Fan Zone 03/10/2025
- TUST
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
FAN ZONE
By Nick Brodrick, TUST's Chair and TUFC board member.
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THE LOAN RANGERS - CAN DILLON FOLLOW IN ARMSTRONG’S FOOT STEPS?
LIGHTS SCREEN ACTION IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT PLAINMOOR
NON-LEAGUE MANAGER MERRY-GO-ROUND CONTINUES
Those readers of this column of a certain age will no doubt remember watching in the 1950s The Lone Ranger, a fictional masked former Texas Ranger who fought outlaws in the American Old West along with his companion Tonto. The programme, from a limited choice, was one of the highlights of the week.
Fast forward to season 2021-2022 and a different kind of Loan Ranger came to Plainmoor, Sinclair Armstrong from QPR and boy what an impression he made. He might only have been 18 years old but he was a powerhouse and a threat every time he got the ball. Armstrong scored twice for United in a loan move in October 2021. He had a dream debut scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win over King’s Lynn and also made international appearances for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-19 side.
He was hugely missed when he returned to his parent club in January 2022 but he had showed the Yellow Army that he was destined for better things. He had a brief loan with Aldershot Town in 2022 before making his QPR debut as a sub in the
opening league game of the new season against Blackburn Rovers. Last July he was sold to Bristol City.
Armstrong, on reflecting on his move to South Devon, later admitted that living in The Lodge helped him grow-up, attributing his time there to when he learnt to cook!
Now this week we have another Loan Ranger, 19- year- old Cian Dillon from QPR also a striker and a Republic of Ireland youth international. Dillon has already made his QPR debut in an EFL cup match at Plymouth in August while last season he made six appearances, scoring twice, for Enfield Town. United fans will get to see him tomorrow at Salisbury, he may even start.
Talking of loan players, recent loanee Josh Phillips who we had from Luton Town has gone out on loan again this time to Bedford Town in National North.
On Sunday (October 5 th ) United’s Women take on Southampton Women’s FC at Plainmoor in a 2pm kick-off in the third qualifying round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. It promises to be a cracking game and deserves a big crowd.
350 were at Plainmoor on Monday evening to watch the Under-18s lose on penalties to Street in the Youth FA Cup. It was a spirited performance with the tie finishing 1-1 at full-time.
Behind the scenes the new digital screen has been completed and in mid-week I was involved in a photo shoot alongside the screen’s big sponsor. Also, work has continued on the upgrading of the floodlights to LED bulbs and these will be used for
the first time for the evening match on October 23 rd.
In light of the tragic death of Billy Vigar last week the club, like all non-league clubs, is awaiting news from the FA. Plainmoor has three sides with concrete/breeze-block walls.
The non-league football managers’ merry-go-round continues this week as Worthing’s Chris Agutter has moved to Sutton United, ex-Halifax FC boss Chris Millington has taken over at Solihull Moors while Welling United have sacked Lee Martin who had only been there since May.
Non-League Crowd Watch: Saturday & Mid-week: Southend 8,185, Carlisle v Rochdale 8,014, York City 7,316, Carlisle v Hartlepool 6,170, Bury FC 3,509, Rochdale v FC Halifax 3,466.
Now we’re into October the next 1899 Lotto draw is approaching with lots of prizes. Have you joined yet?
For how to buy your ticket go to https://draw.ourclublotto.co.uk/tufc/
Draw takes place on October 14 th .
For those going to Salisbury tomorrow safe travels and look out for Storm Amy.
COYY
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