Torquay United reveal manager Martin Ling is suffering from 'a debilitating illness'

Torquay United have revealed that manager Martin Ling is currently being treated for a debilitating illness.

Ling is receiving specialist care and, while he is making some progress, it is anticipated by the npower League Two football club that he will be away from work for several weeks.

The Gulls have asked for the privacy of Ling's family to be respected and have added that the club and the League Managers Association are fully supportive of him and are looking forward to his return to work.

Plainmoor officials have held discussions with assistant manager Shaun Taylor, who has taken charge of the team since Ling took leave of absence last month, and have agreed to actively seek an experienced coach to help Taylor with the running of the team.

This process, according to the Gulls, has already begun in earnest.