Sun shining down for Torquay United’s pre-season opener

Torquay United will begin their pre-season campaign with a lunchtime kick-off at Buckland Athletic on Saturday.

The two clubs shared an entertaining draw in last summer’s pre-season fixture and United boss Paul Wotton is expecting another great day out at Homers Heath.

“There is a mutual respect between the clubs, the pitch is great and always a good spectacle, played in the right manner,” he said.

“Hopefully, the sun will be shining and fans can enjoy a couple of beers watching the game.”

As we all know, results are not important at this stage in the calendar, but there will be great interest from the Yellow Army in watching the new faces at Plainmoor for the first time.

“It has come around so quick from the Boreham Wood game, it literally feels not long ago at all that we were last playing,” added Wotton.

“It’s always good to get back into a game because there’s only so much coaching and fitness work you can do. You’ve got to get back on the pitch and the stereotypical approach will be minutes in the legs, hopefully no injuries and trying to work on things we want to take into the season.

“It’s a little early to say we’re shaping into readiness for the new season, we’re still a couple short depth-wise, but the boys are working really hard and I’m pleased with their fitness levels.

“I’m also pleased with the new additions, we’ve definitely added quality to the squad, but it is probably toward the end of July when I would like the squad to be settled and all our business done.”

After the trip to Buckland, United have a home triple header against Newport County, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, all played in the space of just six days.

“We’re looking forward to the home games, always nice to test yourself against higher opposition and better players,” said Wotton.

“Three games in six days isn’t ideal but we are ultimately at the hands of teams from higher leagues because it financially benefits the football club, and we have to work around their schedules.

“Flipping it the other way, the National League South is a relentless league and we will have to deal with games in a short space of time.”

Before all of that comes one of the most anticipated days of any summer, with the National League South fixtures revealed on Wednesday, July 9, when Wotton and his assistant Mike Edwards will ramp up their plans for the months ahead.

“It is a real cliché but we can only control the controllables, although it is an exciting day,” he said. “You obviously look at the first game, the Christmas fixtures and Bank Holidays.

“In a perfect world, we would love to start with a home game but the planning process for overnight stays and training will happen immediately. I like to make these plans early and we will need it this year because there are more long trips than last season.”