Matt Jay is a statement signing for Torquay United

Torquay United have pulled off a transfer coup in signing experienced Football League midfielder Matt Jay after his contract with Colchester United was cancelled by mutual consent.

Born in Torquay, Jay (28) came through the youth system at Exeter City and made his debut as a teenager in 2013. He then gained further experience in loan spells at Weston-super-Mare, Hayes & Yeading and Truro City.

Jay then established himself as a first-team regular at St James, where he remained for a decade. He switched to Colchester in January 2023 and now returns home to Torquay in a deal that runs until the summer of 2027.

Jay said: “I am so pleased to be here, it feels like a long-time-coming. As someone from this part of the country, I’ve kept an eye on how Torquay are doing, so it was a really easy decision once I heard it could be done.

“I jumped at the chance to come straight down. I’ve brought the whole family down and we’re really happy to be back. I’m very grateful to the manager for bringing me in.

“Torquay shouldn’t be at the level they are and I’ve come here to help get us somewhere around we should be. The project here is really good, highly professional and above the level.

“I spent some time during my younger years at this level, it might be a bit of a change for me, but I’m ready to get going.

“Another big reason for coming down was feeling that I could fit straight in. I obviously know a fair few of them from my time at Exeter, the likes of Dean Moxey, James Hamon, Jordan Dyer, Dan Hayfield, and Cody Cooke when I played at Truro. I’ve probably missed a few out but there are some familiar faces.

“I used to watch Torquay as a boy with my parents and grandparents. It’s funny being back here and seeing some of the attendances this year is League Two level. It’s amazing to see and the club obviously wants to get back to where it belongs - the supporters are going with that.

“My job is to play as high up the pitch as I can, help the team as best I can, and it seems like the perfect fit for me at this time in my life and career.”

It is the experience Jay brings to Plainmoor that will hopefully inspire United to new heights in the crucial closing months of the season.

“MJ is someone who I’ve known about for years,” said United manager Paul Wotton.

“He brings a wealth of experience, and he has captained a League Two promotion-winning side. He’s obviously got tremendous qualities as a football player, and he adds huge value and experience to the squad.

“He’s a forward, we needed to sign some, and I can’t wait to get working with him.

“It’s been quite a long process, but we’ve finally got there, and I’m looking forward to seeing him playing in a Torquay shirt.”

Jay made his debut in the narrow defeat at home to Hampton & Richmond on Saturday, providing a glimpse of the undoubted quality that comes from a decade in the Football League.

“Matty will only get better, his quality is undoubted, and his fitness levels were fantastic,” added Wotton. “He had some lovely little touches and he will only get better.”