Tomlinson Looking Ahead To 2023/24

After agreeing terms to remain on board for 2023/24, defender Ollie Tomlinson is looking forward to the forthcoming season, his second with the Club.

Centre-back Tomlinson arrived at Plainmoor during the pre-season of 2022/23. Tomlinson made 8 appearances last time out for United, before spending time out on loan in the National League South at Taunton Town, preceding a 12 game stint with Chippenham Town, where the defender scored 1 goal, helping the side end the season with 7 victories out of their final 12 fixtures.

The 21-year-old made 7 first team appearances for fellow Devon side Plymouth Argyle before going on to gain further senior experience at Barnstaple and Truro City before the former Argyle man was brought in by Gary Johnson last summer.

In a 2022/23 campaign which saw the United youngster gain valuable match experience out on loan, whilst continuing to work with United Manager Gary Johnson and his coaching staff, Tomlinson is delighted to have extended his stay at Plainmoor.

“I’m really happy to have signed a new deal with Torquay as it’s a place I feel I can develop and push forward as a player and help them get straight back up where they belong,” began Ollie.

“I wanted to extend my stay here as I really enjoyed working with all the players and staff this past year, and am sure that this year will be an exciting time to be a Torquay player.

“This year has helped me develop massively, gaining more experience and game understanding, not only with my time with the Torquay squad, but also on my time out on loan.

“Playing under the Gaffer and Downesy has been great, they both have an unbelievable amount of experience and knowledge of the game that I feel massively benefits me as a player.”

With United set to line-up in the National League South for the upcoming campaign, Ollie is hoping his experience and knowledge having played in the same league last time out can help him with the season ahead, but the defender is wary of the challenges teams in the league can pose.

“I played a good amount of games in this league towards the end of the season, I feel that this will give me a good idea of the sort of teams and playing styles we will come up against.

“This division has a very high standard of football, there are many different styles of play and every single game is tough and competitive,” explained Ollie.

Looking ahead to 2023/24, Ollie is keen to earn his place in the squad, but also has his mind set on helping United bounce straight back up into the National League at the same time.

“My goals for this season are to earn and solidify myself in this squad, and ultimately help the team to go straight back up.

“I mentioned this a few times, but I am confident that this squad will be able to have a great season and have the best chance of going straight back up,” said Ollie.