The A-Z of Torquay UnitedA reminder of the people, teams, places and animals that have had an impact and influence on Torquay United during our long history – all categorised alphabetically. |
T |
Craig Taylor |
| Big defender Taylor had been captain at Plymouth Argyle, but was allowed to join United in 2003 under Leroy Rosenior. He was given the same role at Plainmoor, and formed a wonderful partnership at the back with Steve Woods that helped United win promotion in 2003-04. Taylor always lead by example and showed all his experience to lead the charge for League One. The centre back spent three more seasons with us (experiencing agonising relegation in 2005), before retiring in 2007 due to continuing injury problems. |
Bill Towers |
| United had a number of great servants just after World War II ended; amongst those was Towers, who came to Plainmoor from Leicester City in 1946. Bill was equally comfortable at right back or wing-half, and featured prominently under a number of different managers. Overall the defender played 292 times for United, including famous 1955 FA Cup games against Leeds and Huddersfield; before retiring in 1956. |
Transfers |
| As we all know Torquay United have rarely spent much money in the transfer market, relying mainly on free transfers and youth players to boost the squad. Our record signing is Leon Constantine, who arrived from Peterborough for the princely sum of £75k in December 2004. Meanwhile Billy Bodin and Eifion Williams both cost the club £70k. On the flip side our record sale came in 1998 when Crewe paid £650k for Rodney Jack. No other transfer received has come anywhere close to that figure, with only Matthew Gregg, David Graham and Bobby Olejnik commanding over £300k. |
Paul Trollope |
| Trollope came to United in 1992 after starting his career as a trainee at Swindon Town. Paul became a regular in a Torquay United team experiencing familiar struggles in the league. He made the most of his opportunities – playing over 100 times and making the play-offs under Don O’Riordan in 1994. His form at Plainmoor soon attracted attention, and in 1995 Derby County paid £100k for him. The welsh midfielder went on to play 9 times for his country. |
Ian Twitchen |
| Ian Twitchen started his career at United in 1969 and never left! The 1970s were a fairly uneventful period at Plainmoor, but Twitchen’s unerring consistency at full back could always be relied upon. He remained loyal to the team and a number of managers; finishing his career in 1981 having played 435 times for ‘the Gulls’. This puts Ian fourth in the list of all-time United appearance holders, with only Hilly, Dennis Lewis and Tommy Northcott above him. |
TUFC PROGRAMME: A-Z Feature (T) – Tranmere Rovers 14th Mar 17
TORQUAYTALK 
Did Ian Twitchin play for Dawlish, Newton Abbot Spurs and Teignmouth after leaving Torquay?
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