Torquay United owner Clarke Osborne has announced that club faces liquidation as he is no longer to run the club, in this article, we will be discussing what has happened to Torquay and what the future holds for them.
History of Torquay United
Torquay United were founded in 1899 and joined the East Devon League. in 1908, they joined the Plymouth and Devon League. In 1927, they were invited to the Football League. After spending 31 years in Division Four (present day League Two) they were promoted to Division Three however after two seasons they were relegated back to Division Four. Torquay would gain promotion to Division Three after winning the Division Four playoffs in 1991, Torquay would be relegated back to Division Four one year later. Torquay would once again be promoted to Division Three now named League One and one again they would be relegated to League Two. Torquay would be relegated out from the Football League in 2007 after being relegated to the Conference under the management of Keith Curle. In 2009, Torquay would promoted back into the Football League after winning the Conference Playoffs. After 5 years in League Two, Torquay would be relegated back to the newly named National League and haven’t been back in the Football League since. In 2018, Torquay would be relegated to the National League South but would gain promotion after one season. Despite coming second in the league, Torquay would lose in the Playoff Final following a penalty shootout against Hartlepool United. In 2023, Torquay were relegated to the National League South after a poor season.
Why Is The Club In This Mess?
Clarke Osborne took over the club in 2018 and despite the playoff finish in 2021, he has overseen one of the worst periods in the clubs history. Osborne, who owns Gaming International, has been accused of lack of funding and not investing enough money into the club. On the 22nd of February 2024, Osborne announced the club had entered Administration. On the same day, Osborne announced he would be stepping down as the chairman of the club. It was revealed by Osborne that the club was being kept alive by loans that are over £4.3m. Torquay are now set to receive a 10 point deduction which will see them drop to 18th in the table and only four points above the relegation zone. Following the announcement, the club announced the departure of manager Gary Johnson.
What Is Next For Torquay
After the announcement of Johnson’s departure, coach Aaron Downes was announced as the interim manager of the club. On the 25th February Weymouth, who are also competing in the National League South, announced that for every Adult Ticket sold for the Weymouth VS Torquay United fixture, £5 will be donated to the club in aid of their attempt to avoid administration.
Finally Thoughts
Torquay are yet to receive updates regarding points deductions. If the club are relegated then it is hard to see a takeover happening. The goal will ultimately be safety which will likely cause a takeover to happen. Hopefully the club can get taken over soon and there will be brighter days ahead for the club.