Torquay United sign ex-Peterborough striker Rene Howe

Howe spent a loan spell with Bristol Rovers last season

Torquay United have signed former Peterborough United forward Rene Howe on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old began his career with non-league Bedford Town and Kettering United before signing for Peterborough in July 2007.

Torquay manager Martin Ling said Howe has been signed to replace Chris Zebroski who has joined Bristol Rovers.

"Zebroski has been here for the last few years and Rene is who I see as the replacement," he said.

"We need a physical presence to lead the line and he is an athletic player who can get round the pitch.

"Nowadays, you don't get strikers that just hold the centre of the pitch and not move. He can get on to balls over the top with his pace and power."

During his time at London Road Howe made only three starts for, scoring once.

Most of his time was spent away on loan - he has had temporary spells at six different clubs in the past four years.

His best season was in 2008-09, when he spent the entire campaign at Morecambe and scored 12 goals in 41 appearances.

"He is the type of player who has spent his career in a caravan," said Ling.

"He signed a four-year contract with Peterborough for really good money but he has had an awful lot of loans since then.

"This summer is the first time he has become free and it is obviously a time for him to find a football club and a manager that trust in him. It is a perfect fit for us as a football club and him as a player."