Thursday 28 June 2012 14:09, UK
Torquay have completed the signings of goalkeeper Michael Poke from Brighton and defender Tom Cruise from Arsenal on free transfers.
Stopper Poke arrives from the Seagulls but is already well known at Plainmoor having spent three previous loan spells at the club. He will replace Bobby Olejnik, who was sold to Peterborough last week. Young defender Cruise joins from the Gunners, where he made just one appearance in a Champions League tie against Olympiakos. He spent a loan spell at Carlisle. Gulls manager Martin Ling told BBC Sport: "We know Michael is a quality goalkeeper from his last time here. I tried to sign him last summer and it never came off because Brighton didn't want Michael to leave." Ling also suggested he is still looking to add another experienced defender to his squad, adding: "We realise that we also need to bring in a dominant centre-half to replace Mark Ellis (who joined Crewe on Wednesday). "That final player will be someone with experience and at least 100 games of professional football under his belt."
