The new roles at Torquay United will form part of a sustainable future

Torquay United say they are encouraged by the quantity and quality of applicants for the new, enlarged posts they have advertised in their ‘restructure’ at Plainmoor.

Co-chairman Mike Westcott has also paid tribute to the departing staff, some of whom have agreed to carry on while changes are made and to continue helping out in match-day roles.

Seven previously full-time off-field staff members are leaving after nearly everyone behind the scenes at Plainmoor had to reapply for their posts or new ones.

It was partly a belt-tightening exercise, in the face of rising costs and a projected loss of more than £500,000 this season, and also what the club described as a leaner and more adaptable ‘reset’.

On December 15 United advertised three new posts – Partnerships Manager, Stadium Manager and Kit and Clean Lead.

The deadline for applications was December 29, with interviews set to start next week.

Westcott revealed that the applications are being handled by general manager Tim Herbert, himself comparatively new to that post. They will draw up shortlists for the three new jobs before Westcott and fellow co-chair Mark Bowes-Cavanagh get involved at interview stage.

“There’s been no shortage of applicants, and we’re also encouraged by the quality of them,” said Herbert.

Because increasing United’s non-match day income is so crucial to the Bryn Consortium’s aim to create a more sustainable operation, the Partnerships Manager post is seen as a key one.

The new Stadium Manager role – former groundsman Julian Gouldthorpe has already left – will also involve some wider duties than looking after the Plainmoor pitch.

Several existing staff members are carrying on in some transition and future match day roles, and Westcott said: “We’re very grateful for the way they have responded.

“We have done our best to look after people at a difficult time, and it’s great that some of those who are leaving will still be part of the club in future.”