Torquay United are mourning the death of one of their greatest ever players.

Super-striker Robin Stubbs, known as ‘The Prince of Plainmoor’, has died at the age of 85.

His death was announced by the club on Sunday, triggering widespread tributes for one of the lower leagues’ most charismatic and lethal goalscorers.

Born in Quinton, Birmingham, in 1941, Stubbs (right) began his career with his home town club.

He signed professional terms with Birmingham City in 1958, scoring 17 goals in 61 league appearances and featuring in the early rounds of the prestigious Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

However, it was his move to Devon in August 1963 that truly defined his career.

Torquay paid a then-club record fee of £6,000 to secure the 22-year-old forward. Stubbs made an immediate impact, netting 24 league goals in his debut season. The following 1964-65 campaign remains etched in club folklore; Stubbs scored a staggering 39 goals in all competitions.

His finest hour came in January 1965 during an iconic FA Cup third-round tie against First Division giants Tottenham Hotspur. In front of a packed, 20,000-strong Plainmoor crowd, Stubbs scored two dramatic late goals to rescue a thrilling 3-3 draw. He also found the net in the White Hart Lane replay, though Torquay eventually bowed out 5-1.

His relentless goalscoring form ultimately propelled the Gulls to promotion from Division Four the following season.

In July 1969, Stubbs moved to Bristol Rovers for a £10,000 fee. He finished as Rovers’ top scorer for two consecutive seasons, netting 32 league goals in 93 appearances, including a historic four-goal haul in an away match at Gillingham.

He returned to Torquay in 1972 via a player exchange deal to conclude his professional playing career. Across his two memorable spells with the Gulls, Stubbs scored 133 goals in 263 appearances, leaving an indelible legacy.

Michael Westcott, the co-chairman at Torquay, said: “Robin was one of the greatest players ever to wear the yellow shirt. His goals, his pace and the excitement he brought to Plainmoor made him a hero to generations of Torquay United supporters.

“The title ‘Prince of Plainmoor’ was thoroughly deserved, but his place in the club’s history rests on much more than the goals he scored. He gave people memories they carried with them for the rest of their lives.”

Off the pitch, Stubbs was formerly married to TV host Anthea Redfern. In recognition of his immortal status in Devon, Torquay appointed him honorary life president in 2020.

Stubbs remained a highly respected figure around the club and was a regular fixture at Plainmoor along with his family right up until his final years.

He is survived by wife Jo and sons Ben and Chris.