Sports

Ex-FGR manager falls to National League South with Torquay United

Former Former Green Rovers manager Gary Owers’ Torquay United have been relegated to the National League South following a 1-1 draw at former League side Hartlepool United last Saturday.

This disappointing defeat was followed by an even more discouraging 4-3 defeat to Guiseley AFC, who are bottom of the league currently and were down to 10 men early on in the game.

When the 49 year-old took over in September, he already had a tough time on his hands with the Gulls eight points adrift from safety in the National League.

United didn’t win any of their first 10 games prompting the club to sack former player Kevin Nicholson from his player/manager role. Owers has struggled to help his sides’ fortunes since coming in 7 months ago and have only won 10 games all season.

This turn in form has meant the Gulls have fallen to the sixth tier of English football for the first time in their 119 year history.

Owers, who has also managed Bath City in the National League South, said the defeat to Guiseley was the one of the worst in his career and takes responsibility for Torquay’s relegation.

“I stood in horror like everyone else and watched the goals go in,” Owers told BBC Radio Devon.

“Sorry’s not a big enough word, there isn’t a word to apologise for that, it was dreadful.”

With only one game left in the fifth tier of English football against Ebbsfleet United, Torquay are still exactly the same distance from safety – prompting some supporters to question whether he should still be in charge.

Torquay will most likely play Gloucester City next season, as the Quay  look to bounce back to the National League at the first time of asking. Torquay will however stay full time next season, despite speculation they would switch to part time for the 2018/19 season.