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Reckless Guide to Torquay

Torquay United v Barnet

Saturday 6th December 2014

Kick-Off 3.00pm

Stadium: Plainmoor, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3PS

Telephone:  01803 328 666

Club Colours: Yellow and Blue

Nickname: The Gulls

Official Club Website: www.torquayunited.com

Brief Directions by Road:

M4 and M5 (or from the A30 – see below- join the M5 at its junction 29 and follow signs for Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torquay). At the end of the M5 follow the A38 for Newton Abbott and then turn left onto the A380. Turn onto the A3022 which is signposted Torquay. Follow signs for Torquay United FC/Plainmoor through 3 roundabouts(don’t fear the delays here folks I assure you from many past experiences the traffic does move!). At the top of the hill traffic lights go straight on into Warbro Road. The ground is on the right hand side.

Another option of course is the picturesque A303 which passes the stunning and ultimate site of English heritage, Stone Henge. You can pick up the M5 eventually from this road and then follow the above directions. Plainmoor is probably the best advertised ground in the country and the signs almost plead you interest. These details are courtesy of TUFC.

Street parking is plentiful and fairly unrestricted unless you park literally next to the ground.

Directions by Train:

A train from Paddington will take approx. three and a half hours and will involve a change at Exeter or Newton Abbot. Torquay is served by two stations these are Torre and Torquay. Torre is the nearest but still a good half-hour walk to the ground. Torquay station is near the seafront and a taxi (around £5.00) from here is really your only option.

Supporters’ Coaches:

An extra early start for this one peeps as the supporters’ coach will leave The Hive at 7.30am with earlier pick up points at Potters Bar Station. Barnet (3 separate places), Whetstone and Edgware starting at 6.30am. The price is £35 return.

For further information please call the Ticket Office on 020 8381 3800 and select option two or visit The Hive in person.

Eating and Drinking Locally:

Most of the pubs are around the Quayside, there are a number to choose from, they are nice and friendly and most serve food. The Beacon Quay is a great bet for value for money, decent beers and sea view. My plan is to start here and cab the ground. For a drink close to the ground look no further than the social club at Plainmoor – details below. However – Steve and Lesley, the proprietors of the The Castle, 142-144 Union Street, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5BY, which is literally 5 minutes walk from the stadium have contacted me again and will be very welcoming to visiting fans offering inexpensive draft beers and excellent meal deals. If you have enough time before making your way to the ground I insist that you try and get to Oggies homemade Pastie Shop in the pedestrian shopping area near the Marina, it is an absolute must. (I can vouch for this. Ed)

The Social Club:

The Torquay social club is the famous Boots and Laces and can be found under the Herald Express Stand and all are made welcome. It also serves food too!

Ground Description:

Neat avenues of daintily gabled guesthouses and homes edge the ground. The original main stand dated from the early 1920s and was built entirely from wood but was damaged by fire in 1985. It was replaced in 2012 with the smart looking, and front loading, Bristow’s Bench stand which houses the dressing rooms and has room for 1,700. To the left is the Yelverton Family Stand which has room for about 2,500. Opposite is the Popular Side an efficient bank of covered terracing favoured by the more vocal of Torquay fans. Finally to the right is our home for the evening the Marsh Toyota Away Stand  which is a medium sized covered bank of terracing were we can really make some noise.

Admission Prices:

Adults £17, Over 65s/Students £13, U16s £6 – Seating £21/£16/£6.

Overnight Stay Factor:

Here I go….The English Rivera is a regular weekend away for hoards of Bees fans. Mrs Reckless and I are staying in Brixham again as it really is a stunning place to have a break away.  Our normal B&B is closed this year and we have chosen another rather neat little B&B overlooking the Harbour. I am not revealing its name because I know from experience what can happen to me if certain so called friends get to know! 

If you are staying over in the area why not meet up with a whole bunch of us in the Maritime Inn in Brixham on Saturday night. A piano in the bar awaits and a sing-a-long is planned, just like last time! Great times…