NEW GULL PROFILE

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom talks about the newest Gull

He’s back! And he’s shinier than ever! The possible signing of Callum Dolan has been mentioned around Yellow Army circles for a few weeks now, initially I was sceptical but as the rumours gathered momentum it did indeed feel like we might see the skilful playmaker again. And so it happened, fresh from travelling in Indonesia, Callum was ready to join Torquay United for 2025-26. Let’s discuss our latest signing…

CAREER SUMMARY

Callum started off in football at the Manchester United Youth Academy, spending several years with the Red Devils before being released in 2017. He then spent some time at Blackburn Rovers and Bury, but eventually dropped down into non league to gain experience of first team football with Stockport Town, gaining a strong reputation there that attracted the attention of Altrincham. In 2019 Oldham Athletic handed Dolan his first professional contract, but due to time spent in a young offender institution (driving offences), his contract with the Latics was terminated within months. Dolan then bounced around a few non league teams, finding success at Warrington Rylands in the Northern Prem League Division 1 between 2021-23, with 21 goals in 50 games. League 1 Fleetwood Town noticed his exploits and handed him a 2 & a half year deal in January 2023. With Dolan needing game time after injury, he was loaned to Torquay by Lee Johnson in October 23, making a big impression during his 6 games with the club. His next loan move was to Oldham at the start of the 2024/25 season, but he struggled to make an impact with some injuries hampering his time at Boundary Park. He then finished the season on loan at Altrincham. Dolan was released by Fleetwood this year, and joins United on a 1 year deal, no doubt eager to fulfil his promise at the age of 24.

HIGHLIGHTS

November 2023 – Goal versus Yeovil Town

November 2023 – Goal versus Eastbourne

Two similar jinking moves and two fantastic right foot finishes from the midfielder, who briefly brightened up our lives at Plainmoor between October-November 2023. It was clear how much he enjoys getting on the ball and making things happen, and that’s an exciting prospect for Gulls fans heading into 2025/26.

DOLAN CHAT

Callum Dolan on X – “Let’s get this unbelievable football club back where it belongs”

DOLAN STATS

DATE OF BIRTH: 29TH SEPTEMBER 2000 – 24 YEARS-OLD

BIRTHPLACE: OFFERTON

HEIGHT: 1.81M

POSITION: MIDFIELD

PREVIOUS CLUBS: MANCHESTER UNITED, BLACKBURN, BURY, STOCKPORT TOWN, ALTRINCHAM, OLDHAM, ASHTON, RADCLIFFE, MATLOCK, WARRINGTON RYLANDS, FLEETWOOD TOWN

NL 24-25 STATS: APPEARANCES 12, GOALS 0, YELLOW/RED CARDS 1/0

MOST LIKELY/LEAST LIKELY

Most Likely To

Plead for the ball outside the area and bang a powerful shot towards goal.
Enjoy playing alongside the likes of Jordan Young and Matt Jay, intelligent players who could dovetail nicely if all goes to plan…
Be motivated to have a big season at Plainmoor after some frustrating years at Fleetwood Town.

Least Likely To

Shy away from a chance to take a free kick or shot from outside the box.
Compare the present day Torquay United unfavourably to his first spell in 2023.

CONCLUSION

Callum Dolan was a fun player to have around during his first spell at Plainmoor, he plays with freedom and isn’t afraid to try things, so the signing is very welcome indeed. Concerns? Well injuries have been the main issue for Dolan in recent times, so it’s important he has a proper pre-season with Paul Wotton that hopefully sets him up for a successful year. Wotton did well to keep his squad fit during 24/25, and unlike Gary Johnson, appears to understand how to manage his players throughout a long schedule. It’ll be interesting to see how PW wants to fit Dolan into the Torquay team, the midfielder certainly wants be progressive and get forward, but will have to put a shift in defensively as well. Finding cohesion with the likes of Jay, Young, Dennis and Cooke would spell big trouble for the rest of the NLS that’s for sure, and his right foot will no doubt be troubling goalkeepers from all angles come early August. United’s squad just gained an extra spark, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action. Good luck Callum!