Oxford playmaker set to join Torquay United

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Last Updated on Friday, 31 May 2019 06:49

Published on Friday, 31 May 2019 06:50

Written by PATRICK TINKLER at Plainmoor

Oxford United midfielder Armani Little has signed a pre-contract agreement with Gary Johnson's National League new boys Torquay United.

Little will join Gary Johnson's Gulls on a two-year deal this summer following the expiry of his current contract with Oxford United.

Playmaker Little, 22, spent the majority of last season on loan with United’s title rivals, Woking. It was Little’s free-kick in the play-off final against Welling that secured the Cardinals a place in the National League alongside United next season.

Having begun his career at Southampton, Little made a number of appearances for the Saints’ U21 and U23 sides in the Checkatrade Trophy, prior to joining Oxford United last summer. Two spells at Woking followed, either side of Little making his debut for the League One side.

"I'm very happy that Armani has decided to join us," says Gulls boss Johnson. "I'm sure there were other suitors, I know there was."

Johnson was impressed by Little during United's 3-3 thriller against Woking at Kingfield.

"When I saw his first-half performance against us towards the end of the season in the three all draw, especially in the first half he was magnificent. He dictated the play and that's exactly what I'm looking for. I said to the boys at half-time, and people will see it in the fly-on-the-wall video. He was the number eight and I said the number eight is running the game. Even before then we were checking on his performances and I said to my staff after the game that anyone who does that against us, should be with us. From then on Pete [Johnson] got on the case and we watched him for the rest of the season. When we heard he was getting a free transfer from Oxford United, we were able to convince him that Torquay was the place to be.

"He obviously knows us first-hand from playing against us. He certainly fits into my idea of the character, personality, and ability that we are looking for. He started off at Southampton and got a good grounding. He had a great season with Woking and he has the work-rate we require and he can also come up with quality goals and assists.

"We've had two very good signings for the season coming up, and there should be one or two to come. They show the direction the Club is moving in - our squad's coming along nicely."

Little expressed his delight after agreeing to join United in the summer.

"Torquay is a massive club with a good foundation and stadium.
"The Gaffer has done really well in previous seasons and he knows what he is doing. It's a brilliant club to join."

Little will be familiar with the team having been a key player for Woking last season.

"Torquay were a tough team to play last season and proved they were too good for that league. I'm looking to prove myself in the National League and help the team to push on to the Football League. I'm looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to get started and hit the ground running in pre-season.”


The move is subject to FA and National League confirmation.

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