Atkins takes over as Torquay boss

Atkins has been charged with keeping Torquay in the League

Ian Atkins has been appointed as manager of Torquay United - the Football League's bottom club - for the rest of the season.

Atkins joined the Gulls in early March as a "football advisor" to work alongside boss John Cornforth, who he has now succeeded.

The Gulls are five points adrift at the bottom of the table, with six games left to save their League status.

Chairman Mike Bateson described the move as "one final roll of the dice".

Clearly, my idea of a manager and advisor has not worked Torquay chairman Mike Bateson

"After discussions with my co-directors it has been unanimously decided that John Cornforth will stand down and Ian Atkins will take over as manager until the end of the season," Bateson explained.

"Clearly, my idea of a manager and advisor has not worked and having come so close to the point of no return we have this one final roll of the dice left open to us.

"We looked at the merits of both men and Ian's greater experience, particularly with clubs in trouble, was enough to tip the balance.

"The league future of Torquay United now rests in the hands of Ian Atkins and our squad of players.

"Ian prefers to work without an assistant, but he will call on the services of a senior player when needed.

"I would like to thank John Cornforth for his efforts and this change is no reflection on his capabilities and I trust that he will apply for the vacant management post at the end of the season."

Former Wales midfielder Cornforth had only taken over as caretaker boss in January after Leroy Rosenior's departure, and was handed the job on a permanent basis after taking four points from his first two games in charge.

Atkins has previously managed Cambridge, Northampton, Chester, Carlisle, Oxford and Bristol Rovers.