Manager Paul Wotton speaks out as Torquay United suspend two of their players following an ‘incident’ at the club.
The National League South side, who currently sit 4th with 30 points from 16 games, and are already 8 points behind leaders Hornchurch, have suspended captain Matt Worthington and midfielder Callum Dolan for four matches due to an internal disciplinary issue.
The pair, who have been key players this season, missed last week’s FA Trophy defeat to Maidstone and will also be unavailable for league games against Eastbourne Borough, Worthing, Chelmsford, and Tonbridge Angels.
As cover, Torquay have signed 20-year-old Bolton Wanderers midfielder Sonny Sharples-Ahmed (Egypt U23 international) on loan.
𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
➡️ https://t.co/TKWv6FSitK#tufc pic.twitter.com/lwALK8KDuf
— Torquay United FC (@TUFC1899) November 21, 2025
Torquay United ‘obstacle’ after two players ‘suspended’ after incident #tufc https://t.co/nUQYMQIKwB
— DevonLive TUFC (@TQHESport) November 22, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Torquay United can confirm that an internal disciplinary process has been concluded following an incident last week.
As a result, Matt Worthington and Callum Dolan have been sanctioned by the club and will not be available for selection over the next four first-team fixtures.
As this is an internal disciplinary matter, the club will be making no further comment.
Paul Wotton said to BBC Radio Devon: ”It’s hugely frustrating, it’s another obstacle put in front of us.
“It’s been a very testing period, but I think it’s a really important time to stick together, stay strong.
”We’ve got a game to focus on tomorrow, that has to be our full focus and that’s what we’re doing.
“It’s been very difficult.
“I personally believe it had a big impact on the Maidstone game.
“People don’t understand what goes on on a day-to-day basis, it’s very easy to judge and to have an opinion, but you’ve got to go deeper than that sometimes – it’s been tough.
“But we’re a resilient bunch, we stick together, fans as well, and we unite and we crack on.”
Wotton said to the club website on the signing of Sonny Sharples-Ahmed: “Sonny is highly thought of at Bolton.
“I spoke to Steven Schumacher about him, and he rates him highly, so we’re looking forward to him coming in and playing, and we’re in need of bodies too.“
Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Michael Westcott & The Board have since said: “Good afternoon and a warm welcome back to Plainmoor for today’s game against Eastbourne Borough.
“Before we talk about the football, we want to address events off the pitch. As set out in this week’s club statement on the recent incident and resulting disciplinary action, this has been one of the most difficult weeks since we became custodians of your club.
“We feel let down by conduct that did not meet the standards we expect of anyone representing Torquay United – there is anger and hurt felt right across the club and indeed across the supporter base, and understandably so.
“Professionalism, integrity and respect are core to the values of this football club, and to the way we reflect the community we serve. Those standards are non-negotiable. No individual is bigger than Torquay United, and we owe it to you – and to everyone who wears the shirt in the right way – to deal with matters like this properly and fairly. That is what we have done. What matters now is that we learn the lessons, protect the culture of the club and focus on moving Torquay United forward.
“The rest of the squad has felt this as keenly as anyone. We met together yesterday, and they are disappointed too, but they – and Paul Wotton and his staff – are united, focused and determined to show in their performances what this club stands for. We know we are custodians of something that belongs to the whole area, and we are determined to build a club culture that everyone here can be proud of. With that said, the best way we can all respond now is together – by backing the players out there in yellow and concentrating on what we can still achieve this season.
“After a busy spell of cup football, today is about turning our full attention back to the league. Last Saturday’s FA Trophy exit against Maidstone was disappointing for all of us, and we share your frustration. At the same time, recent performances at Farnborough and Maidenhead have shown what this group is capable of when it hits the standards we all expect. The aim now is to build on those displays and put together a consistent run in the league, starting this afternoon.
“We all know how tight this division is and how quickly things can change. A couple of good results can shift both the mood and the league table, and that is what everyone is working towards – on the pitch, in the dugout and behind the scenes. Small margins matter, and your backing at key moments can help tip those margins in our favour.
“At the time of writing, Paul has been working hard to plug some gaps in the squad. This is a tough time to recruit the type and quality of players who can seamlessly come into this group, but we will leave no stone unturned in trying to strengthen where we can and where budget allows. A relentless run of injuries has tested our resources, and again today we are without some key players. Every club faces spells like this, but we are all hoping that our luck turns soon. Our medical and rehab team have never been busier, or more committed to getting players off the treatment table and back available to Paul as quickly and safely as possible.
“With the squad stretched, Paul and the players need your support more than ever as we head towards the festive period. If we can find some momentum now, it can set us up well to achieve our goal this season. It has rarely been an easy road for Torquay United; meeting challenges head-on feels embedded in our DNA. Time and again this club has had to dig in and show character. We believe this period can be another example of that resilience, with players and supporters standing together and turning adversity into something positive.
“Finally, we want to congratulate our Women’s team on their excellent 6–0 Devon Cup win over Plympton last weekend – a result that reflects the hard work going in across the club and gives all of us something to be proud of. We are determined to keep building the women’s and girls’ side of Torquay United in the months and years ahead.
“Thank you, as always, for your support. Enjoy the game.
“Come on you Yellows !”
Twitter users gave their reaction while manager Paul Wotton speaks out as Torquay United suspend two players following an ‘incident’…
@BobbyTanz: Must have been a BIG training ground incident!!! Good it’s dealt with but you have to ask questions of the management and its authority!
@im7spartacus: Thanks for that lads, that’s gonna really help our promotion push isn’t it? It’s also terrible for club morale because the rumour mill will be red hot now!
@1974JCS: Hmmm! Not sure this helps a promotion push. Of course sanctions need to be put into place but maybe something like a fine, or some sort of ‘community service’ which takes time out their week and doesn’t effect our already small squad!
@GarryB2707: Don’t care what they’ve done at this point. Need them on the pitch 😭
@Matthew1929: Forgive and forget. Get back into the team and have fun winning games together. Cba for the off the field drama. It’s boring
@J_GRANT1109: Not like we are short on numbers 🤣🤣
@JoeTune8: Really bad look this
@TravTorquay1899: Wooton has lost the dressing room, weve got players fighting each other at training, begining to lose the last bit of faith i had left, thought this club was on the up but were having fuckin sunday league behaviour cause someone says there misses looks ugly or sommet
@HelleyPaul: How’s this helping? Suspend two of your regular starters seems like shooting yourself in the foot 🤷♂️. Hit them where it hurts with a fine, bang heads together and get on with it! Plus why four games? Makes no sense!
@wiltufc: The banter era is well and truly back. Top work, lads
@RachelVillavox: Episode 5: Taking Fight 😵💫
@OffTheLineBlog: What’s done is done. They’ll know they’ve let PW done. No more needs to be said. PW will have been working hard to go and strengthen for the interim period they’ll be unavailable. Time for everyone to stick together to focus on Eastbourne – COYY 💛
@artjjc188: Paul Wotton seems to be at the centre of a lot of drama at the moment. Losing the fans, now the players. What’s next? I don’t want to jump the gun but that’s a big thing to happen. Especially between 2 senior members, including Matt Worthington?!? Something’s not right. 🤔
@Tommyktufc: It’s never boring being a Torquay fan! Bloody hell… #TUFC
@kevin_j_foster: Not the news any @TUFC1899 fan wants to hear with some critical league games coming up.
