Toquay United sack manager Gary Owers

Torquay United have sacked manager Gary Owers after their poor start to the season.
Following relegation to the National League South, the Gulls have struggled to adapt to life at Step 2 and sit in 14th, ten points behind leaders Woking.
In a statement on the club’s website, chairman Clarke Osbourne said: “Our decision comes after some days of discussion with Gary and from my personal standpoint, I make this announcement with regret.
“Professional football is demanding on both managers and players and it is fair that our supporters expect success on the field. I am sorry that despite our strenuous efforts and providing the financial resource necessary, we have not found consistency and are now behind where we expected in our intended journey to the top of this division.
“We have discussed our status at length with Gary and examined recent performances in depth. As a result, we have together concluded that the first team need a change of manager if we are to get back on track and winning ways.
“We are very grateful to Gary for his commitment and hard work over 12 months and 47 games and I believe that he will find success in his next Club. It is the nature of football management that sometimes a perfect strategy does not work, for reasons which are not clear but are a set of circumstances which together conspire to deny a team the goals that, bring the confidence, make the wins and reward supporters.
“We are working hard on securing a new manager and are confident that we will be able to make an announcement shortly.”
Gary Owers said: “It is with huge regret that I leave Torquay United. I am sorry that we have not found the success that we planned for.
“Our lack of goals and strong performances do not reflect the quality of the team, its preparation and training. As Clarke has said, there are sometimes circumstances that drain confidence.
“I know that the team are absolutely committed to the Club and desperately want to succeed and naturally I believe that with time they can find the results, restore confidence and climb towards the top of the league. But I recognise that this ambitious Club cannot wait and need to look at an alternative direction.
“I am grateful for the support I have received at all levels and have really enjoyed my time at Torquay United. I wish everyone connected from the Chairman to supporters, success on and off the field and look forward to seeing the Club in the National League next season.”