Ex-Salford City and Morecambe defender Oscar Threlkeld has moved to National League South outfit Torquay United.
The 30-year-old has dropped down two divisions following his departure from The Shrimps in January after signing a short-term deal with the League Two club. He has signed a one-year deal to play for the Plainmoor side as one of the first transfers for the club since they were taken over by The Bryn Consortium in May.
Threlkeld is a familiar face in Devon thanks to his time at Plymouth Argyle, where he spent three seasons and won promotion to League One in his first full campaign at Home Park. His move to Torbay sees him reunite with his former Pilgrims first-team coach Paul Wotton.
Coming through the Bolton Wanderers academy, he has made hundreds of appearances in the EFL across his career, where he has also played for Bradford City and Salford. During his time for The Bantams, he gained some experience of non-league football with a loan to Oldham Athletic in 2021.
He offers versatility to The Gulls’ lineup with his ability to play centre-back, full-back and as a defensive midfielder.
It has been a busy day for Torquay as they signed former Exeter City goalkeeper James Hamon for his second stint at the club, also on a one-year deal.
United now only have six contracted players heading into next season following the announcement of their retained and released list, in which 14 players were released with a further three offered new deals that are yet to be accepted.
Former Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town boss Neil Warnock has taken on an advisory role at the club he saved from relegation in 1993, assisting the ownership through their first months in charge on the English Riviera.
Writer’s View
Torquay United are ushering in a new era under the Bryn Consortium, and signing a veteran player like Oscar Threlkeld is a statement of intent. Whilst he may have struggled in recent years for a first-team place in the EFL, he has the ability to play for at minimum a top National League side. The Gulls capturing the defender is certainly a statement of intent.
Whilst it is less than a month since the takeover, the early signs of their stewardship are bringing levels of optimism to the club after what has been a harsh past few years. They seem to be shaping up to be a threat in the National League South next season.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
