TT BLOG
Dom Roman
@DomRoman
The Ed looks at what he would like from the new owners
SUPPORTER ENGAGEMENT
Clarke Osborne was never remotely interested in supporters, and I’m not sure if he ever came to a game at Plainmoor, preferring to let George Edwards take charge and feed back to him. Whoever takes ownership of Torquay United needs to commit this apathy to the past, ideally by getting to know their supporters, and by understanding these fiercely loyal people who follow their team up and down the land. This should be a big part of the new Torquay United, being open to listening to supporter concerns and suggestions, working harmoniously with the trust and hopefully pushing together for a brighter future. If the new owners believe in themselves and believe in what they can achieve at the club, then do not be afraid to front up to the Yellow Army in person. We would appreciate it.
PASSION FOR SPORTS
Another obvious aspect of the previous hierarchy is their lack of passion for sports, and most importantly football. I saw this when Clarke Osborne presented us with a load of business waffle at the open day in 2018, and we’ve seen it at every game from his Chief Executive. For a while it didn’t matter, as Gary Johnson had the hunger and motivation to get results on the pitch, but when GJ’s energy started sapping, the club could not rediscover any zest to bounce back. We want people who care passionately about what happens in each and every game, and take every defeat on the chin. This doesn’t mean they have to be Torquay supporters, but they do need to love the competition of sports and be ready to ride the tidal waves of joy or disappointment that come with it. An enthusiasm from the top can filter through the whole club and go a long way.
BE READY TO REFRESH
Torquay United have become a club clogged up in a losing mentality from the top to the bottom, and this has given us downwards momentum that at some point has to be reversed. The clearest solution to this is refreshing the club and bringing in new characters, preferably people who simply hate losing and demand high standards from those around them. With the existing players falling out of contract and no permanent manager in place, this is the perfect time to do it. The head coaching role is the most important decision, and I’m sure the job will attract plenty of interest from around the football circles. Make a strong appointment, provide a decent budget and we could be in business. I cannot wait to see new faces at TUFC, they just need to be the right ones.
BUSINESS ACUMEN/REVIEW
Whilst knocking the playing side into shape always takes priority, perhaps the biggest test of owning Torquay United is trying to make the finances work..or at least work better than they did under Clarke Osborne. There’s no easy answers to this, because football clubs are very tough businesses to run! The owners should be open to looking into the ideas that other clubs have put in place, and open to ideas from their very own supporters and people/contacts who have experienced success in the world of business or sports. From the ticketing procedures and prices, to the merchandise, to the vital matchday experience and more, everything can be reviewed and perhaps changed for the better, even if it means some early investment to make it happen.
LONG TERM COMMITMENT
Torquay United have always been run as a rollercoaster short term venture, with not enough thought and attention put into building for the future, and a football side that can often be pushing for the top one year and trying to escape relegation the next. Bristow’s Bench could have a been a big moment in our history back in 2012, and although the stand gives terrific leg room and views of the game, it does not create any other revenue than ticket sales for the club – no hospitality or bars to house home or away supporters, and no way of changing this. Meanwhile the Youth Systems were closed twice, decisions that were taken to save the club money, but cost us numerous local players who could have changed everything for us. With poor planning we’ve also failed to gather transfer fees for the quality players that have graced Plainmoor. This summer I hope to see the new owners construct a realistic long term strategy for Torquay United that gives us confidence in them and our future on and off the pitch. Supporters have shown they won’t give up, now would be an ideal time for the club to match this commitment with strong and forceful leadership that shows there is life in the old dog yet.