Iconic former EFL club plunged into administration after they were hit with 10-point deduction

TORQUAY have been plunged into administration following a 10-point deduction.

The National League South side were hit with the penalty last month after confirming their intention to appoint administrators.

Torquay confirmed on Friday morning they have appointed administrators.

Meanwhile, the club have looked to reassure fans with a statement to supporters.

A statement shared to the club website reads: “With Torquay United having already been subject of a ten-point deduction for announcing its intention to appoint administrators on 22nd February 2024, supporters are assured that the Club being placed into administration will have no additional bearing on the team’s National League South status, and that no further points deduction will be applied.

“At the moment, it will very much be business as usual on and off the pitch here at Plainmoor, with Aaron Downes’ side looking forward to the remaining five fixtures in order to retain their National League South status, whilst the Club continues to rely on all income generated to continue functioning during this interim period, through usual club business and fundraising, and also via the generous donations it continues to receive from supporters.”

The Gulls were deducted ten points in March prior to slipping into administration.

It came after owner Clarke Osborne revealed he could no longer fund the Devon-based side.

Torquay have since been beaten by Tonbridge and Yeovil, either side of a home win against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Those results leave Aaron Downes’ side five points above the relegation zone.

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However, 22nd place Taunton Town have two games in hand on the Gulls.

Torquay are now at risk of slipping into the seventh tier just a decade after last playing in the Football League.

The club had spent 73 seasons in the EFL before relegation in 2007, only to return two years later for another five League Two campaigns.

Michael Westcott, the prospective buyer of Torquay United, admitted the club may have to go part-time if his consortium takes over.

Life-long fan Westcott is bidding to take over alongside local business people and the supporters’ trust.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk