After the confirmation of Gary Johnson's seven permanent summer signings for Torquay United, we will take a closer look at the individuals in question who Johnson will be hoping will turn out to be his magnificent seven.
Mark Halstead (goalkeeper):
A 30-year goalkeeper who started his career with Blackpool, for whom he appeared for the Premier League under Ian Holloway in the 2010-11 season. Halstead has also had spells with Shrewsbury Town, Southport and Morecambe amongst others - and joins United after helping the latter to win promotion from League Two last season.
Marcin Brzozowski (goalkeeper):
The only member of Gary Johnson's septet who has previously appeared for the Gulls, after joining on loan from Queens Park Rangers during the 2020-21 season to help solve a goalkeeping crisis. Former Poland Under-21 international keeper Brzozowski's solitary appearance came in the FA Trophy against Wokin, but he looks set to make many more for the Gulls in the 2021-22 campaign.
Ali Omar (central defender):
Left-sided centre back Omar arrives at Plainmoor from Barnsley's Under-23's. He has also appeared for Essex Senior League side Tower Hamlets, Stevenage and Queens Park Rangers.
Dan Martin (left back/left midfielder):
A versatile player who can play at either left back or left midfield, Dan Martin joins the Gulls following his release by Cardiff City. He was a regular in the Bluebirds' Under-23 team and has also had loan spells in Westcountry non-league football with Weston Super Mare and Bath City.Tom Lapslie (central midfielder):
Previously a stalwart for Colchester United after breaking into the U's first team in the 2014-15 season, central midfielder Tom Lapslie made over 150 appearances for Colchester before he was released at the end of the 2020-21 season. He wrote his name into U's folklore in the 2019-20 when he scored the winning spot-kick in Colchester's penalty shoot-out victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Keelan O'Connell: (right/left midfielder)
Wide man Keelan O'Connell can play on either flank and swaps the South Coast for the English Riviera, after joining the Gulls from AFC Bournemouth. He follows in the footsteps of Frank Vincent and Sam Sherring who have both made the journey between the two clubs in recent years, along with many others in the past such as Derek Dawkins and Alex Watson to name but a few.
Klaidi Lolos (striker):
Former Greece Under-19 international Lolos is also treading a well worn path by joining United from Plymouth Argyle. Having seen former teammates Adam Randell and Ryan Law enjoy successful loan spells with the Gulls last season, Lolos will also no doubt be keen to make a big impression. He also arrives at Plainmoor with a glowing recommendation from Pilgrims' boss Ryan Lowe.
