Torquay United FC: Fabrice's Journey

Torquay United FC: Fabrice's Journey

Torquay sack Ling after poor season

It's been a rocky ride for Torquay United for the past few years. First, the Gulls were promoted to League 2 yet again, and all seemed great. They were never particularly in relegation battles, finishing near mid-table in their first year back. For the next two seasons, they were on sky high. Two successive play-off appearances, yet there was no victory or promotion for the Gulls. However, in the next season (2012/13), Torquay seemed like they were back to square 1 with the same manager they'd had through these years of success - Martin Ling - but still finishing in 17th.

Therefore, this news comes as no shock to Torquay fans - manager Ling's contract has been terminated with immediate effect. Despite Ling being taken in ill and having to be replaced by Alan Knill for a large portion of the season, the Torquay board claimed that Ling's results had been less than satisfactory even before his illness, ultimately leading to this day, where Ling was sacked.

Torquay chairman, Thea Bristow, said this to Sky Sports News: "It comes with great sadness that we announce the departure of long-term Torquay manager Martin Ling. Ling had shown fans a great few years of success, but this season's results were simply not good enough. We gave him a target to reach automatic promotion, so to place in 17th is a huge step down. I understand that his illness may have played some part in this downfall, but results were bad even before the illness mess began."

"I'm not quite sure who will replace him as of now, we have many options but we'll have a proper look at all of our possible candidates as soon as we can. When our new manager joins, we will set our expectations extremely clearly, and do anything in our power to achieve these expectations. I am sure my spokespeople will keep you all updated as and when vital things happen in the appointment of a new manager."

There are many rumours going around as to who will be replacing Ling at Plainmoor, with Alan Curbishley, Steve Kean, Alex McLeish, Stuart Pearce and Gareth Southgate being some of many rumoured to be taking the spot as Torquay manager. However, the unlikely favourite is Kevin Phillips, who has been heavily rumoured with retirement and going into football coaching.

Author's Note

Hello everyone! This is my FM14 story, I'm hoping I can stick to it. This will be played on the Demo at first, just saying.

Index

Oh, I hope it's Gareth Southgate!

Well I'm sure it's none of those people...Fabrice Muamba??

#Alexandra-in
Can't wait!

The 510 Series: WHY DID YOU HAVE TO RUIN IT! Hmm? Hmm?
k1rups: You're psychic
TK69: Hehe, thanks

Muamba named as Torquay manager

http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article765365.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Fabrice%20Muamba-765365.jpg
In a shock appointment, inspirational retired footballer Fabrice Muamba has been announced as the manager of Torquay United, following the recent sacking of Martin Ling. Most football fans will know that Muamba had a near-fatal heart attack on the 17th March 2012 in an FA Cup match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, and was dead for 78 minutes. However, he recovered quickly and attended a Wanderers match under 2 months later.

On the 15th August 2012, Muamba announced his retirement from professional football, due to medical recommendation. Then, on the 8th November 2012, he returned to White Hart Lane where the heart attack took place and received a standing ovation. He even signed up to the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing, which also had great reception.

And now, today, he has been revealed as the manager of Torquay United. Just 25 years old, he is the manager of a Sky Bet League 2 side, and although there are some doubts over his management ability, there is no doubt that he is an inspiration and the Gulls are lucky to have someone like Muamba as the manager.

Torquay players have spoken out on Twitter about their delight...
Michael Poke: Wow, @fmuamba's our gaffer! Absolutely ecstatic, he's a true inspiration. #MuambaAtTorquay
Lee Mansell: @fmuamba guess ill have 2 call ya boss now lol!
Dale Tonge: Can't quite believe it - delighted that @fmuamba's our new boss. Can't wait for the season now!

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Muamba said: "It is an absolute honour to be the manager of Torquay, this is something I never expected. Over the past few months I've realised how much I've missed professional football. I was seriously considering applying for a few very unrealistic jobs. But then for Torquay to make me an offer - it's something I just couldn't refuse.

"The reception I've got as well is overwhelming to say the least. It feels amazing that I am the Torquay United manager, and people don't hate me for it! It's nearly been a year since I retired, I've missed playing so much. It's just something that I didn't see coming in a million years."

Interesting choice but a great one! Good luck

2013-12-12 21:13#149026 AlexTHFC : The 510 Series: WHY DID YOU HAVE TO RUIN IT! Hmm? Hmm?

Because... *fails to think of a reason* I'm sorry, OK?! *sobs*

Meeting with the staff

Thea Bristow: Hi Fabrice, welcome to Plainmoor! Obviously, it's an honour to have someone like you at our club! If you don't mind, I'd like to take a few minutes of your time just to welcome you to the club before your assistant manager would like to speak to you. I want to assure you that you have the full board's backing and we genuinely believe that you are the right person for the job.

Fabrice Muamba: Great, thank you. It's an honour to be manager at Torquay, I'm looking forward to getting started! I also appreciate you taking time out of your extremely busy schedule to meet me in person.

Thea Bristow: Well, Torquay United are a club with a great history, and I'm sure the fans will appreciate it if you take just a small amount of time to increase your knowledge of the club. I am aware that you may already know a lot about Torquay, but do you want me to send you a brief overview about Torquay's background?

Fabrice Muamba: That sounds like a good idea to me, I'd love to have a look at Torquay's background.

Thea Bristow: Us on the board have all agreed that our absolute minimum expectation for this season is to finish in a comfortable mid-table position, giving you a reasonable transfer budget of £20K and a wage budget of £22K per week. Does this sound reasonable to you?

Fabrice Muamba: Great, that feels in line with what I had in mind for the first season for the club, but I'm happy to aim higher if you wish. I'll agree with you there.

Thea Bristow: It is also traditional to hold a press conference as manager of Torquay. The fans and the media appreciate it when manager's take time out of their day to have a word about what's happening. Should I schedule one for you?

Fabrice Muamba: There's no need for that - I've already spoken to the media on several occasions, I'd rather focus on the more important side of things.

Thea Bristow: Well, that's pretty much all I have to ask you. I'll now hand the meeting over to your assistant manager, who also has a few things to speak to you about.

Fabrice Muamba: Thank you, I hope to have a long and successful career here at Torquay. However, I think I might delay the meeting with my assistant manager until another day.

Thea Bristow: I understand, I'm guessing you have other matters to take care of.

I'm not sure management is a wise career move for someone who's had a near-fatal heart attack, but I wish him luck anyway! Why does the club's name sound like an alcoholic beverage? XD

Great start and an interesting manager choice

2013/14 season kits unveiled

Torquay have today unveiled their kits for the 2013/14 season, where they will be playing in the Sky Bet League 2. Everything has changed for Torquay, they're now manufactured by Eye Sportswear and sponsored by OKI.

The home kit is a blue strip with an arched white stripe across the top. The sponsor and brand logos are both in white. Meanwhile, the away kit is slightly more adventurous. It's a yellow shirt with 2 blue lines running vertically across the top, the sponsor and brand are this time in blue. However, the third kit is the most controversial. It's a white shirt with 2 yellow lines - 1 short across the right sleeve, the other long with a small hint of black at the top on the left side.



Fans are concerned about the (lack of) quality in these Eye Sportswear strips, saying they're too "out there" and that they don't symbolise the new era Torquay are going into. Maybe they're turning into Liverpool?

Eww, Lucas' West Ham KOTW kits

-_-

Nice kits . Good luck .