NEIL’S IN THE MIX AS GULLS TAKE OFF
EXCITING times look to be in store at Torquay United with local businessmen taking control – and veteran manager Neil Warnock expected to play a role.
The National League South side have endured tough times of late. The Gulls had been in administration after owner Clarke Osborne said in February that he and partners could no longer fund the club.
The former Football League side had ten points deducted in March and ended the season in 18th place.
However, administrators Begbies Traynor announced on Friday that a sale agreement for Torquay United AFC Limited had been reached with the Bryn Consortium of Michael Westcott, Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Tom Allen, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson, subject to creditor approval.
The proposed company voluntary arrangement would see all tax debts and trade creditors paid in full within six months.
Westcott, the Bryn Consortium lead, said: “We are delighted to have provided a positive outcome for all creditors and provided a future for our beloved football club.
“There is much work to be done in the coming days and weeks, and we will issue a series of updates to supporters next week on the preparations and plans for the forthcoming season.”
Westcott has indicated that ex-Sheffield United and Cardiff boss Warnock – who had a short stint in charge of the Gulls in 1993 – will be part of the new venture. The 75-year-old has been advising the consortium.
“Neil’s knowledge of football is second to none,” Westcott told BBC Sport. “He knows our club very well, he knows our region very well.
“He and I have spent an awful lot of time together over the last six weeks or so and I think that relationship will continue.
“He’s been around the football world for more than 40 years and the fact Torquay United can benefit from his experience, his contacts, his presence, his personality, I think will be of tremendous support for the club as we start thinking about how we can be as competitive on the pitch as we possibly can.”