PREVIEW

Steve Harris

@steveharris84

Steve looks back over Clarke Osborne’s ultimately ill-fated time at Plainmoor

DECEMBER 2016

Clarke Osborne acquires ownership of the club from the previous board led by Dave Phillips, as they are unable to repay the loan of £120,000 which they borrowed from Gaming International during the 2015-16 campaign.

APRIL 2017

The Gulls retain their National League status with a 2-0 win over North Ferriby United on the final day of the 2016-17 campaign.

JULY 2017

Clarke Osborne discloses the details of his ‘5 year plan’ for Torquay United, which includes a return to the EFL, engagement with supporters (hmm), a new multi-purpose stadium, a youth academy and long term sustainability.

AUGUST 2017

United manager Kevin Nicholson is dismissed following a 4-2 midweek home defeat to Boreham Wood.

SEPTEMBER 2017

After a long recruitment process Gary Owers arrives from Bath City as successor to Kevin Nicholson.

JANUARY 2018

Osborne releases a statement confirming his backing for under pressure boss Gary Owers, and also discussing his 5 year plan, which of course includes the new stadium.

APRIL 2018

A 1-1 draw in the Gulls’ final away game of the season against Hartlepool United confirms relegation to National League South, which now means United will be playing in regional non-league football for the first time since the 1926-27 season. Osborne releases a statement apologising to supporters and confirms the club will remain full-time.

JULY 2018

Osborne makes a rare visit to Plainmoor, hosting supporters in the Family Stand and giving a speech on his hopes and dreams for Torquay United.

SEPTEMBER 2018

After an indifferent start to life in National League South, Gary Owers is sacked as Gulls manager and is replaced by Gary Johnson days later.

JANUARY 2019

Osborne and mayor Gordon Oliver meet to discuss his plans for a new stadium and more “I am very grateful to the Mayor for facilitating the meeting and for his continued and valued support for the Club”.

APRIL 2019

Johnson successfully guides United to the National League South title with a 2-0 win over Eastbourne Borough, thus securing the club’s first league title since 1926-27.

MARCH 2020

The 2019-20 National League season is suspended indefinitely due the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Gulls ending the campaign in 14^th place as the campaign is decided on PPG (points per game). The players are furloughed, and the club go onto support a successful summer for Gary Johnson in signing on players to new contracts and bringing new ones in.

OCTOBER 2020

The delayed 2020-21 campaign gets underway, but played behind closed doors due to COVID-19. United secure a 1-0 win on the opening day of the campaign against Stockport County, with Connor Lemonheigh-Evans scoring a late winner.

MAY 2021

After being in contention for the National League title for much of the 2020-21 season, the Gulls are forced to settle for second place and a play-off spot.

JUNE 2021

A win over Notts County in the semi-finals of the play-offs sets up a final with Hartlepool United at Ashton Gate. The Gulls draw 1-1 in normal time thanks to a dramatic equaliser in injury time from goalkeeper Lucas Covolan, but lose 5-4 on penalties.

MAY 2022

United finish 11^th in the National League in the 2021-22 season, eight points short of the play-offs.

SEPT 2022

Osborne tells Devon Live of his determination to still build a new stadium – ‘As we don’t own Plainmoor it is vital that the club relocates’.

APRIL 2023

The Gulls’ return to National League South is confirmed with a 1-1 draw with champions Wrexham on the final day of the 2022-23 season. Osborne confirms that Torquay United will remain full-time, and Gary Johnson is also confirmed as the manager for 2023-24.

NOVEMBER 2023

Osborne conducts a (chummy) interview with Torbay Weekly’s Jim Parker, which discusses his life and times, and defends his time at Torquay United.

DECEMBER 2023

Clarke Osborne answers supporter questions alongside Mel Hayman, George Edwards and Gary Johnson in a pre-recorded fans forum. He re-iterates his confidence that he will build a new stadium for Torquay United.

JANUARY 2024

The official website reports on a positive meeting between Osborne and Torquay Council in regards to a new stadium, though it soon becomes obvious that the project was no nearer to reality.

FEBRUARY 2024

Clarke Osborne announces that he is withdrawing finance with immediate effect and the club will be going into Administration, and he will also be standing down as chairman. It is later announced that Gary Johnson will be resigning as manager with Aaron Downes taking over on an interim basis.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68379824.amp