Guess Who’s Back?

In another twist at Torquay United, former chairman Mike Bateson has replaced Keith Richardson at the helm at Plainmoor.

The announcement was made on Wednesday with Bateson back as chairman of the Gulls.

Keith Richardson had been in that role for just 10 days before being told to resign by Torquay’s London Director Roy Ruddock who has admitted that the plan the bring Bateson back has been going on for some time now.

Richardson said he was shocked that he was told to leave after holding a Fans’ Forum on Monday saying he was in it for the long term.

Bateson has already appointed his wife Sue as a director with his daughter Debbie Hancox appointed managing director. Mervyn Benney, Ian Hayman and Brian Palk have all been reappointed to the board.

Bateson told the club’s official website: ‘I would like to thank Keith Richardson for stepping in during Torquay United’s hour of need and hope to welcome Mr Richardson back to Plainmoor in the near future as my guest.

‘I would like to make clear that my number one priority is League survival. My number two priority is to financially stabilise Torquay United, this will undoubtedly involve my injecting of funds which I will readily do.’

The merry-go-round continues.