HE MAY have played only a bit-part role in Torquay United's promotion from the Conference, but midfielder Steve Adams could prove a more significant weapon in the Gulls' armoury now that they are back in the Football League.

That's the belief of United manager Paul Buckle, who welcomed Adams and the rest of his squad back for pre-season training at Newton Abbot Racecourse today.

Adams, 28, enjoyed promotion-winning success with his hometown Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday in a career which has embraced more than 200 appearances.

After a spell at Swindon Town, under his managerial mentor Paul Sturrock, he joined Torquay midway through the 2007-2008 season.

But the cultured midfielder, hugely respected among his fellow pros at Plainmoor, has found it hard to force his way into the Gulls' team, and he played only five first-team games last season.

Yet Buckle says: "Everybody at the club knows Steve's pedigree, and what he can do.

"He's had a few injury problems, and it wasn't his fault that Chris Hargreaves and Nicky Wroe were so consistent for us last season.

"Steve is a fantastic pro.

"He's a terrific passer of the ball, who can also play just in front of the back-four.

"It was hard for him last season, but he still has the ability to play, even now we're back in the League."

The first date of United's pre-season programme is at Newton Abbot's Buckland Athletic on Thursday night (7.30pm).

But, coming only four days after the players get back to work, that is primarily a charity affair, to raise money for Gulls defender Chris Todd's leukaemia research fund.