Torquay United closing in on new manager

Torquay United expect to name a new manager within days as the National League South club battles to halt a slide that has seen them drop from top spot in early February to sixth place and nine points behind leaders Dorking Wanderers.

Co-chairmen Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh confirmed the search is nearing completion after what they described as an “encouraging” response from across the game. “We hope to complete the appointment over the coming days,” the pair said in a joint statement released on Monday. “What has been particularly encouraging has been the level and quality of interest in the role. Torquay United remains a very attractive club for ambitious managers, and we have received a significant number of strong applications.”

The Gulls have been without a permanent boss since Paul Wotton was dismissed earlier this month following a five-match winless run. Veteran Neil Warnock, 77, who serves as an advisor to the club’s owners, has overseen the last two fixtures on an interim basis, drawing 1-1 with Farnborough before Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Ebbsfleet United. Warnock will remain in the dugout for Tuesday night’s home encounter with Salisbury as the club tries to avoid an eighth game without victory.

Bowes-Cavanagh and Westcott stressed that the incoming manager will be tasked with delivering “medium and long-term ambitions” rather than merely arresting the current slump. They also pledged immediate reinforcements to a squad depleted by injuries. “We know we are light on numbers in certain areas and we are actively working to strengthen the group,” the statement continued. “We hope to add some additional depth to the squad shortly as we head into the final 10 games of the season. Our focus remains firmly on maintaining our position in the play-off places and giving ourselves the best possible chance in the run-in.”

Players, meanwhile, have been left in no doubt about the recent dip in results. “The squad are fully aware that results have not been where we would like them to be recently,” the co-chairmen added. “A loss of form, injuries and the departure of a manager can all test a group, but the players know the strength of support behind them and they are determined to respond.”

With only a dozen fixtures remaining, Torquay’s next appointment could prove pivotal to salvaging a promotion push that once looked assured.