Wotton Will Rebuild Gulls His Way As He Targets Success

Paul Wotton says he wants to harness the power of Torquay United's supporters as he plots their way back to former glories.

The Plymouth Argyle legend left Truro City last week to take on the task of improving the Gulls' fortunes after a tough campaign last season.

Next season will be the Gulls' 11th outside of the EFL having been a penalty shootout away from a return in 2021 - losing to Hartlepool United.

Fans will be hoping for a repeat of their National League South title win back in 2019 next time out with Wotton hoping to harness the 'air of optimism' he feels is lingering at the club.

"It's an exciting time - new owner, new manager and it's going to have to be new players," Wotton told the Non-League Paper.

"There's an air of optimism, a feel good factor after a really difficult season last year.

"It goes without saying [promotion] is everyone's ambition, but saying it and doing it are two different things.

"My hope is, first and foremost, to get a team on the pitch that the supporters can be proud of.

"That comes from hard work, a will to win and character. If you are doing those things, what will be will be.

"I think home games are going to be really exciting and we'll be trying to get big crowds in."

Wotton won't be doing it alone. Legendary manager Neil Warnock joins his former player as an advisor to the board.

The 75-year-old's experience coupled with Wotton's successful five-year stint at Truro City could be a recipe for more success.

"Neil is someone I have kept in touch with throughout my career. He's been on the phone for advice and if I had a good result, he would send a message.

"He's a great guy and I've always been close to him. It's brilliant I've got him as a sounding board.

"We [Truro City] were successful and I leave behind a really good football club with some really good players.

"I made some good friends there however, things change in life and this new opportunity came up - I feel it's the right one for me."

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