Gloucester Gulls - Torquay United Supporters Club: Blog

Torquay United in Second Life

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:40:47 GMT

Second Life is an internet-based virtual world, developed by Linden Lab. It is a 3D virtual community created entirely by its members. Members assume an identity (a customised 3D representation of themselves - an avatar) and can then move around the virtual world using the keyboard and mouse.

A number of real-life places and buildings have been created within Second Life and it is possible for your avatar to visit and explore these different places.

In order to use Second Life it is necessary to download a small program - the Second Life Viewer - and to register with the virtual world, and thus become a "resident". It is possible to become a member for free, but the virtual world does have its own currency (the Linden dollar) and their is a recognised exchange rate between the Linden dollar and the pound.

Residents can buy property, start businesses, play games with other residents, create objects, join clubs, attend classes, or just hang out. The detailed look of Second Life is remarkable, making it an instant guilty pleasure.

For those of you that are missing out on following Torquay United in the "real world" during the summer months, A Second Life group has been created - "Torquay United Supporters" so that fans can meet up and talk all things related to Torquay United Football Club.

Once you have registered with Seond Life, search the groups for "Torquay United Supporters" and join in the fun.

Disappointing... but what a difference a year makes...

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:39:39 GMT

And so the Gulls first season in the Blue Square Premier League has ultimately ended in disappointment. Despite being in the top two positions since the start of the season, the Gulls finally finished in third place (on goal difference) behind League Champions Aldershot Town and Cambridge United. This meant the Gulls would take place in the end of season Play-offs for the opportunity to regain their place in the Football League.

The final league positions meant that Torquay United would be playing local rivals Exeter City in the two-legged play-off semi-final. Finishing with the higher league position, the Gulls in theory had the advantage of playing the second leg at Plainmoor. As a result of a change of tactics, Torquay United took an early advantage and won the first leg 2-1 at Sid James' Park.

Unfortunately the Gulls lost their way in the final 20 minutes of the second leg and ended up losing 5-3 on aggregate. The dream of a quick return to the Football League was over, and the Gulls would be a non-league team for another season at least.

Six days later, the Gulls made their first appearance at the new Wembley stadium in the Final of the FA Trophy. Over 40,000 fans saw the Gulls take on Ebbsfleet United (the team owned by over 30,000 internet subscribers), but despite saving a penalty the Gulls eventually lost 1-0.

To have two such big disappointments within a week was hard to accept, but when you consider the transformation within the club, season 2007/08 marked a significant change of fortunes for Torquay United.

At the end of the previous season the club was in disarray, and looked to be plummeting even further. However, the introduction of new ownership and board of directors was the start of radical changes within the club. It is perhaps ironic, but it took becoming non-league for the club to become more professional. A new manager (Paul Buckle) together with a complete new coaching set-up was appointed and the commercial aspects of the club were similarly overhauled. Suddenly their was a new belief and positivity around the club.

The season started brightly with the Gulls seeming in free-scoring motion, their attacking style of football and commitment to attack right up to the final whistle meant that the Gulls took part in some thrilling matches - the FA Cup victory over Yeovil Town being a particular highlight.

After the Christmas period, it seemed that opposing teams had learned how to nullify the attacking play and the Gulls attack was not so potent.

However, the transformation had begun. We can only trust that the appearance in the play-offs and the Wembley final is the start of a new successful period for the Gulls.

Wembley bound with the Gloucester Gulls

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:54:05 GMT

The Gloucester Gulls are organising a coach to Wembley for the FA Trophy Final. Details are being confirmed but the coach will start in Bristol - picking up from the central, Southmead and Filton areas - beforing going up the A38 to Gloucester and Cheltenham. If you live in Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Forest of Dean, Worcestershire areas, or on the route via Oxford A40/M40 you will be made welcome.

It is anticipated that the coach trip will cost between £15 to £18. Any one who want to join us in making it a day to remember will you please contact Andy on 0117 9696 111 .

The Gulls are on their way to Wembley

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:13:26 GMT

Just one season after the football club appeared to be in free-fall following their relegation from the Football League, the Gulls have booked their place in the final of FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium. This is a clear indication of the turn around that has taken place at Plainmoor under the new owners, Colin Lee (the Chief Executive), manager Paul Buckle and all his coaching staff and the players themselves.

The final will be against Ebbsfleet United on Saturday 10 May 2008.

Merry Christmas and a promotion winning New Year

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:57:03 GMT

The members of the Gloucester Gulls wish the management, players, supporters and everyone associated with Torquay United Football Club a very Merry Christmas and a happy, successful and promotion winning New Year.

Good luck in 2008.

Vote for BSPL Player of the Month (closing date 6-Sep-2007)

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 20:40:47 GMT

Lee Phillips has been short-listed for the Blue Square Premier League Player of the Month Award.

Since joining the Gulls during the summer from Exeter City Lee Phillips has scored three goals which have made Torquay United the early League leaders.

Supporters can vote for the Player of the Month at www.bluesqfootball.com/player

The winner will be announced live on Setanta Sports on Thursday 6 September 2007 during their coverage of the Stafford Rangers v. Halifax Town match.

Get voting now and make sure that the first BSPL Player of the Month is Lee Phillips !

Torquay United Squad 2007/08

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:45:05 GMT

The Torquay United first team squad for the 2007/08 season is as follows:

1. Simon Rayner (Goalkeeper)
2. Paul Hinshelwood (Defender)
3. Kevin Nicholson (Defender)
4. Steve Woods (Defender)
5. Chris Robertson (Defender)
6. Chris Todd (Defender)
7. Lee Mansell (Midfielder)
8. Tim Sills (Striker)
9. Elliot Benyon (Striker)
10. Lee Phillips (Striker)
11. Kevin Hill (Midfielder)
12. Danny Wring (Midfielder)
13.
14. Chris Hargreaves (Midfielder)
15. Tony Bedeau (Striker)
16. Matt Hockley (Midfielder)
17. Darren Mullings (Midfielder)
18. Ishmael Welsh (Midfielder - on loan from Yeovil Town)
19. Danny Stevens (Midfielder)
20.
21. Martin Rice (Goalkeeper)
22.
23.
24.
25.
26. Chris Zebroski (Striker - on loan from Millwall)

Good luck to the team as they look to regain their league status.

Welcome to the Gloucester Gulls

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:41:50 GMT

The Gloucester Gulls are a group of exiled Torquay United supporters who happen to be living in the Gloucester area. A small, but none the less, dedicated group of supporters who are prepared to spend most of their Saturdays following their beloved team around the country.This space is aimed not only at the members of the Gloucester Gulls, but to anybody who wants to find out more about Torquay United Football Club.