“Thanks for your moral support guys. I felt a bit isolated when I read Cyril's comments.

I know mine may be a minority view but I can assure you that I have the best interests of the club at heart.

In more than 50 years of supporting the club there have been considerably more downs than ups which may have resulted in a more pessimistic outlook.”

“Keith, it wasn't your comments I had a problem with, as I agreed with at least 90%.
It was Cyril's "You are just the type of person we do not want supporting Torquay United" that galled me.
I ran the London Marathon Football Challenge a few years back for TUFC club funds and Rowcroft Hospice. John was one of the few supporters who supported me and showed any interest in what I was doing. Just the sort of person we DO want supporting the club.”

“There is nothing in your letter that is not true Julian, but I think you are being over sensitive as I did not say that John Newcombe had no right to say what he did, I was merely trying to answer Rob Chandler's question and pick up on a couple of Andy's comments. That surely is open debate ? I certainly don't intend to be confrontational at my age, but I have followed TUFC since 1955 and saw a handful of games from 1949 and therefore feel that I have a long experience of what has gone on at Plainmoor over the years. Because of those years, many since 1966 at a distance, I find some of the comments that are personal, insulting, and sometimes vindictive, unacceptable. I therefore hope that the contributions I have made are not taken the wrong way. So to clarify my position to Julian. I think John Newcombe, and every Torquay supporter should be free to express their thoughts as long as the comments they make are in the best interests of the game and the club, and that no individual is targetted with abuse that would offend himself or, more importantly, his family. As I have said, confrontation should not come into these postings. We should all be 'friends' together adding our penny's worth - sorry, just learned that pennies are being withdrawn ! Anyway John, you now know there was no animosity intended.”

“John Newcombe has every right to say what he wants about the situation at Torquay United. It takes all sorts to support a football team and if we get off to a bad start, how many people will be on here moaning about Paul Buckle and his squad. Not just John Newcombe I would guess.
We went up a couple of seasons back, didn't replace or improve the squad, in fact Leroy lost his coach, Kevin Dearden, and his top scorer David Graham and we came straight back down.
What Paul Buckle and his team achieved last year was sensational but we now have to move on and if that means having a healthy debate about the strength of the squad and new signings then that debate should be welcomed.”

“He is referring to Martin Rice Rob, a young goalkeeper of whom Paul Buckle knows much more than ourselves, as he had worked with him at Exeter. Out of sight of Plainmoor, Martin must have continued his development and done a good job for Truro. He has perhaps regained some confidence lost on his transfer to Torquay, not helped may I say, if he reads this column and the many better goalkeepers who keep writing in with their appraisals of him. Also, we need two goalkeepers for next season and, with Southampton rudderless, no concrete decision could be obtained in regard to Poke's future. Their main keeper has now decided to stay, which may prove good news for us, and to Truro, or another club who want to help to continue Rice's progress. What concerned me more on reading John's letter, was the reference to 'long contracts'. The longest I can recall was that given quite rightly to Danny Stevens, the Blue Square Young Player of the Year, who was handed a two and a half year contract, lest any club should want to prize him away. I thought that all others were of one, or two years, at the most. In fact, we would not be hanging on 22 year old Robertson's decision had he been given a longer term when playing so well. As to coming down to Torquay to 'wind down their careers', Andy, Brough is just 27, and If you are referring to our 'senior citizen, captain and blogger' - he has played his heart out for the club. Just how many games did he miss in either of two seasons, and how influential has he been, both on and off the field ?. In addition to that, we are not 'saddled' with any player. As nice as Bucks may appear, he has already shown the door to those who don't play the game the way he thought they would when he signed them, and I can't think of a player he has released who would improve the present squad by his return. There was a general sentiment that Woods was dismissed a little too soon, but more is known within the camp than we are likely to be party to, and I believe the kinder policy is to tell a player that he doesn't fit in with next season's plans as soon as that decision has been taken. Woods was a tremendous servant to the club, but sentiment does not play a part in developing a sucessful team - its a business the Board and Management are running. Many former United players have retired to the area after their playing days - there is nothing wrong with 'the joys of pubs, clubs, sea and sand' in one's free time - they are attractions Torbay fortunately has to offer to help persuade players to come to the provincial, out of the way, South West. It must surely attract their wives/partners.”