Update | Names expected to play: Guy Branston, Aaron Downes, Lee Mansell, Kevin Nicholson, Robbie Herrera, Michael Poke, Martin Rice, Kenny Veysey, Tom Kelly, Mark Forrester, Taiwo Atieno, Joe Oastler, Steve Winter, Ben Gerring, Lee Hodges, Ben Harding. Others TBC.
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Torquay United fan Joseph Pope is putting on a special match at Plainmoor to support former TUFC midfielder, Damon Lathrope.
Lathrope played over 150 times for United over two spells and he was a part of the team that reached the League Two Play-Off Final in 2011.
He has had to quit the game after suffering a badly broken leg playing for Woking in a recent National League game against Boreham Wood.
Joseph, 18, is bringing together ex-Torquay United players to play a team of fans at Plainmoor on Sunday, May 6th with a 1pm kick-off. The game had an original date later in the month but Joseph’s match for Damon has been brought forward to May 6th. There are no entry prices but fans can make a donation to support Damon at the turnstile.
“I’ve been a Torquay fan for a long time and one of my favourite players is Damon,” explained Joseph.
“Me and a couple of other fans thought it would be a good idea to put on a game for him, to help with his transition into retirement. We thought the best way to bring together him and the fans would be to create this match and celebrate his career.
“We’ve contacted Damon to see what he wanted to do. We want to make it as special for him as possible so we’ve been speaking to ex-players and asking them to play. We’ve been organizing raffle prizes and the finer details.”
Damon is a definite favourite among the Yellow Army. This isn’t just down to what he did on the pitch, but also the time he put into the Club off the field.
“I think it is really important [to help Damon] considering how long he played for Torquay. It will be good for the Torquay fans to come together to celebrate his career,” added Joseph.
Plenty of United’s ex-players have agreed to play on the day. Whether you’re in the stands watching, or playing in the opposition team, it will be a day to remember.
“We have a few firm names that have said that they will play. We have got the likes of [Robbie] Herrera, [Kevin] Nicholson, Guy Branston, Tim Sills, and Lee Hodges. We are speaking to a number of former players that would like to play in the event. Quite a few names to come together to support Damon.”
Please remember that their attendance is subject to availability.
Joseph is sure to have influx of offers to play to the fans’ teams. Places are available for £50 each and will fill up quickly.
Organizer: Joseph Pope & Friends
Event: TUFC Legends Vs TUFC Fans
Place: Plainmoor
Date & Time: Sunday 6 May | 1pm Kick-Off
Entry: Donation at the turnstile
To contact Joseph to donate any raffle prizes or to enquire about a place in the fans’ team, please email [email protected].