TUST
TUST FAN ZONE
A WEEKEND TO SAVOUR AS BOTH THE MEN AND WOMEN WIN CRUCIAL GAMES
TUST’S FOREVER YELLOW MEMBERSHIP SCHEME OFF TO A FLIER
FANS’ FORUM AND GALA AWARDS EVENING MAKE IT A MEMORABLE WEEK
What a weekend to be a Torquay United fan and either a men’s or women’s player as the results have both teams on the cusp of maybe something great.
On Saturday a tremendous 2-1 at Tonbridge Angels sets us up for a play-off semi-final at Plainmoor meanwhile a hard fought 5-2 women’s win over Gloucester City means the women only have to get three points from their last two fixtures to claim the title.
What it all means is a return to the women’s National League while the men are two games away from return to their National League.
The weekend culminated in what had been a busy successful week after a shock men’s home defeat the previous Saturday to play-off rivals Hemel Hempstead who completed the double over United.
For on Tuesday there was an open honest Fans’ Forum where fans either in person or online were able to ask interesting, probing questions of the club’s two co-chairmen, manager Jimmy Ball and myself.
Then on Wednesday there was a Gala Awards evening at Holborne Devon Bay holiday park for the men’s and women’s squads plus for the club’s officials and invited guests.
Where to begin?
Hemel came last Saturday with a game plan which nullified both Morgan and Young and their control of the mid-field gave them the upper hand. For many of the 4,604 in the Plainmoor crowd the performance seemed like a flash-back to that play-off game against Boreham Wood last season, even Jimmy Ball didn’t recognise his team.
Of course, nothing in football stands still and life goes on. On the day the delay to the award ceremony was unfortunate but understandable with Ball taking full responsibility.
I would like to say at this point that Jimmy is very much a ‘people person’ as he willingly spends time talking to fans and having selfies; he’s also very good at taking time to talk with children and having his photo taken.
At the Gala Sonny-Blu Lo Everton claimed three awards including the Players’ Player underlining the role he plays and its importance to the team.
The men’s Goal of the Season went to Matt Worthington for his strike at Weston on Good Friday while Connie Pengelly grabbed the women’s Goal of the Season.
There were a number of special awards on the night including the Women’s Unsung Hero to Danni Wyatt and the co-chairmen’s award to Lorraine Ross who runs the club shop and is in charge of Reception.
This was the first of what will be an annual event and from next year it will be open to more fans participating.
Saturday’s vital win at Tonbridge sets up a mouth-watering game this coming week with United having not only home advantage but other advantages too.
For in what is called an eliminator but effectively is a quarter-final, United’s possible opponent, either Dorking or Maidenhead, play on Wednesday evening. Then one of them has to travel to South Devon, probably on the Friday, and then have to face a 12.30 kick-off. Surely, advantage Torquay?
A Tee Kaptein hat-trick plus goals from Matilda Franchi and Jasmine Barker made the final scoreline looking so much better after the sides changed around at half-time even at 1-1.
Despite missing Player of the Season Beth Everson, who was unavailable, won comfortably in front of not only a decent crowd but United manager Jimmy Ball who picked Georgie Knott as Player of the Match.
So, yesterday was the end of the season for many leagues and congratulations to Worthing, who have knocked on the door several times in recent years, for their promotion. Can we join them?
What a final thirteen minutes (in time added- on) in the vital ‘Rochdale v York City winner moves up into the EFL’ contest.
York finished with 100 points a year ago and failed to be promoted and now Rochdale have missed out with 106, no wonder this will add more pressure on the 3UP Campaign.
It has to be time for two automatic places between the National League and League 2 with a third after the play-offs. The decision is down to clubs at the forthcoming EFL AGM.
At the Fans’ Forum TUST board member Joe Uglow presented our new membership scheme with its four tiers and the attached benefits. It was a shame the accompanying video made by Sam Swann with a voice-over from Charlie Baker didn’t play through to the end but you can still view it by going to www.tust.co.uk/join.
Within twenty-four hours the initial response had been amazing and we thank all our existing members who have changed their subscription values and at the same time give a very warm welcome to new members who have joined us.
The Torquay United family is big and warm and wide spread.
During the evening the club’s General Manager, Tim Herbert, outlined the new strategy to youth development which is an aspect of the club which means a lot to many of the fan base.
That your Forever Yellow funding can go towards an academy and the possibility of players playing in the first team with potentially being sold for millions is a legacy we all would like to think can be achieved.
Non-League Crowd Watch: Southend 8,803, Carlisle 7,334, Rochdale 7,221, Scunthorpe 4,864, Hereford 4,459, Hednesford 4,016, Worthing 4,002.
Whatever your opinions credit to Gary Johnson for saving Taunton Town from relegation from the Southern League Premier South and to his former assistant Aaron Downes for keeping Hereford up in National North. Both have been rewarded with contracts for next season.
So, tickets for Saturday are selling fast and it’s looking like a 5,000+ Plainmoor crowd. Don’t forget it’s a 12.30 kick-off.
JOIN HERE – http://www.tust.co.uk/join
COYY – NICK
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