Latest News From Torquay United

Ryan Returns…

RYAN Gilligan has gone back to Northampton Town a week early after suffering a bereavement in his family.

Gilligan’s loan was due to expire next week but United manager Paul Buckle has discussed the matter with Cobblers’ caretaker-boss Malcolm Crosby, and they have decided to terminate the deal early.

Gilligan made five substitute appearances during his three-week spell at Plainmoor.

Manager Paul Buckle said:

Ryan Gilligan has sadly had a bereavement in his family, so we missed him on Tuesday night and he will now stay back in Northampton . The loan runs out after Aldershot next Tuesday and I have spoken to Malcolm, and the boy will be going back. He has done well for us and we wish him well.

Most Improved…

UNITED’S match-day programme has been named the ‘Most Improved’ in League 2 by the Programme Monthly magazine.

These are the only awards judged independently by scrutinizing a programme from every one of the 92 League clubs and ‘Programme Monthly’ is the leading magazine for programme collectors, with a worldwide readership.

Director Mark Boyce commented:

This is great news. Tim Herbert and Darryl Haggan must both be congratulated on developing the programme. Although much information is gained from the internet, we must not underestimate how the match-day programme reflects the image of United within the game. Apart from visiting supporters keen to have a souvenir of their trip to Plainmoor, the majority of visiting players, directors and high profile guests all take one home to read. It is vital that the programme demonstrates that Torquay United are a well organised and progressive football club. I urge the Plainmoor regulars who have not seen one recently to buy one and enjoy the read.

Pringle Signs…

UNITED have signed midfielder Ben Pringle on a one-month loan deal from Derby County.

The 22-year-old joined the Rams in the summer of 2009 after trawling through non-League football as a youngster.

Pringle has been mainly used as a squad player for Derby in the Championship but has shown enough to impress with his versatility across the midfield.

Torquay United Manager Paul Buckle said:

We are very grateful to Derby manager Nigel Clough, who has been brilliant throughout the process. Ben is a left-midfielder and will add strength to our team. We needed to cover a gap after Ryan Gilligan’s return to Northampton. Ben is technically very good and I am delighted to have him on board. Pringle will be available for the visit of Stevenage to Plainmoor on Saturday.