Torquay United new signings continue with new faces arriving

A new era is certainly underway at Torquay United after only four players from last season were offered new contracts by new manager Paul Wotton.
After the sale of the club officially went through at the end of last week, the National League lifted the transfer embargo that came hand in hand with administration – and Wotton was able to sign players again.
With only one already on board for next season – defender Austen Booth – the club released another of its quirky videos to announce the signing of former Taunton Town and Yeovil Town loanee defender Jay Foulston on Monday, and then a new contract for defender Finley Craske, who was injured for the end of last season. Then came the next reveal on Tuesday lunchtime when former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Oscar Threlkeld, 30, was announced as signing number three. The fourth signing, announced at 5pm, was goalkeeper James Hamon.

With only three more players from last season offered new deals – defenders Dean Moxey and Ollie Tomlinson, and striker Brad Ash – this is destined to be a summer of change for the club.
While some players had already said they were moving on, the list of players not retained – released on Tuesday morning – signalled the end of their time at Torquay for two big names: longest-serving player and former club captain Asa Hall, and injured midfielder Tom Laplsie.
Striker Aaron Jarvis is set to sign for Cheltenham Town, while Lewis Collings and Brett McGavin had also already said they were off.
But also not being offered new deals were Ethon Archer, Kevin Dawson, Mark Halstead, Rhys Lovett, Ross Marshall, Dan Martin, Duane Ofori-Acheampong, Jack Stobbs and Calum Thomas.
Talking about new signings Foulston and Threlkeld, Wotton said: “First and foremost they are both very good characters – and they are both very good football players as well.”
Twenty-three-year-old Welshman Foulston joined Yeovil from Taunton Town last season and was part of the team that won the National South title. So he will be going for two National South titles on the bounce.
Wotton said: “He is someone I have known about for a long time. He is physically excellent, he has got a fantastic left foot and he can play in a couple of different positions.
“I think it is important to sign players that have been successful in their careers – and he has been. That’s an important quality we are looking for.”
Threlkeld, 30, was a youth player at Bolton Wanderers before having two spells with Argyle and then playing for Salford City, Bradford City, Oldham Athletic and Morecambe.
“Oscar is someone I have known for years,” said Wotton. “I have got a brilliant relationship with him.
“When I was assistant manager at Plymouth Argyle we got promoted and he was integral in that team.
“He can play in a multitude of positions but I definitely see him playing in central midfield for us.
He has got tremendous experience and tremendous energy and again, he is such a lovable character.”
Wotton says he has known Finley Craske since he was nine or 10 – with the 21-year-old from Wadebridge in Cornwall coming through the Argyle youth system.
Craske finished last season on the treatment table after a series of injuries in his first season – but Wotton was keen to bring him back.
“He played football with my son and I have known Finley for a long time,” said Wotton. “He is a fantastic football player and a great athlete.
“He was unfortunate last season with injuries but I know him and I know how good he can be and I am really glad he is going to be part of the squad next season.”