Thursday 15 December 2011

GULLS BID TO EXTEND BODIN STAY

Torquay United have entered into negotiations to keep Wales Under-21 starlet Billy Bodin at Plainmoor beyond his current loan deal.

Bodin has made 16 appearances for the Gulls and has scored four goals and manager Martin Ling, who played alongside Billy's father, Paul Bodin, during his playing days with the Robins, is keen to keep him with Torquay after his loan deal expires on January 8th 2012.

"I've spoken to Swindon a couple of times on the situation," Ling said. "I've spoken to his dad and Billy himself and they would both like him to stay here." said Ling

"But he's Swindon's player and Swindon have got to make that decision and we'll have to assess that nearer the time.

"They know that I would love to keep him until the end of the season and even possibly take him full time."

Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio has also hinted that he would be prepared to sell Bodin to the Gulls, if a deal could be agreed which would suit both parties, in September.

Following the progress that he has made during his stay in Devon thus far, it is apparent that Bodin would benefit from playing regular first team football, which is a major advantage for the Gulls and this could be a key factor in deciding his future, in both in the short term and in the long term.