Geography helped in the recruitment of Matt Jay

The signing of Matt Jay gives Torquay United new attacking and selection options, says manager Paul Wotton.

Jay, 28, the former Exeter City and Colchester United forward, played all 90 minutes of last weekend’s 0-1 defeat against Hampton & Richmond after only one brief training session with the Gulls and limited game-time with the League Two U’s this season (writes Dave Thomas).

But his presence has clearly been a significant boost as the Gulls prepare for a key stage of their National League South promotion bid.

United (5th) are away to ‘bogey’ side Maidstone United (4th) this Saturday, followed by Eastbourne Borough (6th) at home and leaders Worthing away.

Just four points cover the top-six.

Wotton introduced Jay against Hampton and also played Dan Hayfield into a new central midfield role, saying: “The signing of Matt Jay gives us the options to change things.

“There were little signs (against Hampton) of people linking up play more, those attacking relationships and partnerships that are so important.

“I spoke to Matt in pre-season, and he wanted to give it a go at Colchester.

“Sometimes the geography does help you.

“Matt and his wife are from this area, they have two children and they want to settle back here, and he’s bought into the project here.

“He brings undoubtedly ability, which you’ll see more of in the weeks to come.

“He brings experience, which is something that we are lacking a little bit – he’s captained a promotion winning team at Exeter.

“And he also brings a calmness.

“Dan can still join in, because his running stats are so high, and I think he’s had a great season so far.

“But at the moment there’s some tough choices.”

Wotton described Tuesday’s postponement at Chippenham Town as “not the end of the world” after a week in which United could easily have had nine points and ended up with only two.

After giving his players a couple of days off this week, Wotton said: “I felt that we maybe needed a little mental reset.

“The top six is extremely close, and it will change again on Saturday, if only because Worthing and Boreham Wood are both playing in the FA Trophy.

“We’ve got to play three of them in the next three games, and that’s exciting.

“It’s a challenge and it’s there to be embraced.

“We are in a good place. We’re fine.”

United have won only two of 16 games against Maidstone.

But, although Jay Foulston is still sidelined, fellow defender Jordan Dyer is back in training after a hamstring injury.