Exclusive: Clarke Osborne - 'why I am backing Gary, Torquay United and Torbay'

Clarke Osborne dispelled any myths of being the mystery man who, for some unknown reason, was saving Torquay United from oblivion with millions of pounds from the fortunes of his world-wide business empire.

There he was, sat in the No.10s Restaurant overlooking the Plainmoor pitch, speaking candidly, openly and exclusively about why he was backing the club, manager Gary Johnson and the Bay.

He revealed just how close United were from that oblivion trap door and how he still wants to see the club move forward into a new stadium, with a new youth academy - and a new future.

Most importantly, he wants to see it sitting at the heart of the community and being an integral part of the English Riviera and its promotional Torbay Story.

The pressures couldn't be more challenging at the moment as the Gulls make an indifferent start to the season in their battle to get back into the Football League.

That battle -  and constant struggle for survival - has, I believe,  so far cost Osborne £6million in the past six years and there is currently unrest on the terraces where some fans are calling for manager Gary Johnson's head - with chief executive George Edwards' thrown in for good measure.

But Osborne and the current United team, both on and off the field, aren't going anywhere.

Yep, he is hardly actually seen at Plainmoor, but that doesn't mean to say his heart isn't in it and that he is any less determined to succeed and see the club succeed.

He says: “Why am I not here more? The absolute bottom line is that I do not have the time. I have businesses in the UK and overseas, which, at my age, I should not spend so much time attending, but I do.

“I also have a family who, like all good families, are demanding of time together and I have, like most, hobbies and interests, particularly in ball sports and anything to do with speed and motors, driving, riding, flying. A bit of a petrol head really.”

A determination to drive forward and achieve goes back to his early days finding his feet in the tough world of commerce.

Osborne, 71, was born in Bristol and grammar school educated in Gloucestershire. Married with a son and daughter, who are both grown up, home for the past 20 years has been in the Chew Valley between Bristol and Bath.

He started full time work in the accounts department of a Bristol-based public company whilst studying accountancy. He recalled how he failed in his first attempt for a placement with a large listed company and relied on his father’s introduction to land the job - he knew the MD.

He says with a smile: “I was a lazy student and probably over-confident of my abilities. It was a shock to be turned down from what I thought was a positive interview, but it was a good lesson followed by a big piece of luck, as my father was able to introduce me to his friend, who happened to be the managing director of a public company.”

Osborne joined as a trainee accountant, worked in every area of the business and became its CEO 20 years later when it had grown to become an international organisation, with interests in sport and event promotion, horse and greyhound racing, facility management, hospitality, restaurants, pubs, gambling, computer systems, the list goes on.

Osborne is modest about his achievements, saying: “I was very lucky, lucky that my father was able to get me that job, lucky that I learned how to work hard and lucky that people within the firm gave me guidance and encouragement. I learnt that focus and determination are the prerequisite for success in business, it puts you in the place where luck can make a difference.”

He quickly learned some lessons in life. He says: “If you want something to happen, you must have the focus, the dream, the enthusiasm and determination. Be prepared to work hard and prioritise. Then you need a bit of luck. Determination and hard work up the odds of that piece of luck arriving.”

In 2004, he took the public company private and has since grown his business interests across a number of other companies and ventures. I asked him how much his businesses were worth and he just smiled again and said: “Enough.”

Another Osborne secret to success is 'you have to think young', you must retain enthusiasm and optimism. He says: “I do not feel old and I keep pretty fit.”

He is intrigued by psychology and the human mind; his daughter is taking a masters degree in sports psychology. He says: “It pervades all sport, commerce and how we make our way as individuals and interact with others. We human beings are making such strides in understanding how our brains can be trained, can be repaired and how they can affect our physical being. It is fascinating.”

I asked him, why Torquay United, why this investment?

He says: “I get excited by building projects, particularly in the creation of leisure facilities, and I admit, I am an enthusiast for new projects and organisations. Some of those close to me think I am over enthusiastic. Somebody I know well and is well connected in football came to me and said there is something exciting going on in Torquay. I was told they wanted to build a new stadium and wanted my input.

“I came to Torquay, met the board, met the mayor, leader of the council and the TDA. They were all very enthusiastic and encouraging. We looked at a plan for a new stadium complex and events arena at Nightingale Park and an academy with multi-sport at Clennon Valley. I agreed to take on the project and to loan much needed funds to the club. We started work on the project and for a time, made great progress.

“Then I had a call to say the club could not pay the wages and had days before having to call the administrator. I decided to step in, settle the debts and pay the wages. That is how I arrived at Torquay United. We put our shoulder and our money to the task and started to reorganise the club. There are terrific people involved in the club, selfless, enthusiastic and loyal and that underlined my decision to step in and save what is a fantastic club with a long heritage.”

He saved the club with a take-over just days before it was due to go into administration.

Then the stadium plans fell victim to political in-fighting for which Torbay had been renowned at the time. “I was left with no stadium or academy plans and a club in a very poor state,” said Osborne.

But that is where his never-give-up maxim in business served him well.

George Edwards, his 'right hand man', was brought in. He says: “It was not an easy decision; George sits across the organisation in the UK and, as such, is a very busy guy. We took a long look and agreed how to build the club for the future.  

“It had to re-build its infrastructure and embed itself in the local community. It had to behave and work as a professional club capable of playing in the Football League with a solid and sustainable financial base."

Mel Hayman, daughter of life president Ian, was appointed a director to work alongside Edwards.

“Mel is brilliant, she has Torquay United in her DNA, has a first-class brain and is an excellent accountant. You will not believe the amount of work these guys put in, most of the time without recognition and some of the time in the face of selfish criticism,” said Osborne.

He then sounds off on his opinion of social media, technology and what he describes as the consequential loss of respect in society - but hints that is for another day and another interview.

He emphasised: “This club, like any other, has to be united, has to be a working part of the community. That's how it will flourish and that's how the community will flourish with it.”

They made a change in manager. Gary Johnson was appointed. Osborne revealed: “Gary took some persuading to join us. I think Gary is a top coach and is more than capable of taking Torquay into the Football League.”

There have been many challenges along the way, not least a world-wide pandemic.

Osborne admits: “Hindsight is a phenomenon that can bring learning, it can’t bring change. If any of us had a clear and certain vision of the future we would, I am sure, make different decisions. There is no point in lamenting what could have been. When you are knocked to the floor, don’t feel sorry for yourself, just get up and get back in the race.”

Why hasn't he walked? After some thought, he says: “It's a combination of things - probably it’s my character, I don’t quit easily or willingly, my enthusiasm for being part of and encouraging winning teams and a belief that luck does follow hard work. The team at United on and off the field are genuine, dedicated and good people.”

And what does he want out of it? He says without hesitation: “The club back in the Football League (there is no chance of it going part-time on his watch) and a new multi-purpose ground and academy.”

He is fully aware of the chants from the terraces and comments on social media aimed at manager Johnson and CEO Edwards.

We get into a discussion about social media, mainstream media and, as he describes, the mad rush to being relevant, to maximising clicks as a recognition of audience.

Osborne says: “The social media platforms have brought anonymity, the opportunity to hurt without being accountable and helping to destroy respect.

“Today we don’t respect people, authority, opinions. The throwing of anonymous stones has become an entertainment.

“I am concerned where all this will lead, it pervades every part of our society and encourages negativity, jingoism, and unrest.”

He adds: “Bringing this to Torquay United, I respect all supporters' right to vent emotions positive and negative, it’s part of the game which is genuinely loved by so many.

“It’s all part of being at a game, being a supporter. That's part of the enjoyment, it's great. But being personal, aggressive and making unsubstantiated accusations and attacking the very character of an individual is not. 

“It is throwing a stone for the fun of it, being cruel without recourse.

“Spend a moment and think, you aggressively chant at a game or take to social media, saying personally hurtful comments aimed at the manager and his employers.

“What positive and supporting effect do you think this will have on the manager, the coaching team and most importantly the players on the field.

“Why would any supporter want to puncture confidence, divert from absolute concentration? I simply do not understand.

“Of course, everyone has the right to free speech and to their opinion, but it does not motivate any member of the team to improve or find that extra bit of commitment that can make the difference between winning and losing.”

He insists: “In my view, Gary is a highly skilled coach and manager. He is a clever man. He knows football and has a proven record. He is a good psychologist, a skill shared by all the achieving managers and coaches. He is loyal and committed. He just needs a bit of that luck.”

Osborne takes to task some supporters for recent attacks.

He says: “I have been described as being The Destroyer. I have been accused of closing down businesses for profit, without any consideration of the facts or the truth.”

He claims some appear to spend their time disrespecting the club, its manager, its directors and in financial terms probably the biggest supporter the club has ever had.

I asked him if he will walk away from the club.

He says: “I never plan to fail, I will never think about walking away from the club until the day I do.

“George, Mel and Gary do not plan to fail. I am confident we can make it happen for Torquay United.

“We can if Torbay wants it, if the supporters, the council and the bergers of Torbay want it.

“If they do not or they are ambivalent as to the future of Torquay United, I may as well give up. What is the point?

“I know football is not for everyone, but it can be such a positive influence and support for the local community.”

He sees United as an important ingredient in the Torbay Story - the current tool being used to sell and promote the Bay to show potential investors what a great place Torbay is to live, work, visit and invest their money in. United have adopted the Torbay Story branding on its away shirts to cement the message.

Osborne says: “The Torbay Story is a brilliant initiative.

“To succeed we must be united, to pull and push together.

“Torbay is a terrific area and has a world-wide reputation. The English Riviera has a special climate, has real history, is a beautiful part of the world and has so much going for it.

“The club can be a big part of that Story.

“The club and its supporters should be a united force, helping the Story attract new investment and life to the Bay.”