Torquay United Co-Chairman Michael Westcott says The Gulls are approaching the new season with ambition, confidence and a determination to let their preparation do the talking.
Speaking to BBC Radio Devon following Friday’s fixture release, Westcott welcomed the opening-day meeting with Horsham at Plainmoor.
“Fixture release day is always a marker,” he said. “Until now, pre-season can feel like training plans, recruitment conversations and lots of work behind the scenes. Once the fixtures come out, the season suddenly has a shape.
“It gives everyone a lift and sharpens the focus around the Club.”
The Gulls began pre-season early and will play eight warm-up matches, with manager Jimmy Ball placing a strong emphasis on fitness, habits and squad togetherness.
“The preparation has been really calm and professional,” said Westcott. “We want to fly a little below the radar. There has been no noise for the sake of it.
“We don’t want to do much talking in July. We want to build habits, build fitness, build relationships within the squad and be ready when the competitive football starts.”
Despite Torquay being widely tipped as promotion contenders, Westcott was quick to reject the favourites label.
“We’re not interested in being called favourites. We’re interested in being ready,” he said.
“We’ve gone close twice now. In our first season we were effectively two goals away, and last season we were three minutes away from promotion.
“We’re getting a bit bored of being the bridesmaid when it comes to promotion! But the serious point is that we know how fine the margins are. You cannot live off near misses — you have to earn the right all over again.”
Westcott also praised Ball’s recruitment, with the manager now working with a 23-man squad assembled to match his vision.
“There is a good balance: ability, character, experience, energy, athleticism, physicality and, importantly, competition for places,” he said.
“You need more than talent in this league. You need players who can handle difficult away games, bad moments, injuries, suspensions, pressure and expectation. We believe Jimmy has built a group with a better balance.”
Westcott finished by highlighting the value of football to the wider community, with Boots & Laces expecting another bumper crowd for England’s World Cup match on Saturday.
“Football gives everybody a lift,” he said. “That applies to the country with England and to our community with Torquay United.
“We are ambitious, we are prepared, and now we are ready to get started.”
