Torquay United's Gary Johnson hopeful about Dan Martin's comeback season

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson still has high hopes that attacking left-back Dan Martin will become one of his key players next season as he attempts to regain full fitness after a year of injury and illness problems.
Ex-Fulham and Cardiff City defender Martin, 23, is out of contract after two seasons with the club, but he’s training with the Gulls in pursuit of a new deal.
He established himself in the side during the second half of 2021-2022, but an ankle injury sustained in a pre-season friendly and then knee surgery before Christmas, compounded by a debilitating bout of Covid-19, restricted him to only nine appearances last season.
“Dan is getting fitter all the time, and every day he gets further towards where he needs to be,” said Johnson.
“He’s a lot more comfortable in himself than he was a few weeks ago.
“Dan still has a little way to go, but I’d say that things are looking encouraging for him so far.”
United have not yet made Martin an offer to become the 17th pro on Johnson’s roster, but he’s clearly in their thoughts.
Pre-season training is continuing, with some yet-to-be-named trialists included, and the next few decisions on that front are expected after Saturday’s first warm-up game at Reading U21s.
Meanwhile, one member of the squad has not been able to join in training so far – defender Ross Marshall is recovering from an eye operation but should be able to begin work again in the next few weeks.
Elsewhere, ex-Gulls centre-back Joe Lewis has joined AFC Wimbledon on a season-long loan from League Two rivals Stockport County.
Former Swansea City starlet Lewis, 23, who became a popular figure during loan and then permanent spells at Plainmoor, moved to Stockport last summer for a ‘compensation’ fee believed to be in the region of £50,000.