On the 19th anniversary of the passing of Cyril Knowles, the first manager to lead Torquay United to Wembley, the Gulls started out on another potential road to the home of football with the penalties win over Bournemouth at Dean Court in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
When Knowles led Torquay to the 1989 Sherpa Van Trophy the idea of a lower league side reaching Wembley was very much a novel occasion. This was in an era when the Play-Off finals were contested on a home and away basis. If the current system had been in place during Knowles' reign, the Gulls first visit to Wembley would have come a year earlier as they lost out to Swansea 5-4 on aggregate in the Division Four final.
Since 1989, Torquay have never come close to replicating their run to the final, which saw them beat several 'old' Division Three (League One in today's money) sides including Brentford, Bristol Rovers and a Steve Bull inspired Wolves side in the Southern Area Final over two legs.
Under current manager Paul Buckle, the Gulls have experienced successful runs in cup competitions after reaching the FA Trophy final in their first season in the Blue Square Premier and the FA Cup Fourth Round in the following campaign.
With English football currently in the grip of the global credit crunch, a run to Wembley would certainly boost the club's coffers. However with Torquay currently lying top of League Two with an 100% record, Paul Buckle will not be looking to jeopardise a promotion challenge with a run to Wembley.
Given the choice, many supporters would also choose promotion over a run to Wembley. But with the Gulls on a more stable footing off the pitch compared to a lot of lower league sides and a side that includes several substitutes many of their rivals would love to name in their first elevens, it is not inconceivable that Torquay could be competitive on both fronts.
