Friday, 26 August 2011

TORQUAY LOAN BODIN

Torquay United manager Martin Ling has made his first foray into the loan market since taking over at Plainmoor to bring in Billy Bodin from Swindon Town.

Billy, the son of former Swindon and Wales full back Paul Bodin, has made three starts for the Robins this season, but, following an influx of new signings by Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio, he has fallen down the pecking order at the County Ground.

"Obviously know his Dad very well and I have watched Billy for many years," said Ling.

"He is a precocious talent, who needs first-team action.

"He started Swindon's first three games of this season and I think that proves to everyone the quality he has and the talent he is.

"He has dropped down the pecking order because they have made some big-name signings down at Swindon and we can give him the platform to express that talent."

Billy, who has been capped by Wales at Under-18 and Under-21 level, goes straight into the squad for the Gulls' trip to Dagenham and Redbridge and will wear the Number 15 shirt.

His loan deal runs until January 8th.

As well as Ling, Billy will be working alongside another of his dad's former teammates at Plainmoor in the form of Gulls' assistant manager Shaun Taylor who also played alongside Paul Bodin at Swindon during the early 1990's.