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The Bulls travel to an already relegated Torquay side for a match that will have all the feeling of an end of season wind-down.
With both sides' futures already settled, and players likely to have been told their futures, neither side has anything to play for but pride. Torquay's demotion was confirmed three weeks ago, and results since have not gone their way, while the Bulls lower mid-table finish has seen a series of ineffective performances.
Torquay's season has read like a bad soap opera. Three chairmen, a dozen board members joining and leaving - sometimes within days, a failed Czech revolution and a current owner that doesn't want to be there. It's been anything but dull for the Gulls faithful this season, but the turmoil off the pitch saw a club that usually 'makes the numbers up' finish bottom of the pile. Just four of the players that started the season in the 16 are expected to play on Saturday, such is the player turnover at Plainmoor.
By comparison, the Bulls will likely field ten of the 16 that opened the season against Stockport in August. With Gareth Sheldon and Jon Wallis already departed from that opening day squad, fans are speculating who will follow them out of the door. One thing is for certain, the Bulls' front line will need work in time for next season. Marcus Palmer showed glimpses of ability on Saturday but will need to be physically stronger for next season, while Stuart Fleetwood seems to be out of the picture entirely. With an eye on next season, Graham Turner is expected to experiment with his final line-up and feature some of the fringe players ahead of further contract discussions.
Torquay United vs Hereford United, Plainmoor, Saturday May 5th, 3.00pm.
