TORQUAY UNITED have added some vital experience to their ranks with the signings of defender Josh Gowling and forward Jon-Paul Pittman.
The pair have previously won promotion from the National League – with Grimsby Town in 2015-16 – and will be aiming to steer the Gulls away from another relegation dogfight.
Gowling, 33, has played 357 times in his 15-year professional career and the centre-back was a free agent after leaving Grimsby at the end of last season.
Torquay boss Kevin Nicholson played alongside Gowling at Kidderminster and said: “Josh is a player I know well. He is a leader in every sense of the word and has come here to help create the environment we are going to need to be successful.
“He is a totally-committed and whole-hearted defender, and he will be a fantastic influence on those around him, both in the changing room and on the pitch.”
Striker Pittman, 30, has scored 68 goals in 256 league games and left Grimsby after their promotion back into the Football League.
He spent last season in the National League North with Harrogate Town, scoring 14 times in all competitions before moving south to sign for the Gulls.
Nicholson added: “As with Josh, Jon-Paul’s tasted success at this level.
“JP is one of the fastest players I have ever played against and he will give us some real thrust going forward.”
The two signings follow the news that defender Myles Anderson, who scored two goals in the crucial final day victory over North Ferriby, has signed a new deal to remain at Plainmoor.
Boss Nicholson said: “I’m delighted to have Myles back with us. He is a fantastic guy with a great attitude. He did a great job for us under pressure last, whilst playing slightly out of position.
“He may be 27 and have plenty of life experience, but he’s still fairly fresh on the scene in this country and I know he’s very hungry to improve and push on higher.”
