Quartet sign Torquay deals

Ryan Ashington (pictured), Matt Hockley, Tim O'Donovan and John James have all signed short-term deals to stay at Plainmoor.

Midfielder Ashington missed virtually the whole of last season with a broken leg and is optimistic his six-month deal will be sufficient to prove himself.

"It's still not 100 percent that I can play to the standard I was at, so hopefully this will give me enough time to prove it. Six months should be enough time and I'm ready for it," Ashington told the club's official website.

Defender Hockley revealed he was on the brink of leaving the club for a trial at Conference outfit Yeovil before he was offered a fresh deal.

Hockley confirmed: "I was ready to go to Yeovil on the Thursday for a trial, but on the Tuesday as I was leaving I was pulled to one side and offered a new contract.

"I was really pleased because I didn't want to leave, I love this club and it's where my home is really."

Central midfielder James joined Torquay towards the end of last season on non-contract forms but has impressed Gulls boss Leroy Rosenior enough to earn short-term deal.

O'Donovan was a second year YTS player last season and has signed a three month contract with The Gulls.