Torquay United appoint ex-Plymouth, Southampton, Oxford, Yeovil player and Truro manager Paul Wotton as replacement for Aaron Downes.
On Tuesday, the Gulls revealed that the Interim Manager, who took charge of United’s first-team for the final thirteen games of 2023/24, has left the club.
In the space of a few hours, The Bryn Consortium, which has agreed to acquire Torquay United subject to creditor approval, is delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Wotton as First Team Manager.
The Consortium also confirmed that Neil Warnock will join the incoming new Board at Plainmoor as Football Advisor.
Truro finished the 2023/24 National League South season with 55 points from 46 games played, 9 points above the drop zone, while Torquay were 18th with 53 points but had 11 deducted for administration and for an illegible player.
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— Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) May 14, 2024
🟡 Downes Departs
Interim Manager leaves Torquay United, as preparations for 2024/25 get underway.
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— Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) May 14, 2024
🟡 Torquay Name Their Man
The Bryn Consortium, which has agreed to acquire Torquay United subject to creditor approval, is delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Wotton as First Team Manager.
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— Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) May 14, 2024
TORQUAY STATEMENT
Interim Manager leaves Torquay United, as preparations for 2024/25 get underway.
Torquay United can confirm that Interim Manager Aaron Downes, who took charge of United’s first-team for the final thirteen games of 2023/24 [after Gary Johnson’s departure], has now left the club.
With The Bryn Consortium having last week reached a purchase agreement for TUFC, subject to creditor approval, the group have issued the following statement, in which they express their gratitude to Downes for his hard work, particularly during the past three months.
“Aaron Downes has been a loyal servant to Torquay United AFC, in trying and difficult circumstances.
“We thank him immensely for what he has done with the squad, and for securing our survival in National League South.
“He leaves with our blessing, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.
“It goes without saying that he will always be very welcome back here at Plainmoor.”
The Bryn Consortium, which has agreed to acquire Torquay United subject to creditor approval, is delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Wotton as First Team Manager.
The Consortium also confirmed that Neil Warnock will join the incoming new Board at Plainmoor as Football Advisor.
Wotton joins Torquay from Truro City where he enjoyed five successful seasons, including winning promotion to the National League South in 2022. He was formerly assistant manager at Plymouth Argyle.
“Following a meticulous search, the Consortium Board agreed that Paul’s credentials and vision were most closely aligned with our own and he will arrive at Plainmoor as part of a restructuring of the football set up at the Club,” said Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, in-coming Co-Chairman.
Devon-based Wotton has signed an initial three-year contract and will formally take up his post once the Bryn Consortium assumes day-to-day operations of Torquay United upon creditor approval of the CVA.
Neil Warnock has managed sixteen clubs from the Premier League to Non-League, including a spell at Torquay United in 1993 which saved the Gulls from relegation. Warnock holds the record for the most promotions, with eight, and the most games with 1,626.
“We are delighted Neil is joining the Board. He brings an unrivalled wealth of football knowledge and experience to Torquay United as we look to rebuild. There is a strong chemistry and mutual respect between Neil and Paul and we are excited about their approach to building a squad and the uncompromising brand of football they want our team to play,” added Michael Westcott, Co-Chairman of the Bryn Consortium.
A Press Conference with Neil Warnock and Paul Wotton will be held at 4pm today [14th May].
Club Statement: Paul Wotton
⬇️ Read More
— Truro City FC (@TCFC_Official) May 14, 2024
TRURO STATEMENT:
Truro City Football Club can confirm that first team manager Paul Wotton has left the club to take a similar role at Torquay United.
A suitable compensation package for Paul’s services has been agreed with Torquay United.
Paul had been in charge of City for close to five years after his appointment in July 2019, with the club relegated back to the Southern League Premier division.
The former Plymouth Argyle, Southampton and Yeovil Town defender led the club’s first team through two covid-19 affected seasons, before finally completing his first full term in charge for the 2021-22 campaign.
The following year, 2022-23, Paul led City back to National League South level and in the side’s most recent season, secured survival at Step Two, despite a challenging end of term schedule.
Everyone connected with Truro City thanks Paul for his time spent in charge of the football club and we wish him well in his future endeavours.
The process of replacing Paul is now well underway.
And prospective candidates are invited to apply for the role of first team manager in this, an exciting chapter in the club’s history as it returns to Cornwall, in a new stadium within the Langarth village development.
For more information on the first team manager’s role and to apply, candidates are advised to send applications to the club’s football consultant Alex Black, via email – ablack@trurocity.co.uk
This is how fans reacted as Torquay appoint the ex-Plymouth, Southampton, Oxford, Yeovil player and Truro manager…
@FTM1042: So delighted for Torquay United as a football club & more importantly for the fans that your club is now on the up. Neil Warnock advising the board is a huge signing. his huge experience & wealth of knowledge in football is outstanding. Future for Torquay is good.
@JamieD_STFC: Really hope this is Torquay’s rise back to the EFL🙏🏻 so happy to see Torquay back on good terms!
@pj_perkins: Welcome Paul, Neil and all of the Bryn Consortium. Exciting times ahead!!! 💛💙
@barnabynickels: Transparency from day one (revealing contract length). Novel! Well done Bryn Board.
@alanjwills: Welcome Paul, and welcome back Neil !! #TUFC #NewEra #COYY
@Gidge25: Fantastic apportionment and gutted to lose him at Truro, go well Paul 🐯
@TUFCbrad: Welcome Paul 👏💛
@jjrrbb25: Geddon Wottsy you legend
@tcthept: Awesome new Woots, best of luck from #saintsfc
@slay1373: I do hope the fans really get behind the consortium, do not expect miracles from day one, this is a rebuild and will take time. As an expat overseas, I will do what I can, but local supporters, get your season tickets early as this will show them you are behind them.
@DJ3001_: Fucking hell 😳
@jordan__ian: Welcome to the Yellow Army Paul Wotton 💛⚽️
@J_GRANT1109: Lovely stuff! Three Year Deal 🔥
@LukeWitten2: Welcome to Torquay United Paul. Let’s get this season started 💛💙
@RachelVillavox: Up the Gulls! 💪💛💙
@TheFootyScout2: Right appointment to be honest – up and coming manager who can prove his worth this season – I still think its tough and unrealistic to say they will challenge for title but I think they will be in and around the playoffs
@Tufc_Ultra: Time to get behind the new manager, if he needs a scout I can be available #tufc
@berwynfinlay: Really disappointed he’s left, have known for a while. But massive thank you to Paul Wotton for what he’s done for Truro since becoming manager in very difficult circumstances at times. Hopefully we appoint a good replacement and we will move on.
@Yidcradle2grave: Thanks Paul for getting Truro back where they belong all the best at Torquay 👊 @TCFC_Official go & give @jakeyash whatever he wants only one man can lead the club back into its new home & a new era 😍
@LeeLeebeeme: Jimmy Dean might be a shout? Just left Scunthorpe.
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