It’s the US sports ‘docuseries’ with a difference that everyone is talking about… and one episode is devoted to a very special moment in Torquay United’s long & proud history.
Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, boast 130 million memberships in over 190 countries and their latest series called ‘Losers’ courtesy of Topic Studios based in New York, features 8 remarkable true stories of sporting redemption against the odds. Netflix themselves explain; ‘This series profiles athletes who have turned the agony of defeat into human triumph’.
Of particular interest to Gulls fans is episode 2, ‘The Jaws Of Victory’, which documents the events at Plainmoor in May 1987, which would go down in football folklore.
For our younger fans, or any that have hidden under a rock for the past 32 years, we won’t provide any spoilers, however it goes without saying that no-one in the 3,493 crowd inside Plainmoor that afternoon will ever forget it.
Featuring heroes of the hour Kenny Allen, Jim McNichol and Paul Dobson amongst others, the response to United’s moment in the limelight has been both well received and far-reaching, with everyone from BBC Scotland to TalkSport, The Holllywood Reporter and even GQ Middle East & Australia taking an interest.
People from all over the world have been having their say on Twitter too:
The film crew spent a week in South Devon 14 months ago recording additional footage for the episode, taking in the 1-1 draw with Gateshead at Plainmoor. Mickey Duzyi, the creator & director of ‘The Jaws of Victory’ was delighted with the end result.
“Our week in Torquay was our very first shoot on the show, and despite some inclement weather and some suspicion of what we were up to, the connection we saw between the town and your beloved Gulls was incredible. It’s no wonder why the club has survived all these years. For the story of the original ‘Great Escape’, we’re hugely grateful for the participation of all the subjects, some of whom travelled great distances to be with us. Viewers around the world are now being introduced to this odd and beautiful piece of football folklore, and it’s a reminder of the unique bond lower division clubs can have with their fans. Long live Torquay United!”
If you haven’t yet seen it, you can view the official trailer here.