Sunday, 28 July 2024

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

 1. A different test for the Gulls. 

After friendlies with Buckland Athletic and Tavistock so far in pte-season, facing Championship side Plymouth Argyle represented a different challenge for Torquay United - and it was a challenge that they coped with admirably. Although the Pilgrims looked more comfortable in possession, as you would expect who were four leagues higher, but the Gulls looked a solid outfit throughout. The backline looked particularly strong with Sam Dreyer and Jordan Dyer standing out in the centre of defence. 

2. Wotton versus Rooney. 

If you think back to 2004, Paul Wotton was captaining the Pilgrims to their Second Division title triumph, as they marked their return to the second tier for the first time in 12 years, and Wayne Rooney was playing a starring role for England in Euro 2004. As the pair embraced each other before kick off, the pair showed a mutual respect for one another, and Wotton also tipped Rooney to do well as Argyle manager in the build up to the game. It would probably be no surprise then if they maintain the relationship between the two clubs that has seen Adam Randell and Will Jenkins-Davies enjoy loan spells at Plainmoor in recent years. 

3. Cody Cooke makes a big impression. 

In his first outing for the Gulls since completing his move from Bath City, striker Cody Cooke made a positive impact from the bench after coming on at half time. In the 51st minute, he nodded a free-kick from Dan Hayfield wide. Moments later, he headed a corner from Matt Carson behind, but despite not finding the target, he added an extra dimension to United's attack and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start their next friendly against Exeter City. 

4. A shout out to the Bryn Consortium. 

Before kick off, members of the Bryn Consortium including co-chairman Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh were presented to the fans ahead of what was the first home fixture since they took ownership. Both Westcott and Bowes-Cavanagh made speeches to the crowd in which they paid tribute to the club's supporters, the Torquay United Supporter's Trust and to the Plymouth Argyle who came to support the club during 'Devon Day' last season. 

Since they brought the club out of Administration, United have been transformed on and off the field. With a virtually brand new squad, the appointment of Paul Wotton as manager with Neil Warnock acting as a football advisor to the board and Plainmoor has also been revamped. All of these ingredients helped to achieve a sell out crowd, and as Michael Westcott said: 'this is only the start of the journey.'

5. Stoppages for medical emergencies. 

Another talking point from the game on Saturday was the medical emergencies in the crowd which saw the game paused on multiple occasions. All incidents occurred on the Popular Side, two of which happened in the first half in the 19th and 39th minutes respectively. There was also another incident that occurred at half time and one towards the end of the second half, which resulted in a brief stoppage. 

Later on that night, the club released a statement saying that all four fans who suffered medical emergencies had recovered and didn't require hospital treatment.