Last Season
Torquay United sealed a return to the Football League after a two-year hiatus last season thanks to a play-off final victory over Cambridge United at Wembley. The Gulls had been in danger of losing their play-off place on the last day of the season but beat Burton Albion at Plainmoor to book a semi-final date with Histon. A 2-0 home victory in the home leg set up a trip to Wembley, despite a 1-0 loss at the Glassworld Stadium, where goals from Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills sealed a return to League Two for Paul Buckle and his side. Torquay won many plaudits last season for their attractive brand of football, and they will be hoping to bring that into the league and push on to another successful season.
Scott Bevan was an inspired signing in goal, to challenge with Michael Poke, and a solid defence built the foundations for Buckle with the likes of Chris Todd and Chris Robertson both having good seasons. Former Notts left back Kevin Nicholson provided a scary number of assists from left back whilst Tim Sills scored the goals to launch the Gulls back into the league. It's been a quiet summer at Plainmoor so far with only one or two players coming in and going out, but Buckle will be hoping his settled side can impress a division higher.
The Manager
Former Torquay United player Paul Buckle is now the club's manager, having joined from local rivals Exeter City two years ago. His first season at Plainmoor ended in heartbreak as the Gulls capitulated against Exeter to throw away their chance of an immediate return to the Football League, but Buckle exocised those ghosts this season with his Wembley win. A talented young manager, Buckle has a good eye for a player and has impressed many with his willingness to play stylish football despite the dodgy pitches and opposition in the Blue Square Premier.
He also lead the side to an FA Trophy final in his first season at the club, although they were defeated 1-0 by Ebbsfleet United. Buckle enjoyed a steady playing career with notable spells at Torquay, Colchester United and Exeter City. Working under Colin Lee at Plainmoor he will be hoping to continue to develop his reputation as a flourishing young manager.
The Squad
Fairly small but some good players, Torquay should have more than enough not to be dragged into any kind of relegation battle this season. Between the sticks Scott Bevan is good enough despite being abandoned by Paul Simpson at Shrewsbury whilst the club could get Michael Poke back on loan from Southampton for a third season. In defence the partnership of Todd and Robertson should continue, and is solid enough to be successful at this level despite a lack of pace. At left back Kevin Nicholson's devastating left foot and long throw provide a lot of Torquay's goals and the former Notts man will be relishing another crack at league football.
The midfield is anchored by 37 year-old Chris Hargreaves, who scored one of the Wembley goals that saw the Gulls promoted. Despite his age Hargreaves can still cover every blade of grass on the pitch and his engine and experience are vital to any success Torquay have. He is partnered by the diminutive but talented Nicky Wroe, who was signed from York City. Wroe's vision and passing are at the forefront of many of Torquay's move and he could have a really impressive season. Tiny winger Danny Stevens will be hoping to continue his development on the right wing, while Lee Mansell and Moustapha Carayol will also be fighting for places in the side. Experienced campaigner Lee Hodges provides cover in a number of positions. Upfront Tim Sills leads the line, although he is a striker who consistently fails to make the grade in League Two and relying on him for more than 10 goals would be foolish. Fortunately, Buckle has addressed this by bringing in Peterborough United's Scott Rendell on a season long loan, who has far more prospects in this division. Elliott Benyon will also be hoping to secure a regular spot, and if he does the pacy forward could make a real impression on the division.
Prediction
It's rare for a promoted side not to surprise everyone and find themselves at the business end of League Two, but we feel this season could be the exception to the rule. Torquay had the base to build a side capable of challenging but Buckle has been slow to make moves in the transfer market and strengthening is needed, particularly in defence, if the Gulls are to do any better than upper mid-table.
11th