GULLACTICO

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom looks back at the Scotsman’s time at United

DAVID GRAHAM

David Graham started his professional career at Glasgow Rangers in 1995, before joining Dunfermline in 1998, so his path to becoming a Torquay United Gullactico was far from obvious, but those were days when players could suddenly join TUFC from anywhere!

It was Colin Lee who brought the striker to Plainmoor on loan in the spring of 2001, as he tried to keep United in the Football League. It all came down to a certain day at Underhill on 5th May, and Davey was on the scoresheet as the Gulls went 3-0 up. It was an important goal as Barnet fought back in the second half, but United clung onto their lead and their Football League status. If that was to be his last game at Torquay United, then he’d gone out with a bang!

Thankfully there was a permanent contract agreed in the summer with Roy McFarland the new manager, and the Gulls looking to push up the Division 3 table. The season didn’t go to plan for McFarland, and whilst United were not scrapping against relegation and some quality players had been brought in, things were not harmonious behind the scenes and the team were drab on it, with Graham only occasionally showing what he had in his locker. Roy would only last one season and after a fall-out with Mike Bateson, there would be a new boss on the horizon – it was Leroy time!

Timing is everything in management and Leroy’s was perfect. With guys like Steve Woods, Alex Russell and David Graham on the books, he could see the potential for instilling a new way of playing, and with Jo Kuffour and Martin Gritton assisting Graham, he started to unleash the potential that marked him out as a future start at Ibrox in his youth days.

By 2003 with a steady season on the books and United strengthening the squad, the platform was perfect for David to have a great year and boy did he deliver. Fully fit and happy being the main man upfront, he was cooking. Graham’s first touch was often majestic, his balance and ability to get a shot off caught many goalkeepers off guard and he could also pick a pass for a team mate. Simply a joy to watch and although United sometimes wobbled in the 2003-04 season, the goals continued to flow!

Below is a video of just two from his collection as the number 10 bagged a brace against Leyton Orient at home. Meanwhile at home to Cheltenham he scored two beauties, the first a rocket in the top corner, the second an unbelievable lobbed volley that the keeper could do nothing about. Special stuff from a special player – check out numerous clips from the 2003-04 (the Cheltenham goals are on Part 4) and relive a lot of fond memories on the TUFC History YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@tufchistory1040. Another moment that stands out to me is a vital pass to put Gritts through at Hull City, absolute quality.

Watching through the highlights it strikes you what variety his efforts contained, with poked efforts, volleys, side footers and leathered finishes all there to enjoy, and there was also headers! This takes me nicely onto the last day at Southend. The Gulls struck twice early doors and that included a smart Graham header from a Jo Kuffour cross. At this point it’s only fair to mention Jo Kuffour and Martin Gritton, two players who dovetailed with the striker during this fabulous season. Kuffour could create havoc with slippery runs and skilful touches, whilst Martin Gritton was an unselfish and busy player who helped get the best out of David. Two important people in that journey to the newly rebranded League 1.

United’s attacking play dried up that day on one of the nerviest and glorious afternoons in the club’s history but we did just enough. Epic scenes after as promotion was secured will never be forgotten. As for David Graham, we all knew in our hearts that Southend could well be his last hurrah in a Yellow shirt, after all, his 2003-04 included 22 league goals, lots of assists and an inclusion in the Division 3 team of the year (alongside the equally brilliant Alex Russell) and his name had been linked to a move all season, so it was a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ he would leave for pastures new. In the end it wasn’t long before Wigan Athletic swooped, paying a fee of 215k – we were glad his destination wasn’t Plymouth Argyle, yet it still hurt!

As we all know, Graham never replicated his form for the Gulls at a higher level, but you couldn’t begrudge him for trying and he returned for a short and forgettable stint in 2007 (I won’t dwell on that!). But never mind all that, for a time he was one of the best players I’ve ever seen at Torquay United. Players like DG don’t come along very often as a club like ours – a mixture of confident swagger, deftness of touch, smart movement and authority on the ball, he was our idol and anyone who followed Leroy’s team throughout the 2003-04 season will smile broadly at the mere mention of his name.

Thank you for the memories Davey!