Football Supporters’ Association Chief Executive Kevin Miles called it a “potentially huge step forward.”
TUST endorses the recommendation for every club to have a licence with the creation of an independent regulator (IREF) to oversee compliance. Part of the licence would see the introduction of a Shadow Board and a Golden Share.
The Shadow Board would, through the club licence, have to be consulted on all ‘non football, off pitch’ business while the Golden Share holder - a supporter - would have a say in any proposed sale of the club stadium, club badge, first team home colours and club playing name.
This should not be seen as a supporters’ trust trying to take over the running of their club, quite the opposite for as the review says, “Fans and clubs are not enemies, a genuine two way consultation between fans and clubs can be mutually beneficial.”
A lack of supporter engagement is an enormous missed opportunity by clubs and we at TUST know we have so much good will and voluntary assistance to offer.
We also support the report’s recommendations for tightening up the owners’ and directors’ tests, particularly the need to submit a business plan for all to read.
This season, as we have seen, a number of clubs in the National League have ‘splashed the cash’ to try to buy their way back into the EFL; the report has noted this and sees this as destabilising the long-term sustainability of the wider league; a salary cap is coming.
There is a recommendation of a small scale, limited pilot for the sale of alcohol ‘in sight of the pitch’ but TUST members gave this a cautious welcome.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville backs Crouch’s review saying, “The job in the next 12 months is to make sure this is seen through.”
None of these recommendations will be enacted until the necessary legislation goes through Parliament and to this end TUST encourages members to write to their MP, using a template letter available at tust.co.uk.
The Government has already promised to work ‘at pace’ to implement key recommendations, including the national game’s first independent regulator. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries warned English football’s governing bodies that they were at “a turning point” and that radical change was coming.
Owners, managers, players come and go but supporters are there for a lifetime - fans and football first is what all supporters should be saying.
TUST held a successful AGM last week and news of this in next week’s column.
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Storm Arwen might have kept away from Plainmoor on Saturday and whilst it didn’t rain there was plenty of Water about - Billy Waters, whose strike to make it 3-0 seemingly settled the match in a mad five minutes straight after half -time and only an equally mad five minutes at the end put some respectability on the scoreline.
But let’s not deceive ourselves as visitors Halifax banked three points with a display of fast attacking football the likes of which we were treated to last season but now can only dream about.
To paraphrase Laurel & Hardy, “That’s another fine mess you’ve gotten us into Gary” as the manager admits he’s made mistakes and that the team is in need of a fix which only he can do.
It was Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck who coined the phrase, “papering over the cracks” in 1865 and it’s still apt today; we need the manager to speed up the repair job before it’s too late.
It certainly makes Saturday’s trip to fellow strugglers Weymouth a dreaded ‘six- pointer’ with both sides having lost their last three games.
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It was good to see the club take ownership of #HerGameToo on Saturday opening up the away end but not with maybe as many takers of free tickets as expected. Nevertheless to be the first club to do this is a credit to the directors. Would more have come had the team been nearer the top of the table?
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National League Crowd Watch: Another impressive 8,156 at Wrexham to see them edge out promotion rivals Bromley 2-0, this attendance was better than every League 2 fixture except at Swindon who had 8,199. Notts County had 4,889 for their televised game while Torquay’s match was watched by Plainmoor’s lowest crowd of the season, 2,269.
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United’s opponents in the Third Round of the FA Trophy will be National South Tonbridge Angels who won 1-0 at Canvey Island in Round 2. Tonbridge have only won three league games this season and sit in 18th place but do have in forward Ricky Modeste someone who knows non-league football having played for Dover, Billericay and Dartford before joining Tonbridge; he’s also a Grenada international.
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After drawing attention to the missing features in the 1899 matchday magazine, last Saturday’s edition restored articles on the Community Sports Trust and the Women’s team, complete with a match report. All we need now is to see a section for the Travel Club, after all Gary Johnson regularly praises, and apologises to, the Yellow Army travelling support. Shame that Byron Moore made the cover but not the matchday squad.
Torquay United’s Women were back to league action on Sunday with a 1-1 home draw to Bishop’s Lydeard.
There’s still time to send in your One Magic Moment, your best memory of a Gulls’ match/goal to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or to Twitter: @fanszonet.
For those travelling to Weymouth safe journey.
COYY
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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Post by rjdgull on Dec 10, 2021 23:45:36 GMT
10th December 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.
PREMIER LEAGUE LOOKING TO REJECT FAN-LED REVIEW
FLURRY OF COMINGS AND GOINGS AT PLAINMOOR
The almost inevitable backlash against the Fan-Led Review, from many who should know better, didn’t take long to surface kicked off by Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow when he stated, “Everything good in English football sits in the Premier League.” And proclaiming it is the ‘golden goose’. In last week’s Non-League Paper column I wrote that the review’s recommendations received a big thumbs-up from supporters’ groups throughout the country but not from club CEOs.
Premier League clubs met last Friday to plan to reject the introduction of an independent regulator and a proposed 10% levy on transfer deals. This is against a background of MP Tracey Crouch’s report also wanting a greater distribution of Premier League broadcast money down through the pyramid as far as grass-roots football. Don’t forget they have just signed a new US TV deal worth £2billion.
As a reminder, the Fan-Led Review has to go through Parliament and the earliest this can be debated is Spring 2022, Crouch, as part of this process was due to give evidence on Tuesday to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport select committee but the signs are that her recommendations will receive cross-party support.
Whilst the Premier League is arguably the best league in the world let’s not forget that it wouldn’t be that but for grass-roots and non-league football.
Can football supporters influence the report? Yes, by writing to your MP, using a template letter available at tust.co.uk, to urge them to support the recommendations when they come before Parliament.
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All credit to the estimated 600 Yellow Army, travelling into Dorset, whose non-stop singing from start to finish was rewarded with a 2-1 win which but for the woodwork might well have been greater.
The win was also a great relief to manager Gary Johnson who pre-match had described it as a six-pointer; hopefully the performance as well as the result put a smile not only on his face but also on all Gulls’ fans too.
Johnson might well be a long standing manager who has already got the t-shirt but there have been times when he needs someone to boost his confidence - Mrs Johnson, of course - but more importantly the club’s owner and directors who remain fully behind him. Manager of the Week was his reward.
Well done, again, to Armani Little for making the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day with Joe Lewis in the Vanarama Team of the Week.
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National League Crowd Watch: In National South Dulwich Hamlet were watched by 3,334 and Dartford had 1,156 while in National North Chester pulled in 1,389.
Only 838 watched bottom club Dover in the National League, still without a win all season, and almost 200 of those were from visitors Wrexham.
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In the last few weeks Gary Johnson has said he’s looking to strengthen the squad in January yet there’s no transfer window between the EFL and National League, as has been demonstrated over the past week with Notts County loaning a winger from Wycombe Wanderers, Weymouth signing a defender from Cambridge United, Woking taking ex-United loanee Louis Britton from Bristol City and Southend United about to sell defender Charlie Sayers to Spurs.
In the last 24 hours Johnson has decided to act; out go Jake Andrews (to Havant & Waterlooville) and Gabby Rodgers to Truro City, both loans.
Incoming: Jack Sparkes from Exeter City and Joe Felix from Billericay Town.
Wonder how United’s third keeper Marcin Brzozowski, signed in the summer from QPR, is feeling? He seems to be the forgotten player in the squad and must be wondering when he’s ever going to play a competitive game again. Surely he needs to be loaned out.
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Torquay United Women grabbed a hard fought 2-2 draw on Sunday at AFC St. Austell while the Development team remain unbeaten following a 1-0 home win over Teignmouth.
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It’s been another busy year for TUST as members found out at its recent AGM. Chairman Michel Thomas explained that despite Covid protocols the trust had held meetings and correspondence with the area’s three local MPs, Torbay Council and the Safety Advisor Group. Unfortunately, the trust’s relationship with the club is currently, at best, strained.
There are 375 members, up from last year, with two, Bob Cole and Sam Druiff, being elected to the board. The meeting praised the club for its Community Day initiatives but was disappointed that TUST had not been asked to be involved. Members heard that the trust holds £55,000, the majority of which forms an emergency fund if ever there’s a need to respond to any change in circumstances.
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Ex-United favourite Lee Mansell took over as manager at National North Gloucester City in October and following back-to-back wins with a 2-0 victory on Saturday his side, which included former United player Daniel Leadbitter and Max Sheaf, a loanee last season at Plainmoor from Hull City, moved out of the relegation zone.
The club made a good start last home game embracing #HerGameToo, a campaign started this year by two Bristol Rovers fans Lucy Ford and Caz May to combat sexism and foster an inclusive environment in football. We now need to see this progress to ensure all supporters enjoy their Plainmoor experience.
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One Magic Moment has brought in some gems! How about these? Police dog Bryn’s intervention in United’s 2-2 draw with Crewe in 1987 or Kevin Nicholson’s 94th minute winner over Barnet in 2011, 10 years ago on Thursday, which put the Gulls just outside the League 2 play-off places, a table which had Southend top and Plymouth Argyle bottom.
Another suggestion was Rene Howe’s 89th minute winner in a 4-3 win over Aldershot, after being 3-0 down at half-time in 2012, but best of all is reader Andrew Melnyk recalling Gareth Howells’ penalty in the shoot-out win over Blackpool in the Division 4 play-off at Wembley in 1991.
Do you have a Christmas wish for Gary Johnson’s side? Send yours to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or to Twitter:@fanszonet.
Stockport are Saturday’s visitors and this promises to be a real test so let’s make some noise and get Plainmoor rocking plus a chance to see the new signings and a return for Danny Wright.
COYY
SUPPORT TUST - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
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Post by rjdgull on Dec 14, 2021 20:37:12 GMT
14th December 2021
BOXING DAY TICKET ARRANGEMENTS
TUST CALLS FOR A RE-THINK
The club have announced that all tickets for the game against Yeovil Town on Boxing Day have to be purchased in advance and will be sent via e-mail to be printed or downloaded to a phone.
Whilst it is disappointing that tickets cannot be bought on the day for what is a fixture that traditionally attracts a lot of casual supporters, of even more concern is the fact that tickets won't be available for those who are not IT savvy and specifically 'there will be no option to collect tickets from the stadium on the matchday.' This policy may discriminate against those fans, many of which are among the club's longest standing and most loyal followers.
TUST has today written to the Club as follows:
On behalf of the many loyal Torquay United supporters who will be unable to print or receive their tickets digitally, TUST asks the club to reconsider its new ticketing policy for the Boxing Day fixture with Yeovil Town as a matter of urgency. No ticket sales on the day is one thing but no actual tickets other than via digital technology is unacceptable and discriminates against many who may wish to attend but will now decide not to do so. Can the Club really afford to turn such customers away?'
We will, of course, advise you of any response we receive.
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Post by rjdgull on Dec 18, 2021 14:27:46 GMT
18th December 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.
PLAINMOOR FAITHFUL ENJOY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT
All I want for Christmas is ….. a repeat of Saturday’s performance on Boxing Day is likely to be Gary Johnson’s wish as the Gulls were certainly driving home for Christmas with three points against title favourites Stockport County.
The Yellow Army were in full voice on Saturday as United wrapped up the three points as an early Christmas cracker of a game. It was the Gulls back to their best with a display reminiscent of the heady days of last season.
Manager Gary Johnson was justifiably pleased with his team’s performance as the home crowd not only celebrated victory but also were entertained with every player putting in a shift. It was good too to get one over visiting manager Dave Challinor after that play-off final at Ashton Gate.
Following last week’s 2-1 triumph at Weymouth, back-to-back wins, for the first time this season, are important for team confidence and morale. There were a number of stand out performances so congratulations to Shaun MacDonald and Joe Lewis for making the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day with Lewis in the Vanarama Team of the Week for a second consequent week.
And a big well done to the Popside drummer boy - only one not twelve!
The match was a compelling watch and it was noticeable that nobody left early before the end of the game despite a nail biting six minutes of added time.
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Jake Andrews had a dream debut for new club Havant & Waterlooville hitting the post, scoring a goal in a 2-1 win and winning a place in the Non-League Paper’s National South Team of the Day.
Next up for United is an FA Trophy tie at Tonbridge Angels for a first ever meeting between the two sides. Unless you count Torquay United reserves playing Tonbridge in the Southern League in 1950.
Tonbridge football club were formed in 1947 joining the Southern League, playing their first ever match in front of 5,000 for a local derby against Hastings United, losing 2-1. The match was played at the Angel ground, formerly home of Kent County cricket club and named after the nearby pub, The Angel.
Like most clubs they’ve had a chequered history: promotions, relegations, liquidation in 1976 reforming as Tonbridge Angels FC, and several FA Cup highs reaching the First Round on several occasions including a record attendance of 8,236 for a tie against Aldershot in 1951. By 1980 they had played their last game at the Angel ground moving to their current home, Longmead. Appropriately, the last player to score at their old ground was Micky Angel.
In 2004 they were in the Isthmian Premier where they stayed for six years before winning the play-off final to be promoted to Conference South. By 2014 the Angels were relegated returning to National South five years later. They made it into the FA Cup First Round in 2020 drawing Bradford City at home but suffered a 7-0 hammering. A notable past manager was World Cup winner George Cohen ex-Fulham.
On Saturday the Angels drew their largest crowd of the season, 798, for a 2-2 draw with Dulwich Hamlet.
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National League Crowd Watch: In the North York City had 4,512 while in the South the Kent derby between Maidstone and Dartford was watched by 2,560. Lower down the pyramid South Shields from the Northern Premier had 2,015 while in the Northern West Division there were an impressive 977 at Marine.
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No match on Sunday for Torquay United Women’s team as their game at leaders Sherborne Town was postponed as was the Development side’s game.
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The dementia in football story continues as there are plans for it to be recognised as an industrial disease but the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has decided to group its football enquiry with boxing, rugby and horse racing. However, football’s governing bodies have committed £3.6million to research and clinical advice for recently retired former players who face an elevated risk of dementia.
The FA is promising an awareness campaign on concussion and its heading guidance; permanent concussion substitutes are being trialled as the FA remains open to the sort of temporary replacements used in rugby union.
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BT is still looking to sell its sports broadcasting arm, initially to American company Dazn, but now Discovery which owns Eurosport and rights to the Olympic Games are rumoured to be interested so watch this space.
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It’s that time again for this year’s Christmas Quiz Part One, January to June. Get all 10 answers correct and one lucky winner will receive a £10 Torquay United club shop gift voucher. Next week will be Christmas Quiz Part Two. July to December and if you answer correctly both Parts One and Two you could win a £15 Torquay United club shop gift voucher.
Christmas Quiz Part One:
1. In January Joe Lewis signed from which Championship club?
2. In January who joined United on loan from Hull City?
3. Who did United defeat in the FA Trophy Round 5 in February?
4. Fraser Kerr left to join which other National League club?
5. United legend Robin Stubbs celebrated his birthday in April. Was he 78,79 or 80?
6. In April who scored United’s only goal in a 1-0 win at Wrexham?
7. The Yellow Army were allowed back into Plainmoor in May. Who were the visitors?
8. In June United’s Under-16s were crowned JPL Champions. Who did they beat in the final?
9. In the play-off final at Ashton Gate what was the official attendance?
10. What did Adam Randell win in June?
Send your answers to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet with name and contact details. Closing date 12 noon Wednesday December 29. Good luck! Question writer’s decision is final.
To all those travelling to Tonbridge stay safe - and get that booster jab.
COYY
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Post by rjdgull on Dec 23, 2021 22:19:08 GMT
23rd December 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.
NO CHRISTMAS CHEER IN TONBRIDGE AND WHICH SIDE COULD GET A BOXING DAY STUFFING?
Hark! the Tonbridge angels sing, as their fans celebrated a well deserved win into Round 4 of the FA Trophy as Torquay United suffered another cup calamity crashing out again to lower league opposition.
Following Gary Johnson’s tongue-in-cheek quip about where the opposition play, the Angels’ manager Steve McKimm took ‘umbridge in Tonbridge’ but had the last laugh as United returned home feeling like mud to be lonely this Christmas. At least a late winner settled the tie rather than go through the agony of a penalty shoot-out.
It was a disappointing afternoon for United’s two reserve keepers called into action as third choice Marcin Brzozowski played in Gloucester City’s 5-0 Trophy defeat at Wrexham but can take some cheer as City supporters sang out ‘Poland’s Number One’ as he made a string of great saves. Last Christmas, wham United hit Yeovil for six to avenge the previous year’s Boxing Day disaster as the Yellow Army, on the away terrace, saw a deluge of Yeovil goals - another six. So, what’s in store this Boxing Day? Which side will be walking in the air?
The Gulls will be wearing their black and white away kit in support of Shelter’s #NoHomeKit along with many other non-league and EFL teams to raise awareness of the growing number of rough sleepers.
Now that the cup games are gone, Torquay can concentrate on the league with the big question, can they gatecrash the play-offs?
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The National League has followed the EFL lead about the latest Covid protocols: ‘Clubs will be expected to play where it has 14 players, including a goalkeeper, available from the club’s registered squad list.’
Notts County have re-opened the live streaming debate as, through inPlayer, they offered this service on Saturday for their evening Trophy match which they won 2-1 against Altrincham. We know how popular these were for the Yellow Army unable to get to Plainmoor, so how about some creative thinking to re-instate this facility, especially with Covid cases increasing? Maybe somebody in the expanded media team could look into this.
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Interesting news coming from AFC Wimbledon and The Dons Trust who last week appointed a new Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) team of three based on advice from SD Europe, following similar SLO initiatives at Lincoln City and Doncaster Rovers.
The role of the SLO team, all unpaid volunteers, includes: SLOs are a bridge between the fans and the club, helping to improve the dialogue between the two; the SLO informs fans about relevant decisions made by the club management and, in the other direction, communicates the points of view of fans to the club; the SLO builds relationships with various fan groups, the police and security officers.
Wimbledon have a Matchday Pod at the entrance to the ground with a type of MatchDay Ambassador answering queries and helping with the distribution of tickets.
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All credit to Exeter City who are donating the profits from their FA Cup replayed replay with Bradford City to the Bradford and Exeter food banks - £7,393 each.
Ex-Gull Watch: Popular striker Rene Howe notched his 18th goal of the season for Bedford Town in a 8-1 demolition of Wantage Town to go top of Southern League Division One Central.
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Torquay United Christmas Quiz Part Two - July to December. A £15 club shop gift voucher for one lucky winner.
11. In July fans voted Lucas Covolan’s play-off header as Goal of the Season. But who came second?
12. Who scored United’s first goal of pre-season at Poole Town?
13. Former player John Turner became Gulls’ Nest bar manager. What position did he play?
14. Who scored for Tiverton in United’s 3-1 pre-season victory?
15. Which player made a surprise return to Plainmoor in September?
16. What did Gary Johnson gift to some of the Yellow Army after the 4-3 win at Maidenhead?
17. Sinclair Armstrong joined the squad from which Championship club?
18. Frank O’Farrell celebrated his birthday in October. Was he 93, 94 or 95?
19. United’s Under-18s lost their 1st Round FA Youth Cup 4-3 to which side?
20. Who joined United in December from Billericay Town?
Christmas Quiz Part One - January to June Questions 1-10 was in last week’s column, a £10 club shop gift voucher for one lucky winner. You can enter Part One for the £10 voucher or Parts One & Two for £15 voucher or Part Two only for a chance of a £15 voucher. All questions come from the club’s official website.
Closing date for entries: 12 noon Wednesday December 29 2021. Question writer’s decision is final. Good luck!
Send your answers, with your name and contact details, to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @fanszonet
So, United go again on Sunday with the Boxing Day clash against Yeovil Town followed by a trip on Tuesday to Eastleigh.
To those who wish it were Christmas every day have a wizzard time, stay safe - and get that booster jab.
A very Happy Christmas to all.
COYY
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