The names might have changed but the outlook remains very much the same.
For David Graham read Jamie Reid, for Jo Kuffour read Saikou Janneh (at least for now), for Alex Russell and Jason Fowler read Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews- albeit younger versions, of course.
Gary Johnson's current Torquay United side of the 2019-20 campaign, who are currently aiming for promotion from the National League by attempting to play their way out of the division, bare more than a slight similarity to Leroy Rosenior's 2003-04 automatic promotion winners. It could even be said that the current Gulls' crop are the spiritual successors to Leroy's class of 2004.
However, whilst the flair and attacking of the likes of messrs Graham, Russell, Fowler and Kuffour earned the United of 2003-04 much praise from opposite managers, another parallel can be found here with FC Halifax manager Pete Wild recently described United as the best team his side has faced this season, there were a number of unsung players in that side who also played their part.
The centre back pairing of Steve Woods and Craig Taylor rank amongst the defensive partnerships to have appeared for the Gulls in recent seasons and left-back Brian McGlinchey was widely considered to have been the 'missing piece' in the jigsaw when he made his loan move from Plymouth Argyle permanent.
Matt Hockley and Kevin Hill are also worthy of an honourable mentions. Hockley's qualities as a ball-winning midfielder complemented the likes of Russell and Fowler. Hill also chipped in with a number of goals from midfield and his ability to outjump players who were far taller than his five foot nine inch frame also gave United another outlet when playing the ball out of defence.
You also have to wonder if United could have achieved promotion under Leroy a year earlier if Taylor had managed to extend his initial loan spell from Plymouth Argyle in March 2003 for the remainder of the 2002-03 campaign. Taylor, then 29, made his debut away against Cambridge United on 1st March 2003 in a 1-0 win for the Gulls, which was followed by a 0-0 draw with Swansea City and three successive 1-1 draws with Scunthorpe United, Hull City and AFC Bournemouth.
Of course in the following summer he made the move permanent and then went on to captain United to their first automatic promotion in 38 years. It makes you wonder what impact a similar type of signing could have on the fortunes of the present day United side.
