After Jake Andrews completed his permanent move to Torquay United from Bristol City, following a successful loan spell at Plainmoor in the 2018-19 campaign, we will now take a closer look at four players who could follow in the footsteps of Andrews, Opi Edwards, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh in the 2019-20 season.
Aden Baldwin (centre-back/right-back)
No stranger to Torquay manager Gary Johnson from his time in charge of Cheltenham Town, where he previously signed him on loan, Baldwin is a centre back who can also provide cover at right back. With Jean Yves Koue Niate and Kyle Cameron the only recognised central defenders currently at Plainmoor and Ben Wynter the sole right back - Baldwin could tick a number of boxes for Johnson.
He would also be amongst a number of familiar faces if he were to sign for United on loan; as well as his former Ashton Gate colleague Jake Andrews - he would also be reunited with his former Cheltenham teammates Manny Duku and Kalvin Kalala - the latter whom he arrived at Whaddon Road at the same time ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.
Tom Harrison (centre back)
Tom Harrison has the experience of winning at Plainmoor last season whilst on loan at Weston Super Mare from Bristol City when the Seagulls won 2-1 against United in early March. He was also part of the Bristol City Under-23 side that won 3-1 in the Gulls' pre-season friendly against the young Robins. In addition to his loan spell at Weston, he also spent a month on loan at Hereford FC in National League North in September 2018.
Whilst a loan spell in the National League is likely to be beneficial for Harrison, the fact that he is a left-sided defender could mean that he doesn't fit Gary Johnson's immediate plans as vice-captain Kyle Cameron currently fulfils that role for United. However, if the former Newcastle United was sustain an injury over the course of the season, Harrison could be the ideal short-term replacement should that scenario arise.
Opi Edwards (right wing)
Of the Gulls' former three Bristol City loanees who are remain at Ashton Gate, Opi Edwards is arguably the most likely to return to Plainmoor in the 2019-20 season. During their National League South title winning campaign, Edwards scored three goals in 17 appearances - the third of which came on the final day of the season against St Albans City - in what was an injury hit season for the Ghanaian-born wide man.
Edwards has previously had a loan spell in the National League with Solihull Moors in the 2017-18 campaign, and a full season with United could help to aid his development further.
Rory Holden (right wing/striker)
Northern Ireland Under-21 international Rory Holden signed a two-year deal with the Robins earlier this summer and will be looking to add to the experience that he gained last season from loan spells with Barrow and Rochdale. Holden, who joined the Robins from his hometown club Derry City in 2017, can play as a right winger, or as a centre forward and a second striker.
He also scored on his debut for Northern Ireland Under-21's on his debut against Luxembourg in September 2018. Lee Johnson has already hinted that Holden will sent out on loan again - could Plainmoor be a possible destination?
