Name: Danny Burnell
Twitter Name: @dannyburnell_92
Why TUFC: A question I often ask myself. Born and bred in Bristol, but I started going to Torquay when I was young, and it stuck. My Gran lived in Babbacombe so we regularly visited, and went along to Plainmoor whilst I was in the area.
Year started supporting TUFC: The first full proper season I remember was 2003/04. I was old enough then to realise what it was all about and the passion it entailed.
First game: Genuinely can’t remember. I do remember going down on the train from Bristol, and the away end was uncovered. Must have been 1998 or thereabouts.
Favourite all time players: I started watching the Gulls in the Leroy era. So many to choose from. David Graham & Jo Kuffour were different class. Russell of course. Andy Marriott I was a big admirer of, in a particular poor team. Sills, Hargreaves, Todd, O’Kane & more recently our title winning captain, Asa Hall.
Best TUFC memory: So many to choose from. You’ve obviously got that play off win at Wembley over Cambridge, title winning season, that Wynter goal and of course that memorable day at Southend. But I’ll go something a little more obscure. Away at Bristol Rovers in December of the 2005/06 season. Growing up as a Torquay fan in a Bristol school, that was tough, I had to have thick skin and not very often could I gain any sort of bragging rights. But, on a freezing cold wet Saturday afternoon, with Torquay near or at the foot of the table, and in all sorts of trouble, a combination of a Andy Marriott masterclass and unbelievable left peg from Morike Sako in the dying minutes, gave us the most unlikeliest of wins and more importantly, a smile on my face in school on Monday!
Worst TUFC memory: Again, plenty to choose from. But the 3-7 drubbing Bromley was a particular low point. It was the beginning of the end, and I knew then the promised land of the Football League was as distant from Plainmoor as it was ever going to get! Equally as painful was our first relegation to the Conference. We were always flirting with relegation but when it came, it wasn’t made any easier. I remember drawing 1-1 with Peterborough in the March time and that confirmed it. It was a particularly sad day in a horrendous season.
Favourite spot at Plainmoor: Love standing at the football, any away game I opt for the terrace. But since the arrival of Bristows, I enjoy a seat right up the top by the corner flag, gives a fantastic view of the game.
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