As we navigate the dramatic run-in to another thrilling season, Torquay United is also approaching the second anniversary of life under new ownership.
When the Bryn Consortium stepped in to save United from the very real risk of extinction, their first priority was to unite the club with the Torquay United Supporters’ Trust (TUST) and rebuild a strong, transparent relationship between the club and its supporters — one that had been neglected for far too long.
As such, TUST came on board in the summer of 2024, quite literally with two members joining the Board of Directors at Plainmoor, and took on the responsibility as 28.6% shareholders of Torquay United, thanks to the success of the Community Share Issue.
“We have responsibilities as the TUST and, while our pockets aren’t as deep as the Bryn Consortium, we want to help them in every way,” said TUST Chairman Nick Brodrick.
“There is a misapprehension that because we have such fantastic gates, it should automatically mean a completely solvent football club, but the Bryn has to shoulder so many financial responsibilities in running Torquay United.
“As shareholders, TUST should help carry the load in ensuring the long-term success of Torquay United, which is why we exist as volunteers.”
The headline news at Plainmoor is naturally all about what happens on the pitch, but it is the work behind the scenes that provides the foundation for success and entertainment on a Saturday afternoon or Tuesday evening.
TUST has done a huge amount of unseen, quiet work in the background to support the Bryn in their ultimate ambition of turning Torquay United into a sustainable, successful football club and remaining the valued community asset we have been for well over a century.
As well as those vital projects that keep the club running, TUST has also become involved in helping manager Paul Wotton fill some gaps in his squad over recent weeks, providing fiscal support for the loan deals of Joe Hatch, Ed James and Kieran Wilson.
As shareholders, we take our responsibilities in helping to run the club very seriously,” said Nick.
“Over the past few months, we are proud to have contributed toward the new handrails in Bristow’s Bench, part-funded the new Big Screen and helped with the restoration of the iconic stadium clock.
“In addition, we sponsored part of the TUFC Women’s kit for this season, purchased equipment for the grounds maintenance team and have now become involved in helping Paul Wotton with the acquisition of some new loan players.
“Last month, we helped with wage contributions for the signing of Joe Hatch from Plymouth Argyle and that has continued with TUST involvement in the arrival of Ed James on loan and the extension of Kieran Wilson’s stay until the end of the season.”
TUST Board member Joe Uglow added: “It is important, as shareholders of the club, we use the money of TUST members to help support Torquay United. Our money comes from the subscriptions of our members and supporting the club means covering all areas.
“While everything behind the scenes is important, it is obviously special for fans and TUST members to see they can help with the arrival of players on the pitch. Every TUST member agrees that we should be contributing in this sort of way.”
The growth of TUST membership is, as described above, intrinsically linked to the growth of Torquay United.
A strong TUST helps to strengthen the club and both Nick, Joe and the rest of the TUST Board believe the investment in direct football operations can only help attract more members.
“The feedback from our members was very supportive and increasing our membership is a key focus, which can only be helped by this type of investment,” said Nick.
“We are very grateful to all our members, many of whom joined us during the Community Share Issue, and we would love to increase the numbers. If we can get to 2,000, that would be a marvellous achievement and we are looking at how we can revamp our scheme.”
“It is not just about monetary subscriptions, it is also about ideas and taking them to the club. We have two seats on the Torquay United Board, in Nick and Danni Wyatt, and we have regular communications with the club on a range of ideas.
“The 1899 Club Lotto launch came from TUST and I’m sure there are many more avenues we can explore.”
The partnership between TUST and Torquay United is pivotal to the club’s future. By investing together, sharing ideas, and keeping communication open and transparent, we’re building the kind of togetherness that should have been in place all along—because it works !
