Season's Greetings

The members of the Gloucester Gulls wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, prosperous and promotion-winning New Year.

Your chance to own Kevin Hill's football boots

When Kevin Hill appeared as a substitute during the FA Trophy Final at Wembley on 10 May 2008 he set the record (474) for most appearances for Torquay United. Kevin Hill was a particular loyal player and although he has now left the club he has offered for auction the football boots he wore at Wembley.

This kind gesture is to raise funds for the Torquay United Supporters Trust. The boots come with a letter of authenticity written and signed by Kevin himself and he has has also signed the football boots.

The auction will run until next Wednesday, 17 December 2008, and you can bid on the unofficial fans forum (http://torquayunited.talkboards.net) or by sending a text message to 07789 902182.

FA Cup: 3rd Round

The Gulls reward for beating Oxford United 2-0, is a home tie against Championship side Blackpool on Saturday 3 January 2009

FA Cup: 2nd Round - Torquay United 2 : Oxford United 0

Two goals from Elliot Benyon see the Gulls progress to the 3rd Round of the FA Cup and the potential of a money-making match against one of the "big boys" of football

FA Cup : 2nd Round

Gulls to face the winners of Oxford United / Dorechester Town at Plainmoor in the 2nd Round of the FA Cup

FA Cup: 1st Round - TUFC 2 : Evesham Town 0

Having qualified for the first round proper of the FA Cup by beating Chipstead 4-1 at Plainmoor, the Gulls progress to the 2nd Round by beating Evesham United 2-0 at Plainmoor.

Gulls draw 1-1 away at Wrexham

Tim Sills, in his normal centre forward position, scores as the Gulls are held to a 1-1 draw away at Wrexham

Start of the 2008 / 09 Season

After the disappointing end to last season, where Torquay United failed in their attempt to return to League Footbal at the first attempt, it jas been a busy close season at Plainmoor.

Loan players Chris Zebroski, Mark Ellis and Jody Banim all returned to their respective parent clubs, and were followed out of Plainmoor by : Simon Rayner (Goalkeeper - Crawley Town); Paul Hinshelwood (Defender - N/A); Tony Bedeau (Midfielder - N/A); Kevin Hill (Midfielder - Dorchester Town); Matt Hockley (Midfielder - Truro City); Darren Mullings (Midfielder - N/A); and Lee Phillips (Striker - Rushden & Diamonds).

The following players have joined the Gulls: Michael Poke (Goalkeeper - Southampton - season long loan); Michael Brough (Midfielder - Forest Green Rovers); Mustapha Carayol (Midfielder - MK Dons); Wayne Carlisle (Midfielder - Exeter City); Lee Hodges (Midfielder - Plymouth Argyle); Yyrone Thompson (Midfielder - Crawley Town); Nicky Wroe (Midfielder - York City); and Matt Green (Striker - Oxford United).

The squad of players aiming to progress from last seasons third place and secure promotion from the Blue Square Premier League are:

1 - Michael Poke (Goalkeeper)
2 - Michael Brough (Defender)
3 - Kevin Nicholson (Defender)
4 - Steve Woods (Midfielder)
5 - Chris Robertson (Defender)
6 - Chris Todd (Defender)
7 - Lee Mansell (Midfielder)
8 - Tim Sills (Striker)
9 - Elliot Benyon (Striker)
10 - Roscoe DSane (Striker)
11 - Nicky Wroe (Midfielder)
12 - Tyrone Thompson (Midfielder)
13 -
14 - Chris Hargreaves (Midfielder)
15 - Wayne Carlisle (Midfielder)
16 - Lee Hodges (Midfielder)
17 - Matthew Green (Striker)
18 - Mustapha Carayol (Midfielder)
19 - Danny Stevens (Midfielder)
20 -
21 - Martin Rice (Goalkeeper)
22 –
23 -
24 - Steve Adams (Midfielder)
25 - Mark Ellis (Midfielder)
26 - Raiff Gwinnett (Defender)

Good to to everyone at Torquay United as they look to build and progress on from last season.

Torquay United in Second Life

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.

Disappointing... but what a difference a year makes

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.

Welcome to the Gloucester Gulls

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.