Former Aberdeen boss Neil Warnock back in football with surprise move to old flame

“We are delighted Neil is joining the board,” said Michael Westcott, co-chairman of the Bryn Consortium. “He brings an unrivalled wealth of football knowledge and experience to Torquay United as we look to rebuild. There is a strong chemistry and mutual respect between Neil and Paul and we are excited about their approach to building a squad and the uncompromising brand of football they want our team to play.”

Warnock has managed 17 clubs in a 44-year career on the touchline, with his last job being a five-week spell in charge of Aberdeen in February and March earlier this year. The 75-year-old, who managed Torquay in 1993, has won a record eight promotions in English football and managed 1,626 games.

Former Plymouth captain and assistant manager Wotton joins Torquay from Truro. Wotton, who also played for Southampton, Oxford and Yeovil, spent five seasons at the Cornish club and took them into the National League South. Torquay finished 18th in same division this season, avoiding a second-successive relegation following their demotion from the fifth-tier of English football last term.

In-coming Torquay co-chairman Mark Bowes-Cavanagh said: “Following a meticulous search, the consortium board agreed that Paul’s credentials and vision were most closely aligned with our own and he will arrive at Plainmoor as part of a restructuring of the football set up at the club.”