Gulls using drone technology to coach players

Torquay United are using a drone as their latest training aid ahead of a return to National League action with Saturday's second 'Community Day' against Dover Athletic at Plainmoor.

"It's a great tool for all training sessions, but especially for practice matches - when we play it back to them, it helps the players to self-evaluate, for good and bad," said manager Gary Johnson.

The device was a family birthday present to the Gulls' boss, although club analyst Louie Birkinshaw now holds the flying licence.

United - whose under-18 team bounced back from FA Youth Cup 4-3 defeat at Newport County with a 6-0 league win at Swindon's New College - are giving 1,000 free tickets to NHS and care sector workers when bottom club Dover come to town this weekend.