Co-Chairmen give their views ahead of Hornchurch clash
This Saturday we will be welcoming Hornchurch — the league leaders — to Plainmoor. Tests like this are why we love this game.
We want to start with something simple and important: we are supporters, just like you. We feel what you feel—the highs and the lows—together. Last Saturday at Dorking hurt, and the long, miserable journey back to Devon won’t be forgotten quickly. We get it, because we lived it with you.
Everything we do—on and off the pitch—is driven by the same goal you have: to push Torquay United forwards and upwards. It isn’t always easy, and we know expectations for this season are understandably high. What carried us last season, when the pressure was not so intense, was unity and togetherness. While we’re still finding our feet and the week‑to‑week consistency we all want this season, keeping that sense of togetherness matters more than ever.
Trust us when we say there is no doubting the focus and drive for promotion within this club. Paul and the players know the goal — they talk about it, train for it, and measure themselves against it every day. We expect intensity, discipline and bravery from our team; they expect noise and backing from the stands. That’s the deal. When Plainmoor is united, we’re a different proposition. And away from home, we know Paul and the team understand the imperative to dig deep to find the same intensity, mindset and drive.
We promised to be open, so here it is:
- Responsible and disciplined finances: We are committed to managing the club prudently on our journey to sustainability. We won’t gamble with Torquay United’s future. Sometimes that means tough decisions if it means cutting our coat according to our cloth; we’ll make them if they’re in the club’s best interests.
- Ongoing investment: We are comfortable continuing to invest to get us to a stable, sustainable footing.
- Long‑term first: Nothing is more important than the long‑term health of this football club — the club we so nearly lost 18 months ago. We’ve come a long way since then, but we’ve only just started.
So what should we ask from each other?
From us: honesty, transparency, and hard work.
From the football side: standards and accountability.
From the stands: the togetherness that makes Plainmoor powerful.
Keep the faith, stay patient, and stay supportive of the players — and we believe the rewards will come.
Hornchurch will arrive at TQ1 on Saturday on top for a reason. We respect them, and we’re ready to meet the challenge. Whatever the result, the non‑negotiables are effort, organisation, and courage on the ball. Let’s make Plainmoor loud and positive from first whistle to last.
Thank you for everything you do for this club — tickets bought, shirts worn, and voices raised. It all counts.
Come on You Yellows!
Mark Bowes‑Cavanagh, Michael Westcott and the Board
