Having agreed terms for 2023/24, United goalkeeper Rhys Lovett is now looking forward to the challenge ahead next season.
Rhys’ arrival at Plainmoor last summer saw the Birmingham-born shot-stopper link-up with manager Gary Johnson once again, with United’s boss having given him his senior debut during their time together at Cheltenham Town nearly six years ago.
After making eight appearances last season, it’s clear that the Gaffer’s faith in Lovett played a large part in his ambitions to remain at the Club.
“I’m very happy, a big part was the Gaffer,” said Rhys.
“I’ve been with him for three years previously at my first club, he gave me my first opportunity and he’s done the same here. I’m very grateful and thankful for a quality manager who believes in me. Both Gaffer and Downesy have high demands from everyone on a Saturday – and importantly during training – which is good because everyone needs to pull their weight if we all want to achieve the target set out, which I know we can.”
That target is undisputed, with many of his teammates already testifying that promotion is The Gulls’ solitary aim next term. With Lovett having recent experience of playing at National League South level with Billericay prior to signing for Torquay, a word of caution does accompany that ambition though.
“I think it’s not a standard to underestimate but one that will definitely push us in the right direction.
“There’s a lot of strong teams going towards the same end goal, but with that being said, it’s a league we can come into and hopefully begin to dominate. It will be about using each game and learning from any mistakes made to better ourselves as we progress throughout the season.”
With fellow goalkeeper Mark Halstead and Goalkeeping Coach Ken Griffiths also on board for 2023/24, Rhys is looking forward to continuing that working relationship, and pushing himself and the team onto greater heights in 2023/24.
“Our relationship is a very good one. I think it’s important to have a good, healthy relationship as a goalkeeper, because it’s the most important position on the pitch.
“You need all of us being one hundred percent, and that’s what we’ve got. We’re a tight union so I’m looking forward to working with them again.
“My goal every season is to be the best goalkeeper I can be. I’ve been working really hard during off-season to get myself even fitter and stronger ready for pre-season. I know what I am capable of as a goalkeeper. I did well in the National League South with Billericay but sustained an injury, so I’m excited to be back and fight for the number one spot, and give it my all.
“I think all of us have the same goal of promotion, and getting back into the National League. If we start strong and gel as a team, there’s no reason that can’t happen.”