Torquay United's Jimmy Ball Focuses on Calculated Signings
Jimmy Ball is not in a hurry. Not anymore.
After a turbulent few months of rebuild and reshuffle, the Torquay United boss says he still wants at least one more signing – but this time, it will be on his terms, and on his timeline.
The Gulls have been busy. Plymouth Argyle youngsters Tegan Finn and Caleb Roberts have arrived to inject energy and potential, while defender Oludare Olufunwa and winger Angelo Cappello have added steel and width to a squad that has taken some hits. Striker Jordan Young, defender Sam Dreyer and winger Dylan Morgan have all moved on in recent weeks, leaving gaps that needed addressing.
Ball insists the response has been measured, not panicked.
"There's a couple of positions within the squad I'd like to strengthen," he told BBC Radio Devon. "But I'm in a position now where I can take my time and make sure of the decisions that I'm making."
That marks a shift from the frantic feel that often follows a play-off heartbreak. Ball took over in March after Paul Wotton’s sacking, steadied a shaken club and then pushed Torquay to a third-placed finish in National League South. They were minutes from promotion in May, only to lose a dramatic play-off final at Hornchurch.
The hangover showed. Torquay stumbled out of the blocks this season, struggling to find rhythm or consistency. Pressure built. Questions followed.
Then the mood changed.
Back-to-back wins have hauled the Gulls up to eighth in National League South and given Ball the breathing space every manager craves. With points on the board and performances improving, he can afford to be selective in the market rather than reactive.
"Not that we didn't have all the lads we've brought in on a list, on a radar, but there's no rush now," he said. "But I'd like to bring one more in for sure. But there's no rush about it, it's going to be a calculated one."
That word – calculated – sums up his approach. Ball backs the recruitment work he and his staff are doing, convinced that the right additions, not just more additions, will decide whether Torquay finally escape the sixth tier after four seasons stuck there.
The squad has been reshaped, the mood has lifted, and the table is starting to tilt in their favour. One more signing, the right one, and Torquay’s push for promotion could move from hopeful to serious.
