Massive time pressure for Torquay United ownership decisions

The group of local businessmen and supporters, who were passed over as ‘preferred bidders’ for Torquay United, have confirmed that they are prepared to help the prospective new owners as time pressure grows on getting the next regime in place.

Administrators Begbies Traynor announced through the club on April 9 that they had selected a preferred bidder.

It wasn’t the consortium mounted by four local businessmen, led by lifelong fan Mike Westcott, with the Torquay United Supporters Trust (TUST) and ex-Gulls boss Neil Warnock as a football adviser.

They had been the only group to identify themselves.

But exactly who the chosen bidders are has still not been revealed.

United, under interim manager Aaron Downes, saved themselves from relegation from the National League South in the last week of the season, despite being docked ten points for going into administration and an eleventh for fielding an ineligible player.

But the Gulls must be taken out of administration and new owners installed before a whole range of decisions, on and off the pitch, can be taken to prepare the club for the 2024-2025 campaign.

“We stand ready to help the incoming owners and share our business plan with them, if they want to engage with us,” said South Hams-based Westcott.

Westcott pointed out that United’s rivals will already have started their close-season recruitment work, and Torquay risk losing time and options if the ownership issues are not resolved quickly.

Begbies Traynor were brought in by outgoing United owner Clarke Osborne, and their primary responsibility is to creditors, of whom Osborne – he covered losses of more than £5 million over six- and-a-half years – is presumably the biggest.

But it’s not known if Osborne is trying to recoup any of that debt.