Vanarama's National League fan preview - Torquay United

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday.

At last the new season is nearly upon us - what have Torquay fans got to look forward to?
We'll hopefully see similar success to what we saw last season in the National League South. It will certainly be interesting to see what impact the new signings can have.

What a difference a manager can make. There’s probably nobody else you would rather have in the dugout than Gary Johnson?
The arrival of Gary Johnson seems to have changed the whole atmosphere around the club. Regardless of the opposition, fans are always optimistic for a win whereas before, everyone felt negative and it reflected amongst many of the players’ attitudes on the pitch. Therefore it was great news when we heard that Gary had signed a new contract.

So what are the chances of another push for promotion this time around?
I can't see us winning the league but I am hopeful that we can get promoted through the play-offs.

What’s been the best bit of business done over the past few months?
The best bit of business that the club has done has definitely been giving Gary a new contact. And following his form from last season, I'm happy that we've been able to sign Jake Andrews from Bristol City.

Who will be your one to watch coming August 3?
Jamie Reid was our star man last season and it would be great to see him produce similar sort of form this season.

Who are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
Probably Notts County and Hartlepool, both being former Football League sides they have a a large fanbase to call upon.

What ground are you most looking forward to visiting?
Woking will always be an interesting fixture - and the atmosphere last year was great.

And what game would you like to win more than any other?
Any game against Woking simply because of the title race last year. Also because ex-Torquay player Ben Gerring is now at Woking, and is not particularly a Torquay fans’ favourite!

What opposition player would you most like to see in your side - and what makes him so good?
Probably Danny Rowe from AFC Fylde simply because of his goal-scoring ability which we've seen over the last couple of years.

Let’s end with a real tester - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
Hopefully around fourth or fifth and then maybe promotion through the play-offs. But I would still be satisfied with a strong mid-table finish.

Vanarama have recently launched the National League Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback.

For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.
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