TT BLOG

Joe Uglow – @joe_ugs

Joe delves into his first transfer speculation piece of 2026!

Jimmy Ball is ready to shake up the Torquay United squad and make us a tougher proposition for 2026/27, let’s have a look at some players who could be on his radar in the coming weeks!

ASHLEY CLARKE

Having spent two successive seasons on loan at Jimmy Ball’s Totton, a move to a full time side going for a league title may appeal to Bournemouth, when selecting where to send Clarke on his next loan. A pacy winger/striker, Clarke gave Sam Dreyer a torrid time in December when we visited the Snows Stadium. With Jordan Young hinting at a potential move away, Clarke would be an ideal replacement on the right wing.

STATS – POSITION: WINGER – DOB: 26/09/05 – NLS STATS 25/26: APPEARANCES 41, GOALS 10, ASSISTS 8, YELLOW/RED CARDS 10/1

ISIAH NOEL-WILLIAMS

The first of two Tudors who really impressed me when they came to Plainmoor in April. Big, strong and full of energy, the son of Gifton Noel-Williams was integral to everything good about Hemel’s performance that day. It was he who played the lovely through ball with the outside of his foot for the first goal and he was a constant thorn in our side on the counter break.

I’m sure Lee Allinson will be looking to take him with him to Dagenham so we may have competition, but I’d love to see Noel-Williams make his way down to TQ1.

STATS – POSITION: MIDFIELDER – DOB: 06/01/03 – NLS STATS 25/26: APPEARANCES 35, GOALS 8, ASSISTS 2, YELLOW/RED CARDS 5/1

KYLE AJAYI

This certainly wouldn’t have been a name I’d have suggested 12 months ago, which probably indicates how fickle football fans can be. Ajayi got dominated by Cody Cooke in the last game of the 24/25 season, but a season later, he returned to Plainmoor in April, looking every bit the commanding centre half that I feel we have missed this season. He kept Deon Moore relatively quiet and had an answer for pretty much most of what we threw at Hemel that day. Hemel’s captain as well, I think he would bring with him the necessary leadership that Jimmy Ball felt we were lacking this season, and perhaps the temptation of playing in front of 3000+ at Plainmoor may prise him away from Hemel.

STATS – POSITION: CENTRE BACK – DOB: 17/06/00 – NLS STATS 25/26: APPEARANCES 38, GOALS 3, ASSISTS 3, YELLOW/RED CARDS 9/1

BEN PURRINGTON

The Exeter based Left Back/Left sided Centre Back, leaves Cambridge this summer after helping them to a League Two promotion. Location may finally be in our favour with this move, as sources close to Ben indicate he wishes to return to Devon.

That leaves him a choice of Exeter City, Yeovil Town or us, unless he fancies the slightly longer commutes to Newport or Swindon.

At 29 he would fit the bill in terms of experience and leadership that Jimmy Ball will surely be looking to bring to the club, and could slot in as first choice left back, or perhaps left sided centre back if Sam Dreyer opts to move on. Over 250 league appearances would mean this would be hell of a coup for the club, and you can’t help but think that this potential move may have hinged on whether we were promoted or not.

STATS – POSITION: LEFT BACK/CENTRE BACK – DOB: 20/05/96 – L2 STATS 25/26: APPEARANCES 34, GOALS 0, ASSISTS 2, YELLOW/RED CARD 4/0

TYLER CORDNER

Released by York City, Tyler Cordner spent last season at AFC Totton under Jimmy Ball where he was pretty much ever present. At 27 he’s the right age to come in and bring some experience and leadership to the defence, and challenge both Dyer & Dreyer for a starting place.

Cordner enjoyed a really successful spell at Aldershot a few seasons ago when he picked up their Player of the Season award after scoring nine goals from defence, this prompted York City to splash out a six figure fee for him. Now a free agent, Jimmy could identify Cordner as the man to come in and lead his defence, especially if Sam Dreyer moves on for a fee.

STATS – POSITION: CENTRE BACK – DOB: 04/12/98 – NLS STATS 25/26: APPEARANCES 43, GOALS 2, ASSISTS 2, YELLOW/RED CARDS 7/0