CONFERENCE winning manager Paul Cox has been named the new boss of Torquay United.
Cox has been out of work since leaving Mansfield Town in November. He had previously led the Stags to the Conference title in 2012-13 before keeping them in League Two the following year.
He replaces Chris Hargreaves at Plainmoor who, alongside assistant Lee Hodges and goalkeeping coach Ken Veysey, was placed on gardening leave on Sunday after discussions with the club’s new owners.
A consortium led by Dean Edwards completed their takeover on Friday and after the trio were unable to agree on a “substantial pay cut” they were placed on gardening leave.
Hargreaves took the Gulls to the FA Trophy semi-finals in his first full season in charge while they finished 13th in Non-League‘s top-flight.
In other news at Plainmoor, the new regime in charge have closed the club’s youth academy to save money.
“We would like to put on record that we did not create this situation,” the club’s new owners said in a statement.
“We are extremely sorry for all the young boys who have been in the system and the dedication shown by these talented youngsters, and their families, has been outstanding at all times.”
The Gulls have also revealed the look of their board following the takeover. David Phillips has been named chairman, Ron Peterson as vice-chairman, Steve Breed as chief executive and Dean Edwards will become director of football.
Also having a place on the board of directors are Keira and Shaun Roberts, Carole Peterson, Harry and Jill Kerswell, Angela Richards and Mervyn and Val Balson.
“We are all Torquay United supporters and we have yellow and blue running through our veins,” Phillips said.
