GULLS INCREASE ATTACKING OPTIONS WITH NEW SIGNINGS

 In a bid to strengthen their National League South promotion challenge, Torquay United have boosted their attacking options with the additions of former Exeter City forward Matt Jay and loan signing Emmanuel Ilesanmi. 

Torbay-born Jay, 28, arrives at Plainmoor following the forward’s departure from League Two side Colchester United and has a wealth of experience in the EFL, having spent a decade at United's Devon neighbours Exeter City. During this time, he skippered his side to promotion to League One in the 2021/22 campaign before moving on to Colchester for an undisclosed fee the following season.

After tracking is progress for a number of months, Gulls boss Paul Wotton is pleased to secure the signing of Jay, who has signed a long-term deal with the club until the summer of 2027.

 “MJ (Jay) is someone who I’ve known about for years,” said Wotton. “He brings a wealth of experience, and he has captained a League Two promotion-winning side. He’s obviously got tremendous qualities as a football player, and he adds huge value and experience to the squad. He’s a forward, we needed to sign some, and I can’t wait to get working with him. It’s been quite a long process, but we’ve finally got there, and I’m looking forward to seeing him playing in a Torquay shirt.”

 Emmanuel Ilesanmi, known as ‘Manny’, 20, and joins on an initial one-month deal from Championship side Derby County. He started his career at Harrogate Town and has also had loan spells with Scarborough Athletic and Basford United. 

 “I’m looking forward to working with Manny,” said Wotton. “He’s an out-and-out centre-forward. He’s different to what we have already so hopefully it all goes well for him.”

Both players go straight into the squad for Saturday's National League South encounter with Hampton and Richmond Borough.