Torquay United manager Martin Ling has moved to fill the central defensive vacancy left by the departure of Mark Ellis by securing the services of Aaron Downes.
Ling watched the Australian-born Downes, 27, play as a trialist for Yeovil Town against Plymouth Argyle at the Avenue Stadium, Dorchester, and is confident his fitness and talents will flourish after overcoming two serious knee injuries.
"Aaron is a 27 year-old Australian who played for Chesterfield and Bristol Rovers last season. He was going to be a massive product at Chesterfield but has suffered a couple of bad knee injuries.
"These have definitely thwarted his career in terms of where he wanted to go and he is looking to rebuild.
"He played 22 games last year between Chesterfield and Bristol Rovers and wants to get back to where he was aiming.
"He was available for most of last season and I've spoken to a lot of people about him, and all I've heard has been positive.
"I watched him play for Yeovil in pre-season and they wanted to take him, but as a cover player rather than a starter. I've told Aaron I'm looking for a left-sided centre-half and he has played 90% of his football in that position, even though he is right-footed."
Aaron's arrival at Plainmoor takes Ling's close season signings up to six, a list which includes Ryan Jarvis, Craig Easton, Michael Poke, Thomas Cruise and Billy Bodin.
