Torquay United financial problems have brought squad together - Dean Moxey

Dean Moxey has a professional career that spans 21 years, more than 600 games and five clubs across the top six tiers of English football

Torquay United defender Dean Moxey says the club's financial issues have brought the squad closer together.

The 38-year-old is the squad's most experienced player, and was in Exeter City's youth team when they had financial issues two decades ago.

The Gulls have been docked 10 points after owner Clarke Osborne announced plans to put the club into administration last month.

They have dropped to 18th place in National League South.

"It's brought us even closer together, knowing we have to fight to the end of season just to stay in this league now," said Moxey - who is in his fourth season at Plainmoor.

"We know what we have to do, we have to get the points on the board as soon as possible and get away from that drop zone," he added to BBC Radio Devon.

"We know we've got the squad together to get away from where we are, but it's going to be tough."

Moxey, who had two spells at Exeter at either end of his career, along with time at Crystal Palace, Derby County and Bolton Wanderers, has played more than 600 games across the top six tiers of English football.

Gulls players and staff will be paid at the end of this month as Osborne tries to find a buyer for the club, after being unable to continue to finance a who are now three points above the National League South relegation places.

"Preliminary discussions have commenced with interested parties concerning the structure and timing of arrangements which would bring about a change of ownership and stewardship of the club," a statement from Torquay United read.

"By their nature, these conversations remain confidential. More details can be shared once a clear frontrunner has emerged and matters are concluded."

Moxey had two spells at Exeter City, with his last appearance coming in their League Two play-off final defeat at Wembley in 2020

With Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle not playing because of the international break, fans of Torquay's local rivals have been urged to come to Plainmoor for Saturday's game with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

The club are reliant on gate receipts to see them through financially and have just three home games left this season.

"It's brilliant that the football community is helping out. You want the rivalries in football, it's the first fixture you look for in a season, so it's nice to see that Exeter, Plymouth and other teams have come to help this club out when it needs it," Moxey said.

"When the fiercest rivals Exeter and Plymouth are coming together to help Torquay, you wouldn't say that would ever happen.

"But when a local football club is struggling, I know Torquay helped out Exeter at the time when they were going through it, so it's really good to see and hopefully on Saturday we'll have a massive crowd."