Sunday, May 17, 2009

Torquay United are back in the Football League

On Sunday 17 May 2009 Torquay United won 2-0 against Cambridge United in the Blue Square Premier League Play-off Final at Wembley. The result meant that they were promoted back into the Football League.

Two seasons ago, at the end of the 2006/07, Torquay United was a club in disarray. They had been relegated from the Football League after finishing bottom of the division after a season that had seen no less than four managers; five changes of Chairman; 19 consecutive games without a win; 44 different players appearing in first team matches; and yet the club was unable to field a full complement of substitutes for a number of matches.

However, a consortium of local businessmen bought the club and were determined to restore both pride and League football to the club. Paul Buckle was brought in as manager and his first task was to recruit a squad of players. When he joined the club there were just five players contracted to play. At the end of that first season, Torquay United were defeated in the semi-final of the play-offs, and also lost in the final of the FA Trophy. However, the club was now operating on a professional basis and pride in the club had been restored.

This season, 2008/09, Torquay United have been able to go one better and have now won the play-off final. Formerly, Torquay United had been in the Football league for 80 years, but it has taken just two years in the Blue Square Premier League to the club to be totally transformed.

The success of this season should now be a springboard for the club to consolidate and establish itself as a Football League Club. Congratulations and many thanks to the directors, staff, managers, coaches and players at Torquay United on this brilliant achievement.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Gulls to wear most successful away kit at Wembley

Torquay United will be wearing their most successful away kit at Wembley in the Promotion Play Off Final against Cambridge United.


The 2008/09 season saw Torquay United enjoy their best-ever away record — 12 wins, 7 draws and only 4 defeats — during the regular Blue Square Premier League season.

Hopefully that success will continue as the Gulls enjoy their fifth visit to Wembley Stadium.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Wembley Tickets now available for purchase

Tickets for the Blue Square Premier League Play Off Final against Cambridge United on Sunday 17 May 2009 have now gone on sale.

However tickets will not be available through Torquay United, but instead must purchased online or via the telephone. The adult price for tickets is £30 or £35 (£15 or £17.50 for under-16's) and will also include either a £1.25 (or internet) or £2.50 (for telephone) booking fee.

Tickets can be purchased online from the Football Conference Playoffs Ticketing website. Tickets can be purchased online from 3pm on Tuesday 5th May until 2pm on Wednesday 13th May 2009.

Telephone orders can be made on :
0844 560 5256 and the box office will be open between the following hours:
  • Thu. 7 May - 9am to 8pm
  • Fri. 8 May - 9am to 8pm
  • Sat. 9 May - 9am to 6pm
  • Sun. 10 May - 10am to 2pm
  • Mon. 11 May - 9am to 8pm
  • Tue. 12 May - 9am to 8pm
  • Wed. 13 May - 9am to 2pm
All online and telephone bookings will close at 2pm on Wednesday 13th May.

Gulls are on their way to Wembley: Tim "Zorro" Sills

Congratulations to everyone at Torquay United on winning through to the Play off Final against Cambridge United at Wembley on Sunday 17 May 2009.

Having finished 4th in the Blue Square Premier League, the Gulls faced Histon in the two-legged semi final. Torquay United won the home leg 2-0 with goals from Nicky Wroe and Tim "Zorro" Sills and travelled to Histon for the away match. Despite being put under considerable pressure, the Gulls defence stood resolute and although they lost 1-0 on the day, the Gulls won 2-1 on aggregate to earn their deserved appearance in the Play-off Final.
The spirit and commitment evident within the team was personified by Tim Sills, who lead the attack in both matches wearing a plastic mask to protect a cheekbone that had been fractured in three places ! Tim will now have an operation to repair the damaged cheekbone, but is still anticipated to be available for the Wembley final.