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 15th August
THE WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday – Bromley v TUFC @ Hayes Lane (19.45 KO)
Our first midweek fixture of the season sees us travelling to familiar territory in Bromley. An opening day defeat at Wealdstone, was followed up by a goal-less draw at home to Altrincham, as manager Andy Woodman aims to go one better than previous seasons and make the play-offs.
GJ and his depleted side are still in the ‘gelling’ phase, and trips to Halifax & Bromley should give the management team a better understanding of where the team are.
Saturday – TUFC v Boreham Wood @ Plainmoor (15.00 KO)
A return to Plainmoor for our fourth game of the season, as Wood are the visitors. It continues to be a tough start for the Gulls who have faced 3 sides that finished above them last season. Last season saw the two play out a rather unremarkable goal-less draw.
Sunday – Weymouth Women v TUWFC @ Away (14.00 KO)
As the season draws ever closer, the Ladies’ face another tough test in the shape of Weymouth.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Brett Williams sandwiched in a spell at Bromley in between his two Plainmoor stints. Winger Iffy Allen had a brief spell at TQ1 in 2016, before a move to Bromley via Aldershot & Wrexham.
Former Gulls loanee Josh Rees has had the honour of representing all 3 clubs. The ex-Forest man made the switch to Meadow Park in the summer. Tyrone Marsh & Scott Boden were both on the BW books last season, with the latter now playing for York.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT : JASON FOWLER
Position: Midfielder
Place of birth: Bristol
DOB: 20/08/74
TUFC Stats (all competitions) : 107 appearances, 8 goals
Clubs represented: Bristol City, Cardiff, Torquay
Signed by: Roy McFarland
Memorable moment: Part of an ‘elite’ club which saw him claim a Division Three promotion medal. Complimented the likes of Alex Russell & Matt Hockley superbly, and baring injuries, would have played at a much higher level for a lot longer.
BIRTHDAYS
Gary Warren – The veteran defender, now in an academy role at Ross County, will turn 38 on Tuesday. The ex Yeovil & Exeter man made 24 appearances for the Gulls.
Stephen Duke-McKenna – A fan favourite in his short time at Plainmoor, the tricky midfielder is trying to force himself into the QPR first team plans. He celebrates turning 22 on Wednesday.
Jason Fowler – A vital cog in the Leroy Rosenior ‘Gullactico’s’ back in the early 2000’s. Injuries sadly saw his career cut short. Will turn 48 on Saturday.
ON THIS DAY
17th August 2017 – Just 4 games into the season, manager Kevin Nicholson is sacked, months after the ‘impossible’ escape.
20th August 1994 – History is made at Plainmoor as lines-woman Wendy Toms is the first female to officiate at a Football League match.
18th August 1962 – Ernie Pym nets a hat-trick away at Exeter, as goalkeeper Terry Adlington makes his debut for the Gulls.
21st August 1954 – The newly named ‘Gulls’ play in Gold and Blue for the very first time. This comes after the black and white strips and ‘Magpie’ nickname is ditched, to reflect the town’s seaside tourism.
NOSTALGIA STREET
ALDERSHOT 0-3 TUFC
Date: 15th August 2007
Competition: Blue Square Premier
Venue: The Recreation Ground
Attendance: 3,139
Starting Line-Up: Rayner, Robertson, Todd, Woods, Nicholson, Stevens, Mansell, Hargreaves, Zebroski, Phillips, Sills
After a fairly un-eventful start to their first ever Non-League campaign, the Gulls collected their first win with a comprehensive away win at the Shots, something that had become all too rare in recent seasons. Paul Buckle’s newly assembled team dominated proceedings and came away very comfortable winners with Stevens, Sills & Zebroski all netting.
TORQUAYTALK 