Torquay United

Odds: 40/1

Last Five Seasons
2005/0620 (League Two), 2004/0521 (League One, Relegated), 2003/043 (League Two, Promoted), 2002/039 (League Two), 2001/0219 (League Two).

2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup Third Round (replay) vs Birmingham City (a)lost 2-0.
Carling Cup First Round vs Bournemouth (h)lost 4-3 on penalties with the score at 0-0 after extra time.
Football League Trophy Southern Section First Round vs Swansea (h)lost 3-1.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Tony Bedeau (striker)11 goals.

Players In:
Lee Mansell (Oxford UnitedUndisclosed), Micky Evans (Plymouth ArgyleFree), Lee Thorpe (Swansea CityFree), Lee Andrews (Carlisle UnitedFree), Jamie Ward (Aston VillaFree).

Players Out:
Tony Bedeau (WalsallFree), Jo Kuffour (BrentfordFree), Andy Marriott (Boston UnitedFree).

Torquay staged a great escape last season after relegation looked likely for long periods of the campaign. The Gulls have been boosted by the news that manager Ian Atkins rejected the chance to take over at promoted side Carlisle United, who he managed during the 2000/01 season, committing himself to the Plainmoor outfit.

Atkins has signed a new look forward line for next season, following the departure of strikers Tony Bedeau to Walsall and Jo Kuffour to Brentford on free transfers. Veteran striker Mickey Evans arrived on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle while Lee Thorpe signed a permanent deal with the Gulls after ending last season at the club on loan from Swansea City.

While replacements have been brought in, the departure of Kuffour has caused some controversy. Former Arsenal trainee Kuffour who had been a Torquay player for four seasons, was due to sign a new contract at the club after agreeing terms. However, he decided to link up with former manager Leroy Rosenior and sign a contract with League One outfit Brentford, much to the anger of chairman Mike Bateson.

Torquay have been successful elsewhere in the transfer market this summer and secured the signing of former Aston Villa midfielder Jamie Ward. The 20 year old was also wanted by Stockport County, where he spent a loan spell last season and Wrexham but he signed a three year deal at Plainmoor following his release from Villa Park.

Oxford United midfielder Lee Mansell also arrived for an undisclosed fee. The versatile 23 year old, who can also play at right back, made 51 league and cup appearances for Oxford last season, after joining from Luton Town in the summer of 2005.

Verdict
It is likely to be another tough season for Torquay and new strike pairing Mickey Evans and Lee Thorpe need to gel together and produce quickly. Ian Atkins side should be good enough to avoid the drop.