https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:59:04 +0000 MyBB https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=14253 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:58:35 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=14253 https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13124 Tue, 14 May 2024 16:19:36 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13124
The 46-year-old leaves the Gulls' fellow National League South side Truro City after almost five years to take over the reins at Plainmoor.

The two clubs have agreed a compensation fee for the former Plymouth Argyle captain, who signed a new long-term deal at the Cornish club in November.

Wotton, who has agreed a three-year contract, will work under highly-experienced former top-flight boss Neil Warnock as the Gulls' new owners begin to make their mark on the side.

"I’m thrilled to be here it’s a great opportunity for myself," Wotton told BBC Sport.

"Torquay’s a football club I know all about, it’s a club I’m excited to be joining.

"It’s time for me to make that jump and Torquay’s the perfect jump for me to make."

The Bryn Consortium - a group of local businessmen - have agreed a deal to buy the club after it went into administration earlier this year.

They have replaced former owner Clarke Osborne, who said in February he could no longer fund the club.

"This marks the first important foundation stone that we’re laying for the football operation as we rebuild this club and start on it’s new journey," added Torquay co-chairman Michael Westcott.

Wotton was unveiled alongside the club's new football advisor Neil Warnock.

The former Huddersfield Town, Aberdeen and Leeds United boss - who spent a spell as Gulls boss in 1993 - has joined the club's board on an unpaid basis to help try and revitalise the club after the takeover.

"I didn’t envisage being in Torquay if I’m honest," Warnock told BBC Sport.

"But a passing chance Michael (Westcott) bumped into me and my wife on the train from London and pestered the life out of me, and it seemed a very, very good thing at the end of my career to put something back into football.

"I can’t begin to tell you how much this club has helped me in my career, if it wasn’t for Torquay I don’t think I’d have had the career I had."

Wotton led Truro to promotion from the Southern Premier League last year and then guided them to a 16th-placed finish in their first season back in the sixth tier.

They ended the season two points above the Gulls, who had a total of 11 points deducted, with Wotton masterminding a 1-0 win over Torquay at Plainmoor on Boxing Day.

The former Plymouth assistant manager has drawn praise for managing a side that has been homeless for much of his time in charge - Truro are due to move to a new home ground this summer.

They spent the past season playing home matches at Plymouth Parkway and Gloucester City - and were forced to play 13 games in the final four weeks of the season due to a raft of postponements.

"Everyone connected with Truro City thanks Paul for his time spent in charge of the football club and we wish him well in his future endeavours," a statement from the Cornish club read.

"The process of replacing Paul is now well under way.

"Prospective candidates are invited to apply for the role of first team manager in this, an exciting chapter in the club’s history as it returns to Cornwall, in a new stadium within the Langarth village development."

Downes' time at Torquay comes to an end
Aaron Downes talks to Paul Wotton
IMAGE SOURCE,REX FEATURES
Image caption,
Aaron Downes (left) led Torquay United to a 2-1 win over Wotton's Truro City last month

The news of Wotton's appointment comes as Torquay confirmed that Aaron Downes will leave the club, having guided the Gulls to safety as interim boss.

Downes, who had been Gary Johnson's assistant for the past six seasons, also spent three campaigns as a player at Plainmoor between 2012 and 2015.

“Aaron Downes has been a loyal servant to Torquay United AFC, in trying and difficult circumstances," the club said in a statement.

“We thank him immensely for what he has done with the squad, and for securing our survival in National League South.

“He leaves with our blessing, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.

“It goes without saying that he will always be very welcome back here at Plainmoor.”


Paul Wotton's appointment - and Torquay's payment of a substantial release fee to free the 46-year-old from his contract at Truro City - is another statement of intent from Torquay's prospective new owners.

The Bryn Consortium have already been more visible and communicative in the past few weeks than the previous regime and, as Torquay fans, have the club's success at heart.

But with the high-profile appointments of Warnock and Wotton - along with an assertion that the club will have one of the biggest playing budgets in National League South - comes pressure.

In 2019 the club cruised to promotion from this level as a fully professional side, but struggled in the season that has just ended even before their points deductions for financial issues.

The club will again be among the favourites to go up in 12 months' time, and the crucial work to get a squad together capable of the task begins now.]]>
The 46-year-old leaves the Gulls' fellow National League South side Truro City after almost five years to take over the reins at Plainmoor.

The two clubs have agreed a compensation fee for the former Plymouth Argyle captain, who signed a new long-term deal at the Cornish club in November.

Wotton, who has agreed a three-year contract, will work under highly-experienced former top-flight boss Neil Warnock as the Gulls' new owners begin to make their mark on the side.

"I’m thrilled to be here it’s a great opportunity for myself," Wotton told BBC Sport.

"Torquay’s a football club I know all about, it’s a club I’m excited to be joining.

"It’s time for me to make that jump and Torquay’s the perfect jump for me to make."

The Bryn Consortium - a group of local businessmen - have agreed a deal to buy the club after it went into administration earlier this year.

They have replaced former owner Clarke Osborne, who said in February he could no longer fund the club.

"This marks the first important foundation stone that we’re laying for the football operation as we rebuild this club and start on it’s new journey," added Torquay co-chairman Michael Westcott.

Wotton was unveiled alongside the club's new football advisor Neil Warnock.

The former Huddersfield Town, Aberdeen and Leeds United boss - who spent a spell as Gulls boss in 1993 - has joined the club's board on an unpaid basis to help try and revitalise the club after the takeover.

"I didn’t envisage being in Torquay if I’m honest," Warnock told BBC Sport.

"But a passing chance Michael (Westcott) bumped into me and my wife on the train from London and pestered the life out of me, and it seemed a very, very good thing at the end of my career to put something back into football.

"I can’t begin to tell you how much this club has helped me in my career, if it wasn’t for Torquay I don’t think I’d have had the career I had."

Wotton led Truro to promotion from the Southern Premier League last year and then guided them to a 16th-placed finish in their first season back in the sixth tier.

They ended the season two points above the Gulls, who had a total of 11 points deducted, with Wotton masterminding a 1-0 win over Torquay at Plainmoor on Boxing Day.

The former Plymouth assistant manager has drawn praise for managing a side that has been homeless for much of his time in charge - Truro are due to move to a new home ground this summer.

They spent the past season playing home matches at Plymouth Parkway and Gloucester City - and were forced to play 13 games in the final four weeks of the season due to a raft of postponements.

"Everyone connected with Truro City thanks Paul for his time spent in charge of the football club and we wish him well in his future endeavours," a statement from the Cornish club read.

"The process of replacing Paul is now well under way.

"Prospective candidates are invited to apply for the role of first team manager in this, an exciting chapter in the club’s history as it returns to Cornwall, in a new stadium within the Langarth village development."

Downes' time at Torquay comes to an end
Aaron Downes talks to Paul Wotton
IMAGE SOURCE,REX FEATURES
Image caption,
Aaron Downes (left) led Torquay United to a 2-1 win over Wotton's Truro City last month

The news of Wotton's appointment comes as Torquay confirmed that Aaron Downes will leave the club, having guided the Gulls to safety as interim boss.

Downes, who had been Gary Johnson's assistant for the past six seasons, also spent three campaigns as a player at Plainmoor between 2012 and 2015.

“Aaron Downes has been a loyal servant to Torquay United AFC, in trying and difficult circumstances," the club said in a statement.

“We thank him immensely for what he has done with the squad, and for securing our survival in National League South.

“He leaves with our blessing, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.

“It goes without saying that he will always be very welcome back here at Plainmoor.”


Paul Wotton's appointment - and Torquay's payment of a substantial release fee to free the 46-year-old from his contract at Truro City - is another statement of intent from Torquay's prospective new owners.

The Bryn Consortium have already been more visible and communicative in the past few weeks than the previous regime and, as Torquay fans, have the club's success at heart.

But with the high-profile appointments of Warnock and Wotton - along with an assertion that the club will have one of the biggest playing budgets in National League South - comes pressure.

In 2019 the club cruised to promotion from this level as a fully professional side, but struggled in the season that has just ended even before their points deductions for financial issues.

The club will again be among the favourites to go up in 12 months' time, and the crucial work to get a squad together capable of the task begins now.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13121 Fri, 10 May 2024 17:00:41 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13121
The Bryn Consortium - made up of local businessmen - have bought the club, subject to creditor approval.

Warnock, 75, managed Torquay in 1993 and has been advising the consortium as they bid to buy the club, which had been in administration.

Warnock's last role in football was a short-lived spell in charge of Aberdeen.

He has managed 15 more clubs in the EFL and Scotland, leading the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United and Cardiff City to promotion to the Premier League.

He also saved Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town from relegation to League One in recent years.

"Neil's knowledge of football is second to none," Torquay's new co-chairman Michael Westcott told BBC Sport.

"He knows our club very well, he knows our region very well.

"He and I have spent an awful lot of time together over the last six weeks or so and I think that relationship will continue."

'Neil's reputation precedes him'
Neil Warnock (left) and Michael Westcott (right) watch a Torquay game
IMAGE SOURCE,REX FEATURES
Image caption,
Warnock (left) and Westcott have attended recent Torquay United matches together

Westcott and fellow Torquay businessmen Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Tom Allen, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson make up the Bryn Consortium, which is named after the police dog that bit Gulls player Jim McNichol during the final match of the 1986-87 season.

The Gulls staved off relegation thanks to a goal scored by Paul Dobson, in the stoppage time caused by the incident.

"I think that Neil's reputation precedes him," Westcott added.

"I think he's a very reassuring presence both to young players and experienced players, and also to a football team manager.

"He's been around the football world for more than 40 years and the fact that Torquay United can benefit from his experience, his contacts, his presence, his personality, I think will be of tremendous support for the club as we start thinking about how we can be as competitive on the pitch as we possibly can."

Westcott is keen to emphasise that his consortium will be "responsible owners", and will not put the future of the club at risk.

He says the consortium want it to be a sustainable club that can stand on its own, without the need for owner support in the long term.

And he says everyone who is owed money by the club will be repaid in full, not just football creditors.

"It's really important to the club, and to us as members of the consortium, that the creditors get looked after," he said.

"Key and fundamental to our proposal is that we believe that Torquay United should pay all of its bills.

"We're required to do so by the football authorities, which we think is the right thing and the good thing and a good rule, and we will honour those commitments.

"100% of all the money owed by the club to them will be settled over the next six months."]]>
The Bryn Consortium - made up of local businessmen - have bought the club, subject to creditor approval.

Warnock, 75, managed Torquay in 1993 and has been advising the consortium as they bid to buy the club, which had been in administration.

Warnock's last role in football was a short-lived spell in charge of Aberdeen.

He has managed 15 more clubs in the EFL and Scotland, leading the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United and Cardiff City to promotion to the Premier League.

He also saved Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town from relegation to League One in recent years.

"Neil's knowledge of football is second to none," Torquay's new co-chairman Michael Westcott told BBC Sport.

"He knows our club very well, he knows our region very well.

"He and I have spent an awful lot of time together over the last six weeks or so and I think that relationship will continue."

'Neil's reputation precedes him'
Neil Warnock (left) and Michael Westcott (right) watch a Torquay game
IMAGE SOURCE,REX FEATURES
Image caption,
Warnock (left) and Westcott have attended recent Torquay United matches together

Westcott and fellow Torquay businessmen Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Tom Allen, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson make up the Bryn Consortium, which is named after the police dog that bit Gulls player Jim McNichol during the final match of the 1986-87 season.

The Gulls staved off relegation thanks to a goal scored by Paul Dobson, in the stoppage time caused by the incident.

"I think that Neil's reputation precedes him," Westcott added.

"I think he's a very reassuring presence both to young players and experienced players, and also to a football team manager.

"He's been around the football world for more than 40 years and the fact that Torquay United can benefit from his experience, his contacts, his presence, his personality, I think will be of tremendous support for the club as we start thinking about how we can be as competitive on the pitch as we possibly can."

Westcott is keen to emphasise that his consortium will be "responsible owners", and will not put the future of the club at risk.

He says the consortium want it to be a sustainable club that can stand on its own, without the need for owner support in the long term.

And he says everyone who is owed money by the club will be repaid in full, not just football creditors.

"It's really important to the club, and to us as members of the consortium, that the creditors get looked after," he said.

"Key and fundamental to our proposal is that we believe that Torquay United should pay all of its bills.

"We're required to do so by the football authorities, which we think is the right thing and the good thing and a good rule, and we will honour those commitments.

"100% of all the money owed by the club to them will be settled over the next six months."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12968 Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:53:28 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12968
The Gulls, who are 11th in National League South, have been owned by Osborne since 2016 after he bought the club from a fan-led consortium.

In his time Torquay have twice been relegated to the sixth tier.

They missed out on promotion to League Two in 2021 after losing to Hartlepool United in the play-off final.

Osborne has also stood down as club chairman and the club is set to be deducted 10 points, dropping them from 11th to 18th in the National League South table, four points above relegation to the Southern League.

"It is with sincere regret that I advise that circumstances beyond my control during the last five weeks have brought me to the position that I an unable to continue financial support for the club and I have today filed on behalf of the directors an intention to appoint an administrator for the club and company," Osborne said in a statement on the club website.

Osborne had kept Torquay afloat - the last set of accounts show loans of almost £4.3m to the club.

It is expected that that figure is likely to be well past £5m with new accounts for the year to June 2023 due soon.

"The financing of football in this country is precarious and can only thrive in the lower divisions where there is either a close collaborative relationship with the local authority, it is a trophy asset or is backed by substantial local individuals and businesses," Osborne added.

"I believe that it needs a fundamental overhaul of its financing structure, rights distribution in the lower leagues and recognition that many clubs represent a fundamental part of the local community and its visitor attractions.

"Ambitious clubs should, in my opinion, be given special status in their push to bring in investment, develop facilities, bring spend and employment to the local economy."

Controversial owner
Clarke Osborne
Clarke Osborne rarely attended Torquay United matches
The decision leaves Torquay searching for a fourth owner in less than a decade.

The Gulls got to the League Two play-off final in 2011 under a consortium backed by the money of late lottery-winning supporter Paul Bristow, whose widow Thea eventually assumed full control.

She sold the club for £1 in May 2015 to a consortium of local business people, but they did not have the finances to sustain the club and it was sold in December 2016 to Osborne through his firm Gaming International, which set up Riviera Stadium Limited as its parent company.

But Osborne's tenure at Plainmoor has been controversial.

He outlined plans for a new stadium but they never got any further than meetings and artists' impressions.

Gaming International also owns Swindon's speedway team and his plans for a new stadium for the club have also never borne fruit, while he was also part of a group trying unsuccessfully to build a ground for Bristol Rovers when the club sold Eastville to the furniture firm Ikea.

"He's an absent owner, he doesn't come and watch matches," Torquay United Supporters Trust chairman Nick Brodrick told BBC Sport, ahead of a planned protest against Osborne's ownership scheduled for Saturday's home game with Aveley.

"We are very vigilant as the Trust. We have a strategy group that's been meeting regularly for the last two or three years and we have plans for any particular scenarios that might develop, like administration, liquidation, or whether it might even result in having to for a phoenix club.

"We have plans for all eventualities depending on what happens with Mr Osborne's decisions about the football club."

But, in his departing statement, Osborne was still adamant that a new stadium was key to the club's future.

"The prospect of creating a new stadium and commercial facility was the driver for the investment, the excitement to deliver something truly transformative for the club and Torbay," he said.

"I would reiterate what I have said many times, that Torquay United is blessed with fantastic, passionate support and I am sorry that we have not been able to reach our goal for the club and fans, despite significant effort and investment."

He added: "Now is the time for the club, supporters, Torbay community and the Local Authority to come together and continue on the path to the future.

"I will assist a change of ownership where and when invited. The detailed plans, proposals and related data for the proposed developments will be gifted to the club as will any time requested to assist in the future planning and development."

The club says all money that it earns from now on will be used solely to run the football club adding "legal and administration fees will not be paid from the operational cashflow".]]>
The Gulls, who are 11th in National League South, have been owned by Osborne since 2016 after he bought the club from a fan-led consortium.

In his time Torquay have twice been relegated to the sixth tier.

They missed out on promotion to League Two in 2021 after losing to Hartlepool United in the play-off final.

Osborne has also stood down as club chairman and the club is set to be deducted 10 points, dropping them from 11th to 18th in the National League South table, four points above relegation to the Southern League.

"It is with sincere regret that I advise that circumstances beyond my control during the last five weeks have brought me to the position that I an unable to continue financial support for the club and I have today filed on behalf of the directors an intention to appoint an administrator for the club and company," Osborne said in a statement on the club website.

Osborne had kept Torquay afloat - the last set of accounts show loans of almost £4.3m to the club.

It is expected that that figure is likely to be well past £5m with new accounts for the year to June 2023 due soon.

"The financing of football in this country is precarious and can only thrive in the lower divisions where there is either a close collaborative relationship with the local authority, it is a trophy asset or is backed by substantial local individuals and businesses," Osborne added.

"I believe that it needs a fundamental overhaul of its financing structure, rights distribution in the lower leagues and recognition that many clubs represent a fundamental part of the local community and its visitor attractions.

"Ambitious clubs should, in my opinion, be given special status in their push to bring in investment, develop facilities, bring spend and employment to the local economy."

Controversial owner
Clarke Osborne
Clarke Osborne rarely attended Torquay United matches
The decision leaves Torquay searching for a fourth owner in less than a decade.

The Gulls got to the League Two play-off final in 2011 under a consortium backed by the money of late lottery-winning supporter Paul Bristow, whose widow Thea eventually assumed full control.

She sold the club for £1 in May 2015 to a consortium of local business people, but they did not have the finances to sustain the club and it was sold in December 2016 to Osborne through his firm Gaming International, which set up Riviera Stadium Limited as its parent company.

But Osborne's tenure at Plainmoor has been controversial.

He outlined plans for a new stadium but they never got any further than meetings and artists' impressions.

Gaming International also owns Swindon's speedway team and his plans for a new stadium for the club have also never borne fruit, while he was also part of a group trying unsuccessfully to build a ground for Bristol Rovers when the club sold Eastville to the furniture firm Ikea.

"He's an absent owner, he doesn't come and watch matches," Torquay United Supporters Trust chairman Nick Brodrick told BBC Sport, ahead of a planned protest against Osborne's ownership scheduled for Saturday's home game with Aveley.

"We are very vigilant as the Trust. We have a strategy group that's been meeting regularly for the last two or three years and we have plans for any particular scenarios that might develop, like administration, liquidation, or whether it might even result in having to for a phoenix club.

"We have plans for all eventualities depending on what happens with Mr Osborne's decisions about the football club."

But, in his departing statement, Osborne was still adamant that a new stadium was key to the club's future.

"The prospect of creating a new stadium and commercial facility was the driver for the investment, the excitement to deliver something truly transformative for the club and Torbay," he said.

"I would reiterate what I have said many times, that Torquay United is blessed with fantastic, passionate support and I am sorry that we have not been able to reach our goal for the club and fans, despite significant effort and investment."

He added: "Now is the time for the club, supporters, Torbay community and the Local Authority to come together and continue on the path to the future.

"I will assist a change of ownership where and when invited. The detailed plans, proposals and related data for the proposed developments will be gifted to the club as will any time requested to assist in the future planning and development."

The club says all money that it earns from now on will be used solely to run the football club adding "legal and administration fees will not be paid from the operational cashflow".]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12494 Sun, 23 Jul 2023 07:18:08 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12494
The 20-year-old from Cornwall played three times in League One for the Pilgrims before being released at the end of last season.

During 2022-23 he had time on loan at Yeovil Town in the National League and helped Truro City win promotion to National League South.

"Fin is a super athlete and can play in several positions," Torquay boss Gary Johnson told the club website.

"Fin had a super debut game at Plainmoor against Plymouth on Tuesday, and I'm delighted he's chosen us to enjoy his football."]]>
The 20-year-old from Cornwall played three times in League One for the Pilgrims before being released at the end of last season.

During 2022-23 he had time on loan at Yeovil Town in the National League and helped Truro City win promotion to National League South.

"Fin is a super athlete and can play in several positions," Torquay boss Gary Johnson told the club website.

"Fin had a super debut game at Plainmoor against Plymouth on Tuesday, and I'm delighted he's chosen us to enjoy his football."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=10506 Sun, 20 Jun 2021 19:32:49 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=10506 https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7505 Thu, 13 Sep 2018 16:31:04 +0000 Devongone]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=7505
Now just maybe he is the man who can build a team for them in the last chance saloon.]]>
Now just maybe he is the man who can build a team for them in the last chance saloon.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=5363 Thu, 11 May 2017 15:48:04 +0000 Devongone]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=5363
The Gulls have released Ben Gerring and Charlie Duke, whilst Damon Lathrope and Sam Chaney are already under contract.

Top-scorer Brett Williams is among five players yet to be offered terms, along with Giancarlo Gallifuoco, Shaun Harrad, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Myles Anderson.]]>
The Gulls have released Ben Gerring and Charlie Duke, whilst Damon Lathrope and Sam Chaney are already under contract.

Top-scorer Brett Williams is among five players yet to be offered terms, along with Giancarlo Gallifuoco, Shaun Harrad, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Myles Anderson.]]>