Paul Buckle reveals budget cuts at Torquay United

Buckle has been in charge at Torquay since 2007

Torquay United boss Paul Buckle has revealed his playing budget has been cut by the board at Plainmoor.

Buckle had hoped to strengthen his squad in an effort to build on his side's positive start to the season.

He told BBC Radio Devon: "The budget has been cut, quite considerably, because of financial restraints the club has off the field.

"It is disappointing and it does change things at this moment in time in that I can't add to the squad."

Buckle, whose side are currently sixth in League Two after taking 14 points from nine games, added: "There are financial restraints on the club away from the football side and they must come first.

"The finance side is vital and you can't spend over your means.

"I have raised money through the sales of Matt Green and Mustapha Carayol and it was hoped that I could then go and replace Scott Rendell, who was a big loss for us with 15 goals last season."

Buckle said that the relatively small attendances at Plainmoor went some way to explaining why the finances were tight.

He added: "We can't really generate extra money from 2,500 attendances, great though that support is. We need to generate more interest in the football club and get more people through the turnstiles because that is the way to increase income.

"It's disappointing and it is a reality check but we have to get on with where we are and what we are as a football club."

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The 39-year-old was also quick to allay fears that the changes to the budget would affect his future plans.

"I have a good relationship with the chairman and the board, I know the club inside out," he said.

"It came as a surprise that my budget had to be cut but that's life and I'm certainly not looking to go anywhere else. I have a big job to do here, it's a blow but we will get on with things."

Torquay chairman Simon Baker told the club's official website that the board have been carrying a full financial review of the club.

Baker said: "It has flagged up that revenues for the year as things stand will be down on last year.

"With that information in front of us we are just being prudent and Paul [Buckle] is now working on a reduced budget.

"There is no pressure on Paul to sell any players although if a good offer came in and it was right for the player then we would of course consider it."