Wotton sees positives in friendly victory

In a dominant display from Paul Wotton’s side, the Gulls led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Brad Ash, Matt Carson and Ben Seymour, before the latter wrapped things up in the second half when he added the fourth.

Just days after drawing with Buckland Athletic in their first pre-season fixture, Wotton saw plenty of his positives in his side’s latest showing.

“I thought it was a really good run-out for us,” said Wotton. “I always like coming to Tavistock, I came here a couple of times with Truro City and Stuart Henderson has got a team here that like to play football the right way.

“We knew it would be a good test for us. I thought we moved the ball really well first half, we looked fit, we looked strong, which is important, but we’ve still got lots to work on.

“We’re starting from scratch, we’ve got a whole new squad here and it’s not like I’ve got players here last year who know me and the way I want to play. It means we’re constantly onto them and trying to get them to improve.

“There were things that were good tonight, a couple of things not so good, but overall I’m pleased because we’ve got no injuries and some decent minutes into the boys.”

As is the case as clubs up and down the country, pre-season is that necessary evil that has to be undertaken, but it also forms the foundation for the months ahead.

“Pre-season is something I didn’t like too much as a player and I don’t like it too much as a manager either,” added Wotton. “It’s not because of the hard work, I used to like running as a player and working hard as a manager, but you get paranoid about injuries, games are false at times, but you just have to get through it.”

Among those to feature against the Lambs were senior professionals such as Dean Moxey and Oscar Threlkeld, two players Wotton acknowledges will be crucial in helping blood his new side together.

“They are great around the changing room,” said Wotton. “The thing I love about them is they train the right way. They set the right example to the youngsters. The fact they’ve both had long careers is down to them. It’s not a coincidence they train hard and look after themselves.”

Pre-season continues for the Gulls with upcoming clashes against Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle (July 27), Exeter City (July 30) and Tiverton Town (August 3), before their season opener at home to Enfield Town on August 10.

For Wotton, there is plenty of hard work to do in the lead-up to that game and he is enjoying settling into his new surroundings following his switch from Truro City this summer.

“I am loving it,” he added. “I have been welcomed with open arms from the staff, the new owners and the fans. Everyone has been very supportive and I’m waking up every day loving going into work.

“Having Neil [Warnock] alongside me is really important to me. He helped me a lot during my career, even when he wasn’t my manager. I would phone him for advice and he’s someone who has always been there for me, so long may that continue.”

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