Torquay appoint administrators as manager praises squad amid uncertainty on club’s future

Torquay United appoint administrators as interim manager Aaron Downes praises the squad amid uncertainty on the club’s future.

Torquay interim manager Aaron Downes said to BBC Sport: “I believe they’ve carried themselves admirably in the way they have gone about their business.

“One thing people can’t throw at the players is that they are not trying.

“They’re giving everything for this football club and, whether they’re going to be here or not, they’ve gone about their business very selflessly, as people might say they get paid to do.

“They’ve absolutely thrown themselves into it and they’re giving their everything for the Torquay United cause.”

The Gulls currently sit 18th place in the National League South, five points clear of the National League South relegation places after being given the 10 point deduction with five games to play – and the next four of them are away from home.

“We’ve all seen over the years players that get called mercenaries and they move from club to club and don’t care,” he continued.

“These players have all got an affinity with the football club and they’ve been through a bit while they’re here and they’ve had some disappointments and some good days and bad days.

“But they care and they’ve shown that in their application on the pitch.

“There might be errors. There might be faults from some people but there’s never been a lack of desire or will and the players, the staff have got to take immense credit for that.”

🟡 Club Statement

Torquay United AFC announce the appointment of administrators.

👉 https://t.co/pY1S6S4yaz#tufc pic.twitter.com/us8hSFsveF

— Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) April 5, 2024

STATEMENT:

“Torquay United AFC announce the appointment of administrators. Torquay United AFC Limited has released the following statement from Begbies Traynor:

“Scott Kippax, Neil Vinnicombe and Simon Haskew of Begbies Traynor have been appointed as joint administrators of Torquay United AFC Limited.

“They are legally advised by Robin Koolhoven of Stephens Scown LLP.

“The administrators said the appointment signifies a positive step towards transfer of ownership.

“A further announcement is anticipated within the next two weeks when the administrators hope to confirm that the Club’s future has been secured.

“Creditors will be notified and can direct any queries to secretary@torquayunited.com in the meantime.”

🟡 Supporter Update: 05/04/24

Following the news that Torquay United AFC has been placed into administration, the Club would like to provide supporters with a further update on the current situation at Plainmoor.

👉 https://t.co/HKULUif4Om#tufc pic.twitter.com/0xfRaGvEvZ

— Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) April 5, 2024

Following the news that Torquay United AFC has been placed into administration, the Club would like to provide supporters with a further update on the current situation at Plainmoor.

With Scott Kippax, Neil Vinnicombe and Simon Haskew of Begbies Traynor having been appointed as joint administrators of Torquay United AFC Limited, it should be stressed once again that this is a significant and positive step towards the transfer of the Club to new owners.

TUFC can confirm that it has now received firm bids from parties interested in purchasing the Club, and a further announcement is anticipated to be made within the next fortnight, when it is hoped that the Club will then be in a position to confirm that its long-term future has been secured.

How does this affect things on the pitch?

With Torquay United having already been subject of a ten-point deduction for announcing its intention to appoint administrators on 22nd February 2024, supporters are assured that the Club being placed into administration will have no additional bearing on the team’s National League South status, and that no further points deduction will be applied.

At the moment, it will very much be business as usual on and off the pitch here at Plainmoor, with Aaron Downes’ side looking forward to the remaining five fixtures in order to retain their National League South status, whilst the Club continues to rely on all income generated to continue functioning during this interim period, through usual club business and fundraising, and also via the generous donations it continues to receive from supporters.

Thank You

Although the administration process is the latest, important step in securing Torquay United’s long-term future, it continues to be a testing time for everyone associated with the Club – be it  players, staff or supporters. The unity shown by everyone continues to shine through though, and the determination to ensure that United’s future will be a brighter and more sustainable one is clear for all to see.

Everyone here at Plainmoor remains hugely grateful, and humbled, by the continued support of our beloved Yellow Army, who continue to inundate us with messages of support and donations to help the Club continue fulfilling its 2023/24 fixtures.

It has been said before, but we are only too happy to say it again – every single Club employee cannot thank you all enough for all the support you continue to show us.

Every single donation – whatever the value – is hugely appreciated, with the spirit of the Football Family once again on full show this week, as the Community Trusts of Torquay and Exeter joining Plymouth’s Senior Greens in making donations to help our Football Club stay alive.

Thanks to the continued support of the Yellow Army – and our friends from all across the local community and footballing world – the total donations received as of Wednesday 27th March has now reached an astonishing £29,489.32

Thank you all once again – we can assure you we will continue fighting for the best possible future for YOUR Football Club.

The remainder of the season

At present, the Club continues to function on a week-by-week basis whilst new ownership is sought, and until this process is completed, the Yellow Army’s continued support remains absolutely vital. We really can’t get through this without you.

With this in mind, we can’t emphasise enough that every match ticket booked, every Club Shop item purchased, every pint in Boots & Laces drank, directly benefits TUFC, and helps keep the Club afloat. In addition to our designated PayPal Donations account, the Club will continue to run a number of fundraising promotions, which we hope supporters will continue to support, whilst gaining the opportunity of getting something back in return.

A number of raffles and auctions have already captured the Yellow Army’s imagination, and there will more new ideas to come over the coming weeks!

With boosting attendances at Plainmoor the most obvious and beneficial weapon the Club has in the fight for survival, and with only one more home fixture to come, we would dearly love the Yellow Army to turn out in force for our final home game of the season v Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday 27th April (3pm KO).

Tickets for this fixture are available to purchase now, in addition to our Under-18s’ League Cup Final against Bridgwater the following weekend (27/04/24 3pm KO), which provides an additional opportunity to increase the Club’s income following the end of the first-team campaign. It’s also a fantastic way for supporters to witness United’s stars of the future in action, and show your support for our all-conquering Young Gulls!

Your continued support, home and away, continues to astound us all, and we are truly privileged to be able to call upon what we will always consider to be the best fans in the country.

How can I help, and where is the money going?

All funds received continue to assist Torquay United continue to stay afloat. Should you wish to help us by making a kind donation towards our survival bid please follow the link HERE.

Supporters can be assured that all money being paid into the Club – be it via tickets, purchases or donations will ONLY be used to ensure the Club’s essential operating costs are met – in effect, to help Torquay United continue functioning as a professional Football Club, and fulfilling its fixtures. Your money will NOT be used in any other way.

With so much goodwill being shown by so many people, the Club wishes to clarify that only by paying donations directly into our designated PayPal account, can supporters be guaranteed that these funds will be used to ensure Torquay United continues to function during this uncertain period.

Thank you for continuing to stick with us, Yellow Army.