WORLD CUP DRAWS TO A CLOSE AS UNITED LOSE A TV GOAL FEST
FAN-LED REVIEW WHITE PAPER AND FOOTBALL REGULATOR ON THE WAY
21 million disappointed TV viewers witnessed another World Cup defeat as the French snatched victory over an England side which paid the penalty for missing some golden opportunities to make the semi-finals.
So, once again football’s not coming home despite a squad rich with England’s best talent. No doubt the inquest will continue for the time being as to why we fail just as the prize is within reach.
For those who drew un-fancied Morocco in their sweepstake they were possibly having the last laugh and who would have dared to predict the outcome of their match against the French.
After watching the Argentine v. Netherlands game and then the England, France game we could be forgiven if we thought the two referees had been schooled in the National League. Eighteen yellow cards and one red in the first of these game was a World Cup record from the Spanish official while the Brazilian ref on Saturday was no better.
Oh dear, such a shame matches should be spoilt by the officials.
With so many so-called favourites knocked out who are the likely winners this year? Is going to be either Argentina or France? Come Sunday afternoon we’ll be able to find out.
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Sunday’s TV offering featured United in their trip to Oldham and viewers who have watched the Gulls’ TV appearances this season will now have witnessed twenty-two goals - that’s entertainment!
Unfortunately, this bottom-of-the-table six pointer went the way of the hosts despite a Torquay barnstorming finale, deserving at least a share of the points for their second half performance.
So, Gary Johnson’s wish to be out of the relegation places for Christmas has not been granted.
And with that game now gone that’s the club’s half-way point with 23 matches left to save their season.
And it was a surprise to learn Asa Hall is likely to be out for six to eight weeks; a big loss, although that’s now been revised to around two weeks.
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Although the transfer window is not relevant in the National League one wonders whether there may be some comings and goings in January.
Some of the summer signings have shown they have what is needed while a number have been pretty disappointing so time to move them on.
Then, there’s the future of some of the loan signings with January, often a cut-off point, looming.
Even the year long loans often have a re-call clause after six months. Will Goodwin, for example, is doing the business with United but could he try back in the EFL?
2023 is going to be a crucial year for all kinds of reasons.
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Stories coming out from Government sources seem to confirm that the White Paper on football governance is imminent, probably in the New Year, with the latest breaking news that the Prime Minister has given the green light to the creation of an independent regulator for football, something the Premier League has fought long and hard to prevent.
With serious discussions announced last week between the EFL and the National League regarding three-up, three-down between the NL and League 2, it appears that the labours of Tracey Crouch’s Fan-Led Review are beginning to bare fruit.
Fans should benefit from a regulator. Crouch’s review recommended that all clubs should appoint a shadow fan board with whom they would have to consult on their plans and major decisions.
It is also proposed that fans should have a golden share in their club, which though having no financial value, would give a veto over major decisions, such as sale of a stadium.
All this looks set to become law for the 2023-24 season.
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United’s Women’s much anticipated clash with league leaders Forest Green fell to the weather on Sunday.
Meanwhile, once again there were some impressive non-league attendance figures from the weekend: 6,205 as Chesterfield kept up their pursuit of Notts County and Wrexham. Oldham drew in 5,615 despite being on TV including 87 representing the Yellow Army - a great effort on a bitterly cold afternoon.
Eastleigh had one of their higher gates thanks to Wrexham’s travelling support, 3,986 while Macclesfield continue to attract big crowds, this time 3,517.
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It’s that time of the year again for this year’s Christmas Quiz all based on Torquay United stories, this week it’s Part One, stories from January to June.
Get all six answers correct and one lucky winner will receive a £10 Torquay United club shop gift voucher.
Next week will be Christmas Quiz Part Two, July to December with another £10 club shop gift voucher.
CHRISTMAS QUIZ PART ONE
1. In January Stephen Duke-McKenna joined United from which Championship club?
2. What international recognition did Armani Little and Ben Wynter get in March?
3. Which former Torquay and Manchester United manager died in March?
4. What success did Torquay United Women achieve in April after a penalty shoot-out?
5. United’s Under-18s won the treble, league and two cups. Who was the manager?
6. Who was United’s Player of the Season for 2021-2022?
Send your answers, together with your name and address to: fanszone.tu@gmail.com or Twitter: @FanszoneT.
Closing date is 12 noon on Saturday December 31 2022. Good luck! Question setter’s decision is final.
Saturday was meant to see United start their FA Trophy campaign with a home fixture against National South Chippenham Town and a chance to give those in the squad a game, like Tomlinson, Omar, Andrews and Lovett but unfortunately, a frozen pitch put paid to that.
Don’t forget, for £9.50, the National League TV starts properly from Boxing Day for those exiles who cannot get to Plainmoor for the Yeovil match.
COYY
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