ON THIS DAY

2007 – Tim Sills agrees to join the Gulls on a 2-year deal

Romsey-born striker Tim Sills had started his career as a youngster at Millwall, before playing for a number clubs, most notably Aldershot Town, where he made a name for himself, persuading Oxford United to pay £50,000 for him in early 2006. However, his time at Oxford was short, and he moved onto Hereford United that summer. After one season at Hereford he was released, and with Paul Buckle looking for strong characters to lead a promotion charge, Sillsy was invited down to Torquay to have a look around, and subsequently signed on the dotted line.

Over the next two years Tim wrote his name into Gulls folklore, not just for that Wembley goal but for leading the United line over two long and arduous seasons in the Conference. Sillsy was a regularly the target for a long throw, free kick or ball down the channel, and he never shied away from the battle, taking many knocks but often having the last laugh with a goal or assist that helped win United the game.

Add to that memorable goals including a scissor kick against Histon, a New Year’s Day winner against Exeter City, a crucial penalty against Northwich Victoria, a 20 yard header against Rushden and a play-off goal versus Histon, and it’s no wonder Sillsy was a hero amongst the Yellow Army faithful.

Of course there’s one big moment that Tim Sills will also be remembered for more than any other. Here he is talking about that moment at Wembley when a return to the EFL was signed, sealed and delivered…

“On 73 minutes I watched us clear a free-kick, whilst stood in line with our own penalty spot. I started jogging and then saw Wayne Carlisle bravely win a header just inside our half and so I increased my pace. As Elliott Benyon advanced with the ball and the space opened up I turned it into a full sprint as I hit the halfway line and saw the ball get passed perfectly out to Wayne as I was 35 yards from goal.

The moment it left Wayne’s foot I knew it was mine and I wouldn’t even have to break stride. The connection was perfect and I watched the ball just long enough to see it past the despairing goalkeeper’s hands, before taking off in celebration. I got rugby tackled by Elliott and the pain in my ankle flared, but I had to get up and celebrate ‘Zorro’ style in front of my family. It was a moment that I will never ever get bored of watching or talking about and no-one can ever take that away from me or Torquay’s history”.

As Paul Buckle’s looked to evolve his team in the EFL, Tim’s time at Plainmoor came to end in early 2010, and after that he kept playing until 2017. Currently manager of Wimborne Town, Sillsy still keeps an eye on our results and he’s welcome back at Plainmoor anytime. A iconic figure from United’s recent history.