Top 100 Torquay United Players

[Plymouth Gull]

And as the majority of you have already guessed, I'll reveal the winner. Unfortunately I missed this man play for us, but he's still often mentioned so I regret not seeing him at his peak. It's…



1. Rodney Jack - 174 points

Time spent at club: 1995-1998
Gulls Appearances: 111
Gulls Goals: 31

Rodney Jack came over to Torquay, following a path made with Gregory Goodridge. Both had played for Lambada FC before joining Torquay. Rodney joined in 1995, and went on to make 88 starts in the league for United, scoring 27 goals in three years. Renown for his electric pace, as shown in his two superb goals against Scarborough at Plainmoor in the Playoffs in 98. After three years, Rodney moved to Crewe Alexandra for £650,000, a fee which still remains the club record for money received for a player.

His spell at Crewe saw him play over 150 times in the league, and stayed at the Railwaymen for five years. Upon leaving in 2003, Rodney went on to have spells with other lower league teams, starting with Rushden & Diamonds, Oldham and Crewe again before Rodney ended up with Nantwich Town. On the international scene, Jack ended up playing 45 times and scoring 23 goals for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

It isn't a surprise to see Rodney feature, a player that seems to have captured the imagination of fans of all ages, so it's unfortunate I never got to witness him in his yellow shirt. I do remember seeing him feature for Oldham against us in 2005 though, and the warm ovation he received from Gulls fans that day. A worthy winner.

[stefano]

Well I may be an old fogey with names like Don Mills, Robin Stubbs, and Sam Collins on my list, but it is quite pleasing to see that the top 3 'youngsters' choices were also in my top 10 list - Rodney Jack 4, David Graham 9, and Alex Russell 8.

Perhaps this particular dinosaur isn't as totally out of touch as I was starting to imagine!

[Plymouth Gull]

Breakdown of points:

As requested, here's the breakdown of points for each player…

Rodney Jack: 10+10+10+10+10+10+9+9+9+9+9+9+8+8+8+7+7+6+6+6+4=174pts
David Graham: 10+10+10+10+10+10+9+9+8+8+8+7+7+7+7+6+6+5+5+3+2=157pts
Alex Russell: 10+10+10+9+9+8+8+8+8+8+7+7+7+7+7+6+6+5+4+4+3+2=153pts
Kevin Hill: 10+10+10+9+9+8+7+7+6+6+6+6+6+5+4+3+2+2+2+1=119pts
Eunan O'Kane: 10+9+9+9+8+8+8+7+7+6+5+5+5+3+3=102pts
Bobby Olejnik: 9+9+8+8+8+7+7+7+7+6+6+5+5+3+3+2=100pts
Robin Stubbs: 10+9+9+9+9+9+7+2=64pts
Tim Sills: 7+7+6+5+4+3+3+3+2+2+1+1=44pts
Neville Southall: 6+6+5+5+4+4+3=33pts
Don Mills: 10+10+10+2=32pts
Jason Fowler: 10+7+5+4+3+1=30pts
Chris Hargreaves: 7+5+4+3+3+3+2+1=28pts
Andy Gurney: 10+5+4+3+3+1=26pts
Lee Mansell: 6+5+4+4+2+2+1+1+1=26pts
Steve Woods: 6+5+5+4+2+2=24pts
Dave Caldwell: 10+5+4+4=23pts
Mark Loram: 9+7+3+1=20pts
Lee Sharpe: 8+8+4=20pts
Tony Bedeau: 7+5+4+3=19pts
Paul Dobson: 9+8+1=18pts
Sammy Collins: 8+6+3=17pts
Matt Elliott: 8+6+2=16pts
Gregory Goodridge: 8+5+3=16pts
John Bond: 7+6+3=16pts
Colin Bettany: 9+5=14pts
Jimmy Dunne: 8+5+1=14pts
John Benson: 8+4+2=14pts
Paul Holmes: 7+4+3=14pts
Tom Kelly: 9+4=13pts
Wayne Thomas: 6+5+2=13pts
Brian McGlinchey: 6+5+1=12pts
Kevin Nicholson: 5+4+2+1=12pts
Kenny Veysey: 10+1=11pts
Paul Gibbs: 6+4+1=11pts
Kenny Allen: 10=10pts
Micky Cave: 10=10pts
Guy Branston: 9+1=10pts
Liam Rosenior: 8+2=10pts
Martin Gritton: 4+3+3=10pts
Les Lawrence: 9=9pts
Ken Brown: 9=9pts
Ron Shaw: 8=8pts
Terry Adlington: 8=8pts
Chris Myers: 7=7pts
Darren Moore: 5+2=7pts
Jamie Ward: 6=6pts
Jim Fryatt: 6=6pts
Wayne Carlisle: 4+2=6pts
Reg Wyatt: 4+2=6pts
Rene Howe: 5+1=6pts
Jason Roberts: 5=5pts
Brian Healy: 4=4pts
Micky Holmes: 4=4pts
Mark Ellis: 4=4pts
Willie Brown: 4=4pts
Tommy Northcott: 2+1+1=4pts
Jimmy Aggrey: 3=3pts
Derek Dawkins: 3=3pts
Bayo Akinfenwa: 3=3pts
Garry Nelson: 3=3pts
Eifion Williams: 2=2pts
Jo Kuffour: 2=2pts
Jon Gittens: 2=2pts
Robbie Herrera: 2=2pts
Chris Zebroski: 2=2pts
Chima Okorie: 2=2pts
Dean Sturridge: 1=1pt
Andy Marriott: 1=1pt
Craig Taylor: 1=1pt
Jean Pierre Simb: 1=1pt
Morike Sako: 1=1pt
Chris Brandon: 1=1pt



-----------------------------------

So there we have it. When I introduced this back at the start of December I didn't anticipate it going on until Easter, but it's been a pleasure to compile. I hope you've all enjoyed it and it's helped to bring back some memories of why we all love this football club. As mentioned, I may be back with another similar thing in the future so if I am I'm hopeful of a bit more participation! Thanks to those who did get lists in and made it all possible.

[Rjc70]

It's been a brilliant thread in anxious times for TUFC. Thanks for compiling this. I've really enjoyed catching up with the thread, plymouthgull - remembering most fondly and learning more about others rightly held in high regard by fans of all ages. Brilliant idea. Nicely executed.

[Gulliball]

Thank-you very much Nick, a really enjoyable feature.

I had Rodney Jack as my number one, Alex Russell 2nd and David Graham 6th, so not too shabby.

[Plainmoor87]

Thanks for this fascinating feature! It's helped throw a little sunshine onto an otherwise awful season.

I was one of the tardy posters who didn't get his act together to vote and is now regretting not getting Paul Smith, Wes Saunders and Jim McNichol on the board - travesty!

[Plainmoor87]

Just a thought...how about a greatest ever goals feature?

[wivelgull]

Of course, the most notable omission is John Smith (in my opinion second only to the great Robin). Connoisseurs of United (like Messrs. Stefano and Tomogull, for example) will of course know of whom I speak. Without his presence in the great years we would never have been on the verge of promotion to (what is now) the Championship. Yet he is totally forgotten - but certainly not by Swindon Town supporters.

[Rjc70]

Of course, the most notable omission is John Smith (in my opinion second only to the great Robin). Connoisseurs of United (like Messrs. Stefano and Tomogull, for example) will of course know of whom I speak. Without his presence in the great years we would never have been on the verge of promotion to (what is now) the Championship. Yet he is totally forgotten - but certainly not by Swindon Town supporters.

Am keen to know a bit more about him, wivel? I can't remember if you spoke of Ron Shaw earlier in the thread, but memories of him too, much appreciated.

[Kernowgull]

I was only a young lad when Rodney Jack played for us, and he was my first Gull hero. I have 3 real memories of his brilliance, a last minute winner at home to Lincoln on the first day of the season, was possibly his debut, but not definitely, I also think he came on as a sub shortly before. Him running rings around Watford away where we undeservedly lost in extra time (great away day that was!!) And of course, his crowning glory and I guess last game at Plainmoor v Scarborough. What a player, I remember someone bringing him in to the bar away at Oldham to say hi to the fans before the game, and he got an overwhelmingly good reception from the 100 odd fans in there. Deserved number one from my time supporting, even if not of all time.

[tomogull]

Of course, the most notable omission is John Smith (in my opinion second only to the great Robin). Connoisseurs of United (like Messrs. Stefano and Tomogull, for example) will of course know of whom I speak. Without his presence in the great years we would never have been on the verge of promotion to (what is now) the Championship. Yet he is totally forgotten - but certainly not by Swindon Town supporters.

I was looking down PG's final list and thinking to myself - Gawd - John Smith isn't there ! Then I came to your post. Yes - of course I know of who you speak! John 'smudger' Smith - great midfield player. Maybe with the great players in that side at that time, he never quite got the recognition he deserved but he was a very important player in that team. Also, I was the only one to vote for Terry Adlington, our best ever keeper in my view and only me and probably Samuel voted for Colin Bettany - sacrilege !! A great thread, Plymouth Gull - really enjoyed it. Rodney was in my top ten and I have no complaints about him being at No 1.

[tomogull]

I was looking down PG's final list and thinking to myself - Gawd - John Smith isn't there ! Then I came to your post. Yes - of course I know of who you speak! John 'smudger' Smith - great midfield player. Maybe with the great players in that side at that time, he never quite got the recognition he deserved but he was a very important player in that team. Also, I was the only one to vote for Terry Adlington, our best ever keeper in my view and only me and probably Samuel voted for Colin Bettany - sacrilege !! A great thread, Plymouth Gull - really enjoyed it. Rodney was in my top ten and I have no complaints about him being at No 1. P.S. just checked out John Smith on wiki - he was only 49 when he died - very sad.

[lucy6lucy]

Breakdown of points:

As requested, here's the breakdown of points for each player…

Rodney Jack: 10+10+10+10+10+10+9+9+9+9+9+9+8+8+8+7+7+6+6+6+4=174pts
David Graham: 10+10+10+10+10+10+9+9+8+8+8+7+7+7+7+6+6+5+5+3+2=157pts
Alex Russell: 10+10+10+9+9+8+8+8+8+8+7+7+7+7+7+6+6+5+4+4+3+2=153pts
Kevin Hill: 10+10+10+9+9+8+7+7+6+6+6+6+6+5+4+3+2+2+2+1=119pts
Eunan O'Kane: 10+9+9+9+8+8+8+7+7+6+5+5+5+3+3=102pts
Bobby Olejnik: 9+9+8+8+8+7+7+7+7+6+6+5+5+3+3+2=100pts
Robin Stubbs: 10+9+9+9+9+9+7+2=64pts
Tim Sills: 7+7+6+5+4+3+3+3+2+2+1+1=44pts
Neville Southall: 6+6+5+5+4+4+3=33pts
Don Mills: 10+10+10+2=32pts
Jason Fowler: 10+7+5+4+3+1=30pts
Chris Hargreaves: 7+5+4+3+3+3+2+1=28pts
Andy Gurney: 10+5+4+3+3+1=26pts
Lee Mansell: 6+5+4+4+2+2+1+1+1=26pts
Steve Woods: 6+5+5+4+2+2=24pts
Dave Caldwell: 10+5+4+4=23pts
Mark Loram: 9+7+3+1=20pts
Lee Sharpe: 8+8+4=20pts
Tony Bedeau: 7+5+4+3=19pts
Paul Dobson: 9+8+1=18pts
Sammy Collins: 8+6+3=17pts
Matt Elliott: 8+6+2=16pts
Gregory Goodridge: 8+5+3=16pts
John Bond: 7+6+3=16pts
Colin Bettany: 9+5=14pts
Jimmy Dunne: 8+5+1=14pts
John Benson: 8+4+2=14pts
Paul Holmes: 7+4+3=14pts
Tom Kelly: 9+4=13pts
Wayne Thomas: 6+5+2=13pts
Brian McGlinchey: 6+5+1=12pts
Kevin Nicholson: 5+4+2+1=12pts
Kenny Veysey: 10+1=11pts
Paul Gibbs: 6+4+1=11pts
Kenny Allen: 10=10pts
Micky Cave: 10=10pts
Guy Branston: 9+1=10pts
Liam Rosenior: 8+2=10pts
Martin Gritton: 4+3+3=10pts
Les Lawrence: 9=9pts
Ken Brown: 9=9pts
Ron Shaw: 8=8pts
Terry Adlington: 8=8pts
Chris Myers: 7=7pts
Darren Moore: 5+2=7pts
Jamie Ward: 6=6pts
Jim Fryatt: 6=6pts
Wayne Carlisle: 4+2=6pts
Reg Wyatt: 4+2=6pts
Rene Howe: 5+1=6pts
Jason Roberts: 5=5pts
Brian Healy: 4=4pts
Micky Holmes: 4=4pts
Mark Ellis: 4=4pts
Willie Brown: 4=4pts
Tommy Northcott: 2+1+1=4pts
Jimmy Aggrey: 3=3pts
Derek Dawkins: 3=3pts
Bayo Akinfenwa: 3=3pts
Garry Nelson: 3=3pts
Eifion Williams: 2=2pts
Jo Kuffour: 2=2pts
Jon Gittens: 2=2pts
Robbie Herrera: 2=2pts
Chris Zebroski: 2=2pts
Chima Okorie: 2=2pts
Dean Sturridge: 1=1pt
Andy Marriott: 1=1pt
Craig Taylor: 1=1pt
Jean Pierre Simb: 1=1pt
Morike Sako: 1=1pt
Chris Brandon: 1=1pt



-----------------------------------

So there we have it. When I introduced this back at the start of December I didn't anticipate it going on until Easter, but it's been a pleasure to compile. I hope you've all enjoyed it and it's helped to bring back some memories of why we all love this football club. As mentioned, I may be back with another similar thing in the future so if I am I'm hopeful of a bit more participation! Thanks to those who did get lists in and made it all possible.

Well done matey. Despite the horror season you have kept your composure in compiling this thread. A few of my top 10 have come in the top 20, but embarrassed I forget to vote for Rodney. Anyway look forward towards your next top 100.

[stefano]

I was looking down PG's final list and thinking to myself - Gawd - John Smith isn't there ! Then I came to your post. Yes - of course I know of who you speak! John 'smudger' Smith - great midfield player. Maybe with the great players in that side at that time, he never quite got the recognition he deserved but he was a very important player in that team. Also, I was the only one to vote for Terry Adlington, our best ever keeper in my view and only me and probably Samuel voted for Colin Bettany - sacrilege !! A great thread, Plymouth Gull - really enjoyed it. Rodney was in my top ten and I have no complaints about him being at No 1.

You are right about Terry Adlington and Colin Bettany tomo. Both were in my mind when I put my top 10 list together. But how bloody difficult? Over 50 years and you try to narrow it down to 10. I was horrified when you pointed out part way through the thread that Alan Welsh and Tony Scott would not feature. John Smith. Yes Wivel is right. He had played in the top tier with West Ham and Tottenham (although in those days most of our team had or would play in the top tier) and he was also an England under 23 international. Bulky not to be knocked off the ball player with brilliant distributions skills.

Yet with a current team of non-league journeymen we all failed to register one vote for John Smith whose skills would embarass some who wear the yellow shirt these days.

Yes. I know I'm a curmudgeonly old sod! But it's true!

[Trojan 67]

I didn't vote in this poll.

How Tommy Mitchinson (the "General" of Plainmoor) never made the list is criminal.

That particular O'Farrell team of 67-68 that featured John Smith and Tommy Mitchinson in midfield was awesome and came within a whisker of Division II (currently called the Championship).