TT BLOG

Danny Burnell – @dannyburnell_92

Danny previews the upcoming week, as well as looking at events that happened on this day for the week commencing 1st August

THE WEEK AHEAD

Saturday – TUFC v Oldham @ Plainmoor (15.00 KO)

So, here we go. The day every United fan has been waiting for. The 2022/23 season kicks off. The fixture list could hardly have been more enticing as one of last season’s relegated teams from League Two are the visitors. Oldham’s decline has been rapid. The Latics, who spent two season’s in English football’s top flight in the 90’s, will be competing in their first ever non-league campaign. They are managed by former Argyle manager John Sheridan, who is in his fifth spell as manager at Boundary Park.

A fresh look United could see them start with no more than 3 of the same players that played in the final game of last season. The likes of Little, CLE, Lewis & Wynter are all a distant memory, as the new players come in and try to make a name for themselves. Meetings between the two have been sparse, with the last outing coming 17 years ago, when Hockley & Akinfenwa goals secured a 2-1 win in Greater Manchester. The heady heights of League One!

Sunday – TUWFC v Plymouth Argyle U23 (14.00 KO)

Argyle are the Ladies’ fourth test of the pre-season campaign. United, now managed by Steve Elswood, will be looking to improve on last season’s 4th placed finish.

PLAYED FOR BOTH

Reuben Hazell enjoyed a two-year spell in the Riviera, before making over 150 appearances for the Latics. Whilst, Rodney Jack made his name at Plainmoor, earning himself a £650k move to Crewe. He spent a short time at Oldham in the 2004/05 season, scoring 2 goals in 10 appearances.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT : RODNEY JACK

Position: Striker

Place of birth: Kingstown, St Vincent & The Grenadines

DOB: 28/09/72

TUFC Stats (all competitions) : Appearances: 105, Goals: 28

Clubs represented: Hairoun Lions, Lambada, Torquay, Crewe, Rushden & Diamonds, Oldham, Waterford Utd, Southport, Nantwich

Signed by: Don O’Riordan

Memorable moment: A 2-minute brace against Scarborough for the St Vincent international, to all but secure the Gulls place in the Third Division play off final.

A Catch Up With: Rodney Jack…Jack…Jack

BIRTHDAYS

Michael Brough – The midfielder, who was part of United’s first non-league campaign, will turn 41 on Monday.

Kieran Charnock – Spent a couple of seasons at Plainmoor back in the late 00’s, turns 38 on Wednesday.

Taiwo Atieno – The former Kenyan international, spent a single season in the Bay. Celebrates turning 37 on Saturday.

ON THIS DAY

1st August 2016 – Brett Williams is amongst the scorers as United beat Premier League West Brom in their final warm up match.

6th August 2012– Bristows Bench is officially opened by Stoke City’s Tony Pulis & Helen Chamberlain.

7th August 2004 – A Steve Woods penalty earns the Gulls an opening day draw at Ashton Gate against Bristol City.

1st August 1995 – A star studded Chelsea side, including the likes of Ruud Gullit & Frank Sinclair, come to Plainmoor for pre-season. The away side run out 5-0 winners.

2nd August 1967 – Torquay draw 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in their first ever continental tour.