Torquay's Hamon dreaming of Gulls' EFL return

James Hamon signed a one-year deal at Torquay last June

Torquay United goalkeeper James Hamon says a promotion for the Gulls would be the first step on their dream of returning to the English Football league.

The Gulls were relegated from League Two in 2014 and almost went out of business a year ago.

Torquay are second on goal difference in National League South going into the final game of the season.

They know that if they can win Saturday's game at Hemel Hempstead by three more goals than leaders Truro beat St Albans City they will be champions.

Just three points cover the top six teams in the sixth tier league in one of the closest promotion races in years.

"It's another step closer to Football League and all National league, National League North and National League South teams aspire to be back in the Football League," Torquay's Guernsey-born goalkeeper Hamon said.

"Torquay's a massive club and it probably belongs in the Football League, so to be part of that journey to propel this club back to where it belongs is massive.

"That in itself is the carrot in front of us all to try and get what we call the holy grail, back in the Football League.

"Hopefully by getting the right result on Saturday and things going our way we will be one step closer to where we want to be."

Having played for Guernsey FC Hamon, who is also an accomplished golfer, moved to then-League Two side Exeter City in 2014 before a spell at Truro City.

He followed former Truro boss Paul Wotton to Torquay in the summer and has been first choice this season.

"The gaffer has done brilliantly, I think we had one registered player at the start of the season, so it's all fresh faces," said Hamon.

"We've gelled really well, it's been a great achievement in the dressing room.

"The atmosphere has been fantastic and we know what it means to the fans, we know what it means to the club and most of all we want it desperately ourselves.

"It's not often you get that dressing room, sometimes you find that people are there for themselves, but this couldn't be further from that, everyone's in it together, everyone wants to win for each other and succeed together, which is fantastic.

"I just hope it's enough to get us over the line."