Torquay United FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Gulls striker Paul Dobson.
Hartlepool-born frontman Dobson arrived at Plainmoor in the summer of 1986 following his departure from his hometown club.
Paul’s impact at Torquay was immediate, with his 17 goals for Stuart Morgan’s side seeing him end the 1986/87 campaign as United’s top scorer, and also secure the club’s status in the Football League in the process.
Of course, it was Dobson’s late intervention on 9th May 1987 that instantly earned him legendary status in TUFC folklore.
With United trailing 1-2 at home to Crewe Alexandra on the final day of the season, all inside Plainmoor were bracing themselves for Torquay to become the first Football League side to be automatically relegated into the Conference, and with it, enter a world of non-League football that looked very different to what it does today.
Having struggled to survive for a number of years, should that have scenario have played out, the club’s very existence would have been uncertain, to say the least.
However, as the history books will testify, Paul’s injury-time equaliser salvaged the last-gasp draw that United needed to avoid the drop at Lincoln City’s expense, and arguably, save the club off the field too.
Under the guidance of new boss Cyril Knowles, Dobson’s second prolific season with United saw them competing in the opposite end of the table, with his 25 goals leading The Gulls to the Fourth Division Play-Offs, before they eventually lost to Swansea in the two-legged final.
Much to supporters’ dismay, a fee of £20,000 saw Paul return north to sign for Doncaster Rovers in the 1988 close-season, before another successful spell in front of goal prompted Scarborough to pay another fee – this time £40,000 – to secure his services.
Further spells at League sides Halifax, Hereford, Lincoln and Darlington followed, before Dobson saw out his playing career in non-League football with Gateshead, Bishops Auckland and Spennymoor United.
Michael Westcott, TUFC Co-Chairman paid tribute to Paul following the news of his sad passing.
“Paul Dobson’s name will forever be written into Torquay United folklore,” said Michael.
“I was there that day in 1987 as a young reporter at the Herald Express, covering what became the ‘Great Escape’ — the extraordinary afternoon when Bryn the police dog’s famous intervention gave Torquay the added time in which Paul scored the goal that saved the club’s Football League status.
“It was one of those moments that went beyond football; it became part of the town’s story and part of the club’s identity.
“The fact our consortium was later named after Bryn says everything about how deeply that day still resonates with all of us. Paul’s goal earned Torquay United another 20 years as a Football League club, and that is a legacy which will never be forgotten at Plainmoor.
“He will always be remembered with huge affection and gratitude by everyone connected with the club.”
The thoughts and condolences of everybody connected with TUFC go out to all of Paul’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.
Thank you, Paul.
