Downes on his way from Cheltenham

AARON Downes is set to leave Cheltenham Town, where he has been working as head of academy coaching, writes Jon Palmer.

The former Robins captain, who helped the club win the National League title in 2015/16, could now link up with his old boss Gary Johnson at National League South leaders Torquay.

Downes was Johnson’s first signing as Cheltenham boss in the summer of 2015 as he built a team ready to bounce straight back to the Football League after relegation in 2014/15.

The central defender picked up a serious knee injury in a goalless draw at Boreham Wood midway through the campaign, ruling him out for nine months.

He battled back and featured in 23 games during the 2016/17 League Two campaign, making his final appearance for the club as a substitute in the vital 1-0 home win over Hartlepool, which secured safety on the penultimate weekend of the season.

Since retiring, Downes, 33, has worked in a coaching role both with the youth set-up and the first team. He recently returned to an academy only role and is thought to be keen to work with senior players again, hence his potential switch to Torquay, where he enjoyed three years as a player.

Cheltenham play at home to Grimsby Town this afternoon.