Ex-Torquay United and England superstar Lee Sharpe backs the Gulls

Former Torquay United and England superstar Lee Sharpe hopes the Gulls can get back into the Football League as soon as possible.

As United tackle Slough at Plainmoor today, ex-winger Sharpe talks of the difficulty attracting players to South Devon.

United are battling to get back into the play-off zone in the National League South as pressure mounts on manager Gary Johnson and his men.

Sharpe is quoted as telling competitions platform luckyblock.com that it is a shame to see where Torquay have ended up and hopes that they can make it back to where they 'should be' despite signing players presenting a real challenge.

Sharpe said: “It’s a shame to see them where they are now, but you can’t single Torquay out. There are a few clubs that have let themselves slip way too far down below where they should be and it’d be great for the town of Torquay to get back up – granted, that’s a big ask.

“It’s tough for them to get players down there, it’s far away and it’s an expensive place to live. I can only wish them the best of luck in their pursuit of getting players to move down there, hopefully they can get back in the Football League as soon as possible.”

Sharpe shared his fond memories of his time at Torquay, where he started his professional career in football ahead of his big move to Premier League giants Manchester United.

He said: "I had an amazing time at Torquay. Torquay was an amazing place to be for my first club.

"It was a great town, and I was surrounded by lovely people. I remember when we got into the playoffs, and we had such a strong bond in the dressing room – I have such fond memories of the place and the club, it was such an amazing time to play there.”

Sharpe was born in Halesowen and was an Aston Villa supporter.

He began his career at Torquay United where he played 14 times for the Gulls in the 1987/88 season as they achieved a secure finish in the old Football League Fourth Division. He didn't turn 17 until just after the season had ended.

He was soon attracting the interest of football's big boys in the then First and Second Division clubs and was sold to  giants Manchester United in June 1988 for £200,000, which was a record fee at the time for a 'YTS' player.

Mostly a left-winger, he played at Old Trafford as well as Leeds United, Bradford City and in Serie A for Sampdoria. He also had spells in the Football League with United,  Portsmouth and Devon rivals Exeter City.

He finished his career in Iceland with Grindavik and in non-league football with Garforth Town.

In his eight years at Old Trafford he won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, the Football League Cup, three FA Charity Shields, and a European Cup Winners' Cup. He won eight caps for England as well as one cap for the B team

Sharpe retired from professional football in 2003, but achieved renewed fame as a star on various reality shows including Celebrity Love Island as well as some time as a football pundit.