When a club stands together, great things can happen

Last week was very busy, very stressful and very emotionally charged for many different people in the town of Torquay and further afield in the district of Torbay.

On Thursday, February 22, owner of Torquay United AFC, Clarke Osborne, released a club statement stating: “It is with sincere regret that I advise that circumstances beyond my control during the last five weeks have brought me to the position that I am unable to continue financial support for the Club and I have today filed on behalf of the Directors, an intention to appoint an administrator to the Club and Company."

Although many fans had been unhappy with both the club’s results on the field and structure off it, some choosing to voice their displeasure at the owner, some the manager Gary Johnson and some opting to do both, this was a statement that no Torquay United fan wanted to hear but many were potentially expecting.

But, it can be in the toughest times you find the truest tests of character. This meant that a rallying cry was issued by both the club and the Supporters Trust to whoever could hear that for their upcoming home match against Aveley it was time to all chip in, club together and showcase how much this club really means to its community.

My goodness did they do that!

Alongside positive support from the Pilgrims of Plymouth, an incredible 3,642 fans packed into Plainmoor last weekend (33 of them Aveley supporters) ready to cheer their team to victory for interim manager Aaron Downes’ first game in charge.

The Popside was bouncing with the diehard supporters providing a rousing chorus of chants and songs for the full 90 minutes, there was a queue that felt as long as a mile for supporters to get their hands on Gulls merchandise in the club shop outside the stadium and even a big queue inside the stadium for a Club shop stall.

The food van parked adjacent to the first section of the Bristow's Bench stand, where renowned mascot Gilbert the Gull was proudly perched on a railing, gave a reminiscent feeling of what match-days are all about, whatever division your club plays in, as sweet smoky aromas from bacon rolls, cheeseburgers and hot dogs gently delighted the nostrils.

To your left, as you entered the stadium and made your way through the bustling crowds of merchandise and refreshment purchasers stood the Family Stand, where right at the top, were the sliding doors to the club’s bar.

A bustling hive of social activity and noise as fans ordered their pre-match pints and would get to have a laugh and a chat before heading to their seats. The entrance to the bar, especially at half-time, was so popular it was shrouded by a queue that started right at the bottom of the Family Stand steps.

Regarding matters on the pitch, it will be up to the fans themselves to ascertain their own conclusions from both the performance and the 2-2 final scoreline. Some will be happy feeling positive steps have been made, that the team played well but were unlucky to draw the game, some will have been happy not to lose and others will have felt, having led 2-0, United should've gone on to win.

At the final whistle though, many of the Yellow Army stayed behind to applaud their players and Downes off the pitch. A rather respectful touch of class as well came from the Aveley manager applauding the Bristow's Bench crowd before he made his way down the tunnel, perhaps sensing the magnitude of this game for the hosts after a rather tumultuous week, even as opposition manager.