TT BLOG

Sam Jones – @samuellejones

Sam looks at his top five moments from United’s legendary Skipper.

The last few years have been very forgettable for United fans. We have had the highs of winning the National League South, to the lows of relegation and the club going into administration. This also includes a number of incredibly forgettable players too. It feels like we’ve had about 40 players on the book each season due to either injuries or just dreadful recruitment, as well as a plethora of loan signings which haven’t worked out for one reason or another. Anyone remember Cameron Thompson? No, me neither. But there is one man who towers over all of them, and will live long in the memory of the Yellow Army (and not just because he is 6ft 2). That’s right, is Leader, Legend and most importantly Viking, Asa Phillip Hall. In his 6 years with the Gulls, he created lots of memorable moments and it was hard to pick just five. So, in no particular order (apart from chronological) here are my top five moments.

THE STUNNER VS TRURO (H)

Remember when we were first in the National League South? That was fun. We were scoring goals like nobody’s business and beating teams with ease like Ragnar Lothbrok against the Monks when first landing on Lindesfarne. This was all while playing some of the best football Plainmoor had ever seen. There were plenty of great goals that season, which a lot of them coming in this very game, but Asa’s audacious effort from 25 odd yards really was hard to beat. It was an iconic moment during the season of good cheer for the Gulls, and one of the greatest goals Plainmoor had ever seen. Reidy’s reaction says it all, hands on his head in disbelief as he and Asa goes wheeling away towards the Popside.

LIFTING THE NLS TROPHY AT PLAINMOOR

Now, I know it was a team effort to win the title, but Asa “Rollo” Hall was the Captain.. We were head and shoulders above everyone else that season, winning the title at a canter. A lot of that was down to Hall’s leadership on and off the pitch, making sure the players did no get complacent to ensure we got back to the National League. So, it was incredibly fitting that he got to lift the Trophy at Plainmoor as Torquay won their first ever League Title. The scenes on that day will be remembered forever, and we all thought it was only going to get better…

🟡 United’s Captain Fantastic

For pure historic appeal, few memories can better the moment that Asa Hall hoisted the National League South trophy aloft to declare United as champions, becoming the first Torquay skipper in 92 years to do so. #tufc

👉 https://t.co/gOdcJy6DSN pic.twitter.com/DHssohqRut
— Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) April 26, 2020

P.S. Rollo was a famous Viking warrior, not the chocolate which is spelt with only one l. Just in case anyone was wondering what I was doing.

WINNER VS SUTTON (A)

The 2020/2021 season was the most sliding doors of sliding doors seasons it was possible to have. It was memorable for all the right and the wrong reasons. On top of that, for most of it we were all cooped up inside, resorting to watching United on our phones or laptops having paid at least a tenner for the pleasure of doing so. Despite all the Gary time goals we scored that season, the 1-0 win at Sutton felt the most significant. In what we thought was the title deciding game, you could’ve cut the atmosphere with a knife as neither side wanted to lose. As it looked destined for a drab 0-0, Randell swung a cross in which was met by a stooping Hall. I’m still not sure how he did it, but Asa made perfect contact and managed to guide it into the bottom corner, past a despairing keeper. It also gave us one of the most iconic photos of lockdown football, with a jubilant skipper celebrating in front of an empty Ganders Green.

GOAL VS NOTTS COUNTY (H) IN THE PLAY-OFFS

Now, I know none of us like talking about the Play offs that season but for this article I’m going to have too. Picture this, extra time at Plainmoor against Notts County. 2-2 the score on a beautiful day on the English Riviera. It had been a proper back and forth encounter, with the Gulls twice going ahead but both times being pinned back by a stubborn away side. With the first half of extra time drifting towards the break, and the threat of penalties drawing ever closer, United won a corner. As Jake Andrews whipped it in, Asa threw himself at it to nod it past the despairing Slocombe to send Plainmoor crazy. He also basically gave himself a concussion as he collided with a County defender in the process. On the biggest stage the captain put everything on the line once again to guide us to Ashton Gate, just like Leif Erikson to the Americas. OK, that reference was a bit forced….

WINNER VS TAUNTON (A)

We all know what happened in the next two seasons for the Gulls after the defeat at Ashton Gate. But for Asa in particular they were tough as he battled with injuries, meaning his opportunities on the pitch were very limited. There were some big moments for him in the period, including the double at Alty in 2023, but they ultimately contributed to nothing as the Gulls were relegated. As the 2023/2024 season was coming to an end, United found themselves in another relegation battle after everyone’s least favourite evil Uncle Clarke pulled the plug. United went to Taunton, needing a win to secure survival and keep our place in the NLS for another season. By this point, Asa was playing Centre Back as his legs couldn’t cut it in midfield anymore. That didn’t stop him giving his all, and scoring one of the most important goals in United history. As McGavin whipped a corner in, Asa got in front of his marker to volley the ball into the back of the net. It was a finish we had got used to seeing from Asa down the years, but none of them meant as much as that one.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We won’t just remember him for the big moments of course. We’ll remember him for being the fearless leader, who always gave everything to the Yellow cause. A man who would play any position on the field without question, and always put in a fully committed performance. Despite the turbulent times he was there for, he leaves United on the best possible terms. Tusen Takk for everything Asa, you’ll always be welcome in the English Riviera.