'Feelers out' for new additions at Plainmoor

Torquay United manager Paul Wotton says he’s ‘hopeful’ of completing a new loan signing as the Gulls continue to grapple with injuries and a possible suspension with the National League South promotion battle hotting up (writes Dave Thomas).

“We’ve got one lead in particular that we’re very hopeful of it happening – I’d say 50/50 for this Saturday or, if not, next week,” said Wotton ahead of Hornchurch’s visit to Plainmoor this weekend.

“We’ve also got feelers out for two or three other forwards.”

Wotton indicated that he’s trying to dip into the loan market, with all the issues that entails.

United (4th) have had the recent frustration of losing their previous loanee striker Manny Ilesanmi (Derby County) to injury just as he was shaping up to be a useful addition.

Ilesanmi’s loan has now been ended, and the search is on again.

United are also waiting to hear the outcome of their appeal against centre-back Sam Dreyer’s sending-off in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at promotion rivals Worthing.

Dreyer can play against Hornchurch anyway, but United are challenging the referee’s decision to dismiss him for ‘denying a goalscoring opportunity’.

Dreyer – fellow defenders Jordan Dyer and Jay Foulston are already injured - would miss the trip to Chelmsford City on Saturday week if he is suspended.

At his weekly press conference Wotton added his thoughts to the many tributes being paid to former Gulls favourite Tony Bedeau, who has died at the age of only 45.

“It’s tremendously sad, Tony leaving us at such a young age,” said ex-Plymouth Argyle defender Wotton.

“All our thoughts are with his family at this time.

“We played against each other at youth, reserve and first team level.

“I’m sure the club will do something fitting on Saturday.”

In an emotional week for everyone at Plainmoor, United have also lost former groundsman Trevor Webb and Stewart Drylie who with his wife Annie, was warden of the Gulls Lodge which housed many of the club’s Youth Trainees.

And now the Gulls have learned of the death of Chris Barnard recently at the age of 77.

Cardiff-born Barnard may not have left a long standing mark here, scoring three times in 32 league games.

But he did play a major part in one of the most dramatic FA Cup ties ever seen at Plainmoor.

Lincoln City led 3-0 in Round Three in December 1971 before Barnard, on loan from Ipswich Town at the time, scored twice as United roared back to win 4-3.

It prompted Torquay to pay £8,000 for him.