Non-league club apologise after players take team bus off fans after match

Torquay United have apologised to supporters affected by a coaching mix-up after their latest match.

The National League South side were beaten by Eastbourne Borough away from home on Saturday.

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Following the defeat, it was claimed the club had taken a coach off the Torquay United Supporters’ Trust (TUST) for the return trip to Devon.

The Gulls have now issued a statement explaining the situation.

It comes after a TUST spokesperson said: “So poor on Torquay United. Do hope (the) club and players enjoy our coach.”

According to Torquay, the incident was down to the coach company which had provided the transport.

Torquay statement

In a statement, Torquay explained: “Following discussions this morning with the Torquay United Supporters’ Trust (TUST), the club is aware of concerns and online speculation regarding supporter travel to and from Eastbourne on Saturday, and would like to take the opportunity to help clarify the situation.

“The team travelled to Sussex on Friday and, due to two significant breakdowns en route, our official operator, Roselyn Coaches, arranged a temporary replacement transport to be sent to Reading at short notice to ensure the squad could reach the hotel in a timely fashion.

“Roselyn agreed to supply a different coach for the club for the squad’s return journey after the match yesterday.

“We have since been informed by Roselyn that, for their operational reasons, the replacement vehicle being sent for the club’s return trip was used for the supporters’ outward journey to Eastbourne and allocations were then returned for the journey back to Devon.

“The Torquay Supporters Travel Club (TSTC) is independent of Torquay United.

“As such, the club was not aware of any separate contractual arrangements between Roselyn Coaches and TSTC, including that Roselyn had provided a larger coach to TSTC than was originally contracted.

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“At no point did the club instruct that any supporters be removed from a coach, and at no time were any members of the squad or football management aware of the logistical discussions.”

Meanwhile, co-chairman Michael Westcott added: “We recognise emotions are running high after a disappointing result, and we are sorry for any disruption and confusion caused.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all Torquay fans for their incredible support to the team, as always.”

Their defeat to Eastbourne leaves Torquay second in the National League South, six points adrift of leaders Dorking Wanderers.

Paul Wotton’s side are aiming to gain promotion back to the fifth tier for the first time since 2023.

Torquay have not played in the Football League for 12 years, meanwhile.

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Saturday’s setback saw them lose to relegation threatened Eastbourne.

The win saw the Sports move off the bottom of the table, with the hosts now just two points from safety.