Club statement after Plymouth Argyle legend appointed as Torquay United manager

Before taking on the role of coach at Plymouth Argyle, Wotton spent 21 years as the captain of both Southampton and Plymouth Argyle. Notwithstanding operating with a smaller budget than other teams in the division, Wotton, 46, retained part-time Truro in the National League South last season, the same division as full-time Torquay.

Even though the sale is contingent upon “creditor approval,” the consortium moved swiftly to choose Wotton to work with Neil Warnock, who the team has stated will serve as a “football advisor” on the board.

Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, the new co-chairman, stated, “After a thorough search, the consortium board decided that Paul’s credentials and vision were most closely aligned with our own and he will arrive at Plainmoor as part of a restructuring of the football set up at the Club.”

Following creditor acceptance of the CVA, the announcement stated that “Wotton has signed an initial three-year contract and will formally take up his post once the Bryn Consortium assumes day-to-day operations of Torquay United.”

“Neil Warnock has managed sixteen teams, ranging from Premier League to non-League, including a tenure at Torquay United in 1993 that prevented the Gulls from going down to the lower leagues. Warnock has the record for both the most games played (1,626 in total) and the most promotions (8).

Westcott, the leader of the consortium and the other co-chairman, stated: “We are thrilled that Neil is joining the board. As Torquay United looks to rebuild, he adds an unparalleled depth of football expertise and experience to the team. Neil and Paul get along well and have a lot of respect for one another. We are enthusiastic about their approach to team building and the demanding style of football they want our team to play.

Over the weekend, Wotton, 46, emerged as the front-runner to become manager. Before taking a coaching position at Home Park, Wotton spent 21 years as a defender for both Plymouth Argyle and Southampton. In 2019, he was appointed manager of Truro, and he led the Cornish team to promotion to the National South by leading them to the Southern League Premier Division South play-offs in 2023.

Eric Perez, the owner of the Cornwall Rugby League, acquired Truro in 2023 as well, and Wotton inked a new, “multi-year” contract.

Even though Truro’s final home games were at Gloucester City, 200 miles away from the Cornish city, last season he kept the team in the National South on a budget much smaller than most of the teams in the division, with plans to return to the Duchy the following season.

Both Truro and Torquay faced the possibility of being demoted to the Southern League in the final weeks of the season, but Aaron Downes and Wotton saved both teams. It was announced shortly before Wotton’s arrival that Downes would be departing the team.

Truro, who had been ground-sharing with clubs outside of Cornwall for a few years, will have been devastated to hear the news. They were hoping to play in Cornwall again the next season. However, the club said in a statement that they were satisfied with the “financial settlement” reached with the Bryn Consortium.

The statement said, “A suitable compensation package for Paul’s services has been agreed upon with Torquay United.” After being appointed in July 2019, Paul had been in control of City for over five years, during which time the team had been demoted to the Southern League Premier division.

Before wrapping up his first full time in charge for the 2021–22 season, Paul guided the club’s first team through two seasons that were impacted by COVID-19.

In spite of a difficult end-of-term schedule, Paul guided City back to the National League South the next year, 2022–2023, and in the team’s most recent campaign, they managed to survive at Step 2.

“Everyone associated with Truro City expresses gratitude to Paul for his leadership of the football team during that time and extends best wishes for his future aspirations. Paul’s replacement is currently well under way.

Additionally, the Consortium announced that Neil Warnock will take on the role as Football Advisor on the impending new Plainmoor Board.

Neil Warnock has managed sixteen teams in the Premier League and the Non-League, including a stint in 1993 at Torquay United that prevented the Gulls from going down to the Second Division. With eight promotions, Warnock holds the record for both the most games and the most promotions with 1,626.

“We are thrilled to have Neil join the board. As Torquay United looks to rebuild, he adds an unparalleled depth of football expertise and experience to the team. Michael Westcott, Co-Chairman of the Bryn Consortium, said, “We are excited about Neil and Paul’s approach to building a squad and the uncompromising brand of football they want our team to play. There is a strong chemistry and mutual respect between Neil and Paul.”

Additionally, Torquay United can report that Aaron Downes, the Interim Manager who led United’s first team through the final thirteen games of the 2023–24 season, has departed the organisation.

According to a statement from the team, “Aaron Downes has been a loyal servant to Torquay United AFC, in trying and difficult circumstances.” We are incredibly grateful to him for his work with the team and for keeping us in the National League South.

“We send him go with our best wishes and hope he has the best possible future. Needless to say, he will always be extremely welcome to return to Plainmoor.