The club: Torquay United (The Gulls); PlainmoorThe ground: Basic and small. Terraced on 2 1/4 sides all stands are covered apart from a small section of the away (unterraced) standing. Away fans are divided between standing (behind the goal) and seating (main stand), the terrace is narrow but spacious and you are close to the action, where as the seated area is set farther back behind the dug outs. There is only 1 entrance/exit meaning it can take some time to get in or leave. All 5 stands (the main being two separate structures - one nicked from a former racetrack and never renovated) are in different styles. 5/10
The facilities and food: The refreshment kiosk is rudimentary and slow at serving. They had nearly run out of pasties and pies. The carbonated drinks were warm and covered in grease. The toilets were the traditional pee up a wall type. 4/10
The stewarding/police: They use the same stewards as at Argyle (under a different company) and therefore have been known to be over zealous but the pre-season nature meant the left the supporters alone. The large amount of supporters warranted a big police presence at the train stations and around town, but only a few 'spotters' in the ground. 5/10
The travelling: Plainmoor is a long way from the town centre and main transport terminals but is very close to St Marychurch and Babbacoombe which have regular bus services even if the ground doesn't. A walk from the stations or centre can take between 30-45 minutes up steep long hills. 4/10
The surrounding area (what's there to do outside the ground): Boots and Laces is the Gull's 'clubhouse' right next to the ground, and there are a few pubs nearby. The best thing to do is take advantage of the pub crawl you can do around the Harbour, up the main street to the ground. 5/10
The home fans (their contribution to the atmosphere etc): A local derby but little enthusiasm and Argyle virtually took over the town (and Paignton and Newton Abbot). There were very few supporters around. 4/10
Total score: 27/60
Awaydays League Table:
Torquay United - 27
2 comments:
I'm glad I don't go to Plainmoor if it can only get a score of 27/60. Still it was one - nil to us.
You can get a 31 bus from the Town Centre, close to a couple of hundred pubs. The number 34 to get back to all the pubs.
I love Plainmoor, quite possibly the greatest stadium in the world, if your watching a game why not stay in one of the many Torquay United hotels.
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