Torquay United sold to 'police dog' consortium

Tax debts and creditors will be paid within six months

Torquay United have been bought by a consortium named after the police dog that saved the club’s league status 35 years ago.

It was announced this afternoon that the Bryn Consortium of Michael Westcott, Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Tom Allen, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson had bought the National League South club, subject to creditor approval.

The group is named after the police dog that bit defender Jim McNichol during a crucial relegation showdown with Crewe Alexandra in 1987, forcing the injury time in which United scored the goal that kept them in the league.

The deal means all tax debts and trade creditors will be paid in full within six months. Under the terms of the agreement, Torquay United AFC Limited will continue to operate the club with the consortium becoming the controlling shareholder.

The club went into administration after the previous owner - Clarke Osborne - announced in February that he could not continue.

Scott Kippax, joint administrator and partner at Begbies Traynor’s Exeter office, told the club’s official website: “This proposal is the best possible outcome for creditors, the club, and the fans. We are delighted to have reached the point of a conditional sale agreement, which would see all tax debts and trade creditors settled in full in a relatively short period of time.

“It is good news for the long-term future of the club, and we are pleased to be able to present such a favourable proposal to creditors.”

Michael Westcott, the Bryn Consortium lead added: “We are delighted to have provided a positive outcome for all creditors and provided a future for our beloved football club.  There is much work to be done in the coming days and weeks, and we will issue a series of updates to supporters next week on the preparations and plans for the forthcoming season.”