When describing what he believed to be the three most important qualities for a prospective Torquay United manager, former chairman Tony Boyce, who held the role between 1964 and 1984, stated: 'contacts, contacts and contacts'.
It was a theme repeated by former Gulls player and manager Colin Lee during his spell as Chief Executive from 2007 to 2010, when he said he believed that 'recruitment, recruitment and recruitment' were the biggest areas for United to address.
Fast forward to the present day, current Gulls manager Gary Johnson has signed Jamie Sendles-White and Kalvin Kalala on permanent deals. He has also loaned Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh from Bristol City since he replaced Gary Owers - but the appointment of his brother Pete as head of recruitment could be his most important signing of all.
In employing Johnson's sibling, United chairman Clarke Osborne isn't just buying into the mantra previously described by messrs Boyce and Lee, he is also buying into Johnson's methods of working as a manager.
Pete has been by his brother's side at many of his previous club's - including his two spells at Yeovil Town as well as his stint in charge of Bristol City and his most recent managerial position, prior to his arrival at Plainmoor, with Cheltenham Town. He was even by his side during his brief tenure as manager of the Latvian national side.
Therefore the level of trust and understanding that exists between them reflects that.
One of their biggest success stories on the recruitment front came during their time working together at Cheltenham when Pete recommended Mohammed Eisa, who was then playing in the Isthmian League for Greenwich Borough, to Gary. Not only was Eisa voted as the League Two player of the season for the 2017-18 campaign whilst at Cheltenham, he also moved to Bristol City for £1.5million.
As well as searching for players, Pete's role also involves dealing with agents as they are not only looking for recruits that will serve United well in their bid for promotion from National League South this season, but also for players who can help the Gulls eventually challenge for promotion back to the Football League.
If Pete can help Gary to achieve that - then he could turn out to be his best signing of all.
Footnote: Recruitment is clearly in the Johnson's blood as another brother Steve, who sadly passed away during the summer, also worked as head of recruitment at AFC Wimbledon and their uncle John Griffin, a legendary scout in the London football scene, was responsible for recommending Ian Wright and Nigel Martyn to Crystal Palace.
