DREAM TEAM
Joe Lovell – @Lovel_Joe
GOALKEEPER – NEVILLE SOUTHALL
My dad, an Evertonian, upped the frequency of our trips to Plainmoor in the late 90s to watch Big Nev put on many a goalkeeping masterclass. His positioning was always on point, and he made it look so simple. My mother will be upset that I haven’t gone with Kenny Veysey, who she always said was a lovely bloke when he would go into her workplace, the Halifax in Paignton.
LEFT BACK – KEVIN NICHOLSON
Rarely exposed in defence and a lovely left foot. Consistent and, most importantly, could always be relied upon to give 100%.
RIGHT BACK – PAUL HOLMES
I wasn’t born when he signed for the club first time round, but was a regular attendee for his 2nd stint. A no-brainer of a selection given the level he went on to play after leaving the club, and by all accounts was a fantastic person.
CENTRE BACK – JIMMY AGGREY
As a young kid watching Torquay, Jimmy Aggrey was a man mountain, and had a hell of a season in 2000. The fact that he went on to play an acting role in Sky’s Dream Team cements his spot.
CENTRE BACK – STEVE WOODS
The more cultured of the pairing with Craig Taylor, Steve Woods could play a bit! He’d regularly start attacks from the back and was perfect for Leroy’s attractive style of play. Obviously a very solid defender, but included on the basis that he made a real contribution in attack – central to the 2004 promotion.
LEFT MIDFIELD – KEVIN HILL
A club legend. A massive work rate, but worthy of his inclusion based upon his playing ability alone. Great in the air, versatile and capable of a worldie from time to time. Him hiding behind the keeper before swooping in, nicking the ball and rolling into the net sticks in my memory (I can’t get my head around why the away fans weren’t screaming to let the keeper know he was there).
CENTRE MIDFIELD – ALEX RUSSELL
The best footballer I’ve seen at Plainmoor. The puppeteer pulling the strings in Leroy’s promotion winning team, making everyone around him look a better player. Could he still do a job now?
CENTRE MIDFIELD – JASON FOWLER
Another Rolls Royce of a midfielder, often hampered by injury – I can only imagine what he would’ve been capable of should he have been fully fit more regularly.
RIGHT MIDFIELD – JO KUFFOUR
Four foot three, and better than Henry. Scared the life out of defenders week in, week out. Very entertaining to watch and scored/assisted some significant goals, with his back heel away at Yeovil being a personal favourite. Also a regular in Claire’s nightclub on Saturday nights.
STRIKER – DAVID GRAHAM
Oozed class, and a great striker of a ball. I remember how gutted I was when he departed after the 04 promotion, but gave me some of my best memories as a Torquay fan. Southend Away – what a day! I’m surprised he didn’t progress further in the game after leaving Plainmoor.
STRIKER – RODNEY JACK
(Jack, Jack) Squeezed him in upfront so that I could include Jo Kuffour on the right! Lit up Plainmoor in my early memories of going to games, and was a constant threat.
SUBS
Kevin Dearden – Fairly consistent during my favourite TUFC generation – do remember he got lobbed with a header against Sheffield Wednesday at home though!
Lee Canoville – Cultured footballer, formed part of that defence that was very comfortable playing a passing game.
Tony Bedeau – was a toss up between him and Kuffour – particularly enjoyed his Pink Panther-inspired song.
Matt Hockley – Tenacious, extremely hard-working, could strike a ball!
Tim Sills – That goal, what more needs to be said?!
THE MANAGER – LEROY ROSENIOR
Gave me and countless others a few glory years at Plainmoor. The football was fantastic, I even enjoyed watching the one-touch football in the warmups. Before his time with playing out from the back, stuck to his principles and it paid off.
COYY – JOE
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