Brian Saah will wear Torquay United captain's armband in Lee Mansell's absence

Defender Brian Saah will captain Torquay United in the absence of suspended skipper Lee Mansell.

Manager Martin Ling has confirmed that Saah will step up from his vice-captain role to lead Torquay during Mansell's three-game ban, earned by a straight red card in last Saturday's 4-1 home defeat to Southend United.

Mansell will miss npower League Two games against York City away this Saturday, Dagenham and Redbridge at home and Bradford City away.

"No hesitation – Brian is the obvious choice," said Ling.

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"He's a player who leads by example, and that's the same on the training ground as it is in games. Also, I don't think we've had a more consistent player this season."

The Londoner played under Ling at Leyton Orient and Cambridge United before linking up with his old boss again at Plainmoor 16 months ago. Even though he will not be 26 until next month, he has taken his senior career appearances to nearly 250, developing into one of Torquay's most reliable players and an almost automatic choice in the heart of their defence.

Ling is still chasing a signing before Thursday's loan transfer deadline. He is keen to strengthen a three-man centre-back roster which includes Saah, Aaron Downes and youngster Kirtys McKenzie.

United will meet Exeter City in a reserve-team 'development squad' game at Plainmoor next Tuesday (2pm).

The Gulls have allocated 1,000 standing places at the Away End and 450 seats in the new Bristow's Bench stand to Grecians' fans for the Devon derby at Plainmoor on Saturday, December 22. Most tickets are already on sale at both clubs, although seats for Gulls supporters will not be available until December 1.

It may be only a 'tip' by Premier League standards, but United have received a £100 'bonus', thanks to the generosity of keen fan John Ireland from Ipplepen.

John's ticket won the £50/50 draw at the Southend game, securing him a £275 prize, but he promptly gave £100 back to the club. "It was a fantastic gesture," said commercial manager Dean Edwards.