Torquay appoint Totton's Ball as new manager

Jimmy Ball led AFC Totton to a 1-0 win over Torquay when the sides last met on 20 December [Shutterstock] Torquay United have appointed AFC Totton boss Jimmy Ball as their new manager. Ball, the son of the late 1966 England World Cup winner Alan, has had previous coaching roles at Forest Green Rovers, Stevenage, Portsmouth and Stoke City. He became Totton boss in March 2022 and led them to promotion to National League South last season and the first round of the FA Cup in the current campaign.

Ball replaces Paul Wotton, who was sacked earlier this month after a run of five winless games saw the Gulls drop from the top of National League South. England's most experienced manager, Neil Warnock, who works as an advisor to the Torquay board, had been in interim charge since Wotton's sacking. "This is a football club with a big history, a big heart and a proud legacy, and one that means so much to its area and its supporters," Ball told the club website.

"To be given the opportunity to become manager of Torquay United is a fantastic moment in my career and a real honour. "I know this squad, I respect this squad, and I've done battle with them, so I know the talent that is already in the building. "I believe we have a real chance this season and now the work starts straight away.

" 'I had the heart pumping' - Warnock returns to management at 77 Warnock in interim charge as Torquay sack Wotton Ball takes over a side fifth in the sixth tier, 10 points behind leaders Dorking Wanderers and two behind second-placed Hornchurch. His first game in charge will be Saturday's trip to Dagenham and Redbridge - who have just announced former England striker Andy Carroll as their new manager. "We were hugely encouraged by the volume and quality of candidates who wanted to become Torquay United manager, but Jimmy stood out," co-chairman Mark Bowes-Cavanagh said.