Following the first day of pre-season training at Seale Hayne this morning, Torquay United AFC will be announcing a number of new additions to Gary Johnson’s squad during the course of Thursday evening.
Catch up with the very latest as it unfolds right here, via our live text service!
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18:20 Good Evening, Yellow Army!
After a summer which has seen the rumour mill go into overdrive on social media, United’s loyal supporters have been patiently waiting to see which new additions will be joining up the favourites still at Plainmoor, as Gary Johnson’s side look to launch another promotion bid next term.
Well, Yellow Army, you won’t have to wait much longer…
18:30 Welcome to Plainmoor, Ryan Hanson!
One player who impressed against Gary Johnson’s side during the last campaign is midfielder Ryan Hanson.
The former Crystal Palace youngster went on to make a name for himself as a consistent performer for Hull City’s Under-23 side, and following his release by the League One club, National League side Dover Athletic jumped at the chance to offer Hanson first-team football at his hometown club, following an earlier loan spell during the previous campaign.
The high esteem that Ryan was held in at Dover was no better illustrated than when he was named as the Kent club’s new captain last February, despite being just 21 years of age.
This signing is subject to FA confirmation.
Hanson spoke of his excitement after arriving at Plainmoor.
“When the opportunity came about to sign for Torquay, it was one I jumped at straightaway, seeing how successful the team has been over the last couple of years.
“It’s something I want to be a part of.”
18:43 Ready for another one?
Looking at the reaction on social media, that seemed to go down rather well.
Let’s do it again, shall we?
18:45 Welcome to Plainmoor, Dylan Crowe!
21-year-old Dylan arrives at Plainmoor following his departure from Ipswich Town, where he spent eleven years with the Portman Road club, progressing through youth ranks.
Having gained international honours for England all the way up to Under-18 level, Crowe’s energetic displays at both right-back and in midfield roles saw a number of leading sides – home and abroad – compete for his signature.
After committing his future to the Tractor Boys by signing a three-year professional contract in July 2019, Dylan went on to make his senior bow for the Club in November 2020, playing the full 90 minutes of Town’s EFL Trophy tie against Crawley Town, before following that up with further senior experience during a loan spell at Leiston last term.
“I’m delighted to be here,” began Crowe.
“I spoke to the Gaffer, every player wants to get promoted at some point, and I feel that here is the right place to do it.
“It’s a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get going.”
18:58 We’re not done!
Like buses, you often wait for one signing, and then lo and behold, two turn up at once!
Can we interest you in a third?
19:00 Welcome To Plainmoor, Kieron Evans!
The arrival of Welshman Kieron Evans on loan from Cardiff City is another signing sure to excite the Yellow Army.
Kieron’s status as one of the most promising youngsters at the Championship club has been common knowledge for some time, and after a season that saw the 20-year-old break into City’s first team on six occasions, his lively displays in midfield have only served to further confirm that.
Having finished 2021/22 by helping Linfield FC secure Champions League football, Evans, who is comfortable in a number of different attacking roles, will now be looking to make his mark in the National League for Gary Johnson’s men.
Keiron said that once United’s manager showed his interest, there was only one place he wanted to play next term.
“I spoke to my agent, and as soon as he said ‘Gary Johnson’, obviously I knew him, because he’s a big name in football.
“I came down, saw what it was like, and I didn’t want to go anywhere else then.”
19:11 Come in, signing number 4!
Time for a striker.
19:15 Welcome To Plainmoor, Aaron Jarvis!
24-year-old centre-forward Aaron Jarvis arrives at Plainmoor having spent 2021/22 at League Two side Scunthorpe United.
With his goalscoring exploits for non-league Basingstoke Town prompting Luton Town to pay an undisclosed fee for the 6ft 2in striker back in 2017, Jarvis went on to represent The Hatters in both their League Two and League One promotion successes, as well as leading the line during loan spells as The Gulls’ National League rivals Boreham Wood and Scottish Championship side Falkirk.
After departing Kenilworth Road, another spell in English football’s fifth tier for Sutton sealed a return to the Football League with Scunthorpe, with the striker spending the next two seasons at Glanford Park.
Aaron explained how his new manager’s philosophy played a large part in convincing him to move to Plainmoor.
“I really enjoyed listening to what the Gaffer had to say, the type of players he’s bringing in, and the type of football he wants to play.
“Hopefully it can really suit me. I’m really looking forward to pushing on this season and pushing for promotion, that’s the main goal.”
19:24 One more to come!
To round off a frenetic hour of transfer activity, there’s one more new face we’d like you to meet!
19:30 Welcome To Plainmoor, Brett McGavin!
Our final new signing of the evening is midfielder Brett McGavin!
Brett will be a familiar face to many of United’s ardent travelling supporters, having registered a ‘Goal of the Season’ contender against The Gulls during his loan spell at divisional rivals King’s Lynn Town last season.
A cultured midfielder who progressed through the ranks at Ipswich Town from the age of ten all the way through to the first team squad, 22-year-old McGavin went on to make eleven appearances for the Portman Road club, before gaining further senior experience at Concord Rangers and Ayr United.
With 37 appearances and 3 goals for King’s Lynn last season providing ample evidence of his ability to battle it out in the National League, Brett will no doubt be eagerly anticipating his chance to shine for Gary Johnson’s new-look side next time out.
“I’m 22 now, so this is a chance to kick on,” said McGavin.
“I think it’s a great Club that gives me the chance to do so.
“I think I’m well equipped now to do well for this team, in this league. I always want to get on the ball, I’ll always try to create a goal or score a goal.”
19:42 Two more new faces…
In addition to United’s five new signings announced this evening, manager Gary Johnson has also revealed that two of last season’s hugely successful youth team will be making the step up into the professional ranks for 2022/23.
19:45
Welcome To First Year Professional, Jack Winsor!
Winsor played a pivotal in the Under-18s, success, culminating in be named as the team’s Player of the Season.
The challenge for the young midfielder now is to replicate some of that form for the senior side, and he is clearly looking to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“I’m absolutely buzzing, I’m over the moon,” said a delighted Jack.
“I’ve had my first day at training today, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
“I’m so lucky, and I’ve just got to work hard from now.”
Welcome To First Year Professional, Lewis Brooks!
Brooks also shone for the youth team last season, with his eye for goal catching the eye of many onlookers.
“It’s everything I could dream of really to have a professional contract,” began Lewis.
“It’s a good set-up here so I’m happy, training was tough, but it was nice to see how they all do it, they are all nice lads.
“Now I need to prove my point.”
19:52 The Gaffer speaks…
With a total of seven new additions to his first team squad today, Gulls boss Gary Johnson gave his reaction to a busy day at Plainmoor.
“I’m very, very happy with our business to date. There’s still a bit more business to do, but myself, Downesy and Pete have worked very hard in the summer.
“There’s still two or three to come, that we’ve almost agreed with to come and join us, but the first day showed these boys what we’re about, and they showed us immediately what they’re about.
“Hopefully they will have a good pre-season, and they will show our super fans their ability, but I’m excited, and I can’t wait for us to start the games, so we can showpiece these new lads that we’ve brought in, along with those that already know our game.”
Regarding his two new first-year pros, Johnson had this to say:
“I’m always delighted to take on a couple of young lads. Jack and Lewis were part of a very, very good Under-18s season.
“We’ll still keep an eye on the other boys in that group that are still at South Devon College, but Lewis and Jack have got that opportunity to develop and to enjoy being full-time professionals, and hopefully it’s a successful start to their careers.”
19:57 A summary
Well, that just about wraps up things for tonight, Yellow Army, although you can be assured you’ll be hearing plenty more from our new arrivals over the course of the next few weeks, ahead of the 2022/23 campaign getting underway on Saturday, 6th August.
Before that, United will begin their pre-season campaign with a trip to Buckland Athletic in eight days’ time, on Friday, 8th July (7.30pm KO).