Owners appeal for unity after difficult opening to season
The Bryn Consortium, who own Torquay United, have issued a public appeal to supporters to stick with the club after a troubled start to the National League South campaign and the departure of two key players.
In a statement released this week, the owners acknowledged the frustration of fans after the Gulls collected six points from six matches — the return of one win, three draws and two defeats — leaving the club at 19th place in the table. The message comes as central defender and vice‑captain Sam Dreyer completed a move to Harrogate Town and winger Dylan Morgan joined Crawley Town, both for undisclosed fees.
Club chiefs said they were working closely with manager Jimmy Ball and his coaching staff to identify what needs to change "both on and off the pitch" to help the side find a rhythm and produce a run of positive results.
- League position: 19th in National League South
- Opening record: 1 win, 3 draws, 2 defeats (6 points)
- Notable departures: Sam Dreyer to Harrogate Town; Dylan Morgan to Crawley Town
"This is not a moment for panic, but nor is it a moment for complacency," the owners said, urging supporters to remain behind the club.
The statement underlined that the board understood supporters' concerns and shared their disappointment, but stressed that immediate panic would not be helpful. It also confirmed the owners were supporting the manager in seeking reinforcements and would only announce signings once deals were complete.
Impact of player sales and the search for stability
For a club that reached the National League play‑off final last season, the loss of two influential squad members so early in the campaign presents a practical challenge. Both Dreyer and Morgan had been central to the club’s push in recent seasons, and their exits leave gaps that the hierarchy say they are trying to address.
Supporters on Plainmoor and around the town have voiced a range of reactions — disappointment at results, frustration at the transfer activity, but also a cautious acceptance that football at this level often involves balancing competitiveness with player ambition and financial considerations.
The owners’ note explicitly recognised Dreyer’s departure as an opportunity for the player and a deal that "properly recognises his value to Torquay United". It reiterated the club’s intention to back the manager where possible, and to look at strengthening options ahead of the next fixture.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 19 |
Manager Jimmy Ball, who succeeded Paul Wotton in March, has been candid in recent media interviews about disruption to pre‑season and the need for players to be fully committed to the cause. The owners say they are in direct conversation with him and his staff as they weigh up options.
Looking ahead to Plainmoor and beyond
Next up for Torquay is a home game against fellow early pace‑setters Folkestone Invicta, currently unbeaten and sitting third in the table. The fixture is likely to be viewed by many supporters as an early litmus test of how quickly the club can steady itself following a chaotic start.
For Torquay residents, the issues raised — squad turnover, matchday form and the relationship between ownership, management and supporters — resonate beyond the 90 minutes. The owners’ statement is an attempt to calm nerves and signal that remedial work is under way, but much will depend on the results on the pitch and the speed with which the club can replace departed players.
Plainmoor has long been a focal point for the town and the wider south Devon community. With the season still in its early stages, the next few weeks will test whether the Gulls can translate the owners' assurances into stability and points.
