Neil Warnock replaced as Torquay boss with immediate effect after just 18 days

Neil Warnock has been replaced as manager of non-league side Torquay United.

The National League South side have confirmed the appointment of a new permanent manager.

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It comes just 18 days after Warnock was placed in caretaker charge by the Gulls.

The 77-year-old had already been at the club as an advisor, a role he has held since May 2024.

However, he was put in charge of the first-team on March 1 following Paul Wotton’s sacking.

Less than three weeks later, though, he has been replaced by new boss Jimmy Ball.

Torquay statement

In a statement confirming the appointment, Torquay said: “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.”

Ball’s first match in charge will be away to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

Their hosts will also have a new man in the dugout after Andy Carroll was placed in interim charge on Wednesday.

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Torquay currently sit fifth in the National League South, ten points adrift of leaders Dorking Wanderers.

Ball arrives from fellow sixth-tier side Totton, where he had been at the helm for the last four years.

He will now be hoping to secure a return to the National League for Torquay for the first time since relegation in 2023.

Warnock’s Torquay record

Their hopes have been helped by Warnock’s short-lived tenure as manager.

The former Sheffield United boss picked up seven points from his four league matches in charge.

Those included back-to-back home wins against Salisbury and Chesham United earlier this month.

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Meanwhile, his first match against Farnborough ended in a 2-2 draw.

The only defeat of his stint in the dugout came away to Ebbsfleet United on March 7.