TT BLOG

Clive Hayward – @Byehorse

Clive blogs about Paul Wotton’s latest presser

As the rain lashed down at Plainmoor, we assembled for Paul Wotton’s first press conference of 2026. He was in a very positive mood as he looked forward to the remaining months of the season: 22 league games which will surely shape how his reign at Plainmoor is seen in years to come.

Injuries & Availability

Everybody is fit, including big summer signing Matt Worthington.

“For the first time since the first day of pre-season, we’ve got good numbers so we can do better sessions, more in depth work, so it’s been really good.”

On Worthington:

“He’s a leader, a top player. He’s played above this level. He’s won the league. He brings quality….I’m absolutely thrilled he’s available for selection.”

Nashe Sundire is now training again, and although not yet match fit he may be able to return sooner rather than later.

On Kieran Wilson:

Wotton confirmed that he would like to extend the Exeter player’s loan, which expires on Monday:

“I would love to keep him. He’s got a physicality. He’s probably not played as many minutes as he would have liked, but he trains great, he’s a good lad, a funny lad, a great character to have around the place. He brings a versatility as well, he can play 2 or 3 positions. I think there’s a lot more to come from him.”

Dover Postponement

Paul described the late postponement on Saturday as “very frustrating” and the communication as “poor”. He expressed sympathy for travelling fans who had spent hard earned cash just after Christmas. He agreed that the game could and should have been called off earlier:

“I’m no Michael Fish but I know that if the temperature doesn’t get above zero it’s not going to thaw out, is it?”

Well said.

Hampton & Richmond

Paul described the Beavers’ new manager Alan Dowson as hugely experienced, and pointed out that he has been able to make a couple of seasoned additions to his squad. Dowson is of course no stranger to Torquay fans. The 55-year-old Gateshead native is back in the game after some ups and downs at Dartford, Hemel and Aldershot following his starring role in Woking’s title race tussle with the Yellows in 2018/19.

The Title Race

Concluding his preview of the Hampton game, the Manager widened his answer out:

“With 22 games to go, it’s all about Torquay United, and what we do in every single game. We will have a right go at it and hopefully get to where we want to get to.”

“If you’re in the top four on New Years Day you are in the title race.”

Dorking’s point at Tonbridge last Saturday has seen them push Torquay down into fifth place, and we sit 6 points adrift of table toppers Worthing (who have been in great form but had to rely on a late equaliser to get a point at home to lowly Chippenham).

After the boss had a discussion with Dave Thomas about our disappointing performance and result at Bath, I asked him if he definitely feels Torquay are realistic title contenders?

Paul’s answer showed frustration, and it was emphatic:

“How could we not be? How could we not be? Do you not think we are?”

“You’re asking Paul Wotton the Manager of Torquay United do I think Torquay United are in the title race? One thousand million trillion percent we’re in the title race. Anyone who doesn’t think so: strange, very strange.”

Assessment of Other Contenders

Wotton singled out Worthing and Hornchurch as being the best of the bunch.

· On Worthing: “Very, very good.”

· On Hornchurch: “We were fantastic but they were very well organised. Good manager, experienced players. Men aren’t they.”

He also paid tribute to Weston-super-Mare’s defensive organisation and said that our defeat at Dorking was down to him. With searing honesty, he said that: “I messed up badly at Dorking. It was my fault.”