Neil Warnock: neil warnock takes charge at Torquay United as Paul Wotton sacked

neil warnock has been placed in temporary charge of Torquay United after the club sacked Paul Wotton following Saturday’s 5-0 home defeat by Chelmsford City, a result that leaves the Gulls off the summit and facing an immediate test against Farnborough. The move matters now because Torquay have slipped from top spot to fourth and sit 10 points behind new leaders Dorking Wanderers.

Wotton dismissed after 5-0 home humbling by Chelmsford City

Paul Wotton, 48, saw Saturday’s 5-0 loss to Chelmsford City become his final game as manager of Torquay United. The defeat, described as a home humbling, completed a run in which Wotton failed to win any of his final five matches in charge.

Wotton had been at the helm of the National League South club since the summer of 2024, and club officials moved to remove him after what they judged to be the latest in a series of poor results.

Five-game winless run leaves Gulls fourth and 10 points adrift of Dorking Wanderers

A five-game winless run has seen Torquay drop from top spot—where they had a three-point cushion—to fourth place and 10 points off new leaders Dorking Wanderers. The Gulls had been on a seven-game unbeaten run before failing to win Wotton’s final five games in charge.

The injury-hit side have conceded 12 goals in their past three matches, a sequence that contributed to the decision to change managers.

Club statement thanks Wotton and names Neil Warnock for Tuesday’s match with Farnborough

A statement on the Torquay United website paid tribute to Wotton’s work: "We are very grateful to Paul for his hard work, professionalism and commitment during his time at the club. " The statement added, "We thank Paul for his contribution, both on and off the pitch. Torquay United wish Paul every success in his future endeavours. "

The same notice confirmed immediate interim arrangements: "Neil Warnock will take the team for Tuesday night's fixture with Farnborough and an update on interim arrangements will be communicated in due course. "

Wotton’s record: from Truro City to near-miss on National League title

Wotton joined Torquay from Truro City in 2024 after five years in charge of the Cornish club. A former Plymouth Argyle captain and assistant manager, he led Torquay to the brink of the National League title last season.

Torquay were pipped by Wotton’s former club on goal difference on the final day of the season and then went out of the play-offs in the semi-finals, narrowly missing promotion.

Neil Warnock’s return: advisor role in May 2024 and long managerial record

Neil Warnock, 77, joined Torquay’s board as advisor to their new owners in May 2024 and has been placed in temporary charge of the first team. Warnock has not managed a club since leaving Aberdeen earlier that year.

The 77-year-old has managed more games than any other boss in English league football and his eight promotions is the most ever achieved. Warnock previously managed Torquay for a short spell in 1993 and has been involved with the club again since being approached by the Bryn Consortium, who took over the Gulls after they went into administration two years ago.

Immediate fixture and next steps

neil warnock will lead the team for Tuesday night’s trip against Farnborough, with the club promising an update on interim arrangements in due course. The managerial change comes as Torquay attempt to arrest a run of defensive frailties and recover ground on Dorking Wanderers at the top of the National League South table.