Johnson will make most of family links

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson is hoping to extend Jake Andrews’ loan agreement from Bristol City to three months in the wake of the midfielder’s 21st birthday on Sunday.

The talented Andrews, who scored his third Torquay goal in last weekend’s 4-2 National League South win at Eastbourne Borough, is one of four Bristol City youngsters on loan at Plainmoor. Opi Edwards, Saikou Janneh and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans are the other three.

Andrews should soon complete a 93-day loan extension, with Johnson explaining: “We can keep Jake for longer now that he’s 21, and I want all of them with us for as long as possible. They are enjoying it here, and I want them to feel very much part of the club as well as the team.”

Both Andrews and Edwards joined United under former boss Gary Owers, but the City connection is even stronger now that father and son Gary and Lee Johnson are in charge at Plainmoor and Ashton Gate.

“We are perfect for them,” says Johnson Snr. “I obviously have a direct line to Lee, we talk about these lads all the time and he knows that I will tell him the truth about how they are getting on.

“They would not be here if they were not good players, and I am very keen to keep them and make them feel as much like Torquay United players as possible.”

Last week, Johnson signed another of his former charges, French midfielder Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala, after he left Cheltenham Town by mutual consent.

Kalala, 20, made his debut in the victory at Eastbourne in place of LemonheighEvans, who has been on international duty with Wales’ Under-21 squad for the past week but is due to be back with the Gulls in time for their FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Winchester City at Plainmoor on Saturday.