TT BLOG

Thomas Kelly

@tommyktufc

Well, confirmation (If it wasn’t already so bleeding obvious) that Torquay United will be playing in the National League South next season came today with the release of the 23/24 National League fixtures. Gary Johnson will be looking to put the disappointment of relegation behind him and guide Torquay United back up at the first time of asking.

United cannot afford to start the season slowly and no doubt the pressure will ramp up further should Torquay struggle to make early headway in the South. That said, the Yellow Army will travel the country in numbers once more in what we hope will be a much improved season against many part time sides and the return of Frank Nouble into the mix makes for what we hope is an interesting season ahead.

Let’s look at some of the key fixtures for us in the upcoming NLS season…

OPENING DAY

Well, just the longest journey of the season it is to start us off, a 520+ mile round trip to sample the delights that is Dover. The Kent side only just survived relegation last season on goal difference and after a turbulent period in recent years, they will be looking to stabilise in the NLS this time around. It could be a tricky test to start our campaign on a slopping pitch, but on the plus side, at least we’re getting the longest journey over and done with early doors. As far as the ground goes, it’s fine for NLS level and there are a few decent pubs nearby, just prepare yourself for the walk uphill towards the stadium. It might not be the most inspiring of fixtures to kick us off, but an important one to set a marker for the upcoming season. The hunt for promotion begins.

XMAS/NEW YEAR

IT’S NOT YEOVIL!!!! It’s Truro City (Plymouth Parkway) for the Gulls over the festive period, one that probably most would have predicted months ago.

It will be a repeat of the festive period 2018/19, with United hosting Truro City on Boxing Day, followed by a trip down the A38 to their temporary home of Bolitho Park in Plymouth. It’s one that will be sure to sell out (at least from an away fans perspective) and a new ground to tick off for many with our only appearance there in a pre-season friendly match last season. Getting tickets could be an issue with such a small capacity ground and the level of interest this fixture could attract if things are going well for us come the festive season. Not the best place to get to without a car either and apparently Argyle are at home on the same day. Devon & Cornwall police I’m sure will be thrilled with this one. One to keep an eye on nearer the time.

YEOVIL TOWN

Well, with the news of Frank Nouble signing for the Green and Whites, this has certainly added some spice to the NLS battle between us next season. Both sides will no doubt fancy themselves for top spot and I do think the attendance record in the NLS could be smashed if both sides go into their Good Friday match eying top spot.

Our home game takes place on a Tuesday night in November which will no doubt disappoint some but with a lot of clubs in the SW of the country in the NLS next season, it’s no real surprise. There is a Torquay v Woking feel about the two clubs going into this season and banter is already building up on social media.

Let’s hope the result is the same as it was 2019, with Torquay winning the league. Maybe we won’t get soaked in the away end for a change as well! Two teams desperate to push back into the National League, should be a cracker.

OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE..

United will have a fair few trips in the seasides of the NLS, the first away to Eastbourne Borough on the 14th October. United then head to Weston-super-Mare just ten days later on the 24th October for another top bins mid-week clash. A first ever trip to Worthing takes place in late January, before United head to Dorset to face former NL side Weymouth at the beginning of March. Not the ideal times to get your bucket and spades out and with Eastbourne & Worthing playing on 4G pitches, United will need to push past their inability of playing on the plastic should we dream of an immediate return to the NL at the first time of asking. Big questions whether the likes of Asa and Deano will play a full 90 mins on the fake grass linger.

THE FINAL DAY

United end their campaign at home to Havant & Waterlooville, the side who ended our FA Cup dreams only a few years ago. The Hampshire side are another one who will have an eye on the play-offs this season after a disappointing end to 22/23 saw them finish in 10th place.

The Hawks last tasted the play-offs in the 2019/20, finishing 2nd on PPG when the season was curtailed and they will be looking to return for the 23/24 campaign. On paper, it could be a very challenging final game of the season, but to have home advantage could and should be a huge plus. It’s always hard to predict though at this stage. Our dreams quite rightly should be set on an immediate return to the NL but we all know that football is a funny old sport and we should take nothing for granted.

That final run in of Welling (A), Bath (A) and Havant (H) has the potential to be very challenging, but in Gary (I suppose) we trust…so bring on the new season.