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Torquay United have appointed Alan Knill as their new manager.

The 48-year-old had been in , external as Martin Ling recovered from a stress-related illness.

Ling was controversially sacked by the club last week, paving the way for Knill to take over after seven days of discussions with the Gulls board.

"I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Alan Knill as the new manager," said Torquay chairwoman Thea Bristow.

"Alan was obviously the number one candidate for the job and I would like to personally thank him for his efforts last season.

"We welcome him to the permanent position of Torquay United manager and look forward to happy times ahead," she added.

Knill's , external where he was sacked in September after 18 months in charge.

The former Wales international spent

Knill is set to have talks with players about their futures later this week as he starts to build a squad.

It is understood that he will meet his out-of-contract players on Thursday before meeting those still tied to the club the following day.

Among the players whose deals are expiring are top scorer Rene Howe, centre-backs Brian Saah and Aaron Downes, and wingers Danny Stevens and Ryan Jarvis.

Torquay only have six players under contract for next season as the Gulls look to improve on their 19th-place finish this season.

The Gulls ended the campaign two points off the relegation zone after two wins and a draw in their final three games.