GULLS IN LINE FOR A BONUS ON GUS

ANGUS MacDONALD says he didn’t expect to leave Torquay United before the new season, but he couldn’t turn down Barnsley in a deal that netted the Gulls a vital £100,000 after a potential takeover collapsed.

Championship side Barnsley have been focusing their recruitment drive on Non-League over the last two years and made the England C defender their latest arrival.

Already this summer, they have signed Dover Athletic striker Stefan Payne and Kayden Jackson from Wrexham.

It follows last year’s success story when Marc Roberts, snapped up from FC Halifax, went on to play a big role in their successful promotion campaign.

Former Reading youth captain MacDonald had agreed to stay with Kevin Nicholson’s Torquay but felt he had to take the chance when the Tykes came calling last weekend.

“There was interest in the summer from other Non-League teams and some in the League,” said MacDonald, who was admired by Tranmere Rovers, Rochdale and Port Vale.

“It came to a point where in my own head I said ‘You know what, I feel like I need another six months at Torquay. I can’t be dealing with this question of where am I going to sign or what’s happening’.

“So, I sat down with the manager and said I wanted to get sorted and sign. I got fit in the summer but then this came out of the blue. It’s a young bunch of lads and what they’re doing at the club could be a great step for me.

“Torquay has been a great stepping stone, but I want to progress my career.

“The manager is gutted to lose me. When a few clubs wanted me in the summer, he said they weren’t the right move and I believed him.

“He was right and this has shown it.”

MacDonald has signed a two-year deal for his new club and Torquay also have a 15 per cent sell on fee.