OPPOSITION FOCUS | Torquay United (H)

Written by Ollie Heathcote

The Key Info

Founded: 1899

Nickname: The Gulls

Manager: Paul Wotton

Stadium: Plainmoor

Capacity: 6500

The History

Founded in 1899, Torquay United celebrated their 125th anniversary this season, with an impressive record of history attached to the club. Starting out in the local East Devon League, Torquay would achieve immediate success, winning other divisions including the Torquay & District League as well as the Plymouth & West Devon League. In 1927, the Gulls were admitted into the Football League, where they would spend their time between the Third and Fourth Divisions. Numerous promotions and relegations happened between their admittance before the new millennium, with the Gulls achieving promotion to League One in the 2003/04 season. However, celebrations were short-lived as they spent one season as a League One club, before relegation from the Football League was confirmed in 2007.

They did eventually bounce back to League Two in 2009, spending five seasons before relegation back to the National League was confirmed for a second time. Torquay have been a part of the National League South previously, spending just a season before their promotion back to Step One of the Non-League pyramid. After a tough period of administration, the club has found itself back on track and eye promotion after narrowly missing out through the playoffs last season.

The Manager: Paul Wotton

After being appointed manager of Torquay United at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Paul Wotton had an impressive first season as Torquay manager, leading the Gulls to a 2nd placed finish. Having spent most of his playing career at clubs on the South Coast including Plymouth, Southampton and Yeovil, this is only Wotton’s second club that he has managed. After a lengthy spell at Truro City, Wotton took the role at the Gulls and has since instilled a feeling of togetherness in the club, as they strive to achieve promotion.

The Skipper: Matt Worthington

Ahead of the 2025/26 season, the Gulls named Matt Worthington as their club captain. Operating in the centre of midfield, Worthington progressed through the youth setup at AFC Bournemouth as he earned his first taste of senior football at Yeovil Town. A season on loan at Forest Green Rovers soon followed before a return to the Glovers on a permanent deal started a 6 year tenure. After leaving to join Oldham Athletic, Worthington found minutes hard to come by as the end of the season came, making the move to Torquay United.

Last 5 Games:

HOME WIN 3-2 vs Dover Athletic

AWAY LOSS 2-1 Horsham FC

HOME WIN 3-1 vs AFC Totton

AWAY DRAW 1-1 Maidstone United

HOME WIN 3-1 Enfield Town FC

Ones to Watch: 

Name: Matt Jay

Joined: January 2025

Position: Attacking Midfielder

After breaking through the Exeter City youth system, Jay was immediately sent on loan to Weston-Super-Mare, where he earned himself a first taste of non-league football. Further loan spells at Hayes & Yeading and Truro CIty saw Jay eventually break into the first team, making 206 appearances in all competitions. His next move saw Jay move to Colchester, where he was involved within the first team, but only spent two years before moving to the Gulls in the January transfer window. Matt Jay, alongside Cody Cooke were two key acquisitions last season, as they helped the Gulls to a second placed finish.

Name: Cody Cooke

Joined: July 2024

Position: Striker

With there being just a matter of months between the last time these two teams played each other, the name Cody Cooke was prominent on the scoresheet as he earned a hat trick at the Focus Community Arena. Leading the line for the Gulls, the talisman helped himself to 19 goals and 5 assists, as the frontline grew stronger as last season went on. The former Bath City player has made himself an established goal scorer in this division, as he has posted consistent numbers over the seasons he has played at the level. He will be a key area to focus on for the Tudors’ defence.

Name: Jordan Young

Joined: October 2024

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Alongside a Cody Cooke hat trick in the last outing between the two teams, Jordan Young also saw his name on the scoresheet. Since the start of the season, Young has been quick to show his impact, currently averaging a goal contribution every game. The attacking midfielder has been part of the fluid attacking force of Torquay United, which was key to their final league position last season. With 10 goals and 10 assists registered last season, Young will look to better these numbers in this campaign.