kids encyclopedia robot

Torquay United F.C. facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Torquay United
TUFC-est1899.png
Full name Torquay United Football Club
Nickname(s) The Gulls
Founded 1899; 126 years ago (1899)
Ground Plainmoor
Ground Capacity 6,200 (3,092 seated)
Chairman Michael Westcott & Mark Bowes-Cavanagh
Manager Paul Wotton
League National League
2018–19 National League South, 1st of 22 (promoted)

Torquay United Football Club is a professional association football team from Torquay, Devon, England. They are known as "The Gulls" because of their seaside location. The team plays its home games at Plainmoor stadium, which has been their home since 1921. Their main colours are yellow and blue.

The club started in 1899. They joined the Football League in 1927 after winning the Southern League title. For many years, they played in the lower divisions of English football. They had some ups and downs, including promotions and relegations.

Torquay United won a play-off final in 1991 to get promoted. They also won another play-off final in 2009 to return to the Football League. In recent years, they have played in the National League South, which is the sixth level of English football. In April 2024, the club faced financial difficulties.

Club History: The Gulls' Journey

How Torquay United Started (1899–1912)

Torquay United was first formed in 1899 by a group of young people. Their first game was a friendly match against a local cricket team. After playing friendly games, the club joined the East Devon League. They moved to the Recreation Ground for four years.

Later, the club had to move homes a few times. They eventually shared a ground with Torquay Cricket Club. During this time, in 1909, they won their first trophy: the Torquay and District League title. In 1910, Torquay United joined with another local team, Ellacombe Football Club, and became Torquay Town. This is when they finally moved to Plainmoor, where they still play today.

Joining the Football League (1920–1950)

After World War I, in 1920, two nearby teams, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, joined the Football League. This made people in Torquay want their own team to join too. So, Torquay Town and another local team, Babbacombe, merged to form a new professional club called Torquay United.

In 1921, Torquay United joined the Western League. Then, in 1922, they moved to the Southern League. In 1927, Torquay won the Western Division of the Southern League. This success helped them finally join the Football League Third Division. Their first Football League match was on August 27, 1927, with a crowd of 11,625 fans.

The team faced financial challenges in the 1930s. They also struggled to finish high in the league table. After World War II, in 1946, the club continued to face difficulties.

Exciting Times and Promotions (1950–1970)

In 1954, Torquay United changed their team colours. They switched from black and white stripes to gold and blue. These new colours were chosen to represent the town's "sun, sand, and sea" image. The club still uses these colours today.

This change brought better luck! In the 1954-55 FA Cup, Torquay played against Leeds United. They drew 2-2 away from home, then won the replay 4-0 at Plainmoor. In the next round, they played Huddersfield Town. The official attendance for that game was 21,908, which is still a club record!

In the 1956-57 season, Torquay almost got promoted to Division Two. They just missed out by a small difference in goals. In 1960, Torquay United beat Gillingham 2-0 and were promoted back to the Third Division. However, they were relegated again in 1962.

Torquay v Plymouth 1968 - geograph.org.uk - 2229186
A match against Plymouth Argyle in 1968 at Plainmoor

In 1963, Torquay signed striker Robin Stubbs for a club record fee of £6,000. He became a top goalscorer. In the 1964-65 FA Cup, Torquay played against the famous team Tottenham Hotspur. In front of over 20,000 fans at Plainmoor, the game ended 3-3, with Robin Stubbs scoring two late goals. Tottenham won the replay 5-1.

After this, Frank O'Farrell became manager. In his first season, Torquay earned their second promotion, finishing third in Division Four. They almost got promoted to Division Two again in 1967-68, finishing fourth. During this time, Torquay fans were even voted the 'Best Behaved Supporters in the League'! Frank O'Farrell left in 1969 to manage Leicester City.

Challenges in the Lower Leagues (1970–1988)

After a few average seasons, Torquay was relegated back to the lowest division in 1971-72. The club spent most of the 1970s finishing in the middle of the league table. Frank O'Farrell returned as a consultant in 1977.

The Main Stand, Plainmoor, Torquay - geograph.org.uk - 1229536
A match at Plainmoor in 1981

In 1982-83, Torquay reached the fourth round of the FA Cup. They lost a thrilling 3-2 game at Plainmoor against Sheffield Wednesday. In 1984-85 and 1985-86, Torquay finished last in Division Four. They had to ask the Football League to let them stay, and they were successful both times. In 1986-87, the club avoided automatic relegation on the very last day of the season. This happened after a Torquay player was bitten by a police dog, which caused injury time to be added, allowing them to score a crucial goal.

New Beginnings and Wembley Appearances (1988–2008)

In 1987-88, Cyril Knowles became manager. That year, Torquay beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the FA Cup. They also reached the semi-final of the Football League Trophy. In 1988, Lee Sharpe moved to Manchester United for £180,000, which was a very big transfer fee for Torquay.

Torquay reached the Football League Trophy final in 1989. A crowd of 46,513 watched them lose 4-1 to Bolton Wanderers at Wembley. After being relegated in 1992, they lost another play-off final at Wembley in 1998. However, they earned automatic promotion in 2003-04. Their stay in the higher league only lasted one season, and they were relegated in 2005.

Torquay Fans at Wembley
Torquay supporters at Wembley Stadium, May 2009

In 2007, Torquay United lost their Football League status after 80 years. This happened after a 1-1 draw at home to Peterborough United. Soon after, a lottery winner named Paul Bristow bought the club.

On March 15, 2008, Torquay played at Wembley again in the FA Trophy final. They lost 1-0 to Ebbsfleet United. However, on May 17, 2009, Torquay United were promoted back to the Football League! They won the play-off final at Wembley with 35,000 fans watching.

From League to Non-League and Back (2008–Present)

TUFC open top bus tour
Celebratory open top bus tour following 2009 promotion back to the Football League

In their first season back in League Two (2009-10), Torquay finished 17th. The next season, they reached the fourth round of the FA Cup, matching a club record. They finished 7th in the league but lost in the play-off final. In 2011-12, under new manager Martin Ling, Torquay had a very successful season, finishing second in League Two. However, they lost in the play-off semi-finals.

The club was relegated to the Conference Premier (now National League) in 2013-14. In 2015, a group of ten local business people took over the club. In 2017, a deal was made with a gaming company.

On April 21, 2018, Torquay was relegated to the sixth tier of English football for the first time. But they bounced back quickly! Under manager Gary Johnson, they won the National League South title on April 13, 2019, earning immediate promotion.

In the 2020-21 season, Torquay finished second in the National League. They reached the play-off final, where their goalkeeper Lucas Covolan scored a dramatic equalizer in the last minute! However, they lost the game on penalties. Two years later, Torquay was relegated back to the National League South.

Club Administration (2024)

On February 22, 2024, the club chairman announced plans for the club to enter administration. This means the club was facing serious financial difficulties. The National League then deducted ten points from Torquay, which dropped them down the league table.

The club officially went into administration on April 5, 2024. They were deducted another point for playing a suspended player. Torquay finished the 2023-24 season in 18th place, their lowest league finish since 1927. A group of local business people, called the Bryn Consortium, planned to take over the club. On May 14, 2024, Paul Wotton was appointed as the new manager. The club was no longer in administration by April 25, 2025.

Club Identity: Crest and Colours

Club Crest

First TUFC crest
Torquay United's first crest, based on the town's coat of arms
TUFC 1986 new crest
The gull's wings crest design of 1986–2017

Torquay's first club crest was based on the town's coat of arms. It showed a ship, representing the area's connection to the sea. It also had golden wings, which stood for the local seagulls. This crest was used for many years. In the 1970s, the design changed to focus more on the "gulls wings" emblem.

In the 1980s, the club used a circular crest with two palm trees. But in 1986, they went back to the gull emblem, surrounded by the club's name. Over time, there were different versions of this gull crest. So, in 2017, the badge was updated to a cleaner, more modern design.

Team Colours

Torquay United has used different team colours over the years. In the beginning, they played in light and dark blue. Then, they switched to black and white stripes, which made people call them 'the magpies'.

In 1954, the club decided to change its look. They chose bright yellow (or gold) and blue kits. These new colours were picked to represent the golden sands and blue sky and sea of Torquay. Since then, the club has mostly worn yellow and blue. This colour change also led to their famous nickname, 'The Gulls'.

Plainmoor Stadium: The Gulls' Home

Plainmoor's History

View of popular side from Bristow's Bench
View of The Popular Side from Bristow's Bench

Torquay United's first game was played on a farmer's field. After that, they moved to the Recreation Ground for four years. However, they had to move again when the rugby club took over that ground. The team then shared a ground with Torquay Cricket Club for four years.

In 1910, when Torquay United merged with Ellacombe to become Torquay Town, they moved to Ellacombe's Plainmoor ground. This stadium has been their home ever since. On May 17, 1985, a fire damaged the main stand at Plainmoor. Luckily, no one was hurt.

Over the late 1980s and early 1990s, the stadium was greatly improved. A new family stand was built, with a club shop and restaurant. The 'popular side' of the stadium was also covered and updated. In 2000-01, the away end was redeveloped. The old wooden grandstand, which had been there since 1927, was taken down in 2011. A new stand, called Bristow's Bench, was built in its place in 2012.

Future of Plainmoor

Torquay United Football Club - geograph.org.uk - 120247
Outside view of Plainmoor behind the family stand

After a takeover in 2006, there was talk of moving the club to a new, bigger stadium. However, later chairmen said that the club and fans wanted to stay at Plainmoor. They planned to improve the current stadium instead.

Plans to extend the grandstand were approved in 2011. This new structure, Bristow's Bench, was named after Paul Bristow, who helped the club return to the Football League. The new stand was ready for the 2012-13 season.

More recently, there have been discussions about moving the stadium again. The club's new owners in 2017 were interested in building a new multi-use complex and developing the Plainmoor site for housing. However, these plans have been debated by fans and the local council.

Team Players

Current Squad

No. Position Player
1 England GK James Hamon
3 Wales DF Jay Foulston
4 England DF Jordan Dyer
5 England DF Sam Dreyer
6 Zimbabwe MF Munashe Sundire
7 England FW Louis Dennis
8 England FW Jordan Young
9 England FW Cody Cooke
10 England MF Callum Dolan
11 England MF Dylan Morgan
No. Position Player
13 England GK Matt Wonnacott
14 Northern Ireland DF Matt Carson
15 England FW Jadyn Crosbie
16 England DF Ed Palmer
17 Wales FW Sonny Fish
18 England MF Matt Worthington
20 England MF Dan Hayfield
24 Scotland MF Sonny Blu Lo-Everton
26 England DF Jordan Thomas
27 England MF Matt Jay

Players on Loan

No. Position Player
- England FW Ben Seymour (On loan to Taunton Town)

Club Management

Coaching Staff

Position Name
Manager Paul Wotton
Assistant Manager Mike Edwards
Football Advisor Neil Warnock
Goalkeeper Coach Kenny Griffiths
Sports Therapist & Kitman Russell Cleave
Head of Medical Regan Miles
Video Analyst Louie Birkenshaw
Club Doctor Dr. Vivek Kulkarni

Managers Through the Years

Years Manager
1921–1924 England Crad Evans
1924 England Harry Raymond
1924–1925 England Fred Mortimer
1925–1929 South Africa Percy Mackrill
1929–1932 England Frank Womack
1932–1938 England Frank Brown
1938–1940 England Alf Steward
1945–1946 England Billy Butler
1946–1947 England Jack Butler
1947–1950 Scotland Johnny McNeil
1950 Wales Bob John
1950–1951 Scotland Alex Massie
1951–1965 England Eric Webber
1965–1968 Republic of Ireland Frank O'Farrell
1969–1971 Scotland Allan Brown
1971–1973 Wales Jack Edwards
1973–1976 England Malcolm Musgrove
1976–1977 Republic of Ireland Frank O'Farrell
Years Manager
1977–1981 England Mike Green
1981–1982 Republic of Ireland Frank O'Farrell
1982–1984 Scotland Bruce Rioch
1984–1985 England David Webb
1985 England John Sims
1985–1987 Wales Stuart Morgan
1987–1989 England Cyril Knowles
1989–1991 Scotland Dave Smith
1991 England John Impey
1991–1992 England Wes Saunders
1992 Serbia Ivan Golac
1992–1993 England Paul Compton
1993 England Neil Warnock
1993–1995 Republic of Ireland Don O'Riordan
1995–1996 England Eddie May
1996–1998 England Kevin Hodges
1998–2001 England Wes Saunders
2001 England Colin Lee
Years Manager
2001–2002 England Roy McFarland
2002–2006 England Leroy Rosenior
2006 Wales John Cornforth
2006 England Ian Atkins
2006–2007 Czech Republic Luboš Kubík
2007 England Keith Curle
2007–2011 England Paul Buckle
2011–2013 England Martin Ling
2013–2014 Wales Alan Knill
2014–2015 England Chris Hargreaves
2015 England Paul Cox
2015–2017 England Kevin Nicholson
2017–2018 England Gary Owers
2018–2024 England Gary Johnson
2024– England Paul Wotton

Club Records and Achievements

  • Highest League Position: 2nd in Third Division South (level 3) in 1956–57.
  • Best FA Cup Performance: Reached the Fourth Round seven times.
  • Best League Cup Performance: Reached the Third Round four times.
  • Best League Trophy Performance: Runners-up in 1988–89.
  • Best FA Trophy Performance: Runners-up in 2007–08.
  • Record Attendance: 21,908 fans against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup on January 29, 1955.
  • Biggest Victory: 9–0 against Swindon Town on March 8, 1952.
  • Heaviest Defeat: 2–10 against Fulham on September 7, 1931.
  • Most Appearances: Dennis Lewis played 442 games (1947–1959).
  • Most Goals: Sammy Collins scored 219 goals (1948–1958).

Notable Player Transfers (Purchases)

  • Leon Constantine from Peterborough United for £75,000 in December 2004 (club record).
  • Billy Bodin from Swindon Town for £70,000 in July 2012.
  • Eifion Williams from Barry Town for £70,000 in March 1999.
  • Robin Stubbs from Birmingham City for £6,000 in 1963.

Notable Player Transfers (Sales)

Club Honours

Source:

League Titles

  • Fourth Division / Third Division (level 4)
    • Promoted: 1959–60, 1965–66, 2003–04
    • Play-off Winners: 1991
  • Conference (National League) (level 5)
    • Play-off Winners: 2009
  • National League South (level 6)
    • Champions: 2018–19
  • Southern League (Western Division)
    • Champions: 1926–27

Cup Honours

  • Associate Members' Cup
    • Runners-up: 1988–89
  • FA Trophy
    • Runners-up: 2007–08
  • Devon Senior Cup
    • Winners: 1910–11, 1921–22

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Torquay United Football Club para niños

kids search engine
Torquay United F.C. Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.