Ben Seymour aims to fire Torquay United to promotion

Torquay United new striker signing Ben Seymour had no doubts about making the move back to Devon – and is aiming to fire the Gulls to promotion.

The former Exeter City academy graduate arrives at Plainmoor following a successful season at fellow National League South side Hampton & Richmond, where the 25-year-old scored 15 goals in 40 appearances last time out.

It was at the Beveree Stadium that Ben enjoyed his best season to date, with the forward being named as the National League South Player of the Month last October. His continued good form played a large part in his side’s continued promotion push, however after missing out on the 2023/24 play-offs, Seymour has now opted for a return back to Devon as a member of Paul Wotton’s exciting new Gulls squad.

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“I am delighted with the move,” he told Torquay United’s official website. “When I heard about the interest, I didn’t have to think twice about it and getting it done because this is the place where I wanted to come. Coming to Torquay is really nice, and I am looking forward to it.”

Seymour made his debut for the Grecians in 2019, and in total made 71 appearances for the Devon rivals, 50 of them in the league, but only scored three times. He gained further first-team experience during loan stints with the likes of Weston-super-Mare, Yeovil Town and Bath City, and then spent a year at Plymouth Parkway, before a move to Hampton really saw his career take off.

“Things didn’t work at Exeter,” he admitted. “But when Mel (Gwinnett) got involved at Hampton it made sense and playing with a manager who knew me made me fall back in love with football and I really enjoyed myself.

“I know Wotts from Parkway and when he was Truro manager so I am really excited to play under him. The way he plays aligns with me, so I am really excited. I am energetic, love running in behind, and scoring goals, and hope to do something special this season.

“Promotion is 100 per cent the ambition. It is something we are really looking at this season, not just to take part but to have a real say and we can have a real good go and I cannot wait.”

Seymour isn’t the only player arriving from Hampton & Richmond Borough at Plainmoor, as defender Sam Dreyer has also made the move. The 20-year-old, who was on loan from Peterborough United, has joined on a two-year deal, with Seymour saying that he suggested him to Wotton as a player to bring to the Gulls.

On the same day that Seymour signed, it was confirmed striker Brad Ash had extended his stay at Plainmoor, after signing a new one-year contract with the Gulls. Ash initially arrived at Plainmoor last May and has built an enviable record as a regular scorer at National League South level thanks to successful stints with the likes of Weymouth, Chippenham Town and Weston-Super-Mare amongst others. The 28 year-old frontman bagged 14 goals in 42 starts last term.