The players of Truro are optimistic about garnering support from the community.
A dedicated group of around 30 to 40 supporters traveled to numerous matches during their transient years – the players knew each one by name, and any team member who skipped enjoying a drink with them in the clubhouse post-match faced a fine.
“I recall one match at Plainmoor where we had just 19 paying fans in a stadium that seats 6,000; it’s been a challenging journey,” reflects Riley-Lowe.
When he’s not leading Truro City, Riley-Lowe works as a PE teacher and shares a close friendship with England striker Ollie Watkins, both having progressed through the Exeter City youth academy together.
“There were some Saturdays at Treyew Road that drew impressive crowds, and the atmosphere was electric,” he recalls.
“We hope to recreate that spirit here; it may take some time for people to return, but we aspire to make it a welcoming environment where everyone feels connected to the club.
“Supporters at this level want to feel involved, and they will definitely be part of it.”
So, what are Truro’s goals for the season?
After earning promotion last year, they ended the previous season in 16th place in the National League South.
This was despite a grueling conclusion to the season, where they played 13 matches within 28 days, 10 of which were at their temporary home ground in Gloucester.
Now, with a more stable home and long travels becoming a challenge other teams in their league must face – their closest neighbors, Torquay United, are nearly a two-hour drive away – can Truro make progress?
“It’s an incredibly tough league, so our aim is to establish ourselves,” says Neal, who is entering his eighth season with the club across two tenures.
“I want to turn this into a formidable place for teams to visit, transforming it into a stronghold like we had at Treyew Road.
“Hopefully, our performance at home this season will set us up nicely, and who knows how far we can go; we just need to keep putting in the effort and see where it leads.”
