The Warnock and Jepson combo is a terrific option for the next six weeks

From day one of the current regime at Torquay United, the presence of Neil Warnock has been a major asset.

It was Warnock, in the wake of that chance meeting on the London train with co-chairman Michael Westcott, who secured the services of manager Paul Wotton in May 2024.

It was Warnock’s name and reputation which attracted valuable publicity then and since.

He’s been a reassuring influence behind the scenes, while always careful not to undermine Wotton’s authority with the team.

And, despite making it clear that he played no part in Wotton’s departure and disagreed with the decision, it was Warnock, 77, who stepped into the breach to guide the team a fortnight ago.

In the midst of an injury crisis which weakened the squad during Wotton’s last month in charge and left United with five teenagers on the bench against Chesham (2-1) last Saturday, Warnock and his longtime assistant Ronnie Jepson have helped to secure seven valuable points out of 12.

The Gulls are also still fourth in the National League South.

They have lifted players taken aback by Wotton’s dismissal and, perhaps most importantly, bought precious time.

Despite a flood of applications and a round of interviews last week, Wotton’s successor had not been named yesterday morning (Tues).

Former Exeter City and MK Dons boss Paul Tisdale has come and gone as favourite.

Then, over the last few days, the name of AFC Totton’s Jimmy Ball has driven the rumour-mill strongest, even though he still has more than a year left on his contract at the Snows Stadium.

Of course, it would be better if the matter was settled, either for a new man to try and win promotion over the next eight (or so) games or to start building a roster to do the job in 2026-27.

But if you asked United’s players and supporters for their opinion, you can bet that plenty of them would reply: “Let Neil and Ronnie carry on, at least to the end of this season.”

That’s if they’d be prepared to do it, of course...