Saturday’s season opener against Oldham also marks the 10th anniversary of a very special date in Plainmoor folklore – the official opening of Bristow’s Bench.
Accommodating nearly two thousand fans and boasting unrivalled views of not just the pristine playing surface, but also across the Torbay skyline towards Dartmoor, it’s no wonder that both home and away supporters regard ‘The Bench’ as the crown jewel in our stadium’s armoury, ever since it replaced Plainmoor’s old grandstand in 2012.
The final touch in the stadium’s 20-year redevelopment was officially opened in fitting style, with Tony Pulis’ Premier League Stoke City playing out a 1-1 draw with Martin Ling’s Gulls. Before the game, Thea Bristow was joined by Pulis, celebrity United superfan Helen Chamberlain, and members of the Bristow family to cut the ceremonial ribbon and declare the stand open, and with it, unveiling a tribute to Thea’s husband Paul, who sadly passed away in 2010.
Paul, like Thea, was an ardent Torquay United supporter, with his devotion to the Club playing a huge part in reviving the The Gulls’ fortunes. Having become a director of the Club in 2007 and later vice-chairman at Plainmoor, no-one was more delighted than Paul as he proudly watched from his seat at Wembley, seeing United regain their Football League status with a 2-0 win over Cambridge in 2009.
Following Paul’s tragic passing, Thea followed in his footsteps and took over his role as director of TUAFC, later being joined by her son Alan, with this spell including a two-year role as Chairman. Her eventual departure from the Boardroom failed to curb her enthusiasm for The Gulls and in her role as Life President, she continues to be seen at practically every match home and away every season.
With Saturday providing an opportunity to salute both Paul and Thea for all they have done for Torquay United AFC, we’re looking forward to welcoming the Yellow Army back home in their numbers on Saturday!
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