FINAL DAY DECIDER FOR ARGYLE

 For Plymouth Argyle, the brief is simple - the Pilgrims must equal or better whatever Birmingham City do in their home fixture with Norwich City when they host Hull City at Home Park on the final day of the 2023-24 campaign. 

Bottom side Rotherham United are already down and they look set to be joined by Huddersfield Town, who need a thumping win against second placed Ipswich Town to even stand a slim chance of avoiding the drop. Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town, who occupy 19th and 20th place respectively with 50 points and could still go down if they fail to win their final day fixtures and Argyle and Birmingham both win. 

What both the Pilgrims and the Blues have in common is that their opponents both need points to make their postions in the top six secure. The Tigers managed by Liam Rosenior, the former Torquay United loanee and the son of ex Gulls boss Leroy, are currently in seventh place and a win could see them leapfrog West Bromwich Albion who currently occupy the final play-off spot in sixth place. 

A win over Birmingham City would seal Norwich's place in the end of season showdown, but a heavy defeat for them and convincing victory for Hull could see the Canaries miss out altogether. 

One player who could be a difference maker for Argyle is Morgan Whittaker who requires one more goal to become the first Plymouth Argyle player to net 20 league goals in a campaign since Steve Castle in the 1993-94 season.

BRYN CONSORTIUM CHOSEN TO LEAD GULLS' FUTURE

 As a young reporter with the Herald Express in May 1987, Michael Westcott penned a colour piece following Torquay United's 2-2 draw with Crewe Alexandra which saw the Gulls famously retain their Football League status - with Bryn the Police Dog playing his part. 

The Alsatian had broken free of his handler, PC John Harris, and sunk his teeth into United defender Jim McNichol - and in the time added on to treat his injury Paul Dobson netted the Gulls' equaliser which helped keep them up. 

Now, 37 years later, Westcott - now an experienced media professional - is leading a consortium which bears the name of the Gulls' canine hero as he and his colleagues work to bring United out of Administration after being chosen as preferred bidders by the club's Administrators Begbies Traynor. 

The group, which also includes fellow local businessmen Tom Allen, Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson, have enlisted the help of former Gulls caretaker manager Neil Warnock who has been present at a number of United home matches towards the end of the 2023-24 campaign. 

However, the top priority now is to get the deal finalised and bring the Gulls out of Administration before the National League AGM in June.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE

 1. Local boys done good. 

There was a decidedly local flavour to the Gulls' display against Havant & Waterlooville as a number of local boys made a big impact in the game. 

Austen Booth opened his account for his hometown club on 27 minutes with a stunning half volley, whilst Torquay-born Plymouth Argyle loanee Will Jenkins-Davies took his tally for the season to eight with a first half brace. 

Then in the second half, first year pro Callum Thomas made a steady cameo appearance after replacing Dean Moxey and sub Jacob Wellington, who has been a stand out player in United's Under-18 side, had a hand in Arkell Jude-Boyd's fifth (more on that below) and also went close himself with a shot that went wide. 

2. Arkell Jude-Boyd takes his tally to six. 

Since he joined the Gulls on loan from Queens Park Rangers, Arkell Jude-Boyd has shown that he has all the attributes of a modern day full-back, in terms of athleticism and his ability on the ball who is very similar in style to Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Jude-Boyd has also chipped in with a number of goals and he took his tally to six with seven minutes to go, as he found the target after Jacob Wellington had seen his effort blocked. 

He is the latest in a series of loan signings who have appeared for United in recent seasons, a list that includes Sinclair Armstrong, Stephen Duke-McKenna and Dillon De Silva, and he also won the club's young player of the season award. 

3. Dean Moxey wins player of the year. 

Veteran Dean Moxey capped a campaign where he has proved to be one of United's more consistent performers by being voted as the club's player of the season award. 

Moxey, who turned 38 in January, has rolled back the years on numerous occasions this season and his reading of the game befits a player who has played at the highest level (he appeared for Crystal Palace in the Premier League earlier in his career). 

The question is 'will we be seeing him at Plainmoor next season?' 

4. Aaron Downes. 

After stepping in as interim manager following the departure of Gary Johnson following the announcement that the Gulls would be filing for Administration, Aaron Downes has done an admirable job in helping United avoid relegation from National League South. 

Not only did Downes have to deal with the ten point deduction which came with Administration, he also had to contend with seeing the Gulls deducted an additional point for fielding an ineligible player. 

However, with a record of played 13, won five, drawn 3 and lost 5, Downes led United to safety with a win over Taunton Town in their penultimate league fixture. Now the question is: 'what part, if any, will the Aussie be playing for the Gulls going forward?'

5. A first double of the campaign. 

United's win over Havant and Waterlooville ensured that they completed the double over one of their National League South opponents for the first time this season, having beaten the Hawks 2-0 at Westleigh Park last November. 

It is the first time that the Gulls have completed the double over one of their divisional opponents on the final day of a campaign since they beat Barnet 3-2 on the final day of the 2000-01 campaign. 

6. The fans. 

In the past there has been suggestions that Torquay United fans lack passion, but to that I say those who accuse others of lacking passion are those without passion themselves. 

With a crowd of 3,379 to witness what was a 'dead rubber' - as the Gulls had retained their National League South status against Taunton in midweek - and an average attendance of 2,404 in a season where they haven't been able to consistently maintain a promotion challenge, the fans have proved they undoubtably care about their football club. 

BBC Radio Devon commentator Paul Mulhern probably summed up the club best live on air when he said: 'It's where strangers become acquaintances and acquaintances become friends and in some cases friends become family, and the fact that they've been kept at arm's length for the last few years needs to change and needs to change quickly.'

WHITTAKER CAPS MEMORABLE SEASON WITH TEAM OF THE YEAR INCLUSION

 The stand out figure in Plymouth Argyle's return to the Championship for the first time in 13 years has arguably been attacker Morgan Whittaker, who capped a memorable campaign by being named in the PFA Championship team of the season. 

Whittaker, who joined the Pilgrims for a club record fee of £1million from Swansea City in the summer of 2023, has scored 19 goals and chipped in with eight assists. 

Argyle won promotion after winning the League One title with a record 101 points in the 2022-23 season, and have experienced a season of transition after manager Steven Schumacher left for Stoke City before his successor Ian Foster was dismissed. 

Director of Football Neil Dewsnip is currently overseeing first team affairs alongside first team coach Kevin Nancekivell, with a permanent managerial appointment set to be made in the close season. 

 

 

COOPER CAN LEAVE GLOVERS LEGACY AFTER NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH TITLE WIN

 After over a decade of decline the future is looking brighter for Yeovil Town as they clinched their first promotion since the 2012-13 season, and their first league title since the 2004-05 campaign, by winning the National League South title.

For manager Mark Cooper it was also a personal milestone as he became the first manager to win National League South and National League North; he won the North with Kettering Town in the 2007-08 season and, of course, he led Forest Green Rovers to promotion into the Football League in 2016-17. 

However, aside from his time at Forest Green, Cooper has never created the kind of legacy that his father, the former Leeds United and England full-back Terry, left in his managerial career. 

Cooper senior played a key role in reviving Bristol City, leading the Robins to promotion from the 'old' Fourth Division before winning the Freight Rover Trophy in the 1985-86 campaign as they recovered from the financial turmoil which famously saw the 'Ashton Gate eight' tear up their contracts to save the club earlier in the decade. Then as Exeter City manager, he led them to their only league title to date when they won the 'old' Fourth Division title in the 1989-90 season - an achievement which sees him ranked as one of the Grecians' greatest ever managers.

If Cooper junior could build on winning National League South with the Glovers and lead the club back into the Football League, he would surely rank alongside Gary Johnson as one of the club's greatest ever managers. 

With the likes of Stockport County, Wrexham, Notts County and Chesterfield having won promotion from the National League in recent years, it looks set to be a more level playing field which could be to the Glovers' advantage in the 2024-25 campaign.

PREFERRED BIDDER IDENTIFIED FOR GULLS

 Torquay United's Administrators Begbies Traynor have announced that they have identified a preferred bidder to take over the National League South side.

After receiving a ten-point deduction following former owner Clarke Osborne's intention to place the club in Administration, the Gulls officially entered Administration last Thursday with Begbies Traynor appointed to the role. 

A statement on the club's website said: "“Out of the firm bids received by TUFC, one party has now been identified as the preferred bidder.

“Although the preferred bidder will remain confidential at this stage, this news is the latest and, perhaps, most significant yet towards securing the Club’s long-term future."

It also said that further updates will be made available in due course, although the club's Supporters Trust and a group of local businessmen have declared an interest in taking over the club.

FOUR CUP FINALS AWAIT THE GULLS

 For a club that has spent much of its 125 year history battling some form of adversity, Torquay United currently find themselves in new territory even for them. 

For the first time ever the Gulls are in Administration and the subsequent ten-point deduction has left them staring a second successive relegation in the face, which would see them relegated to Southern League Premier South. 

As a result, United are now facing 'four cup finals' between now and the end of the season which starts with a trip to Gloucester City's TigerTurf Stadium where they are due to face Paul Wotton's Truro City. 

Next up is another all Westcountry affair as they travel to Twerton Park to meet Bath City, who they beat 1-0 last November at Plainmoor thanks to a long range strike from Shaun Donnellan. 

The week after sees the Gulls on the road again to Gloucester City where Taunton Town lie in wait for a fixture that has been postponed several times and had been originally due to take place on November 21, 2023. It will also be a 'six-pointer' in the truest sense of the word, as the Peacocks are one of the clubs directly below United.

Then finally, the Gulls are home to Havant & Waterlooville, who could well have been relegated by the time they make the journey to Plainmoor, as they currently have 36 points but only have three games left to play. 

One slight plus for United is that they have a superior goal difference to the teams around them, so the teams around them need to overhaul their points total in order to over take them. 

In addition to this, hopefully there should be some positive news regarding the sale of the club, with a bid involving the club's Supporters Trust and local businessman and life-long fan Michael Westcott having been submitted.

REID ON TARGET ON NORTHERN IRELAND DEBUT

 Former Exeter City and Torquay United striker Jamie Reid became the latest South Devon born striker to score in international football, as he found the back of the net for Northern Ireland in their 1-1 draw with Romania. 

Reid, who hails from Torquay, joined Paignton's Kieffer Moore who has represented Wales and Newton Abbot's Ollie Watkins who, of course, has broken into the England squad. 

He only had to wait seven minutes until opening his account for Michael O'Neill's side after Liverpool's Conor Bradley broke down the right and then fed Southampton midfielder Shea Charles who squared the ball to Reid, who calmly slotted home. 

At the age of 29, Reid, currently with Stevenage in League One, also becomes the second oldest player to score on his debut for the province.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH

 1. Asa Hall and Dean Moxey were immense at the back. 

For all of this season, Torquay United have been crying out for a wise old head at the back, but against Hampton and Richmond with Asa Hall and Dean Moxey, who have a combined age of 75, in the centre of defence, the Gulls kept their sixth clean sheet of the season in the league - and only their second in the current calendar year. 

Not only did skipper Hall convert United's 28th minute penalty, he also showed great leadership qualities throughout. In addition to this, he was a commanding aerial presence - winning numerous headers - allied with good positional sense. 

Meanwhile, Moxey once again proved himself to be excellent at reading the game and made a crucial goal line clearance to deny Hampton wide man Ruaridh Donaldson on 57 minutes. 

2. Brad Ash lead the line well. 

In the absence of Aaron Jarvis and Duane Ofori-Acheampong, it was left to Brad Ash to lead United's forward line as a lone striker. It's a role that requires a certain type of forward to play as the player in question has to play with their back to goal and rely on support from their attacking midfielders to make it work. 

However, Ash excelled in that position and went close to scoring on a number of occasions and it was a foul on him that won the penalty, which was converted by Asa Hall, that proved to be decisive.

3. Devon Day boosts attendance. 

With Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City not in action due to the international break, a number of fans of the Pilgrims and the Grecians headed to Plainmoor to offer their support to the Gulls in the light of the news of Clarke Osborne's intention to place the club in Administration.  

Their presence boosted the attendance, which stood at 3,029 - a figure that also included 66 Hampton and Richmond fans - which was the highest crowd of the day in the National League South. 

Also present was former United caretaker boss Neil Warnock, who would no doubt have been impressed by the resilience on display. 

4. Other results go in the Gulls' favour. 

The importance of United's win was further underlined by the fact all of the teams below them in the National League South table failed to win. Truro City, Taunton Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Dover Athletic all lost while Dartford and Eastbourne Borough both drew. 

This sequence of results leaves the Gulls five points clear of the drop zone.

DEVON DAY

 Football in Devon will unite on this coming Saturday in solidarity with Torquay United as supporters of Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City will attend the Gulls' National League South fixture with Hampton and Richmond Borough. 

United have been deducted ten points after former chairman and owner Clarke Osborne announced his intention to place the club in administration, which has plunged the Gulls into a relegation battle. 

However, as Argyle don't have a fixture in the Championship due to the international break and Exeter's away trip to Leyton Orient being postponed due to international call-ups.  

Both the Pilgrims and the Grecians have been in Administration in recent years , the Pilgrims in 2011 and the Grecians in 2003, and have since emerged stronger - and it's hoped that United will eventually be able to do the same. 

Another bumper crowd would be a major boost to United; It's also worth noting that they allowed the Grecians to keep all of the gate receipts from a friendly at St James Park on the eve of the 2003-04 season - shortly after they had just been relegated from the Football League at a time when their Supporter's Trust had recently taken ownership of the club. 

REID RECEIVES CALL-UP FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

 As a reward for his fine form with Stevenage in the 2023-24 season, former Exeter City and Torquay United striker Jamie Reid has been named by Michael O'Neill in the latest Northern Ireland squad for their friendlies against Romania and Scotland.

Reid, now 29, was capped twice by the province at Under-21 level in 2013  - and he will be hoping to add a senior cap to his collection. 

After starting his career at St James Park, Reid enjoyed the first truly prolific spell of his career once he joined the Gulls, his hometown club, in 2017. He memorably found the back of the net 33 times in the 2018-19 season, as United secured the National League South title - and he also won the division's player of the year award in the process.

Reid netted a further 21 goals in all competitions in the 2019-20 campaign, which was cut short due to the Covid 19 pandemic, before earning a move to the EFL with Mansfield Town in the summer of 2020. 

Whilst at Field Mill, he found harder to come by, but a move to Stevenage in 2021 re-ignited his career, as his goals helped fire Boro to promotion from League Two in the 2022-23 season. Reid then continued his fine form into the current 2023-24 campaign, which has seen him find the back of the net 21 times in 38 appearances in all competitions to date. 

It is often said that strikers who are prolific for Torquay United rarely are for anyone else. This has proved to be true for a whole range of forwards from Robin Stubbs to Rodney Jack to David Graham, but Reid has proved to be the exception to this rule.

Other players named in the squad include Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Conor Hazard, Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley and Middlesbrough centre back Paddy McNair.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DARTFORD

 1. A first win for Aaron Downes as a manager. 

At the third time of asking, Torquay United secured their first win of Aaron Downes' reign as interim manager. 

Following creditable draws against Aveley and Weymouth, the Gulls ended a run of nine games without a victory in emphatic fashion. It was also only their second win of 2024, and timely one as the threat of a ten-point deduction should the club enter Administration hangs over the club.

2. Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash's race to 20 goals continues. 

By finding the back of the net for the Gulls against the Dart's, Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash have now both netted twice in their last three appearances. 

Jarvis opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 48th minute after he had been fouled by Joash Nembhard and Ash scored United's third on 52 minutes, when he reacted quickest to the rebound after Jarvis had seen his initial shot parried away by Dartford keeper Billy Terrell.  

The duo have also taken their respective tallies for the season to 11, as they look to make up for the time that they lost through injury as they look to reach 20 goals for the season in their remain ten games of the regular campaign. 

Former United boss Leroy Rosenior, a former striker himself, would surely have been impressed by their display.

3. Two in two for Arkell Jude-Boyd. 

By netting United's second goal of the afternoon, QPR loanee Arkell Jude-Boyd made it two in two, as he followed up his first for the club against Weymouth with another goal against Dartford.

After a move which started when Jarvis flicked on a goal kick from Mark Halstead to Jack Stobbs, whose cross found Lewis Collins, who then squared the ball to Jude-Boyd who duly slotted home. 

In recent years, the Gulls have had several talented youngsters on loan from QPR, most notably Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna, and Jude-Boyd looks set to join that list. 

4. Austen Booth produces his finest performance to date. 

When he signed for his hometown club, centre back Austen Booth was achieving a life-long ambition, and against Dartford he delivered arguably his finest performance to date for the Gulls. 

Booth, 25, won a number of key tackles and also looked comfortable in possession when playing the back out of defence, and he appears to be making a seamless transition to full-time football. 

5. Duane Ofori-Acheampong's first goal of his second spell at Plainmoor. 

By rounding off the scoring with United's fourth goal against Dartford, substitute Duane Ofori-Acheampong found of the back of the net for the first time in his second spell with the Gulls. 

It was also his first goal for United since he netted against Bristol Rovers on New Year's Day 2015. 

DOWNES FOCUSING ON THREE POINTS

 With an extension agreed to their notice of entering Administration and talks with new owners ongoing, Torquay United interim manager Aaron Downes' attentions are firmly focused on achieving all three points in the Gulls' next two fixtures against Dartford and Taunton Town. 

Having earned creditable draws against Aveley at home and away to Weymouth since Downes took over the managerial reins from Gary Johnson - albeit on a temporary basis. However, United need wins to close the gap on the top seven, or even the bottom four should the worst come to the worst and they receive a ten point deduction for entering Administration. 

First up, Dartford, who finished as National League South runners-up in the 2022-23 season, visit Plainmoor in what will be new manager Ady Pennock's first game in charge. It won't be the first time that the paths of Downes and Pennock have crossed; Pennock was in charge of Forest Green Rovers during the 2015-16 season which they ended as runners-up behind a Cheltenham Town side who Downes captained. 

Then there is the Devon-Somerset Derby which sees Taunton Town visit Plainmoor for a game which finally gives the Gulls the chance to face the Peacocks, as the reverse fixture at Wordsworth Drive has already been postponed three times this season. 

Although Downes appears to have been thrown in the deep end as a manager, he had spent a number of years doing an apprenticeship through his role as head of coaching at Cheltenham before serving as assistant manager to Gary Johnson for a number of years. He had also played a number of notable managers including Johnson at Cheltenham, Roy McFarland and John Sheridan during his time at Chesterfield and Martin Ling and Alan Knill from his spell as a player at Plainmoor and he also featured in the Australia squad at the World Under-20 Championship in 2005 under current Spurs boss Ange Postecoglu - all of whom he can draw inspiration from.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS AVELEY

 1. One club United in the face of adversity. 

Throughout its 125 year history, Torquay United have faced a fair amount of adversity during that time.  However, the news that the club was to be placed in Administration was new territory for the Gulls. 

Nevertheless, the fans rallied behind the club as a crowd of 3,642 got behind United, which was the highest attendance in either the National League North and South, and only four games in the National League attracted bigger crowds. 

Those who would have witnessed the match would have gone home after seeing arguably the Gulls' best performance for some time, and hopefully most of them will be back for United's next home game against Dartford on March 9. 

2. A promising managerial debut from Aaron Downes. 

Had it not been for a wordly from Aveley left-back Eduiano Vaz, then Aaron Downes would be celebrating a win in his first game in interim charge of Torquay United. 

However, he can still be proud of the fact that he oversaw a passionate and committed performance from his side, which hopefully will be a benchmark going forwards.

3. Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash reach double figures for

Injuries have robbed United of many key players this season, including strikers Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash - both of whom were in single figures heading into their fixture with Aveley, having scored nine goals each. 

Jarvis headed home his tenth of the campaign on 27 minutes when he connected with a Brett McGavin corner and Ash hit double figures for the 2023-24 campaign eight minutes later when he slotted home following a goalmouth scramble. 

At the start of the season, it was hoped that the duo might have been able to fire United to promotion. However, should they go into Administration and receive a ten-point deduction, they might instead be helping the Gulls retain their National League South status. 

4. Kevin Dawson's return is a welcome presence in midfield. 

When he first arrived on loan from Gloucester City in March 2023, Irish midfielder Kevin Dawson brought plenty of drive and leadership to the Gulls' side as they narrowly missed out on retaining their National League status. 

However, a hamstring avulsion has meant that Dawson hasn't been able to feature since signing for the club on a permanent basis, but his recent return has been a major boost for the Gulls. 

Throughout their clash with Aveley until he was replaced by the returning Jack Stobbs in the 70th minute, Dawson looked comfortable in possession and was a vocal presence, always looking to encourage his teammates. 

 

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF GARY JOHNSON'S REIGN AS TORQUAY UNITED MANAGER

 Gary Johnson's spell in charge of Torquay United was the longest of his managerial career, which has lasted the best part of four decades, and it was one that was characterised by a series of highs and lows. 

The highs included a first league title for the Gulls since the 1926-27 season in the 2018-19 campaign when United romped to the National League South title and the Gulls' play-off final defeat to Hartlepool United at Ashton Gate in 2021. Then came the lows as two years later, United were relegated back to the National League South and struggled to reach the heights of 2018-19 in the 2023-24 season. 

When Johnson was first appointed, many eyebrows were raised at his arrival as many fans would have been expecting an appointment along the lines of Steve Tully or Lee Hodges. 

The Gulls' journey under Johnson began with a 2-0 away win over Hungerford United on September 15, 2018, which was followed by a 7-0 rout of Wessex League side Lymington Town in the FA Cup second qualifying round a week later.

Then came the first real challenge of Johnson’s then brief reign – the visit of league leaders Woking to Plainmoor for a game he described as a ‘six-pointer’. Despite trailing 2-0 at half-time, United rallied to draw 2-2 - with Jamie Reid netting a brace for the Gulls.

Under Johnson, Reid was a player transformed as he finished the 2018-19 campaign with 32 goals to his name. He then went on to score a further 21 in the 2019-20 National League season.

Johnson also made good use of his connections with Bristol City, where his son Lee was manager. United had already loaned Jake Andrews and Opi Edwards from the Ashton Gate club, and they would be joined at Plainmoor by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh. He was also joined at Plainmoor by his brother Pete, who became his head of recruitment, and former Gulls defender Aaron Downes, who was appointed as his assistant.

It wasn’t until January 19, 2019, that United tasted defeat for the first time in the league when they were beaten 3-2 by Bath City at Twerton Park. By this time, the Gulls had set a new record for unbeaten league games of 16. However, Oxford City would find themselves on the receiving end of the backlash of that loss, as United won 7-2 – after leading 5-0 at half-time. It was also a game that saw Jake Andrews score a hat trick from midfield, while Reid and Janneh netted a brace apiece. 

The second half of the season also saw United produce a ‘fly on the wall’ documentary which – amongst other things - captured the scenes in the dressing room before and after each game. This included a scene when Johnson tore into his charges, giving them the full ‘hairdryer’ treatment when they trailed 1-0 away to East Thurrock on a Tuesday night in February 2019. However, Johnson’s message had the desired effect as United turned things around to win 2-1, with Ruairi Keating scoring a late winner.

At the end of March 2019, the Gulls beat Chelmsford City 3-1 at Plainmoor which left them with one hand on the title. A 3-3 draw with second-placed Woking a week later at the Kingfield Stadium – which was secured with a Ben Wynter volley in stoppage time - effectively ended the Cards’ challenge for top spot. This meant that when United beat Eastbourne Borough 2-0 at Plainmoor in front of a crowd of more than 4,500, with goals from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews, which saw them confirmed as National League South champions for 2018-19.

Defeats against Chippenham Town and Hungerford followed – the latter saw the Gulls receive the trophy in front of a National League South record crowd of 5,351 - before United said goodbye to the National League South with a 4-0 win away to St Albans City. It was a game that saw another record fall as Kalvin Kalala – who Johnson brought to Plainmoor from Cheltenham - opened the scoring with the fastest goal in the club’s history after 10 seconds.

Back in the National League, United started the 2019-20 campaign with a 2-1 win over Boreham Wood.  It would be a season that would throw up several inconsistencies for the Gulls – partly due to injuries – as United recorded 4-2 wins against eventual champions Barrow and play-off winners Harrogate Town. Nevertheless, they would also lose 5-1 to Stockport County at Plainmoor in November 2019 and were thrashed 6-2 to Yeovil Town on Boxing Day 2018. Bizarrely the heavy defeat to Stockport occurred around a month after the Gulls had beaten the Hatters 4-0 at Edgeley Park – making the aggregate score from both fixtures 5-5.

The Covid-19 enforced suspension of the National League saw United end the campaign after 36 matches. The outcome of the season was decided using PPG (points per game) to calculate the league’s final placings, which saw the Gulls finish in 14th place. 

In the extended close season before the start of the delayed 2020-21 campaign, Johnson was busy in the transfer market, as Danny Wright, top scorer in his National League title winning side with Cheltenham, joined as a replacement for the Mansfield Town bound Reid. Other notable new arrivals included Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Gary Warren, who joined the Gulls permanently following successful loan spells from Bristol City and Exeter City respectively, and experienced left-back Dean Moxey also arrived from Exeter. On the eve of the season, Johnson also made three loan signings in the form of Adam Randell (Plymouth Argyle), Sam Sherring (AFC Bournemouth) and Louis Britton (Bristol City).

United started the campaign with a 1-0 home win over pre-season favourites Stockport, with Lemonheigh-Evans netting a last-minute winner, in a match played behind closed doors – due to coronavirus restrictions. They followed this up with a number of other impressive results, including a 5-0 win away to Hartlepool United on October 31, 2019 (which was broadcast live on BT Sport), as the Gulls established themselves amongst the league's front-runners.

Other memorable results included a 6-5 FA Cup first round exit to Crawley Town, a 6-1 drubbing of Yeovil Town on Boxing Day and a 4-0 away victory over Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy fourth round – which marked Johnson’s 100th game in charge.

Over the course of the campaign, United would score a number of late goals in what became as known as 'Gary time'.

The remainder of the season saw the Gulls remain neck and neck with Sutton United, with both sides sharing the lead at various stages. The title race itself was decided in their penultimate game of the season, as United drew 2-2 with Barnet and Sutton beat Hartlepool United (more on them later) 3-0 to claim top spot.

Nevertheless, United could at least console themselves with their highest ever finish in the National League of second place - the Gulls' finished third and fourth in the division under Paul Buckle between 2007 and 2009 - as they prepared to face Notts County in the play-offs. The Magpies were promptly dispatched 4-2 after extra time to set up a final with Hartlepool United.

The final was played at Ashton Gate to avoid clashing with matches from the delayed Euro 2020 matches being staged at Wembley. The Gulls appeared to have taken the lead on eight minutes through Kyle Cameron, however referee Simon Mather deemed Cameron to have impeded Hartlepool goalkeeper Brad James - even though the replay of the incident showed that contact appeared to be minimal. 

In the second half, Cameron had another effort disallowed for a foul on James, but just when it seemed as though Hartlepool would hold onto win, goalkeeper Lucas Covolan went up for a corner and headed home an equaliser for United to force extra time.

There were no further goals in extra time, as the final went to penalties. Despite Covolan saving two Hartlepool penalties, misses from Billy Waters and Danny Wright meant the Gulls remained level at 4-4 after Asa Hall, Joe Lewis, Armani Little and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans all converted.

Ryan Donaldson then made it 5-4 to Hartlepool before Matt Buse had his spot-kick saved by James, as the Pools secured their return to the Football League at the expense of the Gulls.

The close season saw a number of players leave Plainmoor as Ashton Gate hero Lucas Covolan earned himself a move to the EFL with Port Vale. Kyle Cameron and Aaron Nemane both moved to Notts County and Ben Whitfield joined Stockport County.

New arrivals included goalkeeper Mark Halstead from Morecambe, central midfielder Tom Lapslie from Colchester United and a number of young prospects, who included Dan Martin (Cardiff City), Ali Omar (Barnsley), Keelan O’Connell (AFC Bournemouth) and Klaidi Lolos (Plymouth Argyle).

Johnson also brought in a number of players following pre-season trials, including Dan Holman, who served under him at Cheltenham Town, and winger Gabby Rogers, a former United youth team player who had been released by Yeovil.

United made a slow start to the 2022-23 campaign, losing their opening three home games of the campaign against Altrincham (1-3), Woking (0-4) and Grimsby Town (1-3). However, a 1-0 victory over Southend United in September courtesy of a late winner from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans got the Gulls up and running at Plainmoor. The Southend win also marked goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald’s return to the club, after turning down a new contract in the summer.

For the remainder of the season, they would only lose two more home league fixtures (against FC Halifax Town and Solihull Moors).

Johnson also used the loan market to good effect, bringing in Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna from Queens Park Rangers and Stephen Wearne from Sunderland, who were then managed by Lee Johnson. 

Memorable results from the campaign included completing a first ever league ‘double’ over Yeovil Town (3-0 on Boxing Day at Plainmoor and 2-1 in the return at Huish Park on January 2, 2022) and a 5-1 win over Notts County which saw Lemonheigh-Evans bag his first career hat-trick.

In the end, United finished 11th – only falling out of contention for a play-off spot with three games to go.

The summer of 2022 saw a number of departures as Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Joe Lewis both signed for League Two side Stockport County and Armani Little and Shaun MacDonald also headed to the EFL to sign for Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town. Amongst others leaving for pastures new were the long serving Ben Wynter and the experienced Danny Wright. 

To replace them, in came Kieron Evans on a season-long loan from Cardiff City, strikers Aaron Jarvis (Scunthorpe United) and Corie Andrews (AFC Wimbledon), midfielders Brett McGavin (Ipswich Town), Ryan Hanson (Dover Athletic) and Shaun Donellan (Maidenhead United), centre backs Ross Marshall (Stevenage) and Ollie Tomlinson (Plymouth Argyle) and right-back Dylan Crowe (Ipswich Town).

What came next was a season of struggle which culminated in relegation on the final day of the season, with a 1-1 draw with champions Wrexham. The Gulls also experienced a number of heavy defeats, losing 4-1 at home to Solihull Moors, 6-0 away to Wrexham, 4-0 away to Notts County and 5-1 at home to Chesterfield. Brief high points of the 2022-23 campaign included a 6-1 win over Aldershot Town, which was their first home league win in eight attempts that also saw Aaron Jarvis become the sixth player to score a hat-trick for the Gulls under Johnson - a feat he would emulate in the Gulls' 3-2 win over York City later in the campaign, a 2-2 draw with Derby County in the FA Cup first round and a five-match winning run in March-April 2023 which raised hopes that a 'great escape' could be achieved. 

In the 2023-24 campaign, with the majority of the players who finished the previous campaign signed up, minus Frank Nouble who signed for Yeovil and young defender Nico Lawrence who returned to his parent club Southampton, hopes were high the season would turn out to be a memorable one. However, a 2-2 draw with Dover Athletic and a 3-0 home defeat to Worthing soon proved that the path ahead wouldn't be as smooth as first hoped. 

However, a run of six wins from their seven league fixtures saw optimism of a swift return to the National League rise. Unfortunately, a slump followed which saw Johnson react badly to criticism - making reference to the 'right type of fan' in one of his pre-match pressers. 

At the turn of the year, a run of one win in 11 league matches - plus an FA Trophy exit at the hands of Hereford United - prior to the announcement that Chairman Clarke Osborne will be placing the club in Administration preceded Johnson's decision to call it a day, bringing his reign as the club's third longest serving manager to an end. 

Johnson isn't the first Torquay United manager to see his reign fizzle out after reaching a high point which could have changed the destiny of the entire club had fate been kinder to them.

In the 1987-88 season, the late Cyril Knowles led the Gulls to the brink of promotion, with defeat in a two-legged play-off final to Swansea City. Despite reaching the Sherpa Van Trophy final against Bolton Wanderers in 1989, United didn't get as close to promotion again under Knowles' reign. 

Fast forward to the 1993-94 campaign, and the Gulls lost out to in the play-offs again under Don O'Riordan, this time to Preston North End in the semi-finals after Darren Moore's controversial red card. A mid-table finish then followed in 1994-95 before O'Riordan was dismissed after an 8-1 defeat to Scunthorpe United in October 1995. 

A decade later, Leroy Rosenior led United to automatic promotion in the 2003-04 season and so nearly kept the Gulls in League One in 2004-05  - a 2-1 defeat to Colchester United on the final day saw the Gulls relegated back to the fourth tier on goal difference. Once back in League Two, Leroy couldn't re-create the same magic in the 2005-06 campaign and left in January 2006. 

Then in the 2011-12 season, after succeeding Paul Buckle following United's League Two play-off final loss to Stevenage Martin Ling once again guided the Gulls to the play-offs, where they were beaten by Cheltenham Town in the semi-finals. In the subsequent 2012-13 campaign, Ling stood down as manager midway through the season due to the health reasons, which later turned out to be depression, and was eventually replaced in the summer of 2013 by Alan Knill. 

Life after Gary Johnson begins with a home fixture with Aveley that sees his assistant Aaron Downes take interim charge for the first time. 

Now is the time to get behind the Gulls and truly be One Club - United.

 

ON THIS DAY: HULL CITY 0 TORQUAY UNITED 1 - 2003-04

When Torquay drew 1-1 with Hull City at Plainmoor in October 2003, Tigers boss Peter Taylor admitted that his side had ‘got away with murder’ in a match that saw the Gulls play Hull off the park. 

In their return fixture at the KC Stadium 20 years ago today, there was no such luck for Taylor’s men as United came away from Humberside with all three points – courtesy of a 45th minute strike from Martin Gritton - to boost their promotion hopes and provided a serious dent to Hull’s title ambitions in the process. 

United had been beaten a single goal against fellow Play-off chasers Huddersfield Town at Plainmoor in their previous fixture and headed to Humberside badly in need of a positive result to stay in the promotion hunt.

Hull – in direct contrast - had won seven out of their last eight matches and were top of the league. They were also at the beginning of a rise through the divisions that would take them as far as the Premiership and an FA Cup appearance.

Nevertheless, it was the Gulls who enjoyed the better of the opening period, as David Graham and Jo Kuffour stretched the Tigers defence to such an extent that Hull keeper Boaz Myhill was called upon to make four outstanding saves in the first 25 minutes.

Such was the Gulls dominance, it wasn’t until the 34^th minute that the Tigers were able to get their first effort on target through Jonathan Walters when he forced a save from Gulls keeper Kevin Dearden with a near-post header.

Nevertheless, Torquay made their dominance count when they took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Graham flicked on a forward ball from Alex Russell and substitute Martin Gritton – who replaced Kuffour on 33 minutes - quickly latched onto it and slotted from six-yards.

After showing their attacking prowess in the opening 45 minutes, the Gulls were forced to display their defensive resilience as their centre back pairing of Steve Woods and Craig Taylor were forced to repel efforts from all angles.

Nevertheless, Torquay still showed enough quality to hit the Tigers on the break as Taylor had a header cleared off the line and Graham hooked an overhead volley wide.

Arguably Hull’s best chance fell to the Northern Irish winger Stuart Elliott who headed a Ryan France cross wide, as United’s defence refused to give an inch.

In the dying minutes of the game, Gritton nearly grabbed a brace – which would have eased Torquay’s nerves – but missed the target.

Ultimately, it didn’t matter as United held on during four minutes of stoppage time to beat the league leaders, and a team with a budget that was far superior to theirs, in their own backyard.

After scoring 16 times in his first season with the Gulls, Gritton missed a lot of games due to injury during the 2003-04 campaign, but the goal he scored against the Tigers proved to be one of his most crucial in a Torquay shirt.

In an interview with the Sunday Independent in 2015, he said: “I didn’t play as much as I wanted to that season as I had a bad injury, but scoring away at Hull and winning 1-0 was a good day.”

After the match, Rosenior couldn’t hide his delight at the way in which side had tackled their big city opponents.

He said: “Our first half performance won us the match. I am delighted by the way we played and it’s great to come here and win.”

Torquay (4-4-2): Kevin Dearden; Lee Canoville, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey; Jason Fowler (Tony Bedeau 62), Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Kevin Hill; David Graham (Reuben Hazell 90), Jo Kuffour (Martin Gritton 33)

 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS SLOUGH TOWN

 1. A defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. 

After going down to a late winner in a 3-2 defeat to the Gulls' ultimate bogey side Maidstone United during the week, a positive result against Slough Town would have been the perfect way to follow up that performance. 

Leading 3-2 with ten minutes, the omens looked good for United, but two late goals - including one in injury time - stunned the Gulls and it was the visitors who went home with all three points. 

United looked as though they were crying out for a leader at the back, someone in the mould of Alex Watson or Craig Taylor, or even Gary Warren, a player who only appeared fleetingly during the 2020-21 season, but would probably be one of the first names on the team sheet if he was with the Gulls now. 

Sadly, the result means that United have now only once in their last ten games and are facing an uphill battle to make the play-offs.

2. A brace for Will Jenkins-Davies. 

It would have been a bittersweet afternoon for Plymouth Argyle loanee Will Jenkins-Davies as he scored a brace for his hometown club, but it wasn't enough to win the game for the Gulls. 

The former Wales youth international has taken his tally for the season to five goals, an impressive return for an attacking midfielder at this stage of the season. The Gulls have been blessed with a number of goal scoring midfielders in recent seasons, names such as Connor Lemionheigh-Evans and Armani Little spring to mind, who both hit double figures during their respective spells at Plainmoor and there still time for Jenkins-Davies to do the same.

3. The return of Aaron Jarvis. 

Merely the presence of Aaron Jarvis on the bench for the first time since last October when he collided with an advertising hoarding at Weston Super Mare would have provided the Gulls with a boost. The fact that he was able to get on the pitch was an even bigger plus, which was reflected when he entered the fray as a replacement for Duane Ofori-Acheampong to a standing ovation. 

When he came off the bench, the score was 3-2 to the Gulls and the dream scenario would have been to see him make it 4-2, but it wasn't to be. Nevertheless, a fit Jarvis could yet make a difference further down the line.

4. Arkell Jude-Boyd making the right-back slot his own. 

Since Ben Wynter's departure for Barnet in the summer of 2022, Gary Johnson has tried a number of players at right-back. However, none of them have made it their own, but QPR loanee Arkell Jude-Boyd looks like breaking that trend. 

As well as being strong defensively, Jude-Boyd also looked comfortable going forward and hopefully he will remain at Plainmoor between now and the end of the campaign. 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VS ST ALBANS CITY

 1. The pressure on Gary Johnson increases. 

Watching on from the director's box due to a touchline ban, the Gulls' defeat to St Albans City would not have made pleasant viewing for United manager Gary Johnson. Nor would the protest outside the ground calling for him to be dismissed. 

This isn't the first time that the fans have protested at Plainmoor this season. When the Gulls faced Tonbridge Angels last December, over a 100 fans staged a sit in protest at full time against the lack of communication between the club and the support base. 

Saturday's result, of course, sees United drop out of the play-off zone and the club finds itself seemingly at another crossroads. As a full-time club in a mostly part-time league, promotion should be the club's ultimate aim, but a lot of works need to be done to ensure that happens.

2. Only four subs on the bench. 

With Dean Moxey and Will Jenkins-Davies serving one-match bans and Jack Stobbs and Duane Ofori Acheampong pulled out through injury on Friday, the Gulls only had four players on the bench.

Club captain Asa Hall was the most senior quartet alongside sub keeper Rhys Lovett and teenage youth products Callum Thomas (more on him below) and Jacob Wellington. 

Moxey and Jenkins-Davies will be available again on Tuesday when United head to Maidstone and fingers crossed Stobbs and Ofori Achempong will be fit too  and the long term injury victims Aaron Jarvis and Kevin Dawson should also be available in the not to distant future.

3. Local boys did alright. 

In amongst the flotsam and jetsam of the Gulls' defeat to St Albans City, local boys Austen Booth and Callum Thomas could come out with the heads held high. 

Booth, the son of former United defender Jon Gittens who was making his debut following his move from Taunton Town, acquitted himself well on his debut, making an off-the-line clearance to deny St Albans' Shaun Jeffers a hat-trick in the 77th minute. 

First year pro Thomas entered the fray on 15 minutes after Finley Craske and coped admirably in the circumstances. He showed good character, which will surely stand him in good stead in the future, as he tried in vain to block Giorgio Rasulo's fourth goal for St Albans from going in. 

4. Only one win in 2024. 

Such has been United's form in 2024 that their 1-0 win in their last home fixture against Dover Athletic is their only victory since the turn of the year. An upturn in the Gulls' fortunes has now become necessity and something that they will need to rectify quickly.

TORQUAY NEED A RUN TO AID PROMOTION CHALLENGE

 For a club who have specialised in achieving the unlikely and improbable throughout their history, the question of what could be considered as the 'most Torquay United thing ever' predictably creates much debate and conjecture.

Many would point to the Gulls' famous final day 'great escape' at the end of the 1986-87 season against Crewe Alexandra, when Bryn the Police Dog sunk his teeth into Jim McNichol that was swiftly followed by Paul Dobson's equaliser in the subsequent time added on to secure a 2-2 draw which kept United in the Football League. 

However, at first glance, it could appear to be a case of 'canine intervention' which saved the Gulls, but if you examine it more closely, there was only one sub in those days and, as Adie Mann had already replaced Chris Myers, McNichol was forced to carry on even though in today's game, where clubs can name five subs, he would surely have been replaced. Therefore, in reality, United were playing the additional injury time with ten men - as McNichol, although he might have been on the pitch, wasn't in a position to make any significant contribution. 

My personal choice for the most 'Torquay United thing ever' would be the Gulls' play-off triumph over Blackpool in the 1990-91 season. In the semi-finals, United defeated Burnley and a 2-1 victory over the Clarets ruined any hopes that anyone might have had for a dream all Lancashire between Burnley and the Tangerines before going onto win the final themselves - in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Despite conceding an early goal from Blackpool midfielder Paul Groves before skipper for the night Wes Saunders - regular captain John Uzzell still hadn't recovered from a hamstring injury sustained on the final day of the regular season against York City - headed home a cross from Mark Loram.
A Dean Edwards penalty gave United a 2-1 lead before they were pegged back by an own goal from Chris Curran. The scores remained level at the end of 90 minutes, and also at the end of extra time which sent the final to penalties. The Gulls then triumphed 5-4 on penalties, becoming the first team to do so in a Wembley play-off final, with Gareth Howells scoring the decisive spot-kick - which made him the first goalkeeper to save and score in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley. 

All of this was achieved after being 12th in the table at one stage; they were also on 45 points after 28 league games - the same number that the Gulls of 2024 currently have after playing the same number of matches. However, a strong finish saw them, which included five wins in their last eight games saw them into the play-offs. 

A similar run of form from Gary Johnson's United would further cement their current place within the play-offs, the Gulls are currently seventh- National League South's sixth and final play-off spot. Nevertheless, while United have been a formidable force at home (they currently boast the second best home record in the division, the form away from home hasn't been as strong and they have the 17th best away record at present. United, of course, need to finish as high as possible to ensure home advantage in the semi-finals and final of the end of season showdown.

Amid the off-field discontent regarding the speculation over the potential move to a new stadium, no one wants the Gulls to become marooned in National League South in the same way that Stockport County (2013-2019) and York City (2017-2022) were in National League North. This group has the potential to ensure that United can return to the National League at the first time of asking, and avoid a similar fate, and it's one they need to grasp.  

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DOVER ATHLETIC

1. McGavin's eighth of the season.

When it comes to deciding who scored Torquay United's best goal of the 2023-24 campaign, there's likely to be one competition for Brett McGavin and one for everyone else. 

McGavin's eighth goal of the campaign, which he struck from 30 yards after a cross from Ethon Archer fell into his path in the 59th minute, proved to be the difference. And he almost netted towards the end when his free-kick from the edge of the penalty area on 90 minutes was turned around the post by Dover keeper Daniel Jinadu. If that had gone in, he would have been level with Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash in United's goalscoring charts. 

2. Dan Martin makes a promising return at left-back. 

Dan Martin's time at Plainmoor has been very much stop, start due to a combination of injuries and illness. However, he returned to the Gulls' starting line-up with an industrious display on the left hand side of United's defence. 

The former Cardiff City youngster was solid defensively and looked strong going forward. He even found himself through on goal in the 56th minute, with a shot that he fired straight at Jinadu in the Dover goal. 

3. Ollie Tomlinson and Dean Moxey looked strong as a centre back pairing. 

Once again, United's centre back pairing of Ollie Tomlinson and Dean Moxey put on a good show in the centre of the Gulls' defence. Admittedly, Dover didn't offer a huge threat in attack, but Tomlinson, not the most physically imposing of centre backs, displayed good positional sense and Moxey once again read the game well and made an important tackle in the 10th minute to deny Dover striker George Nikaj. 

4. Returns for Brad Ash and Tom Lapslie. 

United's injury list in the 2023-24 campaign has been lengthy, with the Gulls missing as many as nine players at one point. 

Two of those who have experienced particularly lengthy absences have been Brad Ash, who hadn't featured for United since their 3-1 win over Weymouth in early December. 

Ash started out as a lone striker while Lapslie returned from the bench as a replacement for skipper Asa Hall. United's record with Lapslie in the side prior to their meeting with Dover had read played 15, won 11, drawn once and lost three times. That record has now been extended to played 16, won 12, draw one and lost three.

5. Managing expectations. 

Torquay's last spell in National League South saw them dominate teams en route to winning the title. However, after losing ten out their 26 league encounters, United look destined for the play-offs and trail leaders Yeovil Town by 18 points. 

A section of the Gulls's support were calling for manager Gary Johnson to be sacked, many still angry about the club's relegation at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. 

While some fans would have thought that United could have beaten Dover by a bigger margin, it is worth noting that the Lilywhites have drawn twice with Bath City and beaten Aveley, two teams who are both in contention for a play-off place with the Gulls. 

Second place, which would guarantee home advantage for the play-off semi final and the final, should they reach it, is still up for grabs. And with more players set to return from injury, including Aaron Jarvis and Kevin Dawson, there is potential for the Gulls to finish the season with a flourish.

FOSTER LOOKING TO CONTINUE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS

 After seeing Steven Schumacher leave Home Park to take charge of Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle turned to former England Under-20 coach Ian Foster as his successor. 

Foster, 47, had spent most of playing career in non-league and the lower reaches of the Football League with Hereford, Barrow, Kidderminster Harriers and Chester before moving into coaching. 

As a manager, he started with Galway United in 2009,  who he kept in the League of Ireland Premier Division before moving on to Dundalk. While with Dundalk, he led them into the Europa League before returning to England in 2012 to take up a role at Coventry City's Under-18 side and he oversaw the development of James Maddison, Callum Wilson and Cyrus Christie amongst others. 

He was then appointed as first team coach at Portsmouth under Paul Cook. Foster then began coaching for the FA, working with the England Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 sides over a number of years and also served alongside Phil Neville during his spell as England Women's manager. 

In 2023, he left the FA to work as Steven Gerrard's assistant in the Saudi Professional League at Al-Ettifaq before he returned to England to take charge of the Pilgrims.

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

 1. First draw since the opening day. 

United's draw with Eastbourne Borough was their first draw of the 2023-24 season since the opening day of the campaign when they drew 2-2 with Dover Athletic. 

2. Tom Lapslie a big miss.

There are stats that show the difference between when Tom Lapslie appears for United and when he doesn't. The Gulls have won 11 of the 15 games he has featured in, drawn one and lost three. 

Without Lapslie's drive and dynamism, United lacked any bite in the centre of the park and when they conceded possession, they often struggled to win the ball back. 

3. Three apiece for Dillon De Silva and Will Jenkins Davies.

By finding the target against Eastbourne, Dillon De Silva and Will Jenkins Davies have taken their respective tallies for the season to three goals. 

4. Gulls below the line. 

Results elsewhere have ensured that United have dropped out of the play-off zone and find themselves in eighth place. 

The Gulls have games in over the teams directly above them, two over seventh placed Aveley and one over sixth placed Bath City - who United are level on points with. However, the Gulls need to win those games, otherwise the plan going forward with become increasingly difficult for the club. 

5. Room for manoeuvre.

With Shaun Donnellan's transfer to Livingston now confirmed, there is now surely room to bring one or two additions. 

Leading scorers Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash are currently still injured and Theo Williams has returned to Fleetwood Town following his loan spell, so another attacking option could be the order of the day.