Aaron Downes rallies Torquay United after 10-point deduction

Aaron Downes has been in interim charge at Torquay since Gary Johnson left as manager after the Gulls announced their administration plans last month

Torquay United interim manager Aaron Downes has urged players and fans to come together after losing 10 points.

The Gulls have slipped to 17th in National League South after being punished for announcing their intention to appoint administrators.

Last month owner Clarke Osborne said he could no longer fund the club.

"It's our role now to make sure that we make them back up as quickly as possible and secure the club's future," Downes told BBC Radio Devon.

"I think it's something that was always in the background so it's not a complete shock.

"We know we have to pick up points quickly now in the next couple of games to make sure that we have a positive end to the season for ourselves."

The Gulls are now three points off the relegation zone ahead of a trip to Tonbridge Angels, who moved into Torquay's 12th place in the table after the deduction was confirmed on Wednesday.

"Now we know where we are, it does give us an opportunity to focus on the task at hand," added Downes.

"We feel we're in a bit of a false position because the points have been taken from us and it doesn't reflect the quality of the squad and the team."

Downes adds he has been inspired by the support shown for Torquay in their hour of need.

He said: "We have been inundated with support financially and physically.

"We are going to try our hardest to make sure that we can put a team out there that shows the commitment and the passion that they (the supporters) are showing.

"The most important thing to me is that the supporters are proud to watch their team and they've got something to cheer on.

"We're working hard to make sure we can do that and we just plead with the supporters to keep coming, keep supporting us and stay positive because, as a collective, we will get through this together."