2024: A defining year in the history of Torquay United

No calendar year in the cycle of a professional football club is without drama but 2024 at Plainmoor provided 12 months unlike any other, as Torquay United lurched from the brink of oblivion to a glorious new era full of hope.

It all began with a frustrating draw at home to Eastbourne in the league and then a dismal exit at Hereford in the FA Trophy. Supporter unrest at the reign of manager Gary Johnson had reached protest levels and the noise grew in intensity after a brutal 4-0 home loss to St Albans.

It was a result that sparked a run of five straight defeats, effectively killing any hopes of United making a play-off push in the National League South, a previously unthinkable drop in expectations for the club.

Despite the on-pitch malaise, owner Clarke Osborne revealed brief details of a meeting with Torbay Council on his ambitions to build a new stadium for the club. After years of tepid promises on stadium plans, it was an announcement met with doubt and derision by the Yellow Army.

It turned out to be the final act of a dying regime. In the aftermath of a Yellow Card protest staged at Plainmoor, Osborne announced the end of his ownership, a decision that plunged the Gulls into the uncertainty of administration.

The subsequent points deduction issued by the National League turned a fading play-off dream into the nightmare reality of a fight against relegation, and it would be a fight led by assistant boss Aaron Downes, with Gary Johnson resigning within hours of the Osborne announcement.

In a weird way, despite the genuine existential threat to the club, there was a sense of relief and hope for the future. Local politicians, community groups and supporters rallied in search of a new beginning for the Gulls.

Torquay United Supporters Trust pledged to lead the search for a viable consortium to take over the club and while the club was shrouded in rumour of potential ownership interest from far and wide, the TUST proposal would win the race.

On the pitch, Downes guided the team to safety with his usual integrity and honesty, away victories at Truro and Taunton ultimately proving decisive in securing another season in the National League South.

Focus quickly shifted back to Boardroom discussions and a sunny day in May at the Livermead Cliff Hotel in Torquay brought the unveiling of the Bryn Consortium, aptly named after the Police dog who had done his job in saving the club decades earlier.

New co-chairmen Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh led a TUST-inspired consortium of local business people committed to a sustainable and viable future for Torquay United.

As well as navigating the financial minefield of exiting administration, the Bryn boys appointed former Truro boss and Plymouth Argyle legend Paul Wotton as the new manager, ably supported by the vast experience of football consultant Neil Warnock.

Smiles had returned to Plainmoor and the Wotton / Warnock combo immediately set about constructing a squad capable of riding the wave of enthusiasm.

A bumper crowd watched United win their opening game of the season at home to Enfield and the outstanding attendances have continued ever since, as have the encouraging results.

Wotton warned it would take time for his new team to gel but even he must be delighted with the speed his side have formed a unit now considered realistic promotion contenders.

Most of all, after almost seven years of scepticism, the Yellow Army have a Board and manager they trust…nothing matters more in the rollercoaster ride of professional football!