Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed “The Gulls,” is a non-league football club based in Torquay, Devon.
Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Vanarama National League South, which is part of the sixth tier of English football. The team calls Plainmoor their home ground.
History
Torquay United Football Club was established in 1921 from the merger of three local clubs. They quickly joined the Football League in 1927 after success in the Western League. The club faced early challenges, including fluctuating performances in the Football League. Post-World War II, forward Sammy Collins emerged as a standout player, becoming the club’s record scorer. The introduction of their distinctive yellow and blue shirts in the 1950s coincided with near-promotions and memorable FA Cup runs. The late 1960s to 1980s were marked by relegations and brief successes, including notable FA Cup performances. The 1990s and 2000s saw the club struggle with relegation battles, narrowly avoiding dropping out of the Football League.
The 2010s brought managerial changes and fluctuating fortunes, including relegation to the National League South. However, the appointment of Gary Johnson in 2018 marked a positive shift, leading to a championship win and promotion back to the National League. Under Johnson’s guidance, the club nearly achieved promotion to the Football League, highlighted by a thrilling play-off semi-final victory, but ultimately fell short in the final.
Legal
Torquay United Association Football Club Limited is a registered company in England and Wales
Alumni
Former players and managers elsewhere in the non-league pyramid