DREAM TEAM

Robin Causley

My dad started taking me to Plainmoor in the early 60’s and I became a regular from 1964 onwards and apart from a short “boycott” during the Webb years’, I have been to the majority of home matches and a fair few away ever since.

The 60’s were a great time to be watching TUFC (reflected in my team selection) – a team with big names being persuaded to play for us due to Frank O’Farrell’s West Ham connections; big crowds, watching us flying high in Division 3 and becoming the top club in Devon for a while.

A club very much on an upward trajectory, with an astute manager, supported by an equally astute Chairman, in Tony Boyce. Such times have never been replicated unfortunately-though we’ve had our moments. Now, after the dark days of the Osborne regime, it feels like we’ve now got our club back and I’m very much looking to next season and beyond with a club now owned by genuine owners who believe in meaningful and transparent communication with our supporters and who will develop and sustain the club in the right way.

GOALKEEPER – JOHN TURNER

Chosen because of his agility, consistency and number of stunning saves he produced (complimentary pint in the Gulls Nest for choosing you John?).

RIGHT BACK – JIM MCNICHOL

Not because of “That Match”-and the new Bryn Consortium, but everything to do with Jim’s all-round ability-skilful on the ball, strong in the air and goal-scoring record (9 in 1987-88 season).

LEFT BACK – BILL KITCHENER

Skilful and aggressive, was also utilised at centre-half, where he was equally effective and comfortable.

CENTRE BACK – PHIL LLOYD

A rock-solid defender-tenacious and tough. Didn’t miss a single match for three seasons after joining us in 1987. Completely shut-out the prolific Steve Bull of Wolves in the Sherpa-Van Semi-Final second leg.

CENTRE BACK – JIMMY DUNNE

The Irishman was a versatile defender at half-back and centre-half. Excellent passer of the ball – skinny but deceptively strong and took no prisoners. I was at Home Park in a 21,000 crowd to witness Jimmy heading our first goal in our 2-1 and first ever win there.

RING WING – RODNEY JACK

Linked up brilliantly with Jason Roberts and instrumental in helping us set a new club record of eight successive wins in the 97-98 season. The blisteringly quick Jack was virtually unstoppable in both legs of play-offs against Scarborough – scoring 3 times in a 7-2 aggregate win.

MIDFIELDER – ALAN WELSH

The under-rated Scotsman was a skilful attacking midfielder/winger. Great on the ball and scored 50 goals in five seasons with us.

MIDFIELDER – JOHN BENSON

Tireless work-rate with ability to break-up opposing attacks and pass precisely to our forwards. A classic sweeper, but could play anywhere, and frequently did.

LEFT WING – MARK LORAM

Shone in struggling sides but also consistently excellent in Cyril Knowles’ team that reached the play-off semi-final – scoring some unforgettable goals, as he did against Wolves in the Sherpa-Van Trophy second-leg and on so many other occasions. Mercurial left-foot and deceptively fast, “Lors” could have played at the highest level but was never comfortable away from his Brixham home. Loved playing football at whatever level though and when he was “on his game” was a pleasure to watch.

STRIKER – STEVE COOPER

Combative and fearless and always gave 100%. “Coops” was particularly strong in the air-even though he wasn’t particularly tall. Scored 87 goals in 6 seasons with us and this would have been more but for injuries often caused by his fearlessness.

STRIKER – ROBIN STUBBS

Who else but “The Prince of Plainmoor”- I was privileged to have witnessed many great performances and goals from “Stubbsy”. Strong in the air and on the ground and so adept at putting away half-chances. My dad (much to my disgust) wouldn’t let me attend the Spurs match in 1965 due to the size of the crowd, but I was able to savour many other of his great games including Robin hitting numerous doubles, hat tricks and four on one occasion!

SUBS

Mike Mahoney: Brave and agile goalkeeper- reliable and consistent.

John Bond: Despite being 33 when he joined us,” Bondy” was an invaluable leader of our backline using his guile and experience to great effect.

Ian Twitchin: Versatile and could play in any position.” Mr Dependable” – the ideal clubman.

Alex Russell: Could pull the strings in midfield like few others. Integral part of Leroy Rosenior’s great promotion winning team.

Dave Caldwell: Quick, skilful and a handful for defences as well as referees!

THE MANAGER – FRANK O’FARRELL

Took us to promotion in his first season in charge, persuading the likes of John Bond, Ken Brown, Bill Kitchener and Robin Stubbs to join us. A disciplinarian but also a great tactician and managed us brilliantly for two successful seasons in Division Three. Came back to Torquay for two more stints and despite not been able to get us to the levels he had previously, clearly loved the club continuing to regularly come to Plainmoor after retiring, until ill-health prevented him from doing so.