Gloucester Gulls - Torquay United Supporters Club

Torquay United - 2011/12

2011-07-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy close season at Plainmoor. Martin Ling has taken over as manager of the Gulls.

A former player at Swindon, Southend, Mansfield Town, Orient and Brighton, Martin Ling has been manager at both Orient and Cambridge United. He has brought Shaun Taylor to be his No. 2 and together they have assembled a full squad for the start of the 2011/12 season.

1 Bobby Olejnik
2 Lathaniel Rowe-Turner
3 Kevin Nicholson
4 Mark Ellis
5 Chris Robertson
6 Brian Saah
7 Lee Mansell
8 Billy Kee
9 Rene Howe
10 Eunan O'Kane
11 Ian Morris
13 Martin Rice
14 Lloyd Macklin
16 Chris McPhee
17 Saul Halpin
18 Joe Oastler
19 Danny Stevens
22 Damon Lathrope
23 Taiwo Atieno
24 Ashley Yeoman
25 Ed Palmer
27 Ray Spear

Good luck to Martin Ling, the management, directors and players of Torquay United for the new season.

Thank you Paul Buckle

2011-05-30T16:36:00.001-07:00

Two days after leading his team out in the League 2 Play-off Final at Old Trafford, Manchester, Paul Buckle has left Torquay United to manage another League 2 side - Bristol Rovers.

During his fours years in charge at Plainmoor, Paul Buckle became one of the most successful managers of Torquay United of all time.

Paul Buckle, a former player with Torquay United, was appointed manager in the summer of 2007 when the club was in turmoil. They had just been relegated from the Football League after a disasterous season and a new consortium of local businessmen had just taken control of the club. At the time Buckle took over as manager there were just four players signed to the club - Lee Mansell, Kevin Hill, Steve Woods and Matt Hockley.

Paul Buckle had no previous managerial experience (he had been a coach at Exeter City), but at the end of his first season in charge he had guided the Gulls into the promotion play-off places, and a Wembley appearance in the final of the FA Trophy. In his second seasonm he successful lead the Gulls back into the Football League via the play-offs and a 2-0 victory over Cambridge United at Wembley.

Despite being one of the most successful managers at Plainmoor, Paul Buckle was a bit like Marmite and Gulls fans either loved him or hated him. He was not afraid to make difficult decisions and was prepared to release fan-favourite players - releasing the spine of the Conference winning team (Chris Todd, Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills) during the first season back in League 2.

There were however many memorable moments during his time in charge - 2 Wembley appearances; 1 appearance at Old Trafford; fantastic cup runs (including victories over Yeovil Town and Blackpool) and of course successfully leading the Gulls back into the Football League.

It is for this achievement, if nothing else, that we say "Thank you Paul Buckle".

Torquay United in Promotion Play-off Final

2011-05-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

In only their second season back in the Football League, Torquay United have made it through to the Play-off Final - against Stevenage on Saturday 28 May 2011 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Finishing seventh at the end of the regular league season, Torquay United faced a two-legged semi-final against Shrewsbury Town - the team that had finished fourth in the league, 11 points ahead of the Gulls.

In the home leg, Torquay United dominated the match, with goals from Chris Zebroski and Eunan O'Kane giving them a 2-0 lead. In the away leg, the Gulls were held to a goalless draw which meant they won 2-0 on aggregate.

Congratulations to Paul Buckle, the players and staff at Plainmoor on this excellent achievement.

New away kit 2010/11

2010-08-02T15:30:00.001-07:00

Torquay United have launched their new away kit for the 2010/11 season.
The kit is available now from the club shop.

Torquay United Playing Squad - 2010/11 season

2010-08-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Torquay United finished the 2009/10 season with a fine run of form. Unbeaten in the last eight games of season, the Gulls have not conceded a goal in 691 minutes.

The players looking to build on this form and launch a successful 2010/11 season are:

1. Scott BEVAN
2. Lathaniel ROWE-TURNER
3. Kevin NICHOLSON
4. Mark ELLIS
5. Chris ROBERTSON
6. Kieran CHARNOCK
7. Lee MANSELL
8. Billy KEE
9. Elliot BENYON
10. Eunan O'KANE
11. Nicky WROE
12.
13.
14. Lloyd MACKLIN
15.
16. Danny POTTER
17. Saul HALPIN
18.
19. Danny STEVENS
20. Martin GRITTON
21.
22. Damon LATHROPE
23. Guy BRANSTON
24. Ashley YEOMAN
25. Ed PALMER
26.Chris ZEBROSKI

Good luck to everyone associated with Torquay United, and a successful 2010/11 season.

Start of the 2009/10 season

2009-08-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

After a two year abscence, Torquay United return to Football League.

Paul Buckle has kept faith with the majority of players that saw the club promoted from the Blue Square Premier League through the Play-off Final at Wembley.

OUT: Roscoe DSane and Iyseden Christie. In addition Matt Green is currently on a season long loan at Oxford United.

IN: Ben Joyce (Swindon) and Kieran Charnock (Peterborough United). In addition Scott Rendell is on a season long loan from Peterborough United)

The squad of players for the 2009/10 season is as follows:

1 - Scott BEVAN
2 - Michael BROUGH
3 - Kevin NICHOLSON
4 - Mark ELLIS
5 - Chris ROBERTSON
6 - Chris TODD
7 - Lee MANSELL
8 - Tim SILLS
9 - Elliott BENYON
10 - Scott RENDELL
11 - Nicky WROE
12 - Tyrone THOMPSON
13 - Martin RICE (gk)
14 - Chris HARGREAVES
15 - Wayne CARLISLE
16 - Lee HODGES
17 -
18 - Mustapha CARAYOL
19 - Danny STEVENS
20 - Ben JOYCE
21 -
22 - Kieron CHARNOCK
23 -
24 - Steve ADAMS

Torquay United are back in the Football League

2009-05-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Gulls to wear most successful away kit at Wembley

2009-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Wembley Tickets now available for purchase

2009-05-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

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 5^th May until 2pm on Wednesday 13^th 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 13^th May.

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

2009-05-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Early purchase discount on 2009/10 season ticket prices

2009-04-18T09:30:00.001-07:00

Torquay United have announced a special discount for supporters that purchase a 2009/10 season ticket before Friday 15 May 2009. The club has also confirmed that normal admission prices will not be altered for next season - irrespective of which league the Gulls are in. The club statement announcing this exciting initiative is reproduced below:

As a football club Torquay United is fully aware of the current financial difficulties that so many loyal supporters are facing. The credit crunch is biting hard into the expendable income of families all over the country and Torquay United itself is not immune as a business to the affects of the financial down-turn. It is with the current financial situation at the forefront of their thoughts that has prompted the board of directors to look closely into the pricing structure at Plainmoor for the 2009/10 season.
We are pleased to introduce a new season ticket pricing structure that we feel gives fantastic value for money - an adult season ticket works out at just 8.65 per match! - for those supporters who purchase season tickets before Friday, 15 May, 2009 and will be in place regardless of whether the team is playing in the Blue Square Premier or League 2 next season. But, we do need your support and, in order to commit to this deal, the club needs a minimum of 650 of you to subscribe to our offer. These prices depend entirely on reaching the magic figure of 650. If we don't achieve this number then we will have to revert to last season's prices.

If you are able, make sure you purchase your season ticket as soon as possible to take advantage of this fantastic offer from the Club.

Thank you Steve Woods...

2009-03-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

After yesterdays 4-1 victory against Barrow at Plainmoor, it was announced that the long-serving defender Steve Woods would be leaving Torquay United. It was explained that his contract finishes at the end of this season and that it would not be renewed. In order to allow Steve as much time as possible to find himself a new club for next season, Steve has been informed of this decision.

Steve Woods joined the Gulls in 2001 and has been a Gulls legend ever since. Throughout difficult times with the club (including relegation from the Football League), Steve has remained a commited player in the centre of the defence. As club captain he lead by example and could rally the team to dig hard for extra effort.

The members of the Gloucester Gulls would like to thank Steve Woods for his time at Plainmoor and hopes that he can find a new club as soon as possible.

Good luck Steve Woods...

Anti-social behaviour in Plainmoor to be stamped out

2009-03-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

The following is a message from the Board of Directors to all supporters of Torquay United Football Club that was issued on Friday 6 March 2009.

"As a football club we are determined to make Torquay United a family orientated venue and to this end we wish to stress to all supporters that the use of threatening behaviour and foul or abusive language is strictly forbidden, it could result in arrest and/or ejection from the Ground. The club may also impose a ban.
Emotions can and do run high during football matches but there are limits that supporters must apply to themselves. We want to encourage a family atmosphere at Plainmoor and that obviously means that women and children will be present in all parts of the ground and we cannot allow behaviour that could have a detrimental affect on the club and its supporters.

After discussions following the match against Forest Green Rovers with our Safety Officer he will be issuing the matchday stewards with the following instruction:

Anyone inside Plainmoor using foul or abusive language and/or threatening behaviour will be given one warning, if they continue with their disruptive behaviour they will be escorted from the ground.

We would appreciate the help and understanding of all supporters of Torquay United in this matter to make our club a welcoming and safe place for everyone."

Torquay United Fans Survey 2009

2009-02-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Torquay United have launched a survey of their fans to collate information on the distance supporters travel and on the matchday experience at Plainmoor. The survey consists of 9 simple questions and can be completed at www.tufcsurvey.co.uk or by filling in the one of the survey cards (pictured right) available at the Club Shop and Gulls Nest Bar.

To encourage supporters to participate in the survey, completed forms will be entered into a free draw to win a pair of 2009/10 season tickets. These tickets will be presented to the winner at the last game of the season by Paul Buckle, or by a player of your choice.

Season's Greetings

2008-12-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

The members of the Gloucester Gulls wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, prosperous and promotion-winning New Year.

Your chance to own Kevin Hill's football boots

2008-12-14T07:10:00.001-08:00

When Kevin Hill appeared as a substitute during the FA Trophy Final at Wembley on 10 May 2008 he set the record (474) for most appearances for Torquay United. Kevin Hill was a particular loyal player and although he has now left the club he has offered for auction the football boots he wore at Wembley.

This kind gesture is to raise funds for the Torquay United Supporters Trust. The boots come with a letter of authenticity written and signed by Kevin himself and he has has also signed the football boots.

The auction will run until next Wednesday, 17 December 2008, and you can bid on the unofficial fans forum (http://torquayunited.talkboards.net) or by sending a text message to 07789 902182.

FA Cup: 3rd Round

2008-12-14T07:07:00.001-08:00

The Gulls reward for beating Oxford United 2-0, is a home tie against Championship side Blackpool on Saturday 3 January 2009

FA Cup: 2nd Round - Torquay United 2 : Oxford United 0

2008-12-14T07:03:00.000-08:00

Two goals from Elliot Benyon see the Gulls progress to the 3rd Round of the FA Cup and the potential of a money-making match against one of the "big boys" of football

FA Cup : 2nd Round

2008-11-09T11:47:00.001-08:00

Gulls to face the winners of Oxford United / Dorechester Town at Plainmoor in the 2nd Round of the FA Cup

FA Cup: 1st Round - TUFC 2 : Evesham Town 0

2008-11-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

Having qualified for the first round proper of the FA Cup by beating Chipstead 4-1 at Plainmoor, the Gulls progress to the 2nd Round by beating Evesham United 2-0 at Plainmoor.

Gulls draw 1-1 away at Wrexham

2008-09-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

Tim Sills, in his normal centre forward position, scores as the Gulls are held to a 1-1 draw away at Wrexham

Start of the 2008 / 09 Season

2008-08-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

After the disappointing end to last season, where Torquay United failed in their attempt to return to League Footbal at the first attempt, it jas been a busy close season at Plainmoor.

Loan players Chris Zebroski, Mark Ellis and Jody Banim all returned to their respective parent clubs, and were followed out of Plainmoor by : Simon Rayner (Goalkeeper - Crawley Town); Paul Hinshelwood (Defender - N/A); Tony Bedeau (Midfielder - N/A); Kevin Hill (Midfielder - Dorchester Town); Matt Hockley (Midfielder - Truro City); Darren Mullings (Midfielder - N/A); and Lee Phillips (Striker - Rushden & Diamonds).

The following players have joined the Gulls: Michael Poke (Goalkeeper - Southampton - season long loan); Michael Brough (Midfielder - Forest Green Rovers); Mustapha Carayol (Midfielder - MK Dons); Wayne Carlisle (Midfielder - Exeter City); Lee Hodges (Midfielder - Plymouth Argyle); Yyrone Thompson (Midfielder - Crawley Town); Nicky Wroe (Midfielder - York City); and Matt Green (Striker - Oxford United).

The squad of players aiming to progress from last seasons third place and secure promotion from the Blue Square Premier League are:

1 - Michael Poke (Goalkeeper)
2 - Michael Brough (Defender)
3 - Kevin Nicholson (Defender)
4 - Steve Woods (Midfielder)
5 - Chris Robertson (Defender)
6 - Chris Todd (Defender)
7 - Lee Mansell (Midfielder)
8 - Tim Sills (Striker)
9 - Elliot Benyon (Striker)
10 - Roscoe DSane (Striker)
11 - Nicky Wroe (Midfielder)
12 - Tyrone Thompson (Midfielder)
13 -
14 - Chris Hargreaves (Midfielder)
15 - Wayne Carlisle (Midfielder)
16 - Lee Hodges (Midfielder)
17 - Matthew Green (Striker)
18 - Mustapha Carayol (Midfielder)
19 - Danny Stevens (Midfielder)
20 -
21 - Martin Rice (Goalkeeper)
22 –
23 -
24 - Steve Adams (Midfielder)
25 - Mark Ellis (Midfielder)
26 - Raiff Gwinnett (Defender)

Good to to everyone at Torquay United as they look to build and progress on from last season.

Torquay United in Second Life

2008-06-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

Second Life is an internet-based virtual world, developed by Linden Lab. It is a 3D virtual community created entirely by its members. Members assume an identity (a customised 3D representation of themselves - an avatar) and can then move around the virtual world using the keyboard and mouse.

A number of real-life places and buildings have been created within Second Life and it is possible for your avatar to visit and explore these different places.

In order to use Second Life it is necessary to download a small program - the Second Life Viewer - and to register with the virtual world, and thus become a "resident". It is possible to become a member for free, but the virtual world does have its own currency (the Linden dollar) and their is a recognised exchange rate between the Linden dollar and the pound.

Residents can buy property, start businesses, play games with other residents, create objects, join clubs, attend classes, or just hang out. The detailed look of Second Life is remarkable, making it an instant guilty pleasure.

For those of you that are missing out on following Torquay United in the "real world" during the summer months, A Second Life group has been created - "Torquay United Supporters" so that fans can meet up and talk all things related to Torquay United Football Club.

Disappointing... but what a difference a year makes

2008-06-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

And so the Gulls first season in the Blue Square Premier League has ultimately ended in disappointment. Despite being in the top two positions since the start of the season, the Gulls finally finished in third place (on goal difference) behind League Champions Aldershot Town and Cambridge United. This meant the Gulls would take place in the end of season Play-offs for the opportunity to regain their place in the Football League.

The final league positions meant that Torquay United would be playing local rivals Exeter City in the two-legged play-off semi-final. Finishing with the higher league position, the Gulls in theory had the advantage of playing the second leg at Plainmoor. As a result of a change of tactics, Torquay United took an early advantage and won the first leg 2-1 at Sid James' Park.

Unfortunately the Gulls lost their way in the final 20 minutes of the second leg and ended up losing 5-3 on aggregate. The dream of a quick return to the Football League was over, and the Gulls would be a non-league team for another season at least.

Six days later, the Gulls made their first appearance at the new Wembley stadium in the Final of the FA Trophy. Over 40,000 fans saw the Gulls take on Ebbsfleet United (the team owned by over 30,000 internet subscribers), but despite saving a penalty the Gulls eventually lost 1-0.

To have two such big disappointments within a week was hard to accept, but when you consider the transformation within the club, season 2007/08 marked a significant change of fortunes for Torquay United.

At the end of the previous season the club was in disarray, and looked to be plummeting even further. However, the introduction of new ownership and board of directors was the start of radical changes within the club. It is perhaps ironic, but it took becoming non-league for the club to become more professional. A new manager (Paul Buckle) together with a complete new coaching set-up was appointed and the commercial aspects of the club were similarly overhauled. Suddenly their was a new belief and positivity around the club.

The season started brightly with the Gulls seeming in free-scoring motion, their attacking style of football and commitment to attack right up to the final whistle meant that the Gulls took part in some thrilling matches - the FA Cup victory over Yeovil Town being a particular highlight.

After the Christmas period, it seemed that opposing teams had learned how to nullify the attacking play and the Gulls attack was not so potent. However, the transformation had begun. We can only trust that the appearance in the play-offs and the Wembley final is the start of a new successful period for the Gulls.

Welcome to the Gloucester Gulls

2008-04-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Gloucester Gulls are a group of exiled Torquay United supporters who happen to be living in the Gloucester area. A small, but none the less, dedicated group of supporters who are prepared to spend most of their Saturdays following their beloved team around the country.