Following a remarkable season of success for United’s Under-18s, goalkeeper Matt Wonnacott has departed Plainmoor after agreeing a move to Championship side Wigan Athletic.
Matt was one of a number of star performers for the youth team last term, as Chris Todd’s U18s secured a domestic treble by winning the South West Counties Youth League, Wotton Printers Devon Youth Cup, and Gary Else Memorial League Cup.
Further proof of the young goalkeeper’s progression came last month, as Wonnacott was named on the substitutes bench by United manager Gary Johnson for the first team clash against Eastleigh at Plainmoor.
Having called him up into the senior ranks, Johnson was therefore disappointed to see him turn down a professional deal at Torquay, in order to pursue his career elsewhere.
“Unfortunately after offering Matt Wonnacott a two-year pro deal, he and his family have decided for him to sign a professional deal with Wigan,” said United’s boss.
“We wish him well, albeit disappointed about his decision. I’d like to thank Chris Todd and Kenny Griffiths, along with our senior goalkeepers Mark and Shaun, for their work that they’ve done with Matty over the last couple of seasons.”
Head of Youth Todd also echoed those thoughts, before joining the Gaffer in paying tribute to all the staff that have played such a key role in his development.
“It does show that we are doing something right, if Championship clubs sign our youth players. We’ve put all our efforts in trying to make him better, and we feel that we’ve done that. It shows the quality of the coaching and the education that players are getting and proves that we are doing a good job within the Club. That’s due to all the staff involved, so it’s a big pat on the back to them really.
“It’s a shame that he’s not signed with Torquay, because that was the pathway, but he is going to a Championship club, and we do wish him well with that.”