CHAIRMAN Simon Baker says he was a relieved and happy man when Torquay United survived this week's August Transfer Window without losing any of their players.

And that's despite the fact that money is "very, very tight" at Plainmoor.

United take the Football League's only 100 per cent record to Southend United this afternoon, with Paul Buckle favourite to be named as League Two's Manager of the Month and a place in today's Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round draw assured.

Transfer speculation had surrounded young defender Mark Ellis and striker Elliot Benyon before the August 'window' closed.

United even turned down one offer for Ellis recently.

"I think the fans, and we on the board as well, would have been upset to a certain extent if we had ended up selling anyone," said Baker.

"Most of the players have been together for a few years, they gel well together on and off the pitch, and that continuity shows on the pitch.

"If you sell a couple of players at this stage of the season, it feels like you've got to start again.

"It's too early. Hopefully, we've got a settled squad from here until at least Christmas.

"From a fan's point of view, that's probably a bonus.

"In our division there was practically no movement at all in the window, which says something about the financial situation.

"I was a bit surprised, given that the Championship clubs have got a much larger share of the Premier League Solidarity Payments, that there wasn't more activity at that level.

"But it may well happen in January."

Baker, the only league club chairman who watches his team from the terraces, explained his relief that it's business as usual at Plainmoor.

"One of the things I have learned in the last three-and-a-half years is that you can't stand in the way of players who want to move on," he said.

"Their careers are so short.

"So what would have been a worry is a club from a higher division coming in with a not particularly good offer which may have interested the player but not us.

"Money is still very, very tight, for us as it is everywhere at the moment.

"For instance, we wish we had more commercial backers.

"And we haven't sold as many perimeter (advertising) boards as we would have liked.

"Dean Edwards (commercial manager) hasn't been here very long, but he's doing a great job in difficult circumstances.

"But the way the team is playing is giving us a big lift."

United's flying start to the season is also attracting interest from outside the Westcountry.

This weekend Buckle and his squad are being featured by BBC TV and Radio.

There is also increased attention from newspapers and magazines.

And United's home game against Barnet, moved to Monday, November 15, is being screened live by Sky Sports cameras.