Following yesterday’s Promotion Final defeat at Ashton Gate, Torquay United Chairman Clarke Osborne has issued this statement:
Sorry and Thank You
I am sorry that we did not win yesterday, sorry for everyone connected with and supporting Torquay United. It was a cruel end to a season of such effort and determination. I am sorry that everyone suffered from the refereeing decisions that were in hindsight, questionable. I am sorry that we were denied the experience of a Wembley final and I send my thanks to the management team at Ashton Gate who staged a great show under difficult conditions.
Thank you to everyone who travelled and gave such tremendous support yesterday, filling Ashton Gate with the noise of a capacity crowd.
My sincere thanks to the whole United team, you have all given so much through this extraordinary season, worked so hard and played your part in getting within a whisker of promotion.
My personal thanks to Gary, Aaron and the coaching team, who gave all the passion and commitment that anyone can ask for. They are a league team for sure.
It is one step on our journey that we have delayed until next season. A season when we will see the yellow army return to their home and provide the “extra man”. A season where we will all give our best, work hard with determination to take that next step to Division 2.
I could not finish this without paying special thanks to the directors of TUAFC, my colleague George Edwards and Mel Hayman. When the full story of this season is told, everyone will understand the extraordinary effort they have made to keep your Club functioning with strength and on target for promotion.
Defeat is just a moment; it will not halt the Yellow Army.