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A long-time Torquay United FC supporter has given his verdict on new Hereford boss Aaron Downes, praising his role in keeping the Gulls up but warning against rewriting history.
Aaron Downes, right, during his time at Torquay United. Picture: Torquay Talk
Clive Hayward, a regular contributor to Torquay Talk, said Downes was “well-liked at Plainmoor” during his spell as assistant and interim manager.
However, he admitted the former centre-back’s close association with Gary Johnson divided opinion towards the end of that era.
“Downesey was well-liked at Plainmoor, although some felt his close association with Gary Johnson tainted his legacy,” Hayward said. “Johnson outstayed his welcome and turned on the fans.”
Downes first returned to Torquay in December 2018 as Johnson’s assistant and spent five-and-a-half years on the coaching staff, a period that saw both highs — promotion from National League South in 2018/19 and a National League play-off final in 2021 — and sharp lows as the Gulls slid back down the leagues.
By February 2024, Johnson had departed, Torquay were in administration, hit with an 11-point deduction and stuck under a transfer embargo. Downes was handed the interim reins with 13 games left and survival on the line.
“To his credit, Downes stayed at the club when administration was announced, and kept us in the National League South despite points deductions — 11 points in total,” Hayward said. “He did unify fans and team to an extent. But his achievement shouldn’t be overstated though, because we only really needed to beat Taunton and a poor Truro to stay up.”
Downes’ playing days were also remembered fondly.
“He was a decent centre-back in his day. Probably had his best spell at Chesterfield. He never let us down as a player,” Hayward added. “Although if you want a laugh, Google his sending off for Torquay at Telford!”
Hayward, who has supported Torquay since 1976, said Gulls fans have sympathy for Hereford’s current position.
“Looks like it’s tough for you at the moment. Obviously we remember the Football League days, and we send you our best wishes.”
Downes now faces a similar survival fight at Edgar Street — this time as a permanent number one. He arrives at Edgar Street via a spell at Cheltenham Town where he was Michael Flynn's assistant before overseeing one game as caretaker boss - a 7-1 defeat to Grimsby Town.
He has also brought former Hereford United midfielder Harry Pell in to bolster his backroom staff, less than a month after he was forced to retire from playing. It is hoped Adam Rooney will stay on as player-coach, and Shaun Edwards as goalkeeping coach.