Torquay United announced the signing of experienced striker Frank Nouble on deadline day for all National League clubs, in a statement on the Devon club’s website.
Frank Nouble joins The Gulls on a deal until the end of the season, a deal that will excite fans of the seaside outfit.
The ex West Ham striker has an extensive list of clubs in his back catalogue, his best spell as a striker coming at Colchester United. The 31-year-old would net fourteen goals over two years with the Essex based club, a move to League One Plymouth Argyle materialising as a result.
Nouble’s time in football has even seen him relocate to China, scoring three goals for Tianjin Tianhai FC back in 2015.
However, Frank Nouble’s career has unfortunately been inconsistent in terms of his goalscoring prowess. At his last employers in the form of Leyton Orient, Nouble didn’t find the back of the net once.
Now, with Torquay United, he’s ready to prove that he still has an eye for goal during what could be described as the twilight of his career.
Gary Johnson’s men could also do with a prolific figure in their team to inject some positivity, Torquay United swamped in a relegation battle near the bottom of the National League with The Gulls in 23rd spot.
Torquay also have a whole host of former EFL stalwarts in their starting eleven similar to the experience Frank Nouble brings.
The likes of ex Crystal Palace defender Dean Moxey is still playing at the age of 37 down in Devon alongside former Colchester United midfielder Tom Lapslie also regularly featuring for Gary Johnson’s Gulls.
They’ll hope these players can lead by example and help mount a relegation escape.
Gary Johnson spoke of Frank Nouble’s experience in an interview with Torquay United straight after the signing was announced, experience he hopes proves invaluable during the relegation run-in.
He said: “It’s great news that our Club has managed to secure the services of Frank Nouble.
Talks have been ongoing, and we’re pleased to say that Frank’s agreed to join us. The Club have worked very hard to make it happen, and to bring in someone at this stage, as experienced as Frank is, is no mean feat.”
Torquay also managed to beat a whole of clubs to Nouble’s signature according to the Gulls boss.
He said:“Frank undoubtedly had a few options, and we’re glad he’s decided to take the opportunity to come to us. At 31 years of age, he’s had a lot of experience out there, and is not only an influence on the pitch, but will be well-respected in the dressing room.”
Writer’s View
Looking at Torquay’s current predicament near the bottom of the National League, it’s no surprise to see the Devon based outfit take a roll of the dice in swooping for Frank Nouble on a short-term deal.
If it works out and Nouble can find his shooting boots again, Gary Johnson and those with associations to Torquay will hope that his contributions can fire the team up the division and out of the dreaded relegation spots.
On the contrary, if the move is somewhat of a failure, Nouble will more than likely walk out of Plainmoor come the conclusion of the campaign. If you’re a die-hard fan of Torquay, you’ll hope the first option comes true.
