Gary Johnson: Torquay United boss 'not going anywhere' despite fan unhappiness

Gary Johnson has been in charge at Torquay United since 2018

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson says he will prove supporters who are critical of him wrong.

A section of the support at Plainmoor called for Johnson to go during Saturday's 1-0 win over bottom side Dover in National League South.

The Gulls are sixth in the table, 18 points off leaders Yeovil Town.

Johnson has been in charge at Torquay since September 2018 and has led them to promotion from, and relegation back to the sixth tier.

"There's still that negativity with me and all that sort of thing, but I'm not going anywhere, I'm staying," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"The one song that our supporters sing over the far side - I don't want to fall out with them, but come on chaps, let's get behind the lads and let's see where we end up, support your club.

"It's as much my club, as it is their club, because I've been here a long time now."

Johnson led Torquay to promotion back to the National League in his first season in charge as the Gulls won National League South.

He went on to guide them to the National League promotion final in 2021 where a penalty shootout loss to Hartlepool United denied Torquay a return to the EFL for the first time since they were relegated to non-league in 2014.

But last season they were relegated back to the sixth tier, and unlike in 2018-19, they have not dominated the league, losing 10 of their 26 games so far this season.

"I don't think it'll change anything but I just want people to know that the things that some people say to me in the stands you wouldn't say to somebody in the street," he added.

"I want to see this club move on myself, as in get to the next level and then try to get to the next level, if somebody gives me that job again.

"If they don't then I'll shake everybody's hand and say 'thanks very much I've really enjoyed my time', but I'm the one that's going to do it this season, I'm the one that's been given that opportunity and I think it's only right for me to say that.

"So whenever they sing any song about me in a negative way it's not happening, what they want."