Torquay United's Jimmy Ball Calls for Commitment Amidst Difficult Changes

Torquay United boss Jimmy Ball says the club must embrace “difficult” change if it is ever going to end its 12-year exile from the English Football League.

The Gulls are drifting, not driving. Nineteenth in National League South, one win from six, and coming off a flat 2-0 defeat at Farnham Town on Bank Holiday Monday. For a club that has twice gone close in the play-offs, it feels like a step backwards.

Ball, who took over from Paul Wotton in March, did not sugar-coat the situation when he spoke to BBC Radio Devon. He pointed to a summer riddled with “a lot of disruption” and players “having their heads turned” by offers elsewhere, and made it clear what he expects from those who remain.

He wants commitment. Total commitment.

“I want all of my players to be 100% committed,” he said, demanding they “sacrifice and give everything” for Torquay United.

This is a club still haunted by near-misses. Third place last season, then a 3-2 defeat to Hornchurch in the play-off final. Second the year before, only to fall in the semi-finals. Two years of almost, two years of hurt.

“The truth is it has been a long time since Torquay have played league football, and yes, the last two seasons have been close, but it's ultimately failed,” Ball said. “That's not to blame anyone, but I was brought in to change that and sometimes change is difficult and slower than we would like – but it is absolutely necessary.”

The slow start has rattled supporters who expected another promotion push, not a nervous glance over the shoulder in late August. Are they right to be worried? Ball didn’t bite.

“I don't know of any scenario when panicking is beneficial,” he replied. “I'm not playing down the start, because it is not acceptable, but I believe there has been a lot of disruption.”

What disruption? On that, he stayed guarded.

“I can't tell you what's going on behind the scenes, which has been caused through players having their heads turned since day one of pre-season and players not quite being at it,” he admitted, before adding he “would love to tell the fans everything but you simply can't”.

So he leans on the only thing he can control: the dressing room and the XI he sends out.

“You have to deal with it the best you can and hope the men you're putting out on to the pitch are 100% committed to Torquay United Football Club,” Ball said.

There is no time for self-pity. Third-placed Folkestone Invicta, unbeaten in their first five games, arrive at Plainmoor on Saturday. For a restless fanbase and a manager demanding change, it already feels like a test of who is truly “at it” – and who isn’t.