Stoke striker signs on loan for Torquay United

Torquay United bolstered their forward department ahead of the weekend visit from Tonbridge Angels with the signing of Stoke City teenager Rakealan ‘Keke’ Jeffers on loan until January 2.

While the arrival was perfect timing as potential cover for the suspended Cody Cooke on Saturday, the longer-term view for United is an exciting young talent joining their attacking unit for a busy November and December.

The Gulls now have the choice of Jeffers, Cooke, Brad Ash and Ben Seymour in the central striking role. Jeffers is the third loan signing made by the club, joining Will Jenkins Davies (from Plymouth Argyle) and Finn Tonks (from AFC Bournemouth).

United manager Paul Wotton told the club website: “We’re thrilled to have him on board, and we thank Stoke City for helping us out.”

And Jeffers added: “I’m really excited about this loan. I think this will be very good for me, and I’m happy to be here. I can’t wait to get started!”

Also waiting in the wings for Wotton is Jadyn Crosbie, who will be aiming for more first-team experience after extending his loan at Southern League outfit Gloucester City until early January.

Crosbie, who arrived from Mangotsfield United in the summer, originally joined Gloucester in October and quickly scored in the 2-0 victory over Frome Town. Gloucester entered the weekend sitting third in the Southern Premier Division, locked on the same points as the leading duo of Merthyr Town and AFC Totton.

Torquay United will host Exeter City in the second round of the Bayside Graphics Devon St Luke’s Bowl on the evening of Monday, December 2 (kick-off 7.30pm).

The Gulls progressed to this stage with an entertaining penalty shoot-out victory at Buckland Athletic, when a youthful United side earned an impressive 2-2 draw before holding their nerve from the spot.

Plainmoor will be the venue for the visit of the Grecians, with tickets now on sale from www.torquayunited.ktckts.com and priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and U18s, and U8s can enter for free when accompanying an adult.