Following their defeat in last week's League Two Play-Off Semi Final defeat at the hands of Cheltenham Town, Martin Ling has set about rebuilding his Torquay United side ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.
One of his first acts was to release defenders Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Ed Palmer, who are currently the only two players who have officially left Plainmoor in the close season.
Left back Rowe-Turner leaves after spending 18 months with the Gulls, following his move from Leicester City, mainly as understudy to Kevin Nicholson.
Centre back Palmer, who spent six months on loan at Truro City earlier in the season, leaves Torquay after two years in which he has been unable to break into the first team.
Extending their stays at Plainmoor are former Everton starlet Nathan Craig and Damon Lathrope who have both agreed two-year deals, which will tie them down until the year 2014.
Despite not making a first team appearance since his move from Caenarfon Town last January, Craig, who has been capped by Wales at Youth and Under-21 level, has been described by Ling as a 'pearl in the harbour'.
The path taken by Craig is similar to that of Eunan O'Kane who also started out with the Toffees before returning to his native land before moving forward again in his career.
Lathrope has become an integral part of the Gulls' starting XI since he was recalled by Ling to play in a midfield holding role, which allows skipper Lee Mansell and O'Kane greater attacking freedom in the centre of midfield.
Ling has also moved to strengthen the Gulls' attacking options by giving rookie striker Ashley Yeoman an extra year and he has also given loanee forward Ryan Jarvis, a player familiar to Ling from his time as Leyton Orient manager, a permanent deal following his release from Walsall.
The Gulls' boss has also stated that he will be delaying the decision on Taiwo Atieno's future until the striker has returned from international duty with Kenya, central defender Mark Ellis has been given 28 days to decide if he wants to remain with the Gulls for a further two years whilst Lloyd Macklin and Chris McPhee have been transfer listed.
