Loan extension hopes for Jack Wood

Torquay United are hoping to extend the loan of Southend United winger Jack Wood to at least a second month (writes Dave Thomas).

Wood, 22, has made only four substitute appearances since joining the Gulls in the middle of last month on an initial 28-day loan.

But manager Paul Wotton stressed: “I first enquired about signing Jack last summer, and he’s a player I really like.

“Unfortunately, he’s come to the club at a time when results are going well and the wide players like Jordan Young and Dylan Morgan are playing well.

“But in training he’s been magnificent, he’s a great character and he fits into the group brilliantly.

“We’ve also got a lot of games coming up.

“We’re currently trying to extend Jack’s loan.”

NL South leaders United have five of their 23-man squad out on loan – reserve goalkeeper Matt Wonnacott, centre-back Ollie Tomlinson and forwards Brad Ash, Ben Seymour and Jadyn Crosbie.

But Wotton could have everyone else available for this Saturday’s trip to St Albans City if defender Jay Foulston, who has just returned to training, continues his comeback after a month on the sidelines.

The St Albans match is the first of five games in 15 days for United, four of them away from home.