Torquay United’s new highly rated manager gives his first interview on being appointed

Torquay United’s new highly rated manager gives his first interview on being appointed at the National League South club.

The club, who was managed by Neil Warnock in the interim, described to have gone through a “rigorous and considered” recruitment process in their search for Paul Wotton, who was sacked at the beginning of March.

The Gulls currently sit 5th with 64 points from 38 games played, 10 points from the leaders Dorking. They will hope to avoid dropping out of the playoff places, 3 points are the difference between them and 8th place with Maidstone, who have played a game more.

Have a listen to Jimmy’s first interview below, with his first look ahead to the Dagenham game further down…

CLUB STATEMENT:

Torquay United AFC has appointed Jimmy Ball as First Team Manager following a rigorous recruitment process that attracted an outstanding field of candidates, with the Board unanimous in its belief that Jimmy’s leadership, values and football vision make him the right fit for the club.

Torquay United AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Jimmy Ball as the Club’s new First Team Manager.

Jimmy joins United following a rigorous and considered recruitment process which attracted an incredible response from across the game. The Club received a high number of applications from very high-quality candidates, underlining both the size of the opportunity at Plainmoor and the enduring appeal of Torquay United.

After an extensive process, the Board was unanimous in its belief that Jimmy was the outstanding fit for the role.

Jimmy arrives with a strong football pedigree. The son of 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball, he has built a coaching career across the game, including roles at Forest Green Rovers, Stevenage, Portsmouth and Stoke City. He also brings with him an impressive record of success in management, including promotions and a highly productive spell with National League South rivals AFC Totton [who sit 13th].

During the recruitment process, Jimmy impressed the Board not only with his track record, but with the quality of his thinking and the strength of his personal values. He showed strong emotional intelligence throughout and spoke with real clarity about the importance of relationships with players — understanding individuals, supporting their development, challenging them in the right way and creating an environment in which they can improve their game and perform consistently. His approach to standards, and his clear non-negotiables around culture, discipline and behaviours within the group, resonated very strongly with the Board.

The Board was also particularly encouraged by Jimmy’s approach to team culture, his views on recruitment strategy and his knowledge of the player market. He set out a clear and compelling vision for Torquay United’s football philosophy, with standards and identity embedded right across the age groups, alongside a credible and sustainable pathway into first-team football for young players with potential.

Just as importantly, Jimmy demonstrated a clear understanding of the balance required at Torquay United: the ambition to deliver success on the pitch, while operating within a sustainable financial structure that protects the long-term future of the club. The Board felt that alignment was critical.

Jimmy Ball said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Torquay United. This is a football club with a big history, a big heart and a proud legacy, and one that means so much to its area and its supporters. To be given the opportunity to become manager of Torquay United is a fantastic moment in my career and a real honour. I know this squad, I respect this squad, and I’ve done battle with them, so I know the talent that is already in the building. I believe we have a real chance this season and now the work starts straight away. We’ll be in tomorrow morning preparing properly for Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. I’m excited to get started and do everything I can to help bring this club the success it deserves.”

Co-Chairman Mark Bowes-Cavanagh said: “We were hugely encouraged by the volume and quality of candidates who wanted to become Torquay United manager, but Jimmy stood out. He interviewed exceptionally well and gave us real confidence in his vision, his leadership and his values. He showed a really intelligent understanding of how to build relationships with players, improve individuals and create the right culture around the group. Just as importantly, he understands the balance between ambition on the pitch and the need to operate within a sustainable structure off it. We believe Jimmy is a very strong fit for this football club and we are delighted to welcome him to Torquay United.”

Jimmy Ball said farewell to his departing club: “Dear AFC Totton supporters,

“It is with a heavy yet grateful heart that I announce my departure from the club.

“Over the past four years, I have given everything I could to AFC Totton. Together, we’ve shared some truly special moments and achieved a great deal that I will always look back on with pride.

“I want to sincerely thank you all for the incredible support you have shown me and the players throughout this journey. It has meant more than words can express.

“I firmly believe the club is in a much stronger position now than when I first arrived, and I take immense pride in having been part of that progress.

“Thank you for everything.

“Goodbye for now, Jimmy”

A MESSAGE FROM JIMMY BALL 🦌💙

Dear AFC Totton supporters,

It is with a heavy yet grateful heart that I announce my departure from the club.

Over the past four years, I have given everything I could to AFC Totton. Together, we’ve shared some truly special moments and achieved… pic.twitter.com/7xs6JMGU9D

— AFC Totton ⚽️🦌 (@AFCTotton) March 19, 2026

Here’s the social media reaction as Torquay United’s new highly rated manager gives his first interview on being appointed…

@1974JCS: It’s a long watch but I’m very impressed – can’t wait to get going, so tempted to go to D&R on Saturday but it’s a long way on my own. Next Tuesday it is then.

@HarropAngelo: A great appointment , very good manager and a top guy ⚽️

@im7spartacus: Welcome to the biggest & best club in this league Jimmy. You’ve got a good pedigree and I’m confident you’ll be a success. 👍 @jimmyball8

@bigdavefrancis: @jimmyball8 was the best manager that @FGRFC_Official let slip through their fingers. He will motivate your players to the nth degree. Look forward to promotion!

@TTID_0: Excellent interview, really like the sound of pretty much everything he’s said so far! Right behind you @jimmyball8 💛 #tufc

@HPeplow: Welcome. Big push and everyone is behind him. COYY 💛

@TUFCnonleague: Welcome Jimmy. Hoping for a new manager bounce to push on to the end of the season. COYY. 💛💙

@DomRoman: Any new manager at Torquay gets my full backing, Jimmy has had a strong record at Totton and can bring a lot to Plainmoor im sure. No pressure Jimmy though, but we’d love to go up this season!! #tufc

@tomread1994: Congratulations @jimmyball8 👏🏼👏🏼 one of the very best coaches I’ve ever seen on the grass. Best of luck mate 👍🏼

@Tommyktufc: Bit late to the party on this but welcome Jimmy. The responses from Totton fans shows how well respected you were and the great job you’ve done there. Hopefully the fans give you time and get fully behind you. See you Saturday! #TUFC

@Not_Quite_Pro: I’m sure the “but he’s not a big name” brigade will be lining up their criticisms & willing him to fail. But Torquay are now only a big club because they are in a small pond, which is exactly why they should be making this type of appointment – eh, Eastbourne? Smart move imho.

@frogspad: Welcome to Plainmoor @jimmyball8

@Devonyellows: Welcome to plainmoor jimmy! Time to push on

@KevinMi05755252: All the best Jimmy, welcome back to Devon mate