Premier League star Ollie Watkins was a surprise guest among the fans for Truro City and Torquay United's National League South clash on Monday night. The England striker, who began his career at Exeter City, was praised by fans for "never forgetting his roots" as he watched the sixth-tier fixture.
The Aston Villa hero, who was born in Torquay, was among the 384 fans who made the trip to Gloucester, where the fixture was played. Both teams have faced significant challenges this season, with the Gulls entering administration and receiving a 10-point deduction, while Truro have struggled with a packed schedule due to being without a home ground and experiencing poor weather at their alternative venues.
Despite these difficulties, Truro captain Connor Riley-Lowe was all smiles as he shared photos with his close friend Watkins. The pair were teammates at Exeter City from 2014-2017. Riley-Lowe, also 28, had loan spells at Weymouth and Truro from Exeter, before signing permanently for Truro and then rejoining from Bath four years ago.
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Watkins, now 28, spent half a season on loan at part-timers Weston-super-Mare during his time at the Grecians. He later found success with Brentford from 2017-2020 before earning 11 caps since joining Villa.
Watkins observed the match from the sidelines, his figure barely noticeable with the hood of his winter coat drawn up against the wild weather, as Torquay secured a 2-1 victory over Riley-Lowe's squad.
One supporter expressed admiration, posting: "Fair play Ollie, never forgets his roots." Another chimed in with praise, stating: "Top lad, definitely deserves the England call up over Toney." A third fan commented on X: "At least he hasn't had to travel far with Truro now being in Gloucestershire."
The game was critical for both teams, each perched precariously above the relegation zone, and it was a "home" match for Truro but with a significant twist. Truro City have been playing their home games at Gloucester City, a Northern League North side, which is a staggering 197 miles from their usual base.
This season has seen Truro without a permanent home ground as they await the completion of their new stadium. Their season began at Bolitho Park, home to Plymouth Parkway, some 53 miles away, before they moved to Taunton Town's Wordsworth Drive stadium, a further 125 miles away. Both temporary grounds suffered from severe weather conditions, leading to waterlogged pitches and ultimately the switch to Gloucester.
Despite the logistical challenges and the vast distances involved, these issues are worlds apart from what Watkins faces as he aims for European qualification with Aston Villa and seeks a spot in the Euro 2024 England squad.
