Coming together for Torquay United

In a turbulent and troubling week for Torquay United, interim manager Aaron Downes has praised the togetherness inside the club and the amazing support from the outside.

The 2-2 draw with Aveley last weekend saw over 3,600 supporters pack into Plainmoor, generating an atmosphere that was up there with the very best the club has seen in recent years.

Since the news arrived last Thursday that the club would be entering administration, there has been a wave of support and affection for Torquay United, a response that is felt keenly by those on the frontline of delivering results.

“It was a really positive day for the football club and a fantastic atmosphere,” said Downes. “A few of the players have commented that is one of the best they’ve seen at Torquay and it rivalled the Derby game [in the FA Cup].

“It was an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone and we felt a bit gutted we couldn’t send everybody home with three points.

“It was a performance we felt we should have got three points from and we definitely played well in certain aspects. It was pleasing overall and from what Thursday lunchtime brought us to the Saturday, it was a massive contrast in emotions.

“It was a positive end to a tough week for a lot of people.

We can’t thank the footballing community enough. The support and gestures from other football clubs, other teams, sponsors, has been just phenomenal. It is really humbling that the club is held in such high regard by a lot of people.

“It’s important we now try to embrace and enhance that feeling as we move forward. There is a positive feeling around the club and we want to keep that for the players, the staff and, most importantly, the supporters.

“The dedicated support staff have been phenomenal this week. The news they received could have devastated some people, we all know what it has been this week but the resilience and support from our staff off the pitch has been unbelievable.

“The support from the people above has been incredible as well. They’ve had to work very hard to pay our wages this month. The togetherness that has come from this has been incredible.”