Buckle led the Gulls to promotion from the Conference last season

Torquay United boss Paul Buckle has said he will use the last three games of the season to help plan his squad for next year.

Having taken 13 points from their last five games, the Gulls are now assured of a place in League Two come August.

Buckle told BBC Radio Devon: "It's now my job to look at the bigger picture, to look at the whole season.

"The job's not done this season in terms of games and league position, and certainly not in recruitment."

He added: "It's my job to protect the club, in the short, medium and long term and I'll continue to do that."

Torquay have been one of the form sides in League Two of late, with their last three games seeing them hit 10 goals, with none conceded.

And the 39-year-old manager is hoping their recent purple patch is a sign of things to come.

"We find ourselves in a stronger position than we did last season when we went up through the play-offs.

"I'm feeling confident we can try to add to what we've done and become a strong side at League Two level."

With thoughts turning towards players coming in and out, Buckle revealed negotiations are already well under way with several members of his squad.

"We have started speaking to players, of course," he said.

"We want to give them enough time to find other clubs if they're not going to be kept on, and if they are going to be kept on then we have to negotiate."

Buckle's charges will have the opportunity to impress their boss again on Saturday, when Macclesfield visit Plainmoor.

And with experienced central defender Guy Branston out through suspension, both Kieran Charnock and 21-year-old Mark Ellis are set to be given a chance to make an impression.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version