91Èȱ¬

Torquay United chairman Simon Baker says the club do not expect manager Martin Ling to return this season.

Ling has missed the last four games because of a "debilitating" illness.

The 46-year-old has been suffering from headaches but doctors remain unsure of the cause.

Baker told 91Èȱ¬ South West Sport: "We sincerely hope that Martin will get better and Martin and [assistant] Shaun [Taylor] will be in a position to run the team next season."

Torquay have already confirmed they are looking for an experienced coach to assist Taylor in Ling's absence but Baker confirmed the role will only last until the end of the season.

"We are trying to find someone to assist Shaun from a management point of view," said Baker.

"Shaun's a great coach and works extremely well with the players but has never been a manager before.

"We're looking for someone to come in who will assist him and will help to look for more loan players if we need some on that front.

"He will only be here only till the end of the season - this is not a replacement for Martin."

Torquay, who are 18th in League Two having lost their last three games, are currently drawing up a shortlist of potential candidates.