Martin Rice and Niall Thompson sign new Torquay United deals

Martin Rice and Niall Thompson are the second and third players to agree new deals at Plainmoor

Torquay have agreed a new one-year deal with goalkeeper Martin Rice and six-month deal with winger Niall Thompson.

Rice, 28, played 35 games for the Gulls last season, keeping three clean sheets, as he kept Michael Poke out of the team following a pre-season injury.

Thompson, 20, started just one game last season, making three further substitute appearances.

The Torquay academy graduate had loan spells at non-league sides Gloucester City and Worcester City.

''The main thing has been securing my future with the club and I feel I can relax now, enjoy the next two weeks off and get ready to go for pre-season in July,'' said Rice, who rejoined Torquay in 2011 after a spell at Truro City.

''Last season was massively important for me as an individual. I was lucky enough to get the chance to start the season with Pokey being injured and I felt I performed to the best I could.

''I still feel there is more to come and I want to carry on doing well, and most importantly, that the team to do well. Improvement only comes with games and I will train hard to be better every game."

Gulls skipper Lee Mansell, goalkeeper Michael Poke and midfielder Damon Lathrope are still to decide whether to accept Torquay's offer of a new contract.