SUPPORTERS CLUB
FOUNDED 1998
- Gloucester Gulls
- Torquay United Supporters Club
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SUPPORTERS CLUB FOUNDED 1998 |
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| Home Kit (2006/07) | Away Kit (2006/07) |
Programme Name, Cost & Rating
The Gull. Cost £2.00. Lots of advertisements. The usual format of interviews with the Chairman and manager; pen portraits of the visiting team; “where are they now” feature on a ex-player; results and statistics on the season so far; community and commercial articles; and oh some more adverts ! Not the most inspiring of matchday programmes and unlikely to win any awards.
Website Address (Official)
Website Addresses (Unofficial)
www.torquayunited.net – message board for fans of Torquay United
tufchistory.ulmb.com – supporters group in Gloucestershire
www.barnstaplegulls.co.uk – famous for their “Trouts In Tops”
torquayunited.rivals.net – take most of their stories with a large pinch of salt
www.torquayunited-mad.co.uk – useful guide to Torquay United
tufchistory.ulmb.com – the history of Torquay United (under construction)
Local Radio Stations
BBC Radio Devon (FM – 104.3MHz; AM – 1458kHz)
Palm FM (FM – 105.5MHz)
Gemini (FM – 96.4MHz)
Local Newspaper
Herald Express
Attendance figures
Total Home (League Two 2005/06) – 65,578
Average Home (League Two 2005/06) – 2,851
Record Home (Huddersfield Town FA Cup 4th Round 1954/55) – 21,908
Direction to Plainmoor (road)
Travel on the M5 southbound to the end of the motorway (Junction 31). Continue on the A38 until it splits and follow the A380 (signposted to Torquay). Continue until the Penn Inn roundabout (Newton Abbot) and take the second exit (A3022, signposted to Torquay). Follow the A3022 until the next roundabout, and take the first exit onto Riviera Way. At this point there will be a “Welcome to Torquay” sign and brown information signs will direct you to Plainmoor. Continue on Riviera Way until a large crossroads controlled by traffic lights at which point turn left into Hele Road. Remain on Hele Road until the second roundabout and turn left, followed by an immediate right turn at another mini-roundabout into Westhill Road. Continue up Westhill Road until a set of traffic lights and proceed straight over into Warbro Road. At which point it will be possible to see the Plainmoor floodlights. On street parking is available around the ground.
By Car – Parking/cost/spaces/location/getting away after game etc
Plainmoor stadium is in the middle of the residential area of Plainmoor. The ground is surround by houses, and on big-match days (few and far between but normally on a successful cup round) the police will occasionally close the roads immediately around the ground – Marnham Road and Warbro Road – to traffic. There is plenty of on-street parking around the ground, and there is usually never any problem getting away after the match.
By Train
The main Torquay railway station is 2 miles (approx) from the Plainmoor ground. Torquay station is not on the National Rail mainline service and it is usually inevitable that it will be necessary to change trains at Newton Abbot a catch a local train service. If you have sufficient time, the walk from the station to Plainmoor is very picturesque but be prepared for the walk – Torquay is built on seven hills and by the time you have reached Plainmoor you will feel as though you have walked up most of them. The walk to Plainmoor will take a good hour – walk along the seafront to Torquay harbour and then either walk up Babbacombe road, or walk up through Torquay town centre. Alternatively there are always taxis waiting outside of the station and will charge around £5 for the trip to Plainmoor.
There is a second railway station – Torre – but there are not many trains that actually stop at this station. However the walk to Plainmoor is comfortably achieved within 30 minutes.
Other Facilities
Within a minute walk from the ground is a parade of shops on St Marychurch Road. These shops include three pubs; a bookmakers; a fish and chip shop; newsagents; Somerfields supermarket and an 8-to-late store. Within 5 minutes walk of the ground are the two shopping areas of St Marychurch (containing most of the main banks with cash point facilities) and Babbacombe. Both of these areas include a wider range of shops, and Babbacombe is also home to “Hanburys”, a fish and chip shop that is regularly rated in the Top 10 chip shops in the country.
It is also at Babbacombe that visitors will be able to see the sea. Babbacombe Downs is a cliff-top park area that has a fine selection of pubs with large beer gardens.
Brief Description / History of Ground
For all of their professional history Torquay United have played league football at their Plainmoor stadium. However, this has not always been the case. Torquay United were formed on Mayday 1899, and later merged with another local team, Ellacombe, to form Torquay Town. Later in 1921 Torquay Town amalgamated with another local side, St Marychurch, and reverted to the name Torquay United. During their existence as a football club, Torquay United have had a number of different homes around Torquay....
1899 - 1900 Teignmouth Road.
When Torquay United was formed Plainmoor was the home of Torquay Athletic Rugby Union team. Torquay United’s first ground was in Teignmouth Road and was basically an undeveloped field of about three acres. There were no changing facilities and players would get ready at the Clarence Hotel and then walk back to the pitch. Games could only be played between September and March as for the rest of the year the ground was used for grazing and cricket.
1900 - 1904 Torquay Recreation Ground
The present home of Torquay Athletic Rugby Club, situated on the sea-front by the railway station. Originally the ground was subject to flooding at high tides and the ground was in a poor state of repairs. In 1902 the ground became the property of the town council who provided the funds to renovate the ground and build a new grandstand. In 1904 Torquay Athletic Rugby Union club secured the lease on the Recreation Ground, another local football team – Ellacombe – took over at Plainmoor and hence Torquay United were homeless. Torquay Athletic is still playing rugby at the Recreation Ground.
1904 - 1905 Cricketfield Road
Located close to the original Teignmouth Road ground. Again there were no facilities, the pitch apparently had a 1:7 slope, and only measured 150 x 60 yards. The site had been sold to the council for housing and was only a temporary residency for the club.
1905 -1910 Torquay Cricket Club
Another location close to Cricketfield Road, Torquay United were the tenants of the Torquay Cricket Club (who would later move in with the rugby club at the Recreation Ground). The ground had reasonable facilities - a pavilion and dressing rooms - but the ground was not enclosed and in wet weather was easily waterlogged leading to the postponement of many matches.
1910 - present day - Plainmoor
After amalgamating Torquay United and Ellacombe to become Torquay Town, the football club secured a long term lease on the ground which had previously been used by Ellacombe. The Plainmoor ground was shared with Babbacombe. Later in 1921 Torquay Town and Babbacombe merged and reverted to Torquay United.
In 1927 United were elected into Division Three (South) of the Football League. A new wooden grandstand costing £150 was erected for United's inaugural season in the Football League; it had previously stood at Buckfastleigh Racecourse, where its twin can still be seen today. The roof of the stand was blown off during a gale in 1930. Over the next fifty years very little changed to the ground. During the 1954/55 season 21,908 fans watched Torquay United's 0-1 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town. The same season also saw United become one of the first lower division clubs to introduce floodlights to their ground.
In the mid-19080’s David Webb (the former Chelsea player) became owner of the club and initiated a number of changes to the ground including the levelling of the away end terrace for use as an area to sell cars. In May 1985 a third of the grandstand was destroyed by fire. Nobody was hurt, but as a result, the ground's capacity fell to just 4,999. In the few years after the fire the ground saw little change, however at one point the manager's office and changing rooms were situated in a couple of portacabins behind the old Mini Stand.
During the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, Plainmoor finally saw some major improvements being made to the ground. The old Mini Stand made way for the all-seated Family Stand, which also houses offices, the boardroom and the club shop, as well as the pub and restaurant Boots and Laces, and the 200 Club bar. The old Cowshed stand was replaced by the new Popular (aka “Popside”) stand, and at the start of the 2000/01 season, the new Sparkworld Stand was opened to accommodate away fans.
Note: At the end of 2006, following the appointment of a new Chairman, plans were announced for Torquay United to leave their Plainmoor home and move into a new purpose built all-seater stadium to be built on the Recreation Ground in Torquay – home to Torquay Athletic Rugby Club and the very site that Torquay United left in 1904. Following the short tenure of the Chairman these plans have now been abandoned. It remains to be seen if the Grandstand will be replaced and the redevelopment of the ground will have been completed.
The present Plainmoor Stadium
The ground is basic and small, but has been steadily improved over the years.
Plainmoor - Home of Torquay United
Three sides of the ground have modern cantilever stands which offer unimpeded views of the whole pitch. The fourth side has the eighty-year old wooden grandstand that runs for two-thirds of the length of the pitch. The view from the seats in the grandstand can be obscured by wooden pillars. In front of the grandstand is a small area of terracing.
Unusually the Directors Box is situated behind the goal in the Yelverton Properties Family Stand rather than being to the side of the pitch. This is a neat, attractive, covered all-seated stand. On the spectator side of the wall at the front of the Family Stand is the “Yellowbrick Wall”, a series of engraved plaques that have been purchased by supporters.
The Sparkworld stand, behind the other goal, forms the away end and is a small covered terrace. Around 1,100 away supporters can be accommodated in the stand. There are also 200 seats available to away supporters in the covered Grandstand. Additionally there is a small terraced area that can be made available adjacent to the Main Stand, but this area is open to the elements. A new Police control box has been constructed to one side of the Sparkworld stand.
The final stand, running the length of the pitch, is the Carlsberg Popular stand (aka the “Pop side”). This is covered terracing that housing the more vociferous of the home supporters. On the roof of the Pop side is the television gantry.
At the rear of the Yelverton Family Stand are the club offices, the club shop - that sells all manner of Torquay United related memorabilia and replica playing kits - and Boots and Laces, a pub and bistro restaurant.
Plainmoor is one of the friendliest football grounds in the world and full of characters. Like many league grounds, the football ground is surrounded by housing which has limited the development of the ground but it is well worth a visit.
Admission Prices
Standing areas (Carlsberg Popular Side and Sparkworld (away fans) stand)
Adults £14
OAP’s (over 65’s) £11
Under 16’s £5
Seated areas (Grandstand and Yelverton Properties Family Stand)
Adults £15
OAP’s (over 65’s) £12
Under 16’s £5
Under 7’s Free
On league matches where, for safety reasons, extra security staff are deemed necessary then an extra £1 may be charged on the above ticket prices. Season ticket holders are exempt from these increases.
Students are entitled to the same admission fee as the concessionary OAP ticket, provided they have registered with the Club and produced a valid university or college pass.
Disabled persons (wheel chair dependant) will be charged full-price but bona-fide carers will be admitted free.
For matchday ticket concessions, the age at the date of the match is the qualifying criteria.
Under 16's may be challenged and it is advised to carry ID.
Under 7's are admitted free to the Grandstand and Family Stands but proof of age must be shown when purchasing the ticket. One free ticket is available with the purchase of an adult ticket. Free access for Under 7's is limited to the Grandstand and Family Stand and only applies to League and friendly matches - cup matches are charged at the normal price.
Home supporters have the choice of standing in the Carlsberg Popular (aka “Pop Side”) Stand or in the enclosure in front of the Grandstand or sitting in either the Yelverton Properties Family Stand or the Grandstand.
The Pop Side stand is home to the younger, more vocal, spectators, and running the length of the pitch can create a good atmosphere on the occasions when the crowd does get behind the team. The majority of the singing will originate from the middle of the Pop Side. It was traditional at Torquay United matches for the vocal supporters to gather in the old Mini Stand (now replaced by the Family Stand) and for the team to defend that goal. Then at half time in addition to the two teams changing ends the Torquay supporters would also change end and everyone would walk around to the other end of the pitch. With the crowd segregation which is now enforced at football matches this is no longer possible, however the practice is still reflected by a group of around 150 “Pop-siders” who will watch the match at one of the Pop Stand and then during half time walk to the other end. Under the Pop Stand are the catering facilities and the toilets.
The Yelverton Properties Family Stand is behind the goal and, as the name implies, is the family area of the ground. An all seated stand, the stand contains the Directors Box and, behind all the seats, the Executive and Sponsors boxes. Also behind the Directors Box is the large stadium clock. No electronic displays for Torquay United this is a traditional hour and minute hand clock that is visible from all areas of the ground.
In the corner between the Family Stand and Grandstand are the catering facilities and toilets. As these facilities need to serve the occupants of both stands the queues (for both food and toilets) can be quite lengthy, especially during half-time.
The Grandstand is a good old-fashioned traditional wooden stand, and tends to house the older season ticket holders. Given the uncomfortable wooden seats it is understandable to see the number of people taking cushions and car rugs into the stand. In front of the Grandstand is the Enclosure, a small area of terracing which means that it is possible to stand behind the team dug outs.
It is on the wall at the rear of the Enclosure where the flags and banners of the home fans are mainly hung.
Fans have the choice of either standing in the Sparkworld away end or sitting in the Away Seating section of the Grandstand. There is no transfer possible between these two areas.
Both of these Stands are covered and offer good views of the pitch, however when there is a large away following, fans are allowed to stand in the open area between the two stands. This area is open to the elements, and as it is a predominately level area, the view can be restrictive.
It is also in the open area between the two stands that the catering and toilet facilities are located. As these facilities are shared between the occupants of the two stands the queues can be quite lengthy especially at half-time.
The rear wall of the Sparkworld Stand provides plenty of places for flags and banners to be hung. It is also quite normal to see large flags draped across the crash barriers on the terracing in the stand.
Away fan coaches are parked in Warbro Road, right next to the entrance to the away end, and so entry and exit from the ground is very quick. It is very unusual for away fans to be held back after the game.
DISABLED SUPPORTERS INFORMATION
For wheelchair users there provision for 30 home and 5 away supporters. There are 15 spaces available pitchside in the Yelverton Properties Family Stand for home fans. The remaining 20 places are towards the away end of the Grandstand that is shared with away supporters. Unfortunately both of these two areas provide little cover from the elements.
For visually impaired supporters there are 12 seats on the halfway line towards the back of the Grandstand with match commentary provided via headset receivers, helpers alongside. Away fans are advised to contact the Club for availability.
There are no specific arrangements in place for hearing impaired supporters.
Likewise there are no specific arrangements in place for the ambulant disabled but all requests are usually accommodated. It is advised to check with club prior to the match.
All supporters will now pay full price regardless of their disability but where a carer is needed to accompany the person there will be no charge for that carer. The carer is required to sit close to the disabled person and to attend to their needs.
Disabled persons who need a carer are required to furnish proof of their level of disability and those who attend Plainmoor regularly will be advised to apply for a free pass to dispense with the need to produce such proof each time they attend. Registered blind persons fall into this category and must also pay full price. Occasional supporters, and away fans, should carry proof of their disability level. Acceptable proof will be documents referring to any benefit payment they receive or a doctor's note or certificate, together with proof of identity.
There is no specific parking for disabled supporters, but provided it is an early enough arrival, parking is available in the car park of the neighbouring school.
Access to all areas is generally level and there are two well furnished toilets in the hospitality area of the Family Stand.
Matchday programmes sellers are located outside the ground at all four corners of the ground and also at the turnstiles. Programmes are also available through the Club Shop located at the rear of the Family Stand.
There is a 50/50 draw at each game. The tickets cost £1 each with half the proceeds going to the holder of the winning ticket and the other half to Torquay United. Normal winnings are around £220, but can increase to £350 for larger attendances.
Outside of the ground there is very little, if any, segregation of home and away fans and everyone tends to mingle together. There is normally a police presence to ensure the peace is maintained.
Buggies, Pushchairs and Prams
Following a Risk Assessment it was decided that Buggies, Pushchairs and Prams are not permitted within the ground.
Skateboards, roller blades or skates and cycles are also not permitted inside the ground.
Smoking
Currently smoking is banned within the Family Stand and Grandstand, but permitted within the rest of the ground. However as of 31 March 2007, Plainmoor will be declared as a complete “No Smoking” zone and smoking will be not permitted anywhere within the ground.
Stewards
The stewards in charge of matchday security within the ground are supplied by a company based in Plymouth. Whilst it is acknowledged that the stewards do maintain order within the ground and quickly respond to any disturbances, it does seem that the majority of the stewards are supporters of Plymouth Argyle who seem to take great pleasure in riling the local supporters.
Torquay United does have a deserved reputation as being a family orientated club whose supporters are friendly and well behaved. It does seem however that the stewarding, of home fans in particular, can be a little over zealous at times.
Inside the ground
The catering facilities within the ground itself offer only standard fare and are not exceptional. The outlets offer a variety of Pukka Pies (it would be preferable if they offered a good pasty instead); chips and burgers. There is also a variety of confectionary items. Tea and coffee are the main drinks, together with soft drinks (which are served in plastic bottles without tops).
The Club has its own pub and restaurant called Boots and Laces (Boots is the pub and Laces the bistro restaurant). This is housed under the Family Stand at the end of the ground where the reception and club shop is. Boots serves food and drink and away fans are generally welcomed. If the match is classified as a “high” category game (normally indicated by the £1 increase in admission prices) then away fans can be expected to be banned from Boots and Laces. Laces is a bistro restaurant above the pub and the quality of meals here are very good.
In the neighbourhood
Within the vicinity of the Plainmoor ground there are a number of public houses that accept football fans. These are mainly located on St Marychurch Road and in the Babbacombe area. Most visiting supports tend to go the George Inn on the Babbacombe Road (about 5 to 10 minute walk from the ground).
There are a variety of food outlets in the Plainmoor, St Marychurch and Babbacombe areas. None of the major fast-food companies are in the locality but there is a good selection of chips shops; take-aways; cafes and restaurants.
Visitors to Torquay United will be assured of a friendly welcome, and many are already familiar with the town through family holidays. Many supporters take the opportunity provided by an away game in Torquay to make a weekend of it, and bring their families with them.
For a town made famous by “Fawlty Towers”, there are numerous places to stay in Torquay including top class hotels, guesthouses, holiday flats and caravan and camp sites. Torquay also offers many 'bed and breakfast' establishments as well as self catering accommodation.
The Gloucester Gulls website has a page containing information for away fans and maintain a list of establishments that are known to accept groups of football supporters. These include:
• The Westbourne Hotel (01803 292927)
• Harmony Hotel (01803 293918)
• The Chesterfield Hotel (01803 292318)
• No 26 Marnham Road (01803 402219)
• Clovelly Guest House (01803 292286)
• Arran Lodge (01803 292273)
For details on all the types of accommodation available look at www.torquay.com or www.english-riviera.co.uk.
Torquay has been one of the UK’s top holiday destinations since Victorian Times when the gentry promenaded, bathing huts were wheeled down the beaches and anyone who was anyone had an attractive villa overlooking the sea. More recently it has been famous as the location of Fawlty Towers and its eccentric proprietor Basil Fawlty. Torquay together with the nearby towns of Paignton and Brixham are collectively known as Torbay and is often referred to as being the “English Riviera”.
Torquay is one of the most stylish resorts in Britain. Blessed with a mild climate, gorgeous sandy beaches, beautiful coastal views and world class attractions, Torquay is guaranteed to please visitors of any age or inclination. Torquay's waterfront is the focus of life in the town. Here you'll find the palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, a lively harbour and an international marina. Yet within minutes of the town centre there are beautiful beaches easily accessible by foot, road or water. There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of attractions to suit every interest.
Originally a sleepy, fishing village, Torquay was reborn as a tourist resort in the Victorian era. The new railway system brought eager visitors to soak up the therapeutic benefits of the sea. Torquay became a trendy attraction and sparkling, white Victorian villas quickly sprung up upon the hillside. Standing in their midst today, looking over the promenade and palm trees and out to the blue seas beyond, you'll feel as though you've been transported out of England and into the Mediterranean- hence the English Riviera. Sea and sun lovers will bask in all the delights of some 22 miles of coastline with opportunities to indulge in activities such as swimming, diving, angling or hiking.
Torquay town centre is particularly lively in the evenings when the many restaurants and bars bring out the crowds. There are also numerous nightclubs making Torquay the “party capital of the westcountry”.
A guide to the English Riviera (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) can be found at www.englishriviera.co.uk. It contains details on the many attractions and amenities in the area.
Things worth stopping off to see:
Babbacombe Model Village
A miniature recreation of many Westcountry landmarks. The key attraction here is “A World of Characters” where you'll find recreations of historic events and popular movie scenes. In the last two weeks of November and the month of December, you can visit “Winter Wonderland” and see the “Minilluminations” at dusk.
Kent's Cavern
A network of caves which has provided some of the earliest evidence of man to be found not only in England but all of Europe.
Bygones Victorian Museum
A privately owned museum, Bygones recreates a Victorian street with typical shops showing the sights, sounds and smells that would have been experienced. There is also a twenty-eight foot railway model and war history reconstructed in an Anderson Shelter.
Living Coasts
A family attraction, Living Coasts is a coastal zoo situated on Beacon Quay with panoramic views across Tor Bay. Focusing on marine mammals and their conservation, Living Coasts allows the visitor a glimpse into animal behaviour while simultaneously recreating the feel of a natural habitat. A key attraction here are feeding times when crowds gather to watch seals and penguins catch their daily grub.
Cockington Court & Country Park
Only a mile from Torquay seafront, Cockington is a journey into a bygone age. In an idyllic village setting you can wander around thatched cottages, watch the blacksmith at work in the forge, enjoy a cream tea and stroll through acres of gardens and woodland.
What is the town famous for?
Aside from Torquay United, Torquay is probably most famous to the majority of people as being the location of Fawlty Towers, although the comedy series was not actually filmed in Torquay.
Currently Helen Chamberlain, the Sky Sports TV presenter, is Torquay United’s celebrity supporter. Previously the comedian Peter Cook was born in the town and was a keen supporter of the Gulls.
Torquay was also the birthplace of Dame Agatha Christie, the world famous author of murder mysteries.
A little known fact about Torquay is that the town hosted the water sports events of the 1948 London Olympic Games.
Plainmoor is not known for the quality of its singing. Indeed reflecting the rather elderly nature of most of the local residents, the sound of polite ripples of applause is more likely to be heard than singing.
What singing does take place will normally originate from the younger elements of the home crowd that congregate towards the middle of the Popular Stand.
Songs that can be heard include the following:
C’mon you Yellows…
Have you ever, have you ever,
Have you ever seen a beach,
Have you ever seen a beach
Give me a T… (T), O…(O), R…(R), Q…(Q), U…(U), A…(A), Y…(Y),
Put them together and what have you got
Torquay, Torquay !
You are my Torquay, my only Torquay
You make me happy when skies are grey,
You never noticed I much I loved you,
So please don’t take my Torquay away.
I’m Torquay ‘til I die,
I’m Torquay ‘til I die,
I know I am,
I’m sure I am,
I’m Torquay ‘til I die
Goodbye horse, Goodbye horse,
I was saying goodbye to my horse,
And as I was saying goodbye to my horse,
I was saying goodbye to my horse.
One man went to mow, went to mow down City,
One man and his baseball bat, went to mow down City.
Two men went to mow, went to mow down City,
Two men, one man and his baseball bat went to mow down City…
There are a number of chants concerning the current playing staff and the recent poor performance of the team. Given that there have been five different managers in the past 13 months it is worth checking the name of the current incumbent before joining in the next chant.
(insert name of current manager)’s Yellow Army,
(insert name of current manager)’s Yellow Army…
He’s here, he’s there,
He’s every f*cking where
Kevin Hill, Kevin Hill
Note: Kevin Hill has played for the club for the past 10 years, and Torquay United has been his only professional club. He is “Mr Torquay United” who has scored some crucial goals for the Gulls.
Lee, Lee, Lee Mansell
Note: Lee Mansell is a midfield dynamo who seems to be capable of covering every blade of grass during a game.
We’ll score again,
Don’t know where, don’t know when,
But I know we’ll score again,
Some sunny day
Although Torquay United has always prided itself on being a family-friendly club, I am afraid to say that most of the songs are for the more potty-mouthed. Every so often there is a clampdown on swearing within the ground, but it usually results in the same songs being sung, but with the obscenities being replaced by loud “Sshhh !” noises.
Show me the starfish,
Tra, la, la, la, la
Show me the starfish,
Tra, la, la, la, la, la
Show me the starfish,
Tra, la, la, la, la
She looks like she takes it up the bum,
Bum, bum
Build a bonfire, build a bonfire,
Put the Argyle on the top,
Put the City in the middle,
And burn the f*cking lot !
Oh Exeter, are you listening,
To the song we are singing,
We’re walking along, singing our song,
Sh*tting on the City as we go
Oh Exeter…
Is full of sh*t,
Oh Exeter is full of sh*t,
It’s full of sh*t, sh*t, and more sh*t,
Oh Exeter is full of sh*t
If you would like to comment on the guide and suggest possible amendments please contact the Gloucester Gulls and we will do our best to help.
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Page last modified : Friday, 30 July 2010. E-mail comments to gloucester.gulls@lineone.net |
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