Pic: Pinnacle
TORQUAY UNITED boss Kevin Nicholson is searching for a replacement for skipper Angus MacDonald, who has been sold to Championship side Barnsley.
The 23-year-old centre-half signed a new deal at Plainmoor in May after making 41 appearances for the club last season.
However, his performances attracted Football League interest and Barnsley have made him their latest Non-League acquisition following the signings of striker Stefan Payne from Dover and Wrexham forward Kayden Jackson.
Torquay accepted an undisclosed fee for their prized asset with Nicholson saying “needs must” following the failed takeover of the Gulls by Gaming International.
“Of course he’s going to be a loss – he’s a fantastic player and I fully expect him to go and move on again from Barnsley,” Nicholson told BBC Sport.
“It’s not ideal that you’re having to sell your captain, but needs must. If we have a treasure like that, sometimes you have to give it up for the greater good. The board had to make that decision and I move on now without Angus.”
The big task for Nicholson is now replacing his dependable defender on the eve of the new National League season.
One option is former Liverpool youngster and Paraguay international Ronald Huth, who played in the friendly victory over West Brom on Monday night.
Huth, 26, has one cap for his country and most recently played for Club Blooming in Bolivia following spells in Argentina, Italy, Greece and Paraguay.
“Now it’s a case of finding his (MacDonald’s) replacement, and Ronald’s certainly put himself in the driving seat for that,” added Nicholson.
“He had a very impressive debut, showed a lot of good stuff and we need a centre-half, so a lot of it adds up.”
