DREAM TEAM

Tom Armstrong

@trbarmy

Tom picks his Gulls dream team

My first Torquay game was back in 1989 and the Sherpa Van Trophy Final at Wembley, which was an amazing day as a 7 year old and the start of my journey as a Torquay fan – One of many lows as well as highs supporting the Gulls. Favourite game was Scarborough in the Play Off Semi Final when Rodney Jack ran riot! Worst game home vs Exeter in Play Off Semi Final/Colchester/Stevenage Play Off Final defeats.

GOALKEEPER – NEVILLE SOUTHALL

A special mention for Kenny Veysey and Gareth Howells but Big Nev was an incredible signing and one of the best in the world in his heyday – Still managed to pull off some incredible saves despite being at the latter stage of his career.

SOUTHALL STATS – TUFC: 1998-2000, APPEARANCES 61, GOALS 0

LEFT BACK – KEVIN NICHOLSON

A rocket of a left foot and someone who week in week out was 7 or 8 out of 10.

NICHOLSON STATS – TUFC: 2007-2014 & 2015-17, APPEARANCES 350, GOALS 13

RIGHT BACK – ANDY GURNEY

Loved a tackle and had a cracking shot and the wing back combination with Paul Gibbs was top drawer.

GURNEY STATS – TUFC: 1997-99, APPEARANCES 78, GOALS 11

CENTRE BACK – MATT ELLIOTT

Part of the 1989 & 1991 Wembley squads and the bedrock of the defence, played at a much higher level after he left the Gulls.

ELLIOTT STATS – TUFC: 1989-92, APPEARANCES 158, GOALS 20

CENTRE BACK – DARREN MOORE

No-nonsense centre back who again played at a higher level – Bruuunnnnnoooooooo. Special mentions for Wes Saunders and Craig Taylor.

MOORE STATS – TUFC: 1992-95, APPEARANCES 124, GOALS 11

LEFT WING – LEE SHARPE

Not with the Gulls for long but a must in the dream team given he went onto be an England International.

SHARPE STATS – TUFC: 1987-88, APPEARANCES 19, GOALS 3

MIDFIELD – MATT HOCKLEY

With all this attacking talent a bit of balance was needed and a decision between Hockers and Lee Mansell but I’ve gone with Matt – Tenacious and hard working.

HOCKLEY STATS – TUFC: 2000-08, APPEARANCES 265, GOALS 10

MIDFIELD – ALEX RUSSELL

The footballing brain of Leroy’s team and what a cultured player he was with Jason Fowler alongside him and Matt Hockley as the foil.

RUSSELL STATS – TUFC: 2001-05, APPEARANCES 163, GOALS 22

HZX00272_SUB_003 Boston v Torquay Matt Hockley celebrates his goal at Boston. Photograph by Tim Hoff.

RIGHT WING – MARK LORAM

Mercurial talent with a wand of a left foot cutting in from the right – Could have played higher but was a homebird and loved a night out!

LORAM STATS – TUFC: 1984-86, 1987-92 & 1994, APPEARANCES 331, GOALS 63

STRIKER – DAVID GRAHAM

One of my favourite all time Gulls and what a talent, so many great goals and assists and loved a night down on the harbourside!

GRAHAM STATS – TUFC: 2001-04 & 2007, APPEARANCES 137, GOALS 49

STRIKER – RODNEY JACK

Lightning fast and our second Caribbean import after Gregory Goodridge – Small but strong and put some great goals away in his partnership with Andy MacFarlane and for a small period Jason Roberts (Oh I wish Mike Bateson had paid the money for him!).

JACK STATS – TUFC: 1995-98, APPEARANCES 105, GOALS 28

Mark Loram – Photo courtesy Paul Levie – Torbay News Agency

SUBSTITUTES

Gareth Howells – Wembley Hero. TUFC Appearances 105, Goals 0*

Wes Saunders – Captain and Legend. TUFC Appearances 74, Goals 11

Jason Fowler – A cultured footballer and what a combination with Alex Russell. TUFC Appearances 107, Goals 8

Kevin Hill – Record appearance holder. TUFC Appearances 474, Goals 57

Robin Stubbs – A goalscoring legend at the club. TUFC Appearances 263, Goals 133

* One fantastic penalty!

MANAGER – LEROY ROSENIOR

Leroy’s team played some of the best football I have seen on my many visits to Plainmoor and automatic promotion was a fine achievement for a club our size. He would be able to work his magic with this team.