TORQUAY UNITED boss Kevin Nicholson has challenged defender Ben Gerring to return in top condition after having his suspension extended to six games.
The centre-back, who joined Torquay last October, was given his marching orders in the goalless draw at Gateshead on October 1.
The former Plymouth Argyle youngster was automatically given a four-match ban as it was his second red card of the season – his first coming in the loss at Sutton United.
However, Gerring will now sit out a further two games – the trip to Eastleigh and the home game against Southport later this month – for his behaviour as he left the field at the International Stadium.
Gerring was found to have used an offensive gesture as he walked off the pitch, meaning he will not feature for the Gulls until the start of November at the earliest while he was also fined £300.
And Nicholson says the ex-Bideford, Hayes & Yeading and Gosport Borough defender must use his time on the sidelines wisely if he wants to get straight back into first team contention at Plainmoor.
“It's unfortunate and it's an experience he's got to learn from” player-manager Nicholson told the club's website.
“It now gives him the best part of three or four weeks to put some serious work in on his fitness and make sure that when he is back and available for selection he's giving me a headache.
“He has a decision to make now, as to whether he uses this in a positive way and comes back fitter and stronger and quicker. Or he sulks and feels he's been hard done to and finds himself down the pecking order again.”
After the sending off at Gateshead, Gerring said: “Words cannot describe how gutted I am. I'm absolutely devastated.
“From what was heading towards a perfect return to the team has ended in a nightmare for me personally. I believe it was a fair tackle and the guy's reaction has killed us both.”
