Gulls Gaffer sets sights on striker transfer as players return for pre-seasoning training

Manager Gary Johnson has confirmed that another striker is on his list of transfer targets as Torquay United's players prepare to return for pre-season training today (Thursday).
The Gulls have 16 pros signed up, all of them who were at Plainmoor at the end of last season except new arrival Bradley Ash, a striker from National League South rivals Weymouth.
Ash, who scored 24 goals for the Terras, and United's 2022-2023 leading scorer Aaron Jarvis are the only specialist strikers in the current squad, and Johnson reports that he and his backroom team have been searching for possible transfer options in that department.
"We are quite comfortable with Lewis Collins playing up front," said Johnson, "even though he's also happy playing out wide or as a wing-back," said Johnson. "But we would like to get another lad in for a bit of competition.
"We have worked hard to get the group that we've got, and you can have too much competition and end up disappointing a few quite early.
"But if either Aaron or Bradley got injured, we've already spoken to a club about loaning someone of that ilk."
Three or four trialists are expected to report today, with Johnson explaining: "These are players we've identified and invited down, not just lads who've written in asking for a trial. They will probably play in the Reading game at least."
Johnson has deliberately arranged United's first friendly, Reading under-21s away, for July 8 after training resumes, to test the fitness of his players.
The Gulls' groundsman Julian Gouldthorpe, who is also overseeing a 'new' pitch at Plainmoor, has ensured that the Seale Hayne training centre is in top condition, despite the extended spell of dry weather.
"Let's hope we don't get a hosepipe ban," said Johnson, "but it's looking good at the moment."
The Reading friendly is followed by a similar fixture at Bristol City under-21s, also behind closed doors, on July 15.
Then there are three home games - Plymouth Argyle on July 18, Exeter City on July 22 and Southampton 'B' on July 29.
The NL South fixtures are due to be released next Wednesday, July 5, with the season proper starting on Saturday, August 5.