Neil Warnock to make shock managerial return as Torquay United part ways with Paul Wotton

Managerial legend Neil Warnock will make a surprise return to the dugout as he takes temporary charge of Torquay United in Tuesday night’s home clash with National League South rivals Farnborough.

The former Sheffield United and Leeds United boss has been working as an advisor since the summer of 2024, but will now return to the touchline for the first time since he was interim manager of Scottish club Aberdeen just over two years ago.

The move comes after the Gulls parted company with former manager Paul Wotton less than 24 hours after they had suffered a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Chelmsford City on Saturday afternoon.

That defeat left Torquay sitting in fourth place in the National League South table and they are now ten points adrift of leaders Dorking Wanderers as a run of four defeats in their last five games has weakened their chances of securing an automatic return to Non-League’s top tier this season.

Veteran

However, 77-year-old Warnock will hope he can now put the Gulls back on track and play some part in securing what would be the ninth promotion of his managerial career after they confirmed the veteran boss will be in the dugout for Tuesday night’s meeting with Farnborough.

A statement posted on the club website on Sunday afternoon read: “Torquay United Football Club can confirm that it has today parted company with first-team manager Paul Wotton.

“We are very grateful to Paul for his hard work, professionalism, and commitment during his time at the club. We thank Paul for his contribution, both on and off the pitch.

“Torquay United wish Paul every success in his future endeavours. Neil Warnock will take the team for Tuesday night’s fixture with Farnborough and an update on interim arrangements will be communicated in due course.”

A further departure was confirmed when Wooton’s assistant manager Mike Edwards also left his role at Plainmoor.

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