This is my recollection, it was only once we started playing them regularly that the rivalry picked up before that I cant remember them really registering at all- cant speak for pre mid 80s though before my time. Pompey were considered our real rivals in the late 80s - based presumably on the naval rivalry. While we have had many recent encounters I sense that rivalry has died down though.I moved here 41 years ago, and my first visit to HP was against newly promoted Exeter, managed by Gerry Francis. I promised my young sons an exciting derby game, but I have never been more underwhelmed. Very little passion, noise, excitement, nobody seemed too bothered about anything. Perhaps it was because there simply was no rivalry, both sides having spent a very long time previously in different divisions.
I don't hate Exeter.I say "seem" but in the case of Exeter it would be pretty unanimous
Think I might have to question monkeywrench's recall; this seems nearer the case as I approach 60 years on the terraces. We were playing Torquay on level terms only 10 years ago & it was only when they dropped out of the league that concern was raised. Now, of course, there are 4 levels' difference.I moved here 41 years ago, and my first visit to HP was against newly promoted Exeter, managed by Gerry Francis. I promised my young sons an exciting derby game, but I have never been more underwhelmed. Very little passion, noise, excitement, nobody seemed too bothered about anything. Perhaps it was because there simply was no rivalry, both sides having spent a very long time previously in different divisions.
That is not true any more, Plymouth is a unitary authority sitting outside Devon for governance purposes...There's also a general ill feeling about a city half the size being in charge of the county.
There's none of this stuff with Torquay.
Exactly. The city fans can sing one team in Devon as much as they like as far as I’m concerned because in essence they are right with Plymouth being it’s own place (and Torbay, currently at least).That is not true any more, Plymouth is a unitary authority sitting outside Devon for governance purposes...
You're 100% correct. However, this feeling does remain amongst some janners.That is not true any more, Plymouth is a unitary authority sitting outside Devon for governance purposes...