Every Torquay United supporter has their own story.
Some of us were taken to Plainmoor by our parents. Some discovered United through school. Some still stand in almost exactly the same spot they did decades ago. And for those who have moved away, supporting Torquay United tends to mean motorway miles, away ends and grabbing every opportunity to get back to Plainmoor.
This week, Inside: Forever Yellow is about three of the supporters who have chosen to get behind our membership scheme.
We spoke to Michael Tobin, Kirsty Jarvis and Jonny Jones about how they became Torquay United fans, why they chose to upgrade their TUST membership through Forever Yellow, and what they value about it.
Michael Tobin (left) pictured outside Wembley with friend and fellow fan Tim Cowell.
Michael Tobin — a lifetime at Plainmoor
For Michael, supporting United goes back almost 60 years.
His earliest memories are of standing on the terraces at Plainmoor with his father, John Tobin, who played in goal for Torquay United A in the late 1950s.
“We stood together on the old Popular Side, with the tea bar at the back, almost exactly where I still stand today.”
From there came the Mini Stand, away trips and some of the great moments in United’s history.
Michael remembers the Great Escape, the Leyton Orient survival match, the Sherpa Van Trophy Final and, above all, promotion at Wembley in 1991.
“The Blackpool play-off final, the penalty shoot-out, Gareth Howells saving and scoring; it remains one of my most vivid Torquay memories.”
His connection with the club is also what led him to sign up with TUST and, more recently, Forever Yellow.
“I’ve supported Torquay United for around sixty years, and that lifelong connection is a huge part of why I wanted to play a more active role in the club’s future.
“Forever Yellow felt like a meaningful step, a way to contribute directly and help build something sustainable for the next generation of TUFC supporters.”
Michael has enjoyed a number of opportunities through his membership with TUST and the club over recent years, including the Director-for-a-Day experience and playing golf with former manager Paul Wotton following the Community Share Issue.
More recently, he joined fellow Platinum members for the online Meet the Manager event with Jimmy Ball.
But for Michael, the biggest attraction of Forever Yellow is simpler.
“Knowing exactly where my contribution goes, seeing the club and TUST working closely together, and feeling part of something constructive has been the standout for me.
“The events and access are excellent, but it’s the purpose behind the scheme that matters most.”
Kirsty Jarvis pictured inside Wembley at the Play-off Final in 2009.
Kirsty Jarvis — home and away
Kirsty didn’t really get much choice about becoming a Torquay United fan.
“My parents were United fans. From a very young age Saturdays were all about being bundled into the car and driven here, there and everywhere to watch the Yellows.”
That hasn’t changed too much. Kirsty remains a familiar face following United both home and away.
For her, one of the attractions of Forever Yellow was the opportunity for supporters to contribute directly to the football club.
“The Bryn Consortium are committed to running the club in a sustainable manner and I think it’s great that fans are given the opportunity to play a part in supporting that.”
And it’s seeing that money put to work that has mattered most.
“It’s great to see that Forever Yellow funds are being used towards signings. At the end of the day, what happens on the pitch is the most important aspect of a football club. Being able to contribute to bringing players in is fantastic.”
Kirsty also points to the change in the relationship between TUST and the football club.
“For a long time prior to the Bryn Consortium there was no relationship at all between the two parties, so for the relationship to be where it is today is testament to the hard work that TUST has put in.
“I feel that supporters are happier than ever contributing to TUST because they know that their subscriptions are being used to fund a whole manner of good things.”
And her message to anyone considering upgrading?
“If you can afford to give a little extra then you can expect to see that spent in areas which are important to you.
“We’re not far off reaching £100k a year and that would be a huge achievement. So I’d say take a look at the options to upgrade, there’s numerous benefits available and you can choose how your money is used to support the football club.”
Jonny Jones (Far left), with fellow TUFC fans & TUST members Alan Wills, Christine Parkman, & Tom Beddows at Maidstone last season.
Jonny Jones — doing his bit from Berkshire
Jonny’s introduction to United came through the club’s work in the community.
“I first went to a game with my primary school when Frank Prince was running the community scheme. I think it was in 2000, so 26 years ago!”
Today Jonny lives in Berkshire. He’s a regular in away ends and still manages to get back to Plainmoor for a few home games each season.
He originally joined TUST during the Clarke Osborne era.
“It felt like the right thing to do in case the worst happened.”
His reasons for upgrading through Forever Yellow reflect how much has changed since then.
“I felt TUST were making a huge effort to raise funds that go directly to the club, which deserved to be supported. That, alongside the different member benefits, was what enticed me to upgrade.”
For Jonny, some of those benefits work particularly well because he lives away from Torbay.
The online club shop discount has been useful, while last season he was successful in the Forever Yellow priority ticket ballot for the Play-Off Final.
“That was brilliant — until the 90th minute!
“As an exile who visits Plainmoor five to ten times a season I can’t justify paying for a season ticket, but being able to be next in line for priority tickets should we have a big game is a brilliant benefit of the Forever Yellow membership scheme.”
But being an exile is also one of the reasons Jonny values the ability to contribute through Forever Yellow.
“If we can help make improvements to Plainmoor or the playing squad, as a devoted fan it’s a no-brainer. Especially as an exile, I’m unable to put money in as often as I’d like by attending home games. Being a Forever Yellow member allows me to do my bit.”
And Jonny’s advice to someone considering taking the next step is straightforward:
“Take a look through the different benefits and see if any could benefit you. Rather than buying that extra pint on Saturday, stick the money in the pot!”
Different stories. Same club.
Michael, Kirsty and Jonny have very different stories.
One has memories stretching back almost 60 years. One was brought up following Torquay home and away. Another first discovered the club through its community work and now follows the Yellows from Berkshire.
That’s probably a pretty good reflection of the TUST membership as a whole.
What they have in common is a desire to play their part.
Forever Yellow currently generates around £85,000 a year for Torquay United, with members able to choose whether their contribution supports First Team Operations, Youth Development or Stadium & Matchday Experience.
We’re now pushing towards our next milestone: £100,000 a year.
To Michael, Kirsty and Jonny — thank you for sharing your stories, and thank you for your support.
And to every other Forever Yellow member helping us get there, thank you too.
If you’re currently a Bronze member and would like to take the next step, or you’re not yet a Forever Yellow member and would like to join us, you can find out more about Forever Yellow below.
