Logo

Plainmoor - Torquay
Saturday, September 8th 2001,
v Plymouth Argyle, Division 3, 12 noon.
 By Lee Roberts

I booked my ticket for the Devon derby at Plainmoor just before I set-off for Newcastle and the England v Albania game that evening.  The day and night ahead was going to be very tiring, but after confirming my booking with the Torquay United ticket office for Saturday's fixture I was made aware of an even more depressing fact - I had to collect my ticket for Saturday's game by 11 am.  That puzzled me but when I queried it with the ticket office they were confused - it was scheduled for a midday kick-off.  I was completely oblivious to the early start and that meant I had a problem in that my train ticket had already been booked.  I had no option but to cancel (incurring a £5 'admin' fee!) and drive down at the crack of dawn, another daunting trip to get through. 

And so at 5 am on the morning of the game I commenced the mammoth drive to Devon.  The weather was atrocious and only served to add to the travelling time.  Listening to a traffic report whilst speeding down the A303 I heard that luck was on my side as the southbound M5 was down to a single lane due to an accident.  At least I'd made the right decision for the route.  After a couple of coffee breaks at Stonehenge and Exeter I arrived on the outskirts of Torquay a couple of hours before kick-off, a surprise to even myself.  I had a bit of a leisurely drive around before heading in the direction of Plainmoor which was well signposted.  Parking was easy enough in the myriad of roads surrounding the ground, which is set in a sedate residential area.  

Although it was still early in the morning and the majority of the near sell-out crowd were yet to converge on the ground, I got the feeling that the pace of life around the ground - and the town itself - is very laid back and friendly.  Sure, the red-hot passion of a local derby was to come later on, but I immediately felt at home walking around Plainmoor.  The white-washed houses that are so common within Devon and Cornwall; the seagulls gliding through the air and the knowledge that one was near the foot of the British Isles: it all felt like another country, a world away from so many other venues that host football.  From the outside the ground seemed neat and compact and the small community swimming baths and what looks like a village green next to it illustrate that the club fit in nicely with their surroundings and have not consumed everything through redevelopment. 

 


I had arranged to meet with Nigel Lane, the editor of the Gulls' fanzine. Plainmoor was originally scheduled as my final destination in completing the 92 but ongoing construction work at numerous other grounds saw me re-think my plans.  It was Nigel's intention to feature me in the fanzine but the change of itinerary put paid to that.  Still, we agreed to meet up for a pint and a chat.  As it was, I received his text message too late to find the pub he was in and so I entered the ground in plenty of time to savour the pre-match build-up.  This also gave me plenty of time to get a first hand impression of Plainmoor from the inside. 

I sat in the Family Stand which is a relatively new stand situated behind one goal.  This comprises about a dozen rows of yellow seats with now obstruction to impair spectators' view.  To the right is the old wooden Main Stand which is actually two separate structures of slightly differing heights but combined they still don't stretch the entire length of the pitch.  In front of the seating areas is a small enclosure.  The away fans are allocated the end blocks of seating and - such as for the visit of Plymouth - sometimes the end section of enclosed terrace also.  The main away 'end' is behind the goal opposite the Family Stand, and this area of the ground has only recently been re-built with new terracing and a roof.  Finally, to my left was what could be termed as the home 'end', even though it ran down the side of the pitch.  Again this is a covered terracing of equal size to the away terrace.  Even though three sides of the stadium are quite new and of very similar design and size, Plainmoor has retained a real sense of identity throughout.  Although the Main Stand side looks rather dated in comparison to it's newer relations, it is still a fine old stand but I'm sure it's days are numbered.

The facilities inside the Family Stand are pretty basic; the toilets were extremely dank with, for example, no hand-drying machine or towels after using the extremely cold water - no hot! The small food kiosk saw a large queue form either side and during half-time but at least they were serving huge, tasty pies and pasties all at excellent prices.  

The game was won by Plymouth who scored the only goal early in the second half.  The atmosphere throughout was superb, even though both sets of fans class their respective matches with Exeter City as more important derbies.  As such there wasn't a hint of trouble before, during or after the game which was a credit to both clubs and their supporters.  I returned to my car for the long drive back to Hitchin.  Again I made excellent time as the miles whizzed by and Mel, my wife, was gobsmacked when I was parked outside of her work at 5.30 pm to collect her.  She asked why matches aren't played at midday every Saturday!

 thoroughly enjoyed what was a very tiring day.  Plainmoor is a wonderful setting and the long drive was worth it.  I've made it a priority to spend longer down there next time, taking Mel for a short break to the 'English Riviera'.  I can understand why so many fans of 3rd Division clubs make it one of their essential away games each year.  It certainly rates amongst my overall favourites.  I'm sure Nigel will quote me on that in his fanzine!."

Are you an away or general football fan who has visited Plainmoor recently?
If so why not submit your own review of the ground and general day out?
Click here to find out more.

Return To The Torquay United Page
Return To The Main Menu