Co-Chairmen SHARE THEIR thoughts AHEAD OF TOday’s clash with HEMEL HEMPSTEAD…
Good afternoon everyone, and welcome back to Plainmoor for our final home game of the regular season.
As we write these notes, one thing is uppermost in our minds: gratitude. Once again, we are preparing to welcome a superb crowd to Plainmoor, potentially our biggest of the season, and that says everything about the passion, loyalty and spirit of this football club’s supporters.
Week after week, you continue to turn out in magnificent numbers, both here in South Devon and far beyond. Our support does not begin and end at Plainmoor. It stretches right across the country through our remarkable band of exiles, and it is something very special and is never taken for granted. Home and away, you have been there in force. We saw it again at Slough, just as we have seen it so many times this season, with outstanding travelling numbers and unwavering backing for the team.
That support means a huge amount. It lifts the players, it energises the staff, and it is deeply appreciated by everyone connected with the club. The positivity you bring, the noise you generate and the belief you show can make a real difference. The Board is immensely proud of the fan base we have at Torquay United and proud, too, that it continues to grow.
There is also plenty happening across the wider club, and we want to pay special tribute to our women’s team after their terrific 4-1 away win at promotion rivals Forest Green Rovers on Sunday. That was a fantastic result and another sign that something special is brewing as we head to the final few games of the season. Our women’s team have represented the club brilliantly all season with quality, spirit and consistency, and we encourage as many supporters as possible to get along to some of their remaining games. You will enjoy it, and your support will mean a great deal to them.
At this stage of the season, it is also right to recognise the people behind the scenes who keep the club moving forward. This has been a demanding year off the pitch, with plenty of change and no shortage of challenges, but our staff and volunteers have responded with tremendous commitment, enthusiasm and resilience. Across every department, they have adapted, worked hard and continued to deliver for the club day in, day out. The Board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all of them.
We also want to remind supporters about the Fans’ Forum on Tuesday, April 21st at 7pm in Boots & Laces. It will be an open evening for supporters to hear more about the club’s developing plans on and off the pitch, including Jimmy Ball’s football vision, the club’s youth development approach, and the Supporters’ Trust’s enhanced membership programme. Members of the Board, Jimmy and representatives of TUST will all be there, and we hope as many of you as possible will come along for what should be an informative and constructive evening.
Finally, we extend a warm welcome to everyone from Hemel Hempstead Town. This is an important match for both clubs as we continue to battle at the top end of the table, and that should make for an exciting, competitive and entertaining occasion.
Thank you, as always, for your magnificent support. Let’s make it another special afternoon at Plainmoor.
Come on You Yellows ! Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Michael Westcott & The Board
