Overview:
In Chris Hargreaves's first full season as manager Torquay United, the Gulls find themselves back in the Conference, the division that Hargreaves captained United to promotion from as a player five years ago.
During the summer, Hargreaves has made eight new signings, including Louis Briscoe from Mansfield Town and Luke Young from Plymouth Argyle, whilst a number of long-servings players such as Lee Mansell, Kevin Nicholson and Michael Poke have departed.
A further eight players have been transfer-listed- six of which currently remain at Plainmoor- as Hargreaves aims to cut the cloth, and a couple of products are starting to emerge from the club's revamped youth system- namely Levi Ives and Sam Chaney who could well be pushing for a place in the club's starting eleven.
Summer Business:
In
Louis Briscoe (Mansfield Town), Luke Young (Plymouth Argyle), Ryan Bowman (York City), Jordan Seabright (Dagenham & Redbridge), Toby Ajala (Unattached), Angus MacDonald (Salisbury City), Courtney Richards (Brighton and Hove Albion), Duane O'achie (Unattached)
Out
Michael Poke (Portsmouth), Lee Mansell (Bristol Rovers), Damon Lathrope (Aldershot Town), Joss Labadie (Dagenham & Redbridge), Kevin Nicholson, Danny Stevens, Nathan Craig, Shaun Cooper, Mickey Parcell (Truro City) Loan
Player to Watch: Luke Young
When Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan released Luke Young at the end of last season more than a few eyebrows were raised; 'Youngy'- who had made over 100 career appearances for the Pilgrims, and had been with the club from the age of 9- was seen by many as a talented prospect.
However, Sheridan's loss could yet to prove to be Chris Hargreaves's gain, as Young looks set to bring a touch of class to the Gulls' midfield which has been missing since Eunan O'Kane's move to Bournemouth in 2012.
Following his release by the Pilgrims, Young stated that moving away from Home Park could prove to the making of him, and his move to the Gulls could yet see him blossom as a footballer.
Prediction:
The Conference has never been a easy league to escape from and, in some ways, the Gulls are entering unchartered territory- as no team has yet to win promotion from the Conference after being relegated from the Football League twice.
However, Hargreaves has set about addressing last season's problems, namely goal scoring- Torquay's top scorer in the 2013-14 campaign was Jordan Chapell with five, whilst no striker found the back more than three times- with the signing of Ryan Bowman from York. The early signs are that the former Darlington and Hereford man could form a useful partnership Ashley Yeoman in the forthcoming season.
Supplying them with ammunition could potentially be a midfield quartet of Louis Briscoe, Luke Young, Courtney Richards and Courtney Cameron, with Toby Ajala and transfer listed duo Ben Harding and Chapell waiting in reserve, which could compare favourably with the best midfields in the division.
At the back, former loanee Angus MacDonald will provide plenty of competition to Aaron Downes and last season's Player of the Year Krystian Pearce- should he remain at Plainmoor- whilst converted full back Niall Thompson and youngster Levi Ives currently look like the favourites to fill the right back and left back slots respectively.
In goal, Martin Rice will be contesting the goalkeeper's position with new signing Jordan Seabright- following Michael Poke's move to Portsmouth.
Also Hargreaves will be looking to resolve the futures of the six remaining out of contracts players (Dale Tonge, Aaron Downes, Ben Harding, Jordan Chapell, Elliot Benyon and Karl Hawley) as soon as realistically possible.
All in all, the Plainmoor faithful look set to witness one thing that was in short supply last season- goals- and if everything can click for Hargreaves's men then the Play-Offs may not be out of their reach, depending on how well the new arrivals can gel as a unit.
Certainly a top half finish within the top eight or nine should be more than feasible for the new look Gulls, and a good cup run in either the FA Trophy or FA Cup wouldn't go amiss to provide a timely boost to the club's finances.
