If you want to impress your friends down the pub with your football knowledge, you could always throw into the conversation that you know how many loan signings Torquay United made during the 2017-18 season.
The answer, of course, is 17 - and we will now take a closer look at where those individuals are currently plying their trade following their respective returns to their parent clubs.
JAMIE REID: Torquay-born Reid initially joined the Gulls for what was a third loan spell from Exeter City under Kevin Nicholson, which was later made into a permanent move by his successor Gary Owers. Reid finished the campaign as United's second highest scorer with six and is currently topping the club's scoring charts again with 16 goals in all competitions.
JORDAN LEE: AFC Bournemouth starlet Lee made two appearances in his second loan spell with the Gulls before being sidelined by chest pains. He later returned to Dean Court and was released by the Cherries by mutual consent in February 2018 and joined Southern League Premier Division South side Wimborne Town in July 2018.
DAN LAVERCOMBE: Lavercombe re-joined the Gulls for a second loan spell following an injury to Ryan Clarke. He made two appearances before breaking his leg in training, which prompted his return to parent club Wigan Athletic. Lavercombe was later loaned out again by the Latics, this time to Cymru Alliance side Rhyl FC.
GEORGE DOWLING: One of several young players to arrive at Plainmoor from Bristol City in recent seasons, George Dowling opened his account for the Gulls on his debut in United's 1-1 draw with Chester FC on September 1st, 2017 after being initially signed by caretaker manager Robbie Herrera. He then remained at Plainmoor for the rest of the 2017-18 season and proved to be a big hit, as he won the club's young player of the year award. Dowling has been out on loan again in the National League this season, this time with Eastleigh.
MICHEE EFETE: Another signing made by Herrera during his temporary stint in charge, Michee Efete performed in a variety of roles for the Gulls after joining on loan from Norwich City, including centre-back, right-back and right wing-back. He also remained with United for the duration of the campaign and was released by the Canaries on his return to Carrow Road and signed National League side Maidstone United, whom he is currently on loan at National League South side Bath City.
CALLUM EVANS: One of Gary Owers' first signings on his appointment, Callum Evans joined the Gulls on loan from Forest Green Rovers and made ten appearances before returning to the New Lawn. He was later loaned out to Macclesfield Town, where he won a National League winner's medal, and signed for the Silkmen on a permanent deal in the summer of 2018.
RHYS MURPHY: The former Arsenal and Dagenham and Redbridge striker, who had also had a spell playing in Holland, also joined the Gulls on loan from Forest Green Rovers. He netted once in just eight games for United - in their 4-0 win over Maidenhead United - before returning to the New Lawn where his contract was cancelled. He then joined League One side Oldham Athletic for the remainder of the 2017-18 season and was released by the Latics at the end of the campaign following their relegation to League Two. Murphy is currently playing for Chelmsford City in National League South.
JOSH MCQUOID: An experienced midfielder who lists AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and Millwall amongst his former clubs and has also received international recognition with Northern Ireland, Josh McQuoid's loan spell with Torquay United from Luton Town didn't quite hit the heights it could have done. After 14 appearances, in which he scored twice - against Maidenhead United and Leyton Orient - he returned to Kenilworth Road in December 2017. He then had his contract terminated by the Hatters and joined Aldershot Town on a free transfer in January 2018, where he made 16 appearances and scored once before being released by Shots manager Gary Waddock. McQuoid is currently appearing for Weymouth Town in the Southern League Premier Division South, where the Terras are vying for promotion.
JAZZI BARNUM-BOBB: Signed as right-back cover after Ryan Higgins went on compassion leave - prior to his retirement with a heart condition - Barnum-Bobb joined on loan from Newport County and made eight appearances in all competitions - seven in the National League, once in the FA Trophy. He was released by the Exiles in February 2018 and later joined the Gulls' National League South rivals Chelmsford City - his present club.
ALEX DAVEY: Former Chelsea youngster Alex Davey was signed from Cheltenham Town following an injury to Josh Gowling and helped the Gulls keep a clean sheet on his debut in a 1-0 win away at Sutton United. After making seven appearances for United, a permanent move to Plainmoor appeared to be on the cards for Davey. However, he opted to join Boreham Wood in January 2018 instead as they embarked on a promotion push from the National League, which ended in a play-off final defeat to Tranmere Rovers. He is currently playing for Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League, who he joined in the summer of 2018.
AXEL ANDRESSON: After making four appearances whilst on loan from Reading, Iceland Under-21 international Andresson returned to the Madjeski Stadium and signed a new contract with the Royals until the summer of 2020. He then joined Norwegian side Viking FK in the Norwegian 1. divisjon in the summer of 2018.
ALEX FLETCHER: Newton Abbot-born Fletcher's loan spell at Plainmoor from Plymouth Argyle proved to be a brief one, and lasted for four games. He has featured four times for the Pilgrims this season, three of which have come in the Checkatrade Trophy.
ELLIOT ROMAIN: One of the loan success stories of the 2017-18 season for Torquay United, Romain scored four times in 13 appearances for the Gulls before returning to his parent club Dagenham & Redbridge - in spite of speculation linking him with a permanent return to Plainmoor.
He has since moved onto pastures new as he left the Daggers to join his present club Maidstone United.
AARON BARNES: Initially signed on loan from Charlton Athletic before a move to Colchester United in the January 2018 transfer window, which then saw him loaned back to the Gulls from the U's. He has made one appearance for Colchester this season in the Checkatrade Trophy.
TOMMY O'SULLIVAN: Former Wales Under-21 international O'Sullivan also joined United on loan from Colchester United, but often found himself left out of the squad due to the fact only five loan players are permitted in a matchday squad. O'Sullivan was released by the U's and recently joined National League North side Hereford FC following a successful trial period.
CONNOR LEMONHEIGH-EVANS: Lemonheigh-Evans, who had also played under former United manager Gary Owers at Bath City, proved to be a big hit with the Gulls towards the end of the 2017-18 season. Following Gary Johnson's appointment as manager, Lemonheigh-Evans returned to Plainmoor for a second spell with the Gulls - following the footsteps of fellow Bristol City Under-23 players Jake Andrews, Opi Edwards and Saikou Janneh. He has also added to the 25-yard strike he scored against Woking on Easter Monday with a brace against Winchester City in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.
RHYS HEALEY: With six goals in eight games - including a hat-trick against Guiseley - Healey finished the 2017-18 season as the Gulls' joint leading scorer with Jamie Reid after he was loaned to United by Cardiff City manager, and one-time Gulls' boss, Neil Warnock. He is currently on loan again in the current campaign at Milton Keynes Dons under former Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale in League Two.
