‘Gary time’ is back, and it couldn’t have been timed any better. A much needed home win over Southend could be the catalyst they need to kickstart the season. I look ahead to the ‘Gulls week’, and what’s happening across all the TUFC teams, including birthday’s, ‘on this day’ and a very special trip down memory lane….
What’s happening this week……
Saturday – Chesterfield v TUFC @ Technique Stadium (17.20 KO)
United head north to Derbyshire on Saturday, hoping to put a show on in front of the BT camera’s. Chesterfield will prove a very stern test for the Gulls, taking 17 points from their first 7 games and currently sitting pretty at the top. The win over Southend will provide a much needed boost for Torquay as they look to build momentum to push them up that table after a poor start. After the re-signing of Shaun MacDonald, the Gulls may further bolster their squad ahead of the weekend’s game. The Yellow Army won’t be phased by the trip to Chesterfield, as last season showed. Torquay put in a real shift to come out 2-0 winners with goals from Lemonheigh-Evans & Billy Waters.
Sunday – Forest Green Rovers Women v TUFC Women
Grant takes his ladies’ team to the Cotswolds, with a trip to Forest Green. They will look to remain unbeaten after a strong start to the campaign, including a very impressive 5-1 away win at Bideford last time out.
Sunday – University of Plymouth Ladies FC v TUFC Women Development @ Staddiscombe Playing Fields (14.00 KO)
Two wins out of two so far, and after their cup exploits last week and a 3-0 triumph at Halwill, TUFC Women Development return to league action with a trip to the University of Plymouth. They will be looking to build on their opening day win over Shaldon.
Birthdays
Joe Lewis – 22
The powerhouse Welsh defender will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Monday. After the weekend’s results, he will have plenty to celebrate. Have a good one Joe!
Alex Moyse – 19
Alex will celebrate turning 19 on Wednesday. After impressing with a string of fine performances in pre-season, Moyse signed a professional contract at Plainmoor in the summer. Enjoy Alex!
Lee Mansell – 39
Club legend ‘Manse’ will turn 39 on Thursday. Famed for his heroics in midfield, and battling attitude (oh, and his ultimate bromance with Nicho, as the clip below shows), Mansell is truly one of the modern greats at Plainmoor. Enjoy your day Lee!
On this day……
22nd September 2018 – After entering the FA Cup in just the second qualifying round stage, Torquay record their biggest ever FA Cup victory, a 7-0 away win at Lymington Town. And with that, Saikou Janneh also makes history for TUFC after becoming the first player born in the 21st century to represent the Gulls when he came on as a substitute.
23rd September 2008 – After an early injury to Michael Poke, striker Tim Sills is put in goal for 75 minutes in an away game at Forest Green. Through pure resilience, Torquay win 2-1 thanks to some heroics from Sillsy and a last gasp Matt Green goal.
24th September 1998 – Chris Waddle, yes the same Chris Waddle who started for Spurs in that 1-0 victory 11 years prior, signs for the Gulls at the tender age of 37.
21st September 1991 – After returning to Plainmoor following a stint at Exeter, Jim McNichol plays his last ever match for the gulls, in an away match at Hull. McNichol will forever be held in Torquay folklore after this brush with Bryn the German Shephard. Jim was the player Bryn bit, causing the player to be treated and thus causing additional time at the end of the match, in which Torquay scored to clinch survival.
26th September 1990 – Manchester City travel to Plainmoor in the League Cup. United are beaten 4-0.
23rd September 1987 – Torquay United 1 – 0 Tottenham Hotspur. See ‘ A trip down memory lane’
22nd September 1960 – Tommy Northcott scores 3 in a 5-2 home win over Tranmere.
25th September 1957 – The club record its 31st successive home game without defeat, a club record.
20th September 1919 – Torquay play their first competitive game post World War I. The Gulls lose 1-0 away at Plymouth Argyle reserves.
A trip down memory lane..
Torquay United 1 – 0 Tottenham Hotspur
Wednesday 23rd September 1987 – League Cup Second Round (1st Leg)
Venue: Plainmoor
Attendance: 5,000
United squad (as per official programme): Allen, McNichol, Kelly, Haslegrove, Cole, Impey, Gardiner, Lloyd, Pearce, Loram, Dobson, Musker, Nardiello, Dawkins
A David & Goliath if ever there was one. Just 4 months previous, Torquay had staved off relegation in the most spectacular of circumstances, thanks to a police dog called Bryn. Now they were playing and beating Spurs in the League Cup second round.
This was a Spurs side full of talent and full internationals. A goalkeeper by the name of Ray Clemence, who had represented England 61 times. Gary Mabbutt, 16 England appearances, and over 450 for the London side. Chris Waddle 62 England caps. World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles in the midfield. It was star-studded beyond belief. Spurs expected to come to Plainmoor and steam-roll little old Torquay, of course they did. No-one expected the side from South Devon to put any sort of a fight up. How wrong they were. Derek ‘The Dude’ Dawkins blasting the ball home for the only goal of the game and thus cementing himself, and that team in TUFC history. Relive the moment below…..
TORQUAYTALK 
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