300 AND COUNTING FOR JOE

THE RECENT match against Dover marked Joe Broad’s 300th appearance in a Truro City shirt since joining the club in early 2006. In modern day football, this is a major achievement and Joe fully deserves the accolades he has been receiving in the local press and from his fellow teammates and the club showed their appreciation with a presentation before the last home game.

During those 300 games, it’s also brought the midfielder a number of trophies with him playing a prominent part along the way. Obviously well remembered is his third goal for the club at Wembley in the Vase triumph of 2007, but he’s also picked up four League championship trophies from the Western League Division One in 2007 through to the Southern League Premier four seasons later in 2011 and let’s not also forget a couple Cornwall Senior Cup wins.

Having appeared in the Football League with Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United and Walsall, it was in 2006 that Walsall’s then manager Paul Merson decided he was surplus to requirements and in January of that year, Joe joined Truro City. Since then of course there has been no looking back for him as the club climbed the Pyramid system.

Joe vividly recalls how his move to the White Tigers came about:-“My main reason for joining the club was down to former player Kevin Wills. He is a good friend of mine and persuaded me to join the revolution that was taking place. The Chairman at the time also had big plans and convinced me to be a part of it.”

His first game is also very clearly remembered : ”Yes, I remember turning up at Porthleven for my debut - a bit apprehensive about this whole new phase in my career! However I enjoyed the match and playing with some old friends and scoring a good goal too, there haven't been too many since although I do seem to remember scoring in a big game for the club........ had to get that in! I also remember how big the pitch was, thank god ours isn't that big, I don't think I would have made it to 300 otherwise!”

With so much success, it’s perhaps predictable though as to his best memory to date. Yes, that day back in May 2007 at Wembley in the FA Vase Final : “Amongst so many great memories, the best just has to be that one at Wembley! It capped off what was an unbelievable year for the club and an amazing achievement with a great bunch of players and also a fantastic bunch of friends.”

However even with all the success enjoyed so far, Joe is looking to make more history with the club : ”It appears to be on the right tracks now after a massively unstable period and that is largely due to the leap of faith shown by the owners when it seemed the club might be no longer. There has been a lot of goodwill and loyalty shown towards this great club from people far and wide and it is great to know that the tremendous group of fans that we have will be able to support this club for many years to come. Many of the players have become very attached to the club and feel very proud of what we have achieved together and are determined to bring more success to the football club. We hope to write a few more chapters yet!”