Torquay United manager Jimmy Ball has moved to calm talk over the future of winger Jordan Young, saying the 26-year-old missed Tuesday’s friendly against Plymouth Parkway because of a family matter rather than any imminent transfer.
Manager stresses family came first
Young, who enjoyed an impressive season at Plainmoor last year and has been the subject of transfer links to clubs higher up the football pyramid, was not involved in the 1-0 defeat at Bolitho Park. Ball told reporters the absence was down to personal reasons.
“He has had a personal issue that he had to deal with, with family and family comes first, so there is no other reason why he wasn’t here other than a family issue that he had to attend to.”
The manager sought to draw a line under speculation that Young’s omission signalled a move to rivals or other suitors. The player’s form last season — contributing a combined total of 27 goals and assists in the National League South campaign — has naturally attracted attention, but Ball emphasised the club’s respect for the player’s private circumstances.
Fitness work for others as pre-season continues
Also absent from the match were strikers Sean Robertson and Cody Cooke, who are undertaking extra conditioning ahead of the league opener. Ball explained both are on tailored programmes to ensure they are ready for the season proper.
During the friendly, Patrick Westendorf was forced off in the first half after sustaining a knock. Ball described the problem as minor and expected it to settle quickly with treatment.
- Result: Plymouth Parkway 1, Torquay United 0 (Carlo Garside scored)
- Key absentees: Jordan Young (family), Sean Robertson (fitness work), Cody Cooke (fitness work)
- Upcoming: Torquay start the National League season at Plainmoor against Horsham on Saturday, 8 August
Context for supporters
Pre-season matches are rarely judged solely on results, and Ball was pragmatic about Tuesday’s loss — his priority remains getting the squad fit and organised for the first league game at Plainmoor. He stressed that pre-season is not a one-size-fits-all process and that players are treated individually when planning their preparation.
Supporters wanting to follow the fitness of Robertson and Cooke or any transfer developments concerning Young will expect clearer signals as the start of the season approaches. For now, Torquay’s management are focused on training plans and ensuring players recover from knocks picked up during preparation.
| Player | Reason absent / status |
|---|---|
| Jordan Young | Family matter — not transfer related |
| Sean Robertson | Undergoing intensive fitness work |
| Cody Cooke | Progressing with fitness programme |
| Patrick Westendorf | Left match with knock; expected to recover quickly |
Ball’s comments will offer some reassurance that Young’s absence was personal and not a prelude to a departure. With the season opener less than a month away, attention will now turn to how quickly those working on individual programmes can rejoin full training and contribute at Plainmoor.
