ON THIS DAY

2018 – Ben Wynter is signed by Gary Owers after leaving Hampton & Richmond

Ben Wynter had spells with Bromley and Hampton & Richmond, before being spotted by Gary Owers, who brought him down to Plainmoor in the summer of 2018, as he looked to strengthen for a first ever season in the National League South.

Initially the 20 year old struggled to win over the Yellow Army, and with the team unconvincing and Owers failing to find results, it was a rough time to be at the club. But it wasn’t long until Clarke Osborne decided to let Owers go, and replace him with Gary Johnson, who instantly transformed the fortunes of not just Wynts but the entire club.

Wynter started to develop as a full back, and his consistency was a big plus for a Torquay team that were now chasing the NLS title. Ask anyone to discuss the player and Woking (a) will soon be mentioned. United had clawed themselves to the top of the table, and on a riveting away day, it was the usually unassuming Wynts who stole the show with a blasted late equaliser. The celebrations were joyous and wild, and made for a lovely moment for the defender.

As Torquay moved up to the National League Wynts managed the transition very well, continuing to be a mainstay and even showing his versatility by playing at right centre back when the need arised. Into 2020-21 and with the club chasing promotion, he was on top form, chipping in a few important goals including a late equaliser versus Notts County, and maintaining his defensive consistency alongside the likes of Moxey, Sherring, Lewis and Cameron. In the end United fell short of promotion, but he had more than proven himself in the National League.

Wynts spent one more year at United, helping the side have an excellent second half of the 2021-22 season. It was then somewhat surprising that he didn’t move up to the EFL, joining fellow NL side Barnet, spending two years there before a year with Woking.

Wynts is a model professional who gave us great service during 4 mainly successful years at the club, appearing 160 times and scoring 9 goals. We wish him well for what comes next.