GULLACTICO
Tony McHale
Tony looks back at one of TUFC greatest players
TOMMY NORTHCOTT
In this series looking back on Torquay United Legends of the past we turn to Tommy Northcott who with 150 goals was the second highest scorer for the Club in the post war period.
Tommy was born in Torquay on 5th December 1931 and signed for United on his 17th Birthday in 1948. During the next 4 years Tommy completed his Apprenticeship as a Plumber and did his National Service whilst making 60 appearances and scoring 10 goals for his home town club. He earned 2 England Youth Caps a sure sign of his ability.
In October 1952 Tommy was transferred to Cardiff City then in Division 1 and he netted 13 times in 71 appearances. He then moved to Lincoln City for 3 seasons from 1955 to November 1957 becoming a fan favourite netting 34 times in 94 games.
In November 1957 Torquay United paid Lincoln City a handsome transfer fee of £5,250 a lot of money in those days. Tommy rewarded his new club by being the leading scorer in 3 of the next 4 seasons. He was a pivotal player in 2 promotion winning teams in 1959/60 and 1965/66. Both promotions were from the 4th Division to the 3rd Division.
When Robin Stubbs arrived at Plainmoor in 1963 we had 2 fantastic strikers and Robin is the next player to feature in this look at the past.
I remember Tommy very well he was stocky rather than tall but very strong and scored some great goals with his headers. As a traditional Center Forward he wore the Number 9 shirt and often played alongside his brother George who was a rugged Center Half in his Number 5 Shirt. Tommy’s son in law Peter Darke also played for United making 66 appearances between 1977 & 1979.
Tommy made a total of 441 appearances for United and after a couple of years in Non League he retired and set up his own Business as a Plumber and Heating Engineer in Torquay.
On 26th September 2008 Tommy passed away aged 76 having spent the rest of his life in his home town. Gone but certainly not forgotten by many fans who loved his appetite for the game we all love.
Many thanks to Torquay Fan Stats for their brilliant historical records a source of so much information on all things Torquay United.
COYY – Tony
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Fondly remembered!
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Good stuff Tony. Just like to add that Tommy as well as Graham Bond played for Hele Spurs, home pitch, Barton Downs, before they signed for United. Down at King George playing fields, Ernie Pym was doing likewise for St Marychurch Spurs.
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great player on the field and just a lovely person off it. Tommy is always in many of United memories for me.A big hearted player and great to watch
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