Torquay United Fans Forum

Hi all,

I would firstly like to take the time to explain the situation and reason for myself not being a part of the TULFC squad anymore.

On 20th July 2014 - I received a text message from Ant Roach (TULFC Stand in Manager), informing me that I was selected for the TULFC Squad for 2014/15 Season.

Like the rest of the selected squad, we then had until the end of July to pay our team registration fee of £30.

I was in the situation where like a lot of the players, I didn't have a player sponsor (Minimum £300). I also knew that I would NOT be able to afford the player subs of £20 per month, for 10 months = £200 for the 2014/15 season with TULFC.

Therefore, to continue playing for TULFC for the season ahead, I knew that my only option was to try my hardest to find a player sponsor that could financially support me for the season.

We ended up in the last week of July and I still didn't have a player sponsor, however with the 2014/15 season not starting until the end of August, I still had time to keep searching.

On the 31st July, there was a pre-season training session for TULFC, which Kev Nicholson delivered. On the day of training, I was text by Ant Roach and told that unless I had my £30 registration fee with me, I wouldn't be allowed to participate in training and he also said I wouldn't be covered by Torquay's insurance. Of course, I didn't have my £30 registration fee, due to not being able to find a player sponsor yet and was therefore unable to train with the squad that evening.

However, even though this was the case, I still turned up to watch everyone train. On my arrival, I was approached by Ant Roach (who was joining in with the session to make the numbers even), who said to me "I'll let you join in for tonight Jazz". Whereas, I received a message from him in the day time informing me that I wasn't allowed to train. Therefore, I turn up to training to watch and not prepared/equipt (clothing etc) to play.

My situation has been: Because I was unable to find a player sponsor who would pay my player fees for the rest of the season, I didn't want to pay my player registration fee until I had this confirmed.
Because if I paid my registration fee, then couldn't find a player sponsor. I wouldn't be able to afford the season myself, which means I wouldn't be able to play because I haven't paid.
Which overall means = My £30 registration fee would be money down the drain and I would be worse off financially than I was to start off with.

I had informed Ant Roach of the situation and there were times when he would tweet and promote what players are still available to be sponsored - But my name was not on the list.
Of course, I then questioned this and he informs me he hasn't included me on the list, because I haven't paid my registration fee.

On Monday 4th August, I receive a text from Ant Roach saying:

"Hi Jaz. Being honest with you, you are no where near the matchday squad at present and I cannot guarantee you selection at the moment even if you was to sign. We have stepped up this season and need fully committed players who can dedicate to training each week and at present i'm not seeing that from you. I appreciate you are busy with other commitments therefore I feel it will be best you sign for another team that can accommodate you as the demands at TULFC are high this season"

From receiving this text there are a few things that don't make sense, these being:

1) If I wasn't "anywhere near the matchday squad" - then why did he select me for the TULFC squad on 20th July 2014?
2) "We need fully committed players dedicated to training each week" - I was told I am not allowed to train, due to not having paid my registration fee yet.

So there we have it. Unfortunately I will not be a player for TULFC for the 2014/15 season as I have been 'Dropped by Ant Roach (The stand in manager), through a text message.'

I thought it was very important that you all knew the full story and facts from beginning to end. However, I would like to make it clear that this post is on no level disrespecting Torquay United as a Club or the TULFC players themselves. It is purely to point out how poor and unprofessional this whole scenario was dealt with by Ant Roach.

I would now like to take the time to thank you all for the fantastic support and kind donations towards my player sponsorship. This is extremely touching and it is a real shame it has had to come to this. I really do apologise for that. I have no doubt that you will all be a fantastic continued support for all Torquay United teams for many seasons to come.

Even though I am no longer part of the club, feel free to keep in touch.

HUGE thank you again everyone,

Keep Up the Great Work,

Many thanks,

Jazz Hervin