Torquay United Fans Forum

It is a sad day for me today Sunday 14th January as I have only just learned of Ian's passing. I moved away from Teignmouth in May 1967 to the Far East and Australia and New Zealand. I was always able to keep in touch with Torquay United as the English papers were available allbeit a couple of days late and was able to check the scores and the team etc. I do remember being totally knocked out when I first saw Ian Twitchin on the team sheet (I was in Hong Kong then), he was always the best player at Teignmouth County Secondary School on the pitch or on the playground (where we honed our skills with a tennis ball). He was the Captain and in assembly on Mondays he often had to credit himself as scorer of goals the previous Saturday morning.
Trying to find memories in a 65 year old head here... I do recall a few frosty, bright Saturday morning games and what a battling kind of player Ian was. I also remember a special day and I think Ian was there in January 1965 when we watched The Gulls play Tottenham Hotspur in the Third Round of the FA Cup.. and oh my god what a last five minutes, Robin Stubbs god bless him, I cannot remember such a noise as that! 3-3 and against Greavsie, Gilzean and Mullery too.
I was not able to see Ian play for Torquay United but I know what a star he was for the team and what a servant he was, I am very proud to say to friends when football is the subject that I had gone to school with such a great lad as IanTwitchin.
Last christmas my daughter bought me a Torquay United mug, and it was so strange that there on the design was a photo of Ian Twitchin.
I am so proud to have known him. My condolences to all who loved this wonderful lad.

My name is Randall Owen and I now live in South Wales.