TIM SILLS says he hasn't said 'Goodbye' to Plainmoor for ever — he plans to be back next season, in the red shirt of Stevenage Borough the Football League club!

Torquay United's centre forward would have made his debut for Stevenage today if the Blue Square Premier leaders' match at Wrexham hadn't been called off.

But, speaking on his way to complete a permanent transfer at Broadhall Way, Sills said: "From trying to crack League football at Torquay to trying to get back in the League with Stevenage — I'm dreaming of that again now.

"I had earmarked this season as the one when I was hoping to I would 'crack' League football, if you like.

"I still believe I could have done that if I had stayed and been given the opportunity.

"But this move gives me and my family a bit of security, and it was time to move on."

Sills, 30, whose Torquay contract ran out in the summer, has agreed an 18-month deal, with an option for a further year, dependent on his appearances next season.

Stevenage manager Graham Westley is a longtime admirer of Sills, and he has tried several times to prise him away from Plainmoor.

United have pocketed a small, undisclosed fee.

The Gulls have certainly had their money's worth out of the former Aldershot, Oxford and Hereford targetman.

Sills was one of manager Paul Buckle's first signings, as he put together a squad in the wake of United's relegation from the League in the summer of 2007.

Two-and-a-half years and 47 goals later, Sills has moved back into the Conference he fought so hard to leave in United's colours.

"I'll never forget my time at Torquay," said Sills.

His 43rd goal, in that now-famous mask to protect a fractured cheekbone, clinched the Gulls' 2-0 promotion Play-Off victory over Cambridge United at Wembley last May.

"So many of us went there when the club had just gone down.

"To achieve what we did, with all the stories that happened behind that, was quite something.

"I've had fantastic personal support from the fans.

"Everywhere I went, people recognised me, which was great.

"It was very important, the way the supporters embraced the club when we first came — they didn't lose hope after going down.

"They kept supporting us. If anything, they showed up in greater numbers, which inspired us week in and week out.

"When they are at their most vocal, Plainmoor is a great place to play.

"They need to remain as vocal as they were at the height of the big games we played while I was there."

While Sills prepared to take his medical at Stevenage, United left-back Kevin Nicholson was also in talks over a loan move to the Hertfordshire club.

Nicholson's crosses, set-pieces and long throws were a rich and reliable source of ammunition for Sills.

"As long as it's right for him, it would be perfect if Kev came too," said Sills.

"From the moment he started setting me up, we had a rapport on the pitch, and it has turned into a great friendship off it."

● RAIN, not snow or ice, might be the biggest remaining threat to today's League Two game between Chesterfield and Torquay United.

A pitch inspection at Saltergate yesterday morning did not produce a firm decision either way.

But, after a team of groundstaff and volunteers spent two days clearing the Recreation Ground of snow, the Derbyshire club was confident that the surface itself would be playable.

But the Spireites remained concerned about the possibility of rain last night adding to the effects of a thaw and, possibly, causing waterlogging.

Match referee Andy Haines was due to arrive early from his home in Tyne & Wear to confirm whether the match would go ahead or not.