Lee Mansell and Kevin Nicholson sign new Torquay United deals

Mansell (l) and Nicholson (r) are ever-presents in League Two this season

Torquay United captain Lee Mansell and left-back Kevin Nicholson have signed new contracts to keep them at Plainmoor until the summer of 2014.

The duo, who have played 470 games between them for the Gulls, were both out of contract this summer.

Mansell, 29, is the longest-serving player in the squad having joined the Gulls in July 2006 from Oxford United.

Nicholson, 31, moved to Plainmoor from Forest Green a year later and had also been at Notts County and Scarborough.

"I spoke to both of them in the summer and they had done really well last year, so I told them they were a big part of where I wanted to go," said manager Martin Ling.

"They've both accepted two-and-a-half-year deals and I'm delighted to have them on board.

"They are brilliant on the training ground and they've both had superb seasons so far."

Mansell played much of his time at right-back but this season has thrived in his preferred central midfield role, scoring seven goals.

Mansell and Nicholson, who are good friends off the pitch, had a bet on the number of goals Mansell would score this season, with Nicholson agreeing to clean Mansell's house naked should he top six goals.

"I have always thought of Manse as a midfield player, although I didn't expect him to get so many goals as quickly as he has," Ling said. "But his energy and enthusiasm around the club is there for everyone to see. The goals have been an added bonus and he has been a big, big plus for us.

"Nico gives you quality going forward and he defends very well in a back-four unit. He's been superb for us and they are two big components in having the right players at the club for seasons to come.

"Eunan O'Kane signed earlier in the season and now we have Manse and Nico. There are a few more to deal with at the right times and the building blocks are being put in the right place."