Gulls pair secure pro deals

Kirtys MacKenzie and Niall Thompson have been awarded professional contracts by Torquay at the end of their apprenticeships.

Defender MacKenzie and forward Thompson have both impressed manager Martin Ling, who also made the decision to release five other trainees. "It is the ninth time I've done this job and it is my belief that the first-team manager should take this responsibility," said Ling. "Some managers choose not to do it but it is a decision taken between me, the coaching staff and the youth staff. "The lads being released will have a football career at some level. It may be at League Two and some may come back and haunt you by playing higher, but they will all earn money as footballers at some point. "Kirtys is a solid centre-half and we feel he has been a leader for the youth team. He's got good technique and is more than capable of being one of four centre-halves at this club next year. "Niall has the raw material to be something really special. It is a two-year deal for both youngsters because it gives them a chance to develop and a one-year contract can turn the screw too much."