Name: Luke Hunter
Twitter Name: @lukehunter8
Why TUFC?: Several reasons amalgamate into a big yellow blur but ultimately; you do not choose your football team, it chooses you.
Year Started Supporting TUFC and First Game?: 05-06 was the first season I really caught the bug – I followed my first (of many) incredible “great escapes” from afar. My first match came in October that year and the following season, Stockport; we lost 1-0 – Adam le Fondre – we were terrible, but I loved it. Steve Woods gave me his training top after the warm-up which is something that has always stuck with me – the rest is history.
Favourite All-Time TUFC Players: Oh man; there’s been some crackers; I’ll limit myself to five.
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Jamie Ward – he had everything; I desperately wished we’d had him a little longer
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Kevin Hill – one of the few that in 30/40 years i’ll be able to say “I saw him play” – did that man ever miss a header?
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Tim Sills – what a season; what a climax.
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Eunan O’Kane – Such a cut above; I loved everything about his game; exceptional footballer
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Bobby Olejnik – again, what a talent.
Many many many many more though – feel so harsh leaving Steve Woods and Lee Thorpe out of that. Also, Rodney Jack and big Nev – for the stories – but that goes without saying, right?
Best TUFC Memory: At the time of writing, they all seem so distant. Winning at Wembley was obviously dynamite and hard to beat. Away at Northwich Victoria in our first (as was) conference away game always hangs in my mind as well – as does Portsmouth away under Hargreaves. There was something romantic about the North Ferriby survival under Nicho – the club was in turmoil and against all the odds he kept us safe.
Worst TUFC Memory: At the time of writing (which was ahead of relegation to NLS!) everything is so current. Losing at Wembley was obviously disgusting and on the field, there’s rarely an end to the pain… but, to be honest, I still find the hardest part knowing we’re so unsustainable off it – particularly the last few years where things just seem to have become so perilous – I hope most of all, one day, we can be really proud of the club thriving off the field and celebrate its existence for all the right reasons.
Favourite Spot at Plainmoor: Get me on the Popside! I always exercise my right to stand at the football when I can; plus it’s easier to head to the bar from the Pop…
TORQUAYTALK 