Gulls bring Winger De Silva back 'home' on eve of new season.

‘NEW’ TORQUAY United signing Dillon De Silva says: “It feels like home” after re-signing for the Gulls in the final week of pre-season. (From Dave Thomas)

The 21-year-old winger scored four goals in 24 appearances during a five-month loan from Queen’s Park Rangers last season, and manager Gary Johnson has now brought him back on a permanent deal in time for Saturday’s opening National League South game at Dover Athletic.

Sri Lanka International De Silva said: “I loved every minute here last season. The fans were so nice to me, and I can’t wait to play in front of them again. It’s a very competitive atmosphere here and, with the size of the club, we should be much higher. I just want to help again, play as many games as possible, create chances and score a few goals.”

Johnson, who says he’s still trying to add another loan signing to his 22-strong squad, revealed that De Silva has been training with Hartlepool United before deciding to rejoin Torquay. He added: “Dillon was recalled by QPR (in March), because there had been a change of manager (Gareth Ainsworth) there and he wanted to see everyone in their squad."

“It was a shame, because Dillon was doing quite well for us at the time. We’ve kept in touch with him since then, and he’s a great signing for us at this stage.”

Ahead of the Dover match, Johnson had also reported that veteran defender Dean Moxey, who made a cameo return from a knee injury in the final friendly last weekend, has trained well this week and will be in the squad which travels to Kent.