Co-Chairmen give their views ahead of FA TROPHY clash
Today we will be extending a very warm welcome to everyone joining us at Plainmoor for this afternoon’s FA Trophy tie. We extend a particular welcome to the supporters, players, and management of Maidstone United.
We hope you enjoy your visit and have a safe journey home after what promises to be a committed and competitive cup encounter.
Well, what a difference a week makes! Football has a way of compressing emotions, and the last seven days have reminded us all of that.
Two stellar performances on the road—at Farnborough on Bonfire Night and again at Maidenhead on Saturday—have showcased the quality in this group. Our heartfelt thanks go to the hundreds of you who travelled in great voice to back the lads; your energy matters, and it was felt by everyone.
It’s pleasing to see the team gelling and the quality shining through. It has been a tough seven days for the club with the pressure on one way or another, yet Paul and his players have shown the resilience and trust in the process that will stand us in good stead through the winter months ahead. It bodes well.
The past week has also underlined the ups and downs of the game—the rollercoaster that, in truth, is why we love football so much. Momentum can turn quickly, confidence can surge, and belief can spread from the dressing room to the terraces and back again. We therefore urge everyone to stick together and get behind the players. Paul and his squad want exactly what we all want: to deliver success on the pitch. Your support—especially when the fine margins are in play—can be the difference between good and great.
You will also have read the disappointing news of the FA’s fine and sanctions relating to racist abuse directed at our former player, Reuben Reid, by a so-called Gulls ‘supporter’ at our home game against Weston towards the end of the 2023/24 season.
Let us be unequivocal: we operate a zero-tolerance approach to any form of racist or discriminatory abuse. It is deeply sad that, in 2025, we still need to address such behaviour. The FA’s action reflects that, at the time, the club’s processes for dealing with incidents of this nature were not strong enough. That has been addressed by the new ownership and will continue to be strengthened. We are under review by the FA regarding how we manage and respond to such incidents, and we will meet—and aim to exceed—the standards expected of Torquay United.
This behaviour sullies our reputation and harms our club. It also costs money—precious funds we would far rather direct towards the things that bring all of us the success we crave: investment in players, facilities, and the matchday experience. We ask every supporter to be vigilant and to call out unacceptable behaviour. Together we set the tone for what it means to follow Torquay United.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Enjoy the game, sing loud, and let’s make Plainmoor a place where our players thrive and our values are clear.
Come on You Yellows!
MBC & MW and the Board
