Torquay United AFC announce the signing of forward Billy Waters, as loan striker Louis Britton returns to Bristol City.
Waters, 26, is no stranger to Gulls boss Gary Johnson, having played an integral role in Cheltenham Town regaining their Football League status, prior to a move to Northampton Town.
Having begun his career at Crewe Alexandra, a successful trial with Town paid huge dividends for both the team and individual, as Waters notched 11 goals as The Robins marched towards the 2015/16 National League title. Billy went on to enjoy an even better season in the division above the following season, with his 16 goals earning him Cheltenham’s Player of the Season award, prior to his move to Northampton later that summer.
Subsequent loan spells at Cambridge United, Cheltenham again and Newport have followed, however United’s boss is now looking forward to seeing the player display his talents in a yellow shirt.
“As ever when I make a signing, I am delighted to welcome Billy Waters, on a short-term deal at the moment. Obviously I know Billy very well, as he was part of my team that got promoted out of the National League,” began Johnson.
“I’m delighted to have got him in. He won’t be match fit at this moment in time, but we’ll be working with him over the coming weeks, and I’m sure it won’t be long before we include him in the matchday squad.
“He’s a very hard working, energetic striker who gives us another dimension to what we already have. He knows Wrighty well, they had a good partnership, he knows Asa, and he knows Jake.
“If I am bringing someone in now, it’s because I know them well. You haven’t got time to teach somebody our game, and Billy will obviously know it inside out.”
The player himself is equally excited at renewing the most successful partnership of his career to date.
“I’m delighted to be here, I’m just raring to go and get back playing,” said Waters.
“Training and kicking a ball again has been class, I’m really happy to be here. I knew the gaffer from before so I knew he’d have a changing room full of good lads, and they’ve all been very welcoming.
“Obviously I’ve played with a few of them before, so that’s helped. They seem like a top group, definitely.
“At the moment, I’m just taking it day by day, but the ultimate goal is promotion. You can tell already with the lads that there is quality there to do that, they’ve had a great start, and hopefully I can contribute to that.
“On a personal level, I’m looking to get back playing and scoring goals, as well as running, trying to be a threat always and giving the back four as many problems as I can throughout the whole game.”
Meanwhile, loan striker Britton has returned to Championship side Bristol City after the completion of his one-month loan spell at Plainmoor, which saw him make 5 appearances, and scoring 1 goal.
“I’d like to thank Louis Britton, who has gone back to Bristol following his month’s loan, for his services,” said Johnson.
“He’s a great lad, he’s got a very good future ahead of him, and we wish him well back at Bristol, or wherever he goes next.”