Described by a former manager as a 'small club with a big heart' - Torquay United have spent much of its 126-year history outperforming or holding their own against clubs with bigger budgets.
In order to do this, United have often needed a highly driven character in charge as manager, who have often, metaphorically of course, breathed fire into the club. Amongst the names that would spring to mind for many supporters would be the likes of Frank O'Farrell (1965-1968, 1976-1977 & 1981-82), Cyril Knowles (1987-1989) and Paul Buckle (2007-2011).
After a promising first season in charge, after exiting Administration, with a second place finish in National League South, Paul Wotton has certainly followed suit.
In addition to this, it could also be argued that Gary Johnson did the same between 2018 and 2021 befor e that fire gradually became extinguished after that infamous day at Ashton Gate. Kevin Hodges and Leroy Rosenior were also different kind of characters, who managed the club in a slightly different way.
The first three names listed were all big personalities who extracted the maximum from the players available to them with great success.
O'Farrell led United to promotion from the 'old' Fourth Division (now League Two) in his first season (1965-66) before leading the Gulls to their highest ever league finish of fourth in the 'old' Third Division in 1967-68. Knowles took a United side who had secured the Football League survival with a 'Bryn the Police Dog inspired' draw with Crewe Alexandra to a two-legged play-off final against Swansea City in 1987-88 and then onto their first ever Wembley appearance in 1989. Buckle of course led United to only to a return to the Football League two years into his reign in 2009, but also to a League Two Play-off final appearance two years later in 2011.
Wotton himself had a reputation of being a strong personality from his playing career with Plymouth Argyle (twice), Southampton and Yeovil Town, which saw him captain many of the teams he played for to success on a number of occasions.
He has taken that mindset with him into his managerial career, first with Truro City and now with the Gulls. After missing out on the league title to Truro on goal difference, United were then beaten in the play-offs by eventual winners Boreham Wood.
In the early stages of the season, Wotton ensured his team was tough to beat with a strong back three consisting of Jordan Dyer, Sam Dreyer and Jay Foulston, but he later added more flair with the additions of Jordan Young and Matt Jay.
With his summer recruitment, Wotton has looked to strengthen in the areas where he felt the Gulls were weak last season. Of course it's early days yet, but the Plainmoor faithful have grounds to believe that Wotton can guide them to success come the end of the 2025-26 campaign.