Pre FA Cup Round Up

Ahead of this weekend’s fourth qualifying round tie against Basingstoke as Torquay hope to put themselves into the first round proper, here’s a little round up of the latest news coming out of Plainmoor.

First up is the news that we have signed Ben Gerring on non contract terms.

The defender figured as a trialist in our recent Devon FA Senior Select XI tie, and the 24 year old has been training with us since then and has impressed player manager Kevin Nicholson enough for non contract terms to be offered so we can continue running our eye over him.

Having come through the youth ranks of Plymouth Argyle, he has spent time with Weymouth, Kettering Town, Cambridge City, Truro Cuty, Bideford and Hayes and Yeading – who he most recently played for.

He comes in eligible to play a part this weekend in the FA Cup game if selected.

Speaking to the Official Site after penning the deal, the player explained that he welcomed the opportunity we had given him and he was determined to take it.

‘This is a massive opportunity for me. It`s perfect timing and a real chance for me to show what I can do. I`ve watched Torquay United since I was a young boy; I`ve seen it go through highs and lows and I know exactly how much this club means to local people. I will bring heart and passion as I look to earn a contract here. I have a no-nonsense style of play and I will be giving it my all and then see where it takes me. If I don`t get offered anything, it certainly won`t be for the want of trying.’

With Robbie Herrera back at the club now as assistant manager, Nicholson also talked about how he had slotted back into life at the club and it was like he’d never been away.

‘Both Robbie and I have said this week that it’s as if we’ve never been away from the club. He’s settled back in really well and has already started to make an impact. It’s nice to have his experience alongside me. That second opinion is always helpful because its not necessarily healthy to do things all your own way; you need to be told if you’re doing something not quite right. The players have responded to Robbie in a very positive way and it’s brilliant for me to have him as back-up.’

With the Basingstoke game up next, the gaffer will be in the dug out for the first time because he’s cup tied.

‘It will be strange not being out there on the pitch. It’s an opportunity for someone else to come in and stake their claims. I’ll have to fight to win my place back if they do well. We’ve prepared well for the game and the players will go out there ready and focussed on getting the win, as we do in every game regardless of the opposition.’

James Hurst is also suspended for the game.

With our turn in form matching Tyrone Marsh’s form with the 21 year old finding the net in each of the last two games, he was speaking ahead of the game and said his confidence was growing with every run out now, so he was obviously looking to kick on.

‘My confidence is building all of the time. I just want to be playing regularly so that I can show what I can do. I`m enjoying my football and all I can do is continue to work hard and take my chance. The new Gaffer has come in and is doing a good job. Training is enjoyable and my initial impressions of Robbie Herrera are very favourable. There`s also a good spirit amongst the players; the lads are united and we really feel that things are moving in the right direction. To have taken five points out of the last three games is something for us to really build upon.’

As for the FA Cup game itself, he said it would be a nice distraction from National League action and the aim was obviously to qualify through to the next phrase.

‘The FA Cup is a big competition to be involved in. The rewards are there both from a playing and financial point of view if we can progress. To play in the FA Cup is good experience for everyone; I remember a couple of years ago I played for Oxford in a 2-2 draw at Charlton in the third round. These are the kind of games you want to be involved in. It`s going to be a tough test for us on Saturday. We certainly won`t go there and under-estimate Basingstoke; we`ll give them the respect that they deserve but we will be focussed on doing our job. Our aim is to be in Monday evening`s first round draw.’

Finally, the BBC are reporting that Port Vale’s French striker Achille Campion is now training with us ahead of a potential loan move.

The 25 year old has not featured for Vale in League One this season and he’s out of contract come the summer, and since joining them in September last season he has only made 12 appearances with a return of one goal.