FAN ZONE
TUST's Chair and TUFC board member, Nick Brodrick's column in this week's Herald Express - updated for the latest news.
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LOVE IS ALL AROUND AS ANOTHER 4000 CROWD AT PLAINMOOR
THE NATIONAL SOUTH TITLE RACE HOTS UP IN A MINI LEAGUE
UNITED WOMEN HIT TWELVE TO SINK POOLE
At the end of the week it’s Valentine’s Day when you may or may not be celebrating. If you are apparently you’re in the minority for a YouGuv research last year found 51% British people did not.
However, judging by the amazing crowd attendances at Plainmoor, compared with recent years, a huge number have fallen back in love with the football club. Over 4,400 two weeks ago and over 4,300 on Saturday. For a team in the sixth tier of English football this consistent level of support is remarkable.
It was important that Torquay won on an occasion when the Wollens Terrace Away end was filled by another popular community day. Let’s hope that the majority liked what they saw and they will return as regular supporters.
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It was a battle of attrition between two top sides who didn’t want to lose and it took a deflected Sam Dreyer shot that cannoned off the head of the unfortunate Eastbourne defender Freddie Carter to roll, almost in slow motion, over the line.
A word, too, about Omar Mussa who is turning into a super sub for it was from his corner in the 86th minute which led to the goal and then in added time put the cherry on top with a cool one-on-one finish.
Whilst James Hamon received the Man of the Match award, I personally thought Matt Jay had his best performance in a Torquay shirt and after the game he told me he’s champing at the bit to score his first goal.
Well, there was another big game on Tuesday night at Worthing.
What a week for Sam Dreyer. His performance on Saturday got him into the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day and the Vanarama South Team of the Week then on Tuesday he was sent off.
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The top of the National South table remains ridiculously tight and as Paul Wotton pointed out seven, maybe eight, sides are now in a mini league of 15/16 matches in the race to the title. With Maidstone and Boreham Wood losing, United’s 2-2 draw was a valuable point.
Non-League Crowd Watch: York City 5,484, Torquay 4,343, Macclesfield 3,001, Kidderminster 2,392.
United’s gate was considerably higher than four matches played in League 2.
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Regular readers of this column will be familiar with the numerous times reference to ‘three-up, three-down’ has been written. Over the years we have been told that the National League board has been in discussions with Rick Parry Chief Executive at the EFL but that’s all that’s ever happened even though the Fan Led Review talked about this being implemented.
The Government’s Football Governance Bill by the way is currently ‘stuck’ in the House of Lords.
However, in the last week, following a meeting amongst all 72 National League team’s officials, the National League has launched ‘3 UP, Put Football First’, a campaign to get the rules changed.
The hope is that the topic will be on the agenda for June’s EFL AGM and that the change will be implemented in time for the 2025-26 season.
To be clear three-up/three-down is between the National League and League 2.
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Torquay United Women had a stunning 12-0 away win in Dorset over Poole Town Ladies with seven different players on the score sheet with Ellie Bishop (4) and Lucy Solloway (3) leading the way while, returning from injury, club captain Danni Wyatt came off the bench to score. After the game Danni said, “I had a good feeling about this game. Off the back of a good training session, I felt a bit more settled heading into the match.”
The win keeps the women tucked in behind leaders Marine Academy Plymouth, albeit eleven points separate them but crucially United have four games in hand and currently a superior goal difference.
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As one of the TUST directors on the football club board I am frequently asked about aspects of the running of the club. Our joint search for a Supporter Liaison Officer is hopefully to put in place someone who can help answer supporters’ questions.
We appreciate it is a lengthy job description for what is a non paid position but someone recently retired, local and a passionate Gulls’ fan might be tempted to apply.
A frequent question this season, especially because of the bigger crowds, is the problem of leaving Bristows Bench after a game. Why can’t we exit via the Babbacombe end after the away fans have left?
The answer is that the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) will not allow this as Plainmoor is a dedicated stadium and for football to operate SAG have to issue a safety certificate.
You can contact me by emailing fanszone.tu@gmail.com.
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For TUST’s CSI investors have you been to see the investors’ board? It’s inside the Hospitality Entrance. And if you are going to the Hornchurch game on Saturday don’t forget to call in Boots & Laces 1.30pm to 2.45pm or 5.00pm to 5.30pm to collect your investor envelope containing your share certificate and pin badge if you haven't already done so.
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By now all Gulls’ fans will be aware of the sad news about the death of fans’ favourite Tony Bedeau and more about him in next week’s column. In the meantime there will be a minute’s applause on Saturday.
COYY
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