Aaron Downes era ultimately leads to survival for Torquay United

When he took on the role of interim manager at Torquay United in late February, Aaron Downes probably still harboured hopes of a late play-off push.

As the administration crisis developed, however, United were lumbered with a ten-point deduction and inconsistent results meant the Gulls faced the serious and unthinkable threat of relegation to the Southern League. The cause was not helped by a further one-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player.

Despite all the noise and uncertainty, Downes has always maintained a calmness that has impressed even the harshest observers and Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Taunton finally confirmed United will remain in the National League South next season.

“I’ve enjoyed the period I’ve been in charge and I don’t think it’s been a period of complete chaos,” said Downes. “I’ve grown into it. Of course, we would have liked to pick up more good results, but we have picked up some important results.

“Our sights were firmly set on promotion at the start of the season and we failed that. There were all off the field issues that you can’t predict, and you get thrown into a situation where you have to stand up and be counted, both myself and the players.

“There are outside things you can’t control that have been put upon us and how people react to that is very difficult to predict. It’s been important that we made sure the players’ mindset was correct to perform and, in general, we’ve managed that.

“We’ve achieved the short-term target of securing the safety of the football club.”

Key to the success for Downes has been support from his senior players, and especially captain Asa Hall, who also had a stint assisting from the sidelines while recovering from injury in March. It was, therefore, fitting that Asa scored the crucial second goal at Taunton in midweek.

“Asa has been instrumental, he’s been fantastic,” said Downes. “It was just right that he scored the goal to secure our safety.

“He said in his post-match interview that the loves the club and he’s done so much for the club. He’s a club legend and will go down in our history. He is as disappointed as anybody to see where we are but he’s been phenomenal for me and I’m really grateful for his help.

“I spoke to him and said how proud I am of him. It sounds patronising because I’m only a couple of years older than him, even though he looks ten years younger, but I am proud of him. I needed the experienced boys on Tuesday night and they went about their business very professionally.”

Most of all in these times of turmoil, the Yellow Army have guided their team to safety, responding to the worry of administration by showing up in even greater numbers than before and Downes had particular praise for one loyal fan, Paul Bastard, who has been there for every step of the journey.

“The supporters have really helped and Tuesday night was the peak of their powers,” he added. “We gave them something to cheer about for once and they cheered us home.

“We’ve got some really good supporters and while I hate picking out individuals, one person who has been a pillar of strength for me is Paul Bastard. At every away game, he is at the bus waiting for us and giving really sound advice.

“I’m sure he’s been a sounding board for a number of the players and staff. I thank him and also thank the fans for the many messages of support. Whatever happens at the end of the season, it has been a really good couple of months for me and the support I’ve had has been fantastic.”